Calm before the Storm
Pairing: Wolfram and Yuuri of course! I don't think others will pop out in future chapters...
I don't own Kyou Kara Maou. I wish i do though.
Chapter 3
"What?!" Gwendal pounded his fists at the wooden table in his office in distress, causing a pile of papers to fall into the floor. Ink spilled over the documents he was reading not more than a minute ago as the ink bottle jumped from the tremor brought about by his action. He was finishing the tax documents the Maou was unable to do since his injury before Yozak entered bearing the bad news.
"Well Your Excellency," Yozak eyebrows raised at his superior's outburst, not used to the other showing his emotions. "As I've said, everyone in Boeotia vanished. If there was a struggle or a fight, they certainly didn't leave any trace. Although it is obvious that the villagers didn't decide to leave on their own since all their belongings are still in their houses. In fact, I think they were forced to leave while they are in the middle of something."
"What made you say that?"
"Well little things like a faucet still turned on, bread baking in the oven, unfinished laundry, furnaces fired up…"
Gwendal slowly sat back down and massaged the crease between his eyes. First the surprise attack during the ball and now this. It seems that everything is happening all at once now that the Maou is back. "But that town has their own troop of soldiers to defend them, being that it is a little far from the capital. Every Mazoku town in the outskirts of Shin Makoku has one. The purpose is to defend them from any potential attackers while waiting for reinforcements from this castle. How about the soldiers? Are they gone too?"
"Yes. Not a single soul in sight." Yozak's normally cheerful countenance hardened at the gravity of the situation, his blue eyes taking a sharp edge. He combed the village to look for clues about the inhabitants' whereabouts but to no avail. But no one can vanish into thin air…can they?
The other man's eyes darkened, deep grooves forming in his face as he frowned deeper. "Have you found anything about the attackers?"
Yozak shook his head. "Unfortunately Your Excellency, they too vanished into thin air like the villagers. They left no trail for us to follow. It's as if they appeared out of nowhere."
Gwendal sighed deeply, leaning back to rest his chair, feeling extremely exhausted. "Let's keep this from Heika first. I'll tell the Maou when there is something more substantial we can find. I'll brief Conrad, Gunter and Wolfram later."
"As you wish Your Excellency. I'll make sure to find something to tell the kiddo." And with a bow accompanied by a wink, Yozak slipped away from Gwendal's office, smirking a bit as he saw in the corner of his eye his superior taking out his knitting.
XOXO
"Heika as long as you don't overexert yourself, you'll be fine." Gisela declared with a smile after checking up on a slightly impatient Yuuri.
"Yes I know Gisela!" Yuuri was practically bouncing beside the fountain in Shinou's temple. He was about to go to Earth with Conrad and Murata to tell his parents about what had conspired in Shin Makoku. Yuuri was a bit nervous about telling his Mother and Father that he's going to quit school and live in Shin Makoku. Although he knew that his parents will applaud at his sense of responsibility and dedication to his country, he didn't know what their reaction would be when they discover he's going to stay at Shin Makoku. Oh he will visit them from time to time but the fact that he won't be there constantly will be a huge blow for his parents.
"Is Sir von Bielefeld not coming with you heika?" looking around for the blonde Mazoku soldier, no doubt to check his wounds before allowing the boy to step near the fountain.
"Errr…he's not coming with us Gisela." Yuuri mumbled, his eyes darkening a bit as he remembered Wolfram. The blonde was uncharacteristically subdued and distant these past few days. He did not visit Yuuri again after checking on him the first time. And he even chose to stay and train the troops rather than go with Yuuri to Earth! Yuuri was in fact counting on Wolfram to come with him to lessen the blow he was about to deliver, knowing that his mother adore the other boy so much. But after the blonde stated rather firmly his intentions of staying, Yuuri did not press him to come.
"So are you ready Shibuya?"
Yuuri pulled himself from his thoughts of Wolfram. "Ready. Conrad?"
"Yes Heika."
"It's Yuuri Conrad." The Maou sighed as he extended his arms, palms facing the water in the fountain. Within a few seconds, the water started to glow, indicating the portal is now open. At Murata's nod, Yuuri waved a final goodbye to Gisela and stepped in the fountain to Earth.
XOXO
"Yu-chan! Oh and Murata and Conrad!"
Yuuri identified the voice without opening his eyes. His sodden clothes weighed him down as he climbed out of the kiddie pool in his parents' backyard. "Mom I am back."
"I can see that! And it's Mama Yu-chan!" Shibuya Miko aka 'Jennifer,' squealed as she pounced on his son to give him a hug. "Oh I was worried you'll never make it here in time for your birthday tomorrow! Come Ken-chan and Yuuri's godfather. Let's all go inside!"
"Look mom you're all wet too." Yuuri said, choosing to ignore the birthday comment for now as he watched his mother bounce to the house.
"It's just water Yu-chan. I swear sometimes you worry too much. Wait here I'll get you all clothes."
"Ah Mama-san you're really the best!" Murata gushed.
Pausing in mid-stride, Miko turned sideways and made a pose. "Why thank you Ken-chan." Miko said with a winked before flouncing upstairs to get dry clothes.
After everyone has changed into something dry and comfortable, they all lounged in the living room. Miko insisted that they eat sweets and take tea with her as they wait for Yuuri's father and brother, who will be arriving soon. They talked for a little bit about the events in Shin Makoku, though Yuuri did say anything yet about the ball. He was surprised that time did not stay still on Earth like always when he was in the other world. Apparently, the portal was still unstable, seeing that Yuuri was still unable to control his maryoku.
After a few more minutes of small talk, the patio door slid open, revealing his father and brother. "Yu-chan!" Shouri exclaimed, taking of his shoes in a hurry when he saw his brother. He stopped on his tracks, however, when he noticed Conrad and Murata seated in the couch.
Conrad stood up to greet the newcomers. "Hello. We meet again." He said respectfully, bowing his head slightly.
"Ah it's you again! Good to have you here! Does this mean we get to watch a baseball game again?" Shibuya Shoma said to Conrad, his eyes twinkling.
"Dad! Shouri!" Yuuri greeted happily at the two newcomers. I am so glad you're home!"
Shouri looked at the occupants of the room, his eyes narrowing. Yuuri's return accompanied by people from Shin Makoku does not bode well. After all, his brother managed to return countless of times before without anyone in tow, except maybe Murata. But the other boy doesn't count, seeing that he's also from Earth. "What's wrong this time Yu-chan?" Shouri asked, turning his penetrating stare to his younger brother.
"What makes you think something is wrong Shouri? We just came to say hi!" Yuuri said with a nervous titter, averting his eyes to avoid his eldest brother's all knowing-gaze.
"You're a poor liar Yuuri. Come on 'fess up."
"Well…" Yuuri faltered, finding the thread count of the couch suddenly interesting.
"Sir Weller, I think it's best to leave the Shibuya family for a while. I'll come by later mama-chan!" Murata said, standing up. Conrad stood up at Murata's words, gave Yuuri an encouraging look and bowed to the Shibuya family before following Murata out of the door.
"Well Yu-chan?" Shouri said, taking the place of Conrad in the couch, looking at his brother intently. Shoma, sensing that this must not be a happy visit sat next to his wife, clasping her hand.
"Well…" Yuuri said again, summoning up his courage. "As I've said before, Mazoku's have to choose what path they will take when they turned 16."
"Yes you've explained that. And since you're 16th birthday is near you have to make a decision already right?" Shouri asked, impatient for Yuuri to get to the bottom of his story.
"Actually…in Shin Makoku my 16th birthday has already come and gone…I was 16 there 7 days ago…"
"What?!" Shoma exclaimed, aghast. "So that means…"
"That Yu-chan had made a decision already right?" Miko said softly from Shoma's side, an uncharacteristically sad smile in her face.
"I can't believe you didn't seek our help Yu-chan." Shouri said resignedly, his head resting on the couch, his face downcast. "So what did you finally decide on then?"
"I've decided to live in Shin Makoku. I am leaving school and I am not going to pursue my education here anymore. Although I'll go back home from time to time, I can't really leave Shin Makoku alone for a prolonged period like before." Yuuri said in almost one breath, eager to let everything out all at once.
"Just as I've thought." Miko sighed, leaning at her husbands' shoulder. Shoma rubbed his face with his hands at Yuuri's words while Shouri just stared at his brother, sadness and disbelief written all over his face.
"I am sorry for making a decision but myself. But this is something I have to do on my own." Yuuri despondently said, his eyes focused on his interlaced fingers. "I love you all. But I have a responsibility now to my kingdom. It's not just something I can turn back to easily. I really can't live a carefree life anymore"
"But you could have at-"
"No Shouri only I can decide on." Yuuri said, looking up at his brother. "If I came back here and talked to you guys, I would probably never have the strength to go back to Shin Makoku. I'll want to stay here and be carefree, without any responsibilities. But in the end, I'll blame you for allowing me to stay here. For not pushing me to do the right thing.
"How about the people in Shin Makoku? I am sure they forced you-" Shouri rebutted, pushing himself at the edge of his seat.
Yuuri's mouth fell open in shock. "Do you really think that's what happened? Do you honestly people in Shin Makoku are like that? I never really talked to anyone about my decision. In fact no one knew what I was about to do until the speech I gave. This is my own decision. No one made it for me." Yuuri sighed and shook his head. "I maybe a wimp but I am not spineless you know? Look," Yuuri said, looking at his family with sincere eyes, "Even though I'll be there most of the time, it doesn't mean that I'll forget you. I can probably bring you over there for a visit when I can finally control this time travel thing! You are my family and no one will be able to replace you. And besides, I'll be a Shibuya wherever I am and whatever I am doing."
"Sho-chan, aren't you proud that Yu-chan has grown up so much? Oh my Yu-chan…" Miko said, standing up to embrace his son. "My Yu-chan's all grown up! But I wish…" Miko pouted, letting go of his son, her tone reverting back to the light, giddy one Yuuri had grown up to. "I've seen the ball! Ooh how wonderful it must be!"
Shoma smiled wryly at his wife's swift personality change. He also stood up to clasp Yuuri's left shoulder, showing his support at his son's decision. "Well Yu-chan, you'll at least stay here until the next day so we can celebrate your birthday!"
"And that's not negotiable Yu-chan." Shouri said from his place in the couch, his arm on the arm rest, smiling faintly.
That's it? He sighed in relief at how easy everything was.Yuuri had feared the worst, with his mom hysterical and his dad and Shouri ganging up on him, tying him up, forbidding him to go to Shin Makoku. Or maybe they'll disown him for not finishing his studies and cast him on the streets. I've seen too much drama on TV, Yuuri thought, silently shaking his head ruefully. "Of course Shouri! I was really planning to stay for a day or two anyway!"
"Call me Onii-san, Yu-chan."
XOXO
Murata and Conrad stayed at Murata's house to give the family the privacy they deserve for the rest of their stay on Earth. They only went to visit Yuuri during his 16th birthday to have dinner at the Shibuya household. At Yuuri's insistence, Conrad and Murata refrained from mentioning the events that happened after his speech. He wants to prevent his parents from worrying about him. And knowing Shouri, he will insist on coming with Yuuri to Shin Makoku. Yuuri decided to tell his family after everything has been resolved.
During his stay, Yuuri tried to accommodate his family whatever they wanted him to do. He played chess and computer games with Shouri and his father in turn, not even picking a fight with Shouri for gloating whenever he wins. He even wore the frilly apron her mother kept in reserve to help her cook lunch the day he was about to return to Shin Makoku. He had to threaten physical violence to keep Murata's mouth shut though, when he and Conrad saw him accidentally. Good thing he managed to hide the camera his enthusiastic mother gave to Great Sage.
In Yuuri's mind, although he will visit Earth as much as he could, things around the Shibuya household will never be the same again. He knew Shouri will soon start fulfilling his duties as the Maou of the Mazoku's on earth. And he will no longer be the baseball boy lounging inside the house on a lazy Sunday afternoon. So he treasured each time he spent with his family now.
The two days quickly passed by and soon Yuuri, Conrad and Murata are preparing to go back to Shin Makoku.
"Do you have everything you need Yu-chan?" Miko asked, fluttering about to insert everything she wants Yuuri to bring in plastic to prevent it from getting wet.
"Yes mom! I've packed everything I need!"
"Call me mama!" Miko scolded, thrusting packages in Conrad's arms. They have quiet a lot to bring to Shin Makoku, with Yuuri's stuff adding to the packages Miko wants to give to Wolfram, Gwendal, Gunter and Greta. Dusting her fingers, Miko came to Yuuri to give the boy a good bye hug. "Bye Yu-chan. Come back as soon as you can okay? And be safe always. I am so proud of you." Miko whispered tenderly on Yuuri's ear, unconsciously hugging her son tighter.
Yuuri's eyes softened and embraced his mom back. "I'll be here before you know it mom. And I'll learn how to control my powers soon so that I can bring you to Shin Makoku for an extended vacation."
Pulling away from Yuuri, Miko placed her hands on her hips. "Call me mama Yu-chan!"
"Now come on, now is not the time to scold your son about matters like that." Shoma, materializing on Miko's side, clasped Yuuri hard on the shoulder. "Be safe Yu-chan." Shoma said, smiling gently at his son.
"Come back whenever you need me Yu-chan. I'll always be here for you." Shouri added, carrying the last of the packages to Yuuri. Looking at Conrad, he said to the man firmly. "I expect you to take care of Yu-chan over there."
"Of course Shouri. You need not to ask." Conrad said, shifting the packages he held to make more room for what the Maou is carrying.
"Thank you Mama-chan, Papa-chan for everything! And don't worry, brother of my friend, Yu-chan will be protected at all times in Shin Makoku." Murata reassured the family, his arms laden with packages. "Now Shibuya, it's time to go."
"Okay!" Yuuri replied nodding. "Bye everyone! I'll see you soon!" Yuuri exclaimed. Again, Yuuri summoned his maryoku and opened the portal to Shin Makoku.
"Yu-chan please learn to control your superpowers! I want to be there in your wedding with Wol-chan!" Miko cried out, waving as the three were surrounded by bright light.
"Heard that Shibuya. Mama-san wants to be in your wedding." Murata's whispered remark was the last thing Yuuri heard before the water sucked him into Shin Makoku.
XOXO
"Greta it really looks wonderful on you!" Yuuri said complimenting her daughter on the new dress Miko gave her as she entered the Maou's office. "See Conrad, it fits perfectly considering I only described her size to my mom."
The young girl twirled to show off her dress. "Greta loves it Yuuri! Thank you! Greta thinks you're the greatest father in the world! And Papa Wolfram is the greatest too of course!" Greta finished, giggling her pleasure.
"Of course I am great!" a voice behind Greta teased. Wolfram appeared in the doorway, leaning down to receive a hug from Greta. "It helps that I have a great daughter!"
Scrunching her face with pleasure, Greta giggled and pulled away reluctantly from Wolfram. "Gwendal said Greta can only come in to show Father and Papa my new dress…Greta will see you later okay?" And with that, Greta ran, holding her dress up a bit to prevent her from tripping.
Wolfram stood still for a split-second after Greta left, wondering what to do next. After he gave the notice to break the engagement, he was unsure how to act in Yuuri's presence. Although he psyched himself to act like nothing has happened when with the Maou, he can't really function like he normally does. How does one act anyway around a soon to be ex-fiancé? "So brother have you found anything about the masked attackers during the ball?" Wolfram asked as he opted to sit in the chair in front of the Maou's desk, giving Yuuri a slight bow in greeting.
Yuuri, whose mouth was already open to greet the other boy enthusiastically, clammed up with Wolfram's offhand greeting. He was even ready with his usual protests about him checking out on girls while he stayed on Earth when the blonde asked. But it seems he did not need to be prepared after all. Wolfram have not even talked to Yuuri after the Maou returned from Earth.
Gwendal's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he noticed the 'exchange' between Wolfram and Yuuri. He was surprised that his younger brother didn't tag along with the Maou to knowing that he can. And besides, Wolfram seemed so…quiet. Usually, he makes a lot of noise as soon as Yuuri comes back from Earth, interrogating the Maou about his activities and whether or not he went out with another girl. And since the engagement is not officially broken, since the Maou have yet to make an official announcement, Wolfram is still technically the Maou's fiancé. This is why I don't like meddling in affairs concerning the heart, Gwendal thought with a grimace.
"Nothing has been found yet." Another voice spoke up from the doorway in answer to Wolfram's question, cutting off any response the stoic Mazoku solider would have made. The occupants of the room looked up to see the Great Sage, accompanied by Yozak and Gunter, enter the room, shutting the door firmly behind him. "It's astonishing really that they have managed to hide from us, despite Sir von Walde's vigilance. But another thing came up. Isn't that right Sir von Walde?" Murata said, as he made his way beside the Maou.
"What other thing? Did something happen while I was gone?" Yuuri asked, looking back and forth at Gunter and Gwendal.
Yuuri's face fell, worry clouding his eyes, as he heard the news about the people in Boeotia. Wolfram bit his lip as he watched the Maou's pitiful face, restraining himself from going over to Yuuri to provide comfort or any kind of support. The blonde soldier already knew all there is to know about the villagers' disappearance so he need not to listen to his brother. He looked at Conrad, and experienced both gratitude and jealousy as the brown haired soldier gently laid his hand on his godsons' shoulders in comfort.
"I wished you've told me Gwendal. Maybe I could have done something." Yuuri said despondently, twisting his hands in agitation on his desk. He wouldn't have gone back to Earth if he knew that such a situation exists in the kingdom.
"But what would you have done Shibuya?" Murata asked, not unkindly, to the disturbed Maou. "Besides, Sir von Walde knew that you're going to postpone your trip to Earth. He wants to give you a peaceful time with your family, especially after the events during your birthday."
Conrad can't help but smile slightly as he saw the expression on his brother's face, despite the current situation. Gwendal's normally stoic face was tinged with pink at Murata's correct assumption of his intentions. He's not really used to people hearing about the soft and considerate side of him.
After giving out a huge sigh, Yuuri spoke again. "So what do we do know? No evidence of some sort can really be found?"
"Nothing Heika." Yozak piped in. "I've combed the village personally. Even the nearby village, which is about several hundred kilometers away. But no one can give me any information. In fact, they're not even aware that the people in Boeotia disappeared. They're not exactly what you call the most sociable creatures in the kingdom after all." The solider shrugged.
A sudden look of fierce determination entered the Maou's face. "Okay then!" Yuuri stood up, hitting his fist in his palm. "Let's-"
Reading Yuuri's mind, Conrad acted instantly. "I am sorry Heika," Conrad said, gently forcing the Maou to sit back down. "You can't really go out of the castle. Not when things in Shin Makoku are unsafe."
Yuuri pouted. It looks like he's going to be spending a lot of time inside the castle. Without Conrad to help him escape, he doubts he can go anywhere. "Gwendal, do you think this has anything to do with the people who attacked us during the ball?" Yuuri asked the stoic man.
"As of now Heika, I have not found any evidence that will connect the attackers to what has happened in Boeotia." The Mazoku soldier said, crossing his arms and leaning back to the wall.
"But-"
"Shibuya, I am sure Gwendal is trying his best." Murata said, patting his friend on the back. "Worrying excessively right now can't bring the villagers back. And besides," Murata looked out of the window, the sun ever reflecting on his lenses. "I am sure you have more things to worry about later."
XOXO
The topic, although worrisome, was quickly exhausted. After all they currently have no information so discussing what their next move will be is a moot point. Yozak excused himself to lead more soldiers in search for evidence.
"Oh heika!" Gunter cried out. "I almost forgot! A letter came for you while you were on Earth! It seems another human territory wishes to enter into an alliance with Shin Makoku." After retrieving the necessary papers from the Maou's desk, he handed it to the young king.
"What country is it?" Conrad asked as the people in the room gave the Maou time to read the document.
"It seems that it is from Callisto." Murata, reading from the Maou's shoulders, replied.
Wolfram wrinkled his nose at the sound of the name. "Callisto? Isn't that the-"
"Yes it is the reclusive human territory near Small Shimaron. For some weird reason, it remained independent even after Small Shimaron started bullying other countries and expanding its territory." Conrad explained.
"Apparently," Gwendal continued. "The country's king recently died. The new king who inherited the throne wants to be more visible and establish a relationship with other nations. And he has heard about Heika's work in uniting humans and Mazoku's. According to the letter, he wants to help Heika for he too is tired of the prolonged animosity between Mazoku and humans. Also, entering the alliance means that Callisto can get close with the other human countries currently allied with us."
Yuuri, glad that Gwendal explained because he cannot understand the language to which the letter was written, placed the letter back to his desk. Sighing at Yuuri's ridiculousness, Murata snatched the letter back, hitting the other boy lightly on the head purposely. Ignoring Murata, Yuuri enthused, "That's great! After everything that has happened, it's definitely a welcome news!"
Murata's attention was still on the letter, his eyes moving from left to right as he continued to read. "And the king himself, Spencer Erebus Callisto, wants to visit Shin Makoku to personally talk to Shibuya?"
The advisor nodded. "They're just waiting for Heika to confirm at whatever time convenient."
"But I was hoping to go there…I've been stuck here in the castle since I got back…" Yuuri said under his breath.
"What's that's Shibuya?" Murata asked, cocking his head in Yuuri's direction.
"Ahhh..nothing nothing! Gunter, help me compose a letter saying that they can come here anytime they wish!"
The prospect of visitors in the castle made Gwendal frown deeply. More people, more noise. "Make it in 2 weeks time. We have to prepare the castle."
XOXO
"Hey Wolfram wait up!"
Wolfram stopped at his tracks when the voice he can recognize even asleep called out to him. Ah busted!, Wolfram groaned inwardly as he let the other boy catch up. He had been trying to act normally and avoid the Maou at the same time. The blonde soldier knew that it is only a matter of time before the engagement will be officially broken. Thus, in Wolfram's mind, he has to let go of Yuuri soon to avoid the intense pain he knew would come as soon as the Maou is free from their engagement. After all, lots of girls will be fighting for his soon-to-be former position.
Yuuri panted a bit as soon as he reached the blonde's side, bending forward to catch his breath. Hmph. Only this wimp can look attractive while gulping for air like a fish. Wolfram shook his head at his thoughts and focused his gaze somewhere above Yuuri. "What do you want Yuuri?"
The black haired boy straightened up. "Nothing much. I thought we could hang out. I have free time and besides I feel like I haven't been able to talk to you for a long time!"
Wolfram's green eyes pierced Yuuri's. "You wimp! People from your kingdom vanished into thin air, you have been attacked in your own castle and a foreign king is about to visit yet you have nothing to do?!"
Shrinking slightly from the other's gaze, Yuuri's mind whirled frantically as he thought of a good answer. He's not shirking his responsibilities! It's not as if he can go with Yozak and search for the lost villagers or look for more information about the masked attackers. And besides, he has to do something to keep his mind off the missing people.
Also, as much as he loathes to admit, he missed Wolfram's company. It's amazing how quiet his life is without Wolfram. No random outbursts when he does something remotely innocent like thanking a maid or no speeches about his duties as a fiancé. As much as he loves his quiet time and being able to do whatever he wants, time without Wolfram is pretty boring.
"As much as I want to find the villagers right now I don't even no where to start! I can't even go out of the castle. Unless-"
Wolfram saw the familiar gleam in the Maou's eye and immediately shook his head. 'No Yuuri I am not helping you sneak out of here." Besides, aside from getting in trouble with his brother, sneaking out would mean close proximity to the boy he's trying to let go. He knew his resolve would weaken when he goes along with Yuuri's plan.
The Maou pouted. He's not used to Wolfram saying no to him before. In fact, he's pretty sure Wolfram never said no to him whenever he asks for a favor. "Fine then. Let's have a picnic with Greta okay? I promised her that I'll play with her today.
Wolfram struggled with himself. He wants to go with Yuuri. Too much as a matter of fact. But he's supposed to let go of the Maou. How is he supposed to do that with the wimp asking him to do things together? What's with this wimp? Now that I don't actively seek his company he invites me to a picnic? He sighed. "Fine wimp. Let's go get Greta."
Yuuri cheered. "Greta is going to be so happy! She said will be stay-"
Wolfram tuned out the chattering boy as they go to fetch Greta. I am not making things easier for myself am I?
XOXO
Again thanks to those who are reading this! Please review!