Disclaimer: I do not own KKM!
Author Notes: Yes, I know it has been more than a month since my last update. I do have plenty of reason among them is exams but I should have tried harder to update. Sorry. And I am not really satisfied with this chapter since it doesn't really contain anything. I promise next chapter will have a lot of pranks, William bashing, and many more things. SPECIAL THANKS TO SAWYER FAN WHO GAVE ME PRANK IDEAS.
Review Replies:
Sawyer Fan: Jealousy is in the air…. Unfortunately our poor Maoh's nose is blocked! Don't worry….. he will soon come to terms with his feelings. Thank you for the ideas.
Guest: Updated!
Guest: thank you.
Angelanddevil2: No problem. Your encouragement is more than enough.
"Teamwork: Easier Said than Done"
Nauman Faridi
Chapter 12: Teamwork= Power (Normal P.O.V)
They stared at the floating object in wonder. What they weren't able to understand was how an inanimate object without any wings or support that they knew off- unless Anissina had yet again gotten her hand on a test subject for her latest invention- could be flying around in the air.
Wolfram, after a brief moment of shocked silence, let out a sigh. Maybe someone was trying to prevent him from going to the date. For a moment the thought that Yuri was doing this entered his mind before he squashed the idea. He couldn't risk bringing his hopes up. It was too dangerous.
"Don't worry. I will not let it harm you while I am here." The false bravado in William's voice didn't go unnoticed by Wolfram who tried not to snort at Williams's misconception of him being scared. What he couldn't understand was how he managed to get cornered into the date.
The pans and kitchen utensils that were floating in the air stilled. Wolfram thought that the act was over and it was going to drop to the ground but the exact opposite happened. The utensils, among them were a huge knife, hurtled towards them. Or to be more specific towards William. Wolfram would take great enjoyment in replaying the moment again and again in his mind later.
He, ducking on instinct.
William emitting a huge girlish, if not childish, shriek.
The utensils sensing the movement and, ignoring Wolfram, attacking William.
The loud clanging and breaking noises as the utensils fell one by one on the Devil.
The knife whizzing past, managing to catch the edge of Williams cloak and making him loose his balance.
A dull thud as William fell on the ground as the utensils stopped attacking and fell beside him.
The girlish scream stopping while Wolfram tried to control the laugher threatening to escape.
Now Wolfram was quiet sure that there was someone looking out for him. He just didn't know who it was or how many of them there were.
OooO
Previously:
The next day bought lots of sunshine and very good weather. A perfect day for an outing. Or so Yuri thought.
His plan was to call all the people, namely his friends and retainers, and go out somewhere for a picnic. After all such weather could not be ignored. But, unfortunately for him, the first person he came across was Murata.
"Oy Murata!" He waved his hand and simultaneously jogged towards where Murata had stopped walking. In the back of his mind he noted on how odd it was that Murata was visiting the Castle the third time in less than a week. He quickly forgot about it though when he came face to face to Murata.
"Hey Shibuya." A quick greeting accompanied with his usual smirk.
"I was thinking about all of us going out for a picnic. Would you like to come?" Yuri asked all in one breathe.
Murata's eyes widened in shock. "Didn't you hear? Weller and Lord von Voltaire have disappeared to do something 'important' and Lord von Bielefeld is going on a date with William." If Yuri would have been more observant he would have noticed the twonkle of mischief in Murata's eyes or how a smirk was threatening to break out on his face. But unfortunately, as everyone knew, he was quiet dense. Which was why all this had started in the first place.
"Wolfram is going on a date with that douche- I mean William?" Yuri coughed self consciously. Murata, unable to control his smirk, raised his eyebrow. He had no trouble completing what Yuri was going to say.
'Shibuya is jealous without realizing it himself.' Murata thought amused. This was great entertainment. And it was only going to get better.
"Yes. They knew each other from a very long time. They are close friends after all." Murata knew that it was not true and Wolfram hated William's guts but a little white lie wouldn't hurt anyone. On the plus side it might even help the operation move along faster. Noticing the slight frown on Yuri's face Murata smiled. Yes. It would help the operation move faster.
"Fine then." Now Yuri was full out pouting. "We should go some other time." Murata did feel bad for Yuri but what he had done had to be done for the greater good. Now he felt like Dumbledore. He knew he shouldn't have read those Harry Potter books that were lying in his house that day. Now he had become more philosophical and cryptic than before.
As Murata turned to walk away he had one last parting shot. "Who knows? We might have to prepare the Castle for a wedding in a few months." He could almost visualize the open mouthed look that Yuri would be spotting and he walked away with his back towards Yuri.
Humming lightly, he made his way through the various Castle corridors. The Kitchens was in the lowest level of the Castle.
Reaching his destination, he peeked in searching for his partner- in- crime. Spotting her by one of the tables, cleaning dishes and talking with Sangria, he made his way in. "That's a lot of dishes." The two ladies turned around in surprise not expecting any company.
"Your Eminence." Sangria gasped before quickly bowing. Miko followed her suit so that it wouldn't look odd.
Waving his hand he said, "No need for all this formalities." Smiling charmingly, he asked, "Can I borrow Miss Miko for a few minutes?" Sangria blinked and nodded, all the while throwing suspicious glances at Miko. There was going to be another addition to the love lottery.
Miko smiled and followed Murata out.
"We better go to the Gardens." Murata suggested. Leading the way, Murata entered the Gardens noting the addition of a new dark black flower. Making a mental note of asking Lady Celi about it, he turned towards Miko.
"Did something happen?" Miko asked worried. Murata smiled reassuringly and shook his head.
"Nothing bad. Actually it might turn out to be quiet good for us." At Miko's questioning glance he continued, "Did you hear about the recent addition?"
"That William? The maids were talking about him yesterday during dinner. He was seemingly very close with Wolf-Chan but something happened between them and he hasn't come here ever since..." A sharp glance towards Murata. "Do you know what happened Ken-Chan?"
Murata had to appreciate the character of Miko Shibuya. Many people thought of her as a bubbly and cheerful person who didn't have the ability to take anything seriously. The truth was that no one had ever made her angry enough to face her wrath. Murata had a theory about how Yuri might have gotten the Maoh side from Miko. It did seem viable.
"Not exactly. No one seems to know what really happened." At least that much was true. Even the Great Sage didn't know the exact details of the incident. The only thing he knew was that a huge fire had taken place, without any doubt on who had caused it, and William left soon after that. Murata knew that despite all the jealously and anger that Wolfram showed he truly cared about the people near to him and would never drive them away from him unless they hurt him. So he was sure that William must have done southing to face Wolframs' wrath.
"Then what should we do about him?" Miko asked.
"I was thinking... And I already told Shibuya..." Murata grinned. "Why not ask William to take Von Bielefeld on a small date?"
A normal reaction would have been to frown or gasp while shaking head vigorously; trying to explain how it was a bad idea and no way it would work. But since this was the mother of Yuri Shibuya who, on no accounts, could be considered normal she had the complete opposite reaction.
"That is a brilliant idea. It will even make Yuu-chan jealous and he might realize his feeling earlier than expected." Clapping her hands together Miko was already lost in her own world.
Laughing at her enthusiasm Murata had already started to move back towards the Castle. "Then I better get going. It wouldn't be good if Yuri meets William before I do." Nodding Miko watched Murata retreat back into the Castle.
Tilting her face high, she smiled. If everything goes according to plan then it would mean a better future for everyone.
OooO
William was sure that his day would go good. The weather was pleasant, the sun was shining brightly, the birds were chirping and all the clichés. So when he saw the Great Sage approaching from the opposite direction, instead of turning away- he didn't trust the double black after all and he knew that the feeling was mutual- he walked forward confidently to meet him.
"Good Morning Your Eminence." He greeted in the most regal tone he could. The amassment on Murata's face irritated him but there was nothing he could do about that. The Great Sage was of a far higher rank than him.
"Good Morning Lord Rudolf." Tilting his head Murata frowned.
"Is something wrong?" William asked worried. He had a plan to carry out and it wouldn't be good for either of them- not that he cared about that filthy blooded king of Small Shimaron but his neck too would be on stake- if they were caught before a chance to carry it out arrived.
"Oh nothing much. I was just wondering on how much you and Lord von Bielefeld would suit together." Murata commented lightly. To say William was shocked was an understatement. He knew that the Sage didn't like him much less trust him.
"He, a passionate young man while you, a brave knight. What a perfect couple." Even though William's sixth sense was warning him of danger he couldn't ignore the compliments that were being showered on him. Pushing his doubts aside he asked, "Perfect couple?"
"Of course. You both look perfect when you stand beside each other."
"But what about His Majesty? Most people feel that he and Wolfram make a much cuter couple."
"Maybe they do. But that was just temporary. They were never meant to be." Murata shook his head. "Their engagement was a disaster. They are complete and total opposites. You and Lord von Bielefeld on the other hand..." Murata looked at William speculatively. "It would be better if you both got back together again."
The word again caught William's attention. "So you heard about the incident?"
Murata nodded. "Of course I am sure that it isn't your mistake. Lord von Bielefeld is known for over reacting on the smallest of things."
"Yes you are right. But I love him just the way he is." William made sure to keep just the right amount of adoration in his voice.
"Why don't you take him out on a date today?" A bombshell.
"What? But what if he doesn't accept. He is stubborn and I know that he isn't happy to see me back so there is no way he would go out with me." Taking a deep breath after the long speech William let out a small sigh that he hoped had passed as a sad one.
"What is there to try?" Indeed. What could be lost if he just tried once. If his luck was good he would slowly gain back Wolframs trust.
"I will do that." Standing straight, he marched in search of Wolfram. He would get that date no matter what.
'Now to search for Lady Celi.' He knew that he had laid it down a bit too much thick but luckily William hadn't noticed anything. Murata also knew that there was no way Wolfram would accept to go out on a date with William. So the only person who could make- or bully- Wolfram into going for a date was Lady Celi. He knew for a fact that Wolfram was in the courtyard training with his soldiers. And since William had gone the opposite way, Murata was sure it would take him some time to find Wolfram. Before that Murata had to find Lady Celi.
Her room was not too far from the place he had encountered William and for that Murata was thankful. He had very less time already.
Knocking on the huge door he waited for the 'Sexy Queen'- now 'Sexy Ex-Queen'- to open the door. Opening the door with a flourish, she stood in her usual clingy black dress- unlike the towel Murata hoped- her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Did anything happen?" Murata was taken aback. It was almost as if she was expecting him. Deciding not to question it anymore he informed her of what had taken place.
"So you want me to convince Wolf-Chan to go on a date with William?"
"Yes. Shibuya is already jealous and if they actually went on a date... "Murata trailed off.
Celi nodded enthusiastically. "Of course I will do it." A pensive look appeared on her face. "Though..." On Murata's questioning look she continued, "William and Wolf-Chan would be a cute couple if they got together. It isn't all together impossible." At Murata's badly concealed look of horror she laughed. "Don't worry. I still think Wolf-Chan and His Majesty would make a much better couple than anyone else."
Closing the door behind her she walked away. As she disappeared around the corner her voice floated towards Murata, "But I hope it's not too late." Shaking his head he smiled grimly. He too hoped the same.
OooO
"Wolf-Chan!" The clear, high soprano voice could only belong to one person. Repressing a groan Wolfram turned around tying to ignore the snickering from his soldiers.
"Yes Mother. As you can see I am a bit busy right now so I will talk with you later..."
"You all are dismissed." Lady Celi waved her hand in a shooing motion. The soldiers looked at each other in confusion. Should they listen to her or not? Only their Captain had the right to dismiss them but in the other hand she was the Captains mother and the ex-queen.
"MOTHER!" The soldiers winced. The high pitched tone indicated how angry their Captain was. "They are my soldiers and you don't have any right to..." Ignoring her son Lady Celi frowned at the soldiers. "Why are you people not going? Go on."
Glancing at each other the soldiers made a decision. Shrugging they sheathed their swords and started to walk away. Before Wolfram could start screaming again Lady Celi turned towards him with a bright smile. This instantly put Wolfram on his guard.
"What did you do?"
Lady Celi pouted. "Who said did anything? Dent you trust you Mama?"
By now alarm bells were ringing in Wolframs head warning him to run away. But Lady Celis hand around his shoulder prevented that. As he contemplated his options- to run away and risk her wrath or to wait there for sure death- another sound reached his ears. That way of walking... Hoping with his full heart that it wasn't who he thought it was he looked up only to have all his hopes crushed.
Walking arrogantly with his head held high was the Devil himself.
'WHY ME?' Wolfram thought as at the same time Lady Celi thought, 'What good timing.'
"William! How good to see you here." Lady Celi's smile as too sharp to be innocent.
"Likewise." A charming smile was directed towards her but his eyes lingered on Wolfram as Wolfram glared back with everything he had. "I actually came here to ask Wolfram something."
The alarm bells in Wolframs head were now broken due to excessive ringing.
"For what?" Lady Celi asked.
"I was wondering if he would like to go out to town with me."
"WHA- Of course no-" Clamping a hand over Wolframs mouth Lady Celi smiled charmingly. "What he wants to say is that he would be glad to accompany you."
William grinned and nodded."I will wait for him by the eastern corridor." Lady Celi nodded with the smile still in place as she ignored Wolfram rather violent protests against her hand.
Removing her hand as William left she raised an eyebrow. "That wasn't a very nice way to behave Wolf-chan." Ignoring her words, Wolfram instead focused on the problem.
"I am sure that there was a very good reason for you to make me to go on a date with that- that Devil." Wolfram's initial calm tone had disappeared as he thought of going out- alone that too- with the bastard.
"Wolfram!" He knew that he had crossed the line when his mother used his full name instead of her usual 'Wolf-Chan'. "You shouldn't call him that. He is a perfect gentleman." Before he could say anything else Lady Celi continued, "You will go on that date with him. And you will do it without a single complaint." The glare warned him not to protest anymore
"Fine." He snapped stomping away.
Lady Celi sighed. She was sure that he would grumble all the way but there was nothing she could do about it. Hopefully it would all work out in the end.
OooO
"The door is locked." Sangria frowned, trying her best to twist the door knob and open the door. Effe, who was standing beside her, looked bewildered. "But I heard noises from it just a few minutes ago."
Sangria turned to look at Effe. "Are you sure?" Effe didn't miss the slight fear in her voice and she too began to feel scared. Maybe it was a ghost or something… They both looked at each other and silently decided to come later.
If they had been able to look into the room they would be even more surprised. The room was occupied by four people. Four people who no one would expect to be together. Those people, Lord Weller Codename: gentlesmiler, Lord von Voltaire Codename: grumpyknitter, Yozak Gurrier Codename: secretspy and the Poison Lady herself.
These people being in the same room was a big enough surprise but the maids would've surely fainted if they saw the heads together as they poured over a piece of parchment on the table in the middle of the room.
"That might not work." Gwendal commented crumpling another piece of parchment. Anissina let out a frustrated breath and put her hands on her hips. "If you don't like any of my ideas then come up with some of your own." Gwendal nearly cowered.
"Lady Anissina, it would be a waste to use such a ... Magnificent invention for such a trivial matter." Yozak tried to reason with her- as well as save his Commander- throwing worried glances at the menacing looking invention sitting silently in one corner of the room.
Luckily for all present, Anissina seemed to consider this seriously. As the other waited for her verdict with a baited breath, a resounding crash broke the silence. As all of the males jumped at the unexpected noise Anissina merely glanced at her now broken invention.
"I think it does need some more adjustments." Anissina conceded.
Sighs of relief filled the air. "But I still have another invention." Horrified faces all around. Ignoring the expressions on her partner-in-crimes faces, she retrieved another roll of parchment from her pockets. Make that another roll of Very long parchment.
The men sighed. In their anger they had forgotten the real danger.
Poison Lady and her inventions could even give the Devil a run for his money. Now instead of trying to get rid of William all of them would try to survive all the time spent with Anissina.
OooO
"I thought you were going to stay up in the Shrine." If anyone noticed the Great Sage talking to himself they didn't say anything but continued on their way without sparing him a glance. Things like this were very common in Shin Makuko especially since the arrival of the 27th Demon King.
"I got bored." Shinou knew that he shouldn't be surprised that his Sage was able to tell he was there without any indication. Appearing on Murat's shoulder, Shinou made himself comfortable. "And nowadays the Castle is much more interesting than before."
Raising his eyebrows Murata continued walking. There was no particular destination in his mind so he just roamed around the hallways tying to think of a plan to help Wolfram bear his date with William.
"Did you know that my descendents brothers, the inventor and the spy have gathered to think of a plan to get rid of that Devil?" Shinou's tone was light like they were discussing about the weather instead of something important.
That caught Murata's interest. "I didn't know about it actually. Well, that decreases our work load." Grinning Murata made and discarded plans in his head. "Let's leave the start up to them then. Let them start it and we will end it." Shinou smirked at his Sages deviousness.
"I like it. Now to inform them about the date."
Murata glanced at Shinou. "You are volunteering?" He knew that Shinou normally left this kind of things up to him.
"I want to see their expressions." Shinou shrugged. Murata could already imagine the expressions on the brother's faces. He wished luck to whoever was near them at that moment. Gwendal might like cute things and Conrart might hide behind his charming smile but everyone knew that mess with Wolfram and you might as well kiss your life goodbye.
"Fine." Murata agreed. Shinou disappeared. Murata sighed. Everything seemed to be going according to plan for now.
OooO
Present:
In the shadows of a well hidden corner:
As Wolfram tried to control his laughter he had no idea that there were many people hiding in the shadows, trying to control laughter themselves.
"Wow. The invention actually worked." Yozak commented his shoulders jerking as the suppressed laughter tried to break out.
"Shhhhh!" Anissina glared at Yozak. "You will get us caught." Yozak immediately fell silent except for the quiet snorts he was unable to suppress. Conrart too was grinning at the look on Williams face as he tried to get up and failed, falling back with a bang the vessels around him making a loud clanging noise. Gwendal was the one most silent as he leaned against the wall.
"Commander?" Yozak noticed the silence of the older man who hadn't yet said anything.
"He still hasn't gotten out of the shock that William and Wolfram are going out on a date." Anissina explained peeking out from the corner they were hiding in. Conrart and Yozak turned towards Gwendal. A disgruntled expression adorned his face.
"I am sure that it wasn't Wolframs decision." Conrart said reasonably. Gwendal merely grunted.
"This isn't the end of his troubles." The delighted tone in Yozak's voice dint go unnoticed by anyone but since they were feeling the same way they didn't rebuke him.
Time to step up the game.
Back to the Disaster sight:
Wolfram on the other hand left all the attempts to control his laughter. He laughed without any care enjoying the look on Williams face as he realized that a few of the pots were filled with soup and various other kinds of liquids.
Soldiers came running to the scene after hearing all the commotion.
"What happened?" A soldier exclaimed looking at all the broken plates and pots. They all seemed even more surprised at how much the youngest son of the Ex-Queen was laughing. Especially at the misfortune of someone else.
As they hesitated, unable to understand what to do, Conrart entered the scene.
"Should I even ask what happened here?" The dry tone was accentuated by the look that Conrart was throwing at William. Wolfram immediately stopped laughing though there were still traces of laughter on his face.
"Don't." Was the only thing Wolfram said.
"You better go and wash up." Conrart suggested lightly. He hoped that this would effectively cancel the date. But he had underestimated William.
"Yeah I will." He got to his feet wincing, the pieces of crockery stuck to different parts of his body with the help of the liquids on him. Turning towards Wolfram he said, "I won't be long. Let's meet at the front gate after half an hour."
The soldiers felt like audience in a very cliché show.
The horrified expression on Wolframs face couldn't be copied by even the most talented of actors.
The look on Williams face just reeked of smugness.
The look on Conrart's face would send even the bravest of men running for cover.
A loud growl was heard. "Is there a rabbit on loose?" William looked nervous and Conrart looked solace in that fact. William should be nervous but not for the resin he was thinking off. Conrart knew from where the growl had come and it was with great hardship and years of experience that he was able to control himself from saying something he wouldn't really regret later but would get an earful from Lady Celi for sure.
"No of course not. You better go and tidy up." Conrart's voice had returned to its calm tone. Turning towards the soldiers he instructed, "Clean up this mess."
The soldiers who were enjoying the exchanges immediately snapped into attention and chanted. "Sir, Yes sir."
Wolframs expression was sullen as he stomped away from the place. William walked the opposite way towards the baths. Conrart sighed and walked towards the shadows where his partners were hiding.
"Looks like our plan failed."
Conrart noticed the absence of one person. "Where is Yozak?"
Anissina's smile was definitely reeking of evilness. If there was such a word. But Conrart was sure the definition of sadistic, evil, cruel and all the related words would be Anissina. There was no one else like her. And for that he was thankful.
"I sent him for an errand. Don't worry. He will be back soon."
"And does this errand have something to do with The Evil Pig?" Conrart asked.
"Maybe." Was the only reply he got. Looking at Gwendal for confirmation he frowned at the look on his elder brothers' face. If the soldiers thought that the look on Conrart's face was scary before then it was nothing when compared to Gwendal's face now. Anissina didn't seem too fazed.
"Well, the 'Evil Pig' has asked for more so he is going to get it." Conrart could only look after Anissina as she slipped out casually and made her way down the corridor. If William was anything less than the Devil Conrart might have actually felt bad for him. No one deserved the wrath of Anissina.
But since he was the Devil he deserved all the hell she gave him.
OooO
Sneak Preview:
It was a natural instinct for him to call upon his maryuko and light the mysterious mans clothes on fire. After all, he had bad experiences with men wearing big hoods that covered their entire face. But the yelping sound that the man emitted couldn't be mistaken for anyone else's.
"William?" Wolfram asked shocked as the so called mysterious man removed his hoodie and threw it to the ground. Ignoring the burning cloth, Wolfram instead focused his attention on William. "What were you-"He immediately feel quiet as he took in the appearance of his date.
The bright blue skin nearly blinded Wolfram as he frowned trying to make sense of what had happened. All the other parts of William's body was covered- including his hands which were covered with gloves- except for his face and neck which were bright blue in colour.
Opening his mouth in an attempt to say something- anything- Wolfram started laughing. It seemed like it wasn't only the skin that had been affected.
Author Notes: Over! Please review and come forward with some pranking ideas for William. Thank you!