Papercut
A/N: The next update will most likely not be up within a week. I need to focus on two papers and finals (joy). On March 21st my break begins, however, and then it's just writing from there until classes start once more!
Response to those wonderful reviewers:
lusciousspike: Thank you very much for the review! Aw, I'm terribly sorry for making you pout but I'm happy that you're wanting more! I hope that everything I write continues to be pretty easy to understand. Here's another chapter! Enjoy!
Mini: Thanks for the review and compliment! I hope to continue in doing a good job!
funnymage: Thank you for the review and compliments! I'm sorry the update is a little slower compared to the last chapters but at least it's up, right? Glad you find the story amazing and I really hope you give me your opinion about this chapter!
ochika: Thanks for the review very much! I loved your response being 'WOW'. It made me so happy! Ooh! You printed the chapters and read them during class? You naughty person, but I am grateful you were actually willing to print them out! Don't worry about not having reviewed; I'm just so happy you reviewed again! Murata is indeed calm, isn't he? He tended to always be calm in the anime to me. Regarding Conrad and Gwendel, I'm glad you enjoyed them because there's plenty more of them coming up! You'll understand more about Khalid in later chapters, but he certainly is still interested in Wolfram. I'm sure you life isn't too dull…maybe? If I am bringing you amusement, that's what matters, at least. Thank you for the long review and, as you can see, I replied with one just as long! Hope you enjoy the chapter!
thacha: Thanks for the review again! I attempted to reply to you via email but it failed. At any rate, Red Eye will unfortunately remain a mystery until later chapters, but that's what makes it interesting I believe. Plenty more gore, Yuuram moments ahead! I love Gwendel's character and I really wanted to have him present in this fic. I'm glad you enjoyed Khalid embracing Wolfram and Yuri's supposed jealousy. I hope to keep him in character despite his new found interest in Wolfram. Thanks again and hope to hear from you on this chapter!
Lina: Hello again and thank you for another review! I'm so happy you made the analogy of Yuri and Wolfram going to the zoo. I think they're both capable of being childish; after all, they're still so young. You've made the accurate assumption that Yuri is mostly threatened when Wolfram returns Khalid's affection. More of those situations to occur! I'm wholly overjoyed that you love this fic and your support, along with the other reviewers, have truly inspired me to continue with the story. Thanks so much, truly!
kaori: Thank you for the review! It made me chuckle. Your excitement also makes me excited! Here's another chapter for you! Thank you very much again! Enjoy!
Enormous thanks to those of you that reviewed! It forced me to realize how much you all want this story to continue and it worked! I feel grateful and cheery! Thanks every so much and here's another chapter just for you all!
Spoilers: Bad old Big Cimaron
Warnings: Graphic violence
More information coming at you but it is balanced with a special Yuuram moment.
101010
Murata hummed as he contemplated the recently bestowed details of the headless body. With the softest of sighs, he raised and lowered his shoulders in a shrug. "Well, I'm glad you decided to inform me about it but there's not much that can be done with that," he affirmed, browsing at the others.
After emitting an equally soft sigh, Yuri allowed his demeanor to droop considerably. "I guess. I just found it…creepy. Wait. Doesn't that mean someone had to have gone into that gross pit to get that body out?" he asked, dumfounded.
Conrad nodded as he shut his eyes. "That's true," he began slowly, in thought, "and, of course, why that body?"
"Perhaps they were curious to acquire an intact body," suggested Gwendel.
Khalid shook his head lightly. "All the bodies we witnessed were not whole. If they were interested in a whole body, it's most likely they would obtain it via a different method," he explained, glancing at Wolfram.
"Maybe someone saw us down there?" asked Yuri.
"That child," murmured Wolfram, returning Khalid's gaze. "That kid that's been following us saw us and maybe he told someone."
Murata offered a slightly irritated expression as he stood up and partially raised his arms. "Like I said, there is nothing more we can do. Too many explanations are possible. I think it's best if we just proceed with our original plans to return tomorrow morning."
"Yeah, you're right, I guess," mumbled Yuri. "I think we should just relax in the castle until tomorrow."
Gwendel nodded his assent. "You managed to explore the area, as little as it was. Now is not the time to consider oneself on a vacation," he grumbled.
Before Yuri managed to grasp the door handle to exit, a thought pierced his mind. "Oh, that's right. Did you guys find anything with the letters Rashid borrowed to you?" he questioned, noting the scattered papers on a desk to his left.
Murata followed Yuri's gaze to the papers. "We're still studying them but there doesn't seem to be any problems. Do you have any useful information regarding the letters, Khalid?" he asked, capturing Khalid's eyes with a sturdy stare.
"I only recall that they were intercepted," Khalid responded, returning the Great Sage's powerful gaze.
"I see. Well, thanks anyway. We can contact you if we have more questions?"
In response, Khalid nodded and bent his body in a gesture of a bow. "Will that be all, Your Eminence?"
Murata smiled and jerked his hand, ushering the others to leave. "Thanks for telling us about that, guys. Go on and relax for now. We'll be done soon enough."
Yuri frowned and said, "Shouldn't you go out, Murata? You've been inside all the time."
"I visited the gardens," commented Murata. "It's quite large and relaxing. You may like to visit them too. Just be sure to have someone accompany you at all times. You are our king, after all."
With a slight inclination of the head, Yuri narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips in a pout. "I know, I know. We'll see you later, Murata," he said irritatingly just as Conrad held the door open, permitting their departure.
As they strolled through the still partially bloody hallways, Khalid presented a servant with his mask and the headdress, indirectly instructing her to place them away. Yuri glanced at the young servant who was only a tad taller than Namir.
"Where is Namir, anyway?" asked Yuri, recalling the boy's absence for the majority of the day. "Is he…okay?"
Khalid allowed the servant to pass by him before returning to the others. "He's still rather upset. You must understand that, Your Highness. Some of those children worked in the palace and were friends of Namir. He's suffering."
"Oh," Yuri mumbled, eyes lazily scanning the portrait of Khalid situated on the wall to his right. "I didn't know. Losing so many friends like that is so sad. What kind of group is Red Eye, anyway; murdering innocent children?"
"Yuri," Wolfram breathed gently, clasping the demon king's shoulder. "Worrying over something won't make things better."
Yuri huffed but nodded in agreement, lightly squeezing Wolfram's hand. "I'm sorry, Wolf. I just…I'm just upset about it and the poor kids in that alley. I also worry about…"
"About what, Your Majesty?" asked Conrad when Yuri remained silent.
In a frantic motion, Yuri flushed and shook his head. "It's nothing. I think once we get back home I'll feel a bit more relaxed."
Swiftly, Khalid grunted as his hand clutched the hilt of his blade and tore it out of its sheath, producing a sharp reverberation. Khalid's pupils contracted upon locating their prey and in a powerfully elegant motion, the man's body propelled off the ground before smashing into a hidden figure located near the ballroom.
Yosak gasped and groaned once his head crushed against wall. "Ow, ow, ow…"
Khalid gravely bore his eyes into Yosak's, identifying his victim. Disappointedly, he removed his blade from the contents of Yosak's throat, a frown forming through his lips. "Here I thought I caught a spy that actually presented me with a threat," he murmured, sheathing his sword.
After rubbing his neck thoroughly, Yosak hacked and glared amusingly at Khalid. "I bet you knew it was me the whole damn time. You just wanted to hit me!"
"Yosak!" Yuri cried joyously, a surprised expression upon his face. "I didn't know you were here!"
Wolfram crossed his arms and commented, "He was to lay low and discover any new information that Rashid withheld from us. That's ruined now though."
"Rashid has no lethal motive to conceal information from you," replied Khalid, eyes observing Yosak's womanly garments. "Regarding your other comment; I did know it was you."
"So you did want to hit me!"
"I never claimed that."
Yuri blinked as he surveyed the two men. "Wait, you knew about Khalid being back, Yosak?" he asked.
The spy grinned at Yuri and sheepishly ran a hand through his hair, careful not to damage his disguise. "Eh, well, I'm still surprised to see him even though His Eminence told me the details," he replied.
It was then that Yuri recalled Conrad's tale. Didn't Yosak just sit back and watch Khalid get killed? Yuri questioned himself, suspiciously eyeing Yosak and Khalid.
Conrad chuckled and provided his companion with a smile. "How are things, Yosak?"
Yosak shrugged flippantly, eyes still monitoring Khalid significantly. "Just keeping ears out for anything suspicious but that may be over now that this guy knows about me," he uttered poorly.
"I have no interest in revealing your true identity," Khalid testified, waving a dismissive hand toward Yosak. "Frankly, anyone who is incapable of discovering your fake breasts isn't worth my time."
"What of Rashid, then?"
Khalid clicked his tongue and tilted his head. "He knows, of course," he explained, delighted in the irritated expression Yosak wore.
Despite the harsh comments, the air lacked any thick tension and Wolfram lightly smiled at the two. It was obvious, through Yosak's body language, his mistrust of Khalid was great and yet not substantial enough to completely terminate the old and affable relationship they once possessed.
Yosak's hard eyes softened. "Hey…"
"We'll speak of matters at another time," articulated Khalid, acknowledging Yosak's reference to the past. "During this respite, I'm sure you have your errands to run and I would like to speak with Wolfram."
Wolfram raised both eyebrows in skepticism. "Huh?"
Khalid's eyes slanted, piercing into Wolfram's darker eyes. "I would appreciate a conversation before we return to the Great Demon Kingdom."
Wolfram blinked momentarily as he exasperatingly ogled the man beside him. "What, again?" he huffed, depositing a thin hand on a narrow hip. "I don't-"
"It's urgent."
Uncomfortable in nervous situations, Yuri hesitantly caught Conrad's eye. "Don't worry about me, Wolfram," he timidly said, offering Khalid a sincere smile. "You didn't have enough time to really talk today so now's as good a time as any, right?"
Slightly thwarted, Wolfram witnessed Yuri maintaining a cheery grin. "Alright," he replied to Khalid, his mind pondering over Yuri's recent comments. "Where would you like to go?"
"Follow me," Khalid instructed, lightly taking Wolfram's hand, guiding the younger boy toward an exit. Wolfram briefly glimpsed over his shoulder at Yuri before returning his attention ahead.
Yosak placed a crooked finger under his chin, thoughts gathering. "It appears he's still obsessed with Wolfram," he murmured, amused by Yuri's creeping blush.
Yuri blankly examined Conrad and Yosak share a disturbed expression, one he was unable to comprehend. Conrad slid his eyes to the ends of the hallway where Khalid and Wolfram vanished. "Yosak, if you're not too preoccupied-"
"Consider it done," Yosak replied happily before swiftly retreating.
"Hm? Where's he going, Conrad?" asked Yuri, glancing up at his godfather.
"He's just…running an errand for me."
101010
Wolfram gently sighed as he sniffed the tender aroma of the various flowers. A placid stroke on his face shattered his peace and he jerked his face away, grimacing. "Don't do that, Khalid," he ordered, narrowing his eyes. "I hate repeating myself."
"Things cannot be as they once were, can they?" asked Khalid, eyes incredibly bright and abnormally affectionate. "I've become a suspect."
Desolately, Wolfram released a breath of tension and shut his eyes to repress the raging emotions that currently overflowed his mind. "No…they can't, Khalid. I'm…sorry. A lot happens in ten years," he whispered, apprehensively fidgeting with his fingers.
A deep and brief chuckle emitted from within the caverns of Khalid's throat. "Indeed. To think we would have been wed by this point and living together, here," he stated in a melancholy tone, his eyes quickly darting to a bulky tree momentarily.
"Perhaps the Great One made it so. Maybe I was destined to meet Yuri and…"
Khalid's fingers shook as he clenched them roughly. "…and fall in love?" he bitterly hissed, completing the sentence for his comrade.
In response, Wolfram barely flinched. "Don't be this way, Khalid. How many times must I say it? I don't lo-"
"I've heard it one too many times already, Wolfram. I suppose I always hoped with time you would adjust," Khalid informed Wolfram, nonchalantly brushing the light curls, twirling them around his fingers. "At times I wonder if I should have allowed myself to die but that was selfish. Even if you refuse to return my affection, I'll still remain by your side."
"Khalid," Wolfram murmured, taking the man's hand into both of his own. "This…is awkward but I don't…I'm sorry. I guess that's all I really can offer you."
Slowly, Khalid lowered his face to press his lips to Wolfram's temple, where the bandage remained, as he embraced the smaller figure. "Allow me this much. May I ask you for a final time to whom you belong, once more? Not now, but at a later time?" he asked, chin resting upon Wolfram's head.
"I don't see what it will do but if you're so fixated on it, then fine," responded Wolfram, reclining his head into Khalid's chest. "You're still as difficult as ever, I'll say that."
"You're just as rude and cold as ever," retorted Khalid, idly stroking Wolfram's forearm with one hand. "At least you don't cower from my touch. That's enough to bring me peace."
Wolfram snorted but smiled slightly. "You're pathetic," he said quietly, eyes lazily shutting.
"May I kiss you?" Khalid asked softly.
"Where?"
"On your lips, of course."
"No."
Khalid dejectedly smiled. "Saving them for His Highness?" he questioned cynically.
"That's none of your business," grumbled Wolfram and as he parted his eyelids, he released a startled cry. He bolted from Khalid's arms, eyes wide and hand clutching his sword dreadfully.
The small filthy child ogled him from a distance, beside an attractively skewered shrub.
Wolfram's body tensed radically and Khalid followed the blonde's gaze, his eyes lacking any amusement. "What is it?" he asked curiously, unaware of what piqued the boy's interest.
Bewildered and frustrated, Wolfram tore his eyes fleetingly from the child to Khalid. "What are you talking about? Tha-That boy! He's here!" he cried in a frenzied voice, jerking a finger to where the boy stood, only to discover the lonely shrub. "W-What?"
"I see nothing," added Khalid as his eyes scanned the surrounding area.
"I…But I…I know I just…"
Khalid returned his bright eyes to a nervous and perplexed Wolfram, who bit his lip apprehensively whilst his eyes darted around the area. "Don't do that to your lip," Khalid instructed, grasping Wolfram's chin firmly. "You're bleeding."
In a rapid and rude gesture, Wolfram shoved off Khalid's touch as he stood up, hand clenched. "Forget about that!" he cried despite the slight sting that crept throughout his bottom lip. "I know what I saw! I'm not making it up!"
"I think you're tired," replied Khalid, his eyes hungrily gawking at the partially crimson lip.
"Damn it, Khalid! Are you even listening to me?!"
Before Wolfram received a proper response, however, Khalid arose, gripped his chin and arm confidently, and lodged a succulent kiss to his lips.
101010
"Is something troubling you, Your Highness?"
Yuri muttered to himself as Conrad accompanied him in preparing their bags for tomorrow's departure. With a bowed head, Yuri stole a glance at his godfather and asked, "Conrad, can I talk to you…about Wolfram?"
Pausing in his task, Conrad smiled and nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. What troubles you?"
"I…I told Wolfram I'd try to make the engagement work today. You know, before we got into a fight and rolled into the lake," Yuri recalled with a sheepish laugh.
Conrad raised his eyebrows, a small suggestion of glee in his eyes. "You did? Well, I wish you two the best, then, Your Highness. This isn't the cause of your problems though, is it?"
Hesitantly, Yuri bit his lip as he contemplated, searching for the correct words. "Well," he began, flushing faintly, "I'm…I'm really glad that, if what Rashid says is true, Khalid is back and all but I feel awkward. I mean, this guy is…into Wolfram and here I am, all of a sudden, telling Wolfram I won't neglect our engagement."
"Are you threatened by Khalid, Your Highness?" asked Conrad, eyes gentle and coaxing.
At this, Yuri's face darkened as it flushed further. "I…I don't…think so. I don't know. I...I just…and I kissed Wolfram when he teased me…"
Conrad lightly chuckled and shook his head. "Don't be so nervous around me, Yuri. I'm here for you and I'm not going to judge you," he insisted with a consoling voice.
As Conrad's words penetrated Yuri's foreboding and began loosening his muscles, the demon king released a large breath of air. Yuri nodded and adjusted his body into amore comfortable sitting position, eyes locked with Conrad's.
"Conrad…I…er…"
"Go on, Yuri."
"I'm worried about Wolfram," Yuri finally whispered, his anxiety outwitting his determination, resulting in his eyes sliding to the ground. "I guess what I mean is that I'm worried about his relationship with Khalid."
Conrad tilted his head with a small look of perplexity. "I see," he slowly replied, acknowledging his own concern over his younger brother, especially regarding Khalid and the strange cult that targeted the blonde warrior.
With a vulnerable groan, Yuri crushed his face into the palm of one of his hands, his eyes shutting tightly. "I'm…new to this, Conrad but I think there's more," he moaned into his hand.
"More?"
After a relatively decent length of a pause, Yuri's hand fell limp from his face, landing into his lap. His eyes rose, slightly frightened and susceptible. Conrad's eyes narrowed with concern at the pathetic expression Yuri offered him.
"I think I'm falling for him, Conrad."
Conrad blinked, his eyes reflecting joy and confusion. "I…see," he softly murmured, observing an extremely uncertain Yuri. "What gave you this realization?"
In a light motion, Yuri flushed and bowed his head to conceal his eyes. "Maybe it's because of the…more personal time we've spent alone. I don't know even if that's what I'm feeling. I just know that I…feel different. I don't deny that he's got a pretty face but…I think it's more. I just…I don't…know…"
"Like I mentioned earlier, you like Wolfram's personality. It is compatible with yours, I believe," stated Conrad, smiling. "You don't want someone with all the same interests or the same temperament. You follow your heart, but you're not as impulsive as Wolfram. You tend to think issues through with more time than my brother. You're a good match for each other."
Yuri slightly nodded as Conrad spoke. "I guess. I just…want to know how I confirm that I'm actually…you know…"
With a faint chuckle, Conrad stood up and set aside a bag. "Well, maybe if you try something that's affectionate, you'll feel it, such as a kiss," he suggested, slightly amused at how horribly embarrassed Yuri suddenly appeared. "It's…just a suggestion, of course."
Yuri moaned. "I never expected this to happen to me. I…thought I liked girls and now I'm having a major identity crisis," he cried, tugging on his hair.
"Yuri," Conrad smoothly said, kneeling beside his godson. "Understand that it doesn't change who you are. You're still a great king and person regardless of that. Liking Wolfram isn't going to change anything about that."
As Conrad's words registered, Yuri faintly smiled. "Wow, Conrad, I never knew you were so good with advice. Thanks. I think I feel a little better about it now."
"Well, I'm just honored that you chose to speak to me about it. I do think you need to find your own conclusion with Wolfram," Conrad insisted.
Yuri sighed as he situated his chin into a cupped hand, his eyes hazily tracing the evening clouds. "I wonder how things will go if I…do end up with him, you know? I mean, I don't know what to even do with a girl, let alone a boy. I still can't really even see myself with Wolfram."
Conrad presented Yuri with a sympathetic expression. "There's no manual for love, Your Majesty," he said.
As Conrad set aside their equipment, Yuri vaguely smiled as he continued to examine the darkening skies.
"Love, huh?"
101010
Khalid shifted his jaw with a frown and frivolously brushed the darkening coloration of a bruise that formed around his jaw line. "There wasn't any need for you to punch me, was there?" he softly asked, shifting his eyes to an extremely flustered and raging Wolfram.
Growling, Wolfram stomped a foot powerfully into the ground and rose a deadly fist into the air. "You pervert! Try something like that again and this fist will crush something more sensitive than your face!" he bellowed.
"It's just a final kiss."
Just as Wolfram attempted to threaten Khalid once more, emerald eyes widened as a sharp intake of air escaped him. Khalid craned his neck somewhat to catch a glimpse of what startled the blonde. His eyes faintly narrowed at the sight of a looming man.
"Gwendel," Khalid uttered solemnly, a hand slithering to his blade cautiously.
The eldest of the brothers snorted and pounded the ground as he approached the two. "Wolfram! Go back inside," he demanded harshly, noting the bruise complimenting Khalid's face.
"What? Why?! I have-"
"Now!" thundered Gwendel, startling his young brother.
Wolfram nearly obeyed but the sight of Khalid momentarily ceased his retreat. Shakily, Wolfram stood his ground and returned a passionate look. "N-No. I won't go! I won't! You cannot make me!" he declared, carefully situating himself between the two larger figures. "Please, brother! Don't get upset with Khalid! I punished him myself for it, alright? Please! I don't…"
As Gwendel made to ferociously force Wolfram to obey, his eyes softened as a tear glided down a flushed cheek. His youngest brother sniffed pitifully as he shook his head violently. In a trembling voice, Wolfram cried, "I don't want any more arguing! I don't want any more anger! I just...want to have ten minutes of peace here!"
Both Gwendel and Khalid frowned at Wolfram's words, the boy's arms extended to literally employ his body as a shield. "Yuri, being the wimp that he is," he began softly, eyes brimming with tears, "he wants to trust Khalid and…I want to trust him too. I've missed him so much, brother. Please don't…"
While Gwendel raised an arm, Wolfram grimaced, anticipating a blow. A solid hand situated itself on his head, clumsy fingers loosely tangling themselves in the golden labyrinth of curls. Gradually, Wolfram raised his eyes to Gwendel, who shut his eyes sympathetically.
"You best get to bed, soon. We leave early tomorrow," Gwendel gruffly mumbled.
Wolfram smiled appreciatively and weakly.
In a leisure motion, Gwendel provided Khalid with a warning glance and shifted his weight on his heels, turning around to exit the gardens. He paused as a churning sound met all their ears. The three grasped the hilts of their weapons and surveyed the area.
"That noise," grumbled Gwendel, discovering no indication of what created the sound.
Khalid lowered his eyes to the dirt floor. "It's the ground," he whispered.
"What?" cried Gwendel as the surface beneath his feet trembled cruelly. "Is it a quake of some sort?"
Wolfram shouted as an enormous root of a tree tore out of the ground, discharging pebbles and shattered pieces of dirt into their faces. It wildly shook before slithering around Wolfram and hoisting him violently into the air, generating many bellows of protest from the boy. As Khalid desperately made to reach him, the various shrubs and flowers extended themselves and snatched the man's limbs into a deadly grip.
"Wolfram!" Gwendel hollered as the boy struggled aggressively against the firm grip around his body. Gwendel's eyes widened as another root lurched at his body. With a grunt of effort, he leapt, barely dodging the massive plant.
"Captain!"
Gwendel's head snapped up to locate a rather fraught Yosak, gripping dreadfully at trembling branches in a large tree. The spy gestured for Gwendel to turn around, which the older man did. He released another grunt as he rolled to safety, a ferocious vine of thorns catapulting in his direction. He raised his head quickly to discover what had truly caught Yosak's sharp eye.
"You're…" he mumbled, staring at a small child.
Gwendel staggered back, teeth clenching. The child's right eye was red and slit.
The boy frowned, a light pout forming through his lips. "Don't go…"
A tender and small hand extended to grasp Gwendel.
Yosak released a yell as he leapt from a rickety branch of the tree, landing ungracefully beside Gwendel. He briefly inspected the small form, his heart aching at the boy's exposure yet his eyes hardening upon witnessing the red eye.
Khalid growled as he slashed viciously to liberate himself. With a successful lurch, Khalid's eyes locked onto the small child. "You," he snarled before lashing out at the child despite the protests of Gwendel.
The child shrieked in fright as Khalid's blade shred through his body. The small form combusted into tiny particles of weeds and petals, silencing the tremulous ground and coaxing the once atrocious plants back into their respective holdings in the ground.
Gwendel rapidly rushed to his side and extended his raised arms, successfully seizing Wolfram as the boy plunged from the sky once the large root released him. Gwendel surveyed his youngest brother, satisfied once he found no damage was inflicted.
Delicately, he set Wolfram upon the ground just as Murata rushed into the gardens with Conrad and Yuri. All three stared at the cascading petals and weeds that twirled leisurely to the surface. "What in the world is going on here?" Murata demanded, hands on hips as he scrutinized the others with a cautious eye. "You've barely been gone for ten minutes and all of a sudden this rumbling is felt all over!"
Rashid scampered in, glancing around and frowning when determining that nothing was out of its usual location. "How odd," he muttered, hand extending to capture a petal.
Meanwhile, Conrad released a breath upon seeing the others unharmed, especially Wolfram. His eyes narrowed, however, as he watched Khalid grasp Wolfram.
Khalid clasped Wolfram's hands, allowing the boy to regain his wits and breath. The flaxen boy narrowed his eyes, offended. "You…see what I was talking about? I told you I saw him!" he growled, panting into Khalid's chest.
"That boy appeared. All the plants began attacking us," Gwendel explained quickly, sheathing his sword, eyes on Murata. "He also had a red eye."
Wolfram shivered at the image of the child. "But his eye wasn't red before," he retorted while releasing a frustrated sound.
"Yeah, that's true." said Yuri, approaching Wolfram, eyes instantly smoldering into Khalid's hands, which currently held his fiancé's. His recently interrupted conversation with Conrad returned to his mind and his fingers quivered tentatively. "Are…you okay?"
Wolfram jerked his hands free, flushed. "We're not hurt. Just a bit shocked," he assured, eyes softening when Yuri smiled in relief.
"His eye changes and he manages to slip pass the guards," Murata drawled, patiently contemplating.
"I don't think he was really here. Right?" asked Yosak, offering a sheepish grin once Rashid recognized his presence lacking any disguise. The king simply smiled and shook his head.
Khalid faintly sighed, crossing his arms. "He wasn't. I suspect that he used an incantation to manifest himself through the use of someone else's life source; that being the plant life. It's quite clever, actually," he murmured, vaguely smirking.
"Enough," Gwendel growled, eyeing Khalid. "It's time to sleep, Your Highness. Get to bed. We cannot afford anything to happen to you."
Yuri frowned but Conrad's firm grip on his shoulder implied that he should obey. "Alright but-"
"No one was harmed, Your Highness," added Yosak, smiling widely. "You just concern yourself with staying alive and we'll deal with the dramatics."
"Shouldn't we at least…I don't know, discuss it? I just feel like we're casting it aside like it was nothing," suggested Yuri, eyes now on Murata.
Murata smiled gently and gestured for Yuri to return inside. "There wouldn't be much to discuss, Shibuya. As I said earlier, our major priority is returning home in the morning," he commented and then adjusted his eyes to fixate them on Rashid. "I think as long as we have the patrol guard increased, we'll be fine."
"Yes, of course," Rashid concurred.
Yuri nodded and, with Conrad's persistence, finally returned back inside, with Khalid and Wolfram lagging behind. "So much for ten minutes of peace," grumbled Wolfram, eyes exhausted as he strolled beside Khalid.
As Murata and Rashid soon followed, Gwendel briefly raised an eyebrow at Yosak. "What were you doing here, anyway?" he asked intriguingly, observing the other man plucking broken twigs out of his already devilish hair.
"Conrart asked me to keep tabs on Khalid when he went alone with His Eminence," Yosak informed with a defeated smile. "I suspect Khalid knew of my presence since I arrived. I noticed him looking up at this tree at one point."
Gwendel huffed and dusted his robes of the dust he did not appreciate. "What a mess this visit has been," he mumbled, irritated. "Next, it will probably be a massive blob trying to eat us."
"At least blobs don't have thorns," Yosak replied, wincing as he jerked out a thorn from his thigh.
101010
Yuri groaned loudly as his face collided into the cushioned bed. "Man, I'm sick of all this creepy stuff already," he moaned into the sheets, childishly kicking his legs against the mattress. "It's like we're in a poorly made horror movie."
With a snort and a huff of air, Wolfram joined him, allowing his body to collapse beside Yuri's. "Wimp. This is what happens when you're up against a group of psychos," he yawned, stretching his muscles.
In a lazy motion, Yuri propped his body onto his elbows, permitting better access to Wolfram's face. "Hey, what happened to Khalid's face? It was all bruised," he mentioned.
A silent pause awaited him.
"Wolfram?"
The blonde shifted his eyes from the drapes to Yuri's eyes. Hr hesitated to reveal the truth beneath the matter yet was tempted to observe Yuri's reaction. "I punched him," he stated sternly, lifting up his left hand to emphasize the weapon.
Yuri blinked. "What? Why did you punch him?"
Wolfram firmly maintained his eyes locked with Yuri's. "He kissed me," he said.
"What?!"
Good reaction, Wolfram thought, internally delighted at the obvious disapproval Yuri expressed.
"How…Why….But…"
"Are you jealous, Yuri?" Wolfram asked suspiciously, his voice slightly tinted with enjoyment.
Yuri stared at him with a wide mouth and eyes. "No! I just…I mean…He knows that we're…engaged! I just…that's just not right!" he exclaimed, attempting to prudently choose his words so as not to declare something more.
Wolfram smirked, shutting his eyes, relaxing. "I think it's the first time you've actually cared if another person took interest in me," he pronounced, opening his eyes once more to absorb Yuri's flushed reaction. "The kiss you gave me also proves my point."
"I…You made me! You were patronizing me!"
"Liar."
Yuri growled and crossed his arms stubbornly. "Don't flatter yourself. It was platonic," he declared with a nod of his head.
"Liar, liar," sung Wolfram, relishing in the tranquil moment, which competed with all the various exhausting situations they had currently endured. His time with Yuri soothed what remained of his sanity.
"Fine, then. What if I told you I was jealous?" suggest Yuri, aiming to place the awkward emotions into Wolfram's heart. "Well? What would you say to that?"
Instead of a tentative remark, Wolfram simply sat up and raised his eyebrows, eyes blazing with their usual fascination. "I wouldn't say anything," he stated, smiling when Yuri only blinked in perplexity.
"What?" questioned the demon king, frowning upon realizing his lack of dominance in the argument.
Wolfram shifted his body to recline his body weight on his knees. "Actions speak louder than words," he delicately voiced before fastening his lips with Yuri's.
Gyah!!!
"Ow! What the hell Yuri?!" Wolfram groaned, cradling his lips in a cupped hand. He withdrew his hand after lightly patting his lip, confirming the liquid on his hand as blood. "You bit me!"
"I'm sorry!" Yuri cried, face utterly ablaze and hands up in a defensive motion. "You just threw me off guard and I-"
"It doesn't give you the excuse to bite me!" retorted Wolfram furiously, tasting the copper tang upon his tongue. "You wimp!"
Callously, Wolfram rolled off the bed and plodded toward the large doors. Three strides carried him out of the doors and Yuri managed to capture him at two. "Wait!" the double black ordered, grasping a sturdy arm.
Yuri tugged Wolfram back one step, confronting the death glare that Wolfram pierced him with. Despite the threat, Yuri genuinely raised a hand and daintily hovered it over the wound. "Here," he softly said as his hand emitted a healing touch. "I really am sorry, Wolfram."
The gentle sigh Wolfram released provided Yuri with some indication that the blonde was in the process of forgiving him. As Yuri continued to heal the split lip, his dark eyes vaguely noticed Wolfram's own eyes confidently inspecting every twitch that the demon king performed.
Yuri shyly raised his eyes and scanned Wolfram's feminine face. When their eyes met, Yuri blinked and sheepishly jerked his face downward as unusual warmth crept and swirled throughout his pelvis. "I…I think it's better now," he shakily declared and lowered his hand.
Before his hand returned to its respective location near his hip, Wolfram clasped it and drew it near his lips. Long lashes shut and petal lips faintly puckered as they smoothed over Yuri's fingers. "You're such a wimp," he whispered, eyes partially opening to observe Yuri.
Although the demon king's face was flushed, a revelation darkened his onyx eyes. Unsteadily, Yuri's fingers expanded, pressing unconsciously against Wolfram's jaw line. Yuri took in an uneven breath and swallowed what insecurities tightened in his throat just before leaning into Wolfram's face, delicately and experimentally positioning his lips on Wolfram's.
Wolfram flushed at the initial action but gradually shut his own eyes as he clasped the hand against his face. Unfortunately, Yuri was quick to retreat from the kiss, although his hand remained. "Th-that…wasn't bad," the king commented, cheeks cast in a crimson shadow. "Wolfram…?"
Wolfram timidly gripped tighter into the warm hand. "Y-yeah?" he asked, his own anxiety increasing and lips burning.
"Are you…okay?" questioned Yuri, eyes extremely apprehensive.
"I'm…fine," Wolfram responded, his eyes downcast and arms swirling around Yuri's neck in a shaky embrace.
Yuri lowered his hand and firmly enveloped Wolfram with two arms. "That's good," he huskily murmured against the blonde's bandaged head. "It's going to be okay."
The swelling of tears resulted in Wolfram's eyes to shut tightly as his face was buried deeply against the junction of Yuri's neck and collarbone. Wolfram could only nod his acquiesce, expressing his fragile optimism with a trembling breath and wavering body.
A shadow slithered in the darkest of the corners, witnessing the entire scene.
101010
Khalid presented a tearful Namir and confident Rashid with a final farewell wave as their forms vanished. He adjusted himself to face completely forward as the party progressed out of the kingdom. He glanced at Yuri and scowled when he noted the smiling eyes the demon king presented Wolfram.
"You two appear quite content this morning," Khalid uttered through his headdress.
Blinking, Yuri flushed and nervously chuckled. "We're just…happy. Nothing wrong with that, right?" he asked, offering Wolfram a timid gaze to which the blonde returned.
Wolfram simply smiled beneath his own jade headdress, eyes cheery. Although nothing progressed between the two since the kiss, it was enough to suggest that Yuri was willing, however little it was, to develop a deeper relationship. Last night, Wolfram also had endured no nightmares as he slept beside Yuri, holding a humid hand. The memory resulted in an awfully peaceful Wolfram.
Feeling awkward at having Khalid's eyes shredding through the back of his skull, Yuri shifted his attention to a frowning Murata, who currently read a letter Yosak had recently received. "What's wrong, Murata?"
"It's from Lord von Christ," the Great Sage murmured, eyes widening with each word his mind absorbed. "Lord von Bielefeld received an engagement gift that was a little less than cheery."
Conrad's eyebrows furrowed. "How so?"
"It appears we've located the missing head of our headless companion," Murata said with a charming beat to his voice. "A 'friend' sent it as a gift."
Wolfram's face contorted from the fury and repulsion that erupted from within his body. "Not again," he groaned softly enough to prevent the others from hearing.
Khalid narrowed his eyes as his mind concocted various motives. "I'm certain it must be related to that child we encountered yesterday in the gardens," he stated, drawing his horse closer to Wolfram's to assure the boy's safety with a light squeeze to the thin shoulder.
"Perhaps," murmured Murata as he glimpsed at Yosak, who had discarded his disguise since yesterday once acknowledging it was no longer a necessity. "That boy you spoke of. He forced the plants to restrain and attack, correct?"
Conrad instantly recalled the employment of plants as restraints. "The stranger I chased," he began, attempting to vividly recollect the details. "He went through the gardens and I was caught by them temporarily."
Murata smiled and nodded. "Yes, so we can most likely confirm that person is from Red Eye," he proclaimed.
"My question is if the person who attacked Conrart the same as that child," Gwendel grumbled, eyeing the brunette beside him. "What of their height? Is it the same?"
Without hesitation, Conrad shook is head. "No, that boy is too small. I'm sure of it," he replied. "He was smaller than His Highness but surely bigger than that boy."
Yuri moaned in frustration and briefly trembled. "Why are they terrorizing Wolfram though?" he inquired, sharing a perplexed look with his fiancé. He was both frightened and swelling with rage. "He's never done anything worth this!"
Wolfram stared at Yuri, slightly touched by the reaction that the events had produced out of Yuri. "I cannot think of anything," he admitted with a shrug. "I can only think that maybe by harassing me, it will change the focus on me and then they'll take that chance to get Yuri. Even if he's a wimp, he's still the king of our country."
In response, Yuri frowned and narrowed his eyes at the insult, but remained silent.
"It's very possible," Gwendel commented, his eyes drifting to Khalid. "You know this organization better than we do. Have you any ideas to what their goal is?"
"I'm afraid I have no sufficient evidence. I assume they're after me, which is what I suspect the circle around my portrait suggests. I also think they would eventually target His Highness, here," he deduced, gesturing toward Yuri. "I believe they have interest in high power, but that's just a thought."
Murata sighed lightly and tucked away the letter. "We'll confirm the head as belonging to the man you killed once we reach the kingdom," he instructed. "Let's just keep moving forward, alright?"
Yuri nodded and returned his eyes to Wolfram, who appeared intently fixated on something near his left. "Wolfram?" Yuri asked, eyes sliding to follow Wolfram's gaze, but discovering nothing of interest. "Something wrong?"
Wolfram momentarily glanced at Yuri, noting Yuri's calm composure, which implied he was incapable of witnessing what the blonde currently observed. Wolfram jerked his head to discard any suggestions of uneasiness out of his mind and bore his eyes straight ahead.
"It's nothing," he uttered to Yuri, although his eyes itched to peek to his side once more.
The feeble and polluted boy stood still, only visible to Wolfram, whilst his bright eyes lazily followed the party's movements out of the city.
101010
Gwendel roughly jerked at the reins of his horse, signaling for the others to halt. The others craned their necks and shielded their eyes from the blazing sun to inspect a vast amount of troops. Most consisted of an infantry while a select few rode atop powerful horses.
Silently, Gwendel cursed as he inspected the flags. "It's Big Cimaron," he uttered harshly with a deepening frown of irritation spreading throughout his face, forming wrinkles.
"It seems they've heard news of the Great Demon Kingdom visiting Sulteri," murmured Murata. "They must have been waiting for us here until we showed up."
Yuri sighed and drew his hand through his dark hair. Although the others had removed their headdresses once they were a decent distance from Sulteri, Khalid remained unconvinced of his own wellbeing and thus, retained his.
"What a nuisance," grumbled Yosak as they drew closer to the troops, where a captain greeted them unceremoniously.
"Big Cimaron requests that the Great Demon Kingdom sever any ties that are to be made with Sulteri," ordered the gruff captain. "We, among many other nations, believe Sulteri is to be left to suffer its own difficulties. Anyone who makes ties with them is an enemy of Big Cimaron and the countries that agree with our standing."
Yuri frowned and declared, "You guys never liked us, anyway so what does it matter? I won't abandon Sulteri. By leaving them alone, you're bound to create more problems. They need help."
Khalid shifted his attention to Yuri. "It is of no use, Your Highness. People like these only respond to action," he explained in a low voice.
The captain drew out his sword and gestured at the party. "If you do not submit, perhaps we can persuade you, even by force, if necessary," commented the captain.
"Why do you care?" cried Yuri, frustrated. "You-"
"They're afraid," muttered Murata, a saddened yet amused expression plastered in his eyes. "They fear Sulteri, in reality. They're worried that if the Great Demon Kingdom joins them, it will create a major threat to Big Cimaron and other countries that strongly oppose any relationship with the country."
Khalid smirked beneath his guise and stated, "They should be afraid, but for another reason, Your Eminence."
Wolfram snuck a glimpse at Khalid, who issued for his steed to approach the captain. "What are you doing?" the young blonde hissed, concerned.
Conrad quickly took a hold of Yuri's reins and gently guided him a partial distance back, near Yosak. "Stay here no matter what, Your Highness," he instructed softly, hands gripping the reins to prevent any movement on Yuri's part.
"Who are you?" questioned the captain as he instructed the other soldiers to take up arms. "You're not some Sulterian scum sent to represent your sorry excuse for a kingdom, are you?"
"Prude," Khalid snarled, right arm slowly rising into the sky. "How dare you insult Sulteri! It's your kind of attitude that breeds our rage and suffering. I'll show you just how much rage you've created."
With a hidden smile, Khalid thrust out his hand, permitting a brightly glowing spike to tear out of his skin and impale the captain in the thigh, producing a sick crunch when the bone split at an angle that sent a jagged piece of skeletal material shredding out of the captain's leg. The man shrieked as the bone was visible for all eyes and at the piercing agony that penetrated his every nerve.
Some troops, in response, charged at Khalid while others sent arrows shredding through the sky, aiming for Khalid. In a swift motion, Khalid raised his hand once more, this time, creating a horrid wind to thrust aside the arrows, only to redirect them into the various limbs of the archers.
As the screams and moans mingled, Yuri's eyes widened with every deadly trick fashioned by whatever Khalid was emitting from his body. Left speechless, he attempted to stop the man, however, a firm grip from Conrad stated otherwise.
"This is what every Sulterian is capable of," shouted Khalid as his raised hand shot out tiny blazing needles into the various troops that still stubbornly attempted to raise arms against him. "Your hate has bred our vengeance. You've signed your death wish!"
Wolfram shut his eyes tightly at the strained and aggrieved voice Khalid developed over years of hate and scorn. "Oh, Khalid," he whispered, opening his eyes once more to observe Khalid dismount his horse and brutally clench the frail neck of the captain.
The captain shrieked just as swirls of smoke emitted from the junction where Khalid's hand was situated. With faint blows, he attempted to remove Khalid's hand, which proceeded to literally smolder the skin off his neck.
"Stop it!" screamed Yuri, who violently jerked Conrad's touch away and leapt off his horse. Desperately, he clutched at Khalid's arm. "Don't kill him! Don't let your vengeance turn you into what they are!"
The captain's eyes widened as Khalid's eyes bore into his. The man slid his eyes to acknowledge Yuri before he chucked aside the captain in a rough manner. "You're not worthy enough for death," he murmured as the captain clutched at the scarring tissue that was his neck.
"Amazing," uttered Murata, eyes large. "It's true then. You have succeeded in merging with magical stones."
"What?" cried Yosak, observing Khalid. "That was the power of stones? No way."
Khalid flexed his hand before approaching Wolfram once Yuri released him. He lightly stroked the boy's hand as he said, "Do not be afraid. What His Eminence has stated is true. My body has been merged with magical stones."
Wolfram stared at the man with wide eyes, flinching momentarily at the touch. The notion that such a tender touch could also generate such lethal power terrified him. Emerald eyes transferred their gaze to observe the groaning and crying troops, who lay sprawled among the ground, like wounded ants. Many began aiding those more severely injured in retreating.
"Monster!" shouted the solders along with threats of vengeance as they hurriedly began aiding their wounded soldiers.
"Get out of here!" shouted Gwendel, approaching the soldiers. "Be gone or we'll let him finish you all off."
With final curses, the soldiers feebly retreated, terrified but attempting to retain whatever dignity remained.
"H-How?" whispered Wolfram once the soldiers managed to crawl a distance away. "It…must have hurt…?"
Khalid glanced at his hand. "I'm afraid the technique is not to be told to others. It is relatively painful and it requires at least two weeks of observation to…confirm there are no mishaps," he explained, his eyes obviously in a distant land.
Conrad offered Yuri his horse once more, briefly smiling at the boy to assure that he did not upset the brunette too much. "Mishaps?" he asked.
"We just need to be sure that the person probably handles the magic," Khalid stated. "Our first experiment allowed us to realize the faults and it's been perfected."
"What of the first test subject?" asked Gwendel as he surveyed the many wounded soldiers who began shrinking with each passing distance as they limped back home, defeated.
Khalid noticed Gwendel's survey of the troops. "They won't die. I didn't hit any vital points and they had it coming," he stated, mostly to Yuri who appeared hesitant at wanting to aid the wounded soldiers. "Regarding the first test subject; I cannot say much. It's…confidential."
Murata narrowed his eyes curiously and suspiciously. "Why is that?" he asked in his smooth voice.
"You'll understand later on," Khalid muttered, mounting his beast once again after releasing Wolfram's hand. "Shall we press on?"
"I suppose," commented Gwendel, leading the party toward the campsite. "What's the full extent of your powers, though?"
Khalid jerked off his headdress and shook his head lightly, his hair out of its ribbon. "I have both demon and esoteric stones within me. My body serves as a catalyst for the magic and combined, they produce a much more devastating effect than a single stone. Of course, I manage how much is released."
"I never knew such a thing was possible," admitted Yuri, now on his horse, near Wolfram. "How did you come up with such a thing? Why can't Wolfram feel the esoteric stones, either?"
Khalid shifted his body to smile faintly at Wolfram. "Within my body, it's different. If I wanted him to feel it, he would. Even if I use the magic of the esoteric stones, it only affects the target," he explained.
"Is this a reason why Sulteri wants the Great Demon Kingdom as an alley?" questioned Murata.
"It is as you suspect, Your Eminence," confessed Khalid. "We believe Sulteri is prepared to serve as a powerful alley for your cause. We need the esoteric magic but never desired to harm your pure blooded demons, so we discovered an alternative to solve both issues."
Conrad nodded. "No one never sensed the presence of esoteric stones," he added, "so how is that possible? Surely your people could have been using the magic and someone could have sensed it."
"You would only sense it if we touched you and called upon the magic just as I mentioned," muttered Khalid, apparently disinterested in the topic as his eyes continued to examine Wolfram's face. "Most people do not have esoteric magic, either. Usually they are better used for the soldiers."
Yuri lightly frowned at the constant attention Khalid bathed Wolfram in. Unexpectedly, a furious shudder ran through his body as he recalled the events of last night when Wolfram admitted that Khalid had kissed the demon king's fiancé. Although Yuri suspected perhaps he was more interested in Wolfram than he claimed to be, the boiling of his blood perplexed him.
Am I really that…upset about it?
"We'll need to discuss these matters in an official meeting once we return," Gwendel stated to Khalid, who barely responded with a nonchalant shrug.
Before his mind registered in time to shut his mouth, Yuri offered, "Hey, uh, Wolf, when we get to camp do you…you know, want to rinse off at the lake together?"
Gyah!! Yuri's mind shrieked as Wolfram's eyes brightened as much as Khalid's golden one's darkened ominously.
Wolfram's cheeks grew vaguely warm as a blush spread throughout them. He shut his eyes and jerked his head in an arrogant gesture, attempting to retain his pride. "Of course I will, you wimp! I'm not letting you bathe alone when some handsome man or cute girl can just come in and join you!"
There's no village around this place though, Yuri thought but the menacing glance Khalid possessed kept his mouth entirely locked.
The others all briefly gazed at one another as the tension skyrocketed.
"Be prepared, Your Eminence," whispered Yosak beside Murata. "I think we've somehow officially entered a love triangle."
Murata lightly chuckled and nodded his assent. His eyes, however, quickly softened in concern and uncertainty. "Love is a deadly thing. The unfortunate thing about love triangles is that one person will experience the deadly side of it," he whispered, eyes on Wolfram.
101010
Wolfram gently tugged on his loose cream shirt and plopped down beside a flushed Yuri. Although Yuri had requested Wolfram's company at the lake, the double black had kept a timid distance away from him as they had bathed and even as they clothed.
Suspiciously, Wolfram tenderly slid his hand atop of Yuri's, only to have the other boy grunt in embarrassment before jerking his hand away. "Yuri, what's wrong with you?" he demanded, eyes narrowing. "I thought…well…you kissed me if I recall correctly. Were you just tormenting me, you ungrateful wimp!?"
"N-no!" cried Yuri, eyes focusing on the spot Conrad recently had stood. Wolfram had, to Yuri's dismay, argued with the brunette to leave them in peace for a short while. "I just…I was…experimenting and-"
"Experimenting?! Is that how you get your sick kicks? You're utterly hopeless, you know that?! You toy with me and I bet you're already involved with some cheap hussy! How dare you! I am your fiancé! I am the only one you can ever be close to like that! I should just cut off your thing to ensure that you'll never be intimate with another person and-"
Wolfram blinked and lost his train of rants as Yuri grasped his hand shyly but firmly. He glanced down at their joined hands and back at the boy. "Wimp," he mumbled, accepting Yuri's silent apology.
Vulnerably, Yuri's eyes darted around the area, utterly mortified if someone were to encounter them in such a state. "I…was experimenting because…well, I…think maybe…I don't know…maybe…there's more?" he muttered, more to his own psychological state than to Wolfram.
"Yuri?"
"Eh?"
Leisurely, Wolfram tightened his hand with Yuri's and lightly pressed his lips to the flushed cheek. "You're such a wuss," he stated, delighted when Yuri's muscles tensed considerably and yet did not shrug him away. With a contented smile, Wolfram rolled his eyes and reclined his head against Yuri's shoulder.
As a determined emotion gradually returned into his mind, Yuri softly asked, "Wolfram? Can I…maybe kiss you again?" He shut his eyes tightly when he noted how pathetic he sounded.
I'm like a school girl on a date! Yuri frowned at the thought.
In response, Wolfram shifted his body and inclined his head, not leaning into Yuri's face. He had concluded that the final gesture had to be implemented by Yuri, who still expressed his hesitance. He slowly shut his eyes and awaited Yuri's lips, to no avail. Just as Wolfram suspected that the boy had grown cold feet, the warmth of another pair of lips enchanted him.
Wolfram deduced that Yuri developed a confident side when they were alone just as he felt Yuri applying a slight amount of pressure, perhaps attempting to coax Wolfram to respond. Regardless, the blonde did returned the strength of Yuri's lips, his arms loosely relaxing around Yuri's shoulders.
Unconsciously, one of Yuri's hands lightly danced along Wolfram's upper thigh and hip as their lips momentarily parted. Wolfram, captivated by sexual desire, stroked Yuri's lower lip with his tongue, hoping to coax Yuri's tongue into his mouth.
"Ack!" Yuri cried and jerked back, his free hand over his lips, eyes wide. "Th-that! Your tongue!"
Wolfram frowned, obviously irritated at being cut short of his meal. "I thought you wanted to kiss me. I was trying to offer you a proper kiss," he stated, gradually approaching leaning in once more. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to kiss your fiancé."
Despite the panic that scorched his mind, the heat within Yuri's pelvis permitted Wolfram's advances. As the boy returned his lips against Yuri, the demon king slowly but surely shut his eyes and shakily allowed his tongue to be suckled by Wolfram, which ultimately set both of their faces ablaze and dramatically increased their body temperature.
Wolfram released a gentle moan at the sensation of having another's tongue within his mouth. A sound met his ears and he suspected it to be Yuri, yet as his eyes opened slowly, his blood froze. Yuri sensed Wolfram's discomfort when the boy tore away from Yuri's lips to stare behind him.
Why am I cursed to be caught in these types of situations? Wolfram's mind cried as Khalid loomed over the two, arms crossed and a forced expression of indifference plastered in his hard eyes. Wolfram narrowed his eyes furiously, refusing to release Yuri when the boy cried out in shock and attempted to jerk free from Wolfram.
"What do you want, Khalid?" Wolfram asked.
Khalid tightened his jaw and cooled his nerves. "Dinner is ready. It'd be a waste if it went cold, Your Highness," he stated, voice thick.
"A-ah! Right! Of course! We're coming!" Yuri unsteadily replied. A strange determination entered Yuri's mind as he surveyed Khalid, recalling that this man had inappropriately involved himself with Wolfram. Suddenly, a possessive expression masked Yuri's initial humiliation and he tightened his grip on Wolfram.
"I'm sure you are," uttered Khalid, slightly amused when neither of the two boys caught up with the innuendo. His eyes narrowed when he caught the aggressive glance that generated within Yuri's dark eyes. "May I speak to Wolfram alone, please?"
Wolfram stood with Yuri, holding one of the king's warm hands. He suspected by the thickness in Khalid's throat that it was an urgent matter and he submitted. "Fine," he stated. "Don't eat all the food, wuss."
Reluctantly, Yuri nodded. With an unusual boldness, he pecked Wolfram on the cheek, his new possessiveness feasting eagerly at the furious spark that crept behind Khalid's eyes. "Alright," he said softly and waved to Conrad as the man approached him, obviously to escort him safely to the nearby camp.
"Don't give me that look," ordered Wolfram to Khalid once Yuri departed. "He is my fiancé. Such things are to be expected, as you said yourself. You came here on purpose to try to-"
"I did nothing wrong," Khalid persisted as he took a tight grip on Wolfram's wrist when the boy made to rudely brush by him. "Why the sudden desire to leave my side?"
"I'm hungry," responded Wolfram, eyes deadly. "Let. Go."
Khalid's grip briefly grew in strength before quickly softening. He released the thin wrist. "As you wish," he numbly said and clenched his fists at his side to transfer his rage.
As Wolfram returned to the campsite, Khalid raised his hands and witnessed the deep incisions his nails created. With a brief chuckle of disdain, he, too, trailed back into the campsite as the wounds healed abnormally quick.
What was more disturbing was that his wounds produced no blood to spill.
101010
Conrad gently smiled as Wolfram shamelessly curled against a tense Yuri, a tiny yawn escaping him. The brunette approached the two with a large blanket and delicately draped both their bodies in it. "Here you are," he offered. "You both ate well tonight and I'm sure you'll sleep well. Good night, you two."
After inferring that Conrad was aware of the new progress in the relationship, Yuri could only slightly smile, not feeling as embarrassed as he previously did.. "Night, Conrad," he sleepily replied before rolling onto his side, facing Wolfram.
Wolfram muttered a vague good night to Conrad as he snuggled closer to Yuri. He released a final yawn before his hand patted the area beside him until he caught Yuri's hand. Beneath the safety of the covers, Yuri blushed, shut his eyes, and gently gripped Wolfram's hand, his hesitance returning.
What came over me?
Yuri's mind wandered to the bold presence he presented to Khalid. It concerned him as to how rapidly his personality switched into something more confident, especially regarding his more intimate relationship with Wolfram. He moaned in confusion and buried his face deeply under the covers, now thankful that the covers concealed his and Wolfram's cupped hands. He seriously doubted his ability to ever pronounce his light interest in Wolfram, which he still was uncertain of but found the soft touches they shared comforting.
Yuri fell asleep with an unstable mind.
It was not until many ours later that Wolfram awoke deep within the night, the urge to relieve himself interrupting his peaceful sleep against Yuri's body. He blinked and scrutinized the area around him. Conrad and Yosak softly spoke to one another as they kept watch around the fire while Gwendel reclined against a tree, which was where Murata slept soundly under a thick blanket. Khalid sat a distance away under another tree, sharpening his blade.
Tiredly, Wolfram ran a hand through his disheveled hair and jerked off his coverings, briefly mumbling to a vigilant Conrad and Yosak of his quick return. Conrad nodded, a hard look forming in his eyes as he witnessed Khalid's eyes hungrily inspecting Wolfram when the boy trailed by.
After shuffling his way to a secluded tree beside the lake, Wolfram proceeded with his business. As he adjusted his pants with a lazy yawn, a rustling sound startled him, resulting in his combat senses to awaken. He reached for his blade and cursed when recalling that it rested beside his make-shift bed.
Cautiously, Wolfram spun around and encountered nothing. He proceeded to keep silent and still for a few moments, hoping to discover what created the sound. When nothing continued to respond, Wolfram strolled quietly to the lake and knelt before it, frivolously shrugging the incident out of his mind.
He cupped his hands into the water and washed them thoroughly until a strange darkness caught his eye. He bent his body nearer to the water as a black shadow emerged beside his reflection. It was then that Wolfram's eyes widened upon realizing a masked form stood behind him. He made to gasp when a hand viciously clenched his hair and violently dunked his head into the lake.
Beneath the water, Wolfram screamed, desperate for air. With a powerful exertion of effort, Wolfram reached behind him and took a painful grip on the thin arm that gripped his hair. In a final effort, he brought the surprisingly light body over his own, resulting in both bodies to crash into the cold pits of the lake.
Wolfram gasped loudly as his head tore out of the water, his hand clawing at the edge of the ground to hoist himself up. The bandage upon his head, soaked in water, sagged and clouded his vision. In a furious motion, he tore it off in a fluid motion and cast it aside. As he began hoisting his body out, the sound of splashing water and the swift movement of wind presented the only admonition before a small but jagged blade entered his side.
A cry tore from Wolfram's throat as the blade was sadistically twisted within his body before it was brutally torn out. He panted as his blood quickly trickled into the clear waters, contaminating the clear waters. He groaned and rapidly turned to catch the arm before it struck him again.
His eyes widened at the small stature of the masked figure that possessed such speed and power. With no time to consider the form, however, Wolfram released a yell as he struggled with his opponent, stressed with the major obstacles that the water presented.
Wolfram never noticed the second dagger that was torn loose of its sheath.
The figure thrust the dagger until it penetrated severely into flesh.
Wolfram shrieked.
101010
Sorry for the horrid cliffhanger! I still think Yuri is rather uncertain but I think once he got a piece of Wolfram, he would grow a bit bolder. I had major problems keeping him in character while presenting the jump in his relationship with Wolfram.
I hope he wasn't too out of character. He is a teenage boy and those hormones can deteriorate the toughest composure. Wolfram is too delicious to resist, I suppose.
Anyway, thanks for continuing to tell me of your interest for this story. I apologize for the later update but an education is very important although it takes a lot of energy out of me! I'll have a lot of extra time soon enough to write so just bear with me, please.
Thanks very much for the support!
Mirai Kurosaki