Papercut
A/N: Thanks very much to those of you that reviewed the last chapter.
The following reviewers did not receive a response:
adelaide: Thanks for the review! Khalid's image is indeed tarnished to some extent. There are plenty more chapters ahead and I enjoy twists, so nothing is for certain. I'm glad you enjoyed the Murata and Wolfram scene and that you thought it was well written. It makes me so happy! There's more Yuuram coming at you! I hope you review again!
Marianne Wolfen: Thank you very much for your review! I'm so pleased that you say the characters are perfect! I try my hardest to keep them in character and it's always difficult because I want them to do something but I think it may go against their character. So thanks for that! Also, as you can see, here's another update. I hope you express your thoughts on it!
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Warnings: Graphic details
Spoilers: Yuri's controlled use of his healing powers
There is some more information coming at you but don't fret! I tried to balance that out by adding in a couple extra Yuuram moments for you.
101010
"I spy with my eyes something…green."
"Grass."
Yuri frowned and groaned in frustration. "Wolfram," he moaned, "You could at least pretend to not know the answer for once."
Wolfram rolled his eyes and glanced at Yuri from where he sat on his horse. "It's not my fault you're so horrible at this game," he proclaimed with a 'humph'.
"You're difficult," Yuri muttered and bore his eyes into the dark mane of his horse.
"Wimp."
"Don't call me that."
Murata chuckled and said, "You two bicker like a couple more than anyone I know."
Both Yuri and Wolfram flushed, refusing to meet each other's eyes. Wolfram cleared his throat and acted as if he had not heard the Great Sage's comment while Yuri moaned, yet again. The current ride had recently hit its one hour mark and everyone, regardless of age or experience, was near blowing a fuse in their brains.
"Your Majesty," Conrad began soothingly, "It will be only a matter of moments before we near the border. Once we hit it, the palace will be in plain view."
"Alright, alright," Yuri mumbled and relaxed his muscles. "I just hope we're welcomed there." He was exhausted, the cool breeze had begun to fade, and he loathed losing another game of I-Spy to Wolfram.
At least he slept all the way through last night for once, he thought peacefully. Though he was very grateful for obtaining a good night's rest, he was still inquisitive. What had allowed Wolfram to sleep so soundly? Perhaps a night away from the castle and the fresh air contributed to it…
"Lord von Voltaire, horned beasts approach," a soldier cried out from his position at the front.
Yuri, at the mentioning of a beast, tilted his head and his eyes widened joyfully. Three creatures, which Yuri could only describe as unicorns, of brown, white, and gray, approached the party. The riders of the brown and gray horned beasts wore attire that Yuri suspected to symbolize guards or soldiers while the rider of the white horned beast carried extremely elaborate jewelry and gowns all over his body.
Gwendel gestured for the party to halt and he took center stage as the tree strangers met them. "You are the party sent by the king to guide us into the country?"
The rider of the white horned beast dismounted and slowly bent his upper body in a bow. "Indeed we are, Lord von Voltaire," the stranger said with a soft voice. Yuri stared wide eye as he realized this person's height. The boy could only have been twelve at the most, and the tremendously long coffee hair that extended and splayed onto the ground adorned the young person in feminine features.
"An especially warm welcome to you, Your Highness. We've waited for you for a long time. My name is Namir and I will be your personal guide," Namir stated, smiling gently at Yuri.
Yuri blinked and smiled in return. "Thanks very much." The boy's skin tone reminded Yuri of Greta and he vaguely felt his heart begin to ache.
"Namir?" repeated Wolfram with a shocked complexion. "Is that really you?"
The young boy blinked and stood silent for a moment. Unexpectedly, the boy released a loud cry, broke into a cheery grin, and ran to Gwendel before grasping him tightly by the leg. "It's really you guys! Gwendel, Conrart, and Wolfram, correct? I never dreamed you would all visit Sulteri again! This must be fate! I can't believe I didn't realize it was you!"
Yuri raised an eyebrow in utter confusion as the young child gave each brother a large hug, Conrad being the last. Gwendel, although apprehensive, collapsed beneath the boy's cuteness and gently patted his head. Wolfram partially bent down to return Namir's embrace and Conrad followed suit, mimicking Wolfram's movements.
"So you know each other?" Yuri asked and peeked at Murata, who casually shrugged.
Namir adjusted his intricate garments and bowed deeply. "Oh forgive my behavior, Your Highness. I just never expected to see my old friends ever again. It's especially good to see as well, Conrart," he whispered sadly and held Conrad's hand. Yuri noticed his godfather's expression soften as he returned the young boy's embrace. "Although I was only a toddler when I met them, I now remember their faces very clearly."
"It's been a long time," Conrad admitted.
"Allow me to apologize for the horrible way the king treated you and your country," Namir began, "although we grieve Khalid's death, we believe you would never do such a thing without good reason."
Yuri felt the air drain and the tension increase dramatically.
Murata cleared his throat to capture Namir's interest and said, "Perhaps we should discuss these matters in private at a later time?"
"Ah, the Great Wise Man," Namir proclaimed and respectfully bowed before Murata. "It's an honor, Your Eminence. What you say is true; let us to go into the kingdom. Please put on these headdresses to hide your identities."
Yuri examined the headdresses that were presented to him, Murata, and the three brothers. Each one, despite the differences in color, concealed one's entire head and facial features, with the exception of the eyes. With difficulty, Yuri situated the headdress around his head and already began taking joy in his participation in an exotic culture.
"So why do we have to hide our faces?" he asked after confirming that his headdress was placed correctly.
Namir, with the aid of a royal guard, mounted his horned beast. "Well, there are still civilians that dislike those of other nations so we find it in your best interest to keep you hidden. Oh, and please drape yourselves in these robes, all of you. Your clothing will clearly stand out."
They obeyed. Gwendel, once removing his top coat and wrapping his body in a dark olive robe, faced the soldiers. "All of you are to return to the Great Demon Kingdom," he instructed. "Send word to Gegenhuber of our safe arrival in Sulteri."
"Sir!" the soldiers yelled.
Yuri tugged on his robe, not adapting to the very pearly shade of color. He would have preferred a darker color but did take comfort in the amount of movement he was capable of in his upper body. The silver design that crept along the arms and back did satisfy his taste, however, so he suspected it would do. Curious as to the other robes, Yuri snuck a glance at Wolfram and approved of the lavender robe stitched with golden flower embellishments. Wolfram, upon sensing a stare, caught Yuri's eyes and the demon king flushed before tearing away his eyes to examine the others.
Murata, clad in a navy and scarlet robe, asked, "So this is common attire?"
Namir smiled and shook his head. "No. Fancy robes with designs, such as the ones you all wear, mean importance. It's enough to warn the civilians so they won't attack you."
Yuri gulped and nervously laughed. "Well, the clothing is very nice so thank you. You know, you're a very pretty girl! You remind me of my daughter," he explained with a soft laugh, hoping to engage in some conversation with their new guide as they began riding.
Everyone tensed.
Wolfram coughed and nudged Yuri. "You idiot, he's a boy," he mumbled near Yuri's ear.
Yuri's blood drained. "Oh…Oh! Oh, I mean…I'm so sorry," he apologized to Namir, who expressed his amusement in a laugh.
Wonderful, my first day in a new place and I screw up the gender of our guide…
"That's quite alright, Your Highness. It is hard to tell boys from girls in our kingdom if you're an outsider. You'll find out, though, that most women hide their hair in really fancy headdresses or decorate them with jewelry. If you follow those guidelines, you'll be fine," Namir said as he softly patted the horned beast's neck, signaling it to speed up in its movement.
"Sorry," Yuri whispered again, his face rosy though one could not notice due to the garment upon his head. "So," he began again, slowly, "are these horned beasts only found in Sulteri?"
"Yes," the boy said happily. "Some bad men try to capture them and sell them in other countries but they're mostly only found here."
Yuri smiled at the thought of dozens of these creatures prancing around the kingdom.
"So you work under royalty now, Namir?" Wolfram asked, consequently interrupting Yuri from asking another question. "Not to be crude, but I thought the king had said you were to be a personal servant."
Namir slowly frowned and his head dropped. "Khalid's father passed away 9 years ago," he whispered.
Gwendel narrowed his eyes and glanced at Murata. The Great Sage remained silent.
"He was very young. Was it an accident?" Conrad inquired soothingly, hoping to coax that sad little child.
Namir shook his head and replied, "No. Rashid, Khalid's uncle, had him executed. He is the current King. We found evidence…that our previous king was involved with a scary party; the one most people call Red Eye."
Yuri gasped. "What?" he yelled and quickly peeked at Conrad. Their previous conversation had just elucidated information regarding Khalid's father suspecting Red Eye's destruction of both the Great Demon Kingdom and Sulteri. Unfortunately, Conrad rejected Yuri's eyes and instead, focused on Namir.
"Hmph. So were others executed along with the king?" asked Gwendel gruffly.
"Just his wife. They asked the others that were close to him but believed they were clean," said Namir gently before lifting his head and setting his jade eyes on Conrad. "So the kingdom was distraught over Khalid's death because we believe he was a pawn in his father's plan…"
"That's a tragic entry for your kingdom's history," Murata said sensitively.
Wolfram's eyes temporarily shut as his sorrow began swelling into the back of his throat. A placid hand clasped his shoulder, causing Wolfram's nerves to tighten. He looked to his side and noticed Yuri's concerned eyes.
"You okay?" he whispered.
"I'm fine," Wolfram assured and gently removed Yuri's hand. Though Yuri's grip lacked any powerful strength, Wolfram felt the lingering warmth on his shoulder and it made him slightly smile.
"So what is the current situation at the palace?" Murata asked.
Namir slightly tilted his head, as if in thought, and replied, "Well, King Rashid is a good man. He's dedicated to find where those bad people are in our kingdom and have them punished. There doesn't seem to be any spies within our palace as if yet but we are always careful."
Yuri's nerves experienced a chill that ran from the hairs on his head to his toes. "But…it's safe, right?" he questioned hesitantly, his voice tinted with concern.
"Oh, don't worry about that, Your Highness. You're completely safe with us," assured Namir.
Despite Namir's reassuring words, the tightness in Yuri's stomach refused to diminish.
101010
Sulteri was saturated with exotic smells and sights. Yuri gasped in delight with each civilian or vending booth that the party passed by. "This is amazing," he whispered.
His dark eyes focused on the delicacies that were exchanged and purchased, his mouth watering. He suspected that the optimistic atmosphere was a partial result from the magnificently vivid colors. Not one color was excluded from Sulteri's palette. Yuri glanced at the others, expecting an equivalent look of cheer in their eyes, with the exception of Gwendel. To his distress, Conrad and Wolfram appeared less enthusiastic.
"Is it me, or am I the only one really enjoying the view?" he asked sarcastically.
Wolfram met his eyes. "It's just you," he stated.
Conrad chuckled when Yuri frowned at the response and said, "We are intrigued, Your Highness. It's just that the three of us have visited before. Don't you recall Wolfram telling you?"
"Huh? When did he tell me?"
The blonde snorted. "When we were explaining about the presence of esoteric stones in Sulteri, remember? I said that when we visited, we didn't sense any," he explained, his eyes narrowing.
Yuri paused and thought. "Oh," he replied. "I thought when you said 'we' you were referring to demon tribesmen in general, not you brothers specifically."
Wolfram made a frustrated sound and drew his horse near Namir. He quickly pulled the reigns when a small child sprinted into the horse's pathway. "What the-!"
The others slowly brought their horses and horned beasts to a halt to examine the situation. The small child was repulsively filthy, his clothes torn, skin broken with scars, with wild and long hair. Wolfram blinked in confusion when the child withdrew his hand from behind his back, a small empty hand, and raised it into the air.
Yuri grimace when Namir's harsh voice broke the silence. "Be gone, you filthy rat! Shoo!" the boy had screamed at the smaller child, who in response, whimpered and drew closer to Wolfram.
"Don't go," sobbed the small figure as he made to reach Wolfram's hand. "Don't let them take you to him…"
"Don't let them take me to whom?" Wolfram asked, allowing the boy to draw closer.
"I said be gone you bastard!" Namir shouted and he propelled the small boy into the ground with a blow from the horned beast. "Get lost before I let the guards skin you alive!"
"Hey!" Yuri cried and glared at Namir. "He's just a little kid!" He made to rush to the fallen boy but when his attention returned to where the boy had fallen, the child had scurried away into a dim alley.
Namir huffed and said in defiance, "Let him go. His kind are treacherous. They play the innocent part but will slit your throat when you reach into your bag to offer them a coin."
Yuri's eyes widened. "What are you talking about?" he asked, utterly horrified.
"Our country nearly collapsed after Khalid's death," Namir began and ordered the civilians who had paused to watch the scene to return to their daily duties. He then continued to direct the party through the villages.
"How so?" asked Murata, his eyes still scrutinizing the murky alley as they strolled passed it.
"After his death, uproar broke out to revolt against the Great Demon Kingdom. They wanted the head of the one who had killed him," he stated, his eyes briefly focusing on Conrad. "Khalid's father was in favor of attacking but he was not stupid. He began a plan that grew over the year and then he was executed before we could attack your kingdom.
"Once Rashid informed us about the evil people the king was working with, hell broke loose. Civilians began murdering each other because they believed this or that person worked for those same people. Many that were in the high court, such as myself, were thrown into poverty due to the overthrowing of all those who even touched the ex-king."
Gwendel grunted and murmured, "Despite that you were probably only around four or five years of age…"
Namir shook his head and a tear escaped, trickling down his face. "No one was safe. I had to do horrible things to survive. I was alone for three years until Rashid was said to be legitimate to take the throne. The damage was already done even though he brought peace among most of us. He brought order into the palace again but our country was still separated by then."
"Separated?" Conrad questioned, his heart sinking with each word that was threaded into Namir's tale.
The long-haired child rubbed his tear away and nodded sadly. "Some were so desperate that they hunted for that group, Red Eye. They thought they had a better chance there. I…too was almost tempted. I heard that Red Eye was taking in poor souls and giving them better lives. I knew though that they were bad but if it weren't for Rashid's return to the throne, I would be one of them.
"Those that were thought to have tried to contact Red Eye were sent to poverty. So as if now, we have those in middle-class or higher, the ones you see before you, and those that have rotted away to poverty, like that boy you saw."
"But that's not fair. You were poor and you went back to having a good life, though" Yuri whispered, saddened. He gently stroked Namir's hair and the boy leaned into his touch with a smile.
Namir offered Yuri a squeeze on the hand and replied, "It's not that simple, Your Highness. Those people have done horrid things in the past for their own fun or to survive. They're condemned to rot away. Some of them are the people that were exiled from other nations and were poor. They came here to remain poor, but they would not be hunted down here. That's what Sulteri is, after all; the Land of the Unwanted, or rats, in some cases."
Yuri's eyes became downcast and not even the lively villages could lighten the weight that crushed his chest. "Why doesn't anyone help these poor people?"
"Many ignore them, some fear them, and others reject them," Namir explained.
"Shibuya, don't let it get to you. The world is not a completely happy place, no matter how unfair it may seem," Murata murmured, in hopes to console Yuri.
The demon king shook his head in denial but remained silent. "It's just…not right."
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," Namir said tenderly, "but please do not go near them. I was among them once and I know their tricks. They won't hesitate to sell parts of your body or even eat you."
Yuri wanted to throw up.
He pathetically glanced back to where the small child had spoken to Wolfram.
Yuri was unable to determine what frightened him the most; the fact that the boy had said those words to deceive them in order to kill them, or the notion that the boy was speaking the truth, and presenting a warning.
Wolfram, meanwhile, remained silent, his mind wandering back to the dirty child.
101010
"Your Highness, allow me to introduce you to our current leader, King Rashid," Namir gently stated as he bowed before Yuri.
Yuri, along with the others, had removed their headdresses now that they reached the palace. He smiled warmly as a jolly and lean man with a trimmed beard arose from his throne, dressed in attire that clearly conveyed his title.
"King Rashid, I present to you the twenty-seventh demon king, Yuri Shibuya and the Great Sage."
Rashid grinned, laid a soft kiss on Namir's forehead, and proclaimed, "Excellent work, my boy! You did wonderfully! You two guards, return to your posts and many thanks for protecting Namir and guiding His Majesty safely here."
Yuri and Wolfram both smiled gently at Rashid's kind and warm voice. The tall man extended his hand and shook Yuri's hand with a firm grip before switching to shake Murata's hand. "Welcome, Your Highness, Your Eminence."
Rashid's smile faltered upon meeting Conrad's face. "Conrart," he said in a hushed voice. "I'm amazed to see you on Sulteri soil."
Conrad kept his composure and eyes rigid. "I ask that your evaluation on His Majesty and His Eminence not be influenced by my irrational action from the past," he gently insisted.
"What's done is done, Conrart. Welcome back," Rashid said compassionately and he surveyed Gwendel and Wolfram with his cobalt eyes. "You've become a strong man, Gwendel, and you've become as lovely as your mother, Wolfram."
Gwendel nodded respectfully and Wolfram's face became pink at the compliment.
"Now, then," Rashid continued as he clasped his hands. "You all must desire some rest and a meal, yes? Kadin! Show our wonderful guests to their chambers, if you please."
The others observed a figure emerge from the shadows behind the throne. A masked figure slowly approached them, draped in dark colors embedded with golden symbols. The mask was perfectly smooth and contained two golden lines shaped into a cross. It was quickly noted that his hip carried an enormously impressive curved sword, containing two rubies that were pressed into the hilt.
Rashid patted the man's back as he stopped before the others. "This is Kadin and he will be your personal caretaker during your stay at the palace. You must forgive the mask, however. His face is quite disfigured and he prefers to remain quiet. He's excellent with a blade though, I assure you."
Kadin bowed before Yuri.
Yuri smiled in response, although his fingers itched to remove the mask. "Thanks very much, Your Highness," he said and began following Kadin.
"Kadin will get you in a few hours for a feast," Rashid cheerfully claimed as he took Namir into his arms, smiling widely at the boy's obvious desire for attention.
As Kadin silently led them through many large rooms and hallways, Yuri inspected the lavish curtains, drapes, plants, decorations, and portraits that each area had to offer. Through one particular hallway, the portraits of all of the king's family resided. Yuri especially took note of a portrait containing Khalid.
He looks just as Wolfram described. Funny, I expected him to look scarier.
Wolfram, who strolled lazily behind Yuri, paused at the portrait as Yuri did and gazed at the still figure that posed with his sword. "Khalid," he murmured forlornly.
Conrad paused and glanced behind him to watch the two. He shut his eyes momentarily to eradicate the desperate emotion that Wolfram held in his eyes.
Gwendel too stopped walking and simply crossed his arms, waiting.
"Come on, you two," Murata said and grasped their shoulders softly. "We can talk about that later, okay? Right now, we need a nice bed to relax in."
"Ah…right," muttered Yuri as he steadily tore his eyes away from the painting. Wolfram mimicked Yuri's movement and only the clicking of boots filled the silence.
Kadin, after confirming the others followed, paused before two vast scarlet doors encrusted with two beings with bird-like wings, one on each door. The mysterious Kadin made a gesture at Yuri and then one to the door.
"This is my room?" Yuri asked, already predicting the answer.
"Hey, wait, then it's my room too," Wolfram declared, his sad demeanor now replaced with persistence. "Yuri is my fiancé so I sleep where he sleeps."
Kadin made an unexpected troubled sound, which resulted in Yuri jumping in fright. "Er…I think you upset him, Wolfram. I guess you should sleep in your own-"
Wolfram narrowed his eyes and sternly said, "You cheater!"
"No! That's not it!"
"Alright, you two," Murata groaned and rested a hand on each of their chests to prevent any physical damage from occurring. "Kadin, is it too much trouble if Lord von Bielefeld stays with Shibuya? After all, it's always good to have a soldier there to protect him."
Kadin shifted his masked face to Wolfram. After a moment, he nodded and opened the doors.
Yuri sighed in defeat and entered his room. His eyes immediately focused on the bed, a massive one at that, adorned with high posts that each contained loose and translucent drapes. Although he would have taken pleasure in sleeping alone, he anticipated that having companionship on such a large bed would be pleasant enough.
"Get some rest, Your Highness," Conrad said before glancing at Wolfram. "Take care of him. We'll see you soon."
Wolfram shut the door behind them and threw his bag into a corner. He swiftly removed his boots and then began undoing his pants. Yuri noticed this and cried out.
"What are you doing?" he demanded.
"Don't be a wimp. I'm tired and these pants aren't the most comfortable thing to wear when taking a nap," Wolfram grumbled and kicked off said pants. The robe he kept on was, luckily for Yuri, at a long enough length to reach just above his knees.
Wolfram then proceeded to shift aside the drapes to crawl onto the bed. "Wow, this bed is really comfy," he exclaimed and experimentally pressed his hands against the cushion.
"Really? Let me see," Yuri said and, after removing his shoes, crawled in as well. "You're right! Feel these pillows! I think they're feather pillows…"
Wolfram grabbed one and squeezed it. "Hmph. You know what these sort of pillows are great for?" he asked seductively.
Yuri looked up at Wolfram and gulped silently. "Wh-what?"
FWAP!
"Ow! Wolfram! What was that for?" Yuri moaned and rubbed his left temple, where a pillow had just landed.
"That's what you get for trying to kick me out of our room, cheater!" Wolfram accused as he set his ammunition down. "It doesn't hurt that badly, does it, wimp?"
Slowly, Yuri brought his head up to pierce Wolfram with his dark eyes. "Why you…Don't call me THAT!"
FWAP!
"Yuri!" Wolfram growled as Yuri made another attempt to smack him with a pillow.
FWAP! FWAP!
"Ow! That hurt, Wolfram!"
"Wimp."
FWAP! FWAP! FWAP!
Wolfram grunted as a particularly harsh smack, combined with the unsteady movements of the bed, sent him tumbling onto his back. "Yuri! I'll get you for that!" he shouted and made to stand only to collapse back onto the bed.
Yuri's growl became a laugh as he too fell, landing unceremoniously on his left side beside Wolfram. He gasped for breath and observed his companion panting as well. "That was the first time I had a pillow fight in a long time."
"Hmph," Wolfram responded but his face contained a tiny smile. His large eyes remained on Yuri's dark ones. "Yuri…?"
"Hm?"
Can I kiss you?
"Can…We should get to bed if we want to get a long enough nap before eating," Wolfram said as he hesitantly rose into a sitting position. He returned the pillows to their proper spots before sinking under the covers.
Yuri felt like frowning, though he was unsure as to why. "Yeah, I guess," he nearly whispered before following Wolfram under the covers. Secretly, he would have enjoyed the childish game to have continued. "See you soon."
"Mm."
After a soft yawn and a few adjustments, Yuri shut his eyes and began flirting with sleep. Soon after, dreams drifted into his mind.
Wolfram slightly opened his eyes and examined Yuri's form. He confirmed Yuri being deep into dreams before sitting up. The warrior brought down his upper body over Yuri's very cautiously. After summoning his courage, Wolfram brought his lips down and brushed them against Yuri's.
Slowly, Wolfram pulled back, silently hoping for Yuri to both remain asleep and awaken. Yuri's lips curled into a smile as his arms grasped a nearby pillow, clutching it tightly. "Mm. Yes, mom, more miso soup please…"
Wolfram sighed softly and shook his head. After one last longing look at his fiancé, Wolfram returned under the covers in hopes of obtaining as many dreams as possible.
101010
"How do I look?"
Yuri brought his eyes from adjusting the garments Kadin had recently brought to look at Wolfram's body. His eyes softened at the combination of beauty and masculinity that Wolfram was capable of embodying with the precise choice of clothing. The gold cuffs that were each situated on Wolfram's wrists each possessed a loose translucent lavender cloth that connected to similar looking golden cuffs placed on the boy's upper arms, mimicking the extension of a bird's wings. The rest of Wolfram's body was draped in classic loose leggings and a delicately adorned sleeveless robe, of sapphire and scarlet. Beneath the robe was a pale coral shade of material that extended out from the sleeveless robe, just enough to slip pass the boy's shoulder.
"You look…great," Yuri responded breathlessly. "I mean, at least you got more interesting clothing."
"Thanks."
Wolfram approached Yuri and examined the boy's longer and tighter jet black robe accompanied by a matching pair of pants. "It suits you," he said after a few moments. "I don't approve of these strange things around my wrists and arms though. It looks too feminine."
Yuri shook his head and replied, "No, I think it adds a soft touch to you. Besides, you have those darker colors and your sword at your side. You don't look like a girl. You're…perfect."
"Perfect, am I?" Wolfram asked as he raised an eyebrow.
A light shade of coral pink spread through Yuri's face. "Er…I mean, it's not too girly but not too butch. It's…you. It's good."
"Well, I suppose I'll take that as a compliment," Wolfram declared as he bent over and grasped a silver piece of material. He inspected it before glancing at Yuri.
"Er…I wasn't sure what that piece was for," Yuri admitted sheepishly with a laugh.
Wolfram sighed and brought up the piece of cloth to wrap Yuri's midsection. With a tug, he jerked Yuri's body closer to his in order to wrap the material around properly. He ignored Yuri's whine of protest when their hips nearly brushed. "Don't be a wimp, Yuri. I'm trying to help you," he grumbled.
Quickly, Yuri took three steps back when Wolfram completed his task. "You're good at this," he proclaimed as he inspected himself in the mirror. The silver added just enough of a pop to satisfy Yuri.
"Of course I am. I told you before, I've been here before," Wolfram said as he sat on the bed to slip into his boots.
"Oh, that's right," Yuri murmured. At Wolfram's words, a thought implanted itself into his mind. "Wolfram, Conrad told you why he killed Khalid, right?"
Wolfram stiffened but mumbled a quiet 'yes'.
"Do you believe Conrad?" Yuri asked quietly.
"I hated him at the time because he was a human…"
"So was Khalid."
Wolfram shot Yuri a dirty look before he snorted. "Are you going to let me finish?"
Yuri caught Wolfram's glare from the reflection in the mirror and he dropped his gaze involuntarily. "Sorry," he whispered.
"I disliked Khalid to some extent at first but Sulterians were always good to us demon tribesmen," Wolfram began gravely, his eyes focused at his fingers twisting as he adjusted his boots. "My situation with Conrart was…different. Regardless as to whether or not I hated him then, I had no reason to believe he'd lie to us about such a thing but…"
"But what?"
With a frustrated groan, Wolfram ran a hand through his hair angrily. "I don't want to believe Khalid was a horrible person. He was good to us all…"
Yuri, noting Wolfram's irritation, carefully drew closer to him. Once he was at a distance that permitted physical contact, Yuri rested a gentle hand on Wolfram's back. "I'm really sorry I brought it up, Wolf."
In response, Wolfram pressed the palms of his hands against his eyes roughly to prevent any trickling of tears. Yuri frowned and his eyebrows rose in concern. He silently sat beside Wolfram as his hand created a soothing circular motion. "It's okay to cry, Wolfram," he whispered.
"I'm not crying. I just…have a headache," Wolfram insisted with a growl but he did not shy away from Yuri's touch.
"Don't lie to me, Wolf. What's wrong? There's something else bothering you. What is it?" Yuri asked.
After releasing a slightly defeated sigh, Wolfram brought his hands away from his face. "Remember that little boy Namir yelled at?"
Yuri nodded, recalling the gloomy memory.
"I think I've seen him before," the blonde confessed.
"What? Really? Where?"
"In my nightmares."
Yuri's eyes widened slightly and before he could reply, a knock emerged from the door. "Yes?" Yuri asked slightly irritated, his desire to question Wolfram surpassing his kindness.
The door handle clicked as the door was opened. Kadin's masked face met Yuri's eyes. The man shoved the door so it was open completely and he motioned for Yuri and Wolfram.
"Ah, yes, dinner," Yuri said and he noticed Kadin's lack of interest to move away. "We'll be there shortly. Um…Wolfram was just feeling a bit sick was all."
Kadin remained still, refusing to acknowledge Yuri's indirect request for him to leave.
"I'm fine now, Yuri," Wolfram softly said as he stood up, brushing off Yuri's hand.
Yuri frowned, sighed, and nodded before he too followed Wolfram out the door.
101010
"The meal was excellent," Murata exclaimed gratefully to Rashid. "The musical performances were great, as well. We thank you."
Rashid laughed and nodded to his guests. "Well, nothing but the best for our guests. The celebration for your arrival will be executed tomorrow, Your Highness. It will be quite a sight! Until then, you're welcome to roam about the palace and gardens as you see fit."
Yuri smiled widely as he replied, "Thank you. Everything was great."
"I apologize if I ruin the mood, but what are you really about, Your Highness?" Gwendel curtly asked, his eyes piercing into Rashid. "Are we to assume that our meeting will never address the issues of the past?"
"Gwendel," Conrad said, his eyes narrowing.
Rashid raised a hand to silence Conrad. "It's alright, Conrart. I understand what Gwendel means. I'll let you know this now. I have no intention of bringing up things that cannot be undone. I only want our kingdoms to form a new treaty. Our previous allies abandoned us."
Murata leaned forward and brought his hands together. "So is this a desperate attempt to make good with a powerful country?"
Namir scrunched up his face as he accusingly brought a hand to point at Murata. "How dare you speak to Rashid so! He's a great man that only wants to help our people and make friends with other countries! He's not corrupted and greedy like all those kings in the past!"
Wolfram grimaced as the pounding in his head returned.
"Namir," Rashid said soothingly, "be still. We must understand where their emotions come from. Jumping to conclusions is a grave mistake for any kingdom."
Gwendel crossed his arms. "If what you say is true, then you will have no difficulty in sharing information regarding Red Eye."
Murata's eyes shifted back to Rashid, a tiny smirk creeping into his lips. "I have to agree. We tire of being in the dark about this situation, which concerns the Great Demon Kingdom as well. We'd more than be willing to help you."
Rashid appeared to hesitate for a few seconds before he slowly nodded. "Very well," he agreed. "We can at least tell you that-"
"Wolfram!" Namir cried.
The others turned their attention to Wolfram, who had just shakily stood up with enough speed to send his chair colliding into the ground. His brow was wet, face flushed, and face pale.
"Wolfram?" Yuri asked as he too rose from his seat, vaguely noting the others following suit.
"I…just…" Wolfram mumbled as a trembling hand went to his head, pressing harshly in hopes to cease the endless pulsation that threatened to rupture his brain.
Conrad quickly took hold of his brother's thin left arm when the blonde attempted to take a step. "What's the matter, Wolfram?"
"Maybe he ate something that hurt his tummy," Namir said, frowning.
Wolfram slowly brought his emerald eyes to rest on Namir's face, despite his now blurry vision. He narrowed them to study Namir more accurately and thought he noticed a deadly smile splaying over the boy's face.
His eyes fluttered shut and he collapsed into Conrad's arms, limp.
Yuri cried out and grasped Wolfram's shoulder. "Wolfram!" he shouted as he gently shook the boy. "He's sweating like crazy…"
"Don't do that, Shibuya," Murata instructed as he swiftly situated himself near Conrad to examine the fallen figure. He pressed his hand against Wolfram's forehead but brought it back to his side, burned. "He has a high fever. Can you have a cold bath ready quickly, Your Highness?"
"Yes, of course," Rashid said with a nod just before shouting out instructions to passing servants.
Gwendel narrowed his eyes at his youngest brother. "Here," he said as he began prying Wolfram from Conrad into his own arms. "You go ahead to the bath and get ready to immerse him in it."
Conrad met Gwendel's eyes but obeyed. He took off after one of the servants who was made to ready a bath. Meanwhile, Yuri continued to pace around Wolfram, his eyes darting around.
"Shibuya, stop freaking out. He'll be alright once we get his fever down," Murata assured.
Yuri hesitantly nodded and an idea popped into his frantic mind. He gently took hold of Wolfram's hand as Gwendel began walking toward the baths and focused his power. A light green shade surrounded his hand that crept into Wolfram's own sweaty one.
"We need to remove his clothing," Gwendel said with a deep frown. Using his leg muscles born from years of training, the long-haired man lowered himself slowly into a kneeling position. With one arm supporting Wolfram's back, Gwendel used his free hand to begin undoing the robe.
Murata tugged off a boot and glanced at Yuri. "Come on, Shibuya. The faster we get this off the sooner he can get into the water."
Yuri flushed deeply and withdrew his hand from the blonde's. Unsteadily, the Demon King removed the cuffs on Wolfram's pale arms. After those, he aided Gwendel in gently peeling off the remaining robe, exposing Wolfram's nude body. Yuri did his best to avoid peering at the boy.
"Alright, hand him over," Conrad said, who had just leapt into cold bath after removing his top robe, boots, and sword. Yuri noticed the goose bumps emerging all over Conrad's skin but the soldier remained focused and unfazed as he took his young brother into his arms.
Delicately and lovingly, Conrad immersed Wolfram's body into the cold water. Gwendel carefully reached into the waters with a cupped hand before pouring some of the collected water onto Wolfram's forehead and face.
"Is it working?" Yuri asked.
Gwendel pressed the back of his knuckles against his blonde brother's cheek for a moment. "It appears to be working," he concluded.
"Was Lord von Bielefeld feeling ill before going to dinner, Shibuya?" Murata queried.
Yuri's eyes remained on Wolfram but he replied, "Well…He was a little bit upset but when I questioned him about it, he said it was just a headache."
"We have an apothecary being sent to Your Highness's room," Rashid declared as he entered the baths with Namir by his side. "Don't you worry, Kadin is the best we have."
Namir nodded in agreement and raised his arms to present Yuri with towels. "Here," he said. "These are for you."
Yuri nodded his thanks and took the towels. "How much longer?" he asked to no one in particular after five minutes silently crept by.
With a sigh, Murata motioned at Conrad. "I think it should be okay to get him out," he said as he grabbed a towel. "His fever is still slightly high but I think having him looked at will help more."
The rippling of water was all the met anyone's ears as Conrad neared the edge and extended his arms to offer Wolfram to Gwendel. The man took Wolfram into a towel and embraced him, rubbing his arms to dry the blonde off.
"Let's get him to the room," Yuri whispered and he vaguely noticed Namir clenching his tiny hands into fists.
101010
"Ugh…"
Yuri's eyes fluttered open as a groan rippled throughout the room. Recalling the vivid details of the recent events, he gasped and sat up. He leaned in his seat by the large bed that currently comforted Wolfram's form and smiled. Wolfram shook his head lightly before his emerald eyes met Yuri's.
"Yuri?" he asked in a raspy voice.
Conrad grasped a glass of water on a nearby dresser and crossed the room. "Here," he softly said and offered the glass to Wolfram, who greedily consumed half of its contents. Wolfram turned his face away when he was done and Conrad returned the glass to the dresser.
Yuri rubbed his tired eyes and nodded at Wolfram, grasping his hand with both of his own, calling forth his healing powers. "I'm here. How are you feeling?"
"…Better, I think."
With a sigh of relief, Yuri smiled and unconsciously stroked Wolfram's hand as he held it. "I was totally worried," he admitted with a sheepish smile. "Kadin checked you out and said you probably caught an illness, like a flu."
Wolfram lightly squeezed Yuri's hand. "He talked to you guys?" he asked.
Conrad smiled and shook his head. "No," he commented. "He whispered to Namir throughout the entire time, who in turn, told us what he said."
"Ah…"
Conrad observed Yuri meet Wolfram's affection with a returned squeeze of his own. His heart lifted and his worries subsided as he bowed before Yuri and claimed, "I'll go to speak with the others. I'm sure they'll be glad to hear Wolfram's awake. I'll be back shortly."
Yuri made to protest but decided differently.
Before Conrad shut the door behind him, Wolfram called out his name lightly. The brunette partially turned his neck to glance at Wolfram. "Yes?"
"Thanks for the water…"
Conrad smiled, nodded, and shut the door silently.
Once Conrad left, Yuri pressed his hand against Wolfram's face softly. "Your fever seems to be gone," he muttered peacefully.
"Was I out long?"
Yuri shook his head and calculated. "I'd say for only four hours or so. Kadin rubbed some strange stuff on your chest, claiming that it would heal you quicker if I also offered my own healing abilities."
Wolfram moaned tiredly as he shifted his eyes to gaze outside the large windows. The sun had begun to set, painting the sky with many warm colors. "Thanks," he whispered and returned his eyes to Yuri.
"What?" Yuri asked when Wolfram frowned.
Wolfram groaned as he brought his body to lean on his elbows. He released Yuri's hand and despite his fiancé's protest, shifted his body to one side of the large bed. "Don't be a wimp. Lie down. You look sleepy still," he insisted.
Yuri blinked in confusion. He brought his hands up and shook his head. "That's alright. I managed to take a small nap anyway."
"Lie. Down," Wolfram hissed as threateningly as his current state permitted.
In defeat, Yuri removed his shoes and crawled into bed, settling beside Wolfram. "Er…Wolfram?"
Wolfram remained silent as he adjusted himself so that his back faced Yuri. With his left hand, he grasped Yuri's arm and tugged it around his waist.
"Wolfram!" Yuri cried in surprise. He made to jerk back his arm but shut his mouth at the desperately tired and lonely expression in Wolfram's eyes.
"Just this once," Wolfram pleaded softly while he pressed his head lightly back into the comforts of the pillows.
Yuri bit his lip as his stomach clenched tightly. He eventually swallowed his anxiety and released even breaths. Reluctantly, Yuri brought his arm loosely around Wolfram's midsection with a trembling hand. Wolfram responded by relaxing his muscles and shutting his eyes.
Yuri kept his eyes focused on the window as he shakily asked, "Um…it this…okay?"
"Yuri?"
"Y-yeah?"
"Shut up and sleep."
"Al…Alright."
Yuri calmed his nerves and ultimately allowed his body to relax around Wolfram's. His hand lazily fingered the light robe that had been placed on the blonde warrior as he hesitantly fixated his eyes on the golden hair.
Maybe just once, Yuri thought nervously as he brought his body closer. With a determined and sympathetic look and after a few minutes of mental training, Yuri pressed his lips against Wolfram's golden head. Just once…
"Sleep well, Wolfram," he murmured.
101010
Yuri lightly moaned as a tongue made its way down his collar. He slightly chuckled as it withdrew and a mouth nipped at his neck and ear, sending chills of excitement and pleasure spiraling down his spine. At the same moment, a warm hand crept beneath his shirt and lowered itself to the loose pants he wore. Such a good dream…
"You get excited easily," a voice teased.
Wait, Yuri's mind shrieked, this isn't a dream!
With a gasp of fear, Yuri bolted up, sending the body straddling him onto the bed. "What the heck," he panted as he patted his body, confirming that it was indeed not a dream. He raised his eyes to meet his offender. Yuri paled.
"Namir…"
The boy mumbled something incoherent as he adjusted his garments. His large eyes sparkled mischievously when they met Yuri's horrified and perplexed ones. "I'm sorry if I startled you, Your Highness," he purred.
Yuri quickly glanced to his side at Wolfram, who appeared utterly involved with sleep. "What…what are you doing?" he asked in a hushed and stunned voice.
"You seemed upset," Namir cooed and ran a small hand up Yuri's thigh. "I came to relieve your stress."
"Whoa!" Yuri hissed as he grabbed the hand harshly. "By seducing me? I mean…Wolfram's recovering and…and you're like…ten! And…you're a boy!"
Namir raised his eyebrows in confusion. "Am I…not to your liking?"
Yuri's mind faltered for a response to that. Instead of thinking, he took a very deep breath and released Namir's hand. "Who told you to do this?" he eventually asked.
"No one," Namir replied sadly. "I…I thought that my body could bring you some relaxation."
Yuri stared at Namir.
"I'm really good," Namir insisted with a determined look. "I learned a lot so I can do anything. Please don't cast me away, Your Highness. If you need to take out your sadness, I'm here."
"No, no, no!" Yuri cried in a lowered voice so as not to wake Wolfram. His mind was incapable of understanding and responding to such a situation. He felt sick. He wished Conrad was here or for Wolfram to wake up.
He brought a hand to his head and attempted to relax himself. Something Namir had previously stated finally sunk into his mind. "Wait…You've done this before?" he asked with wide eyes.
Namir tilted his head as his eyes lowered to the sheets pathetically. "I told you I did some bad things to survive."
"You…were a prostitute," Yuri uttered, repulsed at the idea of other children resorting to such activities just to feed themselves. "You were so young though…you still are."
Namir rubbed his eyes when tears began trickling down his small face. "Please don't tell Rashid," he whimpered as he sniffled. "He'll be upset if he finds out. I just wanted to make you happy…Please don't tell."
Yuri frowned and reached for Namir, drawing the boy into his arms. "Hey, don't cry. Don't worry about it. All that matters is that you don't have to do those things to make someone happy. Those people that ask you to aren't good…"
Namir rubbed his face into Yuri's neck, nodding. "I'm sorry…"
"I…I'm not mad. I'm just a little shocked. I really wasn't expecting this," Yuri said with a sad smile while stroking Namir's long hair. "It's okay, really. Don't cry." Yuri wanted nothing more than to not have this moment occurring. I should be sleeping right now…
Namir shifted in Yuri's arms as he pulled back. "I…I won't. I'm okay now. I think…I better go. I'm really sorry about this, Your Highness."
"Are you sure you want to leave? You can stay the night here with us if you'd like," Yuri offered, although he suspected Wolfram might highly object.
The small figure crawled off the bed and dusted himself off. "Thank you, but I'll be okay. Kadin keeps me company in my room so I'll be okay. He's probably looking for me now."
"He seems like…a decent guy," Yuri said.
Namir smiled widely, his sad demeanor quickly melting. "He's my best friend. I'm sure you'll get to know him soon enough. He's just shy right now so he doesn't talk to others."
Yuri smiled sweetly as Namir used both hands to jerk open the door. "Hey, you sleep tight, alright?"
"Uh-huh. I saw Conrart coming in to check on you just a few moments before I came in. I asked him how you and Wolfram were, and he said you two were sleeping contently beside each other," Namir explained somewhat sadly and at this Yuri raised an eyebrow.
"Huh?"
"Good night, Your Highness," Namir whispered, ignoring Yuri's confusion. "Thank you again."
As soon as he shut the door, Wolfram sat up groggily. "How dare that brat touch you," he growled, half-asleep.
"Wolfram!" Yuri cried. "What…you heard it all? And you didn't attack the kid for touching me?"
Wolfram stared at Yuri and said, "The fever has made me delirious is all."
"Your fever is gone though," Yuri replied suspiciously.
"Shut up, wimp."
Yuri narrowed his eyes. "Don't call-"
A shriek pierced their ears.
"Namir!" Yuri yelled.
Wolfram, now alert and on edge, leapt from the bed and nearly tumbled over as he grasped his sword unevenly. Yuri was quick on his feet as well, gently holding the boy's arm. "You need to rest," he insisted.
In response, Wolfram shrugged his hand off and bolted out the doors, Yuri staggering behind him. Yuri struggled to maintain such a swift speed as Wolfram sped down the hallways. They brought their speed down quickly when they ran into Gwendel, Conrad, and Murata.
"Where did it come from?" Wolfram panted.
"You should be in bed resting," Murata said with a frown.
Gwendel motioned for everyone to remain quiet. "Look," he whispered as he pointed at the hallway walls. The walls that were normally decorated with portraits, intricate designs and items, were maimed in a dark liquid.
Slowly, Conrad approached the walls and touched the liquid. "Blood," he stated. His eyes followed the thin and twisted lines of scarlet that led to a large ball room. "This way."
Everyone cautiously entered the room. Yuri shouted out in horror and covered his mouth and nose to prevent the putrid smell of burnt flesh and torn tissue from reaching him. Namir stood only a few paces before them, obviously the source of the scream.
Rashid, Kadin, and a number of guards entered the room from another doorway. "Good heavens," the king whispered as he inspected the room. "What happened?"
The bodies of thirty or so children occupied the floors and walls of the large room. Some had been impaled by the various objects that hung from the walls, such as the candle holders and statues, while others were splayed upon the hard ground. At least half had burns scarring their fragile skin.
Wolfram approached the bodies very hesitantly, examining the causes of their deaths. A few children had their jaws thrust back to such an extent that it snapped, revealing the deep parts of the throat. Their lips appeared to have been extended due to the deep incisions in the corners that created a familiar clownish and large grin that oozed blood over their gentle faces. Each of these children has a massive hole in their skulls caused by a blunt object, leaving tiny remnants of skull and brain tissue scattered around them.
Another handful of children had the skin on their chest and midsection completely removed, exposing cracked ribs and partially torn muscle, which, in some cases, resulted in the large intestine and other organs to slip out in a slow manner. Every child had their eyes open.
"So-Some of these children are Sulterians…Some of them are not," Rashid exclaimed in horror, making his way around the room.
"I told you not to come here," a voice stated softly.
Wolfram snapped his neck to locate a child standing a foot away; a familiar, filthy child that had received a harsh verbal attack from Namir. "You," Wolfram whispered. He glanced around him and noticed the others inspecting the child as well.
The frail boy kept his eyes on Wolfram.
"What are you?" Wolfram asked and made to grab the boy until a wet droplet landed on his extended hand. He brought his hand closer to his face and scrutinized it. "Blood?"
Behind him, Yuri made a disturbed sound and Wolfram glanced back. The others had shifted their attention from the child to the ceiling. Dreading what awaited his eyes, Wolfram reluctantly raised his eyes to the ceiling.
The entire ceiling was coated in partially dried blood that curved into letters.
They spelled: Welcome Home, Wolfram.
1010…tbc…1010
Well, another chapter posted.
I'm sorry for the late update. I got a small case of the stomach flu so I was out for a couple of days.
Anyway, I hope you express your thoughts especially since things have become more suspenseful. If you're wanting more, review and tell me so. I also hope these longer chapters suffice.
Truthfully, I had the most difficulty with the Yuuram moments. It's difficult keeping Yuri in character when I just want him to ravish Wolfram…
Until later,
Mirai Kurosaki.