Disclaimer: Don't own. Wish I did, but I don't.
What the…
Black eyes slid open slowly, wary and alert despite having only just woken up. Specifically, the gaze roamed looking for gun-toting female noblemen out to poison him. Dark eyes peeked from side to side, taking in the white linens, the painfully conspicuous absence to his side, and the familiar light of day streaming in through his windows. It was obviously morning, and equally obvious was the fact that Yuuri was alone in his room.
As quietly as he could, he slipped out from under the warm blankets, blushing furiously when he realized he was dressed in his pajamas. He guessed it had to have been Conrad, but the thought of anyone undressing him in such a situation was just plain unnerving. And for all the trauma he had been forced to suffer, he had Anissina to thank.
A night's forced sleep had cleared his head up though, cobwebs days old blown away by a measure of rest not haunted by nightmares. He couldn't summon it within himself to be furiously angry with his advisors; by all accounts, they had done what they needed to do to protect their king. Yuuri knew had any of them been in his shoes, he would have wanted to take the same action.
But this isn't an issue of state! Wolfram's been kidnapped, and it doesn't have anything to do with Shin Makoku or the castle or the monarchy; just me, as his friend! How could such intelligent people not understand such a simple concept? I could've rescued him and brought him back by now.
And because Yuuri was Yuuri, the thought of Wolfram being exposed to more danger due to their procrastination hurt him more than the time he twisted his ankle. Swiftly the dark boy dressed and faced the washbasin filled with water. His black sleeves were rolled back, and carefully, almost daintily, Yuuri dipped his entire right hand in the water.
And willed himself to wherever Wolfram was.
He resisted a very strong urge to break the bowl when nothing happened, not even the merest of a tingling. Reluctant to be found, anxious to be away, Yuuri slipped his left hand into the water, and wished harder than he had ever wished before.
Nothing.
Uncaring of the tailoring, the lightweight fabric, the royal colour, he contorted to fit both elbows into the water, softly swearing a painful demise for all liquids should he not be transported right now.
It was when his patience had run out and Yuuri had poured the entire contents of the basin over his head in a final desperate attempt to coax a transportive whirlpool that Gunter came in.
"Your Majesty"
Yuuri turned and smiled a bitter smile at the lilac-haired demon, before looking down at his drenched uniform.
"Damn. That didn't work"
Gunter heaved what sounded a lot like an irritated sigh before closing and locking the door behind him. Yuuri looked up, surprised that Gunter had neither run out of the room screaming for his daughter to heal his most-beloved king nor attempted in any way to physically assault him. Gunter wasn't behaving at all like himself.
Who is?
"Your Majesty, you do know that my primary loyalty and devotion will always be towards you, and this country I love more than I love myself, correct?"
Yuuri nodded, wondering why Gunter was wasting his time.
"You also know that no circumstance would allow me to betray you, treat you unjustly, or do anything not for the good of Shin Makoku, correct?"
Another nod.
"Excellent, Your Majesty. Your listening skills have improved. Now with all of that in mind, I would like to mention that Your Majesty has behaved quite ridiculously for a man of your wisdom. I worry to imagine what the Little Lord Brat would do if he could see you"
That caught Yuuri's attention. The only time Gunter had behaved as if he had any other feelings for him but of intense adoration was during the horrible business with the boxes. With them already knowing where Wolfram was, and having a decent plan to get him, Yuuri was surprised that Gunter was actually… scolding him.
"I know Your Majesty cares very deeply for Wolfram, regardless of what you may say about earthen cultures and boys and other grievances. I understand that Your Majesty wants to get him back as soon as possible. We all feel the same way. But attempting to slip away by yourself is extremely dangerous."
"I don't care! Wolfram-"
"Has a chance of escaping by himself. Do not underestimate his abilities, Your Majesty. Wolfram wouldn't let something as minor as esoteric magic stop him from coming to you. However, if you had reached Balera alone and were abducted, it would mean Lord Bielefelt would have remained in the field of repressive magic trying to free you. While we are all in awe of the little lord brat's stubbornness, he would not survive prolonged exposure to so much esoteric magic."
Yuuri frowned, the sight unusual for the usually amicable king. "What difference would having Murata make?"
"He has the experience of being a soldier, a spy, an assassin, a farmer in Balera, and a woman. Should Ulrike be able to place you very near the castle, the Sage can manage to keep the both of you safe until reinforcements arrive. He would also be able to get information about Wolfram without endangering both your lives"
"We would have to wait so long before Conrad comes! I could meet with that king and demand him return Wolfram!"
"That would be too dangerous. We don't know what the man is capable of. And since your engagement has been broken officially, Your Majesty can only order Wolfram to return if he doesn't want to"
Yuuri glared at his tutor, wishing that for a second time he would have enough courage to hit another person. Gunter stood his ground, expression firm and entirely unlike his usual flighty self.
"So it's unthinkable for me to be in a little danger but perfectly fine for Wolfram to remain in the grasp of some human for as long as you want? Everyone is equal! We can't just leave him because it would be too dangerous for me!" Yuuri was screaming now, and he didn't really care. This past few days had been the singularly most miserable he had ever had the misfortune to live through. And here was his advisor, a man he trusted, saying that Wolfram wasn't important enough to be saved immediately.
Gunter sighed again, this time looking much older and a lot wearier. He bowed, and moved to exit the room.
"I will brief the Sage. And Your Majesty, only one in your position could afford to think of us all as equals. If you were to ask Wolfram, you would realize that all of us would gladly die before allowing harm to come to you. It would perhaps allow you to understand why we are doing this as we are, Your Highness, if you knew how we all felt"
Gunter's hand was on the door handle when he heard Yuuri speak.
"Gunter… I'm sorry I'm worrying all of you so much. But we are all equal, and I never want any of you to get hurt because of me. Maybe that will help you understand why I'm doing things the way I am"
oOoOo
"So, Shibuya, can you understand what we will be doing? We get there, scout out where Wolfram is being held and the state of his health, and then quietly wait for reinforcements. They should reach us within a week, then we can do what you want. Storm the castle, rescue Von Bielefeld, knock the living daylights out of the guy that stole your fiancé, and so on and so forth"
Yuuri nodded, but didn't say anything. He moved the backpack a little higher up his back, adjusted the straps, and generally just looked anxious to be away.
"And when we get back, make sure you apologise to Ulrike. The poor thing is exhausted from blocking you this morning"
The line of conspirators recorded a mixed reaction. Gunter already knew, Gwendal and Giesela shared a deep frown, Anissina thought it was no different from mankind's usual irresponsible behaviour, and Conrad considered telling Ulrike to keep up the good work.
They were in the temple, standing before the fountain in the courtyard. The Shin Makoku populace (and hopefully the captors, Murata had added) had been informed that Yuuri and the Sage would be returning to Earth for a short while to inform Yuuri's parents of the loss of his betrothed. The little white lie meant that no one knew Yuuri and Murata would still be in this world, and give them an all-encompassing cloak to hide under.
"And off we go, then. Take care of Shin Makoku everyone, and see you soon Conrad!"
Murata carefully stepped over the lip of the fountain and waded to the middle, pant legs wet till the knees. There he turned and waited for the youngest king of demons ever to come and join him.
Yuuri stared blankly at everyone for a while, before seemingly realizing something. Black eyes narrowed as an expression of complete solemnity captured his face.
Facing the line of his retainers, with all the sincerity he could muster, Yuuri bowed until his back was at a right angle to his legs, the bow his mother had taught him to show absolute respect and gratitude. Head down, he spoke.
"I won't come back until I have Wolfram. I'm sorry that my rashness and general wimpiness have caused everyone so much trouble, but I'll try to do this one thing right. And thank you, more than I can make you understand, for always looking after me."
He rose up, and his unaffected, joyous smile made an appearance after being absent for what felt like years.
"I'll be home soon, everybody!"
oOoOo
A disturbance in the pond caused a fidgety frog to fall off its lily pad and into the dirty green of the water, as Yuuri and Murata rose like monsters of slime from the murky depths, gasping for breath. Unlike the crystal clear waters of royal fountains and clean saltwater, the pond was disgusting.
"I think Ulrike has it out for you, Shibuya" said His Eminence, the Great Sage of Shin Makoku, revered advisor of a million memories, Murata Ken, as he shook his head violently to get scum out of his left ear.
"Well, she can't be too upset. We're within sight of one grand-looking castle" said His Royal Highness, 27th Maou of Shin Makoku, Keeper of Peace, Supreme Authority of Justice, as he took off his shoe to pour out the mud and plant life that had accumulated there in a startlingly short period.
The packs they brought were waterproof. They were not.
"I think we'll both die of a cold or some rare infection if we don't get out now, Shibuya. The little house Josak keeps should be somewhere near"
Murata squelched onto land, taking off his coat and wringing it dry as best he could. With utmost disrespect, he flung a stray root in the direction of His Royal Highness.
It hit His Royal Highness square in the face, and Yuuri spluttered as he tried to get the taste of mud and rotting vegetation out of his mouth. "I'm charging you with treason when we get back Murata!"
"You do that. Remember to call me when you ask Gwendal what "treason" constitutes in Shin Makoku despite having learnt the meaning in its entire glorious entirety with Gunter last week. I reckon I'd be next in line for the throne"
"You know what, you've been making a lot of jokes about me dying lately, and it's not funny AT ALL!"
Murata grinned, then allowed the morning sun to catch on his glasses and lend an eerie shine to them.
"Who said I was joking? Now hurry up, if you keep up this miserable pace you won't get to rescue your little blond boy today"
Yuuri, who had just managed to sling his bag unto his shoulders, abruptly fell. Murata laughed loudly, as if it were the most amusing spectacle in the world.
"Umm… We're supposed to just see if he's fine. Not… rescue Wolfram. Umm…-"
"Oh, who do you take me for Shibuya? The minute we left without you promising your favourite-st godfather in either world that you wouldn't go for Wolfram, I knew you would be all silly and macho and try to get him. That's why I," Murata prodded his chest proudly, "am accompanying you. Damage control, Shibuya"
"No offense Murata, but all three brothers get migraines trying to stop me from destroying the world. I know. I heard them griping over a bottle of aspirin my mum sent. You're not exactly… suited for the job."
Murata smiled his little smile; the one that told Yuuri he was out of his depth when talking to his friend.
"Would you like to know how many people I have killed collectively, in all my lives, Shibuya? We wouldn't have enough time to recount them all, even if I do remember every single one. I guarantee you, between me and Wolfram, there's enough brains and brawn to get us all out of here"
Wait for it, he's still digesting that last bit. Shinou, Shibuya is-
You called?
Oh shut up you. I'm waiting for Yuuri to get the insult.
You're so shallow! Ever since I relinquished my magic to this little black shrimp, my opinions suddenly don't matter!
Murata internally smirked, knowing Shinou could feel it.
What made you think I ever listened, even then?
I'm not talking to you anymore. Hmph!
"Hey! You didn't count me when you said brains and brawn!"
"Wonder why, Shibuya? There was enough time waiting for you to understand for me to talk to a disembodied king."
Yuuri's already hampered mental train screeched to a halt.
"WHAT?"
Murata sighed, walked off knowing Yuuri would follow, and wished he too had a bottle of aspirin.
oOoOo
The sun had traveled in a gentle arc across the sky. A novice though he was at telling time by the position of the sun, Yuuri estimated that it was noon-ish.
Lunchtime.
A growl signified that his stomach thoroughly agreed with his guess. He would love to know what his stomach expected him to do; they were crouching in dense shrubs just outside the castle's giant walls, and the only food he had were multi-coloured fruits Gunter had packed into their bags.
Murata turned to look at his companion, a smirk evident on his face.
"Oh dear, has a little bit of walking and stalking worn out the demon king? Here I thought you wanted to break in at lunch, cause havoc during tea, and leave in time for dinner with Von Bielefelt"
"Murata, I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon! You guys drugged me before I had dinner, and we left before I had breakfast! So excuse me if I'm feeling a bit hungry"
Yuuri hmph-d, took out a purple apple, and bit into it with a loud, victorious crunch.
Murata rolled his eyes.
"You know, the noise isn't distracting enough. Once you're done, how about you just throw the core at that guard holding the two swords over there? I'm sure he'd be happy to keep you company, Shibuya"
The loud feasting quieted to a barely-audible nibbling, as Yuuri looked suitably chastised. It was soon apparent, however, that not all his silliness had been knocked out of him.
"But Murataaaa," he whined, albeit quietly to show that he'd learned something. "We've been crouching in these bushes for ages! The castle's right there, all we have to do is march up to it and announce ourselves, then Wolfram will hear and beat up whoever's holding him hostage, and we could make our escape!"
"Shibuya, whining may work on every single one of your retainers, but Mama Jennifer has given me specific instructions not to take any of it. Bielefelt's been here for over a day, the esoteric magic must've weakened him a lot. And after the little display we made him do yesterday, I'd be surprised if he's even conscious. And, and this is one really big and important and, we have no clue as to why Wolfram was taken in the first place. Whatever the reason, I doubt Mikael would be in the mood to just hand him over"
Expecting a minor tantrum that would be annoying yet polite in a distinctly Japanese manner, Murata was pleasantly surprised when Yuuri merely nodded and asked why they were hiding in a quiet voice.
Can't believe I actually missed him growing up. When did that happen?
Murata almost felt bad. Almost, because being a sage had its perks.
"I'm trying to figure out how to break in. Unlike certain persons of a wimpy nature, I spent yesterday committing the layout of Petrach castle to memory. It was built long before the conflict between humans and demons, designed by a half-demon architect. Luckily for us, Nicolai kept a copy of his design in Shin Makoku. If we could just get in past the main gates, I'm confident I'll find a way to give us enough cover to search for Von Bielefelt in peace"
From the way a menacing chuckle had worked its way into Murata's declaration when he had mentioned finding a way to sneak about, Yuuri knew the way had been found. They just needed to get in.
He tugged his hair in frustration; there was something important, something related to the way duties were scheduled that Gwendal had growled at him a few years back. Back when Yuuri had been comparatively greener than he currently was.
Let's see… I had asked for a break in between shifts in the afternoons for the soldiers after I saw those poor guys standing in the sun while we ate. Wolfram had called me an idiot, Conrad had laughed nicely, Wolfram called me an idiot again, and Gwendal… Gwendal had said something.
"It is already impossible to rectify the lax security in between the shift that has not eaten and the shift that has only just finished eating; what you are suggesting would be akin to unlocking the doors, removing all soldiers, and asking for assassins to make an attempt on you every day at noon"
"Murata! It's lunch-time, isn't it?"
"Should be. The customs of this country aren't much different from demons"
"Well, there's always a change after lunch is over! Conrad said it's because no matter how full the morning shift are, morale dies when everyone else but them are eating! And Gwendal told me that with any bunch of soldiers on duty, the transition between the ones who've just eaten and the ones who haven't is the least efficient. I'm guessing our chance should appear within half hour"
Murata didn't have the heart to tell Yuuri that he had planned to do so before they had even reached the small house they had changed into dry clothes in. He decided to give credit to a hungry Yuuri though, especially since the boy had been so anxious to go after Wolfram he had declined the offer of rest Murata had made while they were in Josak's little cottage.
So he smiled.
"Shibuya, I think not eating makes you smarter. That sounds as good a plan as any to try and get in. Stay alert, we'll be making an attempt soon"
Yuuri returned the smile with a determined one of his own.
"We'll be making an attempt and succeeding soon"
oOoOo
It had been relatively easy; their effort was greatly helped by the warm, dozing heat of the day, the soldiers attempting to look gruff as they yawned into their hands. They were a scraggly bunch, the ones on guard, half having just reached there from the mess hall, the other half twitching in anticipation of food.
Murata had brought along an old dress of Josak's. With it he had snuck out to the moat, tossed it into the murky water, and screamed a high-pitched, falsetto scream. He had sounded so convincingly like a girl that even Yuuri had been tempted to go and rescue the damsel in distress. The soldiers didn't have a chance against a voice like that.
They came quickly, spears held awkwardly, swords being unsheathed as they ran to the source of the noise, where of course nobody was waiting, Murata now dragging Yuuri to the gate.
They did see a frilly white dress, indecently short on Josak, pretty on a child, floating like a half-submerged body, gradually sinking deeper and deeper.
"It's a good thing the soldiers are so nice" said Murata, as they ducked in and out of shadows, making their way through the giant wooden gates, keeping out of sight of the men walking on the battlements. Their attentions too were drawn to the scene of the panicking soldiers and innocent dress.
A loud SPLASH! had Murata chuckling, and by then they had made it into an inner courtyard, Murata expertly leading them to a side entrance meant for the delivery of goods. A loud voice boomed from somewhere far away, "What the hell is wrong with you Akrill? I've seen you in this exact same dress before!"
"It appears Petrach castle has a Josak of their own" said Murata, while Yuuri could only wonder if cross-dressing was a popular, decent hobby in this world.
"Hey Murata, if this was Blood Pledge, there'd still be loads of guards prowling around. How come this is so easy?"
"I checked their history. Balera has managed to steer clear out of conflict for hundreds of years, mainly because they aren't affiliated with anyone. I doubt they're quite as prone to being attacked, since they don't do anything to anyone to warrant it. And since it's so full of esoteric magic, demon countries have never touched it. Generally intelligent monarchs have dissuaded other human countries from coming to bother them, so I'm not surprised they're so relaxed."
They came to a battered-looking door, and found it unlocked. Quietly they snuck in, Murata muttering directions to himself as he made for a small room he had seen in the plans. It probably held cleaning equipment, and would be a perfect place for them to change in.
"They don't sound like a nasty people, Murata"
"Hm?"
Murata was a bit occupied trying to pick the old lock, but even he could hear the seriousness in Yuuri's voice.
"The king who kidnapped Wolfram; he's never tried to hurt other demons or humans. The whole country is neutral. Why could they possibly have changed now?"
"Don't make such a generalization. The people of Balera don't know anything about Wolfram being here, otherwise our spies would have heard of it. I have a suspicion of why lord brat's here, but we have to get to him before I can confirm anything"
"What do you suspect, Murata?"
"That we'll get caught if you don't stop distracting me from this lock"
"Murata!"
"Yes!" The lock had given way under Murat's skilled efforts, and he swung the door open, even more pleased to find that it was an unused room, empty but for a few sacks of weathered grain.
He dragged Yuuri in, closed the door, and muttered a little thanks to Shinou (not that the king bothered to respond) for the light streaming in from the small window set high in the wall. The light it shed was enough for him to remove the little tinderbox and small oil lantern from within his pack. Easily the tinder caught fire, and soon both boys were bathed in warm lamplight, the glum room now considerably lighter.
"Now, what were you asking again?"
"Why do you think this Michael man abducted Wolfram?"
"I'm guessing it's for exactly the same reason you're all hot and bothered to get him back"
Yuuri's face twisted into a confused frown.
"They're best friends? Or is he like Lady Elizabeth and Wolfram "accidentally" got engaged to him too?"
Murata resisted the urge to smack his forehead, and then resisted an even stronger urge to smack Yuuri.
"Shibuya, to hear you talk it's like Wolfram goes around slapping people silly in his free time. And I'm asking this because I'd really like to know what goes on in that royal head of yours: why on Shinou's green soil would he kidnap and fake Wolfram's death if Mikael just wanted to see his friend?"
Yuuri frowned thoughtfully, sitting heavily on one of the sacks.
Well, it sounded logical when I thought about it. Come on, why would anyone want to kidnap Wolfram?
"You're the one who said Michael wants Wolf for the same reason I do! And I don't know why this weird king wants him."
Yuuri thought some more.
"Is Michael really ugly or something? Then maybe he wants to force Wolfram to stay so that there's always someone pretty in the family portraits?"
He knew he was grasping at straws, but only bizarre ideas were bubbling up in his mind.
Like maybe Michael wanted Wolfram to teach him etiquette, and the waltz.
Or Michael was hoping that Wolfram was as adept at home making as Gwendal was.
Or Michael was a closet fashion designer, and the profession was frowned upon in Balera, and he'd kidnapped Wolfram to use as a one-model-fits-all muse.
"It's Mikael, Shibuya, it's very uncouth to say a man's name incorrectly. And no, to answer your question, he's not ugly. I couldn't get a picture of him, but from the descriptions that I found, he's supposed to be pretty damn awesome-looking. Arrogant, though. And not very kind to women"
Yuuri's jaw dropped.
"He hits girls?"
Murata grinned.
"From what I gather from the problems-of-love letters people seem to enjoy sending to Gwennie, some of them would prefer that he did. No, he's just really condescending, and I think 6 of the ladies brought to him as bridal candidates went away in tears after the way he rejected them. Ah, the curse of the gorgeous-"
"Wait, bridal candidates? Isn't he a bit too old for that kind of thing?"
"Then you are too. He's the same age as you, Shibuya. Nineteen in the year of the Elucidated Son"
There was a stunned silence.
Then,
"I thought he was 50 or something! He's a king; he shouldn't go around being so young and giving other people the wrong idea!"
"Right. You're going to step down from the throne because you don't want to confuse people too"
Murata sighed, before pulling clothes and wigs out of his and Yuuri's pack.
"Your ideals get you into so much trouble, Shibuya. I don't know why you bother holding on to some of them"
Murata unbuttoned his brown traveling jacket, pulling it and the white shirt underneath it off, exposing unblemished pale skin, before grappling his way into a dark green dress. Rummaging around in his coat pocket, Murata found a hairband. He took off his glasses, folded them and held them between his teeth, hands pulling back jet-black hair to tie in a short ponytail.
Yuuri couldn't help but think that Murata made a pretty girl. Especially without his silly glasses on. Yuuri also couldn't help but to say it aloud, not realizing his mistake until it was too late.
"Anything looks good to you in a dress, Shibuya"
"That's not true!"
The glasses were back on, and the face looking at him became familiar again.
"Trust me Shibuya, if you gave it a little thought, you'd see that it is"
Before Yuuri could reply, he received a face full of Murata's pants, the other boy having removed them while Yuuri stumbled for a reply.
"Don't look so lost, you're making me feel like I just kicked a puppy. Look, it isn't completely your fault that you have reservations about same gender relationships. But I want you to promise me, Shibuya, that after all this is done with, you stop complicating the life of Von Bielefelt with your uncertainties. It's getting annoying for all parties involved."
Yuuri tossed the pants aside, irritated and slightly confused. Murata at his most enigmatic never spoke so bluntly. Where had his wit and curved logic gone? Why had his friend been replaced by a cold, unyielding man?
Why is he so serious about Wolfram?
"What are you implying, Murata?"
"A lot of things, most of which you wouldn't catch up on unless I tattoo them into your arm. Now, be a good little king and put on the dress". A deep blue pinafore hit him next, Murata grinning almost maliciously as he neatly tucked his ponytail into a dark brown wig. "Obviously, keep your undershirt on. Don't want to disappoint the soldiers looking forward to a pretty girl. And remember, even if I sound like I think you're an idiot, I still care very much for the both of you"
Adopting feminine mannerisms, Murata's body lost its rigid shape, now slack and soft. His hip was cocked, an arm bent, hand clutching his suddenly-there waist. He smiled softly, like a shy maid, and tucked a few stray strands behind his ear.
He still sounded like himself though, the initial pretty picture spoiled by the sight of the sage now shoving two apples down the front of his dress, crudely positioning them correctly. Light brown contacts were fixed in next, and it was a girl with pretty chocolate eyes and hair that said to him:
"Though you really are an idiot, Shibuya. That apple you ate is coming out of your breast."
oOoOo
"I don't see how anyone would miss us being spies, Murata" grumbled Yuuri, as he tried his best to sway his hips the way Murata and Wolfram did so effortlessly, stumbling occasionally in his girl shoes. Murata, or Muriel as he had insisted his name was now, glided along the hallway, looking like he had been born in the sunny rooms of the castle.
"Confidence, Shibuya. Skulking around gets you into more trouble than cross-dressing. Haven't you ever wondered why Ms. Biceps does so well on missions, despite looking like he could tame a Hell's Koala with his bare hands?"
A couple of castle maids passed them, running a questioning eye over the newcomers. Murata waved, smiling the apologetic smile of the new and inexperienced. Yuuri looked like he was grimacing, but the air of innocence that blew from Murata was enough to make the maids grin back in kind, before walking off.
"See? Now soften your voice a little, Jennifer. We want to get information about where Lord Bielefelt is being held. We don't want everyone to know that the Demon King is currently a blonde-haired, purple-eyed girl"
They walked on in silence, Murata trying to trace their way to the guest suites, Yuuri content to drown in his thoughts. The castle wasn't dark and hulking like Blood Pledge and Covenant, the walls made from a pale, sandy stone that made everything look bright. Giant, stately windows afforded views of lush gardens, smaller than Blood Pledge's, but no less magnificent for its size. Tiny pavilions and small fountains were dotted among the green and flowers, an old stone wall circling the garden, hugging it to the main body of the castle. The moat bordered the stone wall, looking like a brilliant green serpent in the afternoon sun.
They didn't meet many people, which surprised Yuuri, who was used to the endless hustle and bustle of people running about back home.
"Ah!"
The soft exclamation from Murata drew him back from admiring his surroundings, and Yuui focused his gaze on the two men stationed on either side of an imposing set of ornately-carved doors. They had reached the end of the hallway without the boy realizing it.
"The throne room, Jen. Do you want to take a peek at the king?"
Deciding that being pretty and dumb was the safest bet, Yuuri shook his head, aware of the looks from the two guards.
"I'd rather find Wolfram first"
Murata smiled at the men, who instantly straightened and grinned back. "Spoilsport" he whispered to Yuuri, before dragging the other boy to meet the guards.
It's a good thing we're both really late-bloomers… At least Murata's voice hasn't broken yet.
Yuuri was too embarrassed to acknowledge that that was also the reason why it looked like they had curves in their dresses.
"Hi… Umm… This is very embarrassing but…" Murata summoned a blush to his face, and Yuuri could only look on in horror and amazement as the two guards puffed out their chests and soothed the troubled "Muriel".
"Oh, thank you, you're so kind. You see, me and Jen here, we just started, and we were told where everything is, but… We're both horrible with directions. Since you men look so experienced, could you please tell us how to get to our king's newest charge?"
Had Anissina heard the way Murata portrayed a girl, Yuuri had no doubt the woman would have swiftly attempted to castrate the other boy for making a mockery of true women, instead "blatantly promoting stereotypical notions of women being weak"
Yuuri shuddered as he clearly heard the forceful voice in his head, catching the attention of the shorter of the two men.
"Hey, is your friend well? She's shivering in the middle of the afternoon"
Murata spared Yuuri a warning glance, before turning back to work his audience.
"Oh, Jen's worried that we'll get scolded or worse if we don't find our stations soon!"
The taller man was older, and therefore more skeptical, not really believing Murata, even though the younger man looked ready to show them the way.
Luckily, it was never their gender that he questioned.
"Missy, you're sure you were stationed for the foreigner our king's taken a fancy to? I doubt King Mikael would let anybody inexperienced even come near his little prince. He's fallen hard for the blonde thing, and he's never without the king himself or head guard Hedrid."
Murata looked thoughtful, Yuuri looked downright worried. It seemed that Wolfram was caught between a king and a guard.
"I don't think I'm wrong, but my mum always said I was a bit absent-minded" Murata laughed a tinkly laugh, and the two guards joined him. "I'll go back and check then, thank you. Could you just tell me where the prince is, at least? If it turns out that we really were supposed to go there, I don't want to be annoying and ask for directions again"
It sounded believable, even to Yuuri's ears. Murata sounded earnestly perplexed, and bumblingly charming, Yuuri wasn't sure anyone could resist.
"Do you know how to get to the kitchens, at least, Jen's friend?"
Murata giggled, Yuuri nearly gagged.
"Call me Muriel! Yes, I do know that much. It's just the rest of the castle that gives me a problem"
The older guard seemed pleased with the reply.
"Walk down this hallway, until you reach the first turning. Go down that corridor, and then turn left. There should be a yellow door at the end, it opens to the Yellow Room. That's where the foreign prince is staying. Now hurry and go back to the kitchens, wouldn't want the two of you getting scolded for being tardy"
The men smiled at Murata, Yuuri having been ignored in favour of his more exuberant partner. Murata smiled back, curtseyed a thank you, and ran off, waving at the men.
They made it to the end of the hallway, and ducked out of sight of the guards.
"Shinou, that king is trouble. That was the throne room, so his chambers must be around here. Wolfram is always near guards, and whenever he moves he has the king or the head guard as his watchman. Lord Bielefelt is being treated like royalty, but it's always harder to steal away royalty than a concubine."
Murata swore.
"And that means that we'll never get a chance to see him by himself!"
"Murata, that man said Mikael's fallen for Wolf. What did he mean, Murata?"
The Great Sage heaved a sigh, patting the king next to him.
"It means, Shibuya, that Mikael is fighting with the words 'all's fair in love and war' in mind. Apparently our very own Wolfram has managed to capture another king, and this one isn't willing to let go."
Yuuri looked at his feet solemnly, gazing at the lacy stockings.
"Mikael loves Wolf?"
"It looks like it"
Yuuri's eyes widened, and he seemed to realize something.
"We won't get Wolfram back, will we? He won't want to come back. I've broken our engagement, and the king of this country is holding him and is in love with him, and Mikael is handsome and smart, and Wolfram won't want to come back"
Murata shrugged, and the gesture hit Yuuri like a punch to the face.
"Wolfram no longer has any direct obligation to you. His uncle is in the prime of his life, so Wolfram won't be called on to be the ruling Lord of Bielefelt for a long, long time. He doesn't have a post, except as the candidate to become the next Maou. If he doesn't want to come back, if he falls in love with Mikael, you'd have to be one heartless bastard to order him to return to Shin Makoku just to keep you company."
Murata pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, leaning against the wall behind him heavily, looking like a girl in the middle of hearing a juicy piece of gossip.
"His main reason for always being near you is you, Shibuya. Breaking the engagement is the same as telling him to his face that you have no interest in ever being close to him. It was the price you agreed to pay to find him immediately"
The sage smiled a sad smile at his friend, Yuuri looking more lost than he had ever been in his life.
"And you made the right choice; we couldn't have known for sure that Mikael wanted Wolfram to be his lover. We thought he was in danger. All that's left for us now is to ask Wolfram if he wants to come home"
"And if he says no?"
What Murata said was,
"Then you persuade him using your boyish charms and toned physique"
What Murata thought was,
Mikael can love the brat as much as he likes, but Wolfram's decision lies almost as much with his body as it does with his heart. Whatever he feels or think he feels, I suspect it will be whoever's willing to get physical to win the damsel's favour. In which case I may have to drug Shibuya to make them make out.
Hormones, Murata had long ago concluded, ruled every male adolescent, regardless of age, nobility, or even species. It would be easy enough to wax lyrical about the shine of Wolfram's hair and the downy softness of his skin, but nothing short of a full-blown confession and touchy-feeling would convince the blond.
Murata already figured that Yuuri wanted to do all the touchy-feely stuff with Wolfram. Certain as he was though, the sage couldn't hold in absolute certainty the contents of another person's heart. Should he be wrong, or should Yuuri wimp out, then leaving without Wolfram would be the best course they could take.
Yuuri would have to learn to live without the reassuring avenging presence by his side, and Wolfram could stay and let Mikael lick his wounds for him.
"Murata… I can't do those things Wolf wants me to! Damn it, if I could, I would have done it a long, long time ago! What kind of a callous bastard do you think I am?"
Murata had straightened, deciding that they should at least pass the room where Wolfram was being held, and turned down a hallway running parallel to the one that led to the throne room.
"Come on Shibuya, I think you're an idiot, but bastard is a bit harsh. If it were the only way you could get him to agree to come back, what would you do? Remember, you already said you'd marry him to keep him safe. Whatever scenario is playing in your head, it will involve physical contact. Or Wolfram will know it's all a sham, and then Shinou only knows what he would do"
Murata led the way, maintaining an amiable smile on his face, as he counted the number of corners they'd passed, finally reaching the correct one. Furtively he glanced about, making certain no one was looking before ducking down the corridor, dragging a zombie-like Yuuri with him.
"It'd be disgusting… and awful… And when he tries to kiss me I'll make a face, and he'll know… And he'll leave. He'll leave, and someone else will be ecstatic to have him… And I'll be the one everyone hates for making Wolf leave"
The corridor was empty, which spooked the sage a bit. Even in peacetime, it seemed illogical to leave the bridal candidate unguarded.
Unless the king had specifically asked for privacy.
To do the things a man in love would do to ease the pain of his loved one.
Damn it.
"Shibuya, whining about how disgusting and horrible it would be is null and void if you've never even tried anything. I thought there was something for everybody in Lord Bielefelt, regardless of personal taste. I believe most people who've met the fire starter would agree. So either be a man and give it a try instead of running away screaming like a child, or be a man and leave his royal prettiness wherever will make him happiest."
"Act like you have a pair, either way. We don't have much time for me to hold your hand and help you sort out the mess in your head before Weller comes with guns a-blazing to rescue his precious little brother. If you haven't decided on Wolfram by then, we'll be in a lot of trouble"
All the while Murata had been approaching the yellow door, Yuuri looking dazed as he attempted to solve matters of his heart by sheer force of will alone.
Had he bothered to ask Gwendal about the usefulness of this tactic, Yuuri would have been coldly informed that he had a better chance of finding the answer emblazoned across the sky in rainbow colours.
I won't touch him, I can't touch him, why would I want to touch him? Why would he want me to touch him?
Why must there be touching?
Couldn't we just… stay the way we are, him loving me in that weird Wolf way of his, me loving him the normal way I do, and be married? Then I could make him stay safe, he's the only who would ignore my orders, I could make him stay. He wouldn't hurt his husband. Then we'd all be happy. And if this Mikael really is in love with Wolf, he can come and visit, but I'll ban him if he tries to steal Wolfram away. I'll hit him if Wolf won't leave because of him. And I'll hate me if Wolfram won't come back with me.
Would I do thingswith Wolfram to get him back?
A companionable hit to his shoulder. Murat- Muriel was grinning at him, hand on the doorknob of the yellow door.
"Friendly piece of advice, Shibuya. Get yourself a room, allow your mind to frolic in the gutter in the company of the blond, and see if you can't induce instant euphoria. You already know you value the brat's company; it's just extra dangling things and missing wobbling things that are affecting you so much. Try and figure out if they actually do matter to His Excellent Majesty, Shibuya Yuuri of Shin Makoku, instead of Shibuya Yuuri Harajuku Fuuri, bane of girls back on Earth"
That managed to snap Yuuri out of his trance.
"I refuse to see how aroused I can get thinking about Wolfram!" he hissed viciously, fully aware that the culmination of a lot of effort was on the other side of the door. "It's horrible to use his image that way, and if it doesn't work I'd feel… dirty. And like I've used him wrongly, or something!"
Yuuri shook his head vehemently, attempting to dislodge what Murata had said. It was a horrifying prospect, exploring such… naughtiness about Wolfram, without telling Wolfram.
"Whatever I decide about Wolfram, he will be involved, this time. I won't grope him in my mind, you pervert! I'd sooner just grope him and see if I don't run away in, in, disgust than do what you want me to!"
Bingo!
Murata grinned to himself. Straight-as-an-arrow, virgin-of-the-soul Yuuri had decided on the thing immature Yuuri of past years had vehemently lived in denial of.
That if being gay was the problem, he had better make sure Wolfram wasn't an exception to the rule.
"Sounds like a good idea to me. Now straighten your chest, and try to look as confused as possible"
"Eh?"
"Perfect!"
And with that enigmatic reply, Murata knocked softly before opening the door.
TBC
Bit of a cliffie, especially since two of the most important people in this story are on the other side.
Hit a bit of a rut again, but I promise on all that is good and pretty in this world that the next update will be in December. My big exams are in January, so the update after that should be sometime in February. Sorry.
Thanks to everybody for reading this, and submitting so many reviews for one chapter! That was one of the happiest weekends of my life :) There's no Wolf here (and I know we're all Wolf-fans) but he's up again with Mikael after this. Hope Murata was in character, haven't ever really written about him.
A birthday present, from me to all of us 8D