Disclaimer:I don't own anything! Kyo Kara Maoh is not mine and neither is Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. As always, I am only a huge fan. No profit is made except the pure enjoyment of both series.
While trying to get away before the meeting with the other nine nobles of the Ten Nobles, Yuri meets with and sets his plans for escape with Stoffel. After telling him a half truth about his feelings and asks to get a few things from his room. Before they set the plan in motion. Stoffel thinking of course, that King Yuri had finally realized how much he needed him. Only, he's seriously mistaken, since this isn't even his real King. So Yuri goes to his room and writes a farewell letter. Telling them he can't lie anymore. Just as he goes to meet up with Raven's men, who have agreed to led Yuri quietly out of the castle at Stoffel's request, the men who had him prisoner all these years had found him. Therefore, Yuri abandons the first plan and focuses on fighting off these men. Meanwhile, everyone else is looking for him so that they can start the meeting when soldiers report intruders in the castle attacking their Demon King. But when they come upon the scene, they find that they can't pass the threshold to the gardens due to some strange magic. Watching helplessly, they note how skilled Yuri seems in duel bladed combat and see that he's already beat three men and is facing them without turning into the Demon King. Unaware of course that this Yuri HAS no such form. The leader of the assassins starts mocking the young man and cornering him by reminding him how helpless he was without his father around. All hope seems lost when, at long last, his power awakens. Much to their delight. So now, the truth was about to be made known. And again, the most unexpected thing was about to unfold...
Note: Once more, thank you 'Hikari-Hikaru-Hikari' for your reviews. I'm honored to have such a loyal fan. Just remember to focus on school and don't fall behind. It'd be sad if you got grounded and couldn't read the newest chapters. But I digress. Also, thanks for the suggestions on places to find TRC quotes, but I decided to keep using the 'XXXHolic' ones after all. I hope you'll keep supporting this story. I'm just happy that it's doing so much better this time around. I end up drawing tons of pictures with scenes that never end up in the stories, which is sad, but hey, at least I can crank out crazy awesome idea's like this! All for the pleasure of knowing that others enjoy it as much as I do writing it! So as always, enjoy!
Chapter 5
"You are never completely on your own. No one on earth is. Everyone is tied, and share's connections with others. That is why humans can never be completely free. It is the reason that humans feel joy and sorrow and also love." XXXHolic
If this was going to work, Yuri had to act quickly. While his ribs still ached, Yuri had at least managed to access a small portion of his own healing magic. Using it to heal the ribs themselves, but he ended up leaving the bruises. As it was harder to heal bone and at his level of magic he actually knew, it was better not to risk trying to do too much.
The first thing Yuri knew he had to do was find that Stoffel guy again before the meeting. Although,in all honesty, Yuri didn't feel comfortable around him. Not what he acted so covetous of him. Still, Yuri needed him to act as a distraction while he started making it look as though he'd been kidnapped.
Sure, Yuri knew that Conrad and the others would chase him to keep up appearances of him as their King, but Yuri needed to search for the reason he was brought here by himself. After all, he had promised to do whatever he had to in order to get the original Yuri home. Even if it meant telling the Kingdom the truth about himself despite their wishes. Or running off on his own.
Yuri had only been here a few days, however, he couldn't live a lie anymore. His Conrad was dead. Nothing would bring him back.
And despite how hard they tried, Yuri could see that they too were having a hard time accepting him. Mirroring image or not Yuri did have the same soul and presence as theirs. So he acted similar enough to pass off as the real thing, excluding the memories. Thus if none of them took action now, he'd end up unintentionally taking over their Yuri's life in this world. The one thing Yuri promised not to do.
As much as Yuri would love being in his father's presence longer and mingling with Gretta and the others, it was wrong for Yuri to allow himself to get any closer. He was sure that Wolfram especially felt the same.
They had shared a moment, and in that moment, they both forgot that they didn't really know each other. Like with everything else, Wolfram felt familiar, and confused emotions surfaced. Maybe hinting that in regards of the soul's memory, that Wolfram's Yuri was beginning to feel something more towards this man.
In any case, Yuri had learned the guards patterns and so he managed to avoid most of them. Saluting those ones he couldn't avoid with a charming smile. Just like that Yuri made his way through the castle. Searching for Stoffel and Raven.
Luck was on his side as he saw them heading down an empty hallway. Grinning, Yuri dashed towards them, waving them down, "Hey! Hold on a second!" and he began getting into his act. He still felt bad about lying, but Yuri knew he had no choice.
"Your Highness, what are you doing? The meeting isn't for another thirty minutes." Raven asked, with an eyebrow raised. Yuri was known for waiting until the last second to show up at a meeting. So to see the young Demon King going early didn't seem quite normal.
"Made a decision that quickly?" Stoffel grinned, hoping that His Majesty had finally seen the value of the offer and his services.
When Yuri caught up to them, he shook his head, "No, I haven't asked them because I know they'll say I can't..." That part actually is true, I doubt they want me out of their sight. "...But I-" he rubbed his arm nervously, "-I think you're right about one thing. I need a break. But with so much going on the the fact that I was recently kidnapped-"
Their eyes widened and Stoffel exclaimed, "Kidnapped? How could they let this happen? Why didn't you say so in the first place? Did they tell you to say it was an accident? I can't believe those three!" he clenched a fist, "I knew it was only a matter of time before they showed their true colors!"
At that, Yuri waved his arms, saying, "No! It's not like that. They really were just trying to help me." he lowered his arms slowly, drooping his head, "It's just...when I was captured, those people tortured me. I was so scared most of the time that I don't remember most of my time there. When I finally managed to gather my wits and escape, I had to jump through a two story window just to get away. But I was in a state of shock when I returned. So I..." Yuri looked up, glancing at Raven, "...really don't remember much of anything. But I keep getting overwhelmed by this castle. Too many memories and feelings churning in my head and my heart. Conrad and the others are just worried about me so when I finally calmed down enough, they convinced me that there was an accident instead of what really happened. I realized that it wasn't though." Yuri smiled weakly, "They didn't lie to trick me, they did it to lessen the pain of remembering what happened. I'm sure in time I'll remember everything, but for now, I can't keep lying about this. It's unfair to the Kingdom and those who serve at my side. Therefore, I want to take you up on that offer, right now. I need to get away from the castle just for a little while, to help sift through what I remember without getting overloaded. I didn't know where else to turn..." tears began welling up in his eyes, real tears, as Yuri said, "...I can't lie anymore. It's wrong. To lie to myself and to everyone else. I hate that. I hate feeling so useless. Sheltered by people I can't even remember properly."
"Your Majesty..." Raven sighed with sympathy at the young King's plight.
"Fear not Your Highness! For I shall grant your wish. Raven, go call your men and have them quietly escort King Yuri outside the castle while I act as a distraction." And then he left without another word.
Stoffel could hardly contain his joy. King Yuri had come to HIM for help! Of all the people he could have asked for help, he'd asked Lord Stoffel Von Spitzbeg! Now, after all this time, maybe he'd finally win His Majesties favor! Finally the boy had seen the light and knew the value of his services!
Yuri shifted uncomfortably though as he stood alone with Raven again, "Would you mind if I grabbed a few things first? I also want to at least leave them a note too, because I don't want them to think I was kidnapped again." That's right, just keep going like this. So while I am with his men, I'll escape and begin my search for the true reason I was brought here. And in that way keep my promise by finding a way to return to Syris. Then when their Yuri returns and I am back in my own world, maybe I will seek out my friends after all. I'm sure we have met or will meet if our bonds are this strong in this reality...
"Alright, I'll send somebody to get you in a few minutes." Raven bowed and he too left to go do as he had been asked.
But this still didn't feel quite right. Even with his supposed memory loss, King Yuri was acting strangely. He didn't like it. It made him feel uneasy, as though something terrible was at work here. And Raven he had no idea how right he was...
Smiling sadly at his success, Yuri returned to his room and indeed began writing a note to leave Conrad and the others. He sat down at the small desk off in the corner and wrote:
To my friends,
I'm sorry but I can't do this anymore. It hurts too much being here and knowing that I don't belong. I can't keep lying to everyone. I hate that. It makes me feel selfish. I thought just seeing my father again was enough but it's not. He'll never travel by my side again, telling me stories of his adventures searching for buried cities and fighting creatures of the dark. He'll never hold me close as we sit under a curtain of stars watching a dying fire.
There is one thing that we all wish for one day or another. A wish that can never be granted, but can always be wished. It's to see the dead come back to life. Seeing Conrad was like seeing that become a reality. But. That too is a lie. I refuse to allow myself to wallow in self pity and being compared to a person I can never replace. Even if I did wish it. Because this is where HE belongs. He has a place here, and I'm nothing but a space filler until he can return.
I know it's only been a few days but I really feel like it would be best if I left. I have no place in this world. Nor in any of your hearts. I'm sure you know that already.
All I am, is a reversed one of countless reflections in a mirror of worlds beyond your own. I have his soul, but my heart is not of the same man. I have seen and felt things he cannot replace either with the feelings of his towards you that I feel whenever I'm here. I won't let myself be drawn in by the illusion of safety and belonging here. It's not fair to him or to you.
Therefore, I am taking matters into my own hands. I'm leaving to find my own truth.
I'm sure you'll follow me, but rest assured, I will not stop running from you. I won't let myself loom any larger in your hearts. It is better to sever our ties now, before I get caught up in feelings that aren't entirely mine. And cling to a thing I can never have again.
I'm sorry. And thank you for everything. I hope we can meet again, once I return to Syris, because of the links we made here.
Goodbye.
Sincerely, your friend always,
Yuri Galileo Leonheart
Once he finished, Yuri folded it neatly and placed it on the bed in plain sight. Looking at it sadly. "It's for the best." Yuri smiled contently. Then turning to leave this place behind, and Conrad, forever.
That's when it happened...
Yuri sensed that something was wrong and without warning, the window exploded so Yuri took refuge behind the bed. He felt their presence and then Yuri saw the group of men flood through the window. Their cloaks appeared to be nothing more then wavering shadows. Floating across their shoulders like smoke.
Yuri stared with an air of authority at the men, knowing perfectly well who sent them...
"Looks like we found our target." one man sneered.
"Such a troublemaker this one is, thinking he could escape by coming to an alternate reality. Heh, how naive." said another.
Yuri snarled at them, "Leave this place or I'll call the guards. I won't go back to that place!"
One of the men turned and said, "You shouldn't even be here boy." there was a note of taunting in his voice. "This isn't your world. You are unwelcome here."
"Shut up!" he shouted, then Yuri took a strange stance, with both his hands positioned fingers all pointed together like a spearhead. As if he could stab them with his bear hands.
Then the men all laughed at him. And the man from before said "You are such a child. We know you're bluffing, you're still hurt from falling through the window. You can't possibly think you can-" But then with a smile on his lips, Yuri lunged at the man who spoke. Sweeping him up over his head with a single twirling motion, as if he were a rag doll, and sent the man flying into the opposite wall.
The man scrambled up with a look of utter shock on his face. Rather then the confidence from just moments before. "That's-That's impossible! How can you-?"
"Because-" Yuri grinned, "I have people here that I want to protect. And that gives me strength!" And then with such grace and skill Yuri crouched down in preparation to attack again. "So..." he began with a raw fury and an adventurous wildness in his eyes. Then Yuri smirked at the rest of the men, "Who's next?" Knowing he'd need more space, Yuri suddenly turned on heel and ran out the doors. With them hot at his heels.
Meanwhile, with Gunter and Gwendal preparing for the meeting, hoping for the best, the rest of them were looking for their wayward 'King'. Wondering if Yuri was hiding in the treasury with a book again that's where they decided to check first.
That's when they ran into Lord Bielefeld, Wolfram's uncle, and the other nine nobles heading for the Round Table. Preparing for their meeting concerning the recent state of His Highness's return. For all they knew, King Yuri had been captured in the other world and forced to take drastic measures to escape. Which resulted in his wounds and memory loss.
Although in truth they weren't so sure how badly that his memory had been effected. That is, except for Stoffel supposedly, since His Highness himself had told him. A little tidbit he kept to himself due to what he and Raven were about to do.
Still, if it came down to it, the Ten Nobles would run the country until King Yuri recovered his health and memories. Worse case being they'd have to choose a new King. And he already knew who to pick. AGAIN. His nephew, Wolfram.
"Ah, there you are." Waltorana said, "We were going to send someone to fetch you Your Eminence. Since we were hoping you could explain what happened to King Yuri on Earth."
Murata nodded nervously, "Of course." he chuckled.
The other nobles, who were unaware of the situation, exchanged glances at his odd behavior. "Is something the matter?" Lord Radford asked.
"Not really, it's just, Shibuya has wandered off again. So we're looking for him. We've already sent the guards to help out. It's likely he's in the treasury again. He's seemed to like it down there just like Gretta does. Since it's cool and quiet. I'm sure that he's annoyed with all of us fussing over-"
"My Lords!" a group of soldiers rushed forward to meet them, "There are intruders in the castle! They are in pursuit of His Majesty!"
"What?" they all exclaimed.
"Where are they now? Take us there. We must protect the King." Gwendal ordered.
"Follow me." the main soldier said, heading towards the gardens. Leading the band towards the place where Yuri was fighting for his freedom. Now they would really see, just how different this Yuri truly was.
When they arrived, several of the attackers had already fallen. And a barrier had been put up so when they tried to leave the hallway and enter the gardens, they were repelled. "What's this?" one of the lords exclaimed, "Who are those men? This isn't Esoteric powers." he laid his hands on the barrier, "I've never felt this kind of magic before."
"Forget about that. What about His Highness? Look!" Stoffel pointed out the young King.
Yuri had taken the swords of two of the fallen attackers. Each blade skillfully poised at each side. They had never seen him so skilled with a blade, let alone two. Five men had him cornered but Yuri dove at them without hesitation. His twin blades wove a web of blood as he fought his assassins trying to recapture him. Refusing to let himself fall into their hands again.
Thinking it was an easy win there weren't really that many of them this time. Maybe seven or ten at the most. For they only remembered Yuri as a broken down boy who had given up all hope of escape. Not knowing that the entire time, well, most of the time anyway, that had only been an act to throw them off. Waiting for the opportune moment.
"Just give up boy, you can't fight forever. And daddy dearest isn't here to save you!" their leader snarled, a line of blood bathing the hilt of his sword.
At that, Yuri froze. How dare he? How dare they mock his father's sacrifice? "What is it that you even want from me?" he screamed, "Why am I so special to you people? What was the point of keeping me all this time? I have nothing to offer you! So why can't you just leave me the hell alone?"
"Because you've been engraved with the power to surpass time-space. You proved it when you escaped the castle and came to this reflection world. We need that power. The power of the 'Tsubasa'!" he grinned, "You have no idea how long it took us to track you down boy. To you, only three days have passed. While to us, it's been three years since you escaped us. Whats more, it shouldn't even be possible for you to be in this world! This proves that you've transcended the Laws of Nature. By coming here, to where your Origin exists."
Yuri lowered his swords, "'Origin'?" he backed away, "What are you...talking about?"
"Oh? Have we really kept you that in the dark?" the man mused. Smirking as he and his remaining men advancing on the now fearful boy. Cornering him against one of the castle walls.
"What's going on here?" Waltorana asked with alarm, turning to Wolfram, Conrad, and Murata for an explanation.
But before they could form a reply, they were all interrupted when suddenly, that sound Yuri heard the day before rang out. Resounding throughout the entire castle. A sound so clear and soft, like a dew drop striking the ground, a note that could echo forever without losing it's tempo.
Jiing...
Over on the hillside, the Tomb of the Great One suddenly began to shake and glow with the same misty blue light like his eyes, like the shimmer of water, shifting to the ruins Yuri saw in his vision the last time he was there. A different seal being carved in place of the Great Ones.
Jiing...jinng...
Yuri began to glow too, floating out off the ground, dropping both swords. Seeing images of reflecting people and places from this world and his own. Crashing together and overlapping one another. His eyes burning with a blue flame.
The leader began to laugh as the two worlds began to overlap each others existences. "NOW we're getting somewhere! Show us your true power, Yuri Leonheart, heir to the lost Kingdom of Pandora, show us the power of the legendary 'Tsubasa'!"