Chapter 22: Bright Stars and Floating Sheep
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"Be the change you want to see in the world," – Mahatma Gandhi.
The palace of Caloria was quickly being occupied by Dai Shimarron soldiers as a lone dark carriage rode away in which Lady Flynn Gilbit had the boy and the Maoh with her.
Baker had taken it to heart when the late ruler, Norman Gilbit, had asked him to protect his wife. Lady Flynn hoped the soldiers did not kill him; if she knew Baker, he would not let Dai Shimarron know where they were heading to. She looked at the two teenagers across from her. The boy had the girl's head on his lap.
Despite his calm appearance, Lady Flynn could feel the protective aura surrounding the boy as if he had a lifetime experience of war, but he seemed to not know how to fight. His battle with words, she discovered, was just a scratch upon the surface of the many levels of his core whereas the girl... she herself was a mystery. There was a something about this girl that told Lady Flynn she could trust this girl; but it seemed impossible. This was the first she met a Mazoku, a Soukoku no less.
Murata, on the other hand, had much on his mind. He looked down to his best friend; Yuri's hair was once again covered with a hat and her eyes, sunglasses. From her reaction to the hand held cannons, she had a traumatic experience prior to meeting him on the unknown beach. Back here again am I, he thought to himself, guess I won't be able to hide it much longer. He looked at the pendant around Yuri's neck and sighed. How many more do we have to bury?
Little did they know, a memory was replaying in Yuri's dream:
The afternoon was warm but the breeze was pleasantly cool.
It was two days before the engagement ceremony. Yuri and Wolfram sneaked out of the Castle for a private picnic; just the two of them. They would have kissed then were not for the rules of chastity. For in Shin Makoku, an unmarried Maoh must be chaste his or her lips clean of another's lips until the day of his or her wedding, or the engagement ceremony at least. The kiss symbolizes a married Maoh, by law and the cosmos.
Gunter had explained to her when two maryoku users kiss for the first time, their bond with their Maryoku is sealed as well. In Lady Celi's case, when she first kissed Dan Hiri Weller, her maryoku brought them both together. So when they – Wolfram and Yuri – kiss, they would be considered cosmologically married, if not lawfully. There was a preference over the years that the Maohs' first kiss would be on their wedding day as there had been breakups before.
Wolfram, however, cherished the idea of how lovers on Earth kissed plenty of times before their actual nuptial, and at times consummate. Yuri, much to his amusement, openly refuses to consummate until the night of their wedding. Even if they shared the same bed and dreams. But two years was quite some time...
That particular afternoon, Yuri sat on the picnic blanket as she relaxed comfortably against the tree that shaded them from the afternoon sun. Wolfram was resting his head on her lap. While Yuri normally abhors such physical contact, somehow it felt right with him.
"You know," Yuri murmured, "if we could do away with all the riches around us... if I were not the Maoh... just a girl with no dowry... would you have given me a second glance then... do you think we would live happily?"
"Just you..." Wolfram murmured, "Just... happy you..." Yuri looked down to discover that Wolfram had fallen asleep on her lap.
Yuri woke just as the carriage stopped, remembering the numerous times they have tried to kiss since their engagement but something always came up. Whenever they found a chance, an interruption would occur. They had settled for chaste pecks on the cheek afterwards – after Wolfram and Yuri nearly boiled Yosak to death. Was it fate's way of telling them that everybody in the castle know they were trying to get closer before their wedding day?
Yuri thought of the wedding with much heaviness upon the realisation that the day would never come; but she knew Wolfram would have wanted her to continue the best she can for his family, their daughter and the kingdom. Lady Flynn directed them around the docks and sneaking aboard a cargo ship destined for Dai Shimarron.
Lady Flynn explained to her then, why she needed her. Dai Shimarron may be an enemy of Shin Makoku, but Shou Shimarron's ruler, Saralegui, appears to be more lenient upon the matter; the trouble was Shou Shimarron only takes things into their own interest. Yuri briefly wondered what type of king Saralegui was.
The voice came again. "Watch yourself!"
Who-? she thought before turning to find three thugs looming lustily over her and Lady Flynn.
"Hey cuties," one of them sneered, "let's have some fun."
"I'm not entirely sure if your idea of fun is equivalent to mine," Yuri said coolly, turning into a defensive stance. Lady Flynn had explained when they boarded that the men were prisoners of war and were shipped to Dai Shimarron. They were not just any prisoners; they were captured by Dai Shimarron and were forced to fight a war with them. Because there were not enough ships to carry all the prisoners, they had to use a cargo ship; that however did not make them any less perverted, Yuri just discovered.
"Good, we like em' feisty," his friend purred, grabbing hold of Yuri's arm, another made a grab for her breast. Yuri clenched her teeth and prepared to fight, a few kicks in the groin ought to do. What would she give to see Gwendal's pained look again to watch her do so.
"Branwen!" Murata exclaimed, trying to keep the thugs away but was thrown back. Suddenly, one of the sheep leapt out of the herd and kicked the perverts in the face and groin. The thugs made a grab for it only to be kicked in the chest. The ball of wool then jumped and stood defensively before her as Dai Shimarron soldiers. Once everything was in order, the sheep nuzzled her thigh affectionately.
Yuri giggled and patted the soft wool on the sheep. She saw a white 'T' mark that lined the sheep's face. "I shall call you... T-Zone," she said, "You like that?" The sheep just licked her cheek. As good as it was to have a protective companion Yuri could not help but feel sorry for the prisoners. She watched the prisoner endure much pain as Dai Shimarron soldiers forced them back into place and could see the pain of many of them.
She remembered Gisela's story of Conrad in Luttenberg. From what Yosak had told her, her godfather just wanted to go home; and she knew, twenty years ago, Wolfram had wanted him home as well.
"You're quite a little fighter," said an old afro haired prisoner, patting a sheep, "This guy was able to sense danger."
"So it seems," said Yuri. The old gent just smiled. Yuri wondered slightly if he was a brother or distant relative of the afro haired gent who shared his sandwich with her. She did not have time to ask as the guards pulled him back.
"GET BACK IN LINE!" the guards commanded, hitting him with the butt of their spears.
"Please," Yuri pleaded, "don't hurt him, can't you see he's old."
"Lay off, tramp!" the soldier sneered pushing her away.
"But-"
"Don't worry, little flower," the old gent assured, waving her off, "I'll be fine." Yuri began to protest but Lady Flynn shook her head, indicating it was no use. Yuri sat back down beside the woman and watched in silence as the clouds passed by. Murata sat on her other side to be sure he could protect her from more thugs.
"You're a strange one," Lady Flynn murmured after a prolonged silence.
"So I've been told," Yuri replied with a weary smile.
"Believe me," said Murata jokingly, "she's been called worse."
"Why does Shimarron require soldiers?" Yuri wondered aloud. "A most excellent question," Lady Flynn said sarcastically. None of them noticed a dove flying from among the sheep. "It's for a war with Shin Makoku," the leader of Caloria continued darkly, "you're the trump card of preventing this, Branwen-san. So you and I can make Norman's dream come true."
The Queen of Shin Makoku was not certain if she liked where this was going. "I did not exactly agree to this," Yuri told her, "while I am grateful you did not turn us over to Dai Shimarron. I still don't understand why you are adamant of heading into that country itself, being what it is to you; giving them the Wincott poison, only to get it back by using me, a carrier of the Wincott symbol."
Lady Flynn narrowed her eyes. "Do you think I'm being selfish then?"
"I'll tell you this," Yuri told her under her breath, motioning the older woman to lean closer, "the leader of the Mazoku would say that you are only thinking of your people."
"I have to ask though," Yuri continued, sitting back, "why would Dai Shimarron want the Wincott poison? The Wincott family still live, so they would be able to combat the poison." Lady Flynn seethed her teeth, "For the Forbidden Boxes." Yuri's eyes widened. The Forbidden Boxes! Gwendal told her it was a myth!
But then, so were Morgif and the Mateki... and Huber did mention they mentioned something about a Forbidden Box when they gauged his left eye out. Yuri winced at that, she could sympathise with her advisor's cousin. Partially losing one's sight was never easy. Lady Flynn's voice brought her out of her thoughts.
"There's a question I have to ask you as well," Lady Flynn told her, relaxed, "I heard that the current ruler is a double black, and is actually no more than a child by Mazoku standards, though to Humans she is physically a teenager. Is that true?"
"I'm afraid so," Yuri sighed with a hint of sadness, remembering her feelings the first time she actually did a duty as the Maoh, "but I also heard that she would do anything to stop the war. Her people had suffered enough loss as it is."
Green eyes lit up with hope. "Honto?"
"This particular ruler hopes to bring peace to her people, and has been called weird because of it," Yuri explained, "everyday she hopes and prays that the day will come her people would not be feared by the Humans. There is a man whom she sees as a father and a brother, her godfather; he is a beautiful outcome of both Mazoku and Human, yet people chose to see him as a curse because he belongs to neither. She often admires him for the strength, the kindness, the love and the humility he kept despite his troubled past. For his sake and the example his ancestor, she hopes to see the day when Mazoku and Humans would stand together as friends."
A memory appeared in Lady Flynn's mind: it was the first time she met Norman – before she knew he was the ruler of Caloria:
"This particular ruler hopes to bring peace to his people, and has been called weird because of it," Norman explained, "everyday he hopes and prays that the day will come when his people would not have to fear the Mazoku. He heard a story of a man, Dan Hiri Weller, who has a half-Mazoku son. For that child, the man saved a Nameless village of half-Mazoku residents. This ruler admires that man a great deal, for he sees little to no difference between Humans and Mazoku, and he hopes to see the day when Humans and Mazoku would stand together as friends."
"Masaka..." she murmured, startled, "Could you really be-?" she dared not say it, for fear she was wrong or Dai Shimarron soldiers overheard. Yuri lowered her sunglasses slightly, revealing her jet black eyes and nodded. Lady Flynn's bright green eyes lit up with happiness then, "There's still hope."
"That's why I gave the Wincott poison to Dai Shimarron," Lady Flynn murmured, "to free Caloria from any more of their oppression."
Canons fired out of nowhere. "Aw, man!" the afro gent whined to himself, "Conrart's gonna kill me." Luckily that comment was unheard by Yuri.
Yuri ran to the side of the ship and seethed. A Shou Shimarron patrol ship was firing at them. "Not good!" she hissed.
More cannons fired, making the ship rock from side to side. "Shou Shimarron soldiers must have notified them," Lady Flynn exclaimed.
The mast fell. Yuri knew she had to do something quick. She saw a lever just nearby and had travelled by ship enough times to know what it was for. As crazy as it seemed, it would likely be just the thing her men would do!
Or at least Yosak, she mentally added with a sweat-drop.
"Branwen," Murata yelled frantically, holding fast to the ship's railing, "Getting captured is not my idea of spending Spring vacation!"
"Not on my watch!" said Yuri.
'Ask Flynn if she can swim first...' said the unknown voice; though confused, Yuri turned towards Lady Flynn then and asked, "Can you swim?"
"N-no..."
"Hang on to me then and for goodness sake, don't panic!" she ordered. Green eyes widened for a moment and did as she told and latched herself to the young Queen. Yuri pulled the lever then and tumbled along with Murata and the sheep and prisoners of war. With Lady Flynn in tow, Yuri resurfaced without problems. "Murata?" she called, looking for her friend, "Murata!"
"I'm right here Branwen!" he called swimming over.
"We better stay together," Yuri said then, feeling sorry she had probably drowned T-zone. To her surprise, instead of sinking, the sheep turned into floats. "Baa!" a mouth nudged at her elbow. Yuri turned to find T-zone. "Mushikashi!" the sheep brayed, as if offering his help again.
"Thank you, my friend," she said grasping his wool. "Hold on to him," she then told Lady Flynn and Murata. They did not need to be told the second time. "Come on," she said to her new found friend, "Can you swim fast?" In answer, the sheep raced top speed across the water making the three in tow hold on tightly.
It surprised Gunter when Anissina explained that his soul had been temporarily transferred a doll that can fly and shoot laser beams, but there was something more concerning in the matter...
"HEIKA!" he screamed in his Chrysanthemum form, which was a few octaves higher than his own voice but thankfully not as loud, "WHERE IS SHE? HEIKA!" Then he stopped and remembered... "Wolfram? Did Wolfram get Heika and Hime to safety?"
Gwendal clenched his fists. "He... did not make it..."
"No!" he gasped. It was as if he was hearing Gisela's story all over again before he adopted her – her parents hid her from a raid of Dai Shimarron soldiers, both of them were killed. "Conrart!" he said, as concerned as the doll's voice could get, "How is he...?"
Gwendal was rather surprised that he would ask about Conrart, he frowned, "You heard him?"
"I wouldn't be surprised," said Anissina, her blue eyes sad, hand near her stomach, "That's the first in a long time I saw pure emotion from him." She hit a fist against the stone wall of her lab, making Gwendal and Gunter cringe. Her red hair hid her sky blue eyes. If there one thing scarier than Anissina needing lab rats, it was an angry and protective Anissina – especially when Conrad was involved.
"Why did it always have to be him?" Anissina whispered dangerously, "Great One, hasn't he been through enough?"
Gwendal and Gunter knew as a fact that Anissina loved Conrart as a little brother. She had practically helped Gwendal raise him and Wolfram from the time they were babies. Anissina was also Conrart's babysitter when Gwendal had duties of a noble.
"Calm down," Gwendal said calmly, "You can't keep protecting him, Anissina... and your condition..."
"Don't bring the baby into this!" Anissina fumed.
Gunter's eyes widened. "Uh... Anissina..."
"What baby?" said an unfortunately, familiar voice.
It was then Anissina, Gunter and Gwendal realised that they were not alone in the room.
They took shelter in a cave nearby the shore.
Yuri peeked slightly at the entrance to find the ship they had been aboard only half an hour before taken away by Shou Shimarron's patrol ship. The Queen sighed with relief and, again, wondered what type of monarch ruled that certain land. Talking about Shimarron was a sore subject among her men, even with Gunter, so she asked nothing of it, now she wished she had. Pushing distressed thoughts away, Yuri realised she and her companions were still wet from their swim, so she gathered wood and started a fire the way Gwendal had taught her. She did not notice the awe within the green eyes of Lady Flynn.
Much was crossing the mind of Norman Gilbit's widow.
This young lady with black hair and eyes seemingly much younger than herself was a ruler of a much hated nation. Maohs, she was told, were heartless, cruel and sinful beings; but if Norman were here observing the girl as his widow was at this very moment, he would not see a monster. Instead, he would see a girl whose wisdom exceeded her age; a girl who puts the lives of others before her own; a beacon of radiance emitting warmth and coolness with her calm presence.
The fire started blazing, emitting warmth throughout the cave. Murata turned around and shut his eyes while the women dried themselves. It was about thirty minutes before they redressed and allowed Murata the same privacy he had given them. Just as he took off his vest, Yuri tensed and stood suddenly.
"Bran-" Murata started, the Queen put a hand over his mouth and hushed him. From her pocket, she produced a pocket knife she recently started to carry around. The sudden change of aura surrounding Yuri surprised Lady Flynn. The calm atmosphere disappeared and was replaced with the tense wariness of a trained soldier as the girl before her slowly stood and silently made her way to the cave entrance.
A shadow caught Yuri's eye. She stood quietly as its owner stepped lightly to the entrance of the cave. Yuri hid her surprise when she saw who he was.
It was the same afro haired old gent who shared his sandwich with her. Normally she would be glad to see a familiar face but under the present circumstances, it would be foolish to trust someone you have only known for lunch – especially since he appeared miles away from home.
Blue eyes blinked with surprise when he saw he was caught in a trap, by a knife's point.
"State your purpose," she warned in a low and dangerous voice that not even her mother would recognise. Even if he was strong, how could an old man follow her all the way out here? They stared at each other for a moment, the pocket knife near his throat. She looked into his ice blue eyes and briefly wondered where she had seen that shade of blue before.
He shuddered for a minute under her wrath before grinning and said, "Room Service!" in a nasal voice. Yuri stood frozen for a moment before she dropped the knife, leapt and hugged him, squealing "YOSAK!" much to Murata's and Lady Flynn's surprise.
"Well, well, well," he laughed softly once she calmed down, he took off his moustache and wig, revealing his red headed good looks, "I've had many greetings but this one's especially an honour, kiddo."
"You were that grandpa?" Murata asked with astonishment.
"Yup," he said with a cheeky grin. This apparently was too much of Yosak for her. First he was Ms Biceps, then the burly maids, now a grandpa! What could he be next? She found herself laughing for the first time that day... and stopped as she composed herself.
"Murata," she introduced, picking up her knife and pulling Yosak into the shelter, "This is a dear friend of mine, Yosak Gurrier. Yosak let me introduce you to my best friend on Earth, Murata Ken."
"And this is Lady Flynn Gilbit of Caloria," he finished, bending down and kissed the hand of the older woman. "That was very brave of you to take your husband's place when no woman is said to rule Caloria."
"You knew?" Lady Flynn asked in surprise.
"He isn't called Shin Makoku's greatest spy for nothing," Yuri laughed, "Boy, you certainly fooled me this time."
"Now that's something I haven't heard in a while," Yosak chuckled, "Your godfather owes me a new pair of boots now."
"You betted on me?" Yuri exclaimed in mock offence, "A woman?"
"Botchan, how could you? Your most beloved spy?" he said feigned hurt, "we betted that I would be able to fool you before the year is out."
"Right..." Yuri said in impish distrust.
"Which reminds me," the spy said as he sat down, "what are you doing all the way out here?"
"I guess you could say I had trouble," said Yuri, suddenly remembering Wolfram. Yosak sobered then. It was not unusual to her if he knew what had happened. "What happened?" he asked, "I hadn't been told you were coming."
She looked at him, tears flooding her black eyes. "A lot."
"You'll feel better after you let it out kiddo," Yosak assured, "I promised your godfather and your fiancé I'd watch out for you. They're likely looking for you right now." Yuri really did not want to do this now, not when she knew Wolfram was not able to look for her; but she had to fill him in. She sat down with a sigh and began her story, "It started when I landed in a brewery..."
To say Conrad was disgusted was wrong. Furious, yes, but not disgusted. For the first time in his life, he yelled at Gwendal. "YOU! OF ALL PEOPLE? YOU COULDN'T PICK A BETTER TIME! WHO WAS THE ONE TO FORBID YURI AND WOLFRAM FROM KISSING?"
"We were planning to tell you all when Yuri gets back," Gwendal said. He knew there was no use hiding. Anissina was pregnant with his child; twins according to the Healer Foren. The old Healer had been disappointed with them both, he never felt lower than he did looking into Conrart's angry brown eyes. He had wanted to find Yuri first and then announced their engagement and their wish to be married soon but...
Conrart stepped back and took a deep breath, "How far a long is she?"
"A month..."
A moment of tense silence followed Gwendal's answer.
"I'm not going to talk to you right now," Conrad said, not turning to him, "seeing I can't find fault. Since when have I ever been able to anyway?" He stepped outside and, surprisingly, did not slam the door.
This action made Gwendal wish Conrad did find fault.
"I can't remember him this angry," Gunter commented.
Gwendal did not look at him. "Gunter," Anissina murmured, very near tears, "we have to remember he and Gwendal just lost a brother."
"I'll go talk to him," Gunter offered, exiting through the open door. Anissina guessed he knew Gwendal needed her more than anyone, and someone had to knock some sense into Conrart.
She looked towards Gwendal then, "I'm so sorry."
Gwendal covered his eyes in his hand. "Not your fault..." he murmured shakily. Anissina had not seen her lover break down like since he had heard Conrart had been sent to the Luttenberg Division and came home, near death and Wolfram injured in a raid. She wished she could do something to comfort Gwendal. From learning he was going to be a father, and losing his youngest brother on the same day... she brought her arms around him. "Please Gwendal," she begged, "I know you need to cry, just let it go."
"Please Gwendal," he heard Anissina beg, "I know you need to cry, just let it go." Conrad almost sunk to the floor in a storm of tears... Gwendal crying was a very bad sign...
"Conrart?"
He look up to find Gunter gesturing him down the hall, stood up straight and followed. When they were far enough from the meeting room Gunter turned towards his student and just said, "Let it out."
Conrart simply punched the wall to his left, cracking the brick slightly and slid down the same wall slightly, trying very hard not to allow his knees to fail him. Even in his chrysanthemum form, Gunter thought with sadness just how small Conrart looked, even as a gown man, curling himself slightly like he did when he found Gareth dead.
It was heartbreaking; Conrart had not looked this small since Dan Hiri died. "Conrart," he sighed, "I feel you have been too hard on your brother..."
"Why does it even concern me?" the younger man asked in a choked voice, "I'm not the one he needs right now."
"This is not about Anissina as well is it?" Gunter asked, "You're taking out your frustration over things you have no control over."
"Shut up! For once in your life just leave me alone!" Conrad growled, "I know I don't have maryoku, and I know my body can only tolerate so much but it was my job to protect Wolfram. Now he's dead and never coming back! I should have known a half-breed cannot be loved."
"Conrart, this has nothing to do with you being a half-Human or your existence..."
"You're wrong, Gareth died because of me, Julian died because he gave me protection," Conrad growled, his voice becoming louder, "and now Wolfram died, because you know why? I BROUGHT HIM AND YURI TOGETHER! I delivered Yuri's soul and brought her here!"
"You need to calm down," Gunter said then, raising his doll arms in defence. He knew he just said the wrong thing when his student clenched his fists. "Calm down?" Conrad murmured darkly, his voice slowly getting louder, "Calm DOWN? I've hurt people, Gunter! I've even hurt my own mother."
Gunter took a deep breath; maybe what Conrad really needed now was to find the Queen. "Regardless of everything," Gunter said, "your step-father died because he wanted to protect you. Julian's death was not even close to your fault, yes he gave you his protection but he did it because you are precious to him.
"I should be the one protecting," Conrad snapped, "not the other way around."
Conrad leaned heavily against a wall, a hand over his eyes; trying desperately to hold back tears with the image of Wolfram's arm fresh in his mind.
He felt the presence of a noble he knew well standing before him and groaned mentally. He had no time for this.
"What. Do. You. Want?" he growled, looking up sharply at Wolfram's uncle. Waltorana regarded him calmly, knowing the younger man was about to lash at any insult. Normally, it was fun to poke at someone in their state of anger; but Lord Conrart Weller's current state of anger was far greater than that. It was an anger stemmed by bereavement.
He looked calmly into those angry brown eyes, the last time he saw eyes like those he was looking at himself in a mirror shortly after Gareth's murder. "If you want to look for the man who murdered my nephew," Waltorana stated, "I won't stop you. You do realise however, you still have a god-daughter who is in need of you right now."
Realisation hit Conrad in the stomach then: he had to find Yuri!
"I know I don't have to ask this but I'll ask anyway," said Wolfram, "Will you and Aniiue protect Yuri and Greta if anything happened to me?"
"Always," Conrad promised, though he highly doubted anything would happen to the blond.
He was wrong.
"I take my leave of absence, Lord Von Bielefeld," he said, standing straight and tall, "please do what you can for Lord Von Voltaire." The older man nodded. Conrad looked towards Gunter then, "I apologise, I should have remembered my duty."
"There is no need for one," said Gunter, sighing with relief, "the important thing now is to wait for Yosak's letter and be sure you know where you are heading."
"What are you planning to do now?" Waltorana asked, stoic. Though he did seem smug now that Conrad's mind is focussed on his duty as a godfather.
"What Gareth would have done," Conrad answered, "I'm going to look for my god-daughter."
"Before you go, Lord Weller," Waltorana stated, "I have to ask you something."
Conrad's eyebrow shot up in question. "Yes?"
"If you had the power of the Maoh," Waltorana asked, "what would you do with it?"
Conrad stopped, thought and looked at Waltorana. Why would a Noble ask a half-breed that type of question – or him, the brother of his murdered nephew?
"I would use it to protect my precious people, and Shin Makoku," he answered without missing a beat, "never for my own benefit."
Waltorana's green eyes regarded Conrad for a moment. "There is a ship heading towards Caloria, my sources have told me of a certain power they felt there. Though it may be best if you consult with Ulrike first."
"Arigatou," said Conrad. He walked further down the hall before breaking into a run.
Once Conrad was out of hearing range, Gunter sighed with relief. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me," Waltorana said dismissively, "I was an older brother too."
Gunter regarded him slightly. "You still haven't found–"
Waltorana shook his head, "There are many people who have the same features as you describe." Waltorana had originally created his spy network to search for the murderer of his younger brother, Gareth. Even after eight fruitless decades, there was still no trace of the murder from that night. Only Gunter knew the full story. For some reason however, Gareth's student seems to be hiding something. He looked questioningly at Gunter's chrysanthemum form. "You know you will have to tell them the truth about Gareth," the noble said then, "I only know because–"
"I hate to interrupt you," said Gunter seriously, "but walls have ears. And Conrart is not ready yet."
"Gunter," Waltorana pressed, trying to hide his worry albeit amused he was discussing this with his late brother's living student in a doll form, "I saw a flicker of it just now."
"I made a promise to not it let out until Conrart is a hundred," Gunter told him as angrily as he could, which was not very convincing either, "and that's three years from now."
"What are you planning to do until then, seal it?" Waltorana asked, "We both know how well that went, especially you." He dodged the laser beams that shot from Gunter's eyes. "That's only because that murderer took away something precious from Gareth-sensei!" Gunter snapped, "I won't have that repeated through Conrart; he's too much like both his fathers. If I have to go that far, I hope I can do so without killing him. All we can do now is wait."
Waltorana let out a frustrated sigh. Why did every, single, person Gareth grew close to become as stubborn as he was?
Yosak's blue eyes softened with empathy as Yuri finished. One so young and small, yet so strong; she had yet again proven to him that she was a worthy leader. A leader he would one day tell his descendants he had been proud to follow.
He knew she knew there would be time for tears later. For now they had to find a way to get back home. He knew only Conrart could comfort her now, and seeing her daughter would give great comfort. Maybe later, he would find the man behind Wolfram's murder; Yuri was not the only one who needs that closure.
"I understand your loss," Lady Flynn voiced. He and Yuri looked at her. No one really noticed Murata sitting quietly by himself and listening.
"Eh?" Yuri said.
"You know only men were allowed to rule Caloria," Lady Flynn told her, "my husband had died leaving me with no children." She stared into the fire, her green eyes soft with nostalgia. "He had many dreams, Norman," said Lady Flynn, "including ones of peace."
"Lady Flynn," Yuri said, remembering something, "you mentioned something about the Forbidden Boxes..."
"The Forbidden Boxes?" Yosak exclaimed, "Don't tell me Gunter-kakka didn't tell you about them?"
"Ano..." said Yuri sheepishly, "I might've skipped that lesson."
"Every bit of taicho's nazukego," Yosak teased mock wearily. "I would tell you about them now but I have to check the area, see if I can get some food."
"Just be careful, Red," Yuri begged.
"Have a bit of faith in your favourite spy," Yosak said lightly, though he knew what she meant. Stepped out of the cave then and disappeared.
Yuri, Murata and Lady Flynn sat quietly for a moment. "I'm sorry for your loss..." Lady Flynn voiced again, "If anything he would have wanted to be by your side now."
"That guy can be pretty stubborn," Yuri agreed.
Before anything more was said, they heard footsteps approaching; Yuri stood immediately and steadied her pocket knife. "There's no one else in there!" they heard Yosak protesting.
"Shall we close off the entrance then?" a new voice sneered.
Yosak's silence was answered with more footsteps. Yuri knew better than to holdout a pocket knife. It was what Gwendal had called a tactical surrender; if there was no way out best to surrender until your opponent makes a mistake. She pocketed the knife and raised her fists. Glad for the lessons Wolfram had given her, and her mother. Yosak reappeared with blue clad soldiers holding him captive. "Gomenasai, botchan," Yosak apologised, "I ran into difficulty."
"Not your fault," Yuri told him as she gestured, Lady Flynn and Murata to stand. The soldiers tied their hands behind them and removed Yuri's cap and sunglasses. Her black hair flowed down to her shoulders as her jet black eyes stared angrily at her captors. They ignored the glare and marched all three of them out to their leader.
To their surprise, the soldiers let go of them and surrounded them. Yuri knew that meant that the leader was approaching. She saw a lone approaching them. Recognising the man, Yuri held an arm before Lady Flynn, telling Maxine he would have to harm her before he could lay a hand on Lady Flynn. He just stopped and studied them with a smug look on his face.
"Well, well, well," he sneered, "Looks like Adelbert was right. You are a double black brat, Maoh."
"I'll find her, Wolf," Conrad murmured, his hand upon the canister in which his brother's arm is kept, "Even if I have to die trying..." He lit some candles before leaving. Somehow the presence of the arm did not seem right without a bit of light – or even fire, for that matter.
For some reason, he felt as if Wolfram had not been dead at all. Conrad pushed it away, thinking it was due to disbelief. The disbelief was likely stronger because Wolfram was his brother.
He just received Yosak's note, confirming Waltorana's spy network. Yuri was in Caloria and unharmed, the Daikenja finally made his presence as well. Knowing his god-daughter, Yuri would find a way to get back to Shin Makoku. Or, he added mentally with a sweat-drop, get into trouble.
"Anthony," he asked his brother's soldier who almost passed by him, "will you hand this to Lord Von Voltaire? He should be in discussion with Lords Von Khrist and Bielefeld in the meeting room."
"Yes, Commander," said Anthony. Conrad then changed his attire to his white and blue travelling jerkin and made his way down to the stable, straight to ready his horse. Bain looked at him with curiosity, sensing the change of aura from his master's normally calm presence. "Hey boy," he told him, "we got to find Branwen."
Bain let out a snort. For the first time that evening Conrad chuckled. "Yes, she's in trouble; and no, it was not her fault." Bain whinnied then.
"Micah told you, eh?" Conrad asked. Bain nickered in answer.
"That's why we're visiting Ulrike," Conrad answered, fastening one last strap, "I have little to absolutely no idea where she is. I'm just glad Yosak's watching out for her." He mounted the gelding then and rode into the night to the Shinou Temple.
He did not expect to be met with trouble at the temple, especially with Ulrike of all people. The priestesses had tried to persuade him otherwise, but no one could stop him from entering the shrine, not even Gisela who was currently trying to hold him back.
"Ulrike, please!" he called, banging the door, "I have to find Yuri!"
"Conrart," Gisela pleaded, "please calm down. You're frightening her." Conrad stopped and breathed.
"Please, Ulrike," he pleaded, lowering his fists, "I don't know where to look. If there's something wrong I'm willing to listen. You've always told me that you would listen to me; so please, if there's something wrong I'm ready to listen." The door opened then revealing a very sad priestess. "I cannot promise," the priestess told him as she allowed him and Gisela in, "but I will try."
"That is all I ask for now," Conrad told her gently, "Waltorana told me his sources had sent word that Heika is in Caloria, Yosak had just sent the same. I need to confirm that is true..."
"Conrart," said Ulrike apologetically, "if it had been true... she is no longer there."
"How-?" he began to ask before the priestess stopped. He looked to find something he had never seen during his many visits to the temple. There was a pedestal that he had never seen before. Within the pedestal are stars, one shone more brightly than the others.
"Is that-?" he started before Ulrike shook her head.
"That star is not Yuri-heika, Conrart," she told him, "it is your mother." She peered into the ball of stars, "Lady Celi seems to shine near Dai Shimarron,"
"You can tell where they are as well?" Conrad asked, surprised. Being frequent visitor, like Gisela, he was used to the surprises – and the occasional men's work. He normally came to the temple not to seek faith but to seek refuge from the bullies. Gisela was a frequent for a different reason, Julian visited here often because of faith, believing in the will of Shinou Heika.
"That's right," Gisela said then, grabbing Conrad's attention, "Celi-sama had sent me a note recently, requesting for youth herbs. She's currently visiting her *ahem* love."
"Great One," Conrad groaned, "another at a time like this?"
Just then, another star appeared into near Lady Celi's like a shooting star, shining blue and brighter than any other star.
"That's Yuri!" Conrad exclaimed. Both women's eyes widened at Conrad exclamation.
"How can you be certain?" Ulrike asked.
"I know that energy anywhere," Conrad confirmed, "does that mean Yuri is in the Shimarron regions?"
"Possibly," said Ulrike, "I would suggest you trace her footsteps in order to find where though."
Conrad relaxed then. "Hai. And thank you for everything." He bowed and left the Shrine as quickly as he could. He had to find Yuri, and he has to act fast.
"Ulrike-sama...?" Gisela all but gasped, remembering stories of the late Lord Conrart Von Spitzberg, Lady Celi's father, "Could it be-?" Ulrike simply smiled. "He has always been like that, Gisela," the Genshi Miko confirmed, "being able to see and hear things even I cannot comprehend. His grandfather Spitzberg as is the fathers of the previous Maohs are the same."
"So his child...?"
"Hai," said Ulrike gently, "a child of his will be the next Maoh."
"Julian told me something weird about Lord Weller," said Wolfram, "but even I noticed myself he's able to hear and see things no one else can. That why he was able to protect me when we were children, even in his... delicate state."
"What are you implying Wolfram?"
"I have to protect him," said Wolfram, clenching the hand that now held Julian's sapphire ring, "no matter what, I have to protect him with my life."
It was almost as if Wolfram knew he was going to die. At the very least he had died with honour – protecting what was precious to him. A man has his pride – as does an older brother. Gisela knew she should never mention anything. If she was right, he was asking her to watch over Conrart in his absence.
"I take my leave as well, Ulrike-sama," she said then, bowing, "I have to leave very soon."
Ulrike nodded and waited until Gisela was safely out earshot. She looked at the ceiling where the stars where just as she used to when a small boy with brown hair and eyes came to talk to her about things that were bothering him.
"Stay safe, Bear," she murmured, "the Queen needs you more than ever now."
"Is Bain almost ready?" Gisela asked. They were currently waiting for two more companions, Dorcascus and Keenan, to come. Conrad had to humour his teacher at times. Ever since the raid at the Healing Camp twenty years before, Gunter would not allow Gisela to go anywhere without company – until she finds a suitable husband at least.
"You didn't have to accompany me," he told his companion.
"Someone's got to keep an eye on you," Gisela said, "Who knows what'll happen?"
"I'm not that same delinquent, Slug," he rebuked darkly.
"Oh, I know that Toad," Gisela soothed, "but I'm heading in the same direction anyway."
"I thought I'd find you here," said a familiar voice. The two friends looked to find an old man at the stable of the door.
"Foren..." Conrad murmured. Healer Foren was amongst the few he trusted. He had been a great friend to Williad Von Voltaire and was Gwendal's personal healer; as the years passed by, he became the Royal Healer after Gareth. After Julian passed away, he took Gisela as an apprentice. Under his tutelage, she earned the title of the Royal Healer.
"Yeesh," Foren joked almost creakily, "you're making it hard for me old bones. Runnin' everywhere and gettin' injured." As much as he liked Foren, Conrad was nowhere near in the mood for jokes. "Gwendal sent you, didn't he?" he said bluntly, "and please come out from behind that door, Anthony or I'll have the horse nearest to you kick your nuts."
"Busted again," Anthony joked, hoping to shed some light over the commander he used to babysit when Gwendal was busy. Conrad glared at him. The red haired, grey eyed soldier was a friend from Gwendal's childhood; he was also Conrad personal babysitter when Gwendal was busy doing his duty as a Noble.
"You're serious, Bear?"
Another glare. "If you're here to convince me to get back to Covenant Castle," Conrad said quietly, "you'll have to drag my dead body back first."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Anthony defended, "I just came to make sure you're in the right state of mind. I know from experience how reckless you are. Gwendal-kakka only wanted us to give you a message."
"Conrart," said Foren, reaching into his pockets with a sigh, "Please don't be so hard on him; he's in as much pain as you are. And don't get killed, he cares about you very deeply and wants nothing more than to shoulder your pain alongside you." He walked out of the stables then, towards the castle. "You take care of yourself, Bear," said Anthony. "You too, little butterfly," he nodded towards Gisela. The soldier then followed the older Healer.
"Make sure the candles are lit!" Conrad called after them.
Anthony gave him a peace sign. Conrad relaxed slightly, opened the vellum and read the letter.
Bear Cub,
I know by now you are nearly on your way to retrieve Branwen and I won't stop you. Not this time. She'll need your strength more than anything now.
I know what I have done deserves little reason for your forgiveness, especially at a time like this. Let me tell you now Anissina and I had been very careful and love each other very much. Did you actually think half of the time I was running away from her she was using me as her lab rat? When we found out, we decided to be married as well. We meant to tell you and Wolfram as soon as Branwen returned.
Please be safe. I nearly lost you twice, I cannot bear to go through that the third time; not when Wolfram is no longer with us. I cannot bear losing another brother. Find Branwen and bring her home.
Your loving brother,
Gwen
Though Conrad knew Gwendal's words were true, he could not help thinking how bad things would go from here on – an even worse feeling told him that Yuri has to mend it. What was more surprising, Gwendal let him go.
"Let's go, Gisela," he said, grabbing Bain's reins. Gisela almost gasped when she looked into his determined brown eyes.
She hadn't seen those eyes since his father died.
A/N: Thank you all so much for your patience, things will get intense from here. Hope You're all happy with this chapter.