Title: Ready For Love
Chapter Three: Downtime and Chilling Orders
Anime: Kyou Kara Maou
Summary: Now that things have quieted down in Shin Makoku, there is nothing to deter the foreshadowed wedding between His Majesty Maou, Yuuri Shibuya and Wolfram von Bielefield.
Anissina was never one to pass up an opportunity to use her inventions, or create new ones for that matter. Upon hearing news of the upcoming wedding, she had insisted on taking care of the preparations herself. Wolfram had courteously agreed,but not before long hours of Anissinas tormenting persistence.
Currently she had enlisted Cheri-sama and Gisela to take care of the wardrobe and flower arrangements while she focused on catering and arranging the center hall for the ceremony.
Wolfram watched agitatedly as Anissina ordered soldiers and servants alike, about the room. Curtains were being replaced and pulled back to let some of the mid-afternoon light shine through. Chairs and tables were brought in and arranged about the room all in an outlying position that left room in the center for dancing.
Murata couldn't help the frown that marred his usually bright smile. Yuuri had disappeared over an hour ago without a trance and the great sage had hadmuch luck in finding the elusive maou. He knew for certain Shibuya hadn't been transported to the other world or he'd have sensed the inevitable magical surge.
His train of thought came to a stop as he spotted a small group of high school girls coming his way.
"Excuse me, ladies" he said, a charming smile playing on his lips.
The red head of the group blushed prettily, her two companions sharing a look over the shorter girl's shoulders as they noticed the suddenly flustered state of their friend.
"You see, I'm in a bit of a jam." Murata continued. "I've misplaced a friend of mine and I'm starting to worry he might have gotten himself into some trou-" He stopped abruptly causing the three girls to blink curiously at him before turning to stare behind them trying to see what had caught his attention.
"Ah, well ladies it seems my friend didn't wander off to far after all." With one last smile and a small bow Murata raced off into the crowded boardwalk where he'd glimpsed the familiar smiling blue dolphin of the little league team Shibuya and he had been coaching since the start of summer.
Upon dismounting his horse, Konrad was greeted by two maidens dressed in matching white kimonos.
"Good afternoon, Sir Weller." They greeted, inclining their heads in unison. "Ulrike-sama has been awaiting your arrival. If you will follow us, we were instructed to bring you to her upon your arrival."
Turning in unison they lead the young commander through the open gate doors and across the familiar open courtyard.
Warm chocolate orbs caught on the majestic fountain located in the center of the courtyard. Almost instantly memories of a surprised Yuuri and the brightly smiling great sage appearing in the stilled water played through Konrad's mind.
"Sir Weller, this way please."
Snapped out of his thoughts and back to reality, Konrad realized he'd stopped walking and with a small shake ofhis head resumed his trek.
Large dark orbs starred out over the rolling waves. A soft breeze cooling sun-heated skin as it rolled over the still form of one Shibuya Yuuri. He shivered, drawing up his knees to his chest as he crossed his arms over them, resting his chin on top. A soft wind blew about him, whispering too softly to make out anything but a soft howl.
Large waves crashed upon the seashore where a couple walked silently hand in hand, taking a romantic stroll. A light blush spread across his nose as he noticed the intimate embrace for the first time.
Behind them the setting sun enveloped the two figures, highlighting the forms in a pale yellow light, making it hard to discern any features other than their forms. A wisp of rich brown strands caught Yuuri's attention and he lifted his head trying to get a better look.
The figures stood facing each other now; leaning closer for what Yuuri knew was an inevitable kiss. A sudden movement caught his eye and he starred dumbfounded for a moment as he realized something that should've been more than obvious. Water trunks. It was all the young maou could do not to bury his head in the sand as he realized they were both male.
'Why me…' he groaned inwardly.
Starring past the occupied couple, Yuuri watched what was left of the sun die down, seemingly engulfed by the rolling high tides. Closing his eyes as the full weight of the day reached him, he contented himself in playing back memories of his time in Shin Makoku, non-the-wiser to the approaching form of a certain great sage.
"…Shibuya?"
It took a second for Yuuri to realize he was no longer alone. Beside him the familiar mop of sun-kissed blonde hair shifted with the passing breeze.
"…sorry…" His muttered apology made Murata lean back in quiet surprise.
"It's okay."
Murata smiled, shaking his head as he looked up towards the darkening sky where small twinkles of light made themselves known one by one. He looked deep in thought as he watched a passing spotlight loom over them and back. He nodded to himself then, as if making up his mind about a secret only he knew.
"Well then," he started, turning a bright smile towards the curious maou. "Shall we get going?"
Yuuri's deep sigh and newly formed pout as he stood and dusted of his sand ridden shorts was his only answer.
"Come along then Shibuya, there's no time like the present."
Yuuri paused for a moment, blinking in silent wonderment. Murata had always had a habit of saying the weirdest things, something that left Yuuri feeling a little more than unnerved when they were pulled into mischief or some sort of trouble inadvertly afterwards.
Murata smiled to himself as he watched Yuuri get lost in thought, eyes wide and a small pout on his lips, absolutely adorable. Oh, if only Shibuya could see himself now, Murata would get a kick out of that. Stifling the laugh he knew was bound to escape, he turned back to the wide expanse of open water and couldn't hold back the subconscious smile that spread across his lips; that secretive sort of smile that said he knew something that others were totally clueless about.
"Eh, Shibuya... How about a quick dip before we go? It'd be such a shame to come all the way here and go back dry?"
"You wanted to see me?"
Ulrike nodded, hands draped at her sides as she worried her bottom lip for a moment. A frown settled on her lips as she motioned for him to step closer. "Sir Weller, His Majesty Shinou – he's…" she stopped herself, brows furring as she tried to think of a way to explain. She bit her lip once more, worrying the already tender flesh as she looked up into the commanders worried brown orbs.
"Does this have to do with Yuuri's unexplained absence as of late?"
Ulrike remained quiet, closing her eyes tightly as she tried to regain her courage. She had to do this, it was Shinou's wish.
"Ulrike-sama, please, if this has to do with Yuuri I must know if I am to protect him."
Konrad didn't like the looks of this. He'd rarely, if ever, seen Ulrike so flustered and uncertain when it came to His Majesty Shinou. He watched as she looked back at the large stone tablet that kept her connected to Shinou even in the afterlife.
"Sir Weller, you must understand that His Majesty Shinou knows what's best. Because of this he fears that this sudden turn of events is not in Shin Makokus' best interest." She took a deep breath, eyes closing for a few seconds before turning soulful vibrant orbs of lavender onto the half mazoku.
Konrad frowned slightly, the action itself barely noticeable for anyone that had not been watching him closely. "What do you mean by this sudden turn of events?"
With an apologetic smile playing on her lips she said, "His Majesty Shinou does not approve of the marriage between His majesty Yuuri and Lord Von Bielefield. You, Sir Weller, are to put a stop to this union."
The Rutenberg Patriot went cold.
