Disclaimer: I do not own Kyo Kara Maoh or its characters!
"Kyo Kara Maoh" – Speaking
Kyo Kara Maoh – Thoughts
Kyo Kara Maoh – Flashbacks
Kyo Kara Maoh – Thoughts in Flashbacks
Chapter 7
Wolfram opened his eyes sleepily as he felt the sun's rays on his body. He rolled onto his back and stretched his arms high over his head. Wolfram let a lazy smile stretch across his face and he thought about his time with Alder the day before. It had been so long since Wolfram had truly let go, and it had felt so good. The setting of the sun told him he slept in late again. Wolfram hurriedly got up, grabbed his bath items, a clean uniform, and ran to the bath. By the time Wolfram made it to the dining room, everyone was sitting down and filling up their plates.
"Morning, everyone," Wolfram stated before placing a kiss to Greta's and his mother's cheeks. He took a seat at his place next to Yuri and filled his plate. He gave a casual glance at Yuri, but paused when he noticed the bag under his eyes.
"Yuri, did you not get a good night's rest?" Wolfram asked, concerned.
Yuri looked up from his plate, and gave his friend a tired smile before answering, "I was up late, that's all, Wolf."
"Is something wrong?" Wolfram asked, not totally convinced that everything was okay.
"Yeah, everything is fine, Wolf," Yuri answered, giving Wolfram a reassuring smile.
Wolfram still didn't believe him, but he decided to let it go for now. He spent the rest of breakfast talking to Greta about her lessons.
Yuri stared at the history book, not reading a word. All he could think about was the dream he had last night. The dream about Wolfram, about their bodies pressed together. Wolfram was moaning, screaming, writhing, and saying his name. Yuri gave himself a mental slap, but it didn't help. He kept picturing Wolfram with his head thrown back, his cheeks flushed, mouth parted. Urgh, stop it! I like women! Wolf, is just my best friend! Before the dream, Yuri had stayed up late, tossing and turning because the idea of Wolfram with Alder bothered him in a way he didn't want to understand. I mean, I should be happy for Wolfram.
"Your majesty…your majesty…your majesty!" Yuri jumped a little when he heard Gunter's shout.
"I'm sorry, Gunter. I'm just a little tired. Didn't get enough sleep last night."
"Oh, well I suppose it's time for a break. Why don't you take a walk around the castle, freshen yourself up," Gunter offered.
"Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks, Gunter," Yuri answered gratefully.
Yuri left the library and decided to walk in no particular direction, lost in thought. After awhile he could hear the sound of swords clashing against each other. Yuri looked up and realized he was closed to Wolfram's training area. Yuri jogged in that direction, deciding he wanted to visit Wolfram and watch him train his soldiers. He was serious about the decision he made yesterday. Wolf was his best friend and he would make time for them. He really missed Wolf.
Wolfram was in the middle of giving his soldiers their training instructions when they all suddenly stood at attention. Wolfram blinked at them in confusion before he noticed they were looking over his shoulder. Wolfram whirled around to see Yuri heading in his direction, grinning widely and waving.
"Yuri? Shouldn't you be working right now," Wolfram asked
"I'm taking a break. I wanted to come visit you and watch you train."
Wolfram's eyebrows shot up in surprise. It was a pleasant surprise, though. It had been so long since he and Yuri had actually talked. And it's all my fault, Wolfram thought as guilt welled up in his chest. With his job, time with Greta, and his time with Alder; Wolfram had no time to spare for Yuri, and the few times he did actually spend time with Yuri, all he talked about was Alder and their dates. He's probably tired of hearing about Alder, Wolfram thought, feeling even guiltier. Wolfram gave Yuri a smile before turning towards his men.
"What do my soldiers think? You boys want to show off for your king?"
There was a chorus of "Yes, sir!" before the troops started to pair off to train. Wolfram and Yuri made their way to one of the resting benches. Wolfram took that opportunity to study Yuri. He still had the bags under his eyes, but he was looking more relaxed. Maybe the break from work was exactly what he needed, and some time with his best friend. Wolfram let an affectionate smile cross his face. Wolfram let Yuri lead the conversation and ten minutes later Yuri had Wolfram doubled over in laughter with stories about Greta during her time with him.
"…so the helmet ended up falling over eyes because it was too big but she was still swinging the bat in every direction. Conrad went up to help her but one of her wild swings ended up striking him in the stomach and when he clutched at his stomach, Greta, not realizing that she had hit Conrad, gave the bat another swing and hit Conrad in the groin. Poor Conrad fell to ground, moaning in pain, and Greta, bless her heart, threw off the helmet to check on Conrad. The helmet was thrown in the air first and when it came down it conked Conrad on the head. I think Conrad was almost in tears at the point, Greta was frantic, and I was in pain from holding in the laughter while I helped them. Oh man, their faces were priceless," Yuri let out another laugh and Wolfram wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes.
"She will have to carry those things around with her when the boys start noticing her," Wolfram stated and let out another string of laughter at the mental image of his little Greta teaching some boy a lesson with her Daddy's bat.
"Oh definitely," Yuri agreed.
There was a comfortable silence between the two of them. Yuri was looking much more relaxed now and slightly more awake, though he could still probably do with a nap.
"I've missed this," Wolfram stated softly, but continued at Yuri's confused frown. "Us talking like this. It's been awhile and it's one hundred percent my fault. I haven't been a good friend lately, and I am sorry for that."
"This," Yuri gestured between the two of them, "is making up for it. I've missed you too," Yuri stated with a soft smile.
Wolfram was about to start another conversation when he noticed that one of his new recruits was struggling. Wolfram remembered his name to be Ehric Raulford. A good soldier, but still a little awkward with the sword. Wolfram watched as he trained with Lieutenant Ferdinand, looking for a flaw somewhere that was interfering with his training.
"Just a minute, Yuri," Wolfram stated as he got up and walked towards the two soldiers.
"Excuse me, Ferdinand, but can I borrow Corporal Raulford," Wolfram asked his Lieutenant. Ferdinand nodded and moved on to instruct his other recruits. Wolfram faced his new recruit and analyzed his stance. His stance was correct and firm. "Come at me," Wolfram instructed as he unsheathed his sword and got into stance. Raulford's reflexes were quick, but his technique was all over the place. Wolfram brow furrowed as he evaluated his recruit. Hmm…I wonder, Wolfram thought.
"I'm going to try something. Switch your sword to your left hand."
Raulford appeared confused but switch his sword to his left hand. Wolfram launched into an attack and analyzed Raulford's technique again. His movements were still a little awkward, as was to be expected since it was his first time using his left hand, but his movements had some control and there was more force behind the blows of his attack.
"Adjust your foot work," Wolfram instructed.
Raulford quickly corrected his footwork and his movements improved more. Wolfram stopped his attack and switched his sword to his left hand. Wolfram moved to stand to Raulford's right side and proceeded to go through the basic and some advanced sword movements using his left hand. Once Raulford got fully used to using his left hand, he had another sparring match with the soldier. After awhile Wolfram ceased his attack and gave his soldier an improving nod.
"Well done, Corporal Raulford. I still expect you to continue to train with your right hand as well as your left. Usually I wouldn't introduce ambidextrous into your training until you had some more experience, but in this instance you should start that training now. If your left arm were to become injured in an attack or battle, you will need to defend yourself using your right hand. It will become easier with some practice. I recommend seeking experienced left-handed swordsman who has learned to use right-handed swordsmanship as well. I believe Lord Weller has a few men like that in his unit," Wolfram stated in the usual firm voice he used with his subordinates. Raulford stood at attention. His young face was neutral. Despite the fact that his green hair was soaked from sweat and clinging to his face and his muscles were probably sore; his purple eyes were sparkling with happiness.
"I will, sir! Thank you, sir!"
"Good. Head to the showers, then report back to Lieutenant Ferdinand for duty."
"Yes, sir!"
Wolfram watched as the young recruit ran towards the barrack's showers before turning back towards Yuri, but found that Yuri had stretched out against the bench and had fallen asleep. A gentle smile crossed Wolfram's face as he walked over to Yuri's sleeping form. Wolfram quietly sat on the edge of the bench, next to Yuri's side, and gently shook his shoulder. Yuri jerked awake but gave a sleepy smile when he realized it was Wolfram who woke him up.
"I guess I fell asleep, huh. Well, that was exactly what I needed because I am feeling much more refreshed," Yuri stated as he sat up.
"Wimp," Wolfram stated affectionately, giving Yuri a fond smile.
"Don't call me a wimp," Yuri defended but he was smiling as well.
"You should head back to the library before Gunter sends a search party for you. I'll catch you later, okay?" Wolfram stated, trying to not let that smile affect him. I really shouldn't be feeling this way still, Wolfram thought.
"Yeah, I'll see you later," Yuri stated before stretching and heading back inside the castle.
Wolfram watched him go for awhile until he turned to give his orders to Ferdinand.
Wolfram frowned as he made his way to the castle's public library that was open to the staff, lost in thought. Yuri had been acting a little strange lately. It's been two weeks since Yuri had visited with him that day when he was training his troops, and every day since then Yuri had taken a break from his work to come out and hang out with Wolfram and watch him train his troops. Wolfram actually didn't mind that part. They would pass the time with the two of them talking, sword fighting, or Yuri just simply watching Wolfram train his troops. Sometimes Yuri would get in line with the soldiers and train along side with them. The looks on his soldiers' faces the first time Yuri did that was priceless, but after awhile it was almost like Yuri was an actual member of their unit. Wolfram sincerely enjoyed those times with Yuri. He found the company to be soothing, even if they did stir up old feelings. No, what was strange was Yuri's frequent interruptions while Wolfram was with Alder. Several times within the past two weeks, Yuri would turn up during Wolfram's dates with Alder. It didn't matter if the two were taking their walks around the castle, having tea in the garden, or going on a horseback ride; Yuri managed to turn up. Sometimes Yuri would pull Wolfram away for help with documents or terms that Wolfram was certain Yuri already knew the answer to, and sometimes Yuri would just hang out with Wolfram and Alder. At first Wolfram thought Yuri was trying to befriend Alder, but Wolfram dismissed that idea because he got the feeling that Yuri didn't like Alder, though he didn't know why. Wolfram had considered talking with Yuri, but changed his mind in the end. This did not happen with every single date he had with Alder, and what with how serious things were getting with Alder, Yuri and Alder should at least be civilized with each other. However, this sudden attention from Yuri has stirred up old feelings, making Wolfram feel guilty whenever he was with Alder.
Wolfram finally reached the public library. He headed straight to the back where he knew his favorite literature would be. He decided that he wanted to do some late night reading tonight, since he had the day off the next day. Wolfram stopped when a familiar head of green hair caught his eye. His new recruit, Ehric Raulford, was bent over one of the study tables reading from a large book.
"Ehric?"
Ehric's head shot up at Wolfram's voice. When he noticed Wolfram, Ehric immediately stood up from his chair and at attention.
"Captain! How are you tonight, sir!"
"At ease, Ehric. I am fine, may I sit with you?"
"Yes, please do, sir."
Wolfram sat next to Ehric and glanced the book Ehric had been studying so intensely. It was a book on healing maryoku.
"I hadn't realized you were interested in healing maryoku, Ehric," Wolfram stated conversationally.
"Yes, sir. It's my element that I inherited from my mother," Ehric stated softly.
Wolfram gave the text a casual glance, curious to see if he recognized any of the techniques that Ehric was studying. His eyebrows shot up in surprised as he read the chapter Ehric has the book opened to.
"This is very advance healing technique. I had no idea you were this skilled at healing," Wolfram stated in surprise.
"I already know how to heal minor injuries and infections. I'm studying up on more serious injuries and illnesses now," Ehric answered bashfully.
Wolfram was impressed. Learning heal maryoku was no easy feat when you had an instructor, even if your instructor was the talented Susannah Julia. The fact that Ehric taught himself the minor techniques, and was currently studying up on advance techniques said a lot about his talent. Hell, he could be an apprentice to Gisela. What the hell was he doing serving as a new recruit in a squad of swordsman when he could easily be a lieutenant in Gisela's medic squad.
"I hope I'm not being too presumptious when I say this, but you don't seem to enjoy swordsmanship very much. Why didn't you apply to join the medic squad? Don't get me wrong, I think you are a great soldier and you are doing great in my squad, but it seems like healing is your passion, not swordsmanship," Wolfram asked, curious to know.
Ehric was quiet for awhile. That determination and stubbornness that seemed to always sparkle in Ehric's purple eyes had been replaced with a blank stare. Wolfram noticed that he had touched on a personal subject. He was about to take back the question, but then Ehric answered in what could only be described as a bitter tone, "Being a swordsmen takes honor and courage. It's something a Raulford should strive for." Wolfram's face must have mirrored his confusion because Ehric went on to explain.
"That's what my father says. He wouldn't have paid for me to go to the naval academy unless I promised to train to be a part of yours or Lord von Voltaire's squad. When I started doing poorly in my swordsmanship classes, I thought I might get to be a part of the medic squad after all. I was surprise when I was accepted into your squad. To be honest, I thought my father had written you a letter," Ehric stated in a sheepish manner as he kept his eyes down, staring at the book.
Ah, so his father is the controlling type, Wolfram thought.
"Ehric, look at me," Wolfram stated firmly. When Ehric's purple eyes looked up at him he continued in the same firm voice, "I do not except people into my squad because somebody's parent writes me a letter. Believe me, parents have tried, and I have ripped up every single letter. You got into my squad because you earned it."
"How," Ehric asked, eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Your eagerness and determination to protect what you love and hold dear. Lieutenant Ferdinand and I both saw that in you when we evaluated you, and believe it or not, that tribute is few and far between. Swordsmanship can be perfected through practice and hard work, but love for one's king, country, and those they hold dear and the willingness to lay down your life to protect them cannot. Now listen, honor and courage are something to be proud of, but it doesn't come from holding a sword. It comes from here," Wolfram laid a finger on the center of Ehric's chest, over his heart, "You can still watch over and protect your King, country, and those you hold dear through healing just as much as you can through swordsmanship. You can decide to focus on healing, and still be the same as you are when you hold that sword in your hand."
By the time Wolfram finished talking, a blush had covered Ehric's face but his eyes once again came alive with a newfound determination, "Yes, I would be the same person. Thank you, sir!" Wolfram felt a bit of affection and pride well up in his chest as he observed the new confidence in his soldier. He wondered if this was how Conrad had felt as he cared for and trained Wolfram in swordsmanship.
"Well I will let you get back to studying. I'm going to go pick out a book for some late night reading tonight. Have a good night, Ehric," Wolfram stated as he stood from his chair.
"Yes, sir! Good night, Captain!"
Wolfram walked through the aisles of books until he found one of Shin Makoku's classic romance literature, a secret love of Wolfram's. He headed back to his room and read till he couldn't hold his eyes open anymore.
The next day Wolfram found himself stretched out on the grass in the garden, his head resting on Alder's shoulder. Alder was lazily running his hands through Wolfram's golden locks.
"You're going to make me fall asleep of you keep that up," Wolfram said sleepily.
"Mmm…sleep…sleep sounds good. After the scouting mission I just had, sleep with you is just what I need," Alder replied lazily. Wolfram sat up and shift to where he was hovering over Alder, his head resting in his hand.
"Did something happen," Wolfram asked.
"Yeah. We came across a group of bandits. They scattered when they noticed us and my team and I spent the rest of the night tracking them down and rounding them up."
Wolfram lowered his head, intending to kiss Alder but the sound of Yuri's voice calling out to him stopped him. Alder let out a tired sigh, but smiled up at Wolfram. Wolfram leaned down to give him a peck on the lips before turning and sitting up fully, just as Yuri reached them.
"Sorry to bother you," Yuri started, "but Greta wants to go shopping for a dress for the ball next week. She wants you to come with us."
Wolfram looked down at Alder and gave him an apologetic smile. Alder only smiled and leaned up to give Alder a long kiss before saying, "I will head to the barracks to catch up on sleep. Join me later," he asked in a quiet and husky voice. Wolfram heard Yuri shuffle around uncomfortably behind him, but he decided to ignore it and gave Alder one more peck on the lips before saying he would meet him later. Wolfram stood up and followed Yuri to where a carriage was already set up. Greta was talking animatedly with her Uncle Conrad, but when she noticed that Wolfram was with Yuri she let out an exstatic yell and ran towards him. Wolfram caught her and lifted her into his arms when he launched at him, "Papa Wolf! You're coming too? Yay!"
Wolfram gave Yuri a questioning look. Yuri only shrug before smiling and saying, "I wanted to surprise her and I thought you would want to go."
Wolfram gave Yuri a happy smile before thanking him. Wolfram happily spent the rest of the day with Greta and Yuri as Greta tried on dress after dress. Greta finally chose a yellow dress, Wolfram's favorite color on her.
"You look beautiful, sunshine. You want to find a pretty ribbon for your hair?" Wolfram asked in the gentle voice he reserved for Greta.
"Yeah," Greta exclaimed excitedly before dragging Yuri and Wolfram over to where the hair ribbons were. Yuri decided to buy a bundle of different color of ribbons for Greta, stating that they looked too cute on her to pass up. When Wolfram finally returned to the castle, Alder was still asleep, so Wolfram decided to curl up next to him and fall asleep as well.
Finally, Ch. 7 is finally finished. Sorry this took so long, been sick . I was so excited to finally be able to introduce Ehric's character to y'all. I am so excited about his role in the story and I hope y'all love him. And Wolfram got a small taste of what being a big brother feels like . What do y'all think? BTW chapter 1 of my new AU fanfic is up. Go check it out if you haven't already. Chapter 2 will be coming very soon! As soon as I have that chapter posted, I will get started working on Chapter 8 for this story.
