I don't own KKM, and beware a snarling and depressed Yuuri

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Yuuri blearily raised his head at the sound of insistent banging on his bedroom door. He had lost control two days ago, as he had grieved in solitude for Wolfram. The long-disappeared Maou had overtaken him, but to his immense surprise and complete amazement, he had regained consciousness still in that small, dark room, castle intact without any sign of giant brick monsters. His eyes were much puffier and his face was drenched in tears, though, and this made Yuuri realise that even his alter ego was in deep mourning for the friend he had lost.

Wonder what that proves he had wondered, before trudging back to his room and ordering everyone to keep away from him. Too distracted was he to notice the small voice that had said irritatedly, Guess, you idiotic wimp, as he sent a guard to tell Greta that he couldn't see her for a while because he was very sick. "Tell her about Wolfram, and I will be guilty of another death," he had told the white-faced soldier, feeling so incomparably awful that he knew that to some greater or lesser extent he meant his threat. After that exhaustive exchange, he had escaped to his room, where he stayed without once coming out or talking to another person for two entire days.

In his hazy mind then, he had decided that he would remain in the room forever. Exhaustion called, and he had welcomed her with open arms, sleeping for hours on end yet waking up more miserable than before. But his decision to not move was one he wanted to stand by.

This was why he glared at the door, hoping to discourage the person standing on the other side.

Can't you idiots understand? I need to be alone so that I can be miserable to make up for killing Wolfram! The kingdom can stand a few days without me! Wolfram can wait a few days more too, it's not like he's in a position to worry about time, or anything else for that matter!

His rant remained internal, so loathe was he to move from his current position, cuddling into Wolfram's pillow, deluding himself ineffectively with the faint scent of beautiful blond. He knew his mind was near breaking point, knew that only having Wolfram safe next to him could mend his misery.

He also knew that discussing plans to get Wolfram back with Conrad and Gwendal would throw him over the brink, because so convinced was he that, firstly, Wolfram was dead and far away, and secondly, and perhaps more importantly, he was too weak this time too to help Wolfram. So he ignored the noise, promising himself he would get out and do something the moment he felt more capable of rationality.

He giggled then to himself, an innocent, child-like sound as he imagined himself eternally snubbing Gwendal the scary, because at this rate I'll NEVER be rational.

Yuuri wasn't making sense. He knew he wasn't making sense. But he also knew he didn't care.

Through all this the knocking on the door never faded, only intensifying.

"Shibuya!"

He could finally hear the person outside shout his name, recognising Murata's voice immediately. He didn't bother replying, instead just sat up on his bed, arms wound tight around the pillow as he nuzzled it and giggled some more.

When did I last eat? Oh well, it's not like it's important.

Murata cursed to himself on the other side, fist red from rapping against the wooden door. He couldn't order anyone to break it down, not after such specific instructions from his friend to be left alone.

Murata sighed; he wished he wouldn't have to resort to this, but if he couldn't get in to drag Yuuri out, his voice could still be heard on the other side.

One of the greater advantages to being a Great Sage was that he knew exactly which buttons he had to push to get the desired effect out of someone.

"Shibuya, we need you! There's a man here who says Wolfram had slept with him after promising to marry him, and he's come to collect on the debt! He wants to assume all off Wolfram's titles and enjoy all his privileges since Wolfram himself isn't… isn't…here"

Even the hesitation in his voice as he finished speaking was calculated to cause the greatest damage to the young king. If his assumptions about his friend's feelings for the blond that were never spoken (and rarely considered) are correct, Yuuri would come running out of the room in the next few seconds in a terrible rage, nearly foaming at the mouth with the anger he felt at the mention of Wolfram's (im)possible disloyalty.

In his room, Yuuri heard every word, and felt as though someone had etched them onto his chest with a burning poker. Anger boiled up within him with stunning ferocity, as he growled, pillow now set carefully to his side. All traces of childishness vanished, as he concentrated on one thing:

Breaking this man who dares insult my Wolfram.

Because in his mind, Yuuri knew that no way in this world or his own was it possible for his green-eyed soldier, always so dashing in his blue uniform, always so immovable in his loyalty and fierce love, had gone out and seduced some man with false promises of marriage just to get into his pants.

Shinou himself could declare this was the truth, the bearbees could sing it forever and ever, and Yuuri still wouldn't have believed that Wolfram would have lied to anyone for something as insignificant to him as sex.

It was possible that Wolfram was in fact in love with whoever the blazes the man is, but was forced to leave him after accidentally becoming engaged to Yuuri.

In which case Yuuri would still beat the stuffing out of the man, for coming here and demanding Wolfram's rights when by all accounts he should be as depressed as Yuuri.

At least you didn't marry such scum, Wolf.

Still growling, he got off his bed, and grabbed Morgif off the dresser. Yuuri was dressed in pyjamas, hair tousled by sleep, yet the look on his face could have conquered an empire. With long steps he strode furiously towards the door, wrenching it open so harshly the forgotten lock broke apart beneath his hands.

Faced with a surprised looking Murata, he spat out "Where is he?" in a voice that promised pain to all who displeased its owner.

Wow. Shibuya cleans up well.

Murata continued with his current plan of action, nodding his head before turning around and heading towards the library. Giesela was supposed to have dragged Conrad there, though he couldn't imagine how she could have caught up with the man. The brunette was rarely in the castle, usually away running for no particular reason.

He didn't doubt that Conrad would be there though; Giesela had a sort of magic she could use to bend people to her will. Murata sincerely wished she never found need to use it on him; he wasn't certain he could resist her.

Gunter was busy arranging the library to suit the needs of three extremely powerful, extremely upset men who are about to receive shocking news, as well as ensuring that their time wouldn't be accidentally shared with maids and other castle inhabitants.

They had discussed their jobs yesterday. When Murata had told them about his plan, Anissina had nodded her head and said that she intended to use the same technique to lure Gwendal to their meeting. No protective older brother would stand aside while someone tarnishes his baby brother's honour. When Giesela had protested, saying it would be difficult to get Gwendal to cooperate, Anissina's smile had only grown wider. Murata was intrigued; he intended to use brute force to get Yuuri here, since they were around the same size and strength. Failing that, it would be the work of a moment to fool the gullible king into coming to the library of his own volition.

Gwendal would not be blinded so easily.

In response to Giesela's objection Anissina had opened a big case she had brought with her. She took out a long cylindrical object, which Murata realized was horrifyingly similar to a tranquilliser gun.

"I made the sedative myself. It contains traces of the Von Wincott poison, but I have reworked it so that anyone under its influence will still have control of his mind, yet be subject to my commands"

Gwendal had ceased to be a problem.

Murata had to admit that the four of them were an excellent team; things were getting done at a swift rate and each brought a much-needed intelligence to their planning.

The proof is in the pudding he thought as a still-growling Yuuri followed him through corridors and down stairs into the library.

Yuuri's mind was enveloped in a red mist, and he was fuming, unable to spare another thought on anything other than his immense anger. His face lit up with a predatory smile when Murata stopped in front of the library door, before pushing it open and nudging him in.

Yuuri stomped in, face decorated with a feral grin as he glared around the room, eyes seeking the face of that most hated stranger, so that he could lunge at him and hurt him for not being in utter misery over Wolfram's death.

When the faces that greeted him turned out to be none worthy of his burning hate, but those of his friends, Yuuri felt his anger flicker and die. Conrad was leaning against the wall opposite the door, posture that of false calm as his eyes darted worriedly to the face of the king, offering a small smile of shared confusion and slight distress.

Gwendal sat on a chair around the biggest library table, next to a grinning Anissina holding what appeared to be the barrel of a rifle. Gwendal looked like he didn't want to be there, and was in fact trying his hardest to get up and leave. His face was contorted with effort, yet his body remained seated. Giving up, he took to glaring at Anissina instead.

Yuuri turned to Murata, about to demand an explanation when Giesela appeared at his side, wearing her best winning smile.

"Heika," she said as she tugged him to a seat. He didn't resist, because you shouldn't resist a girl or make her upset, right? Instead he sat down stiffly, before looking bewilderedly at the healer.

Green eyes... I love those.

"Your Majesty? Me, His Eminence, father and Lady Anissina have something very important to tell all of you. I'm sorry we used such a dirty trick to get you here, but we've thought of everything else and you wouldn't have responded. Now, you have to promise that you won't leave this room until we've said everything, or Your Majesty we won't tell you what we've found." Giesela looked at him sternly, but her lips were in a soft smile. "The choice is entirely up to you, Your Majesty"

Murata and Gunter had appeared by his side suddenly, both looking intently at him with hope in their eyes. Anissina sat opposite him, and was tapping her heel in irritation at his hesitation in answering.

Might as well…

"I promise, Giesela, that I won't leave until you've told me all you need to." He offered her a wavering smile, his first in many days.

"Very good, Majesty. Now allow me to explain the magic behind the power of a name…." Anissina answered, before she launched into her explanation of the mechanics behind her Super-Durable Long-Lasting Mazoku Family-Tree-of-Life! Kun.

Yuuri, Gwendal and Conrad looked on in utter shock.

She unrolled the red carpet on the table, pointing out the names of the deceased demons and humans, the names of the ones in the room, and finally, finally Wolfram's name.

Conrad had come to stand behind Anissina's chair when Gunter had begun explaining the fact that Anissina's invention was theoretically possible, citing the names of complicated tomes with supporting evidence. He had heard clearly everything that was said, but he doubted his ears. Even though he fervently hoped for Wolfram's safety, believing in this thing would set him up for heartbreak should it prove untrue. But he could see Wolfram's name in the curly script, the thread a dark, tarnished gold. And his own father's name a bright, burnt orange, and felt hope flare to life in his chest.

Gwendal had completely abandoned movement, so still was he as he listened to everything. He thought back to all the inventions Anissina had made him use when he was in need of comfort, thought of Gunter's almost incomparable wisdom that had proved so useful in almost every occasion, and thought of Giesela, whose magic and intelligence are the main reason many are still alive today. He looked at the Great Sage, a boy so immensely young yet so immensely old, a boy that had orchestrated the operation to destroy the boxes almost completely on his own.

He thought about what they said, and then he thought about them,

And believed that Wolfram was alive.

Yuuri was in shock; mouth ajar with wonder as the rest of the four plotters offered their views. He didn't feel Murata's comforting hand on his shoulder, didn't feel Giesela sending him glowing green magic to help calm him and allow him to keep his sanity. All he could think was,

Wolfram's…alive? I haven't killed him? He's alive?

He looked at Conrad who was still staring at Wolfram's name, a curious light returning to his brown eyes. He looked at Gwendal who was no longer frowning, a peaceful look settling on his face. Finally he looked at his name on the thing, a bright, blinding gold linked to Wolfram's darker gold by a brilliant silver cord, seemingly tying their names together.

Giesela could feel Yuuri gradually growing used to the idea, and nodded slightly to her father. Now was the time for their final performance. If this wasn't proof enough to convince them, nothing short of murder would suffice.

Gunter began. "Your Majesty, the brightness of the gold changes with the physical state of a person. A bright tone like yours indicates that you are healthy and awake. Wolfram's is much darker, meaning that he is injured and his magic is not flowing smoothly. He is still alive though, as the shade is nowhere near orange, but I cannot say for certain if he is asleep or awake. If, say, Gwendal who is very healthy now were to fall unconscious, his name will darken slightly in response to the lesser amount of magic released. The effect would be instantaneous and obvious. Please look at Lord Von Voltaire's name," instructed Gunter.

Yuuri, still in shock, bowed his head and looked at Gwendal's name, close to Wolfram's. He heard Anissina say in a very commanding voice that Gwendal should faint right now, and yelped when he heard Gwendal's head thunk on to the table and saw the gold changing shades, now faintly yet noticeably darker than before.

"It's true, Shibuya. This is one thing that you really, really need to believe"

Yuuri turned his head to face Murata who was looking at him pleadingly, hand gripping his shoulder tightly. Yuuri smiled, and the smile grew and grew until he couldn't hold it back anymore.

He smiled at everyone else in the room, including Gwendal who was slumped against the table, and began laughing so hard his entire frame shook.

He's alive! He's alive! Wolfram's alive!

Yuuri felt certain he should be crying, but the laughter would not stop. Never had he felt relief this great, and the room sung with his joy. The rest were smiling relievedly, the four glad that things had turned out better than they could have hoped.

When he could catch his breath, Yuuri leaned back into his seat again, smiling happily at everyone.

"So," he started, in a voice vibrant with renewed hope, "let's bring Wolfram back"

Cheers erupted around the room, Gwendal having been brought around by another command from the red-haired lady.

Murata was the first to sober up, and as quickly as he could hushed the others.

"What we know must not leave this room. It'd be easier to find Wolfram if the people who're holding him don't know that we're looking for him. And while it's good news that he's alive, we still have the massive problem of finding where he's held and how to get him back. We obviously can't wait around hoping he manages to get a message to us, because even now we don't know exactly what condition he's in. Long story short," Murata smiled sadly, "We need to figure out where to find him as quickly as we can, before our luck runs out"

The room descended into silence as the laugher died and everyone delved into their thoughts.

Gunter did manage to add a cheery note, though. "Your Most Excellent Majesty, whatever decision you come to, know that us four" he gestured to himself, Giesela, Anissina and Murata, who all nodded in agreement, "are ready and willing to do all we can to help, including overlooking the running of Shin Makoku while you carry out your rescue. We want Wolfram back too."

Yuuri was touched almost beyond control by the kindness he saw in his friends, and knew that they would get Wolfram back. The way he was feeling right now, karma, fate, Shinou and the very ground he stood upon could conspire against him, and he would overcome them without breaking a sweat.

In a fit of inspiration, he remembered something Gunter had said before that had piqued his interest.

"Gunter, just now you said Wolfram's magic isn't flowing properly, or something… When I last left him, I was pretty sure I'd healed him enough that his magic would behave properly. Wouldn't that mean that something is being used to mess up his fire?"

Gunter cocked his head to one side, mulling over the question before Giesela answered for him.

"Your Majesty, if you gave enough magic for Wolfram's large injury to heal, yes, it should mean his magic has been restored too. But the only thing powerful enough to suppress Wolfram's immense magic is…"

She broke off, her mouth an 'O' of shock.

"Esoteric magic" Gwendal ended for her, face grim.

A memory was jogged in Yuuri's mind, as he recalled that awful, awful night many lifetimes ago. Remember? Remember how Wolfram couldn't be healed at first? Remember how red their swords were?

Remember?

When Yuuri didn't seem much perturbed, Conrad couldn't resist wondering why.

"Yuuri, you don't look worried at all by this news"

"I'm not," came the reply. Wolfram isn't dead. "Not very much, at least. Obviously the magic isn't strong enough to kill him, and since esoteric stones are involved, we've found out one very important thing." Yuuri stood from his seat and walked to a giant map of the world on a nearby wall. Placing his hand on it, he turned and faced everyone else.

"Humans are holding Wolfram"

Not for much longer.

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A/N: ha, a few weeks late. But I did update before August, so be nice XD Yuuri might appear to be OOC, but I, at least, believe this is how bad he'll become given enough time to stew in his depression. They found out about the humans at least, and things will sort-of pick up from now. Hope for a fast update

Next chapter, Wolf finally meets the until-then completely secret human king. Yet another OC, but I hope he gets as warm a reception as Hedrid :) you guys have been really nice to our tortured assassin. If you have an lj account, you can add me, I just made one!

Thanks to my BETA invikta the awesome, and gokigenyou for services rendered. Lastly, Maeleene, may I ask I you are still around?