Dreams of Amber
Chapter 14: Divided Attention Part 2
Any war veterans are wise to the knowledge of being ready at all times, especially when those times are war. Gwendal himself was no exception to this. One particular habit he had picked up was being asleep while still remaining aware of his surroundings. This trait came in useful; just at the slightest shift in the air and he was already up and about, dressed and armed and ready to protect his homeland. Even now under Yuri's reign, he had never forgone this habit – especially with the Maou's tendency to land himself head first into trouble. Add it to the fact that he could just be as impeccably groomed and calm as Conrad out of bed, it's almost awe-inspiring. So yes, you could say that Gwendal has woken up to many different situations, all without batting an eyelash.
However, that's not to say his years of experience ever prepared him to be woken up by a dragon.
Spluttering out strong curses, Gwendal quickly back away from said dragon that had just moments ago been licking his face. The dark dragon snorted, as if amused, before leaning his neck forward and nudging the man towards its left wing. Wiping all slobber from his face, Gwendal peered under the wing where he was being nudged to and gasped. "Haru!" he half-shouted. The teen did not respond, and for a brief moment Gwendal's heart dropped. No, he couldn't be…He went and pressed two of his fingers to his neck – waiting, hoping – and nearly burst out in relief when he felt the sure and steady pulse. A quick once-over told him that other than the bump to his head, no major wounds was inflicted; only scratches that will heal over without any scarring. That single fact made him glad. He does not want to see anymore scars on the other's body, especially one as young as he.
"For all your strengths, you are still a boy," Gwendal murmured, sliding his fingers into silky, ebony hair. A young, adolescent boy, whose views shakes between that of a child and an adult. He carefully lifted Haru and placed him on his lap, his head resting on his chest. The sight almost made him smile, as it reminded of another double black who did the same one night on a cold, lonely desert. Similar, and yet so different...
'I just don't know how you'll take it if you know I'm a murderer.'
Gwendal frowned. That statement bothered him, niggling at the back of his mind like a worm. In what way and circumstances, had the other done to be considered murder? The man studied the person in his arms. Golden, amber eyes that he adored were shut away behind smooth lids, his effeminate features as peaceful as his lax, supple body. The teen had even acquired a little tan from his self-training compared to the pale skin when he first arrived in Shin Makoku. Gwendal took his right glove off with his teeth, not wanting to break his hold, and used it to cup the other's soft cheek.
He remembered, with a sense of mortification, how he had openly stared at the other, drenched through from his arrival. He remembered the warm (or, dare he say it, fluffy) feeling in his chest when he was bestowed with a smile from the gift and the permission to use his first name. He remembered how Haru earned a little of his respect at the dining table, seeing the calm rage bubbling beneath the surface when his little brother was acting foolish. He remembered the feeling of utmost content coursing through him, watching the teen reading or falling asleep. He saw the fierce protectiveness the other had for the Maou, the mischievous, and yet relenting glint in his eyes when he teased the engaged couple, the hurt when he refused to send out his regimen for Yuri, the shock, fear, and confusion crossing his face when they kissed, the deep sadness, his surprise, flustered look, his laughter – he was privy to the teen's feelings without even being aware of it, since the very beginning and –
"I love him" he said to himself, shocked. He held looked down at Haru with new eyes, swallowed and said it again, "I...love him." It was one thing to think that he cares for Haru, adores him even, but another thing entirely when all along he has fallen for him. Such a (thunderous) revelation made him realised the reason for all his impulsive decisions – the raccoon-cat doll, offering himself to be his mentor, willingly entering an accidental engagement – all of it was obviously done for Haru's sake. A selfish desire of his to be close to him, bind himself to him, to be the one to brush his fears away, protect him; despite knowing that the slap he received was an auto-reflex from shock, he still took advantage of it because of those reasons. To think that he's acting this way towards someone that he'd known for just a month almost made his head spin.
Gwendal took a moment to breath and then tightened his grip. It was decided. He would court Haru, officially, when all this was over. He will prove to Haru that he can be a good partner, a loyal, devoted and loving husband. He will not give him the chance to think that the engagement was regrettable, he won't allow it. There's, however, still the matter of his fiancé being a possible murderer hanging in the air. He settled himself and his precious load comfortably against the warm underbelly of the dragon. He would have to wait for Haru to wake up first before he could decide truly on what course of action he's to take. Even then, it's still all up to the unconscious person in his grasp that will choose the crossroads in which they now stand.
He felt warm and...Safe, he felt safe. It's been a while since he felt that way, not even when he was in the Shibuya household or Blood Pledge Castle. Well, he thought, with the exception of Gwendal's study, he guessed he felt safe there too. Was it because of the smell of books which he always found comfort in? Or was it because of the person who occupied it? Now that he thinks about it, this warmth felt somewhat familiar...he buried his nose into his soft, firm pillow, breathing in its scent that tickled his nose and hear the soulful thump of a heartbeat – hey, wait, since when does pillows have a heartbeat?
He immediately snapped his eyes open, his sight swimming from the sudden movement and despite the fact that his body felt like ten ton lead, he pushed himself away, breaking the hold whosoever had on him. "Ugh," he rasped out, swaying a little. His sight was still a little blurry at best, so when he saw a green lump moving towards him, he lashed out only for it to be grasped in a firm hold.
"Haru," a familiar, deep voice emanated from it, and after a few blinks, he could finally make out human features on said lump. "Gwendal, I –" His words trailed away into a fitful coughing. Gwendal gave him his water bottle and he took it with gratification, relishing every single drop he could get from the canteen. Once satisfied, he licked his lips and gave it back. "Thanks, I needed that," he said, his voice a little less hoarse than before. He then took a look at the place they are now in. "This is..."
The chamber that they are in was similar to the praying chamber in the Original King's castle, only instead of water streaming down the walls; it was swathed with trailing, translucent curtains of the palest blue that was flapping in a non-existent wind, and the singular gold insignia hanging on the wall was that of quicksilver. What had his attention though was the large, floating crystal in the middle of the room, a small dais just raised from the ground a little ways away with four slots of different shapes carved out of it. Looking back at the crystal, he was struck by a thought. "Where's the rose?" he asked, looking everywhere around him. A movement caught his eye, and he turned to see Kurai lifting his left paw to reveal the rose, safe and intact. "Ah, thanks Kurai." he said while scratching its underbelly. He made to reach out for it, only to find his hand encased in another much larger than his own. Haru looked at the owner questioningly.
"Haru...," Gwendal said, reluctant to say what had to be said but determined. "What you said back in the cave, what exactly do you mean?"
The reaction was immediate. Haru's mouth pressed down into a hard thin line, his body tense and his eyes darkened considerably into that of molten gold. He tried to pull away but to no avail. "Gwendal, please." he said, his voice barely a whisper.
"Not until you tell me what's going on. I would very much like to know, as is my right."
"...Your right? Since when!" he shouted, anger taking over. He then tried to use his free hand to take the other off guard and pry the hand off of him. Gwendal dodged the punch and retaliated by grasping the wrist. Seeing that now both his hands are imprisoned he struggled against the man before him, "Kuso, let go! I don't need to answer you just because you said so! Who do you think you are?"
"How about mentor and fiancé –"
"Don't you pull that on me! I may have acknowledged you as my mentor even when I don't need one, but the engagement, that slap, was...was accidental! There, I said it! I didn't mean to –"
"I know."
"– hit you and...Wait, what?" Haru froze, incredulity colouring his tone "You, you knew?" That means...he had been worried over...nothing? He felt, well, he felt cheated.
"Yes,"
"And you didn't say anything..." He curled his hand into a tight fist. Anger took over once again, "Why? Why did you went along and accept if you knew? Is it because you have found some sick joy in making fun of me this way?"
"No, I –"
"Shut up, I don't want to hear anything from you! You could have told me! But I guess you didn't because you think I'm a pathetic, lonely brat who doesn't need to know because you think there wasn't any need to. Well, let me tell you I had enough of your games–"
Before he could finish his tirade, he found himself slammed to the ground, not too hard as to knock his head but enough to get dazed by the sudden impact. Gwendal growled impatiently, "I do not see this as a game," he said as calmly as he could, his blue eyes dark with whirling turmoil of emotions. It made Haru's breath catch. "I have no intention of 'making fun of you' when I accepted. I did it because..." Gwendal trailed away, looking down into bright amber that shone with confusion, shock and hurt. "Because I love you." He said softly.
Haru gasped. He trembled, shaking his head wildly in denial. "No, you're lying! You have to be, you don't love me! You're just saying that because I am Yuri's cousin! YOU DON'T LOVE ME! YOU CAN'T LOVE ME! YOU CAN'T!" He yelled in the end. Gwendal tightened his hold he still had on the other's wrists, using his weight to pin the squirming teen down. "Haru –" he started.
"NO! GET OFF ME! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYMORE! IT'S ALL LIES! NOBODY CAN LOVE ME! I'M A MONSTER, A MURDERER! OKAA-SAN SAID SO, I KILLED OTOU-SAN AND RYU NII-CHAN, THEY DIED BECAUSE OF ME, AND KAA-SAN KILLED HERSELF BECAUSE OF ME – Mmph!"
Gwendal hold the kiss for a little while longer until they need to part for air. Without another thought, he let go and held the stunned Haru against him, breathing him in. He smelled fresh and sweet, and that of earth that has soaked up the rain. It was pleasantly addictive. "You're not what you say you are. You...are the kind, loyal, calm, passionate, wilful, as well as cute and a little reckless," he hushed the other's protest with a small smile, "And most important of all, you are you. Actions belied one's nature, and from what I've seen of yours – and I'm sure the others will agree – it is not that of a monster, or a killer. You wouldn't have worked so hard to protect Yuri if it were so or bothered with his or even this world's affairs."
"But I-I still killed Otou-san and Ryu nii-chan," Haru said in a small, tired voice. "I discovered my powers at an early age and I was so excited to show them. When I...changed, into my alternate form in the car like I did back in the cave, it shocked Otou-san so much he didn't – he didn't see an oncoming truck." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "He tried to...to stop but it was too late. The truck struck the driver's side head on and killed them instantly, leaving only me and Okaa-san. I sometimes could still feel the pain where my legs were crushed, and the smell of fire and gasoline that haunts my dreams..."
Screaming and soft sobs could be heard over the fiery carnage. A little amber-eyed boy with dark emerald hair tried to crawl out from the overturned car. He cried out in pain when he couldn't get his legs out from underneath the seat that was pressing against it. Hiccupping a little, he looked back into the car, right into the lifeless eyes of his brother who had shielded him. Never again will he see his brother's smile, or his eyes looking at him with love and playfulness. All that was gone; slowly crackling away into the flames, gasoline aiding its quest to consume all that he knew. He wanted to call out for his Otou-san, his Okaa-san, to wrap himself in their embrace and tell him all this was only a dream. He was detached to his surroundings, not hearing anything and numb to the pain he felt. He welcomed the darkness that came upon him.
Gwendal remained silent, listening, watching as one by one, little by little, the wall around the teen fell apart. Haru couldn't stop the words coming out of his mouth. So many things were happening and so fast that he had very little time to gather himself. All he could do now was hang on and ride it out. "Okaa-san went into a coma for a month while I escaped with a gash on my head, along with a broken leg and ribs." He continued. "The...how would you call them, law enforcers? The police chalked the whole incident up to faulty brakes and left it at that. Only Okaa-san and I know what truly happened, and after she woke up...she made sure that I never forget it."
"Your mother was the one who gave you those scars?" Gwendal was horrified at the notion. The thought of a mother harming her own flesh and blood, whatever her reasons, does not sit well him. Haru nodded a bitter smile on his lips.
"She was never the same after that. The loss of her husband and her oldest son affected her mind and to her, the youngest son had died in that crash as well. All she could see then was the pale-haired being that caused their death. Every time she sees me, she will grab the nearest thing – plates, glass, her keys and a vase, whatever was within her reach – and threw them at me, always pleading for me to bring them back, to bring back her husband and sons. Her hatred for that being, for a part of me, made me hate it as well..."
A plate went sailing across the room, and he flinched when it crashed inches away from his ear. One of the fragments cut his cheek, drawing blood and running down his skin like a river. And yet, he just stood where he was, unmoving, looking across the room at the dishevelled middle-aged woman with wild eyes.
"Why do you keep coming back to my house? Have you not cause enough grief for me yet? You have already taken my husband; you have already taken my sons, what more do you want? You monster, get out!" Another projectile was thrown, this time a crystal vase, his mother's prized possession...
"Mother, it's me, Haru –"
"Lies, all lies! You're not Haru! You're a monster, my own murderer! I could never give birth to a disgusting being like you! You're not my son! I'm not your mother! Such a term only belongs to my real sons, not from you and your vile mouth! If you want to redeem yourself, then give them back! Give back what I have lost!"
"I tried to please her, show her that it's still me, that I'm still her son. And, foolish as I was then, I thought it worked. One day, I had just come back from school. I called out to her; tell her I'm home like I always did but this time it was quiet. I became worried. I searched the house until I reached the bedroom my parents once shared. There I found her, sitting on the bed with a knife in her hand. She was waiting for me, waiting for me to find her so that she could set out what she wanted to do. The moment I opened the door and laid eyes on her, she stabbed herself in the stomach. I-I wanted to cry out, to go and call for help but she grabbed me and told me not to do anything. She wouldn't let me go and I had to stay. What scared me more than anything else then, other than the blood soaking my knees and the life dwindling away from her eyes, was the peaceful expression on her face, as if she was finally set free. The idea that Okaa-san killed herself, just so she could be away from me forever, shaken me. After that, well, I went to stay with Yuri." He finished lamely.
Gwendal rubbed soothing circles on his back, wiping away the tears that had coursed down his cheeks along with his tale. He then gently kissed his forehead, followed by his brows, his eyelids, his nose, his cheeks and then finally on the lips. He did not push his way in, just pressing against them softly before pulling away. "Haru, all of it, no listen to me," He grasped Haru's chin and turned his face back to him. "All that had happened is not your fault. Even if it was, your father and your brother will forgive you for it. Didn't your brother protect you at the risk of his own life? Would a brother who thinks of you as a monster do that? You of all people should know the best why. Do you think your family would truly begrudge you for something you have no control of?"
Haru looked into the eyes above him thoughtfully. He couldn't help thinking what a deep shade of blue the other eyes were, and wonder how he never noticed how beautiful it was, "No, but –"
"No more buts." Gwendal pulled them upright and leaned back against Kurai who had been dozing through the whole spectacle. "Now rest, we will search for a way out later when we are refreshed."
"You know," Haru said after a moment. "You've been talking a lot more lately. And for someone who claims he doesn't have proper knowledge on relationships, you seemed to know what to say."
"It is only when I'm in your presence, Haru." He paused. "And do not worry; I will not mention any of what you said to his Highness lest you permit me to do so."
"...Thank you, Gwendal."
"You are welcome, and Haru," he waited for the other to face him. "I love you, I truly do." Haru didn't reply. He reached out hesitantly for the large hands wrapped loosely around his waist and entwined them together, giving it a squeeze. For that moment, it was enough.
After what seemed like hours, a flash of light lit up the room, causing Gwendal and Haru to sit up and grab their weapons; Gwendal his sword, and Haru his dagger. They were tense and alert, straining to listen for any sounds when familiar voices reached their ears.
"Huh, this almost looks like that guy's temple. I wonder..."
"Your Eminence, look, there's the dragon that was with us before! Do you think his Highness is here?"
"One way to find out,"
They heard footsteps getting closer and just as they could see the tip of a single boot about to round the corner, Gwendal leapt out and clashed swords with another. He then took a good look at his opponent. "Gunter," he said.
The lavender-haired man was surprise as well, "Gwendal!" He immediately break away from the other and sheathed his sword. "I'm glad to see that you're alright. Is his Majesty with you?"
"No, Yuri isn't here, just us." Haru replied, coming out from underneath the protective wing. Gunter deflated visibly in disappointment. "What happened to you after that flash of light separated us?"
"Well," Murata scratched his head. "When we came to, we were in a field of flowers. Strange flowers though, unlike anything I've ever seen. Kinda look like poppies only that they're...pink and had a green middle. Anyway, we thought that something wasn't right when we started becoming dizzy. It turns out that we landed in a field of poisonous flowers. We quickly got away, though we're lucky that we didn't die while we're unconscious."
"While his Eminence created a small potion to get rid of the remaining poison we may have inhaled from our system, I scout the small forest we're in. It was then I found a giant tree, but it was dying. I was drawn to the symbols that were carved into the trunk, however, and it said 'Give this tree life and in return it will bestow a gift upon you.' I lead his Eminence back to the tree once we rested and we started searching around it for any clues. I was searching around the roots and there I found something hard stuck within it. It was a box and at my touch, it disintegrated into a small bottle that held a light green liquid. Not knowing what else to do with it, we tried pouring a drop of it onto the tree. The tree immediately came to life, and just as the inscription said, it gave us something in return." Gunter rummaged into his pouch and pull out a small, torn-up piece cloth, unfolding it to reveal an ornate ring; the band was shaped into twining vines and leaves and embedded in it was a round sapphire.
Just then, two flashes of light lit up the room once again. They turned around and Haru and Gunter broke out into a run, both yelling out, "Yuri!", "Your Highness!"
"Hey guys, did I miss anything?" Yuri smiled, hugging Haru and calming down Gunter's rambling. Everyone, including Conrad and Josak, gave their account and showed him the items they have found. Yuri hummed, looking contemplatively at the dais in front of the giant crystal. "Hey guys, I want to try something. Put each of the items that we found into matching slots."
They did as they were told, and for a minute, nothing happened. Then, a small click was heard and a slide came out showing two teardrop slots. Yuri glanced at it and exchanged looks with Haru. They took off their necklaces and slowly slotted them in. The crystal began to pulse, each pulse getting brighter and brighter until everyone had to shield their eyes from the blinding light. When it died down, they looked back to the crystal and were stunned at the sight. Two women, wispy in their transparency, floated in the crystal, eyes of familiar shades of blue staring gently down at them.
Yuri whispered disbelievingly, "Lady Julia...and Lady Anne."
Julia smiled in acknowledgement, "Hello, other me, it's been a while."
Haru stared at the other woman, meeting her solemn eyes head on. She nodded her head in greeting, which he returned. "What's going on?" he asked, more to himself than those around him but she heard all the same.
"You all have been brought here by my power but first," Anne flicked her hand gracefully. A sharp crash was heard, like that of glass breaking. They looked around them but saw nothing, "You are being watched, and what I have to say next are only for your ears only."
"Why that cowardly –"
"Hush, Wolfram, now's not the time!"
"You are right, Yuri. Our powers can only last so long to retain these forms. We are running out of time."
"The artefacts that you see before you once belong to me and only those of mine and Julia's blood may be transported to the exact destinations of each item. Any other will have to solve a riddle to get there and even then many obstacles will dissuade anyone from going any further."
"In that case," Murata bowed. "We're grateful."
"Just as the rose has its healing abilities," Julia continued. "So does the rest: the pocket watch has the ability to freeze time, but you can only do so once a day. The ring enables one to hear and understand what the earth speaks."
"And the silver goblet, should one fill it with water will become an elixir that can raise the dead but only when the right conditions are met or it will turn to poison. These items are powerful enough in their own right, but placed them together and they would be nothing but bringer of chaos as we speak. They must not fall into Nightsworth hands!"
"Um, that's going to be a problem..." Yuri said.
"We were under threat by Lord Nightsworth himself to gather these or face the destruction of our kingdom." Conrad explained.
"And we would gladly accept his challenge, if we only where that coward is hiding!" Wolfram added heatedly.
"I see," Anne said. "Then, it is very likely that he has already made his move."
"What...What do you mean?" Yuri asked fearfully. Wolfram and Murata also exchanged uneasy looks. Suddenly, the image of both women began to falter. "It is nearly time," Anne whispered.
"Be strong, Yuri. Always remember that you have the courage to change the world –"
"And never back down without giving a fight, right?" Yuri grinned. Julia giggled, "I couldn't have put it better myself."
"Haru," Said teen turned his eyes to Anne, "I am sorry, for what fate had dealt to you but your powers are not meant to be a curse. It is a part of you, just as my gift is a part of me, and I have learned to accept that. Now it is up to you whether you see it as who you are, and used it as you see fit. And you do not need to be alone to do so." She added, looking at Gwendal when she said it. Haru bowed his head, ignoring the curious and confused glances sent his way. The image began to waver again, cracks starting to form around the crystal. "Sister, it is time to go."
"Conrart," Julia called out, a sad smile on her beautiful face. "Thank you, for caring about me. I will cherish each moment that we have spent together. May you and Josak live happily in the next days of peace..."
"Julia..."
"Should you meet Adalbert, tell him that I miss him as well and to go and find his happiness. And Wolfram?"
Wolfram arched a brow at his former teacher, "Yeah?"
Julia winked, "Go get him." She laughed delightfully as Wolfram turned an alarming shade of red and started spluttering. She took her sister's hand and without a glance back, faded away into the crystal. The cracks spread until it reached the middle and then broke into a million of pieces. At the same time, the chamber began to shake.
"Aw, man, this always happens!" Yuri exclaimed.
"Less talking, more running!" Haru pushed his cousin towards Kurai. "Get onto Kurai!"
They didn't need to be told twice. All of them clambered up onto the dragon's back and once they were all sitted, Kurai began to flap his wings, ready to take flight, "Wait, the necklaces!" Yuri cried, jumping down and running towards the dais.
"Yuri, you idiot, get back here! I'll get you a dozen necklaces if you want it so badly!"
"Your Highness!"
"Yuri, it's too dangerous! Yuri!"
"Haru!" Gwendal tried to make a grab for him but Haru had already jumped down and slapped Kurai on his rump to get him moving, "Haru, no!"
"You guys go on ahead, we'll catch up!" he yelled up at them. He then ran towards Yuri, nimbly dodging all the fallen debris as if he had done it his whole life. When he reached his side, he said, "You're crazy, you know that?"
Yuri gave Haru his own necklace back, a sheepish chuckle leaving his lips. "Well, you're no better yourself, so that makes both of us."
Haru turned his back, indicating for Yuri to come closer and grabbed his shoulders. "Alright, hold on!" He concentrated and made an air disc beneath their feet. He then manoeuvred it to the hole in the ceiling and after the dark dragon in the distance. They could not see their surroundings for it was blindingly white. When they were just hovering above Kurai, Haru released his powers and they tumbled onto his back amidst hands that reached out for them in relief and worry.
"Are you both insane! You could have died back there!" Wolfram ejaculated angrily. Yuri and Haru laughed breathlessly at that, which only served to enraged Wolfram even more and set him off on another angry rant. Murata watched all these proceedings with a sigh, his shoulders slumped.
"I need a vacation..." he said to no one in particular.
She doesn't know how long she was imprisoned here; time doesn't seem to matter in places like this, where it's dark and cold and lonely. She longed for the comfort and warmth of her home, as well as the friendly smiles she has come to known. Her musings were interrupted by a rusty clang. She looked up from her place to see her cell door opening, followed by a spiky-haired man with mismatched eyes of the queerest colours.
"Here you go, Princess. Food and water, you can't get anything better than that." The man said gruffly. Greta just stared at the tray laid before her, not making a move to eat. The man huffed with irritation, "You will be of no use to my lord if you starved to death."
"All the better," she whispered. "He won't be able to use me to get to Papa then."
The man had no reply to that. He just let out another huff and went to get out off the cell. He hesitated halfway through, and after some time stooping by the cell doorway, he muttered and made his way back to the young girl that was lying on the floor. He sat down, picked up a loaf of bread, broke off a piece and handed it to Greta who was looking at him curiously. "Look, just eat, alright? If not for yourself, then for your dear Papa. I doubt he would like to see you all skin and bones now, would he?"
Greta stared at the man as if he grown another head. She then looked at the proffered bread and reluctantly took it. She chewed on the bread, a thoughtful look coming onto her face. Once she swallowed, she asked, "Mr. Darwin, why do you work for a man like Lord Nightsworth?"
Darwin tensed for a moment before relaxing into a force state of casualness. "His lordship saved my life, took me away from a life of fear and ridicule. He has given me a future when I thought there was none and for that I am forever indebted to him."
"Although it goes against what you believe in, on what you think is right?"
She did not receive an answer.
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