I awaken to the sound of someone shuffling about. I look across the room to see that Conrart is garnering some medical supplies. He turns to me with immense alleviation. "I'm glad to see that you've finally regained consciousness." He smiles, taking a seat on the chair at my bedside. "How are you feeling?"

"Hungry," I say. As if on cue, my stomach growls. Conrart chuckles and I blush in embarrassment.

"I'd think so. You've been asleep for a whole day." He informs me and that certainly explains the hunger pains and lethargy that I feel. Meticulously, he unwraps the bandage on my stab wound, dabs some ointment on it, and puts on clean bandages. He does the same with the graze on the side of my head as well as the cut on my cheek.

He does it with such care. It reminds me of when I was little. Whenever I fell and scrapped my knee, he'd calm me down, and treat my injury. He made me feel safe and protected. The same feelings are resurfacing now, causing warmth to erupt in my chest.

"What's with the look?" Conrart asks, knowingly.

"What look?" I avert my gaze. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

His fond laughter fills the room. "You know," he starts, placing a hand on my head. "I just remembered the time you tripped on a cement step in the courtyard and hurt your knee. Before then, you had no qualms about me treating your injuries. That was the first time you didn't let me help you." Guilt coils up inside my stomach. The memory flashes into my mind, and I recall how coldly I spoke to him. That was after I found out about the human blood that flows through his veins, and it was one of the many times I've treated my Little Big Brother like garbage, and hurt him intentionally. My attitude towards him has changed since then, but I think that I still have a ways to go to atone for my behavior. "When you arrived here yesterday, that was the first time in a long while that you didn't refuse my help. That made me feel relieved."

I turn to face him, a mixture of emotions brewing inside of me. No matter how old I get, I know that Conrart will always see me as his baby brother. He'll always have that need to protect me, and that touches me, but at the same time, it infuriates me. I'm older now, and I'm much stronger too. Then I think of how I pushed him away in the past. I owe him my gratitude, and I won't let my obstinate pride stop me from giving that to him.

"Uh, Conrart?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you…for being there for me." I say, keeping eye contact with him. For a second, he looks taken aback, but that expression instantly blooms into a smile. "I know that I didn't deserve it. I was cruel to you, and for that, I'm so sorry."

He lays a hand on my head, and tousles my hair. "I wasn't that nice to you either, and I apologize for that."

"So," I begin, unable to keep the insecurity out of my voice. "Do you forgive me?" I doubt that he could after all the hurt I've inflicted on him, but I can't help but ask. I have a desperate need for his forgiveness, which I feel will free me from my remorse.

His hand moves down to my shoulder. "I forgave you a long time ago." He smiles, and I smile back. The weight has been lifted off my heart now that we've truly made peace with each other.

"How's Gwendal doing, by the way?" I wonder.

Conrart takes his hand off my shoulder, and folds his hands on his laps. "He's doing better. Lady Tilly has been tending to his hand. She said that it was good that you healed his injury when you did. Otherwise it would've been infected." He laughs, softly. "Then she went off on him for not thanking you for your help. I don't think that I've ever seen Gwendal look so frightened, not even when Anissina chases him down for her experiments."

I chuckle, nervously, knowing firsthand how scary Lady Tilly is when she's cross.

"Aside from that, Gwendal and his men have been guarding the village. So far, there haven't been any sightings of anyone from Small Cimaron or Big Cimaron, for that matter. My men and I have been keeping watch over Yuuri, and Yozak has gone to Small Cimaron to see what King Saralegui's next move is."

"I see. How is Yuuri?" I ask, worriedly.

Conrart frowns. "He's asleep. He woke up last night, and had some trouble eating. Lady Tilly got him to eat something, but it wasn't much. He drank a lot, though."

My frown deepens. "I know that he's been sleeping, but do you think that I can go see him?"

He offers a sad smile. "I'll go ask Lady Tilly."

Conrart exits the room. A short moment passes before he returns with Lady Tilly, who strides into the room with a glum disposition. Conrart comes in after her, a long box held securely in his hands. It doesn't take long for me to realize exactly what Conrart is carrying.

My stomach drops, and I get misty-eyed. Intense regret latches onto my heart, and drags it down again. I knew that the remains of her sword were still scattered about the terrain that Yuuri and I fought Saralegui on. I feel like I abandoned her by shoving her demise into the back of my mind. I feel like I should've been the one to gather pieces of her sword off the battlefield.

Conrart lowers the box onto my lap, flips the latches up to reveal two halves that was still whole just days ago. My body trembles as a couple of tears drips onto the vessel that held the soul of someone that was tantamount to an older sister for me. I feel Conrart place a hand on my back, and that makes me break down. I screw my eyes shut, and tilt my head over the broken sword. I hold the side of the case with my right hand, stroking the scaly texture.

"You kept saying her name in your sleep." Conrart says by way of explanation. "One of my men and I retrieved the Embers of Eileen. Lady Tilly's husband is a blacksmith, and he provided us with the case."

I peer down at the cherry red coating of the inside, and marvel at how well it matches the outside, which is a brilliant mahogany. It suits Eileen too. I sniff, and Lady Tilly provides me with a handkerchief, which I use to wipe my eyes, and nose.

"Don't hold back, kid." Lady Tilly says, softly. "Get all that snot out."

I blow my nose, not because I want to. I never make such a spectacle with a handkerchief due to how undignified it is. But I have a feeling that she'll chew my ear off if I don't. When I'm finished, she takes her handkerchief back, not disgusted by the fact that it's used in the least.

"Thank you." I sob. "Lady Tilly, Conrart." I looks to them, and they both nod.

Lady Tilly orders me to rest for the whole day, cracking her knuckles, as if threatening to chain me to the bed if I get up without her permission. Conrart serves me a nutritious breakfast that's comprised of fresh fruit, eggs, and a bagel with a thin layer of cream cheese spread on top of it. It's hard to eat with my low appetite, but Conrart is there to talk me through it, encouraging me to keep up my strength. He does the same at lunch. By then, my hunger pains are gone, and I'm beginning to feel a little more like myself.

I ask Lady Tilly if I can take a bath. She permits me to do so, and ensures that no water gets into my wounds by wrapping them up in plastic. There's an open air bath in back of the house that she takes me to, leaving a pair of towels, cleans clothes, along with soap and shampoo, which she puts near the edge of the bath.

Lady Tilly points a stern finger at me. "Don't stay in there too long, kid, or you'll overheat."

"I know." I snap, tired of all the coddling. I expect her to snap back and give me a hell of a headache, but she doesn't. She merely stares at me, pity gleaming in her eyes before she leaves.

I lower myself into the warm water, and glare at a boulder that sits across from me. I hate it when people look at me like that. I'd rather risk going deaf, hearing her bellow at me.

I rub soap all over my body, scantly wishing that Yuuri was here to wash my back. Then I reflect on what he has experienced when we were in combat with Saralegui. I can't imagine how horrible he feels about what happened to Eileen. I offered him comforting words, but I don't think that that did much good. He heard me, but he didn't believe in my words.

My lips form a taut line as I lather my hair with shampoo, a lavender scent drifting up my nostrils. I rinse by dunking my head into the water, careful not to get any water in my ear. Shortly after, I raise out of the bath, and dry myself off with the towels Lady Tilly provided me with. I slip on a pair of gray loose-fitting trousers, a black tunic, and grey open-toed sandals. I bend down, fold the towels, and carry them inside, all with one hand. I clack my way inside, intent on seeking Lady Tilly out to ask her where I should put the used towels.

A sudden wail alarms me. I drop the towels, and dart to the source, taking two steps at a time, and arrive at the room where the screech came from. I see Yuuri thrashing in bed, and the sight makes my heart hurt. I hurry to his side, and touch his arm, which does nothing to abate his hysteria. A strong urge to nurture him consumes me, and I give into it wholeheartedly. I maneuver myself over him, and caress his face, looking him straight in the eye.

"Yuuri," I say, and his movement ceases. I stroke his flushed face, and frown sadly at how distressed he looks. "It's ok. I'm here." He cries, and shoots up, hugging me tighter than he ever has before. I embrace him, tenderly, resting my chin on his shoulder after placing a kiss on his neck. "I've got you."

I hear a couple of people race into the room. "What the hell is going on here?" Lady Tilly asks, causing Yuuri to flinch. I stroke his head in an attempt to soothe his nerves.

"I was coming out of the bath and heard him screaming." I explain, facing Lady Tilly, His Eminence, Yozak, and Conrart.

Lady Tilly visibly softens, and approaches the bed. "You scared the crap outta me, Your Majesty. I thought somebody was dying up here."

I feel Yuuri tense against me, and rub his back, knowing that Lady Tilly hit a sore spot with that remark without meaning to.

"I'm glad that you came up here and calmed him down." She says, softly, pulling up a chair. "But I need a moment alone with my patient."

I move to get off the bed, a little embarrassed to have been seen with my fiancé in such a compromising position. Before I can stand, Yuuri tugs the bottom of my shirt, his eyes imploring me to stay. Gently, I remove his hand with mine, lightly brushing my lips against his knuckles. "I'll be waiting out in the hall." I assure him.

"O-ok." He stutters, reluctant to let go of my hand. When he does, I get to my feet, and stroll out of the room, giving Yuuri a small smile over my shoulder as Lady Tilly begins to give him a check-up.

I lean against the wall, a little shaken. In all the time that I've known him, I don't think I've ever seen Yuuri that upset. I tap my foot, impatiently, just waiting for Lady Tilly to let me back inside.

"I have bad news." Yozak starts, earning himself our undivided attention. "Turns out Belar not only plans to conquer Small Cimaron, but Caloria as well."

My eyes widen, as does Conrart's. His Eminence appears grim, and I have a feeling that he knew this was going to happen at some point.

"Does he know that Yuuri is here?" I ask, urgently.

Yozak's frown deepens. "Unfortunately. They caught wind from Small Cimaron that His Majesty is here, and I heard that Belar plans to assassinate him after he takes care of Saralegui."

My heart almost jumps out of my throat.

"We can't let that happen." His Eminence says, seriously. "It's important that we keep Shibuya safe at all costs. I strongly suggest that we send him back to Shin Makoku where he'll be better protected." He turns to me. "You can go back with him if you please, or you can stay here and continue fighting." He glances at my arm. "Whatever choice you make, Shibuya will be heavily guarded by Lord von Voltaire and his men. Yozak sent a dove courier to Lord von Kleist, informing him on what Belar plans to do. Rest assured that Lord von Kleist will meet us at the docks to escort him back to the castle."

I look to Conrart. "What about you?"

"I'm staying here with Yozak and my men to ensure Caloria's safety." He replies with a trace of a smile. "If you choose to stay, you'll be working under my command."

I mull it over, staring at the door that stands between Yuuri and I. There's no doubt in my mind that Yuuri won't like leaving me here to fight while he's being sent back home. He'd want to stay and personally work matters out, but he has to understand that sometimes kind, flowery words aren't enough. Belar intends to take his life, and action needs to be taken against him. We can't take any chances by keeping Yuuri here. Like in a game of chess, no one dares to put their king out in the open. That has me wondering if I should stay by his side or advance forward.

"There is no wrong decision." His Eminence assures. "Either way, you'll be helping Shibuya a great deal."

The promise I made to myself comes to mind. I promised to stay true to Yuuri's vision throughout this battle, and I'm not going to break that promise now.

Just then, Lady Tilly emerges from the room with a worried frown. "The kid has low blood pressure, and he's really, really upset. I'm going to make him something nice to eat. In the meantime, I think it'd be best to keep his visitors down to one." She regards me. "And that'd be you. Poor guy wouldn't stop asking for you."

That's incentive enough to get me back into the room. Once I'm inside, Yuuri looks at me with a frail smile. As I get closer to him, I see that all the color has left his face. I sit on the edge of the bed, and lightly run my fingers over his pallid complexion. A strong urge to wrap him up in my arms and shield him from the world surges through me.

"There you are." He says, sounding drained. The smile slips off his face when he takes note of my injuries. "You must really be hurting."

"Not much." I reply. "I'm just a little sore. How about you?" I stroke my fingers over his bandaged cheek. "You look exhausted."

The crack in Yuuri's dam gives out, and he falls against me, crying heavily. My heart aches, seeing him this broken. I hold him close, and kiss his head. His hair is damp with sweat.

"I killed her." He sobs, digging his fingers into the back of my shirt. "I killed Lady Eileen."

I shush him, and stroke my fingers through greasy black strands of hair. "Stop that." I say, softly. "You didn't do that to her. Saralegui is the one at fault here, not you."

"That doesn't change the fact that I destroyed her. I destroyed the sword in which her soul resided. That sword was her body, and I split her in half."

"It was the only thing that you could've done."

Yuuri pulls back, and stares at me in utter disbelief. "How can you say that? She was your friend, wasn't she?"

My eyes narrow at that, and I have half a mind to explode. But now isn't the time for that. I bottle up my anger as best as I can, and close my eyes. "She was like an older sister to me." I say, instantly recalling how she looked as she spoke to me in her dying moments. Guilt kicks the anger aside, and my lachrymose eyes are brimming, ready to overflow with hot tears. "She came to see me before she passed on." I open my eyes, and stare at the wooden legs of the bed to avoid eye contact with Yuuri. Automatically, my hand grasps onto the cloth over my heart. "She was able to break away from that bastard long enough to see me one last time."

A few tears leave warm trails on my face. Quickly, I wipe them away with a couple of swipes of my thumb. "She told me that she didn't want to be used to hurt us, and not to blame myself, that all the blame belonged to Saralegui. I can't say that I'm convinced."

I release a shaky sigh, and cover my eyes with a hand. "I keep thinking what if. What if I left her in Shin Makoku? What if I wasn't so stupid, and just kept her safe in the treasure room like I should have?"

I'm unable to keep the sobs at bay any longer. That's when I choose to face him, his face slightly blurred but not to the point where I can't make out his heartbroken expression. "So, if you want to blame anyone, blame me. I can't stand the thought of you shouldering this guilt or anything else for that matter yourself. Give me all the hurt that you feel. Let me deal with all the pain and suffering. Just…be happy. That's all I want for you."

"Stupid." He sobs, taking me off guard by throwing his arms around me. "Don't you dare think for a second that I'd ever put the blame on you. I'd never treat you like a punching bag. I love you too much to do that."

"Yuuri," I murmur, tightening my hold on him.

"And all that stuff about taking away all my pain and suffering…That's stupid, Wolfram, so freaking stupid. I won't let you carry all of that by yourself either. It'll only weigh you down and keep you from being happy, and that's the last thing I want for you." A brief pause. "We'll share it…this pain, any pain…we'll carry it together. We'll share our happiness, too. Good days, and bad. We'll share it all."

I smile, my heart swelling with felicity.

Lady Tilly enters the room with a tray of food balanced on one arm. I pull away from Yuuri and move a little to the side so that she can set the tray down onto Yuuri's lap. "Here you go. Eat up, kid."

"Thank you, Lady Tilly." Yuuri manages a smile.

Her lips curl upwards, and she gives his arm a rough rub. "I'll come back later to check on you. Enjoy the food."

"Thanks." Yuuri says, his happy façade leaving the room with her. He peers down at his food, crestfallen. "I'm sorry. It was wrong of me to speak to you like that."

"It's all right. Now, eat. You must be starving."

"But I…"

"But, nothing." I interrupt, scooting closer to him, picking up the spork, and scooping up a piece of watermelon. I bring it up to his lips. "Eat."

His cheeks turn pink as he takes a bite, chewing the corner of the cube of watermelon. He continues to eat little bits of it until he's finished. By then, his face nearly matches the fruit. "And here I thought couples only did this in movies." He smiles.

I raise an eyebrow at him. "Movies?" I repeat. "What the heck are you talking about?"

"Oh, that's right. You don't know what those are. I'll have to show you a bunch of movies when we get a chance to go back to Earth." He says, enthusiastically. I still for a moment, reminded of the conversation that took place in the hall minutes ago, and place the spork down onto the folded napkin that lies next to the plate. All traces of levity vanish from Yuuri's face when he sees this. "What is it?"

I get off the bed. "I'll tell you later. Finish your food. I'll be back." Without another word, I exit the room, and lean against the back of the door. How am I going to tell him that he needs to go back to Shin Makoku? Knowing him, he won't like it in the least. He'd want to stay, and do everything in his power to help. But he can't. It's way too dangerous for him to remain here where Belar can easily reach him.

If convincing him to leave fails, which it most likely will, he'll have to be taken home by force.

"Wolfram," Gwendal says, and I'm startled out of my thoughts. "How is he doing?"

"Not so good." I reply, honestly. "I don't think I've ever seen him this out of sorts. But he's eating now. That's good, at least."

"How are you faring?" He asks.

I shrug. "I'm managing. How about you?"

"Don't worry about me." He responds, gruffly. "His Eminence told me about what's going on. Surely, His Majesty will be sent back to Blood Pledge Castle. I'd prefer that you'd accompany him."

"I'm not a child anymore, Brother." I retort. "I can take care of myself."

Gwendal takes a few steps closer, and glowers down at me. My eyebrows furrow at his condescending stance, and I have the urge to take a step back, but I stand my ground. I'm through with being intimidated by him, always trapped in his shadow, safe and untouchable, yet on the verge of suffocation.

"What is this then, huh?" He asks, regarding my wound with a furious wave of his hand. "You could've died today if that cretin hit an artery or pierced through your damn heart. The only reason you're alive now is because Yozak was there to fend for you."

I glare at him as rage builds up inside me. "I'm staying, and that's that."

"Don't be so selfish!" Gwendal booms.

"Selfish?!" I echo, incredulously. "What I'm doing is selfish? You don't think that I want to go home and be with Yuuri and Greta and just put all of this madness behind me? I want to go back home so badly, but I know that I'll regret turning my back on Caloria as well as Yuuri's vision, so I'm staying. Deal with it."

I storm off, and stomp down the stairs. How dare he accuse me of being selfish? And to even blatantly say that I can't fend for myself! He saw me fighting. Hell, I protected him and healed him when he fumbled. How can he be so ungrateful, so cold, and callous? How can he overlook how much better I have gotten in both skill and attitude? Is he blind? Or am I still not good enough to him?

His Eminence tries to approach me, but I walk around him, and stalk outside. The sun isn't out. It's like the world is trapped in an eternal night. It's eerie, surely a sign of bad things to come, but I'm determined to persevere, and work for a brighter tomorrow.

A/N: Hey, I wanted to update before New Years, so here it is! Hope everyone is doing well, and that everybody has a Happy New Year!

Sawyer Fan: Thank you so much! I don't think I can thank you enough for your awesome reviews this year nor your kind words when I needed them the most. I don't know you in person, but I can tell that you're a compassionate, and understanding human being. Two traits that are very important to have in a person. Hope you had a Merry Christmas, and that your New Years is awesome as well! Much love!

luvdawinx: Thank you. Bitchy-Ass sounds perfect. XD Truthfully, I don't really know his personality (if he even has one) because I find it hard to go back to the third season to check since that season is so totally cringe-worthy. Same goes for Sara-Bitch. As far as I'm concerned, he's obsessed with Yuuri, and Bitchy-Ass is obsessed with protecting Sara-Bitch. Eileen is going to get a proper funeral at the end of the story, buried with her beloved. Hope you had a Merry Christmas, and that you live it up on New Years tomorrow! I'm gonna be dancing all night long!

ninadotran3: Aww, thank you so much for saying that! It means a lot. I try my best to add some dimension to my OCs. There are more Wolfram and Yuuri scenes in the next chapter. So look foward to that. Have a happy new year!

Winry1021: Thank you for reviewing my story and reading it so faithfully this year. It means the world to me to have your support to have made a fan in you. I'm so glad that you love Tilly. I wanted to make someone who provided the story with some humor to take a break from all the angst. See ya next year! Ha, get it? Cuz I won't see you until after New Years, and uh...yeah, I'm such a joke thief.