They had packed up and left within a half-hour of the sunrise. Yuuri sat astride Ao, trying to plan the best course of action to get Wolfram home. He managed a tiny smile as he saw the sun, remembering what a terribly heavy sleeper Wolfram was, and his magical ability to go from thoroughly asleep to washed and dressed in under five minutes. Yuuri remembered when Wolfram had dashed after him during the search for one of the boxes. He didn't get seasick once.

Seeing the others on their horses, Yuuri could tell that they were recalling memories that were connected to the brat. In the silence of the swift trot back to Blood Pledge castle, Yuuri allowed himself to feel a bit of hope. Maybe Wolfram isn't dead. Maybe he was kidnapped again. The thought of Wolfram being tortured in a dungeon somewhere was enough to send shivers down his spine, but Yuuri reminded himself that a hurt Wolfram is a live Wolfram. A murdered Wolfram is a…….

Idiot! No point in my getting upset and queasy. Either way, whether or not he is alive, I should think Wolfram would like to be rescued. Well, he wouldn't exactly like being rescued, and yeah, he'd probably burn me alive for undermining his abilities, and he'd sulk for months and months and he'd give me scary looks every time our eyes meet. But I think underneath it all he'd probably appreciate that everyone moved heaven and earth to rescue him. He'd never say it, but I know he'd feel it.

A soft sob died in his throat as he struggled valiantly to stop bawling again. If he is alive, I'm getting him back. No matter what he will come home. To me.

But where to start? "Us" wasn't exactly the name of a country or an association or anything, was it? Yuuri couldn't even tell if this was the work of humans or demons. Any kingdom could be the one holding Wolfram, and with a wave of dismay Yuuri realised that even Shin Makoku could not be exempted from his suspicion. They had no clue where Wolfram (or his body… Yuuri had to swallow a few times to down the bile in his throat) had been taken, and probably Wolfram didn't know any better. If he's still alive, how is he supposed to escape from a castle and a place he doesn't even know?

Because there wasn't a doubt in Yuuri's mind that nobility were involved in this. Rebellious organisations could not afford to send so many skilled assassins, and the only ones with enough wealth and power to do such things were royalty, aristocrats, and possibly other people in high positions of government and militia.

But there is hope. There will always be hope. Yuuri did not let such harmful thoughts like how he remembered nothing of the assassins; not their uniforms or numbers or builds, distress him into fouling up this all-important quest. Though he had never really thought about espionage, now he wanted to send as many scouts and spies as they had to cover every inch of this world. If they could not, he will personally traverse the globe searching his entire lifetime for the one person who would happily do the same for him.

But we will begin with countries that…. Yuuri recoils in horror from his thoughts. Who to investigate first? The assassination was not meant for Yuuri; why would enemies who dislike him being in power take the life of his fiancée instead? This would be weird behaviour for the rowdy countries not in agreement with Shin Makoku. Yet at the balls thrown in Blood Pledge Castle, all the ambassadors were clearly and unashamedly fond of Wolfram. Sometimes a bit too fond thinks Yuuri as he remembered a few groping perverts who've ended up with burnt hands. But Yuuri was certain none were pretending; everyone found Wolfram alluring. So it could not be the allied countries.

So where does that leave Yuuri?

Utterly and completely lost.

He felt despair reaching out ice-cold fingers to bring him to her depths, but he knew he could not give up. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Yuuri systematically began to remember the memories, both the good and the bad, he had shared with Wolfram. The times he was called affectionate insults, the arguments, the smiles, the banter, the loyalty, the fights, the tantrums, the company, the quarrels, the love….… Alone yet surrounded by men, Shibuya Yuuri immersed himself in daydreams and half-memories conjured up in loving memory of his missing friend.

Take a breath Yuuri ordered himself. Take a deep breath and calm down. However illogical it is for Wolfram to be the target of such an operation instead of me, I think it's still best if we start searching the countries that aren't allied with us. They have the most reason to bear such a terrible grudge, even if it isn't against me. So what next? Ask Yosak to begin searching. There're a lot of countries that dislike Shin Makoku, but I'm certain Yosak can succeed. He's so…. talented.

Yuuri shivered when he realised that had they known who Wolfram's captors were, they would even now be on their way to rescue him. Instead it will take months, or even years, to find him. IF he's alive. If he's… deceased, there is basically no hope. He could be buried ANYWHERE. It might be the small village cemetery right next to the castle and I wouldn't know. Or they might have cremated him. Oh god, my handsome soldier's body has been burnt to ashes, and I might never know it. What if they publicly hung his body? We could find him sooner, but for him to be stripped of his dignity even in death because of me… I don't think I can bear it. Or worse, perhaps….

The thoughts were interrupted, because without he realising it they had reached the outskirts of the village surrounding the castle. Soldiers patrolling the border looked up to meet the royal party and were cheerily saluting before seeing the grim countenance etched in the faces of all. The merriment instantly left them, as a foreboding feeling overtook their hearts. The more intelligent ones began counting the number of heads. Was it equal to the number that left? No, no, one was missing. Who could it be? Looking at their fellow soldiers at the back of the party, they sent questioning glances. The cavalry just shook their heads sadly. A few mouthed the name

Wolfram.

The message spread like wildfire. Immediately the general mood of comfort and contentment at such a bright day left them, the horror of the death of their beloved and much admired boy captain sobering any trace of happiness and lightheartedness. What happened? What took him away from us? The bolder ones began to throw angered sideways glances at, first, Gwendal and Conrad (How could you have failed to protect your brother?), and then Yuuri. Yuuri received the most heated glares, but was too absorbed in his own pain to notice.

Within a few minutes of their arrival, the news of Wolfram's death had spread. It moved faster from the mouths of men than they did on their horses. It was as if hurtling before them was a most deadly plague, as the streets quieted and an aura of death and sorrow fell over the village.

This Yuuri realised, and while it did make him more determined to bring back Wolfram, he could feel his heart being crushed slowly, it hurting a little more for every step Ao took. All this sadness is for the loss of Wolfram. It's MY fault he's lost. And I have to tell Lady Celi….

They soon reached the castle gates, and Yuuri had to resist the urge to turn his horse around and gallop away. He will be meeting Lady Celi, Wolfram's mother, to tell her he has killed her youngest child.

oOo

Wolfram had finished devouring the food that he had been given, and he could see the awed and shocked look Hedrid was trying very hard not to give him. What? Wolfram pouted adorably. Just because I'm not as well built as most macho idiots doesn't mean I can't eat my share.

Shifting back so that his weight was on his arms, Wolfram cast a questioning look at Hedrid. As the head leader, Hedrid knew he mustn't show fear in the face of such an unlikely tyrant. That said, what he really wanted to do was plug Wolfram's mouth with fruits and run swiftly away in the opposite direction.

When the conversation began, he wondered why he didn't listen to his baser (and by far more intelligent) instincts.

"So… Hedrid, was it? I have never found myself in a situation where I was forced to remember a human's name, so I'm afraid you'll have to suffer through me constantly mispronouncing... it. Do not mind the mistakes, they mean you no harm" Wolfram smirked evilly.

O gods, I would pray to you to save me from his mouth, but why does it feel that even you would fear him? Thought Hedrid. Wolfram had barely begun and already he felt his self-esteem drop to a new, previously-untouched low. Oh, what fun! He thought grimly.

"Who exactly is this king that I am supposed to meet? Though I do not begrudge him his good taste, I must say he has the strangest ways of showing affection. I at least deserve the name of the ruler who has put me through so much… inconvenience" said Wolfram, pointedly staring at the chain around his neck. He continued, "And what country does he rule? This is so I know where to send my condolences to for having such a mindless ruler. Or shall I just order the criers of Shin Makoku to go to every country inhabited by humans declaring "Lord Von Bielefelt conveys his utmost sympathy for the country of Hedrid the assassin, because of their most unspeakably useless king!" and wait for you to come out and die of embarrassment at my feet? Certainly it is your choice, as I (Wolfram smiles wickedly) have all the time in this world"

He sits up again and takes a water skin, before swigging its contents into his mouth.

That was a shockingly scary threat, because I 'm sure he means every word. At the same time, I must say I'm impressed. It takes a lot of courage and wit to openly insult someone who could have your head cut off in seconds. But… I don't feel like treating him roughly. He's altogether to scary a specimen of cleverness.

Hedrid sighs and decides to answer the questions. Though of course he shouldn't, as any information given to one so crafty as Wolfram would definitely be a dangerous thing. But he'd sooner be put in danger than suffer more torment at the hands of an intelligent brat who looked scarcely 12 years old.

"I will tell you who my sovereign is, Lord Von Bielefelt, but I will not tell you the name of our country. Such knowledge in your hands will prove to be my downfall, and I'm too young to die. So content yourself with the name of my king, as I fear you may have to follow through your plan with the town criers to find my country. Is that alright?"

Wolfram considered for a moment, before nodding his head. "I think I overestimated your abilities Hedrid, and have taxed your mind by asking two questions instead of one. You may continue, and I will try my luck some other time"

Hedrid didn't know if he was choking on anger or laughter. He decided not to find out.

Hedrid clears his throat, wondering if he should just snap out the name or give a bit of background or anything. Honesty is the best policy he reminds himself, and begins.

"Our ruler is The Royal Highness, His Majesty the King Mikael Stromb. He has ruled our fair nation for over 7 years and is the only living child of the deceased King and Queen Thrombel and Abelle Stromb. He is now of a marriageable age and sends groups of trained collectors to seek out those that he finds suitable to be his partner. However, out of the hundreds of noblemen and women, only you have been selected, Lord Von Bielefelt. He has taken an unusual liking to you, Your Excellency, and as a result extremely dislikes the king of Shin Makoku for engaging himself to you before my king had a chance to make your acquaintance. What he wishes you to do when he meets you I don't know; nor do I know of his future plans regarding you or your kingdom. That is all I want to say, and already I think I've said too much. Don't ask anymore, you will meet him yourself in a two days' time"

Wolfram did not reply, choosing instead to stare blankly at the patch of grass at his feet. Hedrid shook his head and resumed his earlier task of sharpening his sword. At least he won't have much time to think; we'll continue in a few minutes, and I will be smart for the first time in this whole mad scheme. The blond will wear a blindfold.

Wolfram's mind was whirring as he tried to make sense of all the new information. Even though he was a soldier, he still had lessons with Gunter about the politics of other countries. Furiously he went through his memory searching for something to help him.

Mikael, Mikael…. It's such a familiar name. What facts do I know? One, the king is at least 18 years old, probably slightly older. He's been reigning for 7 years, yet begins this lunatic assault on bridal candidates only now. He must be a fairly young human. Two, his parents are Thrombel and Abelle, and he is an only child. Only LIVING child, so the former king and queen had trouble producing an heir.

The thought greatly inspired Wolfram. Gossip as juicy as this was bound to have reached him at some point; all he needed to do was remember.

Three, the country is fair sized, probably bigger than Francia. Too many skilled assassins dispatched to fetch just one person, but I am sure the king is still well protected. Their military force is no slouch, so I doubt it is a small country. Four, the country either borders Shin Makoku, or is very close. It would probably take over a day of out-and-out riding without rest to get to its border. Why is my geography rotten? At least I know how far I'd have to go to get back home. Five, there's a good chance the king is cruel, or gets easily carried away by his emotions. Judging by Hedrid's expression, all these men… Wolfram looked around at the 20 or so riders and amended his statement…and women would have been punished if I was not brought before the king.

Reaching a conclusion at the end of his checklist, Wolfram forced the frown that had formed off his face. Looking like Gwendal most definitely wouldn't help him blow the king's mind.

Oh, even if I can't figure out what country it is, if I can get a message to big big brother with the names of the royal family, they are bound to be able to find me. So, I should just wait until my audience with the silly fool before I plan my escape or attack. No point troubling big big brother and Yuuri and the rest unless I really need to.

Pleased with his mental accomplishments, Wolfram turned to smile an extremely heart-warming smile at Hedrid, who has been surprisingly helpful and kind. Hedrid very nearly stabbed his own hand, so surprised was he to see such a pleasant look on his captive's face. But he was glad. For reasons he may never know, he found himself quite liking Wolfram, and though he would never directly disobey his king's orders, he disliked seeing the boy in pain.

All this soft, mushy feelings and I've known him for barely an hour. No wonder he is a king's fiancée, and my own king is in love with him... I have never been more grateful for the cut through the forests we have to take to get there fastest. The ride will be hard, but it's a thousand times more preferable to being saddled with the boy for a week using the smoother trade path. A week would be enough time for him to devour my soul.

Hedrid got up and pulled the unresisting Wolfram to his feet, before whistling to his band of men to begin moving. Pulling the sash that acted as a belt from his waist, he held it out to Wolfram.

Wolfram's smile instantly faded. "A blindfold? Honestly, a blindfold? You do me great injustice not to trust my honour Hedrid. I am deeply offended, and for a moment there, for reasons unknown, I thought you were not a completely abominable human. I see now that my judgement was hideously impaired. " Wolfram breathed a sad sigh and turned his back to Hedrid. This is not good. I wanted to memorise the scenery so I would know which path would be quickest to follow if I have to run away... Oh, never mind. There will be another way. There always is. For now, I shall just happily endeavour to make Hedrid feel like the guiltiest assassin in existence. Wolfram bit down a chuckle, and bent his head so that his back looked like the very picture of hurt innocence. Mikael, eat your heart out!

Wolfram had to stop from rolling in laughter when he heard Hedrid apologise and say that, oh, no, he trusted Wolfram completely but it was the king's orders and he was only a humble servant.

May you never realise, my dear Hedrid, that you are currently apologising and attempting to sweet-talk your captive.

Wolfram contained his laughter, and managed a small sigh instead. He felt the sash cover his eyes oh-so-gently, and could not resist further tormenting Hedrid. I know I am in a possibly dangerous situation, and everyone at home is worried, and things could so easily go wrong and I may never see Yuuri again, but this is extremely fun!

"Tell me Hedrid," Wolfram began in a sad, tired little voice. "Is he… is your king who wishes to meet me very… handsome?" Wolfram was amazed at his talent. He had actually managed to make his voice quaver like a girl about to cry when he said "handsome"

Hedrid was at a loss for words. Why do I feel so protective all of a sudden? It's almost as bad as when Leis said she liked a boy. Hedrid's face blanched. The demon with his back to him was probably only a few mental years older than Leis, his youngest daughter, and he was asking his opinion about the way the king looked. And he sounds like he's about to cry! His Excellency… He doesn't know about that final letter we planted for his king. No way will Wolfram be leaving Petrach Castle, no matter what he or I think of His Majesty. He is dead to his kingdom...

Hedrid felt his eye twitch.

Calm down Hedrid! Just reassure him, and then break all contact with him until we get to the castle. I am an assassin, I will feed my captive sweet nothings to calm him, his emotions do not really matter to me. Hedrid repeated that to himself over and over again, but he knew he was too late. He decided, however, to at least attempt to distance himself emotionally from the small blond.

That was his decision; that wasn't what he said.

What he said was:

"Ah, don't worry Lord Von Bielefelt. Our king has a very attractive look about him, and is kind-hearted to a fault. Many have admired his handsomeness and I am certain you will not be disappointed. And if you really are not taken with him, I'm sure two outstanding individuals such as yourselves will be able to come to a compromise. Your Excellency, I promise you nothing very bad will happen to you"

Hedrid was surprised to find that he meant what he promised.

Wolfram too could feel the earnestness in the voice of the man who towered over him.

Who knows, Hedrid? If we both make it out of this we could be great friends. Already I see you like me, and your presence is occasionally comforting.

Pray it all works out, Hedrid. Pray very hard.

End Chapter

oooo

Hello! I met my own deadline, yay! It's a bumper chapter sort-of-thing, because I figured the parts concentrating on Yuuri were too short to be a proper single chapter. The next chapter (coming out next friday, hopefully) will concentrate on grief management, just so you know. Thanks to all who have reviewed, I'm really happy! Special shout out to my sister Ginata, who mocks me a lot but is really supportive... sort of.

It's un-betad, so please try not to be too upset if you spot any glaring errors. Tell me, though :)

Angry Wolfram is here to stay! And I'm sorry to those who dislike the dialogue and the madly formal way everything is written, but it's the way I always imagined this story would be

I like it, at least runs away