Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: isumi'kivic'
Pairings: YuuriWolfram, ShinouDaikenja/Murataslight ConradYozak and GwendalGunter.
Warnings: Excessive error grammars, because it's not beta-ed. Shounen-ai, standard warnings.
Disclaimer: Don't own it. And I don't think I want to, if that means that I have to make nearly every character flirt with Yuuri and Yuuri to be as dense as a stone and hurt Wolfie again and again. Takabayashi Tomo-sensei and Madhouse has full responsibility of that. glares at the animators and Sensei
A/N: I'm furious. I don't want to hate Sara because he's just so cute! Bishounen! And hot, I might add... but seriously right now, there isn't anyone I hate more than Sara AND Yuuri. And please don't ask me why. Sometimes I wonder if it'd be better for me if I just stop watching KKM fo several episodes... but those "full of SaraYuuri" episodes are done now... but why oh why, am I really pessimistic about the probability of getting more YuuRam episodes?-weeps-
Anyhow, enjoy this twelfth chapter. Reviews and constructive criticisms are very welcomed and fancied.
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
"Our Hearts are connected."-Sora, Kingdom Hearts 2-
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
Pride and Prejudice
Chapter 12: Good night
The day the King's party arrived back at the Blood Pledge Castle, it was raining really hard. It was as if the sky was weeping to see so many people were injured after the battle with the Black Dawn. Gisela had a very, very busy day treating the injured people, including two of the former Demon Queen's sons.
Both Gwendal and Conrad were sleeping in the infirmary in when Cecilie came in. The former Demon Queen looked as though she was drowned in the pool of sadness. She moved to sit on the chair next to Conrad's bed, stifling a sob as she held her second son's hand.
A gentle squeeze was what she got as an answer. Surprised, she raised her head to meet her son's tender smile. Conrad was awake.
"Conrad!" Cecilie cried, quickly throwing her hands to envelop the brown-haired man in a rare gentle embrace. Her son chuckled in amusement, and then whispered words of reassurance to his mother, listening to her sobs.
"Hahaue, it's okay. We're all okay."
"I was so scared.." Cecilie sobbed. "I thought I was going to lose my two baby boys.."
A weak groan and a grunt was heard from the other occupied bed in the infirmary. "Hahaue. We're not babies, we've passed that stage a long time ago."
Conrad smiled as Cecilie cried his brother's name and rushed across the rom to give Gwendal a gentle, yet desperate hug. He could see his older brother's lips twitched slightly upwards, and he laughed inwardly.
It took several minutes for both men to calm their mother down. Cecilie was naturally a passionate person who wouldn't mask her feelings for anything, and somehow, the way she acted now reminded both injured men of the times when they were little.
"What exactly happened?" the blond-haired female demanded. "I was so worried.. Gisela said that you," she turned to Gwendal,"..nearly spent all your maryoku. And you know how dangerous it is for us mazoku if we spent it all."
Gwendal's lips thinned. He got a funny feeling that his mother was giving him a lecture like he was a little boy caught on stealing nighttime snacks from the kitchen.
"And you, Conrad. How exactly did you get that…that wound on your belly?" her voice shivered in fright. "Gisela said it's quite bad, and you'll need some time to recover fully."
Conrad smiled. "I'm alright, Hahaue," he said softly. "This is really nothing. I've been worse." He chuckled, and then threw a glance at Gwendal. The latter nodded gratefully. If it wasn't for Conrad, Gwendal might not even live right now.
"Still.." Cecilie cast her gaze down. "Please. Tell me what happened."
Hesitating, Conrad and Gwendal exchanged glances. Receiving a nod from his younger brother, Gwendal sighed. He really never liked telling people about what had happened in the battlefield, especially if it was his own near-death experience.
But he told Cecilie, anyway, in grunts and short sentences, on how he found Wolfram killed by Isenbert, and he saved his youngest brother's dear life. How Wolfram fell unconscious and his battle with Isenbert started, until he was trapped amongst the lightning…and he trailed off.
Cecilie's face was literally white in fright, as if she was watching the actual scenes of her son's near-death experience. Her expression was twisted between rage and regrets, and clear crystals welled up in her beautiful eyes. And when Conrad continued his older brother's story, her face contorted, the look on her eyes showed how shattered her heart was upon hearing what had happened to her dearly beloved sons.
"Both of you.." her voice quivered when Conrad finished the tale. "I'm so.. sorry.."
"Hahaue," Conrad began softly. "It's our duty to protect this country.. and Yuuri-Heika as well. Don't worry. We'll be alright."
"Yeah, but it would've been better if none of you actually interfered with my fight and got yourselves hurt!" a harsh snap came from the unknowingly opened door. There, stood the youngest son of Cecilie, dignified as usual, as he stepped into the infirmary. His face was set into an angry scowl, but it hid none of the concern and worries on his expression.
Three pairs of different eyes followed each movement of the blond mazoku prince as he slowly crossed the room to stand not far from his mother, keeping a safe distance from the three previous occupants of the room.
Cecilie eyed her youngest son and scrutinizedhis features to find any sign of exhaustion. But either her son was getting better or he was really good on hiding those signs, because she couldn't see any trace of exhaustion on his soft, slightly frail-looking figure. She then raised her arms, motioning to her youngest son to come closer, "Wolfie, here,"
Wolfram didn't react, he kept still and silent. His scowl was gone, and was replaced by a thin line of his lips. His emerald eyes glimmered in unreadable emotions, confusing his mother and older brothers. Then, he cast his gaze down, and, under the questioning gaze of his family, he mumbled faintly, "I'm sorry."
Silence followed the sincere apology. Conrad's mouth hung slightly open, while Gwendal and Cecilie both stared in disbelief. The self-centered, selfish princeling of Shin Makoku had just apologized?
"Wolfie…" Cecilie breathed, the tears in her eyes now trickled down upon her cheeks, glistening and shimmering. Conrad took a deep breath, and gave a soft, loving smile as an answer. Gwendal cleared his throat awkwardly, and grunted something that sounded like, "It's our duty as your older brothers," or something along that line.
The thin line of Wolfram's lips quirked a bit upwards. Still keeping his eyes on the floor, he whispered, "Thank you, too."
"You're welcome," Conrad answered for the now sobbing Cecilie and an awkward Gwendal. He would've had an amused smile on his face if he'd encountered this kind of situation in normal life, but now, he somehow had an uneasy feeling about Wolfram's sudden sentimental attitude. Strangely, the blond seemed… far away and out of reach.
The blond nodded, and turned quickly on his heels. He had to go before those traitorous tears on his eyes fell down his cheeks in front of his mother and brothers. Straightening his posture, he said in a steady tone, "Günter and Gisela wanted to try the traditional maryoku therapy to try to break the curse."
Three heads shot up at that, and Gwendal was the first to voice his curiosity. "How would it work?"
A shrug. "I have absolutely no idea. I think Gisela said something about the curse actually decreasing my maryoku and that's why I'm always sleepy. You'll have to ask her yourself." The youngest prince walked towards the door.
As he opened the humongous wooden door, Wolfram paused, and turned his head to glance at the three figures he loved with all his life. Giving a small smile, he whispered in a very soft tone that it was nearly unheardable,
"Really…you need to learn to let go.. it's not worth it.."
With that, the blond prince's figure slipped through the door, and the door was closed behind him.
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
Deep down, under the Blood Pledge Castle, in the deepest depth of the hidden rooms and stairs and corridors, lay the dungeon. The darkest, most inhuman place to be in the whole Shin Makoku. There was absolutely no light could penetrate the mysterious, choking darkness that most people simply lost their sanity after being locked down there for a while. There was no window, not even bars. The cells were merely small, trapping room with only one door which had a small opening to put the tray of food inside. It was the only place in Shin Makoku Yuuri hadn't seen yet—and he would probably never, seeing at how protective those around him were.
There, in one of the farthest room in the dungeon, screams and wails could be heard, echoing the agony the owner of the voice must have felt. The unlucky guards, who stood at the gate of the dungeon, shuddered at the voice, and one of them leaned over to whisper.
"Hey, do you think it's really okay for the Daikenja to actually go in there? That prisoner have been like this since last night.. we're not even sure if it's safe inside."
His friend raised his shoulders and sighed. "At any rate, Yozak-san is with Geika. I'm sure he can handle everything down there. It's not like we're allowed to go down there without being supervised by one of the commanders, right?" he threw a glance at the dark passage behind him, fright was clear on his expression. "And frankly, I don't even want to go down there."
Down, down from where the guards stood, Murata and Yozak were descending the stairs with slow, careful steps. The orange-haired man was holding a big torch, while Murata walked behind him, a serious expression on his face.
Yozak led the Soukoku to the last room of the deepest corridors, and even under the torch light, they still had to squint to see the small door before them. Screams and wails still echoed from the chamber, and it was getting louder and louder. The two of them exchanged glances.
"This is more than going crazy," the spy commented, shaking his head. Motioning for Mrata to open the door, he stepped back. The sage pulled out the dungeon keys, and, wearily, put on of them into the keyhole.
The door emitted a loud, creepy creak when the soukoku gave it a push. Yozak stepped forward, raising the torch to lighten the whole room. Both of them stiffened at the sudden loud, shrill cry from the corner of the room.
There, huddled at the corner of the room—or cell—was Isenbert. Terror was clear on his expression, his face pale. His once long, silky-looking silver hair was now sticking up everywhere, some was torn by its owner's own hands and was thrown away in stress. His body rocked back and forth, as if he was cradling himself. Occassionally, he let out a shrill, agonized cry, the stopped and shuddered violently, murmuring incoherent things under his breath. But the weirdest thing of all about the ex-leader of the Black Dawn was his eyes. They were closed.
"He's still sleeping," Yozak's eyes widened in disbelief at the statement from his only company. He glances sideways to see Murata's glasses gleamed under the light of the torch. "Sleeping?" he repeated in a questioning tone.
The soukoku nodded, and stepped forward. Isenbert was now murmuring very fast, so Murata had to strain his ears to catch what he was saying.
"Beg of you.. give me mercy.. no! No!! Stop.. I'll tell you.. the curse.. no! No, stop!!" Isenbert threw his head back and shrieked agonizingly. Yozak threw him a nasty look.
Murata shook his head as his glasses gleamed. Softly, he murmured, "You're such a bad boy.."
Almost instantly, the shriek and screams ceased, and Isenbert's body fell back and slumped onto the wall. Yozak blinked in genuine surprise, focusing his attention at the sage. "Geika?"
Slowly, Murata turned and smiled cheerfully. "Yah! We're done here! We should go back upstairs to tell the guards to locate him in another cell—a brighter one. He's already lost his sanity anyway. Shibuya wouldn't want anybody to be treated like this."
"Geika," Yozak called in confusion. "Didn't we come here to interrogate him about the curse?"
Murata stopped. For a second, he seemed to be contemplating something. Finally, he turned to look seriously at the orange-haired spy, and let out a breath.
"Keep this as a secret. It's an order." He added, and then continued, "Shinou had just done the job for us. A little bit.. rough for Isenbert, I guess.." he glanced at the unmoving body at the corner of the room. "But he dived into Isebert's conscience. It seems that Shinou saw this method as the fastest and efficient one."
Yozak's lips thinned. "And by that…you meant Shinou-Heika had just… possessed Isenbert in his dream?"
"In a way. Well… practically, yeah.." Murata scratched his head and took a breath. "Come on. I have to talk to Shinou if he found any way to break the curse from Isenbert."
The soukoku and the half-human quickly left the dark, choking cell.
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
It had been nearly a week since the Maou party came back from Caloria, and day by day, Günter found himself getting busier and busier. Other than his usual routines of teaching Yuuri and sometimes Greta, he now also had Gwendal's work to be covered which, understandably, was enormous even though Yuuri had improved much better in doing his paperwork, too. On top of that, everyday, just when the sun was exactly above their head, he had to go to the only place he dreaded the most in the Blood Pledge Castle.
Anissina's lab.
Of course, it was the only place hey could perform the old traditional healing maryoku therapy. It was his idea in the first place, after all. When Gisela had found out how the curse worked: decreasing the cursed person's maryoku continuously and made it impossible for the mazoku's body to create it back as it usually did, Günter had thought, maybe the traditional healing maryoku therapy could work against the curse. Not long afterwards, Anissina had come up with he brilliant "Heal-Everything-With-Your-Maryoku-kun", which, surprisingly, had progressed really well. Even Gisela admitted that the machine made the healer's job easier and faster.
The day Gwendal finally awoke and was able to meet him, Günter nearly couldn't find any word to say. He simply went into the infirmary with a somewhat dreaming look on his face, and sat down beside Gwendal's bed with a bundle of reports in his hand. Fortunately, Conrad saw it fit to ask Yozak to accompany him to the garden. Still, in the end all the meaningful words both men exchanged other than Günter's reports were "Welcome back," and "Yes, I'm home."
The stoic man had demanded constant and continuous report about the therapy and his youngest brother's condition. Günter could see the desperation on Gwendal's eyes to save his baby brother, so he nodded and promised. Only then Gwendal looked relieved, and he muttered "If it's you, I can trust that everything would alright."
But the problem didn't end there. This afternoon—one of his most favorite time of the day—when he was teaching Yuuri about the cultures in Franchia, the Maou had cut him off in the middle of his rants, looked at him straight in the eye, and asked in a demanding tone, "What is wrong with Wolfram?"
Günter was caught off guard. He paused to examine his King's mood, and found no trace of joke in his features. So he pulled an innocent face, blinked, and replied. "I don't think there's something wrong with Little Lord Brat."
"Don't call him that," Yuuri reacted almost instantly. "He's not.. at least not as much as I thought he was."
Günter blinked surprised. Why this was new. "Really, Heika? He still is, in my opinion." He strode across the room to put back the book he was holding and pulled another book. "Now, as I was saying…"
"I know there's something wrong with him," the soukoku said almost absently. "He seems…distant lately."
"Oh Heika, I'm sure nothing. There's nothing wrong with him," Günter said, pulling out another book and turned to Yuuri cheerfully, "Now, Heika, what would you prefer to learn about today, History or.. traditional magic?"
"Hmm.." Yuuri only stared at him blankly, before closing his eyes and sighed. Then he stood up, walking to the nearest bookshelf and started to skim the books one by one. Günter blinked. Okay, this was definitely weird.
"Heika?" tentatively, Günter called.
Yuuri's eyebrows were tauted in seriousness as he pulled a thick, hard-covered book, and showed it to Günter. "I want to learn more about curses."
--o0oYuuRamoo0o--
The door of the infirmary swung open and its knob hit the wall with a loud banging sound. Startled, Yozak, Conrad, and Gwendal looked up quickly to find Wolfram stormed in, and was quickly followed by the lilac-haired Royal Advisor's dramatic entrance. Before any of them could say anything, Wolfram slammed the door shut loudly.
"Which one of you told Yuuri about the curse?!" there was a fire burning in those emerald orbs. His eyebrows tauted in anger, his breath coming in short-taken inhalations, showing how angry he was. All occupants of the room except Günter exchanged confused looks.
"What is this about?" Gwendal demanded, but the angry fire-wielder shot him a sharp look, and he stiffened. It had been a long time since the last time he saw his youngest brother truly pissed off.
"I ask, Aniue! Which one of you told Yuuri about the curse?!"
Conrad's eyes widened in surprise. "He found out?"there was a genuine surprise in his tone. Wolfram turned to face his brother, looking for signs of lying. Finding none, the young fire-wielder took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Günter was the on to answer Conrad. "Yes. He asked me specifically when we were studying."
"But none of us told the boy about the curse," Yozak chimed in.
Wolfram raked his hair, pale hand ran through golden strands. "This is retarded," he swore, before turning on his heels and stomped out of the room. This time, Günter didn't bother to chase him.
"How did Heika find out?" Gwendal asked, although it sounded more like an order. Günter shook his head.
"I haven't a single idea, I'm sorry." He said deliberately. "I told Wolfram right away when I met him in Anissina's lab for today's therapy. Second thought wise, I shouldn't have told him that."
Silence. Günter could see the tensed line of Gwendal's lips and Conrad's grave face.It was clear that what had made them worried wasn't the fact that Yuuri knew about the curse, What they were fretting over was Wolfram's mental condition. And Günter could understand. Since thay got back from Caloria, Wolfram seemed to be more… distant.
Ah, did he just use Yuuri's word to describe how the blond was right now?
"Günter,"" Conrad's voice caught his attention. He looked at the injured man. "Yes, Conrad?"
The brown-haired soldier gave him a smile, but it was weary. "How is the therapy? Does it… work?"
Günter's lips thinned. "Unfortunately.." he began slowly. "I don't think it does."
Gwendal stiffened as Conrad suddenly sat up straight, ignoring the sudden searing pain on his abdomen and Yozak's worried "Hey!"
The grey-haired Royal Administrator gestured Günter to take a seat next to his bed, a sign that he wanted the lilac-haired Royal Advisor to tell him everything he knew. Günter obeyed. Once he was seated, everything was told. About how exactly they did the maryoku therapy. About Gisela's theory that the curse was decreasing Wolfram's maryoku, fast. About how the therapy didn't seem to have much effect on the blond mazoku.
It was when Günter was done with his explanation that a voice came from the door, "Maa.. that truly puts us in a difficult situation, then."
Four heads turned to the door to see the Daikenja stood there, glasses gleaming. Gwendal unconsciously sat up straighter as the soukoku walked in.
Yozak shifted a little uncomfortably, but not even Conrad noticed. All eyes were fixed on the Great Sage, watching as he heaved a sigh, and pulled a chair to sit next to Conrad's bed. A serious, yet wistful and regretful expression appeared on his face.
"I'm sorry," he said, voice nearly a whisper. "Not even Shinou found out how to break the curse. Even after he dived deep into Isenbert's conscience."
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
"Oi, Murata! I said, wait!!"
The bespectacled soukoku paused on his tracks upon hearing Yuuri's voice. Turning, he put on a cheerful smile on his physiognomy and beamed, "Yah! Shibuya!"
The 16-year-old Maou was chasing him with long strides, and he looked extremely annoyed—and Murata had to grin inwardly upon seeing that. Yuuri must've been pissed off about something.
"I need to talk to you," Yuuri demanded, eyes looking seriously into Murata's. "I need your opinion, Murata."
Murata raised an innocent eyebrow. "Oh? You asked my opinion? That's unusual. Haven't you asked Weller-kyo about it, yet?"
The Daikenja had to restrain his laugh as he watched Yuuri flustered. "Well.. well.. I can't ask him for this one… I.. um.. well.. you know.. it's kinda complicated, and Conrad's injured, so I don't want to bother him.."
Putting up an expression of an injured puppy, Murata sighed dramatically, "Really, Shibuya. Am I just a replacement?"
"Murata!" Yuuri felt like tearing out his hair in frustration. "I'm serious!"
This time, the Daikenja let out a hearty laugh. "Does this have anything to do with Von Bielefeld-kyo?"
Yuuri blinked, and a faint pinkish tinge suddenly decorated his cheeks as he stammered, "H… how do you know?"
A toothy grin made it way up his face. "Maa… you forgot that I'm the Daikenja, Shibuya," he turned his back on Yuuri, his glasses gleamed. "All I can say right now, Shibuya, is that you have to look deep inside yourself to find an answer. Forget about other stuff, forget about the curse. Know yourself, Shibuya."
Yuuri blinked. "Know.. myself?" his voice sounded like dreaming as he contemplate what his friend had just said. Murata smirked and continued his walk down the corridor.
It wasn't until he reached the end of corridor when he heard Yuuri yelled, "Wait Murata!! You know about the curse?!"
Stopping on his track, he turned his head slightly. Sending a teasing smile, he replied, "Why don't you try asking Von Bielefeld-kyo himself about that, Shibuya?"
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
The flower garden was full of colors. Every flowers was in its bloom, displaying their most beautiful form, attracting every person to stop and admire their ethereal beauty. Inviting people to spend their time watching them, or playing around them. And few people could resist the invitation. That was why, that afternoon, Wolfram and Greta were seen sitting on the garden bench as the little princess played with a Mysterious Gwendal in her hand.
"Are you really okay, Wolfram?" she looked up worriedly. "You look pale."
Smiling the blond mazoku pinched he so-called daughter's cheek. "Of course. I'm a soldier, remember? A soldier have to be strong. This is really nothing."
That got him a smile from the brown-haired little girl. "Then, can Greta go collectsome flowers for Gwendal and Conrad?"
"Sure. They'll like them."
Sqeualing cutely, the little princess jumped off the bench and ran to the flowers. Wolfram watched her moved from one bushes to another as she picked up and chose each flower thoughtfully. A small smile etched on his expression upon seeing the brown-haired girl skipping happily among the thick bushes of flowers, humming a song he recognized as the one he had once played for her.
He yawned. The sleepiness was now unbearable. His eyelids felt heavy, and his vision blurred. So sleepy… he thought. Maybe it's okay to close my eyes for a second and open them again…
"Chiisa-Aniue will come. It's my birthday, so he'll come."
An all-too-familiar, small figure of a little blond prince was sitting on the windowsill in a big room that seemed so empty despite the huge bed, closets, and toys scattered all over the room. His legs dangled cutely as he gazed at the moon outside the window, cuddling a small knitted animal doll and murmured, "He'll come."
Wolfram felt cold, and he wondered why the hell that little boy didn't wear any warm clothes or even blankets, before realizing that the room was his room. And the little boy.. was him.
He blinked. Is this a dream? How weird..
"But it would be troublesome for him, don't you think," a deep, reverberating voice rang in his ears. "And anyway, it's only your birthday. Your Chiisa-Aniue has much more important things to do than to come to a selfish little brother who did nothing except disdain him for being a half-human and wish him a Happy Birthday."
"But Chiisa-Aniue will come. He always did," the boy uttered out loud, as if countering the deep voice and reassure himself that, indeed, his brother would come. But the deep voice only laughed darkly.
"He won't. You've hurt him too much, you should've realized that. And you've been such a burden for him—having someone else to protect while he himself had many things to do. Ever thought that it'd be easier for him if you just….say, disappear, maybe?"
The boy's shoulders were hunched back, and Wolfram heard a stifled sob as a tear rolled down his cheek. The little boy hugged the knitted animal tighter as he cried quietly, his body shuddering, and he muttered again and again, "He'll come. He'll come.."
Something constricted in his chest. He knew that 'Chiisa-Aniue' wouldn't come until next week. Wolfram still remembered how he himself had thrown away the present his 'Chiisa-Aniue' offered to him, and snapped harshly that he didn't need any present from a half-human.
Wolfram gripped his chest. Why does it hurt so bad?
"Because you know how useless you are," the reverberating voice said, and Wolfram saw his surroundings changed. "Remember, Wolfram? You've always been too much of a hassle for everybody—your family, and even Yuuri. It must be relieving for them if you could just disappear, no?"
A familiar office appeared, and Wolfram saw his oldest brother signing stacks of paper while the same little blond boy—himself—was standing in front of the tall, wooden desk, pouting and looking angry.
"Aniue!" the little boy shrieked. "I want to go to other towns! I'm bored!'
Gwendal—must've been around his thirties—massaged the bridge of his nose, looking annoyed. "No. It's dangerous outside the castle, and I can't accompany you. I still have a lot to do."
"But! Hahaue is busy, too! And Weller-kyo could go wherever he wants, so why can't I?"
"Because you're still a child."
"I'm not! See here!" before Gwendal could respond, the boy had raised both of his hands and chanter. The next second, small fireballs flew to every direction and before Gwendal knew it, his office was in fire.
"Wolfram!" he bellowed, furious at how unreasonable his baby brother was. "Stop being a brat!"
The little boy stiffened in shock, but quickly recovered. Running out of the office, he shrieked, "I hate Aniue!!"
Tears welled up in the blond's emerald orbs. He remembered. And it was still clear in his mind, too, how he had locked himself in the room afterwards, crying until he fell asleep of exhaustion, cuddling the little wooden sword Conrad had given him and the knitted animal Gwendal had made, and curled up inside Cecilie's favorite blanket he took the night before.
"Yes, it was lonely, wasn't it?" there was a tone of pity in the voice. "You knew you'd only be a bother if you asked more and more of them. Even until now. Even for Yuuri, you've only been a burden."
A sob escaped him. He felt as if he was hollow inside. Was he that useless? Even though his family loved him.. could he really be nothing except a hassle? Even now?
It hurts… he screamed inwardly. The pain, regret, loneliness…everything mixed into one.
Yuuri's figure before him, eyes sad. Wolfram's eyes widened when he saw Yuuri's arms were tied.
"You're holding him back," the voice chastised him. "Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, if you dropped the whole engagement off, he might be happier—and more content—than he is now?"
"But I love him.." he whispered painfully. "I've never loved anyone like I love him.."
"If you truly loved him, wouldn't you be happy if he was happy—regardless of whomever he was happy with?" there was a tinge of sadness in that voice. "You do know that he doesn't love you that way."
"But maybe over time.."
"You're being selfish again." The voice chided. "Aren't you going to let go? Don't you think it's for the best? The faster you give in, it'd be better for everybody. Your family wouldn't have to worry about you and the curse anymore, and Yuuri would be free. They would move on."
Something pounded in his chest—and it hrt, hurt so badly that he thought his chest was going to burst out and then he'd die. Maybe it was a better ending than the curse—being trapped between life and death.
Something hot and wet trailed down his cheeks.
"They'd be sad, of course," the voice continued. "But they'd let you go and move on. And you wouldn't be a burden anymore," it was gentle, soothing. "All you have to do is just sleep and let go."
"…fram..?" there was another voice… who was it?
"Don't you love them enough to let go?"
"Wolfram..?"
"…sleep tight."
"Wolfraaam! Wake up!"
His emerald eyes snapped open, and a beautiful face framed with curly brown bangs came into his vision.
"…Greta.." he smiled, stroking her hair affectionately. The little girl looked confused as she raised her hand to touch his cheeks.
"..you're crying," she pointed out. Wolfram chuckled as he drew his daughter into a warm, tight hug. Burying his face on the brown strands, he murmured, "I had a bad dream."
Greta blinked once. Then, she patted Wolfram's back reassuringly. "It's okay. It's just a dream," she cooed, imitating what Yuuri always did to her whenever she had a nightmare. Wolfram tightened his embrace.
"Greta, will you listen to me?"
"Hnn?" the girl tilted her head slightly upwards, but the blond tucked her head under his chin. Greta never knew that at that moment, tears were flowing freely from Wolfram's emerald eyes.
"When you've matured up.. don't be embarrassed to show your love to the people you treasure.." his voice came out even although his throat hurt like hell. "Never care about what people say if you're doing the right thing… or if you love someone. Don't let what people say blinds you. And never, ever lie to yourself. Don't let your pride turns you into a self-centered person, and don't let your prejudice clouds your judgment. Understand?"
"Wolfram?" the tone Greta used was full of confusion.
"Fate can't be avoided. Make the most of your life, Greta…and be thankful of it." Wolfram tightened his embrade—so tight that he could feel Greta's jaw moving, mouthing his name. He took a deep breath.
"Don't be like me, Greta. Don't be like Yuuri right now, either. You'll hurt so many people."
Small arms wounded around Wolfram's back, returning the hug, and the blond heard a soft, childish murmur that would reverberate in his mind forever.
"I love you, Wolfram."
"I love you, too, Greta."
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
"Are you sure we're doing the right thing?" the Daikenja murmured softly as he watched the gleaming water in the bowl that was hovering in the middle of the sacred room where the boxes was kept. The water rippled gently, and the soukoku sighed.
"There's no other way," a gentle, yet slightly pompous-toned voice came to his ears.
"It's cruel."
"Everything is." The replya made Murata sighed deeply as he turned his head towards the figure sitting nonchalantly on one of the sacred boxes. Putting his hands on his waist, he looked straight into the Original King's eyes.
"He's your descendant, you know. And don't you think he'd suffered quite enough in the ordeal with Soushu and those stupid boxes?" the soukoku shook his head, exasperated. "Even I, sometimes, feel guilty about it."
"Ah, but my Daikenja," Shinou cocked his head innocently. "I'm doing this for my descendant's sake, and you know that."
"But is it really necessary?" said Daikenja countered as he neared the blond King.
Taunting, Shinou let his ghostly hand brushed the side of Murata's face, and he smiled as the latter suppressed a shiver. Placing his hand to cup his Daikenja's cheek, he murmured, "Don't you trust me?"
Murata gave him an incredulous gaze. "After all this time? After all those pranks and jokes you've played on me? No one could ever guess what's actually in your head."
"Yes, but you understand. That's all that matters."
"You're insane." The soukoku grumbled, earning a light, hearty chuckle from the blond King.
"But you love this insane King." His eyes dances. Murata fought back a blush, a useless effort. A gentle smile finally appeared on the King's face.
"Nonetheless, in the end," Shinou continued. "Everything would depend on how his family—and Yuuri-Heika, of course—act. I'm only helping. They have to choose their own fate."
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
Sometimes, Yuuri wondered if all things he thought could make him insane.
Maybe Murata was right. Maybe he needed to sort out his thoughts.
Sighing, the soukoku slumped onto his studying table. Those paperwork really didn't have any place in his head right now. He had to calm his mind down. And seeing as he was alone in the room at the moment, maybe it was the best time to do so.
He stood up, and moved to the window. It was really nice outside, too. It was warm for autumn days, and the breeze felt really good. Enjoying te naughty wind tossinghis short black hair backwards, he took a deep breath, closed his mind, and cleared his thoughts. His breath came in long inhalations and exhalations until he felt really calm. And the first thing that came to his mind was..
Wolfram.
Hundreds, thousands, possibly millions of Wolfram's images flooding his mind. Angry Wolfram, sleeping Wolfram, arrogant Wolfram, narcissistic Wolfram, happy Wolfram, smiling Wolfram, tired Wolfram… and countless other images and expressions the blond had shown Yuuri..
Somehow, his heart felt warm. A small smile appeared on his physiognomy. He had to admit that Wolfram was, indeed, very dear to him. And he does look like an angel…
As if it was a cue, Wolfram's voice reverberated in his heart. "If you fall, I will fall with you."
Ah, he always felt secure every time those words rang in his heart. He felt reassured. There was someone that, no matter what, would always stand by his side.
But, wasn't Conrad like that, too? Didn't Conrad say that no matter what, he'd do anything for what Yuuri believed in? What was the difference, then? Sure, with Conrad, he felt safe. The ever-smiling man was the best swordsman ever, after all. But still, the safety he felt with Conrad was different than what Wolfram gave him.
While Conrad would do anything—without any doubt or question—for Yuuri and his idealism, his loyalty and protection was blind, Yuuri realized. He would still obey Yuuri even when the soukoku did something wrong. But Wolfram… was different. If Yuuri made a mistake, he'd yell, and try to force the young king to see reason. He'd argue, he'd throw a fit only to make Yuuri reconsider his decision.
And although Yuuri rarely wanted to reconsider his decision, even if he grumbled in irritation, Wolfram would still stand by his side. Protecting him.. even though when it was proven that Yuuri's decision was indeed irreasonable, he'd throw an "I told you so" look at the young king.
Ah, so that was it, Yuuri realized. That was the difference. With Wolfram, he felt assured that he was doing the right thing. Not only he felt safe, but also reassured. That was probably the best thing of having Wolfram right by his side.
Wolfram's loyalty was different then the others. He wouldn't lie to him, he'd tell the soukoku the truth whatever it was. More than a protector, Wolfram was his best friend. That was clear.
But then… why did his heart skip a beat whenever the blond mazoku appeared withing his range of sight? Murata was his best friend, and his heart never skipped a beat when Murata appeared. Well, at least not in the same way—Murata could always shocked him with his sudden appearance, after all.
Anyway, and sometimes, it was kinda hard to breathe when Wolfram was far too close to him. As if the oxygen in this world wasn't—wouldn't be—enough. The same thing happened when he felt that Wolfram was too far away and he couldn't reach the blond. It was as if there was no air around him, and he was choked. He was also very accustomed to Wolfram's warmth on the other side of the bed. It gave him a feeling of… contentment.
But what mattered the most… was probably Wolfram's own existence. It was just not the same without the blond mazoku around him—breathing, smiling, shouting, living—being bossy and stuff. Everything seemed to be different if he wasn't there—every color seemed to fade… and there was something—pounding hard—on his chest tightening without Wolfram.
He just simply couldn't imagine it.
A flash of Wolfram's pale, expressionless face as he lay on the grass—right after they found out that his heart had stopped breathing. He remembered.. and it was such a weird feeling—it wasn't sadness he had felt, not anger, not even wanting to cry. It was—Yuuri's eyebrows scrunched up looking for the words—nothing. Nothing at all.
Yeah, that was what he had felt back then. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He was numb. He couldn't feel, couldn't react, couldn't think. He didn't cry because he felt numb. His brain—his conscience simply refused to register, or admit, that Wolfram's existence had ceased, that the blond mazoku had died. The only thing his mind could register was the growing feeling in his chest. A feeling like he had just lost something—big, very much treasured, irreplaceable—and the thing he lost had left a huge wmptiness inside him. An emptiness that—he somehow knew—wouldn't be able to be filled by anything. He felt… hollow. Empty.
The feeling of knowing that he wouldn't be able to be complete ever again.
Yuuri's eyes flew open, realization shone in his eyes.
That was it. The feeling was different, indeed, than what he felt when they all thought Conrad was dead. But why was it different? Both Conrad and Wolfram were his best friends..
When I passed the portal.. Yuuri thought, I felt that way, too. Empty. And I thought it was because I'd never come back and see everyone again. Now that I think about it..
The memory of the day he had beaten Soushu flashed in his mind—still vivid, every detail, every little thing that had happened—and he could still remember—could still feel—how it felt when Murata told him that the portal was their last chance to get back home (and for the first time, Yuuri wondered which world was his home now). He was shocked to hear that, and sad. That's what he felt. He didn't feel empty. But then..
"Go! My fiancé wouldn't be so heartless he could abandon his family."
Those words… what Wolfram had said back then, somehow, made him feel somewhat empty. Even now, when he remembered it, he still felt the emptiness. Yuuri opened his eyes, staring blankly ahead.
He had listened to everybody back then. He'd stabbed Morgif to the ground and turned his back as the others encouraged him to go. He wanted to go without turning back, without a word, and he was almost able to do so if it wasn't for a voice he'd grown very used to hear, calling him in a tone that he had never heard before..
"Yuuri.."
And that was when I felt as if the emptiness was going to swallow me whole.
His voice.. was different, it shook as if he were crying. And I didn't dare to turn back, because..I was afraid to see him crying…
And if I had turned back, would I have been able to go through the portal?
He wouldn't be able to let go of everything. He wouldn't be able to leave—his deepest corner of heart whispered—Wolfram. Then, was it Wolfram or Shin Makoku he had said a single 'goodbye' to?
But this isn't love, right? I mean.. I'm a normal teenager, and I have never, ever showed any sign of being a homosexual. Besides, I never really love—not even like—anyone that way…
"But if you've never fallen in love, how do you know that you're not in love, Shibuya?" Murata's voice reverberated in his mind. Again, Yuuri closed his eyes. He was just too confused, and there were just too many things he wanted to think over.
Maybe he'd better not rush. He still had time, right?
"Yuuri, wimp! What the heck are you doing, day dreaming?" the familiar bossy voice snapped him back into reality. Yuuri sighed and turned.
"Wolfram." He murmured. And he was quite surprised when a smile appeared on his face without warning. Well, he wasn't the only one. Apparently, Wolfram was, too, because he was now giving Yuuri an incredulous look.
"What's with your cheery attitude today?" the fire-wielder pput down another stack of paper he'd brought in, earning a groan from Yuuri. He rolled his eyes at that, before laying his gaze on the unfinished stacks of paper. "Geez, Yuuri.. what have you been doing all the time?"
"But I've been signing papers!" the young king protested. "I haven't done anything else since noon!"
The petite mazoku snorted. "I won't be surprised if you were flirting with the maids again," he said indignantly. Yuuri's eyes narrowed at that.
"I didn't! Stop accusing me like that, Wolfram! Here I am, trying my best to be a good king and not being a burden for anybody, and you came here only to accuse me of cheating again?" Yuuri sulkily snatched one paper on the top of the stack and signed it, sighing in exasperation.
Wolfram didn't answer. Instead, he moved to stand by the windowsill, gazing outside the window absently, as Yuuri signed some more papers. For once, the two enjoyed the rare silence between them.
"Na, Yuuri,"
Yuuri looked up. "Hm?" he blinked at the sight. Wolfram, standing by the windowsill, his gaze cast outside, with the early sunset rays poured on his figure, suddenly looked as if he were the most fragile thing in the world.
Something.. Yuuri's hand subconsciously moved, reaching for the blond figure that suddenly seemed so far away. Something.. isn't right. I can felt it. He seems so far.. and if I don't reach him and get a hold of him now, I'll lose him. He seems so fragile.. and ephemeral being that could be shattered any second… and I just wanted to protect him.. keep him close..
"Yuuri?" the confused tone snapped him back to reality. He blinked, only to see his left hand clutching the blond's arm sleeve. He raised his eyes. Onyx orbs met emerald ones. Several moments passed in silence.
"Ah.. ahaha.." Yuuri chuckled nervously as he hastily removed his hand. "It's.. nothing. Wh.. what was it you wanted to say?"
Wolfram's clear green eyes seemed to be scrutinizing him, but then, the mazoku reverted his eyes, returning his gaze out.
"Na, Yuuri," he began, "As long as you're our Maou, you won't let any war happen to Shin Makoku anymore, right?"
Yuuri turned his body to face the petite figure by the windowsill. "What are you talking about? Of course I'll always try my best so it won't happen. I don't want any more war.." he cast his gaze down to the floor and murmured determinedly, "I won't let it happen. Definitely."
Wolfram's gaze fell on Yuuri's figure, and a sincere, loving smile appeared on his physiognomy. Affectionately, he murmured, "You're such a wimp." And I have full faith on you.
"Don't call me wimp," Yuuri countered back, out of habit. That drew a light chuckle from the blond. A smile crept up on the soukoku's face at that.
"Yuuri," the fire-wielder continued. "If.. if a war had to happen…and you just have no choice.. you wouldn't let either Gwendal or Conrad die, would you?"
Yuuri blinked. "Huh?"
"I mean, if there was a war, and both Gwendal and Conrad were sent to the battlefield.. whatever might happen, you'd come for them if they needed help, right? You won't abandon them or let them die.. right?"
"Of course!" Yuuri burst out answering, not believing what he had just heard. Was Wolfram doubting him? "I would never leave my friends! And there would be no more war! I won't let anyone die!"
Unexpectedly, a sincere—somewhat relieved and trusting and satisfied at once—smile was etched on the blond's physiognomy. It was the most beautiful smile Yuuri had ever seen from the petite prince, and yet, somehow it sent a shiver down his spine. There was just.. something different about Wolfram..
"Wolf.." he breathed out, but the blond cut him off.
"Aniue and Conrad will be in the dinner tonight. Gisela has released them and she said they're well enough to do daily activities, except training and any other har-working activities."
At once, Yuuri's face brightened. "Really?"
"Yeah, really. So you'd better finish your work quickly and don't be late for dinner, wimp."
"Wolfram! Don't call me that!"
Wolfram gave a chuckle, and cast back his gaze outside while Yuuri turned back his attention to his work. Several moments passed in silence.
"Yuuri," Wolfram broke the silence, his tone demanding. The soukoku turned, and Wolfram got his fullest attention. "Hm?"
Emeralds clashed with Onyx, and Yuuri was taken aback at the intense feeling behind those green, beautiful orbs of his fiancé. Yet, a beautiful smile was still etched perfectly on his face.
"I love you." Wolfram whispered. "I love you. Always."
As if the time had frozen, Yuuri remained still, his eyes wide ope in shock, and Wolfram absentmindedly wondered if the young king was still breathing. Deciding that it was best to leave Yuuri alone on his own, he moved from his place to the door. Opening it, he turned to look at his fiancé. There was such a loving, endearing feeling shone in his emerald eyes.
"Don't be late for dinner, wimp."
I love you, Yuuri.
And the door was slammed shut.
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
The delicious smell of curry wafted around the room, teasing anyone's appetite for dinner. Sweet smell of warm tea mixed with the smell of Celi's Red Sigh o the center of the table gave a relaxing effect on the current occupants of the room: Yuuri, Greta, Gwendal, Günter, Conrad, Cecilie, and Anissina.
"Where's Wolfram?" Yuuri voiced out, and six head turned to him questioningly.
"He's not with you, Heika?" Günter inquired carefully as he felt the tension rose in the air.
Yuuri shook his head. "He didn't come into our room before dinner." He said. "I thought he was with either Gwendal or Conrad."
"I'll look for him." Conrad instantly said and rose to his feet, concern was clear on his face. "He didn't say he'd skip dinner, so he should be her by now."
"Conrad, sit down." Gwendal's calm voice cut in. "I'm quite sure he's in his own room. I'll go get him."
"Wait a minute!" Greta cried. "Gwendal and Conrad have just gotten better, ne? Yuuri, let Greta go get Wolfram, ne?"
The young Maou nodded. "Greta's right. You two have just released from bed, you shouldn't force yourself. Greta, go tell Wolfram that we're all waiting for him."
"Hai!"
It didn't take long for the girl to skip down the hallway to Wolfram's room. She had been there several times, and she knew the fastest way to get there.
Carefully opening the huge wooden door of Wolfram's room, she poked her head in. "Wolfram? It's Greta. Dinner's ready, everyone is waiting."
Receiving no answer, the brown-haired princess slipped in. "Wolfram?" she called again as she caught a sight of a figure sitting on the chair by the opened window. The last streaks of sunset came in through the window and fell on the blond figure, shining over his closed eyes and his peaceful expression—lips opened a little and he looked completely relaxed—making him look angelic. Greta made her way to the blond figure.
"Ne, Wolfram? Are you asleep?"
The little princess reached forward to touch the sleeping blond's arm. Shaking it a bit, she called, a spoiled tone in her voice. "Woolf-raa-am!"
And the arm fell lifelessly to the blond's side.
Greta's breath hitched in surprise and she subconsciously stepped back. But then, her natural instinct kicked in, she lurched forward, taking Wolfram's hand in hers.
"Wolfram? Wolfram?!"
The hand in hers was cold.
Greta's eyes widened.
"Wolfram??"
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
tbc!
--o0oYuuRamo0o--
A/N: Nyaaan! Finally! Okay, -determined- I have to finish this fic, I have to!! Thank you so much for reading. Reviews? Con-crits are luffed!
I hope this is longer enough to make up for the last short chapter. Gomennasai. I's hard to find a computer to type.. ahaha..
Next Chapter: No one wants to let go.. and so did Yuuri.
Mata ato de!
-isumi'kivic' and Ilde-
