Papercut
A/N: Thank you again to all reviewers for staying with the fic and even to those readers who do not review but apparently continue to read nonetheless. A bigger thanks for reviewers though for expressing their interest.
Response to reviewers:
prima: Thank you very much for the review! I hope updates won't be too long but I must send them for editing before I post them, which does take a while at times! I think it's necessary so little errors don't ruin the fic, yes? I hope you enjoy this chapter and Yuri is a bit too much of a wimp to be a cheater, isn't he?
Lina: Hello again and I appreciate the review immensely! I'm glad to hear you're still recovering and that the fic brings you some entertainment! I love Namir's irritating personality because it's fun to write. I'm glad though that people such as yourself suspected him as being evil because of his behavior, hehe. I'm relieved you enjoyed the violence because I know some people just can't tolerate it but I love it and besides, it's not like I'm going to do it in every fic, right? I'm sorry the Yuuram moment was cut short but Yuri is still a wimp. I doubt there will be a lemon in this fic because it's mostly focused on the development of their relationship but I'll be sure to provide you with more steamy moments in later chapters! Thank you very much again for always leaving a long review. They're fun to read :3 By the way, I damaged my foot too!
SeriousSiriusFan: Thank you for the two reviews you submitted! I'm glad you're amused with the story and I hope you continue to read it! I really do! Thanks again for taking the time to tell me your thoughts on it!
animefreak03: Aw, thank you so much for the compliments on the Yuuram scenes! I'm happy that they're being taken as 'lovely' and not too pervy! Thank you so much for the review and although that there isn't as intense a Yuuram moment, there'll be more later! Thanks!
Amine: Thanks for the review! Ah, well, if you recall, Red Eye members have the ability to conceal their red eye because it serves as a safety precaution only for Red Eye members. However, Sagira (who you will learn about today) is a bit different but that won't be explained until later! Also, there will be Maou!Yuri in a later chapter! We can't leave him out, of course. Thanks so much for the support and hope you enjoy the chapter!
Anonymous: Thanks so much for the review! I'm pleased to hear that you enjoy the relationship that has developed between Yuri and Wolfram! I hope you continue to enjoy the plot and the suspence, which will exist in this chapter too! Thanks again so much!
Warnings: Minor graphic details
Spoilers: Reference to the episode where Yuri encounters dragons for the first time and mentioning of Elizabeth. Also, Yuri makes a reference to Conrad's bad taste in jokes.
Enjoy and leave your thoughts behind before you leave, if you will.
101010
The head pounced.
Wolfram brought his hand near his forehead rapidly and straightened it as an impressively contained singeing blaze was hurled at the cackling beast. The head croaked in confusion as the immense flame clouded its line of attack. Effectively, Khalid tore through the flame, startling the head, and sent his blade piercing through the mouth, consequently slicing it into pieces.
Namir's face wrinkled in frustration as his eyes darted to the large windows behind him. He glanced to the ground where the diced head shrieked. "Don't underestimate me just because I'm a child!" he shouted, adequately keeping the others at bay with Murata's involuntary assistance.
"Namir," Khalid densely whispered as he stood in front of the others. "Don't be foolish."
As Khalid spoke, the remnants of the head sickly trembled.
"You're the cause of Lord von Bielefeld's illness at Sulteri and you were at the lake the first time we stayed there, correct?" Murata rasped before he winced as Namir applied a faint amount of extra pressure on the blade. "Why are you after him?"
Yuri's eyes hardened at the memory. "Namir! Please, tell me. Wolfram never did anything to you…did he?" he asked, faintly gripping Wolfram's arm, steadying the wavering boy.
Namir offered Yuri a furious glare. "I hate him."
"But why?!" cried Yuri, his heart aching at the reality of Namir's situation. "Why him and why Red Eye? Are they targeting Wolfram? You don't have to be with them!"
The boy sadly smiled, refusing to respond to Yuri's pleas, and lessened his grasp on the Great Sage. "I'm sorry, Khalid," he murmured and thrust Murata with a mighty kick to his spine. "I truly am."
The scattered remains of the head exploded, cascading tiny particles all over the others.
"Cover your faces!" bellowed Khalid with a powerful voice. "Don't inhale the poison!"
Namir disinterestedly gazed at the others, his body unaffected by the chemical. "I'll see you soon, Wolfram," he remarked and as Gwendel rushed at him, his face covered with a hand, the boy lightly tossed a vial high into the air. "Catch."
As wisps of smoke sluggishly rose to the ceiling, originating from where the pieces had combusted, Namir took the opportunity to send his body smashing through a clear window. Gwendel made to chase but was halted in his attempts when the bottle crushed against the ceiling, generating an enormous explosion that deafened all ears.
"Quickly! Get out!" ordered Conrad as he ushered Yuri and Wolfram to safety.
Gunter, having aided Murata to his feet and sent him out, grasped Gwendel's arm and jerked the man out of the room. "What a foolish thing to do in the condition you're in!" he admonished, analyzing the man's stressed countenance.
"Khalid!" Wolfram shrieked as the ceiling descended rapidly to crush the man's body. "He's still in there!"
Gwendel brutally clutched Wolfram when he attempted to leap back into the room. "There's nothing more you can do for him! I'm sure he's capable of surviving," he gruffly growled, forcing Wolfram to meet his eyes with a grip of the boy's chin.
Khalid cursed as his eyes focused on the crackling surroundings. His eyes hesitantly darted to the others and he deduced there was no other alternative. Quickly, he dodged the shattering debris and extended his arms outward, eyes shutting.
His eyebrows furrowed as he exhaled a quick chant.
The wreckage froze in mid-air.
Yuri's eyes widened in amazement. "Holy…"
"Impossible," muttered Murata, rubbing his stinging neck. "There are no such stones that could generate that sort of result."
With a grunt of exhaustion, Khalid shifted his arms until the wreckage neatly piled upon itself, reducing the amount of damage that would have typically occurred. "I suppose you have a question or two by this point," he huffed and rubbed his forehead, diminishing his headache. "As His Eminence often suggests, at another time?"
Wolfram, despite his interest in the magic, relaxed when a shower of relief coated him. "I'm just glad you're not hurt," he sighed, his voice harsh once again.
"You'll speak to us about that soon, though," Gwendel grumbled, rubbing his forehead. "Until then, consider yourself under watch."
"Aren't I always under watch?" Khalid asked, slightly cynically.
Murata's critically observed Khalid's moments, his mind racing with countless thoughts.
Khalid approached the others, vaguely noting Gunter's overprotective stance before the Great Sage and the demon king. "You shouldn't have called the flames in your state, Wolfram," he gently criticized, stroking the boy's wrapped head. His hand froze as a copious amount of hickeys upon Wolfram's neck seeped through his vision.
"Khalid?" Wolfram hesitantly asked and studied Khalid's trail of vision. He flushed upon realizing what had startled and inadvertently infuriated the man. "Oh…"
Yuri blinked in perplexity when Khalid tore away from Wolfram and stormed pass the various soldiers, including Yosak, who sprinted toward the group, the massive noise having captivated their attention. Yuri only managed to capture the phrase 'I'll return shortly'.
"What the heck happened here?" demanded Yosak as he came to a pause in his sprint. He observed the interior that was once a large conference room. "That masked guy came here, huh?"
"You knew he had escaped?" cried Gunter, furious. "Why didn't you inform anyone?"
Yosak raised his hand up in defense and weakly smiled. "We just discovered it, actually. The guards stationed in front of the guy's solitary cell were found, half-eaten."
"Eaten?" groaned Yuri as he quickly healed the cut on Murata's neck. "He couldn't have escaped alone, could he?"
Gwendel snorted and reclined his body against the wall, the need for his cane no longer necessary due to Khalid's powerful concoction. "Regardless, send a search party after him and keep the vigilance high. I also want the guard patrol increased significantly. There are bound to be Red Eye members crawling around the kingdom as we speak."
"You got it, Captain," Yosak replied and darted to perform his various tasks.
As the man departed, Gunter stroked Murata's back to inspect for any damage. "Are you all right, Your Eminence?" he questioned gently with a concerned appearance. "You didn't inhale the poison, did you?"
"No," assured Murata as he removed his glasses and began stroking them with the corner of his dark uniform. "I'm pretty sure I'm okay, just a bit startled."
"This whole time," Yuri interjected with a dejected smile, "it's been Namir. I don't…understand. What is he doing with them and why does he hate Wolfram? I thought he liked you."
Wolfram returned his attention to Yuri by gripping his arm tightly, his own body still frail. "I don't know. I doubt we'll know much about it until later. I'm more concerned with how Khalid's feeling about it," he admitted quietly and stroked Yuri's arm to comfort his fiancé.
Despite the comment he had just uttered, Wolfram felt absolutely sick and expected his head to explode at any second.
"I say we conduct this meeting as soon as possible," murmured Murata as he returned the glasses to recline against the bridge of his nose and latch on behind his ears. "Don't worry, Lord von Christ, I'm quite all right. I think the sooner we get things done, the more results we'll see."
Gunter sighed, disheartened, but nodded. "As you wish. I'll be sure to instruct a guard to inform Khalid where the meeting will be held."
Politely, Conrad glanced at Gwendel and took hold of the cane. "Are you quite sure you don't need this any more, Gwendel? You don't want to push yourself too hard," he claimed, offering it to the man, which Gwendel dismissed with a snort.
The brunette sighed and handed the cane away to a nearby soldier. During this movement, Conrad's eyes caught sight of the darkening coloration on Wolfram's typically pale neck. His eyes briefly widened but quickly softened as he connected the purpose beneath Khalid's sudden departure and Wolfram. His flicked to where Khalid's form had vanished.
"Leave him be, Lord Weller," Murata ordered kindly as he made to follow Gunter and Gwendel. "He's already under constant watch by every guard he passes. Let him be for a while."
"I guess Namir really upset him," mumbled Yuri and Wolfram only rolled his eyes in disbelief. That poor fiancé of his lacked the capability to detect such matters.
As they left the trashed room to enter another, Wolfram adjusted his hair to carefully hide the markings. He suspected that if Gwendel or worse, Gunter, caught a glimpse of them, his day would deteriorate.
101010
"A volcanic mountain?!" uttered Yuri in a faint cry. "Please tell me there aren't at least any scary booby traps waiting there or man-eating creatures!"
Gunter offered Yuri a sympathetic yet firm glance. "Of course there are traps, Your Highness."
"Also consider that if there were as many traps for poachers when we visited the dragons, you can expect the number of traps to triple at least," Gwendel added as he straightened in his seat around a large wooden table.
Wolfram nudged Yuri from his spot on the loveseat, where the engaged couple reclined. "Don't act so surprised. These pieces of the scrolls are extremely dangerous from what we've heard. It's no surprise they would be hidden in such a place."
Groaning, Yuri twisted his fingers through his dark threads before releasing a deep sigh. "Do you really think Red Eye is capable of getting through all the traps," he mused, briefly flinching in surprise when Wolfram tiredly draped over his side.
"I really don't know what's to be expected from Red Eye, especially after the latest incidents," Conrad commented gently as he analyzed Yuri's behavior. "Something is troubling you, Your Highness?"
Yuri blinked and studied Conrad with a defeated and sheepish smile. "I just…Khalid…"
"What of him, Shibuya?"
Quickly, Yuri surveyed the room to confirm that Khalid had not returned. "Well, one thing that's been on my mind is how…er…maybe I shouldn't…"
Conrad caught the hesitant expression. "Is it about Yosak and Khalid?" he pondered, smirking internally when Yuri tensed, an obvious manifestation that confirmed Conrad's suspicion. "I spoke to Yosak during our sparring session before I had attacked Khalid."
"So he knew about Khalid blackmailing you?" asked Yuri. He grimaced vaguely when Wolfram's body tensed and he furtively sought the boy's hand that was hidden between their bodies. "He didn't bother to stop you from killing him, though. Isn't that a bit extreme?"
"Yosak's methods are mysterious at times," grumbled Gwendel, irritated that the subject was altered too quickly. "Now, may we return to the matter at hand regarding the mountain?"
"What's to think about? We're going to go get them, of course," Yuri insisted.
Gunter frantically gaped at Yuri then at Gwendel. "Your Highness, this is completely ridiculous. Gwendel, surely you will not allow His Highness to go there!" he exclaimed, utterly upset.
Yuri frowned and provided Gunter with a childish pout. "What do you mean I can't go? Of course I am! What kind of king would I be if I let you guys do this all alone?" he declared and furrowed his eyebrows to encourage his bold statement.
Murata raised an eyebrow, his eyes totally focused on Wolfram's lithe and lounging form. "Allow him to go," he instructed.
"What?" bellowed Gunter before quickly clamping his mouth shut to prevent another outburst. He inhaled a large breath of air, acknowledging his defeat. "Then please allow me to accompany you, Your Eminence, Your Highness."
Murata nodded and smiled charmingly.
"I'll be tagging along as well," muttered Wolfram and he squeezed Yuri's hand confidently.
A knock interrupted the conversation and Khalid strode in. "Your wounds need at least one extra day of healing," he retorted softly, capturing everyone's attention.
"I have to agree. You need rest, Wolfram," Yuri persisted, frowning. "You-"
"It takes nearly a whole day to reach the mountain," Murata interjected. "By the time we arrive, he'll be in decent enough condition to offer some protection to Shibuya."
Conrad narrowed his eyes suspiciously and met Gwendel's hard eyes.
"Then it's settled," Wolfram asserted and released Yuri's hand to cross his arms over his chest. "Tomorrow, we leave for Schuld Mountain."
Yuri mumbled, "Alright, but we better go keep Greta company until dinner. She'll be upset to hear us leaving again."
"Ah, she said to meet her in the small ball room, where Lady Anissina is tending to her," Khalid informed Yuri. "So am I to assume that the scrolls are located within Schuld Mountain?"
Gwendel raised his head to gaze at the man. He explained, "From what we discovered in historical writings, yes. We have compiled a list of the traps we are to avoid."
"May I see the list?" inquired Khalid, extending his hand.
Gunter quickly snatched the parchment and rolled it up immediately. "Forgive me, Khalid," he expressed, "but to hand over such information to-"
Khalid's eyes slanted and Yuri sensed the hidden rage once again. "I understand. You suspect me of possibly being in cahoots with Red Eye, isn't that so?" he asked cynically. "Normally, I would accept such an insult as discriminatory due to my heritage. Considering the current situations, however, I don't, luckily for you."
"Is that a threatening tone I sense?" growled Gwendel.
With a smirk, Khalid retorted, "Forgive me, Gwendel. The spite I've harbored tends to appear periodically. I understand why you suspect me. I, frankly, would react just as you do."
"Then start talking about Namir," Gunter ordered as he placed the rolled up document cautiously at his side. "Anything you know will benefit us."
After gently shutting the door, Khalid elegantly slid into a large cushioned seat. "I was aware that Namir had a connection with Red Eye. Rashid, however, is most likely not aware. I did not realize how intent Namir was," he carefully admitted. "As to why he harbors a hate toward Wolfram; that is to be left unknown for the moment."
"Is he…the leader of Red Eye?" Yuri asked, mildly observing Wolfram's damaged body.
Khalid nearly chuckled. "Your Highness, if Red Eye indeed has a director, it would not be Namir. He lacks the qualities to run such an organized and powerful cult. Red Eye, however, apparently went through some…difficulties."
"Difficulties?" Wolfram questioned.
Khalid lightly stroked his right eyelid and then wiggled a thin finger toward Gwendel. "A person with a Red Eye affiliation aided Gwendel here to attack Namir. That clearly suggests a possible discrepancy that exists within the group," he illustrated.
Conrad gestured at Gwendel. "Any particular reason you would suspect they used Gwendel? He was, after all, deeply wounded. They could have used His Eminence or even Yosak," suggested the brunette.
"Unfortunately, I personally have studied a minimal amount about body possessions. It requires an ornate ritual," Khalid muttered, mostly to himself. He stroked his chin in thought, his eyes clearly in a distant place.
Murata hummed as he offered his input. "So it's possible Namir handed you the antidote because…he still feels obligated to serve you."
With a light shrug, Khalid rubbed his forehead. "I have doubts regarding that. He may feel loyal to me but it's also possible that Red Eye has purposely and strategically used Namir for the purpose of capturing me," he pondered, face tightening.
"You've been in Sulteri all this time. If they're after you, why not just take you away?" Gunter questioned.
At this, Khalid chuckled deeply. "Why, Gunter, why would they bother capturing me when I'm such an asset to them? My powers are beyond most in Sulteri and perhaps they plan to use me without my knowledge and execute me once they've completed whatever purposes they have."
Gwendel fixed Khalid with a harsh glare. "You're too intelligent for that."
"Thank you for the compliment, Gwendel," Khalid uttered sarcastically. "However, if you truly want my opinion, here it is. Namir's exposing himself as a member of Red Eye is no mere foolish action on his part. This is nothing more than an elaborate plan."
"In other words, there's nothing else that can be done until we gather those pieces," Yuri pathetically concluded, slightly depressed. "Oh, yeah, what of that amazing stunt you pulled with levitation? According to Murata, that's normally not possible."
Khalid extended his hand to scrutinize it. "That is to be kept hidden. I do not trust handing over such critical secrets when Red Eye members infest your kingdom. Soon, though, at a more appropriate time, will I explain it," he insisted before standing up, directly ending the conversation. "If you're also curious about the poison; my body is immune to certain types of poisons because of my studies. I'll leave it at that."
"And you wonder why we are suspicious towards you?" Gwendel asked, nearly amused.
"As I said, I understand your suspicions. Things need to be told when the moment is right. Now is not the time."
Murata met Yuri's perplexed stare and shrugged. That was the end of the particular conversation.
"We should prepare for tomorrow. I'll be out gathering some ingredients," Khalid proposed and made for the door.
"Forgive me, Khalid," Gunter began slowly albeit firmly, "but please stay within the city limits."
Khalid's eyes brightened. "Why, of course. I wouldn't want you to harbor any further suspicions of me."
With that comment, he respectfully bowed to Yuri and Murata before exiting.
"Come on, my wimpy fiancé," Wolfram instructed teasingly while shakily stance. "Let's find our daughter before dinner time."
Flushed, Yuri hurriedly stood, allowing his arm to serve as Wolfram's personal walking aid. "Don't call me that," he commanded with a low mumble, eyes darting to a smirking Murata. "H-how are you feeling, by the way?"
"Already I'm feeling much better," claimed Wolfram as he contently grasped Yuri's arm.
"You two look so cute," Murata cooed in a horribly cheery voice. "Are those hickeys I spot?"
Yuri's body drained itself of all blood. "U-uh…N-no, o-o-of course not, Murata! Stop teasing Wolfram! He's recovering!"
"What's it to you if they are?" purred Wolfram, eyes thinning at the Great Sage. He mentally grinned when Gunter unconsciously discharged a cry of disbelief. "We are engaged after al-"
"We didn't do anything!" Yuri growled furiously, the blood returning but only to brighten the king's face. "W-We have to go now!"
As Yuri forcibly dragged Wolfram away from the others and out of the room, Conrad restlessly trailed after them. Once at a more appropriate location, Yuri spun around to accusingly pierce Wolfram with an admonishing glare.
"Don't do that, Wolfram!" Yuri demanded roughly, humiliated.
Frustrated, Wolfram violently jerked away from Yuri's grasp. His still shaky body managed to remain balanced with the support of the wall. "Who cares if they know what we do, Yuri?!"
"I care!" Yuri hissed in a low enough voice so as not to startle the various palace attendees. "I just…I mean I barely understood what we were doing and I'm not sure if-"
"Don't you dare try to claim that you're still not serious about this, Yuri! I will not tolerate this! I…can't!" Wolfram cried; the fury and sorrow plaguing his mind to the extent where tears swelled in his eyes.
Yuri halted in his speech as a single tear trickled out of Wolfram's eye. "Wolfram…Wha…?"
"Wolfram," Conrad murmured and lightly stretched his hand to soothe his brother.
"Don't touch me!" Wolfram bellowed with a harsh slap to the hand. As he steadied himself with one hand against the wall, Wolfram rubbed his eyes brusquely with his free one. "Leave me alone."
"Wolfram, I never meant to hurt you. What-hey! Where are you going?" Yuri hollered after a slowly retreating Wolfram. "You can't walk alone in your state!"
In two strides, Yuri caught a thin yet toned arm. "Let me help you, Wolfram," he coaxed.
"I said don't touch me!" Wolfram barked and tugged against the invading hand. "Let go!"
Rapidly, Yuri's eyes hardened, his anxiety diminishing once Wolfram struggled. "Stop being a brat, Wolfram!" he ordered faintly but confidently. "I'm not going to let you hurt yourself just because you won't listen to me!"
Wolfram growled viciously but paused when a tender hand gripped his jaw. The hand yanked his face upward and to an angle in order to encounter Yuri's concerned expression. His eyes quickly softened at the kindness that docked within those dark eyes.
"Please, Wolfram. Talk to me," Yuri sweetly pleaded, completely oblivious by this point at the fascinated maids and amused Conrad. "Whatever I said, I never intended to imply that…I don't want to work this out. I…I still…you know…like you."
Wolfram's eyes slid down as he murmured, "Wimp. I…know you're still a newbie regarding this sort of situation. I just-"
"I know," Yuri interrupted, releasing Wolfram's face and straightening up to offer the flaxen soldier assistance. "I'm…really just…not-"
"Shut up, Yuri. I know, alright?"
Conrad sighed, relieved, and dismissed the spectators with a firm gesture. They quickly acknowledged his wishes and departed just in the time Yuri hauled Wolfram into a bold embrace. Despite their openly timid affections, Conrad's heart ached for Wolfram. He trusted Yuri wholeheartedly yet the possibility of Wolfram being emotionally crushed was enough to concern him. For Conrad, something regarding the severity of their current situation foreshadowed a tragic event.
He politely averted his attention when Wolfram brushed his lips quickly against Yuri's.
Yuri blushed deeply as reality shattered the moment. He flinched from Wolfram's touch upon recognizing Conrad's presence. He stole a peek at his godfather, only to discover the man graciously shifting his eyes aside to allow them their privacy.
"He's trying to give you a hint, idiot," Wolfram mumbled and pecked Yuri's lips.
Still indistinctly diffident, Yuri permitted a short but compact kiss between himself and Wolfram. Nearly reluctantly, Yuri terminated the contact and sensed his nerves melting due to Wolfram's lustful expression. The wounded warrior smirked before playfully glaring at Conrad.
"I'm pleased to see the two of you resolving your arguments peacefully," Conrad confessed as he neared the two.
Yuri smiled as the blush refused to vanish. "Y-Yeah, well, you know…"
"It's alright, Your Highness. You don't have to hide it when you're around me," Conrad gently insisted, appearing more joyous. "I can only ask that you take good care of him and that you do the same for His Highness, Wolfram."
"Hmph! I don't need to be told that."
Yuri hesitantly laughed at Wolfram's usual stubborn response. "Come on, let's find Greta."
"As you wish."
Meanwhile, within the conference room, behind closed doors, Gwendel pierced Murata with a curious eye. "Is there a reason why you wanted His Highness to come along, not including his own wishful desire to do so?" inquired Gwendel.
Smirking behind his clasped hands, Murata provided Gunter and Gwendel with mischievous eyes. "I suppose there's no reason to conceal it, so yes. There is a specific reason."
"May we know what it is, Your Eminence?" asked Gunter.
"It was the only method that would ensure Lord von Bielefeld's presence."
101010
Wolfram flexed his shoulder, placidly viewing Yuri tug on his pajama bottoms before joining the blonde on the large bed. "Greta looked lovely with her dress and crown," he mused and curled against Yuri's body.
"She did," Yuri concurred and allowed his arm to stretch behind Wolfram in order to drape it around the boy's hip. He mentally cheered at his sudden boldness. "She seemed quite happy sitting beside Khalid at dinner."
"Ch'. Dinner went horribly with mother," Wolfram irritatingly muttered against Yuri's neck as he recalled the latest events. "I knew mother would be keen on persuading Khalid to challenge you for my affection."
"Like what happened with Elizabeth," the king grumbled, recalling the lovely and assertive woman.
Yuri sighed as he relived the immensely embarrassing situation. He sincerely felt grateful for Khalid's polite refusal of such a motion. Despite that, however, a dark gleam beneath Khalid's bright eyes had stirred a nauseating sensation deep within Yuri's stomach.
"I wonder what will happen with Namir," Yuri mumbled aloud, blinking rapidly.
Wolfram barely shrugged and twirled repeatedly the corner of Yuri's shirt with a finger. "The brat was really cute and sweet when I first met him. Then again, if he's with Red Eye, then his intentions are not really pure."
"I wonder why he hates you," Yuri contemplated, gripping Wolfram unconsciously tighter. "What if they come after you again?"
With a soft yawn, the finger's petting Yuri's shirt ceased. Wolfram flirted with sleep. "No one's taking me away from you," he whispered, eyes closing. "This whole situation makes me feel gross though."
Unhappily, Yuri huffed and shifted closer to Wolfram, terrified of another sudden attack during the night. "Wolfram…?"
"Sleep, Yuri. We need it."
"Ah, yeah, you're right. Sleep should help us. Good night, Wolfram," Yuri bashfully murmured while shutting his eyes.
"G'night…wimp."
"Ugh."
101010
"Mm…Yuri, stop poking me," Wolfram tiredly mumbled against a pillow and twitched as a cold finger prodded his face. "Yuri!"
Wolfram bolted upright, fuming and dreadfully exhausted. His eyes widened immensely at the wild haired boy's presence.
"You again…"
The boy timidly scooted away from Wolfram on the bed. "I'm not going to hurt you," he whispered in the most adorable voice Wolfram ever had the pleasure of hearing. "I had him tied so you wouldn't do anything to me."
Unsure, Wolfram quickly flashed his eyes to locate his fiancé. He inhaled sharply as Yuri's body was comfortably encased within the twisting vines, which conveniently lacked any thorns. His body had been fastened to the wall, where the king continued to peacefully sleep.
"Yuri…"
The child feebly stole a glance at Wolfram. "He's okay. I was afraid you would try to hurt me," he sniffed, rubbing a large bright eye.
Wolfram swallowed the apprehensive emotion that overtook his mind and he contemplated shouting for assistance. Instead, he leapt off the bed and outstretched his hand to grasp his blade. A single vine that curved around Yuri's body sprung out and snatched the sword rapidly away from Wolfram's clutches.
"I'm not here to fight," the boy mumbled, stealing shy and furtive peeks at Wolfram. "Please do not call for help. I cannot stay long and need to speak with you."
Frustrated, Wolfram scanned the surrounding area to unveil any possible method to rescue Yuri. When he was tempted to shout for assistance, the child's left eye caught his entire attention. "Your…your natural eye color is-"
"I'm Sagira," the boy timidly informed, a tiny hand fondling a long strand of his hair. "Please don't laugh at it because it's a girl's name."
Wolfram blinked at the child's comment. "What do you want?" he eventually asked, concluding that Yuri's safety was his first priority.
"They're coming for you," Sagira frightfully mumbled, his own eyes darting about.
"Who is?" Wolfram pressed, the child's obvious anxiety piquing his interest.
Sagira drew closer to Wolfram and cupped his hands around the other's ear. "The bad people," Sagira lowly elucidated. "The ones with red eyes."
As he slanted his eyebrows to create a more intimidating expression, Wolfram uttered, "But you're with them! Your eye is red and slit!"
Sagira swiftly jerked his head back and forth, resulting in his long locks to sway around his small form. "I'm not like them! I'm-No!"
"What is it?" cried Wolfram, frantic.
Sagira clutched his head painfully while tears coated his face. "No! They found me!" he sobbed. "They'll get you!"
The boy suddenly grew disturbingly silent and still. In a chilling motion, Sagira's head impulsively snapped back, revealing two sliced pupils embedded within blood-coated eyes. "He cannot save you," a deep voice silkily spoke. "Pay no mind to his babbling."
"Who are you?" demanded Wolfram, totally entranced by the two eyes.
"I am the one they depend on, trust in, and sacrifice for," the entity within Sagira chuckled, a seductive sound that resounded throughout the chamber. It sent a shrill of pleasure bolting through Wolfram's spine.
Yuri quietly moaned.
Wolfram grimaced as he noted the vines tightening around Yuri's limp body. "You're Red Eye's ruler," he gasped just as several masked figures emerged from the murky corners of the room. "Release Yuri!"
"They will pray to you, Wolfram."
"What?! Get away from me!" Wolfram shrieked and, despite his screaming nerves, powerfully kicked one of the approaching forms. Violently, his leg was brutally clutched and jerked.
In a harsh movement, Wolfram collided back onto the bed. "No!"
Several pairs of hands snatched his protesting limbs and forcibly prevented his further struggles. "Let go of me! Conrart! Gwendel!" he screamed and was rewarded with a vicious smack to the face.
Brightly lit spots clouded Wolfram's vision momentarily as he released a pained moan. One set of grabby hands sadistically yanked his hair to steady his face. Despite his hazy vision, Wolfram clearly comprehended their intention once Sagira's small hand clasped over the blonde's right eye.
"No!" Wolfram growled, bucking violently against the mighty restraints. "Stop it! STOP IT!"
The agony overtook his mind.
Wolfram let loose a horrible, desperate screech.
101010
"Damn it! Wolfram!" Gwendel screamed before striking Wolfram's face with the palm of a hand. Relentless, Wolfram only screamed appallingly, a sound that lasted far too long. All the while, Wolfram's body bucked aggressively and often, obviously not affected by the blow.
Wolfram's voice contorted into something sinister. "The…one…"
"Where is that water?!" bellowed Gunter who desperately clutched at the boy's leg, which had previously delivered a kick to his midsection.
Another helpless cry emitted from Wolfram. "They…will…pray…"
"Wolfram!" Yuri shouted and grasped the boy's jerking head. "Wake up! Wake up!"
Conrad panted and tensed as Wolfram's body suddenly ceased moving beneath him. After a painful minute, he released his brother's wrist carefully. "Wolfram?" he quietly called and cupped the bruised flesh that was Wolfram's face. "Can you hear me?"
Wolfram's eyelids gradually parted as he began escaping the nightmare. His body inhaled sharply and bolted into an upright position, hurling Yuri backward to avoid a head on collision. "No!"
"Wolf, it's okay," Yuri hurriedly pacified and lovingly gripped the trembling shoulders. "You were just having a bad dream. It's not real. You're safe now."
"A…dream," Wolfram numbly repeated gazing at Yuri. Shakily, a thin hand rose and stroked Yuri's facial features. "You're not hurt."
Yuri smiled gently and allowed himself to lean into the touch to reassure Wolfram. "Of course not," he cheekily informed and inspected Wolfram. "I'm not going anywhere."
Murata released a breath of weariness. "Was it a familiar dream?" he inquired and briefly glanced to his side to witness Khalid burst into the room.
"What went on here?" he demanded suspiciously and immediately rushed to Wolfram's side. "A nightmare?"
Anxiously, Wolfram set aside a few loose threads of his sweat-soaked hair. "I…Can't recall it," he lied smoothly, narrowing his eyes. "I'm…fine. I just need some rest now."
Conrad offered the others a persuasive expression. "I'll stay in His Highness's chambers tonight for safety purposes," he declared and escorted the reluctant Gunter along with the others out.
Before Murata exited the room, he paused momentarily to examine Wolfram pitifully.
Khalid, however, remained for a short while to discover if his assistance was required. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, standing once more.
"I'm fine," Wolfram maintained and gratefully accepted the glass of water that Conrad recommended. "I suppose the nightmares have yet to cease."
"You've been having them before you entered Sulteri?" Khalid questioned, abnormally persistent with a hasty tone. "When did you begin having them?"
Wolfram raised a curious eyebrow and set aside the glass once he drained its contents. "A few days before we received your letter," he reported, blinking in interest once Khalid's eyes hardened irately. "What is it?"
"It's nothing," Khalid mumbled. "I just didn't realize how long they've been occurring."
"Where were you anyway?" asked Conrad.
Khalid refused to permit the meeting of their eyes. "I was still out, actually. I was attempting to capture a nocturnal creature for a spell. An insect, to be more specific. I heard Wolfram's scream as I was returning. If my assistance is not needed, though, I need to finish preparing for the task ahead of us tomorrow."
"Alright," Yuri mumbled, still slightly perplexed even as Khalid bowed and took his departure. "He seems to have to prepare a lot of things."
"Well, Khalid mentioned that for every negative side effect his magic can produce onto others, he must have antidotes in the case he poisons himself or someone other than his target. Apparently, everyone is instructed to do so if they have stones within them," Conrad enlightened, settling into a seat.
Wolfram ignored the conversation and instantly crept beneath the sheets, lost in thought.
"So is that how he knew Namir would have an antidote?" Yuri inquired as he rubbed Wolfram's temple, administering his healing technique.
Conrad smiled. "That's what he said to Gwendel at any rate."
"His name is Sagira," Wolfram reported in a gentle whisper.
"Huh?"
After narrowing his eyes curiously, Conrad tilted his head and presumed, "The boy that's been following you?"
Wolfram nodded his head beneath the covers and Yuri repeated the motion to Conrad.
"So you do recall the nightmare?" pressed Conrad but Wolfram shut his eyes and allowed sleep to leisurely kidnap him from reality.
Yuri sighed and smiled weakly. "Let him sleep."
"Don't stay up long, Your Highness. Rest. I'll be sure to keep vigilance. Wolfram will sleep peacefully even if you sleep beside him," Conrad insisted with a coaxing attitude.
Yuri lacked the energy to resist the temptation and thus, snuggled beside Wolfram. "You need sleep too, Conrad," he sleepily yawned, his voice barely drawling out the words.
"Sleep, Your Highness."
Yuri slept.
101010
"One…"
"Two…"
"Three!"
Wolfram sharply yelled as his back slammed none too gently against the tree. He quickly regained his footing and tightened his grip on his sword, cursing silently. Sweat oozed over his firm face as his breathing grew erratic.
"Ooooh!" groaned Morgif cheerfully beside Yuri, obviously enjoying the sparring.
With a snort, Khalid sheathed his blade and loomed over the flushed and panting Wolfram. "We're done," he commanded bitterly as he placed a firm hand on a hip. "You're in no condition to continue."
"No!" Wolfram heaved desperately, wincing as an ache in his thigh electrocuted the nerves in his spine. "I'm...not…done. That was just a lucky shot!"
Conrad chuckled as Wolfram made a poor slash with his blade. Khalid easily took a step to his left and extended his foot, tripping Wolfram. "Come now, Wolfram," Conrad gently said, "Gunter and Gwendel will return shortly and you need to be rested up to head up the mountain."
Groaning into the ground, Wolfram formed a fist to crush the grass beneath him. "Damn it," he croaked and grumbled while Yuri worriedly supported the boy. "Hmph."
"Come off it, Wolf," Yuri suggested, beginning to develop a frustrated expression. "You're getting better and you don't need to keep trying to duel Khalid to prove it. I don't want you to strain yourself."
With a light shrug, Wolfram removed Yuri's gentle hands. "I'm fine. I was just caught off guard," he grumbled but still placed his blade away, ego bruised. "Can you make another potion for me, Khalid?"
Khalid sternly shook his head and strolled away to feed a hungry horse. "No. If you absorb too much of the potion into your body, it will actually worsen your state. Just do not push your body too much and you will be back to your usual physical self in a few days."
"But-"
"Be grateful you can walk," Khalid reprimanded in a firm tone. "Besides, you don't want to worry His Highness and scar his property."
"Pro-property?!" Yuri stuttered, face ablaze and sweat dripping. "Wolfram is not my property! He's a person!"
Wolfram waved Yuri's embarrassment off with a smug smirk and wave of his hand. "Don't cry, you baby. Khalid was joking," he insisted with a less than convincing voice. "His jokes tend to be crude."
Yuri wrinkled his nose and glanced to his side, recalling a distant memory.
Kind of reminds me of Conrad and his lame jokes. At least Conrad's jokes weren't so vulgar.
"Murata, what are you doing?" Yuri asked once his eyes noticed the Great Sage fumbling with unidentified items in his hands. "Have you been doing that this whole time?"
Sensing the need to sprawl out his muscles, Wolfram shuffled near Murata and plopped beside him. "Is it something relating to Red Eye?" he asked, eyes interested, hoping for a profound reply.
Murata lifted his eyes from his secretive task to impishly grin at the lad beside him. He quickly lifted up his object proudly, displaying the wonders of his intense project.
"Ta da!" he triumphantly sung and released the flowery creation atop Wolfram's golden curls.
Yuri faltered.
Conrad smiled as a bead of sweat trickled down his temple.
Khalid raised an eyebrow. "You've been creating a crown of flowers this entire time?"
Wolfram groaned and lightly tossed it back into Murata's hands, irritated and disappointed.
"Isn't it great?" Murata asked, boasting. "It's a lot harder than it looks."
We're doomed, Yuri cried mentally while unconsciously sighing.
Conrad shifted his weight as Gwendel and Gunter trailed out of the bushes, thankfully diverting their attention from Murata and his less than wondrous project. "Did it go well?"
Decisively nodding, Gunter addressed the others with a grave face. "It appears that someone activated a trap ahead, yet they most likely got away," he accounted.
"Red Eye, possibly," considered Murata.
"Be aware, Your Highness," Gwendel inserted thickly with a somber glare. "This is extremely dangerous and it'd be wise if you refrain from sidetracking. Keep behind Gunter and me at all times once we proceed up the mountain."
Yuri faintly frowned and nodded impatiently. "I know, I promise I will," he insisted and slid a bag over his shoulder. "Come on then. Let's go!"
"We'll leave the horses," Conrad issued while removing the saddles.
The others grasped their respective baggage and pursued Gunter, who preceded Gwendel. They formed a procession as they commenced through the perilous pathway that would eventually lead them to the mountain's merciless top.
Gunter succeeded in satisfactorily avoiding the various threatening traps that the parchment clearly addressed. After evading an abundant amount of effectively situated entrapments, Khalid quickly noted the sweat forming over Wolfram's frail features.
"Let's take a break. We've made good progress as it is," the man proposed and settled his bag beneath an enormous tree. "A short break will do us well."
Gwendel glanced back and just as swiftly caught Khalid's concern. "Fine."
Yuri sighed contently, his rump and calf muscles sobbing for a respite from the inclined trail. "Yeah," he tiredly agreed. "A break sounds great."
Beside him, Wolfram flopped near a large damaged tree trunk. He tilted his neck back but shifted his eyes to the side, observing a lounging and stretching Yuri. "Tired?" he mumbled mischievously.
"Of course not!" Yuri retorted, his competitiveness thriving off of Wolfram's teasing. "I'm completely ready to go whenever!"
"Then come with me," Wolfram huskily murmured with a haughty twitch of his lips. He firmly gripped Yuri's hand and tugged himself upward before jerking his fiancé toward a more secluded area. "We'll be back."
"Your Highness!" Gunter shouted, eyes teary. "Don't wander off-"
Conrad silenced Gunter with a convincing smile. "Don't worry," he assured, "Wolfram will be with him and I'll keep them company."
Morgif released a wail of disappointment as he was left by Yuri's bag.
Murata's eyes amusedly trailed after Conrad's vanishing form. He also undeniably detected Khalid's fuming and seething rage, which was relatively well hidden from the others. Murata decided to shift Khalid's jealousy into something productive.
"Alright, everyone!" the Great Sage hollered, captivating Gwendel, Morgif, Gunter, and Khalid's attention. "We have a big task ahead of us! Time to make some flower crowns! Gather around me, you all."
"…Wonderful," Khalid uttered and reluctantly obeyed Murata's strict order.
Meanwhile, as Wolfram guided Yuri pass various trees, Conrad demonstrated his consent to their privacy by locating himself in an area that permitted just that. As he had done in the gardens, his distance was close enough to capture any threats but at a far enough distance to ensure their brief solitude.
"What is it, Wolfram?" Yuri hastily asked in a nervous tone.
Wolfram released his possessive grip only to cradle Yuri's neck. "This," the golden haired soldier seductively murmured before clasping the protesting lips shut with the pressure of his own.
A portion of Yuri's blood rushed upward into his head, hurling his thoughts into a chaotic frenzy, while the rest swirled into his pelvic area. His body's yearning for another's sexual caress threatened yet again to crumble his rationality when Wolfram faintly brushed their groins against one another.
"W-Wait!" Yuri gasped, jerking his face away and firmly shoving Wolfram's hips away with sweaty palms. "I…I can't…I'll-"
When Wolfram smirked almost cutely at the king, Yuri panicked and tore his eyes away. "You'll lose control?" Wolfram asked haughtily. "Well, I suppose getting too involved in such a place isn't romantic or appropriate."
"Y-yeah, that's it," mumbled Yuri.
Wolfram shut the gap once more between their bodies to embrace Yuri. Comfortably, Yuri reclined against the boy once gently clasping his hands behind Wolfram's thin back. "How are you feeling?" he asked into curls.
"You keep asking that. I'm fine, don't worry," Wolfram grumbled into Yuri's neck and lightly puckered his lips, kissing it. "I'm not a wimp like you are."
Yuri decided to cast the insult aside and inquired, "About…the nightmare last night…"
Wolfram craned his neck to momentarily capture Yuri's eyes. "I thought it best to keep it to myself at the time," he confessed, returning his face to relax beneath Yuri's chin.
"Will you tell me?"
Wolfram let loose a frustrated sigh but broke their contact. He shuffled to the side and settled down upon the floor, silently commanding for Yuri to follow suit. As he fondled a blade of grass, Wolfram quietly and vividly illustrated the memory that was his nightmare.
Once told, Yuri remained silent, contemplating over the significance. "What does he mean 'they'll pray to you'?"
"If I knew, I wouldn't be so irritated," Wolfram nearly hissed.
"You're always irritated," Yuri commented, attempting yet failing at a joke to humor his companion.
None too gently, Wolfram socked Yuri's arm with a sneer. "Try that again," he threatened.
"Ow," Yuri whined and rubbed his sore arm. "You didn't need to do that, and to your…"
…boyfriend? Yuri's mind completed the sentence but it was not spoken aloud.
Wolfram blinked and examined Yuri's wide and dubious eyes. Before Yuri managed to correct his statement, Wolfram laughed and complacently hooked his arm around Yuri's neck, jerking the boy into a head lock.
"Ack! No, Wolfram!" Yuri cried, utterly horrified at what he nearly said.
"You're becoming more bold, you wuss," Wolfram teased almost happily and met Yuri's protesting lips.
At the tenderness that Wolfram's kiss offered, Yuri set aside his insecurities and hesitantly probed his tongue between Wolfram's already parted lips. His hormones apparently lacked the ability to cease the current activity that it also benefited from.
As they parted, Yuri flushed. "I still can't believe that you never attacked Namir when you were…oh…"
Wolfram caught the sadness that flashed rapidly through Yuri's eyes. "It looks like he got involved with some nasty business. Actually, if he did indeed make me ill, that would explain why I felt the way when he was touching you," mused Wolfram.
"Oh?"
"I felt rage inside of me but then I just felt like I was in a dream, like I was coming down with another fever," illustrated Wolfram. "I still get pissed off thinking about it…"
Yuri frowned. "He's still just a kid. I feel sort of bad for him," he admitted. "Poor Khalid, too. He seemed really fond of Namir, you know?"
"Hmph. Cheater."
Anxious, Yuri groaned and faintly denied, "I am not. Er…anyway, how do you feel about all this, I mean…mentally?"
Wolfram raised his eyebrows, blinking in perplexity. "Huh?"
"I mean…about all that's been going on," Yuri added quietly, anxious. "Please don't lie to me either. I know I'm just a wimp but maybe that's why I worry."
Chuckling with mild amusement, Wolfram reclined his face against his calloused hand. He considered replying with an arrogant comment but the misery Yuri's voice and eyes shared tempted him otherwise. After releasing an enormous breath of air, Wolfram's shoulder drooped.
"I'm tired," he admitted. "I just have a sick feeling about all this. I'm just wanting it to be over and I'm angry."
Yuri nodded slowly, allowing Wolfram to express, however little, his mental state. "You do a great job of hiding that, though. I'm…kind of glad you trust me enough to confide in me."
"Of course, I do," Wolfram grumbled after snorting. "You're my fiancé after all or did you forget again?"
Yuri remained silent as he flushed. Wolfram leaned over and initiated another swift kiss between them.
Words were not necessary as they shared the respite.
After a calming while, Yuri returned to reality and questioned, "Oh, don't you think we should head back before the others start leaving?"
Wolfram, in response, gripped Yuri's hand and lounged back onto the ticklish comforts that the blades of grass fashioned. "Yeah," he cheekily replied, squeezing Yuri's hand, "we probably should."
Conrad chuckled from afar after stealing a peek at the two.
101010
"Hm…Peculiar."
Murata glanced around Gunter's arm. "Something the matter, Lord von Christ?" he asked, inspecting the man's reluctance.
Sighing pitifully, Gunter continued to observe the parchment. "Well," he began uncertainly, "It appears that we're going to have to split up momentarily."
"What for?" Yuri asked, hesitant to break apart their party.
Gwendel leaned over Gunter and analyzed the directions. "There's a trap that requires the dismantling by another party. Apparently, a couple of us will need to head east to dismantle the magical barrier that is surrounding the scroll pieces. As they keep it off for a few moments, the other group can take the pieces."
"So two of us will be plenty to deal with the barrier," Murata exclaimed, peering at Wolfram. "We need someone with powerful magic. Since it's best if Shibuya goes with the group that will get the pieces of the scrolls, Lord von Bielefeld should suffice."
"Wolfram?" Yuri whispered, his stomach rumbling with the sensation of a negative omen. "Is it safe?"
Wolfram huffed and placed a hand on his hip. "I can handle it."
"I'll accompany you," Khalid added, noting the frown that Yuri created. "Is there a problem with that?"
"Actually, your skills will better assist Shibuya, Khalid," Murata inserted cautiously. "Actually, I think Lord von Christ will do. Besides, he's studied the instructions more than the rest of us and will know how to lift the barrier."
Gunter nodded, partially upset. "If I must be parted from His Highness, I will. Take good care of His Majesty, you all," he woefully uttered.
"You two be careful, too," Yuri gently commanded, maintaining a lasting glance with Wolfram. "If anything happens-"
"It'll be okay," Wolfram ensured harshly but provided Yuri with a secretly tender expression he rarely revealed to others. "We'll meet here after it's all done?"
"Yes," Gwendel grunted. "Keep it up for ten minutes. That should be enough."
Gunter concurred with a nod. "Yes. Well then, we'll be off," he stated and trailed closely behind Wolfram.
Yuri continued to observe their departure, the nauseating sensation intensifying.
At his hip, Morgif moaned anxiously.
101010
"What a nuisance," Wolfram hissed and impatiently tapped his foot against the earth. Gunter had suspected a stalker and had departed over ten minutes ago, leaving his comrade to inspect the current surrounding area.
The blonde was instructed to maintain vigilance where he currently stood, which brought about nothing more than a few chirping flying creature. The only threatening incident involved a thorn that had impaled itself into Wolfram when the boy carelessly brushed by a prickly bush.
"Gunter, are you alright?" he impatiently asked, clutching his sword tightly.
A few seconds passed and just as Wolfram made to track him down, Gunter stumbled in. "Hey, where were you?" demanded Wolfram, eyeing the long haired man. "Did you see anything?"
"No. I could have sworn I heard something though. You didn't hear anything while I checked the area, did you?"
"If I did, I would have told you," whined Wolfram, hands balling into fists after sheathing his sword. "Come on, let's go. Yuri's waiting."
Gunter glanced behind him but obeyed.
It was a very short distance later that Wolfram discovered himself panting as they reached the unstable ground that was their destination. He grumpily brushed off some dirt that had contacted his uniform during their journey up the steep pathway.
"Do you think there were any more traps they would have faced?" asked Wolfram, suddenly contemplating the idea since he and Gunter had avoided five others.
Gunter effortlessly leapt onto a large rock to survey the area. "According to the writings on the documents, they should have no other traps besides the barrier, which we'll temporarily remove," he elucidated and scanned the parchment in his hands.
Wolfram crossed his arms and mildly scanned the area. Before them stood a thick pillar that only reached to Wolfram's hips and was garnished with years of ivy. In the center of the pillar's flat top resided what appeared to reflect a demon stone.
"Isn't it…rather conspicuous?" asked Wolfram, tilting his head to inspect the dully light stone.
Gunter hummed while scrutinizing the words before him cautiously. "Ah, well, that's because that is not what creates the barrier," he explained with a grin. "This way."
"Huh?"
The older man strolled pass the pillar to a cleverly located colony of rocks. Gunter remained silent as his eyes drifted between the document in his hand and the rocks. After a silent minute, he gradually bent his upper body forward and pointed to a feeble rock.
"Wolfram, use your fire to ignite that rock right here," Gunter ordered, prudently fixating his eyes on the rock.
Wolfram lightly huffed and sauntered over, mildly interested. "Why my fire magic?" he asked curiously but sent a small scorching sphere onto the rock.
As the rock absorbed the fire, Gunter explained, "For each element, there is a rock that harbors it. Depending on the day and time, the key to holding the barrier up will shift from one rock to another. It's currently requiring fire magic to reveal the key."
"Clever," Wolfram murmured as the pillar behind them groaned and released a vicious light soaring into the skies. "That it?"
"Yes. Now we just have to feed our magic into the key to shift the barrier," Gunter added while placing the parchment safely away.
Wolfram hesitantly approached the daunting light, situating himself opposite of Gunter. "So we're tricking the stone to move the barrier…to us?" he questioned, reluctant.
"Somewhat. That's why strong magic users are necessary to accomplish that," Gunter commented and pierced Wolfram with a firm stare. "You'll have to do it alone."
Wolfram blinked and flushed angrily. "What?! Why?!"
With a frustrated shake of his head, Gunter illustrated, "Your body will be immensely drained during the process. You possess stronger magic than I do so it makes sense that I keep an eye out for intruders."
With a stomp of his foot, Wolfram offered Gunter a dirty glare. "Fine. Alright, so I just call my magic onto the stone?"
"Yes, the barrier will surround you and the pillar momentarily, preventing you from hearing or seeing anything around you," Gunter warned, taking a decent step away. "I'll be here watching over you."
With a confident sigh, Wolfram slightly outreached his hands, extending his fingers. He softly called upon the flames and weaved them around the stone, tempting the barrier to shift. As soon as the fire collided with the glistening stone, pain injected deep into Wolfram's body.
"Ah!" he cried, wincing and he nearly retreated.
"Focus! You can do it!" Gunter encouraged, witnessing the barrier slowly creeping around Wolfram.
Disregarding the pain, Wolfram slanted his eyes and concentrated on feeding his flame into the stone. Once the magic escalated, the barrier entirely engulfed Wolfram and the pillar. With a silent curse, Wolfram prayed that the events outside the barrier would remain calm.
Wolfram never heard the intruders.
101010
"Look! They've done it!" Yuri triumphantly declared with a short laugh.
Khalid narrowed his eyes suspiciously as the barrier surrounding the domed cave twinkled before vanishing. "Stay here, Your Highness. I'll scout the interior to ensure your safety," he thickly commanded and trailed beside Gwendel.
Gwendel was first to step into the shallow crevice. By the appearance of the cave, someone had already arrived prior to their entrance. "Damn it," he cursed quietly and peered at Khalid. "You notice it too?"
"This is not right," Khalid whispered, wrinkling his nose at the rotting scent. "They managed to enter the cave but the pieces are right here."
Quickly, Gwendel snatched the torn documents that were poorly hidden within the area. He straightened and craned his neck. "I smell blood but I cannot see it," he grumbled. "You have fire, don't you? Use it."
"What's going on, guys?" Murata called from outside the cave, anxious to enter. Near him, Morgif groaned and moaned more frequently, as if conveying a warning.
Khalid set his hand ablaze to light the room, which quickly illuminated the limp body belonging to Gunter. Thick coats of blood maimed the man's typically brightly glossed tresses while his body was pierced against the inner walls. His normal clothing ceased to exist but he was, almost tenderly, draped in a long robe.
"Gunter!" Gwendel shouted and rushed to the man. He grimaced internally at the nails that bore brutally into the man's palms and legs, shattering the bones to display Gunter as a trophy.
"What?" yelled Yuri as he sprinted in with the others only to wish he had never done so. His eyes widened at the similarity between Gunter's purposely positioned body and those of a crucified Christ he had once read about. "Gunter…no!"
Conrad clenches his fist furiously. "Wolfram…"
"He must be holding up the barrier still," Murata whispered in a shaky tone, wincing as blood splattered onto his shoulder. "Hm?"
Khalid ground his teeth. "The nails are too thick. We have to forcibly rip his body off of them," he proposed, taking a grip on Gunter's arm harshly. "It's the only way."
Grudgingly concurring with Khalid's statement, Gwendel took a clutch on his companion's other arm. "On the count of three," he gravely ordered.
Yuri shut his eyes tightly as Gunter's body was brutally torn free of the nails, generating a thick tearing and sharp scraping reverberation. Thankfully, Gunter's brain had retreated deeply into the safety of his conscious, preventing any screaming.
Before Yuri could express his horror or exclaim his fright, Murata moaned sickly. He worriedly gazed at the Great Sage, who was staring upward. At the image, Yuri recalled the moment they all were inside the ballroom in Sulteri. He dreaded the words Murata muttered.
"It's another message."
The others glanced up at the crude message written with Gunter's blood.
'They will pray to you.'
Yuri hissed and clasped his hand over his mouth to silence a cry. "Oh please no!"
Conrad rapidly shot his attention to Yuri. "What is it?" he quickly asked, his own stomach performing a back flip.
"I don't think they're after the scrolls," Yuri nearly sobbed, terror seeping into every fiber of his body.
"What?" Gwendel furiously roared.
"They're after Wolfram!"
101010
Wolfram shuddered once his mind grew vaguely numb from the pain. His breaths developed into something rough and rigid, his body drained of an enormous amount of energy due to his current task. He briefly calculated the time he spent nourishing the stone and concluded it would suffice.
He released the magic and gasped deeply, his body doubled over. "It…It's…d-done," he raggedly croaked, shakily standing to wipe the sweat from his brow. "Everything went…well?"
"It went just as expected," a voice replied.
Wolfram's eyes narrowed after quickly widening. He cursed his state and pitifully drew out his blade and spun to encounter six cloaked and masked forms, which all lazed tranquilly around the panting boy.
"Where's…Gunter?" Wolfram feebly breathed, limbs shaking to support both his weight and blade.
No one answered him.
A form leapt from its spot in a branch and crushed Wolfram's back with two feet, chucking the warrior effectively into the grass. Wolfram failed to shift his weight to soften the impact and he groaned, mentally and physically drained of his typical vigor.
"I…won't…let…"
"It's been done," a tall figure mumbled and yanked Wolfram's struggling arms crudely behind his back to ensnare them. "Stop struggling."
At that, Wolfram snarled and arched his back.
The one grasping his wrists seemed to sigh in disappointment before muttering, "I did warn you."
Something snapped and cracked near Wolfram's ear and he bit his lip brutally to still a scream. Once his shoulders and wrists were dislocated, the latter were tightly wrapped with a soft material. Somewhere in reality, Wolfram heard the form mumble an apology.
Wolfram spat out the blood that had oozed from his lip, missing his target.
"Are you…Red Eye?" he gasped in rage at the form that had dodged the blood.
The form glanced at another and they broke into a hearty laugh. "The poor beauty still doesn't get it, does he?" one cooed before lovingly stroking Wolfram's face, healing the wounded lip. "Don't be afraid. In reality, you're going to lead us into a more prosperous life. We love you and we apologize for Namir's behavior. It was so inappropriate. We'll have your remaining wounds healed up quickly."
Wolfram growled and managed to tilt his head back to analyze his captors. "S-Sick…bastards! I'll see you all hang for this! Let go of me this instant!" he barked and attempted to bite the hand, which quickly retreated to remove the mask.
Gunter's face stared at him.
"Y-You…What?"
The imposter laughed. "You're seeing the pretty man's face, aren't you? It's amazing how a little thorn can serve as a catalyst for a drug, hm?" the man mused and ruffled Wolfram's curls before situating the mask over his face again.
Wolfram's lips parted in a silent cry as hand punctured a pressure spot in his neck.
Wolfram collapsed into a sea of darkness.
1010…tbc…1010
There you have it.
The 'possessions' referred to in the story are indeed a reflection of demonic possessions that derive from the legendary Lucifer and his fallen angels. The "I am the one…" speech also does originate from the original speech "I am the one who dwells within. I dwelled within Nero, once within Judas, etc…" that states the six names that apply to Lucifer.
Obviously there are some religious allusions and they will serve to enhance a certain scene in later chapters.
Lemonysh, an endless thanks for the advice and catching those errors for me! It really saves me so much time and I appreciate it with all my cold heart. Truly.
Note that updates are a bit slower due to the extra editing being performed, the beginning of another quarter, and my newly damaged foot, which causes delays due to the care I must give it. At least I get a nifty cane to go along with it.
Signed with blood,
Mirai Kurosaki