I'm really, really sorry I couldn't set this up last night. I was called in to work. So, I do apologize. I'm on my way out the door right now, in fact, back on my to the hospital for another shift. I really, really, without doubt, love my job…but I'm looking forward to Tuesday which should net me my first whole day off in what seems like ages! As a celebration, then, I will update with Chapter 10 by Tues. Night if at all possible. So, this chapter was absolutely no fun to write—they were all being very bad little characters and wanting to do very bad little things. However, it all seems to have worked out, though, I hope Chapter 11 is more satisfying. Still, the story has to be told in its entirety. But, without further ado…Chapter 9. I'll see you at the bottom of the page…
The Twelfth Treasure of Shin Makoku – A Fairy Tale
"There was, in the beginning, a world united and controlled by a benevolent race—the demons. Created and Evolved to serve their masters were a lesser race, the humans, and while harmony existed between the two: The Demons who Ruled, and the humans who served, peace and prosperity united the world. Unfortunately, the humans grew proud and recalcitrant, and over time made unconscionable demands of their lenient masters. It is a failing of the demon race to be too munificent, and because of their great mercy, the demons did not subdue the foul humans. Taking advantage of the demons' compassion, the humans revolted, taking arms and rising up to cruelly torture their loving masters and driving their demon lords from their traditional homelands. It is said that during this time, in between the world losing balance and the coming of the great king who would reunite the Great Demon Nation, that the greatest evils were born. Although there is no direct evidence to show this conclusively, all circumstantial clues point to the rift caused by the malicious, murderous humans as the direct link to the birth of the great evil eventually overcome by the magnificent Shinou-heika. Thus it can be concluded, that all evil in the world exists because of the ignorant, bestial human race. It would not be too much, therefore, to suggest that the race be viewed strictly as vermin and eradicated with the same tenacity. Humans must be destroyed."
—Taken from "A Child's First Look at History, Hundredth Edition, by Gerhardt Radford, the text used in all demon schools until the reign of the twenty-seventh Maou of Shin Makoku
Demons! Demons! Oppressors All!
Enslaved your fathers, murdered your sons
Drive them out, blot them out, wipe them out
Demons murder our children in their beds
Demons kidnap mothers and cut off their heads
Demons! Demons! Oppressors All!
Who is the demon…?
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
You're the demon, run for your life!
—A common human children's rhyme, recited during the game "Find the Demon" played similarly to the earth game Duck, Duck Goose.
Once upon a time, there was a great demon-king, his beautiful lover, a brave soldier, a daring spy, a once-jealous prince, and an implacable general. History tells us of heroes and villains, good and bad, right and wrong—the righteous and the heretical, but in the mist of time one fact is often lost…in the end, whether human, demon, or half-breed, they were all simply doing their best to survive the situation with which they were faced. And all creatures, regardless of race, will fight to the death to protect those they love…
--O.o.O—
Part Nine: The First Principle of Demon Warfare—If you have long hair, tie it back because you can't kill what you can't see.
War does not determine who is right, only who is left—Bertrand Russell
A soldier will fight long and hard for a colored bit of ribbon—Napoleon
War is not an adventure. It is a disease. It is like typhus—Antoine de Saint-Exupery
--O.o.O—
"They're here, Gwendal," Anissina said, as she slipped into his office and closed the door behind her.
"…They?" he asked.
"Wolfram and Yuuri-heika's older brother, Shori."
Gwendal sighed and took a moment to rest his head in his hands. "He just had to bring that one with him, didn't he? I don't know what Wolfram was planning, but this is completely beyond the pale."
"I don't know, either, but when I saw them crossing the courtyard, I dashed here as fast as I could, in case I could give you some warning."
"Thank you, Anissina."
"I do what I can, darling. Now, what about you—can I do anything to help?"
He thought about it for a moment. "Without Gunter here to smooth things over, like he usually does, it would help if you remained. The last thing I need is for the Maou's brother to start blasting the castle with water sprites, or worse."
"You've had news from Yuuri-heika, then?"
"Nothing since I sent the pigeons, but I don't have a good feeling about this either. They are all presently at Gunter's ancestral home, but I feel I should be there. Something is happening and I don't like the sound of those shadow-wraiths at all."
"That surprise visit from Geika couldn't have helped," Anissina mused softly. "I admire and respect his highness, but there can be no denying that trouble usually follows in his wake."
"True…"
Gwendal would have gone further, but he was interrupted by a knock on the door. Anissina opened it to reveal a tense looking Wolfram and a very cryptic looking Shibuya Shori.
"Wolfram," Gwendal said in dampening tones. "You've returned, and not alone I see."
"Let's just get this over with," Wolfram muttered, coming in and flopping into one of the chairs opposite Gwendal's desk.
The general noticed that the maou's older brother didn't so much as raise an eyebrow. The tall man simply seated himself in the chair Gwendal indicated and steepled his fingers together in front of his chest. Apparently, the elder Shibuya intended to observe for a while.
"Well, Wolfram…what do you have to say for yourself?" Gwendal asked.
"Before you start in on the lecture, Gwendal, you should know that I did go to earth intending to involve Shori in my plan to reconcile with Yuuri. However, he knows everything and I've accepted that my engagement to Yuuri is finished and we won't be making amends. I will leave the castle if that is the Maou's wish."
Gwendal studied his youngest brother carefully. The blonde boy had adjusted himself such that his back was rod-straight and his arms were folded over his chest in a gesture of…defiance. Underneath the proud demeanor, however, Gwendal could tell that Wolfram was nervous, even anxious. The general had been surprised when the Great Sage had arrived late the previous evening and given him a few hints as to what was happening on earth. However, Gwendal's concern over Gunter and the Maou had quickly eclipsed the importance of any of Wolfram's machinations, and their discussion moved quickly to that topic. All he knew for sure was that Wolfram had appeared on earth with some ludicrous tale about the Maou's seduction and apparently was making it all up as he went along. Obviously, the Sage had communicated with Yuuri-heika's brother, so all that remained was to see what Wolfram's future plans were and if he had any intention of behaving honorably from this point forward.
"Yuuri-heika has not communicated to me that you should leave," Gwendal said carefully. "During your absence, His Majesty, Conrad and Yozak have discovered Gunter and they have since reunited. Your jealousy, however, sparked a series of events that has placed Lord Von Kleist in danger."
"If Lord Von Kleist is in danger, that means Yu-chan is at risk as well, does it not?" Shori said.
Gwendal turned his attention to the black-haired man. "Yes, that is true." He held up a hand before Shori could say more. "However, before you object, you should know that His Majesty has no intention of separating from Gunter. Also, he is accompanied, as I said before, by Yozak Gurrier and Conrad Weller. The Maou is not alone."
"Still," Shori said, his voice rising. "If Yu-chan is in danger, just what, exactly, do you intend to do about it?"
"I have been charged with overseeing the castle and the country in the King's absence, therefore there is very little that I, personally, can do, Shori-sama. In addition to that responsibility, I have also been made to wait for my youngest brother to return since I had no way of knowing what he has been planning. Unfortunately, the Von Kleist lands are a two-day journey from the castle and from communiqués received from Conrad, it is likely that the situation will be resolved tonight."
"Yuuri…Conrad…" Wolfram whispered, his impassive expression cracked. "Is…is it bad, Gwendal?"
The somber general nodded. "Yes."
"Have you at least sent soldiers?" Shori asked.
Gwendal nodded again. "I have. They will cross the Von Kleist borders very soon, within two hours, by my calculations."
"I don't care," Shori said, through gritted teeth. "I demand to be taken to Yu-chan. If my little brother is in danger then I have every intention of being there to help him. Also, while I know the story Wolfram told me was not completely true, I have no intention of allowing Yuuri to become some sort of player in this Gunter's seduction games. An honorable man would have come to Yuuri's family, his real family, before entering into any sort of traditional courtship."
"I would be very careful, Shori-sama," Gwendal said quietly. "Insulting Lord Von Kleist is the fastest way to find yourself engaged in a duel in this country. I have known Gunter for hundreds of years, and I do not take kindly to aspersions against his character. And, if my surmise is correct, which it is, as fast as I might throw a knife in your direction, your brother would no doubt be faster."
"Is…is there a courtship, Gwendal?" Wolfram asked.
Gwendal almost sighed at his youngest brother's heartbroken tone. Almost. His control, however, was too great for such an emotional display. Still, he couldn't help but be moved by the genuine tears he saw in his brother's eyes. Even if Wolfram wasn't really in love with Yuuri-heika, Gwendal was certain it must hurt to feel as though he had been replaced so quickly.
"Yes, Wolfram." He had to reply honestly. "There is a courtship, and it is serious. You should prepare yourself, in fact, you both should. Yuuri-heika has made his intentions concerning Lord Von Kleist very clear, according to Conrad."
"I see," Wolfram said. "Please…excuse me, Gwendal, unless there is something else?"
Gwendal shook his head. "I see no sense in lecturing you, Wolfram. There doesn't appear to be a need. I would suggest, however, that you consider some way to atone for your behavior. I doubt the Maou is very happy with you, although I'm sure that Yuuri-heika, being Yuuri-heika, has already forgiven you in his heart."
"Wait a minute!" The Maou's older brother shouted. "That's it?! That's everything? You're just going to sit there behind your desk while my Yu-chan is in trouble, not explain a damned thing to me, and suggest that your little brother go to his room and think about his bad behavior? This is preposterous! I demand to know exactly what is happening."
"I have already explained, Shori-sama, I cannot leave the castle. Between Anissina and myself we are well able to handle the duties here, but neither of us would be successful on our own. Thanks to Wolfram's deceit, and the subsequent flight of Gunter, there has arisen a situation in which an old family evil is being revisited upon the Von Kleist's. Yuuri-heika, Gunter, Conrad and Yozak are in the process of devising a plan to counteract this problem. They have, also, as I understand, other allies. They are fighting creatures called shadow-wraiths, which, as I also understand it, consume the souls of the Von Kleist family—so, if you will please take hold of your temper and cease your shouting, I would very much appreciate it. You are not the only one with a brother in danger, if I may say. In fact, you have a brother in danger, and that is a hard fact, I don't deny it. However, I have a brother, two very close friends, and my king—to whom I am devoted, facing an enemy. Although I have sent both soldier and information, Shori-sama, I am unable to go myself. As an elder brother, you may very well understand what it is I am facing, so do not presume to sit there and tell me how to do my job, or how to act on behalf of the Maou. We are not on earth. We are in Shin Makoku—and this is my country, my responsibility. If you want to help, then I suggest you begin by controlling yourself!"
It was a rare occurrence for Gwendal Von Voltaire to lose his temper, but when it did happen, he almost always regretted it. Not this time, however. He glanced at Anissina. His lover had been sitting very quietly on the other side of the room, observing the situation. She sent him a supportive smile and a wink. She didn't have the highest opinion of Yuuri-heika's over-protective brother, either, but there was also a disturbing twinkle in her eye. A twinkle that sent a small frisson of fear down his spine.
"You know, Gwendal," she said, pursing her lips as though thinking. "The Von Kleist lands are easily reached by the Greyfelde River, if you make the turning at the Singing Forest, to the east."
"Anissina…" he said, warning her with both his voice and his glare.
"What do you mean?" Shori asked, the young man jumping at the hint of suggestion in her voice.
"Come, Gwendal," She said, smiling in a decidedly wicked manner. "You know my punt-punt-speed-raft-evil-kun won first place in the time trials at last year's yacht race."
"Punt…punt?" Shori repeated, slowly, looking to Wolfram. Gwendal saw his little brother shrug. Clearly, the blonde knight had other concerns on his mind.
"It's not a yacht, though, Anissina—it is a raft of death and nothing more!"
"You could be at Yuuri-heika's side by nightfall…" Anissina said, coaxing him with her sing-song voice.
"With what maryoku left, I wonder?" He ground out.
She scoffed. "My dear Gwendal, are you saying you can't run a little invention of mine without expending all your energy? Hmmm…perhaps you're getting a little older?"
"I never said that," he growled. "Besides, just who is going to manage the country in my absence? You have your hands full already!"
"I can help," Wolfram said quietly, staring at his hands.
"But—" Gwendal began but his youngest brother cut him off.
"If what you're saying is true, Gwendal, then I am in large part responsible for the situation that Yuuri is in right now. You said I need to make atonement…so…let it start here. I'm capable, even if you refuse to see it, and I am not a child. I will handle things here at the castle while you're gone. Just…just go and bring them all home safely."
Gwendal paused, even though he was tempted to reject the suggestion outright. He had wondered, while Wolfram was gone, if some of the boy's rash behaviors could be laid at his own feet. He had been just as quick to indulge his youngest brother as everyone else—and it was nearly impossible not to when the boy had been young. Wolfram had been so devastatingly cute. But…as he grew, Gwendal had somehow always seen him as that same beautiful child, and perhaps his bratty, thoughtless behavior was, in some way, a reflection of that.
"I will be here, Gwendal," Anissina said, softly. "I can help him, too."
"Very well," Gwendal said, finally. "I will trust the safety of the castle and our people to you, Wolfram, while we are gone. However, let me make it clear that you are in no way to make any diplomacy-altering decisions while I am away, neither are you to mobilize or muster any troops."
"Gwendal, you'll be back home in two days at most, probably less. Wolfram and I are not going to lead the country to war before breakfast, for Shinou's sake!"
"Make sure that you don't," Gwendal muttered. Then he turned back to Wolfram. "A message, if any, for Conrad?"
"Just…just tell him to bring himself back safe," Wolfram replied, not quite meeting Gwendal's eyes.
"Very well, then, Shori-sama. I suggest you prepare yourself. Anissina's inventions are…unique."
It took very little time for Gwendal Von Voltaire to prepare himself for travel. As a seasoned soldier, he could move at a moment's notice. As was their habit, even after so long as lovers, he and Anissina made no emotional farewells. She adjusted his sword, once, before he stepped onto the raft, and straightened his collar. He reached out and brushed an imaginary piece of lint from her starched, white cuffs. That his fingers brushed over hers as he moved, well, that was purely accidental, of course.
He nodded to his lover, his brother and the assembled staff as he boarded the hellish creation that would either lead him to the Maou or his doom. The Greyfelde River was narrow as it passed through the castle grounds, but wide enough to provide passage. He felt the drain on his maryoku when Anissina hooked the chain to his wrist and tucked the key in his pocket.
"Remember to steer east at the forest," she said. "Be careful."
"I will. Wolfram, we shall return soon."
Gwendal spared a glance at the Maou's older brother, who was locking in tight, then he lifted his index finger to his lips, surreptitiously. Finally, he loosed his maryoku completely and the raft jerked forward, hurtling toward the horizon.
--O.o.O—
Gunter Von Kleist was no stranger to battle, though he would have liked to have been. However, he had never before prepared for conflict alongside a lover. After he had spent time assisting his younger brother in sword practice, and further assisted Yozak in learning to control his new, more powerful sword, he had prepared the herbs and other implements he would need to summon the wraiths at the Von Kleist family tomb. And, through it all, Yuuri-heika had been by his side. As the hours passed, they spoke less, the weight of what was to come falling heavily upon them both. Gunter wished he could console his lover in some way. He wanted to promise the Maou that everything would be well, and that there was no need to fear, but he was an honest demon and he refused to make promises that he couldn't keep. He wasn't, however, concerned for himself. No, he was worried about his King. Yuuri's ever-hopeful, determinedly cheerful demeanor was changing before his eyes. Even as the young man polished Morgif, whispering to the blade in soothing tones, pausing to listen to the sword's moans and then answering again, Gunter could see his face changing. Yuuri knew, it was clear, that tonight would decide the fates of many.
Finally, with as much prepared as could be done in advance, and after the four companions met and went over their plans once more—Yozak would watch the perimeter of the house, with Adalric staying indoors to watch after his mother and sister; Conrad and Yuuri would, with Morgif's assistance, keep the Wraiths at bay while Gunter summoned the ancient evil that had once bonded with his family so long ago—Gunter had taken the king and retired to his chamber. If it didn't work…if he was unable to reach beyond the shadows and find the true force at work behind it, then…he wasn't sure what would happen.
"Gunter?" Yuuri asked, pulling the magician from his thoughts. "How much time?"
"Two hours, perhaps three at most," Gunter replied, laying aside his own sword.
"Enough time for a bath, then."
Gunter looked at the younger man that he loved so much. Serious black eyes and a somber expression did not suit his Yuuri. Those lips were made for smiling, laughing and most definitely kissing. That face should be lit with humor and happiness, not the sadness he saw reflected there now.
"Yes, heika…time for a bath, although…we did just bathe this morning."
"I know," Yuuri whispered. "But, if you will remember, I'm courting you and…it's my privilege to groom you, isn't it?"
Gunter felt his heart beat faster in his chest. Even with all that was happening, Yuuri still wanted to perform courting rituals?
"Of course it is, Yuuri."
The young Maou stood and held out his hand. "Then, won't you come with me?"
Gunter nodded, standing, and braiding his fingers with Yuuri's. It was mostly a silent, serious affair. In the bathing chamber, Yuuri insisted on removing Gunter's clothes, taking his time and stroking his hands over the taller man's body as though he meant to memorize every curve, every muscle. When he stepped into the bath, tugging at Gunter's hand in encouragement, the once-advisor, now lover, to the king followed, awed by the young man's solemn devotion. He moved as he was directed, following the motions of Yuuri's gestures, while the King spent long minutes soaping and rinsing his body, then even longer washing and rinsing his hair.
"Tomorrow, when we bathe again," Yuuri whispered, as he sleeked the water from Gunter's long mane, "I would like to spend more time. I know we're rushed now, but tomorrow will be better."
Gunter's heart lurched in his chest and his throat ached. "Yuuri," he said, his voice breaking a little. "Tomorrow, we will spend as much time in the bath as you want, as much time in bed as you want—tomorrow will be your day. Anything you want, all right?"
Yuuri nodded, smiling his small, watery, tremulous smile. Gunter reached for him then, slamming the younger man against his chest and burying his face in Yuuri's neck. So much for his rigorous honesty, his love needed comforting now, and so did he. "You are so brave, Heika. Don't be afraid. We will have tomorrow."
Gunter felt the Maou nod against his chest. "I don't feel very brave right now, Gunter, but…when you hold me, I can believe in tomorrow."
"Tomorrow and every day after," Gunter promised. He tipped Yuuri's chin up, and kissed him softly. He knew he shouldn't make such promises—he was wiser than that, but, holding the slim body of the king, he was determined to make it come true.
After they left the bath, Gunter built a small fire in his chamber. He settled onto the floor, allowing himself to feel the pleasure of Yuuri's patient ministrations as the king carefully combed, then brushed his long hair. He held still while the younger man plaited his hair into one long braid that reached well past the middle of his back, and secured it with a ribbon.
"I've…never worn a braid," he confessed
"I learned to do it when Greta went through her long hair phase," Yuuri said, quietly. "I thought…I thought it would be a good idea, so your hair doesn't…get in the way tonight."
"I like it," Gunter said quickly, not wanting to appear churlish. And, he did like it—another reason for him to keep his promise, then, he thought. The satisfaction he felt when Yuuri touched him made him glow with contentment. If only there was another way…but he stopped himself before his thoughts went any further. There was no other choice. The stage had been set. Glancing out the window, Gunter gauged how much time they had before needing to join the others to begin the ceremony. Not a lot, but enough. Taking Yuuri in his arms, Gunter plied his young lover with slow, melting kisses.
Then, as he eased Yuuri to the soft rug in front of the hearth, Gunter covered the King with his own body and made slow, languorous love to the man he adored as the last rays of the sun streaked across the sky. Their own shadows, cast by the firelight, stretched and mirrored their images, joined as one, dancing together on the wall.
--O.o.O—
Yozak was just finishing his last adjustments to his arm-guards when he heard the timid knock on his door.
"Come in," he called. "It's open."
He waited patiently until the Lady Alese finally opened the door and looked inside.
"I…I don't want to disturb you," she said, looking everywhere around the room but at him. "It's just…it's just that it's almost time."
"I suppose it is," he said, heaving a small sigh and looking out his window.
"Are you ready?" she asked, advancing a half-step inside.
"Almost. I just have to do one more thing." He reached over to the table and picked up the jeweled comb she'd given him the night before. "I'd like to wear this, my Lady, if you don't object."
"Of course not," she said, the blush he'd come to admire so much stealing across her cheeks.
He slid the comb into his hair, sweeping up some of the longer strands on the right side—his dominant side.
"It…It isn't quite even," she said, reaching out, then quickly drawing her arm back again.
"It's a little hard to manage on my own," he admitted.
Yozak had owned many pretty things in his life—dresses, shoes, even jewelry, but when he tried to put this particular ornament in his hair, his fingers trembled. Frankly, he found that fact a little surprising.
"I can help, if you like?" she offered.
"I would, yes." He said, inviting her to come further inside with a sweep of his arm.
The Lady Alese moved to his side, looking up at him with her beautiful violet eyes. He couldn't help staring, though he was careful to make it appear like he wasn't. Her eyes were so lovely, and the way she worried her lower lip between her teeth was enchanting. He was content to simply watch her, and would have stood there forever, probably if her lips hadn't turned downwards in a slight frown.
"You're…You're too tall, Master, Gurrier. You will either need to sit, or bend down. I can't quite reach."
Smiling at his own foolishness, Yozak settled onto the end of the bed, and kept his hands clasped together. She crept up to his side, as hesitant as a wild doe, and plucked the comb from his hair. She used her fingers to twist some of the orange strands together then replaced the comb, pushing it into his hair with a sharp motion. When she stepped back, he shook his head gently. She'd done a good job—that comb wasn't going anywhere.
"Thank you, my lady."
She nodded. She looked like she wanted to say something, but the words obviously wouldn't come out. After a moment she made a frustrated sound in the back of her throat. She pulled her own, long silvery hair over her shoulder and pulled the ribbon loose that had been holding it back from her face.
"It's not magic, or anything," she whispered, not meeting his eyes. "But…I'd like you to take this…for luck."
Yozak took a deep breath, steadying his rapidly beating heart. The young woman had no idea how her actions lit a fire beneath his every protective instinct. He had an idea that while he still didn't completely understand what it was that drove Yuuri-heika on his mad flight to find his adjutant—he was beginning to get the picture, himself. "I can use all the luck you have to spare, my lady."
She took his hand then, his large, calloused palm dwarfing her small, soft fingers, and wound the ribbon around his wrist, securing it with some sort of spell, he supposed, as a soft pink light glowed from her fingertips. "My name is Alese," she said as she stepped away. "I think I'd like it better if you called me that, Master Gurrier, instead of My Lady."
"And my name is Yozak," he replied, easily. "Would you extend me the same courtesy?"
"All right…Yozak." Her face was completely pink now.
"Thank you, Alese." He stood slowly, giving her time to adjust to his height again. "I guess it's time to meet the others. Will you walk with me?"
"Yes." Suddenly she put her arms around his neck and tugged, pulling herself up on her tiptoes.
Yozak leaned down and she pressed her lips quickly and gently against his cheek and then let him go just as quickly.
"For luck," she said again, so softly he almost didn't hear her. "Please be careful."
"I will be," he said, summoning a grin. "After all, I have to return this ribbon to you, right?" He took a chance and drew her arm through the curve of his elbow.
She stiffened for only a moment, then, brushed her cheek against his upper arm. "You're so strong," she whispered.
Just at that moment, as Yozak led Alese from his room and guided her to the library where they were to meet the others, he felt like the strongest man in the world.
--O.o.O—
Conrad was the third person to appear in the library, Gunter and Yuuri having already arrived some time before. When he walked in, Yuuri met him halfway, slipping his arms around his waist and laying his head on the knight's chest.
"H—Heika!" Conrad said, surprised. He looked toward Gunter, but the older mazoku only nodded to him and smiled.
"It's Yuuri, Nazukeoya." Yuuri whispered. "I don't want to play that game right now."
"All right, Yuuri," Conrad replied, lifting a hand to stroke his Maou's hair. "What's the matter, then?"
"Nothing…and everything." The younger man said, reaching one arm behind him and motioning for Gunter.
Conrad didn't resist when Gunter, also embraced him, one arm around his shoulders, the other curling around the Maou's slim waist.
"I love you both," Yuuri whispered. "And I want you to know how much. When this over, we're all going home together, right? You and me and Yozak. All of us."
"Yuuri," Conrad said, leaning down to press a kiss to his king's forehead. "We won't leave you."
"Never," Gunter said in agreement.
"What's going on here?" Yozak's cheerful voice broke the silence. "Can I get in on this, too?"
Conrad chuckled slightly and craned his neck to look over his shoulder. Yozak was leaning against the doorframe, Gunter's tiny sister by his side, grinning. The maou looked around Conrad's arm.
"Yes, you too, Yozak." He said. The orange-haired spy joined the group, standing opposite Gunter, and closed his arms around both Conrad and Yuuri.
"It's like a huddle," Yuuri said suddenly, his face lit with a rare smile. "So, we're all coming back here right? After these wraiths are destroyed, and we have our lives back?"
"Yes, Yuuri," Conrad said. "Though, I must admit, I wouldn't mind having a few more allies."
"I think you have received your wish, Conrad."
The men broke apart at Lady Von Kleist's announcement.
"There seems to be a regiment of burly soldiers clad in dashing green uniforms, riding fast to our border. Gunter, are they friends?"
"Those will be Gwendal's soldiers," Gunter replied. "Did you send for them, Conrad?"
"I did," the knight said. "I didn't know if they would arrive in time, but you know Gwendal likes to be prepared. Yozak, go and meet them."
"On my way, Taichou." The red-haired spy stopped only long enough to touch Lady Alese's hair. The younger woman smiled up at him, brushing her fingers over his. Perhaps Freda-dono had been right after all.
"There is a vessel approaching as well," Lady Von Kleist mentioned, as she sat down in her chair. "It is moving at a fast rate of speed, along the Greyfelde. Two are aboard, a mazoku and a half-mazoku. I cannot, however, see them yet…they are too far away."
"Who would that be…friend or foe?" Yuuri asked.
"I don't know, Heika," Gunter said. "However, we don't have time to worry about that right now. It is unlikely, at any rate, that it is an enemy." He turned to his mother. "You could readjust the glamour, and if the two approaching are allies, allow them passage."
"I will." Lady Von Kleist said, quietly. "Is it…is it time now, my love?"
"Yes, mother." Gunter reached out and touched her hair. "Don't fret. All will be well, and we will be free of this menace."
"That's what your father said," Gunter. "Remember that. Now, my dears, you have much to do as do Alese, Adalric and myself. Your brother is already posted on the great balcony and will be able to see well from that vantage point."
"Freda-dono is right, Yuuri," Conrad said. "It's time to go."
The king nodded. "Very well. Let's get this finished so we can get out of here."
--O.o.O—
From his first moments in Shin Makoku, Shibuya Yuuri had become familiar with conflict. He had nearly been abducted by a renegade mazoku, though later he and Adelbert Von Grantz had reached an understanding. Then, it seemed that he had only moments of respite in between abductions, failed abductions, assassination attempts, battles and conflicts—even going so far as defeating the great evil that had once been subdued by the original king. Still, his experiences hadn't prepared him for anything like this.
Almost as soon as Gunter had begun his ceremony at his family's tomb, the shadow wraiths exploded from the perimeter of Heyerdahl in numbers too great to count. The creatures had been waiting, biding their time until darkness, and massing in energy until they could take their true forms. The waves of darkness rolled over the beautiful grounds of Heyerdahl, blocking Yuuri's view of the house. Morgif's barrier, so solid and strong before, had wavered under the onslaught and finally cracked in several places, allowing the beasts closer still. Then all he could hear was the crash of steel, as swords were drawn and the howls of the malevolent enemy.
At one point, he saw Yozak's position, holding a line of defense in front of the house itself waver, then break, despite the added strength of Gwendal's reinforcements. The tide of creatures rolled toward his position, where he stood just behind Conrad. His knight's sword slashed through the air, and the black, inky material that spewed from the creatures as they fell splattered against his soldier's handsome face—and his own.
Still, through out it all, despite his fear, Yuuri remained convinced they would prevail. Until he heard a low-pitched, rolling laughter coming from a position behind him—the sound causing a chill to run down the length of his spine. Turning slightly, Yuuri saw Gunter fall to his knees. Suddenly, the breath left his lungs in a great gasp when he was lifted from his feet and tossed in the air as though he weighed nothing at all.
"Heika!" Conrad's shout reached his ears, but he sounded so far away.
Then he felt pain explode inside his chest as he was slammed into the ground on his back. His vision grew dim, but he was aware of struggling to breathe. The last thing he saw, before he drifted into the darkness was a flash of blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes.
"Did you think your paltry belief in the goodness of demons would sustain you this time, Yuuri-heika?"
Yuuri opened his eyes, forcing himself to focus, and stared. "It's you," he choked out. Then he knew nothing at all.
--O.o.O—
Broken and bleeding, the young demon-king lay unmoving on the battlefield. In vain, his knight struggled to reach his side, but was prevented by the wall formed by the ranks of evil creatures. The daring spy, nearly overwhelmed, struggled against the rising tide of the enemy, his strength failing. The beautiful demon lord, pushed to his feet, rage consuming him. All plans lay forgotten as he drew his sword—his howl of grief outstripping the angry snarls of the creatures around him. Even the arrival of the implacable general and the Maou's brother could do nothing to prevent the carnage of the demon lord's retribution.
There is a proverb known well throughout Shin Makoku: Beware the Gods—for they are an evil created by humans to torment all.
…And there is Chapter Nine. What a place to leave it, eh? But I promised to update yesterday, and thanks to work, I was prevented. So…what do you think will happen? I'm not sure I know, myself…but, wow, I really, really wouldn't want to be in front of Gunter's sword right now. Thank you so very much for all your reviews from last chapter, I'm going to answer them on my break from work tonight. And I'm still really flattered and humbled that this fic is being read. Also, there are several to whom I owe lengthy messages—I do promise to deliver, but with the storm that hit here today, the ER will be hopping, I'm sure. Bear with me a little longer. I reckon we have 2 maybe 3 chaps at most to finish this one up. Be safe this weekend, my friends, especially those on the eastern seaboard. I'll be seeing you…SN