Disclaimer: I do not own KKM! Never have and never will unfortunately….. :D

Author Notes: I know I know that it has been a VERY long time but I would've updated earlier f it wasn't for the school. And even then this chapter isn't that long or good. But I hope that it will be satisfactory for now. New Year Present!

Review Replies:

Angelanddevil2: Sorry for the less than satisfactory chapter. Even I wasn't that satisfied with the chapter. Hopefully this will satisfy you for some time.

.3: I know I take a long time to update but I can't use Microsoft Word so I use Gmail to type. Then I edit it and post it. Si it does take some time. And college life is demanding.

Damons-hot-as-hell: I hope this satisfies for some time. J

Sawyer Fan: He is the biggest trickster ever. I do agree to that. Though Miko won't be too harsh on him. Or maybe she will be. Let's see what my mind makes up.

Kiutemy: I am glad you like this story. Hope this chapter is good.

Ilovekkm: I know that Yuri is being dense and insensitive. Don't worry. He will soon understand Wolfram's value.

Chapter 9: Unexpected Twists and Turns (Wolfram P.O.V)

Life is what happens to us when we are busy making other plans-

John Lennon

I consider myself as a master of getting out of doing things I don't want to do. That was the main reason I was able to avoid Anissina for so many years.

So how could I have been cornered by a lady who didn't have any experience in that department?

"Don't worry. It will work out."Oh yeah. She had the help of Ken Murata also known as the Great Sage of the Demon Kingdom. I refrained from saying something rude and stupid and just glared at him.

The sword held by the Great Sage hung loosely by his side as we waited. I was sure that this plan wouldn't work. Trying to make Yuri feel jealous? Puh- lease! He wouldn't know jealously if it slapped him in the face.

I still had trouble understanding why, when and how I fell in love with him. He is a complete wimp not to mention dense and naive. If anyone had told me that I would fall in love with a half blooded wimp like him. I would've laughed and challenged them to a duel immediately.

But times change I guess. But I have decided that I would no longer pine over that idiot. At least not in front of the others.

I knew I wouldn't stop missing him so easily. Especially when I was alone.

And I am again starting to resemble a love sick dragon.

From where did the phrase "a love sick dragon' come from anyway? It doesn't make any sense. It wasn't like there is an abundance of dragons; their population was actually quite low. It wasn't like they could be choosy on who they can be with.

"Quick. Here they come." the Great Sage hissed as he lifted his sword and pointed it at me. The toothy grin that he was giving me indicated the confidence that he had in this plan. Though the same couldn't be said for me.

I too lifted my sword towards him. I could now hear voices drifting towards us in the courtyard. I could hear Greta voice chatting about something. My lips curled up in a smile. She might be the only person to hold a place equal to Yuri in my heart.

I quickly advanced towards the Sage trying to look like we were really dueling. He blocked my attack. It wasn't like I was trying too hard anyways. All my attention was on trying to hear what was going on behind me. It was quiet. A bit too quiet. I quickly pushed him and to my surprise he fell down without any problem.

As I stared at him, he winked. I blinked and then quirked a small smile. It was all part of the plan of course. Though I would be thankful if they would inform me before. He started laughing like there was nothing he could enjoy more than dueling with me.

"Wolfram!" As soon as I turned around I was engulfed by bushy brown curls. I was surprised. I hadn't expected such an excited reaction from her. It was true that I hadn't spent so much time with her in the past few days but for her to have such a reaction. But I nevertheless hugged her backed tightly.

I might never have expected to become so close to her in such a short time. At first I had accepted her as my daughter only because of the fact that Yuri wanted to adopt her but as I came to know her more, I truly began to consider her as my own daughter. She was smart, cute and funny. Not to mention she also knew how much I loved Yuri and tried to get us together. Not that it works but it's the thought that counts.

"Hey Shibuya. Lord Weller." The Great Sage greeted them throwing his sword on the ground.

"Good morning Your Highness." Conrart replied.

"Hey Murata. What are you doing here?" Yuri asked. I tried to avoid looking at him, trying to appear unaffected and uninterested. Luckily Greta started talking something and I diverted my attention to her.

"You know Wolfram, Anissina invented a new machine that can make ice! It can make lots of ice and we can cover the Castle and make lots of snow man." She was talking very fast in her excitement.

"Is that invention tested?" I asked.

"Not yet. Anissina is searching for someone to test it with." Greta smiled cutely. I smiled back as I made a mental note to warn Gwendal later. I had not thanked him properly for the knitted toy he had given me.

But while I was lost in my thoughts Greta's interest had turned towards Yuri and the others.

"Then tomorrow we both, Wolfram and me, will go to the City Market." Wait what? I glanced at them not willing to admit that I had listened to what had been said. When was going to the market place included in the plans? I hadn't been told anything about it!

"You are going to the Market tomorrow Wolfram?" Greta asked me. I turned my attention back to her and very nearly melted. She was looking at me with the saddest eyes ever, like the animal that we saw on Earth. Bog? Or dog?

"Can I come?" she asked. At that time I didn't have the heart to tell her no.

"Ask Yuri." I smiled at her as she cheered up and caught my left hand tightly.

Pulling me towards Yuri, she didn't hesitate while asking, "Papa, can I go to the Market with Wolfram tomorrow?"

"I don't think Yuri would have any problem Greta." Conrad answered instead of Yuri. I anyway doubted Yuri would have any problem. I glanced at Conrart. He too was involved in the plan. I frowned. Why did he agree so easily? Normally he was the one to be against all this along with Gwendal. I really doubted that Gwendal knew about it.

"Of course you can. Why don't we all go together?" Yuri asked eagerly. I looked up immediately. That would not be a good idea. I needed to get away from him for some time. True, I didn't want to go out with the Sage to the Market but it was better than staying in the Castle the whole day. I saw Conrart and the Sage exchanging another glance. They saw the problem too.

"I am sorry Your Majesty but I don't think that would be possible." Conrad smiled that irritating smile of his.

"But why?" I had to suppress the urge of calling him a wimp and telling him to stop whining.

"Gwendal wants you to sort out some issues about tax payments." Conrart explained. I looked at the Sage. He wasn't actually contributing to the discussion. I guessed that it was a good time to ask him what the hell was he planning!

I went up to him.

"What is this? I don't remember anything about going to the Market place together in the plan." I hissed careful to keep my voice low lest Greta or Yuri overhears it. Greta was currently interested in Yuri's and Conrart discussion to pay any attention to us.

"Oh well. Some minor changes. It seemed perfect." He declared cheerfully. I glared at him but bit down all the choices swear words that was at the tip of my tongue.

"What happened?" I looked at Yuri. His face was full of curiosity and confusion. I turned my gaze to the ground trying not to let my irritation show on my face.

"Nothing. Just planning the places we will visit tomorrow." Teeth gritting.

"Don't you want to go?" It took me a second to realize that he was asking me. I glanced at him before returning my stare back to the ground.

"I want to go." I replied as curtly as possible. It was the farthest thing from the truth but he should not know that. Suddenly a guard came running up to us.

"Your Majesty! A carriage has arrived and your presence is immediately required." He bowed and ran back the way he came from. I blinked. Someone has come? Who could it be? Not the nobles surely. Maybe Mr. Baldy- I mean Hyscliff from Cavalcade? I cursed at using the stupid nick name that Yuri had given him.

"We have a. visitor? Who is it?" Greta asked bouncing in her eagerness to meet the visitor. If it was Beatrice it would be good for Greta to be a bit distracted. And away from Anissina. That woman is dangerous. I had heard from Conrart that she had made the investigators cry at the Coming of Age Ceremony.

"Well then; let us go and see who it is." Conrart, with that annoying smile still in place, offered. I stared at him in wonder. How could he keep that smile in place for such a long time? It was an improvement from his angsty self but it still baffled me. Maybe it was a side effect of being the son of the best swordsman and one of the Shin Makuko three great witches.

I followed them to the front doors. I trailed behind them quietly trying to think of who would come so suddenly. I eyed Yuri warily. He had quickened his pace.

Standing on the steps, we saw the carriage slow down to stop in front of us. It was a fancy carriage. One of Shin Makuko's finest. So the person had hired a carriage from here. That could mean that the person wasn't from one of the noble families or any of the countries that could be accessed by land. It should most probably crossed by sea.

Maybe Lady Flurin?

But as soon as the person stepped out of the carriage I wondered where the Bad Omen birds were when you needed them. I still hoped that it was all just a bad dream and I would wake up any second.

That notion got dismissed as soon as Yuri confirmed it. "Sara!" He said, surprise in his voice. Great Sage just groaned lightly while Greta peeked at him from behind Yuri. Conrart's expression was guarded. By guarded I mean that he was showing his usual irritating smile with no indication that he was surprised.

It made me consider whether this too was a sort if the plan. With these people anything was possible.

Smiling lightly, the wanabee girl, climbed or glided up the stairs and went directly to Yuri. "Hello Yuri. I decided that little visit was in order. After all it has been a long time since we saw each other. So let us spend some time getting to know each other once again." He smiled while Yuri just looked dumbstruck.

He winked! That wanabee girl just winked at me. This is hell.

OoooO

The dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach had just arrived and has already started to flirt with Yuri. That dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach.

The generous title of cockroach, was bestowed upon him not because of his appearance- though if one squints, they can spot traces of cockroach like features- but mainly due to his habit of appearing anywhere at any time when he was not required.

The three 'dirty' were also required since he was 3 times dirtier than an average cockroach.

No one else would agree with me though so I kept my thoughts to myself. It was all I could do to make Yuri believe that I was NOT jealous.

"The guest room is near my room so it will be easy for you to ask anything..."

The glass in my hand cracked slightly. Conrart shot a worried glance at me being the only one to notice the crack my once pristine perfect glass now had. I had thought that a glass of water would make me feel better but I was wrong.

The windows of the dining room let in plenty of sunlight so there was no need to light the torches. How I wished to light that dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach on fire. He was standing a bit too close to MY Yuri.

He was drinking the water he had so graciously asked for. Please note the extreme sarcasm. Thus the stop in the dining room. Maybe he thought he would be able to get Yuri alone if he asked for some water. Alone in the Kitchen.

Luckily Greta- the sweet angel- suggested the dining room since the Kitchens were too far. The dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach disgruntled face was a sight to behold but my elation had long since disappeared.

"Why are you growling Wolfram?" Greta asked. I nearly spilled all my water. Luckily no one was near enough to listen to our conversation.

Conrart and Great Sage were whispering together. Most probably about the reason for the arrival of the dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach. Meanwhile he and MY Yuri were standing a bit too close together.

I repressed another growl and smiled at Greta.

"I am not growling. I am just... Coughing. Yeah, I was just coughing." I lied. Greta looked completely unconvinced. I cursed my disability to lie to my sweet daughter. I was cursing a bit too much these days. I should stop now before the curses start coming out of my mouth.

"Is Papa Wolf jealous?" Greta asked her eyes wide as she looked at the wannabe girl, who had now proceeded to put his hand on Yuri's shoulder. It might've looked like a friendly gesture to anyone else but I knew what he wanted to show. It was confirmed when he glanced at me and his smile changed to a smirk.

If only looks could kill he would be dead a hundred times over.

"Don't worry. No one can take Yuri from you." Her smile was brilliant. From where does she get all this optimism? People barely found hope in the brightest of times and here she was, giving others hope. Maybe Yuri did have positive influence in her. If I had to go what she had gone through when she was younger, I would barley be able to inspire myself let alone others.

"Well, no one might take him away. But he himself is running away isn't he?" I asked her, lowering my voice.

She looked at me for a moment. "Then why are you letting him run away?" I blinked in surprise. Looking into her eyes, I noticed the innocence in it. Innocence since she still didn't understand what is the use of ignoring each other if the love is there.

"I want him to be happy. And he would be happier without me." I explained her gently. "And I might just fall out of love after sometime." I knew that it was not really possible but I could hope right?

"You won't." The confidence in her voice struck me hard. "You won't. You love Yuri too much to just fall out of love so easily." Even though her voice was low, her words struck me directly.

"How do you know that? I might've just been acting all this time." I challenged her trying to look confident. She didn't look even a little bit faze.

"If you had been, you would've broken the engagement a long time ago. You wouldn't have been ready to sacrifice your life all these times." She looked at me with those clear eyes of hers. "You love him and nothing in this world could ever change that."

"Do you have a fever Wolfram?" I straightened up and turned around. The amused tone belonged to one great Sage as I had expected. He made his voice loud on purpose and Yuri and the dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach had turned to look at us.

I smiled tightly and replied, "No I am perfectly fine."

"Are you sure? You are a bit too red for it to be normal." His fake concerned tone confirmed that he had overheard at least some of mine and Greta's conversation. Before I could reply though, Yuri and that dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach came over.

"Are you fine Wolf?" Yuri's concerned face made me feel like banging my head on some wall. It didn't seem like a bad idea now.

I was about to smile at him but recalled that I wasn't supposed to be acting nice towards him. So I changed my smile into a grimace. "I am fine." I nearly snapped. Yuri looked hurt but I had no chance to comfort him, not like I was going to anyway, that dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach interrupted.

"I think Lord von Bielefeld isn't feeling too well today. It isn't fair to trouble him. Let him rest. What about you take me on a tour of the castle?" That smirk he wore contained the essence of evil. And it was for me. That I was sure of.

Before I could snap again, Conrart interrupted. "Well, I think its better if our guest gets some rest. After all it's been a long journey."

A warning glance.

I rolled my eyes. It wasn't like I was going to do anything anyway. Well at least nothing to drastic. Maybe put his cape on fire and blame it on temporary loss of control over Maryuko.

Idea filed away for later use.

Conrart escorted Yuri and that dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach to their respective rooms. Greta tagged along with them but not before whispering something to me that made my face flame up again.

"Don't worry. I will keep an eye on Papa Yuri and that long hair girl."

Did Greta think that Sara was a girl or was she making fun of him? There was no way for me to know about it now.

"Well, that was interesting." I resisted the urge to groan. The ever frustrating Great Sage was still present. Narrowing my eyes at his overly cheerful grin I ask, "Was it a plan if yours? If it is I have to say that it is not a very good plan."

His smile just widened if that was even possible.

That cannot be a good sign. It never was.

"Of course not. It wasn't my idea. I can't give any guarantees from Shinou's side though." Who all were involved in this? The last thing I wanted was the Almighty Prankster finding out about it. But it shouldn't be surprising since I bought the Great Sage into it. (Not that I bought him. He bought me in.)

"Though he did come at the right time." I just stared at him.

"Right time? There is no right time for him. He is a d- a trickster." I didn't want him to make fun of the nickname I had given that trickster. Even if it did suit him.

The Sage just shrugged and didn't answer.

"Tomorrow is a special day. Get ready." A roughish grin accompanied with a wink before he exited the room. Not a second too late. The glass that had been in my hand was now smashed on the door.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

OooO

The market was crowded. A bit too crowded if you asked me. People bustled around going about their daily business. All kinds if products could be seen lining up the shelves of shops and stalls. It was a typical market place.

The previous day had been tense. I had been unable to relax completely and kept growling (at least that's what Greta told me last night) to myself. Even at dinner that dirty, dirty, dirty cockroach had sat on MY usual seat near MY Yuri.

I looked around. Greta and the Sage had wandered off to check out the things available.

Maybe, just maybe, I would be able to enjoy myself.

"Wolfram." Or not. My head automatically snapped up as my eyes searched for the person who had called out my name.

One thing was true. When troubles come, they come all together. All the things I feared were turning into reality. But this was the worst.

I wondered if there was a sand hole around here. It would be good place to hide in for a while. I just needed some supplies and I have found myself a new place to live.

I could just pretend I hadn't heard it until then. So I kept my head down as I ra- I mean escaped.

"Wolfram." Damn! Now he was in front of me.

I looked up and met his eyes. "William."

Author Notes: Over! Please review! Suggestions are always welcome.