I know this one is a little later then chapter two but every time I finished, the chapter felt wrong somehow. I must have rewritten sections in here three or four times before I was satisfied.
To try to make sure I represent Maou properly, I've gone back to every episode I can remember where Yuuri goes into Maou mode and re-watched it. But it's hard to tell someone's personality when the only time you actually get to see them is during serious, intensive, and dramatic moments, so I'm not sure how well of a job I've done so far. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
When Conrad and Murata entered the study, Maou and Yuuri were still seated in front of the desk. Maou still looking off to the side, but now looked a bit bored. Yuuri though faced the other direction, glaring at the wall. It seemed Murata hadn't been lying.
"Ah, Conrart." Said Anissina. "Glad to see you have finally arrive."
"Pardon my lateness. I had a few things to take care of and they just couldn't wait."
"Even in this time of crisis?" Said Anissina, sighing. "Well, I'm assuming Murata has already told you about our findings, or lack thereof." She continued, her annoyance over the lack of answers evident in her voice.
Conrade nodded. "Yes. We've decided that for now, we'll going to try to keep this quiet. If word of this reaches to the people outside, the results would be disastrous to say the least."
"Wait!" Interrupted Yuuri worriedly, "Does that mean no one knows how to fix this?"
"I'm afraid not your majesty. But don't worry, Gisela said you're both in good health so there shouldn't be any immediate problems." Answered Conrade. Yuuri felt a bit relieved to hear that, but he was still freaked out about the whole 'Maou side now having his own body and personality' thing. And how were they going to deal with this? There could only be one demon king at any time, right? Yuuri felt a headache coming on just thinking about all the possible laws concerning something like this. Speaking of his Maou side. Yuuri glanced at the other him beside him. Maou still hadn't said or did anything since his small conversation with Murata about Wolfram. He continued thinking about, until he realized something had been very odd about Maou.
"Wait a minute..." Said Yuuri, looking fully at Maou now. Everyone else in the room looked at them, curious as to what Yuuri was going to say. "How come you didn't already know about Wolfram?"
"Hmm?" Responded his 'twin'. It felt so weird to be looking into those black eyes that he knew were his, yet not. Only the shape and size of his eyes were different from his. Maou's eyes were sharper and smaller. He wondered how he didn't notice this before when he told him off a few minutes ago.
"You asked about Wolfram. Where he was now and if he wore a nightgown every night. But you should already know that, right? We are basically the same person, aren't we? So we should know the same things."
The room was silent, everyone waiting on Maou's answer. Especially Anissina and Murata. They wondered how they hadn't realized it before too.
Maou didn't say anything at first, deep in thought about that very question himself. "Well," he said after a few minutes, "I don't really...remember much."
"You don't remember?" Questioned Anissina. "What do you mean by that? I would think that being half of Yuuri, you would both have the same memories."
Maou sighed. "I mean that the only clear memories I have are from the few times I've had control." He explained. "Everything else is just...foggy, I guess you could say. I can remember a few people and places, like Wolfram, and you Conrart, and of course Covenant Castle. But at most I only recognize them as people and place I know while I don't actually remember anything about them."
"Huh?" Said Yuuri after a moment. He didn't really understand what Maou just said.
Maou sighed. "For example, I recognize Conrart as my godfather and I know I've known him for several years now, but I can't remember anything about him; Like when I first met him or what his relationship to others are."
"I think I understand." Said Anissina. "You can emotionally recognizes people and places important to you, but you can't recall why." Conrad nodded, agreeing with Anisssina.
"Wait! Explain it to me! I don't get it." Cried Yuuri. He didn't want to be out of the loop.
"Well, now that been explained, I'd say it's time for lunch." Said Anissina cheerfully, "Or a very late breakfast in your guys case."
Conrad opened the double doors to the study, standing beside them. "Shall we go then, your majesties?"
Maou and Yuuri got up and followed Conrad out. As the three of them walked down the hallway towards the dining area, Yuuri leaned over to whisper in Conrad's ear.
"You'll explain to me what Maou said later, won't you?"
Conrad chuckled. "Of course, your highness."
In the dining room, it was very strange sight to behold. Yuuri had taken his usually seat at the table, as did a now much calmer Wolfram. But Maou immediately took the seat right next to Wolfram. Making for one blonde prince sandwiched between two double black demon kings. Even Greta stared at them for a moment, wondered which Yuuri she should sit by. Luckily for her, Cecilie waved her over and sat her granddaughter next to her, sparing her the grief of having to decide.
As the food was served, Wolfram stared at Maou from the corner of his eyes. He had never really gotten a good look at him before, mostly because he appeared and vanished again so quickly, and always during some kind of trouble that divided his attention. But now he really had the chance to look at him. For the most part, he looked just Yuuri, but he had somewhat fiercer look to him then Yuuri did. The shape and size of his eyes were different; Yuuri's eyes were larger and round, like his own verde green ones, but Maou's were sharper and smaller, kinda like slits. Not to mention his longer hair. Overall, Maou had a calm yet imposing presence, so very unlike Yuuri's warm and easygoing presence.
Thinking about Yuuri, Wolfram turned to his left to look at him. He sat there and ate, looking and acting completely normal. Just looking at him, Wolfram wouldn't have guessed that half of him was actually sitting on his right. Wolfram turned to look at Maou again, and was surprised to find him looking at him.
Wolfram started to open his mouth to say something, but realized he didn't quite know what to say. What was one supposed to say in a situation like this?
Maou smiled at him and broke the ice instead.
"Wolfram?"
"Yes?"
He continued to stare at him, completely quiet. "Nothing." He said finally. "I was just thinking about tonight.
"Why?" Asked Wolfram. Maou's smile became a smirk and Wolfram could swear he saw glint of mischief in his eyes. "Yuuri tells me you have a habit of sneaking into bed with other people. So I was just wondering if you would be sneaking into my bed too." He said nonchalantly, stabbing some fried eggs with his fork.
Yuuri started chocking on his food and Wolfram's face went bright red. Everyone else at the table fell silent in their conversations and quickly turned to watch. "What!? I didn't say that. Wolfram, believe me! I-I didn't say anything like that."
"Yuuri..." Growled Wolfram, slamming his hands the table and standing up.
"I swear I didn't!" Yuuri got up and started to back away from Wolfram, who looked very pissed off. Before the dining room, and possible the rest of the castle, ended up on fire, Günter appeared beside Wolfram.
"Now Wolfram, don't you think you should calm down? It really isn't that big of dea—"
"Get back here, you wimp!"
"Wah! Wolfram! Watch the sword! Watch the sword!" Wolfram chased Yuuri out of the dining room and the sound of their yelling faded down the hall with the occasinal sound of metal clashing against stone. Conrad and Günter went after them, and everyone slowly went back to their activities. Maou continued eating his lunch, but almost immediately someone new took Wolfram's chair and sat down beside him.
"Murata." Acknowledged Maou.
"That was a bit much, don't you think?" Said Murata, giving him his ever present smile.
He shrugged. "I thought teasing him a little bit would be fun. I had expected him to get embrassed, but I hadn't anticipated such a strong reaction." Said Maou. "Especially when he directed it at Yuuri."
Murata laughed. "Well, Wolfram certainly isn't one to hide what he feels."
They sat in silence for a few moments while Maou continued his meal. Murata too, ate some food and nothing was said for awhile. Finally, Maou spoke again. "What are you thinking about?" He asked.
"I was wondering," Said Murata. "you do know who Wolfram is, right?"
"I know that he is my fiancée." Answered Maou, staring at his food. He didn't say anything for a moment before suddenly speaking again. "I remember him the most." Mumbled Maou to himself.
"What was that?"
Maou looked up, surprised. "Nothing." He said, quickly regaining his composure. He stood up, his meal almost finished and left the dining the room out the same door Wolfram and Yuuri had left through, not saying anything to anyone. He had gone quite far down the hall when he realized he wasn't alone. "Yes, Murata?"
"What do you feel for Wolfram?" Asked Murata, walking up to stand in front of him.
"You're quite curious, aren't you, your holiness?"
"I suppose I am. Now about my question..."
The double black king continued walking, refusing to look at Murata. "I can't say I feel anything in particular for him. I don't really know him, after all. Why do you ask?"
"Well, partly because I wanted to see if you and Yuuri felt the same way about the same thing...and partly because you seem to be interested in him. So far you're both avoiding giving a truly definite answer."
Maou closed his eyes. "I'm interested in many people." Said Maou, feeling slightly annoyed. "You, for example, and your endless inquiry of questions." Murata did not looked threatened. In fact, he looked almost amused with Maou's remark. Maou started walking faster, only to dump into someone as he rounded the corner.
"Ah, Maou. There you are." It was Conrad, followed by a steaming Wolfram and tired Yuuri. "About the sleeping arrangements, we were thinkin—"
"If I may make a suggestion, Conrart?" Said Murata suddenly. Maou, Conrad, and Yuuri looked at him a tad surprised. "I think it would be best if Yuuri and Maou continued to share a room."
"Huh?" Said Yuuri. "Why?"
"Given that Yuuri and Maou are half of each other, there might be some unanticipated and harmful effects if they remained separated from each other for too long." Everyone, Wolfram included, looked a little shocked.
"Do you really think that's the best idea?" Asked Conrad.
Murata nodded. "Oh yes. Also, Wolfram should stay with them at all times." He said happily. Then added absent-mindedly, "I'm pretty sure the bed will be big enough for all of you."
"Wait!" Said Yuuri. "Why Wolfram too?"
"Someone needs to stay near-by in case something happens. As your fiancée, Wolfram is the prefect choice for the task."
"That true." Agreed Maou. "My fiancée should always be ready to act when I need him." Everyone's expression changed to one of surprise, expect for Yuuri, who looked downright shocked.
"Your fiancée?!" Said Yuuri. "What makes you think he's your fiancée?"
Maou smiled again. "Well, we were one when you proposed and the fact that we're separate now doesn't change that. So he's my fiancée as much as he is yours."
Yuuri looked really annoyed now. "Yeah but—"
"It's settled then! Now lets go inform the maids so that they know to leave an extra pair of clothes for Maou in the mornings."
"No it's not! Nothings settled. Murata! Wolfram! Wait for me." Murata and Wolfram walked past him, Murata looking way too happy about something and Wolfram in somewhat of a daze. Maou and Yuuri followed too, all of them heading towards the courtyard. Conrad watched them leave, a small smile finding it's way to his face. He turned around, thinking that perhaps everything would be alright. He headed for Gwendal's study, intending to tell him of where Maou would stay. But as he opened the faded green doors, he found Gwendal and Günter talking about something, looking very worried. They immediately stopped talking.
"Oh, Conrart." Said Günter. "We though you were someone else for a second there."
"Is something wrong?" Conrad asked, getting straight to the point. Their expressions did not improve.
"Actually, there is." Said Gwendal, he handed Conrad a letter that he had been holding. "Stoffel has sent us a letter. He's probably up to his old tricks again." More wrinkles appeared on his forehead to join the ones already there. As Conrad started, Günter continued to explain: "It seems he's throwing a party in celebration of the fifth year of Yuuri's rule...and he wants to hold the party here."
"Did you—" Conrad started to ask, but Gwendal cut him off.
"We have, but he isn't taking no for an answer. He's even on his way here as we speak." Said Gwendal, standing up from his desk and walking over to stare out of the window. "He's already sent out invitations too; if we refuse the party now, everyone is going to something is wrong."
Conrad closed his eyes and started to massaged his forehead, feeling frustration set in.
"We have no other choice. We have to let this celebration happen." Said Conrad. "We'll just have to make sure none of the guest become curious and wander the castle." The other two nodded in agreement, but all of them felt that somehow, this party wouldn't end well.
Well, I hope everyone likes this chapter. I'm sorry if Maou's explanation doesn't make sense to anyone. I've tried my best to make it easy to understand but if it isn't, just tell me in a review and I'll try to explain it again in a later chapter.
I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and a happy Hanukkah!