Papercut
A/N: Wow, I'm so honored by all the reviews I received in one day and how many hits the fic got! You all are so great. I never expected so much motivation and I just keep on writing for you guys! Thanks very much!!
The following did not receive a response for their appreciated reviews:
Lina: Ooh, so sorry if I made you feel a little ill. It may be best not to eat too much before reading this fic. I'm glad though that your reaction was just that! I loved it. There are more Yuuram moments to come for sure! It's nice that you got a brother that cares for you so much. I'm very protective of my own little sibling! Thanks very much for the review and compliments! Hope you review this chapter!
Thacha: Yay I'm so happy you were anticipating this chapter! I'm utterly joyous over the fact that you can't stop reading it! I'm glad you noticed how the Yuri embracing Wolfram was slightly depressing as it was cute. Thanks for the compliments, especially about the brothers caring for Wolfram. Are they falling into a trap? Perhaps. Hope you enjoy this chapter and tell me what you think about it! Thanks for the review!
phantome101: Thanks for the review! I hope the wait wasn't too bad! Go on and read now! Hope you review it.
Alright, so here I go! I think you'll enjoy this chapter more because most of the exposition has been dealt with and thus, I can focus on the action/romance/horror/etc.
If you're ever curious as to how the story is coming along or if you think it's taking me a long time to update, check my profile. I keep an update regarding the condition of the fic.
Name: Khalid
Meaning: Immortal
Spoilers: Mentioning of Yuri's older brother, Shori.
Warnings: Some graphic details and a horror movie moment
Note: I claimed that all the names were from Geneon's version of KKM but I found one continuity issue. I used "Yosak" as opposed to "Josak" (Geneon's version), for whatever reason and I will continue to use "Yosak". I don't think it will be a major problem but I wanted to clear that up.
10101010
Wolfram frantically covered his mouth when his initial response was to vomit. Quickly he shifted his eyes back to where the small child stood only to discover said child had vanished. Sick, baffled, and furious, Wolfram scanned the entire area as he shouted, "He's gone!"
Gwendel brought his eyes to Wolfram and asked harshly, "What?"
"That boy!" Wolfram screamed, hysteria sinking into his flesh and bloodstream.
"It's impossible for him to have just escaped under our noses," Rashid shakily said. "All the exits are being blocked by one of us…"
Conrad, by this point, had taken a side by Yuri and gripped his arm gently. "Stay close, Your Highness," he whispered, recalling Murata's order from a couple days earlier.
When things become bad, under no circumstances are you to ever leave Shibuya's side. Even if someone screams for help, Shibuya is your only concern.
The order was not necessarily troublesome but what troubled Conrad was the word choice. Murata had purposely stated 'when' and not 'if'. His grip tightened on Yuri's arm.
Yuri barely noticed the action and he timidly nodded as his attention returned to an extremely disturbed Wolfram. The boy was anxiously pacing around the area, his eyes darting around the room suspiciously. "Wolfram…" he whispered, his heart aching for the boy but his terror preventing him from moving.
"Who did this?!" Wolfram screamed, his finger pointing upward at the bloody mosaic. "What kind of sick joke is this?! Answer me!"
Rashid shook his head quickly and replied just as frantically, "Wolfram, I assure you that we had nothing to do with this."
Wolfram narrowed his blazing eyes and crudely asked, "I suppose the bodies of all these children were just dumped at once without any one of your damn guards or cursed servants noticing it!? And I assume you always decorate your ceilings with twisted greetings?!"
"Calm down, Wolfram," Gwendel commanded as gently as he could.
"Don't tell me to calm down!" his younger brother shrieked in unrepressed rage.
Murata slowly approached Namir during Wolfram's tantrum when the boy's body shivered. Lightly, Murata pressed the boy's shoulder. "Hey…are you okay?"
Namir's eyes remained on the bodies. With a trembling hand, however, he managed to point at a face of one particular child. "Their…their eyes…"
At this, Murata shifted his gaze to the remains of a child's face. His eyes widened in response to what he witnessed. A scarlet coloration began spreading throughout the right eye and the pupil began to thin out and extend itself, reflecting that of a snake's eye.
"Lord von Bielefeld, don't be quick to judge," Murata muttered after he took in a deep breath to relax his anxious nerves.
Wolfram rapidly turned to address Murata but kept silent, realizing he did not need to ask his question. "No…It's really true then. They're really here," he said in a startled whisper.
"Red Eye," Gwendel thickly said. "So that rumor is true…"
Yuri gently took hold of Wolfram's hand as he pried off Conrad's hand from his arm, his concern for Wolfram melting the fear that vibrated throughout his body. "Wolfram, come on. L-Let's go back to the room. Fighting won't help us s-solve this. Okay?" he said in a slightly trembling voice.
Kadin swiftly approached Namir and lifted him up when the boy began to sniffle. He placed the boy into Rashid's awaiting arms before ushering toward Yuri and Wolfram. He made a gesture for them to exit the room, which Yuri was more than happy to do. Wolfram, however, would have remained still if it were not for Yuri's hand leading him out.
"Let's return to your room, Your Highness," Conrad suggested, pressing a hand against Yuri's back, physically pressuring Yuri to obey.
Kadin jerked the doors to Yuri's room open in one fluid motion as soon as they arrived. With a signal of his hand, Kadin ordered the three to remain in their current positions while he entered the room, inspecting it thoroughly. After confirming the safety of the room, he beckoned the others to enter.
Conrad shut the doors behind him quietly as he glanced at Kadin. "Do you know anything that would help us understand the situation?"
The other man simply turned his masked face away to observe Yuri and Wolfram.
Wolfram's hazy eyes became hard despite Yuri's attempts to soothe him. The demon king sighed pitifully and brought a hand to rub his forehead. "What of Gwendel and Murata?" he asked.
"They'll speak to the king to get what information they can," Conrad explained softly, his eyes on Wolfram. "How are you two feeling?"
Yuri released a sharp breath of air and he frowned sadly. "I guess I never expected something so…horrible. All those children. They were part of Red Eye from the looks of things…and…the ceiling with Wolfram's name," he whispered, settling his dark eyes on the blonde boy again.
Wolfram made a frustrated and angered sound as he buried a thin hand deeply into his hair. He still felt the illness crawling beneath his skin and with the recent contributions of the putrid smells, he wanted to vomit, pass out, wake up, and vomit again.
Kadin noticed his distress and thus, went before him. Wolfram blinked as the mysterious man kneeled before him and took his hand. A soft jade shade began to creep out of Kadin's hand and into Wolfram's, slowing relaxing the boy's muscles and disintegrating any remains of the sickness.
Despite his gratitude, Yuri felt a sting of an unusual emotion pierce his chest. He kept his eyes on Kadin and Wolfram's hands. "You have magic powers?" he asked suddenly realizing what Kadin was doing.
Kadin briefly shifted his hand to allow Yuri to spot the demon stone he held in his hand.
Yuri nodded, not really understanding how that enabled Kadin with healing powers, but he decided another time would resurface for such questions. At the moment, Wolfram was at the top of his 'To-Do' list. "You should…get some rest, Wolfram. You were still recovering and with all the stuff that's just happened…"
"I'm fine, Yuri," Wolfram insisted as Kadin released his hand. Yuri was quick to rest a hand on Wolfram's back gently, a tiny sad smile creeping into his lips when Wolfram did not pull away.
Kadin returned to his respective spot, near the large arched windows.
Conrad made to speak when a sound met his ears. He tensed as the gentle knock emerged from one of the doors. He grabbed the hilt of his sword and waited.
"It's us," Murata said, less cheery than normal.
Conrad removed his hand from the blade and opened the doors to allow Gwendel and Murata to enter. "That was relatively quick," he commented as he shut the doors once more.
"There wasn't much to go on," Gwendel informed them before shifting his eyes on Kadin. "The king is asking for you now."
Kadin briefly acknowledged Gwendel with a nod as he left the room.
"Hmm, he certainly keeps to himself, doesn't he?" Murata said mildly.
"What now?" Yuri asked nervously, his hands back in his lap, fidgeting. His eyes periodically shifted to Wolfram, who, although appeared upset, sat comparatively calmly on the bed.
Murata sighed tiredly as he leaned against a wall. He shut his eyes temporarily to collect his thoughts and analyze the recent events. "It's difficult to say if this so called Red Eye did this to target Lord von Bielefeld specifically. It could be a scare tactic from someone who got wind of the Great Demon Kingdom's presence here."
Yuri shook his head and said, "But their eyes…the right eye turned red. It has to be them, right?"
"That's what it comes down to, I suppose," Murata mumbled. "What would you like to do, Shibuya?"
"Me?" Yuri asked, baffled. "I…I don't know, really. I really want to work out this treaty with Sulteri but this group seems serious. I don't think, though, that we should just leave Sulteri when they're having this problem. I think they need help. They've been abandoned so many times before, right? It wouldn't be right to just leave…So I guess I say we stay a little bit more."
Murata smiled and nodded. "I see."
"It may be unwise, though," Gwendel said. "As you said, Your Eminence, we do not know for sure who their target was in this sick act but we also don't know what they want. For all we know, they could be after the demon king."
"Well, then, Lord von Bielefeld," Murata began softly. "What's your opinion on the matter since they chose your name for whatever purpose."
Wolfram's eyes remained on the tiled floor. "That child," he whispered.
Murata raised an eyebrow. "The-Ah, that dirty kid? Yes, I'm sure he was no illusion. His mysterious disappearance is also an issue."
"I saw him…"
"What?" asked Conrad.
Wolfram brought his eyes up quickly and he glared at the older man. "Nothing."
Yuri bit his lip, tempted to reveal the truth about the child. Somehow he suspected the boy's appearance in Wolfram's nightmares and his presence on Sulteri soil was no coincidence. Despite his better judgment, however, Yuri kept quiet.
"It appears we're all too shaken up still. Let's discuss these matters with the king later on then. " Murata offered as he propelled himself gently off the wall. "For now, we all need to take a break and Lord von Bielefeld has not completely recovered yet."
Wolfram remained silent, his eyes following the elaborate patterns of the floor.
"I'll remain here then, Your Eminence," Conrad stated as he held the door for Murata and Gwendel.
Wolfram instantly sat up from his spot on the bed when Gwendel and Murata left. He muttered words to himself as he roughly snatched his pants and yanked them onto his exposed legs. As he fastened the strings of the pants, Wolfram took up his boots and proceeded yanking them on with the same harsh force he used on his pants. Lastly, he began to settle his sword against his hip.
In response to Wolfram's actions, Yuri stood up slowly and asked, "What are you doing, Wolfram? You need to rest."
The demon king approached Wolfram when the other boy offered no response. "Wolfram," Yuri sternly said as he grasped one of Wolfram's wrists lightly yet firmly. "I asked you a question."
Wolfram met Yuri with a harsh glare. He acknowledged Yuri's authority momentarily before replying numbly, "I'm going out."
"Where? Don't lie to me," Yuri warned.
After a few moments of silence, Wolfram shifted his eyes away from Yuri to the windows. "To find that boy in the alley," he mumbled.
"No way."
Wolfram angrily jerked his arm from Yuri's grip. "Too bad. I need to find out what's he about," he firmly stated, noting Conrad approaching them.
"His Highness is right, Wolfram," Conrad said with a kind voice. "What use are you out there in such a state? Namir claims that it's a dangerous area. For now, we should focus on the meeting that's to come. Why would you be so interested in him at any rate?"
"It's none of your concern."
Conrad frowned.
Yuri narrowed his eyes but kept his eyes soft. "There's no way you're going out there. We can worry about that later, okay?"
Wolfram returned Yuri's request with a growl. "No," he partially hissed and made for the door tiredly.
"That's an order, Wolfram."
The blonde's hand froze just as he grasped the doorknob. His arm shakily released it but he kept his back to Yuri. He shut his eyes tightly in hopes to vanish away from the room. His desperation threatened to overcome whatever remained of his quivering composure.
A pair of gentle arms surrounded his body right below the ribs and, in response, Wolfram's eyes opened. He briefly tilted his head to the left and caught Yuri's dark hair draping his shoulder. "Yuri…"
Yuri's grip tightened. "I understand how you feel, Wolfram. Please, don't go. I don't want to see you get worse. We can investigate that later…together."
With a sigh of defeat and compassion, Wolfram gave a small nod as he clasped one hand over Yuri's. "You're such a wimp…"
"I know," Yuri replied, smiling sadly into Wolfram's shoulder.
Conrad smiled at the picture before him. "I'll ask a servant to bring over some tea," he said.
Yuri pulled back from Wolfram, but kept one hand on the warrior's shoulder. He led Wolfram to the bed, approving of the exhausted breath of air Wolfram released as his back made contact with the consoling sheets. "See? You were tired."
"Shut up."
As Yuri made to place Wolfram's boots and sword aside, Conrad peeked outside the room, intending to call for a servant. He paused when a lovely woman approached him with a small flat tray that contained three glasses and a teapot.
"I was about to just ask for tea," Conrad told her as she bowed her head in respect before entering the room.
Yuri's mood brightened as the servant drew near to him. She was fairly beautiful, her head draped with a transparent pink cloth in a manner that still exposed her face. Her flower decorated hair extended past her hips and Yuri blushed when she smiled sweetly at him. The fact that her entire stomach was revealed may have also contributed to the faint flush sweeping Yuri's cheeks.
"Here you are, Your Highness," she gently said as she presented Yuri with a golden cup filled with a dark tea.
Yuri nodded. "Thanks so much," he said almost too cheerfully.
Wolfram's eyes narrowed dangerously even as she offered him a cup. "Hmph," he declared. "Don't you get too cozy with my fiancé."
The servant merely smiled and handed Conrad a cup before placing the tray upon the dresser. As she bowed before them, Conrad asked, "Any news on the situation?"
She tilted her head in thought. "They're currently removing the bodies and cleaning the room and walls. That's all I know, Sir," she timidly responded.
"Thank you," Conrad said and shut the door behind her once she exited.
"She was pretty," Yuri claimed as he blew over his cup to cool down his tea.
Wolfram took a long gulp from his cup despite its high temperature and he grumbled, "Cheater."
Yuri frowned. "What? I'm just saying-"
"You're so insensitive!" Wolfram growled and as he made to further accuse Yuri, his eyes began to flutter repeatedly. The image of Yuri began to blur before his eyes. "Huh…?"
"Wolfram?" Yuri asked with a raised eyebrow. "You okay?"
Wolfram brought his free hand to his head and murmured, "I just…feel really sleep all of a sudden…"
Instantly understanding what was occurring, Conrad gently placed his tea down and drew to Wolfram's side. Carefully, he removed the cup from Wolfram's hand and tenderly pushed his brother to lie back down. "Sleep, Wolfram."
His younger brother made an irritated sound as he attempted to glare at Conrad. "I am not slee…py…," he whispered in a long breath before his eyes completely shut. "Not…sleepy…"
Conrad chuckled as he placed the cup on the dresser. "His Excellency's insight is truly impressive. I suspect he had a tea drugged especially for Wolfram."
"So he's drugged?" Yuri inquired as he inspected Wolfram's form. "Well, it's a drastic measure, but at least Wolfram can get some extra sleep."
"Yes, he's far too stubborn," Conrad admitted as he took a seat in a large cushioned chair near the corner.
Yuri smirked and proclaimed, "You three brothers all are."
Conrad smiled with a light laugh. "I suppose that's true."
Silence filled the air.
Yuri glanced at Wolfram and pressed his hand to a cheek that began reclaiming its coloration. "His fever doesn't seem to be coming back," he said happily. "I'm no wise man like Murata but I have a feeling that his illness isn't a coincidence. Do you think maybe I'm just too jumpy?"
"It's something to consider," Conrad replied, closely examining his godson's behavior. "You've certainly become close, haven't you?"
"Hmm? Oh…well, yeah. I trust him. I mean, at first I thought he was just a brat with an attitude problem but now…well, I don't think that anymore," Yuri confessed, smiling down at Wolfram.
Conrad hesitated but managed to clarify, "He cares deeply for you, Your Highness."
Yuri settled his look onto Conrad's face, trying to dissect the purpose for his statement. "I know he cares. Oh, you mean…like he….loves me?"
"Yes."
Yuri's expression drooped. "Conrad, if you want to ask me something, just ask. Right now, I'm not your king. I'm your godson," he stated.
With a small smile, Conrad nodded. "Very well. I don't mean to insult you by interfering with your personal issues but…what's your opinion of Wolfram?" he asked lightly.
"Well," Yuri began, meeting Conrad's eyes yet again. "I like him. I trust him very much and although he's impulsive and even rude at times, I…think that's just him. I like him just the way he is."
"What of your engagement to him?" Conrad asked, his nerves tensing in anticipation.
Yuri's mind faltered. He brought himself to observe Wolfram as he slept while he considered his answer. Finally, he mumbled, "I don't know anymore. At first, I wanted to end it and I mean, I like girls but…"
"But you like Wolfram as well."
At the comment, Yuri's face flared a deep crimson and he brought his hands up, shaking them frantically. "N-No! I don't…I mean, I don't think so…I like him but…not that way. I…"
Conrad smiled gently. "Your behavior doesn't emphasize your answer," he commented. "I understand it's different in your world but answer me honestly, if you will. Have you ever considered something more?"
Yuri bit his lip and brought his hands down, only to have them fidget madly on his robe. "I…honestly don't know. I…I mean…this is really awkward, Conrad."
"Forgive me, Your Highness."
Yuri shut his eyes tightly and only blushed further.
"I'm always here for you, Yuri," Conrad insisted, being sure to use his godson's name. "Both as your loyal servant and godfather."
Yuri's eyes softened as he opened them and hands mellowed at Conrad's gentle voice. "Thanks, Conrad."
"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you, Your Highness. I was curious because I saw you two today on the bed, against each other," his godfather explained with a shy look. "Forgive me."
"No, no, don't be. I guess I can't blame you. You're just looking after your little brother too. Shori would do the same for me, I suppose," Yuri said, hoping to alter the subject onto something less sensitive. "I know though for sure that I would rather marry someone I knew and liked rather than just a pretty girl I never knew…"
At those familiar words, Conrad's heart and smile sank. "I see," he whispered and before Yuri could inquire to his slight mood change, he continued. "Your tea will get cold, Your Highness. You should finish it."
"Oh, yeah, thanks," Yuri said as he grabbed his tea once more. "Hey, thanks for the talk, Conrad. It always lightens my mood even if was slightly embarassing."
"Of course, Your Highness."
Wolfram groaned in sleep.
101010
Gwendel released another breath of air for the third time, resulting in Murata to chuckle. "Worried over your young brother?" he asked gently.
The older man shut his eyes and grunted. "The situation is troublesome."
Murata smiled and took a sip of his tea. "I'm sure he's fallen asleep by now with the sedative I requested to be placed in his drink," he assured.
Gwendel shifted his attention to the door when a knock came. "Enter," he commanded and a muscular woman entered the room, carrying a large teapot.
"More tea, as you requested," the feigned female voice cooed.
Murata nodded and accepted the extra tea before stating, "You know, Yosak, the outfit is not very necessary. You could have easily disguised yourself as a male guard."
Yosak frowned at the comment before shrugging and smiling again. "I know."
Gwendel's eye twitched when he asked, "What have you got?"
Yosak withdrew a piece of paper from within the haven of his fake and large breasts. "It's as suspected, Your Eminence. The bodies of the children that were not Sulterians were from countries that currently have especially bad ties with Sulteri. Rashid is aware of this."
"Hmm. Perhaps Rashid has yet to inform us because he fears we'll suspect him of causing the incident," mused Murata, fingering the edge of his teacup while glancing at the ceiling, the words 'Welcome Home, Wolfram' entering his vision again.
"What of the children of Red Eye?" inquired Gwendel as he crossed his arms.
Yosak nodded. "Just as His Eminence suspected once again; some of the children were servants here in the palace. It's no wonder he doesn't want to tell you. From what I understand, he's desperate for this treaty."
Murata nodded slowly, in thought. "The ceiling," he murmured quietly.
"Your Eminence?" asked Yosak.
Murata set down his tea and circled the room, his eyes on the ceiling still. "They only time that those words could have been written was during our dinner, as the dried portions of the blood suggest. However, that's not possible because we all passed that room during our rush to the bath."
"What are you suggesting?" Gwendel asked, fearing the response.
"The blood was not average human blood," concluded Murata, stopping and gazing at Gwendel.
Yosak raised an eyebrow. "But…it's confirmed that those children's blood matches the blood on the ceiling," he explained, resting a hand on his hip.
Murata's eyes shut. "They were members of Red Eye and if the rumors are true, they are truly no ordinary humans. For blood to have dried so quickly it's as if…"
A scream tore through the hallways.
"Wolfram!" Gwendel roughly said.
"Do you need my assistance, Your Eminence?" Yosak quickly asked, adjusting his head piece to conceal the lower half of his face.
Murata shook his head as he began chasing after Gwendel out the door. "Do as you were told," he ordered and quickly exited the room in the direction of Yuri's chambers.
"What the hell is going on here?" Gwendel roared as he bolted through the doors of Yuri's room.
Conrad grunted as Wolfram ruthlessly bucked beneath him, shrieking and clawing like a wild beast. "We can't wake him out of it!" he shouted and groaned as a nail tore through his flesh on the left side of his face.
"He just keeps getting worse and he keeps trying to scratch his eyes out!" Yuri cried as he desperately attempted to hold down Wolfram's hysterical arms. At the same time, he attempted to reach Wolfram by speaking to him near his ear, which only provided him with even more screams and a slap.
Murata shoved aside servants as they inspected the current dilemma and rushed over. "This is no ordinary nightmare," he concluded and offered his aid by grabbing one of Wolfram's arms with two hands, allowing Yuri to focus on one arm.
"Get iced water!" Gwendel yelled as he too did his best to control Wolfram's violent outbursts.
Rashid soon entered and he gasped in horror. "Wolfram! What is this?" he demanded.
Kadin flew in with a large bucket filled with water and ice cubes. When the others caught sight of him, Conrad shouted, "On three! One…two…three!"
Everyone leapt off of Wolfram just as Kadin discarded the contents on the container over Wolfram's form. With a sharp intake of breath, Wolfram cried out and bolted into a sitting position, eyes opened. He panted heavily and began to tremble violently when his brain acknowledged the freezing state his body was in.
"It's alright, Wolfram" Yuri reassured as he quickly drew Wolfram into a towel that was provided by a servant. "You're alright now, it's okay."
Wolfram visibly shook as his skin absorbed the icy water. He vaguely noticed the others helping to dry off his freezing body. Yuri slowly pulled Wolfram to stand so the now soaked sheets could be replaced and he rubbed the boy's arms to offer some warmth.
"It…W-w-was…an-another," Wolfram began to say, his teeth chattering.
"Come on, let's change your clothes first," Yuri suggested as he aided Wolfram in removing his clothing, whilst Conrad held a large sheet to conceal Wolfram's nude body from the other members currently in the room.
After tightening the robe snugly around Wolfram, Yuri brought him into his arms, rubbing his back to circulate the blood and bring the blonde's temperature up decently. "Are you hurt anywhere, Wolfram?" he asked gently, frowning when Wolfram buried his face into Yuri's neck.
"Why…"
"What?"
Wolfram moaned into Yuri's neck pathetically and shook his head slightly, resulting in droplets of water to sprinkle onto the floor. "I was…so afraid," he whispered, tears trickling from his eyes to Yuri's collarbone.
Yuri felt his tears and his eyes shut sympathetically. The notion that Wolfram allowed his tears to escape before another person was enough evidence to convince Yuri that Wolfram was indeed not well. He embraced Wolfram tightly and whispered back, "It's…going to be okay, Wolfram. I won't let anything hurt you, okay?"
"Those of you not affiliated with His Highness's party, please leave the room at once," Rashid gently instructed and his servants, with the excepting of Kadin, exited the room reluctantly.
Conrad, who had set down the sheet by this point, was currently having his face inspected by Kadin. "It will be fine," he assured but Kadin took a firm grip onto his chin, preventing any further movements. "Are you alright, Wolfram?"
Wolfram, who refused to raise his head from his spot in the crook of Yuri's neck, slightly nodded. "I-I'll…be fine," he stubbornly stuttered.
"Here," Gwendel said as he loosely placed a blanket over Wolfram's shoulders. Yuri nodded his thanks and temporarily pulled away to drape Wolfram in the blanket more comfortable before embracing him once more.
"This is more serious than I anticipated," Murata muttered as he observed Wolfram.
Yuri hopelessly glanced at Murata and asked, "Any ideas?"
Murata sat on a seat and rested his chin on his hand. "Lord von Bielefeld, can you vividly recall your nightmare for me. "
"Murata," Yuri quietly hissed. "Let him calm down, first, at least."
"Dreams and nightmares fade away with every second after awakening, Shibuya," Murata sternly explained but kept his expression tender.
Wolfram mumbled against Yuri's neck, "Those children were trying to make me like them. They were doing something to my eyes and it hurt badly. They held me down and…then the pain began. That's all I remember."
Murata nodded as Wolfram elucidated the details and remained silent for a minute afterward. "I can't say for certain. It could be an unconscious reaction to what he saw since, after all, it was his name on the ceiling," he attempted to explain.
"There's more news regarding that, by the way," Rashid added as he shakily took a seat near Murata. "The blood on the walls…"
"What of them?" Gwendel asked, his eyes still focused on Wolfram.
Rashid fingered his thin beard and swallowed. "The portraits of our previous kings and their families were damaged by the blood but there were two portraits that were…different."
Murata's eyes narrowed as Rashid took in a shaky breath before continuing.
"The portrait of our previous king had an 'X' through it and…Khalid's portrait was circled," he breathed out, sweat forming over his eyebrows.
Wolfram made a distressed mewl into Yuri's skin, as if having already anticipating Rashid's response. Yuri patted his back softly, his face paling and nerves trembling. "What does it mean?" he asked, mostly to Murata.
Murata situated his elbows on his knees, clasped his hands, and pressed his forehead against them. "If I understand correctly, if what is said about Red Eye is true and the history of your royal family holds true, this is no coincidence. I believe all members of the royal family all died relatively young, did they not?"
Rashid nodded. "No one has made it past forty, from what I understand."
"So then it's possible the rumor that Red Eye has been successfully murdering the royal family behind the scenes somehow?" Murata asked.
Disturbed, Rashid only nodded once more.
Murata glanced at the others. "Perhaps if the former king was indeed involved with Red Eye, the X symbolizes that somehow. He was the only differently marked portrait besides Khalid."
"What of Khalid's portrait?" asked Yuri.
Gwendel crossed his arms and offered his opinion. "Perhaps they feel as if they let one slip away."
"Slip away? But he was killed, which is what Red Eye wants, if what His Eminence says is true," Conrad gravely said, flinching when Kadin began to patch up his face. Kadin's touch began to lose its gentleness.
"Where is Khalid's body?" inquired Gwendel.
Murata shook his head. "His body would have no obvious characteristics that would allow us to believe that it is Khalid's body. He died ten years ago."
Wolfram slowly shifted so that he faced the others. "I want to go out into town," he thickly said, completely ignoring the current conversation.
"Not that again, Wolfram," Yuri moaned, grasping the other's shoulder.
"You said we could check the town later, together," Wolfram said, repeating Yuri's earlier words.
Rashid opened his mouth in agape. His eyebrows raised in perplexity as he asked, "Whatever for? It may be too dangerous with the current situation."
"If they got into your palace undetected, then it's not safe anywhere," Wolfram crudely commented.
Yuri expected a harsh rebuttal but instead, the king gently smiled and his eyes softened considerably. "You are indeed like your mother, young Wolfram. If you insist, please allow Kadin to guide you. He's the best I have," he claimed.
Kadin stood up straight as he completed tending to Conrad and nodded.
Murata shrugged and added, "I see no issues with it. Be sure to come back soon, though. We still need to discuss what is to be done with the treaty among other things, correct?"
Rashid nodded. "Evening time, will do."
"Who knows, perhaps the walk will calm you down," Murata said, smiling again.
"Don't be impulsive now," Gwendel threatened as he held open the door.
After a stretch of the muscles, Murata presented Conrad with a hard stare. "Take care of Shibuya," he instructed as Gwendel began escorting him out.
Conrad glanced at Yuri, who was currently questioning Wolfram's health. His younger brother's expression returned to its usual form and his color had returned, obviously bringing relief into Yuri's eyes. Yuri smiled at Conrad slightly when he caught his godfather's gaze upon them.
"I will," Conrad whispered.
As Murata walked alongside Gwendel through the halls he mumbled in a low enough voice for only his companion to hear, "He's hiding the information Yosak informed us about."
Gwendel snorted and replied quietly, "He's either very desperate or very clueless."
101010
Kadin patiently kept still as Yuri struggled to climb down a long wall. "Are…you sure about this?" he asked as he began crawling off the roof.
Irritated, Wolfram growled through his headdress and shouted, "Come on, Yuri! Just jump! We'll catch you, for crying out!"
Although he appreciated the return of the 'normal' Wolfram, Yuri still felt frustrated when his companion only shouted insults, which was Wolfram's way of expressing encouragement, or at least that is what Yuri thought. Yuri took in a deep breath and attempted to lower himself down again and failed, resulting in another frustrated sound emerging from the back of Wolfram's throat.
"Don't yell at me! I'm a little scared of heights when it's this high up, okay? Sheesh," he grumbled as he located Conrad's awaiting arms, yet again. "Okay…here I…GO!"
He grunted as Conrad easily caught him before gently setting him down. "See, Your Highness? I told you I would catch you."
Kadin made a sound and the others quickly continued following him. He endured the small bickering between the blonde and double black as he led them to a murky and frighteningly empty alley. He glanced at Wolfram, as if requesting approval.
Wolfram nodded and said, "This will take us to where the other Sulterians reside?"
Kadin nodded and entered the shadows. Wolfram followed suit, with Yuri behind him and Conrad in the rear. The alley's temperature appeared fifteen degrees cooler than the normal market area and Yuri couldn't help but shiver. He noticed the dim light that awaited them at the end.
They stopped short, however, as Kadin's masked face turned at various angles, surveying the area. He concluded the present safety and allowed the others to step into the pitiful state of the east living area. Wolfram's eyes widened at the filth and horrid conditions that met his eyes.
"H-hey," Yuri whispered, his eyes soaking in the pitiful sights, "shouldn't we have at least worn rags? I know they can't see our faces with the headdresses but our neat clothes stand out."
Kadin ignored him.
Yuri frowned but supposed that if Kadin felt unthreatened by the clothing they wore, it was acceptable. His eyes returned to absorb the scene before him. "This is…horrible."
Children roamed among the streets, some too thin, playing with one another or sitting beside their families beneath a torn roof, which provided them with the only comforts of home they'll ever know. As they strolled along pass them, many rushed over to their sides, offering up their hands and Kadin made a gesture that ordered them to stay away.
"I can't believe these kids would really kill us like Namir said they would," Yuri mumbled and his face slightly flushed as he recalled his most recent experience with Namir.
"Well, they look desperate enough," Wolfram replied as he narrowed his eyes when a large building caught his attention. Women, men, and children occupied many of the unshielded windows while others stood before the building.
"A brothel," Kadin said, his voice deep and muffled due to his mask. Wolfram approved of the soothing tone he detected Kadin possessed.
"What? A whore house?" cried Yuri as he witnessed a particularly young boy calling for his attention from the brothel.
Conrad glanced at Kadin as they slowed down their walk. "So you can speak to others," he said, amused.
"We do not change our clothing into rags because many come here to the alley," Kadin explained, not replying to Conrad's statement. "Men who wish to get cheap labor and sex come to this place."
"But sex with children?" asked Yuri angrily. "We can't allow this to go on!"
Kadin faced Yuri and claimed, "This is life in every country, Your Highness. You have yet to discover that fact yet. There is always someone struggling to feed and as a result, they shift to more drastic occupations and deeds to survive."
"I don't care! That doesn't make it right!" Yuri shouted, his hands forming into fists.
Wolfram shoved Yuri aside and yelled, "There he is!"
Yuri, distracted in his claims, quickly looked to where Wolfram sprinted off. "Wolfram!"
"You!" Wolfram exclaimed as he rushed toward a small boy. The child lifted his eyes and offered Wolfram an expression of mild amusement. He stood still for a moment before dashing off into a partially deteriorating building.
Conrad called after Wolfram when his brother swiftly entered the building. With no other options available and after confirming Yuri's presence by his side, he burst through a rag that served as a door, following Kadin. They spotted Wolfram leaping out a window and they were quick to leap after him.
"You see him?" Yuri yelled after Wolfram, recovering from his very shaky landing.
Wolfram panted as he glanced around the new alleyway, searching for the small figure. "I know he leapt out here somewhere…"
"There!" Conrad said, pointing to a darkened corner.
The child smiled slightly as he temporarily watched the four draw near to him. After a few steps, he sharply turned on his bare heels and sped down a twisted stairway.
Wolfram growled as he reduced his speed as a result of the poorly constructed stairway that trembled beneath their feet. "Be careful," he advised as he descended cautiously.
As they progressed down the rickety stairway a child's cry of distress vibrated throughout the basement-like area. "What was that?" asked Yuri, anxious.
"No! Stop it! Let go of me!"
"Stop struggling you brat!"
Wolfram, despite the lack of light in the room, glanced at Conrad. The blonde warrior gritted his teeth before rushing down the steps quickly, practically leaping from the steps to the harsh ground. He unsheathed his sword and made his way to the sounds of a struggle.
In what little light there was, Wolfram distinctly made out a large figure harshly pinning down a weaker and smaller figure, presumably the boy. "Hold it!" Wolfram declared in as much of a sturdy voice as he could manage. Behind him, he slightly heard the others making their way down the stairs.
The larger figure turned, an older man with a sinister expression that overtook any handsome features he possessed. He smirked at Wolfram and threatened, "Get lost, boy. This one's mine."
"Let him go," ordered Wolfram as he took a step closer to the man.
"A fight is it that you want?" the man cooed as he roughly thrust the boy aside before releasing his own larger sword. "You sound like a pretty thing. Why don't you let me take a look at your face?"
Wolfram's lip curled at the comment. "How dare you-"
Before Wolfram could respond to the man's swift attack, Kadin swooped from above Wolfram, landing behind the man. In a fluid motion, Kadin thrust out his foot, causing the man to stumble backward, impaling himself on Kadin's curved blade. The stranger gagged as his own blood spurted into the back of his throat, choking him.
Kadin jerked his sword ninety degrees, ensuring a literal bone-crunching reverberation. The man released a final croak and Kadin shoved him off of his blade when the man's eyes rolled to the back of his head. He withdrew a dark piece of clothing and began elegantly swiping his blade of the blood.
"Are you alright, Wolfram?" Conrad asked as he finally made his way to the bottom, mostly due the difficulty of getting Yuri down safely.
Wolfram snorted and returned his sword to its sheath. "I could have taken him easily," he harshly said to Kadin.
The masked man continued wiping his blade.
Yuri had turned his eyes away at the death blow, loathing the killing of another. "Did…you have to kill him?"
"Yes," Kadin said candidly.
"Forget it, Yuri," Wolfram huffed and turned his face haughtily away from Kadin, irritated and with a slightly wounded ego. He ignored the man and began searching for the boy. He panicked when he found nothing. "He's gone!"
"What?" Conrad asked, aiding Wolfram in his investigate. He glanced up the stairway to the lighted door. "It looks like only the stairway is the way to leave. He couldn't have gotten up those stairs quickly enough to escape without his knowing."
"Do…Do you think he's…a ghost?" Yuri inquired in a frightened voice, his face paling both at the thought and of the dead corpse that occupied Kadin's side.
Wolfram rolled his eyes and waved a dismissive hand at his fiancé. "There's no such thing as a ghost, Yuri…Right, Kadin?" he asked hesitantly. Knowing Sulteri, anything strange was a possibility.
Kadin had already begun returning up the stairway. "He's not here. Let's go."
"H-Hey! Wait up!" Yuri cried as he turned to Wolfram. "Come on, Wolfram. He's not here and I get the feeling we better head back."
Wolfram slumped his shoulders as he stared at the empty and cracked floors. He turned to join the others when a crackling sound halted his steps. The ground violently rocked beneath him and he gasped. As quickly as possible he leapt over the cracks, letting out a sharp gasp of surprise when it began collapsing.
"Wolfram!" Yuri shouted as he extended his hand to grasp Wolfram's. His fingers brushed his blonde companion's before they quickly slipped through and Wolfram fell.
The ground tore completely beneath Wolfram and he let out a yelp as he and the corpse collapsed with the shattered pieces. His fall was abruptly broken though when his body collided with something firm but cushioned enough so as not to cause any permanent damage.
Yuri's head gazed down at Wolfram, a frightened look in his eyes. "Wolfram? You…okay?"
Conrad and Kadin joined Yuri by glancing downward. Wolfram met their concerned eyes and nodded. "I'm alright. Something horribly smelly broke my fall," he assured, turning onto his hands and knees to get a better glimpse as to what cushioned him.
"A rope's coming down," Kadin informed as he began rummaging through a pouch settled on his other hip.
Wolfram touched around to feel any signs of what he rested atop of. The only light provided was from the cracked ceiling above all their heads but Wolfram only made out shady lumps in the darkness. "Maybe this is where they store extra food?" he said aloud until his hand touched what he suspected was another hand.
Startled, Wolfram followed the hand, to an arm, and just an arm. He released out a repulsed scream as a bloody pulp of protruding bone and muscle ended his search. "Oh god!"
"What is it, Wolfram?" Yuri cried, bending over to make out as much as Wolfram as possible.
Wolfram groaned as he shakily searched around, hoping to disprove the theory he had just concocted in his brain. "Throw me down a match or something I can use to make light! I think I found a part of a dead corpse." he shouted, controlling his gag reflex when the smells began tempting his stomach to empty its contents.
Conrad's face vanished and returned a moment's later with a piece of wood, sliced properly at the top to sustain a fire. "Look out," he called as he dropped it into Wolfram's awaiting hand. "But you can't use your magic in human territory."
"I can't control them but I can still summon it a little," Wolfram said quickly as he focused his mind on calling whatever fire he could manage. "Hear me all particles who dwell in flame…"
Yuri blinked when a weak flare of fire burst out of Wolfram's hand before quickly diminishing. "You did it!" he triumphantly called as he witnessed Wolfram managing to catch a flame on the piece of wood. His eyes widened in horror at what rested beneath Wolfram. "That not just a part of a dead corpse…"
Kadin caught what frightened Yuri and he quickly began descending the rope.
"Wolfram!" Conrad cried. "Don't look around you."
Emerald eyes peered at Conrad suspiciously and, despite Conrad's order, Wolfram brought his eyes to his surroundings. "Oh…god…"
The lower level where he sat was filled with dismembered parts of humans, some having been disintegrated to the bone while others were still in the repulsive process of decaying. From what Wolfram could deduce, those that occupied the place were young and in their prime. Wolfram grunted to hold back a horrified gasp and greedily took hold of the rope when it was within arm's reach.
"I told you not to look," Conrad said with a deep frown when Wolfram's eyes reflected his disgust. "Hurry on and grab the rope with both your hands."
Wolfram blew out the wood and tossed it aside and made to grasp the rope with his other hand when something firm took hold of his ankle. Surprised, he jerked his head to discover the problem and he could only part his lips in a silent scream.
"You…" a groggy and horribly rasped voice croaked, belonging to a torn and maggot infested face. This particular face belonged to a body that maintained its upper portion of the body and left arm, equipped with the very shredded hand that currently tightly gripped Wolfram's ankle.
"Wolfram, what's wrong?!" Yuri yelled, panicking.
Wolfram let out a cry as he used his free foot to land a powerful blow to the face, but the cursed thing would not let go. At this point, another hand began clawing up Wolfram's other leg, belonging to no body. "They're grabbing me!" he shouted in horror.
"What!?"
The slick and wet sounds of corpses and body part slithering against one another began echoing throughout the room, soon to be united with the croaks and gags of the many heads that still contained portions of the throat.
Wolfram released another cry as the weight of the arms and hands that clung to his body began jerking him down. "I can't! They're pulling me down! I'm sinking!" he explained with another shout as he began, literally, drowning in the corpses.
"Hold the rope!" Kadin ordered to Conrad and Yuri before thrusting it to them. Without allowing a response, he leapt into the pit. "Wolfram!"
"He's suffocating in there!" Yuri screamed and he felt the purity of his demon powers rising to the tips of his fingertips.
Conrad's eyes darted into the pit but without the aid of the fire, he found it extremely difficult to discover any evidence of Wolfram.
"Wolfram!" Kadin called again, thrusting aside body parts that interfered with his search. A trembling hand thrust out from the decayed parts and Kadin roughly grabbed it, jerking and tugging with all his might. Wolfram gasped as his head emerged out of the pool of death and managed to grasp Kadin's hand with his other hand. "Behind you!" he cried.
Kadin swiftly drew out his sword with his free hand and hacked at the grabby hands and arms.
"The mask…" the heads moaned in unison. "…the…mask…."
With a final pull, Wolfram lurched from the pile, drenched with torn bodily tissue and blood. He panted and stumbled as the bodies beneath his feet began to tremble ferociously. Kadin quickly took a hold of Wolfram's waist and ordered, "Hold on!"
Wolfram desperately clung to Kadin's neck as the man grasped the rope with one hand and hacked at the creatures below them. "Now, Conrart!"
Conrad and Yuri gave a loud groan as they heaved the two up to safety. Kadin aided Wolfram to the top first before he swung himself over the top, breathing heavily. Beside him, Wolfram panted frantically while Yuri stroked his back.
"What the heck happened down there?" Yuri gasped as he inspected Wolfram for any injuries.
Wolfram shook his head and although the bodies stilled and the moans ceased, the vivid details became permanently imprinted within his mind. "I…I don't know," he whispered in a groggy and disgusted voice.
"A spell, perhaps," Kadin muttered as he stood up and began rolling the rope up. "The child must have been leading us into this trap, obviously."
"Why did they call out 'the mask'?" asked Conrad as he glanced down at the pit once more.
Kadin secured the rope into the pouch and replied, "Who knows."
"You seem awfully…calm about this," Yuri mumbled, grasping Wolfram's hand to pull him to a standing position.
With a careless shrug, Kadin proceeded to fluidly stroll up the stairs. "Once you live here long enough, a lot of strange things have little effect on you," he responded. "We need to return to the palace."
Wolfram's eyes met Yuri.
"He's right, Wolfram," Yuri said softly. "Haven't you had enough? That kid may have been trying to lead us into a trap as Kadin said. Besides, you're clothing is soaked now and I think Murata needs to know about this."
With a deep breath, Wolfram nodded in agreement. "Let's…go back," he said as he removed his filthy headdress. "I can't wear this though or go out looking so…bloody."
Conrad glanced at his godson and suggested, "We're wearing layers. We can offer you some of our clothing temporarily. As for your face, you'll just have to wear one of the robes like a cloak."
"Hurry it up, then," Kadin murmured. "We don't want to stay long enough to have those beasts awaken again."
101010
Murata pitifully smiled at the group as they stood in his chambers. "I see," he said once the events were explained to him, including the details regarding the brothels and the poor conditions of the people. "It certainly is very suspicious and disgusting. You'll tell King Rashid of this, yes?"
Kadin nodded.
Gwendel simply eyed Wolfram with the disapproval of an older brother before shaking his head. "You are not allowed to leave the palace walls until we discuss the issues tonight. You have run into too much trouble for your first day here," he declared with a firm voice.
"But brother-" Wolfram began.
"It's decided!" Gwendel gruffly growled. "This is what happens when you are too impulsive. If you had gone out there all alone you could be a rotting corpse by now!"
Wolfram narrowed his eyes in defiance and huffed, "I can hand-"
Murata raised his hand and said, "Enough. There's no point in arguing. Go get yourselves change. You reek."
Yuri flushed at the comment and turned to Wolfram. "Come on, Wolfram. Let it go. We'll talk about everything later. Too much has already happened…"
Defeated, angered, and mentally drained, Wolfram reluctantly followed Yuri, Conrad, and Kadin out the doors. The blonde grumbled as he felt humiliation mocking him. "I shouldn't have followed him," he admitted.
"What's done is done, Wolfram. At least we're all unharmed," Conrad explained with a gentle tone.
Wolfram glanced up at the brunette, noting the patched side of his face. "Sorry about that," he mumbled pathetically, attempting to maintain his pride.
"Hm? Oh, it's nothing, I assure you. It wasn't your fault. You were having a bad dream."
Yuri snuck a peek at Wolfram's flushed face and he smiled. "Go take a bath," he proposed to Wolfram. "It will make you smell better and relax you, I think."
"Are you calling me smelly?"
"Well…you sure don't smell great," Yuri clarified with a weak smile.
Wolfram shot him a glare but let is slide. "I would have taken one without your advice," he declared, turning away.
"I'll request the bath," Kadin said and left their group as quickly as he spoke.
Yuri glanced as the man swiftly and elegantly ambled away. "I guess he's warmed up to us if he's still talking to us," he said.
"We've barely been around him," Wolfram offered as a rebuttal. "Maybe he's just a freak."
"Wolfram," Yuri said in a rebuking manner.
"Shut up, wimp. I've had a long day."
Yuri made to respond but the way Wolfram expressed himself reminded Yuri that his blonde comrade did, indeed, endure a harsh first day in Sulteri. "Yeah, you have," he replied compassionately.
They entered one of the baths that had been prepared very quickly. Wolfram allowed a deep breath to escape his lungs, the heat of the bath instantly soothing his mental and physical state. He neared the edge of the waters and jerked off his clothing.
Yuri flushed at Wolfram's quick action but sustained his composure as he began removing his own clothing. "Aren't you going to take a bath too, Conrad" he asked when his godfather made no movements indicating his interest in a bath.
"No, that's quite alright, Your Highness. I'm still clean and smelling just fine. I'll stand guard," Conrad said, smiling and Yuri took comfort in its return.
As Yuri completed settling his clothing aside, Wolfram had already began rubbing his body with a soft material coated in a soapy substance. The demon king lowered himself into the warm waters but kept his distance from Wolfram.
Yuri bathed himself and when he glanced briefly at Wolfram soaping his shoulders, Yuri bit his lip and asked without thinking, "Do you want me to wash your back for you?"
Wolfram paused and turned to look at him harshly. "Are you mocking me?" he replied cruelly, suspecting Yuri teasingly mimicking his own question when they took baths together.
"No! I…I mean it," Yuri replied, although a portion of his mind punched his brain for asking such a question. "You…You've had a long day, as you said. I'm trying to be…helpful."
After a moment's thought, Wolfram tossed the soapy cloth at Yuri. "Come here, then," he said, settling down on a low bench that framed the inner walls of the bath.
Yuri groaned mentally but did as he was instructed. You can't go back now, he ordered himself as he sat behind Wolfram. Tentatively, Yuri placed the clothed against Wolfram's back and applied pressure as he rubbed the pale back in circular motions. He felt more awkward at the thought that Conrad could clearly monitor them and at that, he blushed.
"I thought you were going to wimp out on me," Wolfram commented as he contently shut his eyes.
"Well then I guess you better stop calling me a wimp then."
"Not a chance. You're still a wimp."
Yuri sighed but a smile planted itself on his face. Once he completed the upper back, he shyly and slowly brought the cloth lower. "You…doing good?" he asked after a gulp.
Wolfram nodded. "Thanks."
"It's not a big deal, I'm just-"
"No," Wolfram interrupted, "I mean, for everything. You've been very good to me today. You were even a good sport when I was ill and I forced you into the bed. So…thanks."
Yuri's eyes softened. "You didn't…force me," he whispered. "I…I didn't mind."
"Really?" Wolfram questioned, arching his neck to glance at Yuri's dark eyes.
Yuri met his eyes and he offered the boy a small nod. "Really, Wolf."
In a slow motion, Wolfram adjusted his position so he faced Yuri, creating ripples of water that lightly splashed against the demon king's bare chest. Yuri's eyes focused on the damp golden curls that clung to Wolfram's neck and he felt a nervous tension rising in his body. "Er…Wolfram?"
Wolfram's long lashes shut and Yuri uncomfortable noticed the boy's upper body leaning into his own. In a panic, Yuri cried out when Wolfram's lips nearly brushed his own and he harshly shoved Wolfram away by the shoulders.
Yuri instantly regretted the motion when a cold and pained expression settled into Wolfram's eyes. "I…I…You shouldn't…Er….I gotta go!" he stuttered and scurried out of the water, snatching the towel that Conrad held out before rushing out of the bath.
Wolfram flushed, both from anger and humiliation when Conrad met his eyes sympathetically. "Wolfram," his brother began in a gentle voice. "I'm-"
"Don't. Go watch over His Majesty," Wolfram icily grumbled, turning his back to Conrad, his shoulders stiff but drooping.
Conrad offered Wolfram's back a final sad stare before hurrying after the demon king.
After their footsteps faded, Wolfram lathered his hair with the provided hair care products. He was quick to complete his bath soon after and reached the edge of the porcelain bath. As he braced his hands against the edge to hoist his body up, his eyes caught a flash of darkness hovering over him but when he glanced up, nothing met his vision.
Wolfram shrugged it off but remained alert as he dressed himself with the newly presented loose clothing. He then proceeded to return to the room, with a smaller lightly colored towel draped around his neck to capture any trickles of water that escaped from his still damp hair.
Before he managed to reach the room, however, a dark figure crept into the room assigned to Conrad. Suspicious, Wolfram placed his sword on his hip and removed it from its sheath. Cautiously and on his toes, Wolfram approached the room and peeked into the crack that was a consequence of the barely ajar door, where Kadin's form was revealed. Wolfram took in a deep breath to steady himself and he kicked open the door completely.
Kadin spun around and slammed into Wolfram without any forewarning, his curved blade at the blonde's throat, a motion away from being sliced. The towel that rested on Wolfram's shoulders collapsed to the ground in a solid motion, creating a think wet sound as it hit the ground.
Such speed, the pinned warrior thought as the masked face drew in closer to examine him.
"You," Kadin mumbled as he pulled away and lowered his sword. "Forgive me. I mistook you for someone else."
Wolfram blinked as he released a pant, his breath utterly taken away at the incredibly swift action. "What…What are you doing here?" he asked once his senses returned, his sword raised at Kadin.
"I suspected I had shut the door. How careless of me. Why are you not with His Highness?"
Wolfram growled. "Answer me."
"He left you," Kadin stated bluntly.
Wolfram's eyes narrowed after his mind absorbed what Kadin was referring to. "Were you spying on us in the bath?" he inquired with a sharp tongue.
Kadin lowered his sword and took a few steps toward Wolfram, resulting in the boy to step back, intimidated. "It's quite a sad sight; having an unrequited love," the man whispered deeply, his hand nearing Wolfram's face.
"Don't touch me!" Wolfram snapped as he slapped away the hand. Kadin quickly responded by grasping the wrist of the hand that held the sword. "Let go of me, you beast! What are you doing in Conrart's room?!"
"Stop struggling," ordered Kadin as he thrust Wolfram against the wall, slamming the hand repeatedly that still held the sword until Wolfram released it. "Don't fight me."
Wolfram's heart raced in fear when his arms were brought over his head, pressed against the wall with one firm grip of Kadin's hand. His eyes widened when the free hand stroked his face and the blonde made to bite him.
"I wish I could…" Kadin began, easily avoiding Wolfram's teeth.
Instantly, Wolfram sensed Kadin's hands loosen as his guard dropped and the ex-prince took his chance. He reeled his head back as far as the wall permitted and brought his head in a swift movement, smashing it against Kadin's mask.
The man cried out and stumbled back, clawing at his mask.
Wolfram groaned when colored circles darkened his vision temporarily. He slowly fluttered open his eyes and felt blood trickling from the source of his forehead. Dizzily, he snatched up his sword and aimed for Kadin's chest. He gasped and witnessed the mask cracking on its left side, resulting in tiny shattered pieces crumbling to the surface of the floor.
"N…No," Wolfram whispered at what he saw.
A golden eye met his.
The man grunted as his hand grasped his mask and he slowly removed it, allowing the broken remains to shatter to the ground in one solid motion.
Wolfram's shook his head in denial as he staggered backward, not believing who stood before him.
"Khalid."
1010…tbc…1010
Well, I'm sure that it wasn't a major surprise to some of you, but I enjoyed writing it very much nonetheless.
Regarding Wolfram's capability of summoning a fire, it was inspired by the episode where Wolfram fought the masked Gegenhuber where he attempted to use fire to scorch him. Instead, he managed to summon the fire that was erratic and it vanished very quickly. That's what I was making Wolfram refer to, just so you know.
Well, if you're curious for more, tell me so. Don't worry over the graphic details. I'll try not to overdose on it but I did add a second genre of 'horror'.
Also, some of you mentioned Namir's irritating person. I made him that way purposely since I constantly hear about how innocent and great children are when there are some downright brats out there! I would know, I just spent the entire morning at my brother's elementary school volunteering for the Valentine's Day party. Children are just as cute as they can be brutal...
Anyway, I hope you tell me your thoughts!
Happy Bloody Valentine's Day! My Valentine's Day gift to you all!
Love,
Mirai Kurosaki