Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Kyo Kara Maoh, this is purely fan-made.

Note: Sorry this is a bit late, I've had a lot on my plate recently with school and work plus lack of internet at home yet again. But to make up for it, I have a second trailer that I made for this story posted on YouTube. Although I still haven't gotten around to fixing the first one yet. Anyway, please enjoy this new chapter and tell me what you think because at this point I'm just trying to finish it and move on to the next thing. Don't get me wrong, I love this story and how its going so far but I'd like to work on something new. That's why I started the remake of 'Feather Fall' under the new name of 'Shadow of Wings.' So if you get the chance, please go read and review that because I don't know if its any good. But anyway, I hope you like this new chapter and I'm always open to suggestions!

Chapter 10: Old Wounds

(Memories by Within Temptation)

In this world you tried
Not leaving me alone behind.
There's no other way.
I prayed to the gods let him stay.
The memories ease the pain inside,
Now I know why.

All of my memories keep you near.
In silent moments imagine you here.
All of my memories keep you near.
Your silent whispers, silent tears.

Made me promise I'd try
To find my way back in this life.
I hope there is a way
To give me a sign you're ok.
Reminds me again it's worth it all
So I can go on.

All of my memories keep you near.
In silent moments imagine you here.
All of my memories keep you near.
Your silent whispers, silent tears.

Together in all these memories
I see your smile.
All the memories I hold dear.
Darling, you know I will love you
Until the end of time.

All of my memories keep you near.
In silent moments imagine you here.
All of my memories keep you near.
Your silent whispers, silent tears.

All of my memories...

Sara was shocked at himself after the vision had faded when his eyes began to well-up with tears. There was no doubt, Aaron really had been one of Yuri's previous lives. The mannerism in which Aaron spoke with such a kind, warm, and happy voice; the nervous way that he had once laughed; the way he saw all life as being sacred and could sense the pain of those around him all proved to Sara that Noir's vision of his death was real. But after having died so suddenly, what puzzled Sara was how no traces of Aaron remained in Yuri's mind and heart. After all, the Great Wiseman had retained all of his former memories, so why then, hadn't Yuri?

"Do you understand now?" Conrad said on Noir's behalf as the mighty lion stared up at Sara intently as his eyes resumed their normal hue. "After his death, I waited for him to return to this world and watched for the light of his spirit for centuries. But it was almost as if his light had gone out, which I knew to be impossible. No one as pure as my Master could just fade into oblivion without me noticing. That's when I learned what had become of him after his soul had flown from this world," he said bitterly, "They had erased all that Aaron was from the memory of his soul and he was born again as someone else. And although I had expected him to change, I never thought that he would forget all about me, the one who cherished him the most. I even went to see him in his new form only to discover this truth that Aaron's resplendent soul had been chosen to conquer the evil sealed within the Forbidden Boxes. However, in order to do that the soul had to be incorruptible, otherwise the Originators could easily taint his heart by using this horrific memory to control him even as I control this man. That is part of what they were, a shadow made manifest by the darkness that already exists in the hearts of Mankind. Shapeless and raw emotions sharpened into blades that single-mindedly seek destruction. But enough of all this, I must take my Master now and-"

"Conrad!" a familiar voice shouted as Sara's expected guests finally broke through the trees.

It was Wolfram. Along with Hube, Yosak, and Murata as well. Except for Gwendal that is, who had deigned to stay behind to research the equinox and to once again keep order in the Kingdom while their King was-once again-missing...

But the Conrad they knew and the man standing before them were two different people. They could tell that right away from the way Conrad held himself and the subtle glow of the red burning behind his eyes. And just as Noir had told Sara just moments ago, he had a firm grip on Conrad's heart now and had successfully trapped him within his own swirling vortex of emotions that Conrad simply couldn't repress without openly rejecting a part of himself that actually meant some of the things he had told the others before.

Conrad had felt hurt when members of his own family treated him as an outcast; he had felt some resentment for being sent off to the front lines knowing full well that even if he came home alive, their feelings would not change towards him or those like him; and most of all, Conrad once felt hurt because no one apart from Yuri believed that he could never betray him and the Great Demon Kingdom when the rest of them had given up on him until he finally told them the reason why he had joined Belar in the first place. Everything he did or had ever done was for Yuri's sake and his alone. And it was that very same single-minded attitude which kept Conrad bound to these bitter feelings he thought he had come to terms with a long time ago...

"You're late," Sara chided simply, crossing his arms once all of them were present and accounted for.

Stepping forward, Murata shrugged and apologized, "There was no helping it I'm afraid. The castle was attacked by monsters almost immediately after Lord Weller escaped with Shibuya before I could get back here in time to help them deal with it. So it seems that he was correct in thinking that Shibuya was in trouble and thanks to Yuri's kidnapping, we managed to keep him out danger from a threat that even the Great Wiseman failed to predict." Glancing at Yuri-who was finally starting to stir from his enchanted sleep-he added smugly, "But we're here now. Isn't that what really matters?"

Giving him that much, Sara laughed, "Though you wouldn't be here now if I hadn't told you that Yuri was here. Because I have already observed that Noir appears to have a very effective method of hiding his presence by existing between this world and the next and he can mask the presence of those closest him as well from being viewed from afar. That's most likely one reason he insists on keeping Yuri close until he reaches his destination..."

That's when Hube-who had never met Sara before now-spoke up and said, "Not to appear rude King Saralegui, but don't we have more pressing matters to attend to? We can sort out the details later. Rescuing His Majesty must be our top priority."

"Of course," Sara replied, faking a very hurt expression, "Why else would I have risked my life facing Noir alone? After all, I saw him slaughter over a dozen men without much effort earlier. And if he really wanted to, Noir could have killed me right now. He even said that he would have if not for my friendship with Yuri."

Ignoring their conversation, Noir began speaking solemnly through Conrad as he warned Hube and the others, "I told you before-" he began, shifting his gaze from one person to another with both Conrad's eyes and his own,"-get in my way again and I will end you. Or are you honestly willing to face me knowing that I have the power to rend your bodies apart from the inside?"

Before they could answer him properly, Noir then made Conrad draw his sword-which began to glow an eerie red almost exactly like Adelbert's-and the metal rippled as a strange wild magic traced its length. Then, backing away closer to where Yuri still lay, Conrad continued to glare at them all with defiance, especially Wolfram.

"Of course we would risk it!" Wolfram snapped, drawing his own sword as well and looking at Conrad with an unusually heartfelt expression, "We're all soldiers here Conrad. Paying for the safety of someone else's life with our own is the primary duty and honor of a soldier. That's what you used to tell me isn't it? But after we-! After you met Yuri you started to want to become something more than just a swordsman! Weren't you trying to be the Godfather that Yuri's parents placed all of their faith in?!"

"Wolfram, calm down," Gunter interjected before he did anything too reckless, "Remember, Conrad's emotions are what's letting Noir control him. Don't stir up any more of them."

"But-!"

"We haven't come here to waste time reasoning with him," Murata added bluntly, loud enough for Noir to hear as well before turning to face the black lion himself and said, "The reason we came here is because you were right. Shibuya is definitely involved in something that happened long ago that even we weren't aware of until now that you were trying to warn us about. To be honest though, I already knew that he the reincarnation of someone who lived a long time ago. But with so many memories of my own to sort out it was impossible to tell when it was exactly that we met him originally. I already told the others everything that I know, but you're the only one that I'm aware of who knew Shibuya before even I did. So there is a part of this story that only you can fill and we'd like to do it together. Protecting him doesn't mean you have to fight these creatures alone."

Shocked, Noir's control over Conrad slipped for an instant and that was all Conrad needed to take back command of at least his own voice for a brief moment. Although his body was still being manipulated by Noir's will.

Still, Conrad winced as he gripped his sword tighter and managed to say, "Your...Eminence...I..."

"Oh brother," Yosak snickered despite the delicate state of their situation and rolling his eyes dramatically, "Seriously Commander, you got to start letting us help you out more. Adelbert's already claimed the role of the lone-wolf remember?"

Struggling to keep himself from being swept away by his memories again, Conrad grimaced, "Yosak, there's...a lot that you still don't understand about me even as one of my closest comrades. I realize that now...about myself too after...seeing so much of my past unfolding before my eyes again. I've finally seen the...truth of my own heart..." gasping as if choking on something, he was forced to take a step forward before continuing earnestly, "But that...doesn't mean I agree with his methods. So please, everyone! Take Yuri and stop me before I...!"

However, before anyone could react, a soft moan made Conrad pause and tilt his head back as Yuri tiredly opened his eyes. But they were completely glazed though, as if Yuri were still half asleep. Noir of course nudged Yuri back a few steps with his muzzle in preparation for forcing Conrad to fight his own companions when he froze. A familiar aura was flickering in Yuri's empty eyes and a spark of recognition blossomed in his heart.

Dropping his sword without warning and stunning everyone who was preparing to fight him, Conrad rushed past Noir and embraced Yuri, overcome with emotion himself as he cried out, "Aaron!"

~Flashback~

No one knows what to expect after death, but darkness was all that met Aaron after he released his final whisper of breath. He had at least hoped to be reunited with his mother but nothingness surrounded him on all sides. So was this really all that there was? This nothingness? Or, was he actually really dead yet?

Perhaps this void was a form of purgatory in preparation for what lay beyond, a chance to evaluate yourself and to be judged by whatever power ruled over all living things. Aaron wasn't sure that he believed in a God, however, he hoped that there was goodness in the world that transcended their limited understanding of life after death. Surely their actions meant something after it was all over. It couldn't just be that oblivion was all there was to expect in the end...

Because then, what worth would there be in living in the first place?

Wandering aimlessly, Aaron was startled when a light bloomed above him and a figure appeared. "Who are you?" Aaron asked the stranger looming above him, "Or, wait, are you...God?"

After laughing softly in amusement, the figure replied, "No, I am not God but I do possess a great deal of power and some may worship me as one. You may have heard of those who call me the Great One," offering his hand to Aaron, he asked, "I have been waiting for someone like you, someone who can save this world from almost certain destruction. But in order to do that, there is a choice you must make. But are you willing to hear what I have to offer you?"

"Wait, what do you mean that the world is on the brink of destruction? Has something happened?" Aaron began before-more importantly-he finally asked, "If I'm seeing you here, does that mean I really am dead?"

The figure nodded, "Yes, but I brought you here so that I could ask for your help. You see, I need someone with great magical power to lead our people once the darkness returns when the seals on the Forbidden Boxes break. No magic, not even my own, can keep them sealed forever. When it finally happens, I need someone with unwavering virtue and bravery to once again face the Originators and do what must be done to obliterate them forever."

Shocked, Aaron staggered back a few steps and gasped, "You mean that...you can bring me back to life? Is that what you're saying?"

"I have enough power to do that, yes. However, I can only do it under one condition," the Great One said with the slightest of smiles, "I can return your soul into the world but all of your memories will vanish. The person you are now will cease to exist because your soul must become strong enough to withstand any darkness. And furthermore..." his smile fading quickly, the Great One continued solemnly, "...I have already been corrupted by their evil. I tried to escape them by abandoning my body but they had already delved too deeply into my heart. Its only a matter of time now before I become one with the Originators and seek to destroy the world that I was the one who originally saved. So before I begin losing myself completely, I have to prepare for that day that will surely come when they are resurrected. That is why after all these years searching for a person with a pure enough soul with the potential to surpass me, I finally discovered yours."

"This can't be, I..." Aaron stammered, "...I would do anything to protect the people I love but they're all gone now. They're waiting for me on the other side. My mother, my father, everyone I care about. I can't just forget about them!"

Raising an eyebrow, the Great One challenged, "Everyone is it? What about your loyal guard, Nevar? Would you honestly abandon him now that he has become a spirit beast?"

Aaron hadn't thought about that. Now that he was a spirit himself Noir was immortal and did not have a true human form anymore. And Aaron knew that Noir believed in reincarnation so he had promised to come back one day after he died, because Aaron would still have his memories of Noir and they could continue to be together until the end of time regardless of who he became...

But, what good would that do if the world was going to be destroyed one day? Wasn't it selfish for him to only think about their happiness when there might not be a world to return to in the first place? Still, the prospect of forgetting everything entirely was a frightening thought. Because what if he met Noir in his next life and knew nothing about him or what Noir had sacrificed for his sake...?

Still, even if Aaron did forget, he had faith that their bond would last or it could even be remade. It wouldn't be the end, but a new beginning for them both. And who knew, if Aaron did gain enough power to surpass the Great One, perhaps he could find a way to return Noir to his human form and they could finally be together in the world beyond, to where everyone would be waiting for them.

After carefully considering the implications of his own words, Aaron gazed up at the Great One and replied, "My old life is already over, there's nothing I can do about that now. But if you can really bring me back to life and I can protect the world where Noir is waiting for me, then I am willing to accept losing who I am now. Either way, when I'm reborn I will have to make new memories anyway won't I? So even if I did remember Noir, who's to say I would still care about him the way I do now? No, the true test of my feelings will be if I can create a new bond just as strong as the one I had when I was alive. And after this is all over, I will find some way to bring Noir with me when I finally choose to move on and be reunited with my parents and all of my friends. They can wait for me there, but you're right, I can't just leave Noir behind down there."

"Then, do you accept your destiny?" the Great One asked expectantly.

Smiling tenderly, Aaron replied boldly, "No, I'm about to create a new one."