Papercut
A/N: Thanks for sticking with this story and for telling me so. It makes me keep writing.
Response to reviewers:
Lina: Cane power indeed! Regarding Red Eye, if you recall, only Namir attacked Wolfram and actually hurt him. Of course, that doesn't excuse the psychological effects they've caused with the bloody writing. You'll understand more as the story nears the ending! Poor Gunter indeed. I hope to have more Yuuram moments soon enough! There's a lot going on so I hope to do the best! Thanks so much for another review! I hope you feel better!
luz: Thanks for reviewing! I love new reviewers! I understand graphic details are not for everyone but understand that I never claimed this fic to be similar to the anime. This is labeled 'horror' for a reason. The rating is most likely to change soon as well. Well, I didn't want a conversation between Gunter and Wolfram mostly because it would not be pertinent to the story, unfortunately. Besides, I wanted to introduce the next scene with Gunter with the 'imposter Gunter', so of course I couldn't have the fake Gunter and Wolfram talk either. I don't plan to permanently kill characters from KKM. I don't have the heart to do that. At any rate, thanks very much for the review and I'm glad you liked it overall!
animefreak03: I'm so honored that you reviewed my story considering that you rarely review! Thank you for the wonderful compliments! You're at work and reading this? I hope I'm not causing that much naughty behavior! Oh well, I suppose that's a good sign for my story if you're reading it during work, hehe. Thanks very much for the review. I appreciate it.
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Violence, light graphic details
101010
Wolfram faintly moaned and groggily rubbed his eyes after shifting into a sitting position. He blinked and glanced around him, attempting to deduce where he was. His emerald colored eyes widened as his mind relived the recent incidents. Frantically, Wolfram analyzed his situation with a strict eye.
With a gasp, Wolfram noted the beautifully lavished bed that he currently resided on. He meant to leap off the bed but his body was jerked back onto the silken sheets.
"What?" he whispered and narrowed his eyes upon realizing the cause. His wrists were restrained with locks that were connected to thin golden chains. Though they were not situated tightly enough to cause damage, there was no possibility of escape.
Wolfram sighed. "Great," he mumbled as his eyes trailed up the chain to where they were securely embedded in the wall. It permitted him enough length to stretch but not enough to let him get off the bed.
As a result, Wolfram concluded it best to survey the remainder of the area. The room he occupied was rather large and adorned with the most valuable looking trinkets. Much like the room he slept in with Yuri, an entire wall was replaced with elaborately designed windows.
Wolfram frowned. "What is going on…?"
The doors to the enormous room opened.
"Ah, you're awake. Good," a voice happily stated. Wolfram spun his head to observe a slightly older and handsome man approach him carrying a tray of various objects. From their characteristics, Wolfram presumed them to be medical tools.
"Where am I?" demanded Wolfram in a less than kind voice.
The man smiled sweetly as he set down the tray upon a small table. "You're home, of course," he replied with a hearty laugh.
Wolfram offered the man a brutal glare. "Where's home?"
"Sulteri," the man explained and lightly touched Wolfram's shoulder, which twitched. "Don't be alarmed. Your shoulders and wrists are still sore, yes? We kept you asleep while popping them back into place. I've been treating you since you arrived."
With a growl, Wolfram slapped the hand away. "You make it sound like I wanted to come here! I was kidnapped! What the hell is going on?! Answer me! I demand it at once!"
The man adjusted his body into a seat beside Wolfram's bed. "If our Prince is so curious, I'll tell you what I can," he commented, still smiling.
"Our prince?" Wolfram repeated incredulously.
"You are to be our Prince, yes. Although we never formally accepted the label, we're referred to as Red Eye."
Wolfram stared at the stranger. "WHAT?! I refuse to have any affiliation with such a vile group! Release me at once! What have you done to the others?!"
The man frowned, insulted. "I would not know if the group sent to get you encountered them. I'm just a simple man who specializes in healing spells. We also understand it may take you a while to adapt but we're certain you'll be happy."
"No! No! No! I don't belong here! I don't know what sort of sick joke this is-"
Wolfram halted in his rant, recalling his reference to a 'sick joke' in Sulteri once before.
The message in the ballroom. The one that welcomed me home…
Licking his lips, Wolfram muttered, "The message that was in blood was really…true…it wasn't a joke…?"
"Of course not. Actually, the way it was executed was a bit overly dramatic but I assumed the message got across," the man cheerfully added. "I'm not referring to the message directed at you either."
Wolfram hesitantly inquired, "What do you mean?"
The man's face grew firm and his eyes hardened. "Members of our group do not originate solely from Sulteri. Many offered their bodies as sacrifices to plague each major kingdom that has repeatedly threatened and shunned Sulteri. Sulteri, of course, is the only one that had the message for you."
"Other Red Eye members?" Wolfram whispered, dreading the thought.
Sighing, the man continued. "Unfortunately, there are kingdoms who have decided to declare war against Sulteri because of it."
Wolfram blinked, still perplexed by the entire situation. "What do you want of me then?" he asked in a low voice, clenching his fists.
The man clasped his hands and diminished his serious tone. "You will be the Prince of Red Eye and help us create a more beautiful life for us all," he illustrated. "So allow us to pamper you and tend to your every need, my Prince."
"Don't call me that!" Wolfram barked, jerking away again when the man attempted to alleviate his wounds. "What the heck do you mean the Prince of Red Eye?! You talk like it's an entire country! What of Rashid?!"
After a brief pause, the man chuckled, not affected by Wolfram's harsh voice. "Oh, we'll allow you to visit poor Rashid soon enough. I'm actually quite shocked to hear you haven't figured it out yet though."
"…Poor Rashid? And figured out what?"
"Sulteri is Red Eye, my Prince."
101010
"You knew about this, Murata?!" Yuri shrieked, slamming his hands violently against the desk. "You knew Wolfram was a target and let him come along anyway?! How could you?!"
Murata narrowed his eyes. "I only had a suspicion, Shibuya. I didn't realize how extreme the situation was but my thought was apparently correct and if I continue to be correct, they will not harm Lord von Bielefeld at all," he replied calmly.
"Calm yourself, Yuri," Conrad uttered gently and clasped his godson's shoulder.
Desperately helpless, Yuri groaned and buried his face into the palms of his hands. They had returned to Covenant Castle after discovering Wolfram's kidnapping via a card. Yuri frowned deeply and lifted up the card, reading its contents yet again.
'Return to your castle and you will be notified about the beloved Prince'
Not only that, but they took an extra half day to return home due to Gunter's condition, which was thankfully addressed instantly by the others. The man had yet to awaken.
"I'm sorry, Murata," Yuri whispered, pitifully glancing at his companion. "I know it's not your fault. I just…I'm so scared. How do you know they won't hurt him?"
Murata sighed and confidently stated, "In either situation, there's no need for them to harm him. Harming him just doesn't seem to benefit them, if you think about it."
I don't know what to think anymore, Yuri thought and released another torn groan of dismay.
"I agree," Khalid muttered thickly. "I'm certain they'll leave him unharmed…or at least, for the most part."
Yuri wanted to vomit.
The door creaked as it was pushed opened, revealing a distressed Dakaskos. "Your Highness, a mysterious figure just popped out of nowhere and dropped this off with me-"
Yuri nearly flew out of his seat to thankfully accept the letter. The king tore it open and stared at the handwriting. Unable to decipher the language quickly enough, he impatiently thrust it to Conrad. "What does it say?" he shakily asked.
Conrad smoothed out the wrinkles Yuri created and elucidated, "It says that Wolfram has been chosen to help lead Red Eye. It goes on to state that they have no intention of harming any of us or Wolfram for that matter. They're even allowing the Great Demon Kingdom to form a treaty with Red Eye and begin a new path to a brighter tomorrow.
It closes by saying that Wolfram is still permitted to speak and visit us but he will be forced to break his engagement to His Highness…"
Utterly flabbergasted, Yuri shook his head. "W-What is this? They're suddenly acting all polite?! Is this a joke?"
Murata hardened his countenance, still in the process of absorbing the information. "If all they wanted was Lord von Bielefeld, why did they go through all of this trouble?" he mumbled.
Khalid took the letter and read it once more. "It can only mean that they have unfinished business. Perhaps Wolfram is just one part of the entire plan," he suggested, sending Dakaskos away with a fierce look.
"It must be another trap," Gwendel muttered heavily as he entered the room, face drained.
"How's Gunter?" Yuri quietly asked, knowing that the man had taken it upon himself to transfer Gunter to Gisela.
The eldest brother grunted and rubbed his temples. "I think the concoction Khalid made is finally taking effect. His fever is gone but he has yet to wake up. The poison had spread to the majority of his body but at least Gisela is keeping him under a strict watch."
"I'm sorry I'm unable to provide more assistance," murmured Khalid, "but powerful healing incantations take a lot out of my body, especially after dealing with your and Wolfram's injuries."
"Now we can focus entirely on the issue with Lord von Bielefeld," Murata proclaimed, gazing at the others. "What shall we do?"
"Do we even know where he's at?" asked Conrad, face tight but eyes ablaze.
Khalid tapped his chin and answered, "Sulteri."
Yuri blinked twice rapidly. "What?"
"There's no doubt they've made it their permanent holding by now," Khalid informed. "I cannot tell you for certain where but it's most likely near the palace."
Suspiciously, Murata ogled him. "I see…"
"Sorry to interrupt," Yosak panted, suddenly rushing in, "but there's a major problem that just arose."
Gwendel straightened. "What is it?"
"I've just confirmed that other kingdoms had dead bodies clustered into a room, like what occurred in Sulteri," the spy reported, wiping his brow of the sweat. "I don't know why. I do know that Big Cimarron discovered the bodies two days ago and now they're going after Sulteri!"
Yuri's mouth opened wide, but only air escaped the first time he tried to speak. "W-What?! Why Sulteri?!" he demanded.
Yosak raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Don't you recall what happened in Sulteri, Your Majesty? Well, some of the children were of Sulteri descent," he began.
Khalid cursed softly. "If it involves Sulteri, they are immediately the scapegoat. Idiots," he growled, glaring at nothing in particular.
"Most likely," Yosak concurred. "I have a reliable source that claims of their departure. They will arrive in Sulteri in about two days to take it as their own. What's worse is that two other kingdoms have joined Cimarron's cause and will be accompanying them."
With a commanding voice, Gwendel thundered, "They must be stopped at once! Gather the troops as quickly as possible! We're closer to Sulteri so we can make it before they arrive!"
"What about Red Eye and Wolfram?" Yuri cried, fearful of any harm coming to his fiancé. "If they see us coming, they might panic!"
"No," Khalid interjected, meeting Yuri's eyes. "Red Eye will undoubtedly take this opportunity to show their true potential. Besides, if we offer the Great Demon Kingdom's assistance to Red Eye, we can lure them into trusting us."
"Yes," Murata added, "and we can rescue Lord von Bielefeld by playing along with their demands or do you prefer to do as Red Eye asks, Shibuya?"
Yuri remained silent for a brief moment, eyes softening. "I don't know if they really have pure intentions but they really hurt Gunter. I…don't want to…lose Wolfram to a group that does things like that. I want to talk to their leader."
"Leader?" Murata repeated, pressing Yuri. "How do you know they have a leader?"
Realizing his outburst, Yuri stammered before biting his lip. "Well…The nightmare that Wolfram had…"
As Yuri's voice grew quieter, Conrad, after receiving an approved glance from Yuri, completed his godson's statement. "Apparently, Wolfram did recall his nightmare and told Yuri about it. I vaguely heard about it as well."
"That's why I'm sure something can be worked out if I talk to him in person," Yuri declared, fisting his hands to present a more confident appearance. "Let's send them a letter regarding the situation or something, yeah?"
Gwendel sighed but nodded faintly. "I see. To send a letter before tomorrow morning though would be near impos-"
"Allow me to take care of it," Khalid interrupted. "I can get it there in two or so hours."
Conrad stared at him, dubious. "How so?"
Khalid avoided the others' eyes. "However, it would require the use of a dark magic spell," he admitted, barely altering his tone.
"Meaning, you would need one of the missing pieces of a scroll that was acquired in the cave," Murata elaborated, adjusting his glasses.
"Yes, Your Eminence. The spell partially affects time by making it appear as if you all freeze while the user does not, allowing the user to basically soar through time. It's extremely dangerous but I think it can benefit us," Khalid insisted.
Yuri sensed the reluctance in his friends and he was quick to defend Khalid. "Well, why not? Someone can watch him so that the scroll doesn't suddenly vanish. I think we can trust him."
Khalid vaguely smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I assure you, I will not fail you with this task," he proclaimed, partially bowing. "If it's just to perform a task such as delivering a letter, it should not have an affect on time itself."
Gwendel glanced at Murata, waiting for an acknowledgement. When he received one, he pierced Khalid with a firm stare. "Alright, Khalid. Do this and our suspicions of you will lessen. I, along with other guards, will assist you in the process. Tell us what you need."
"Excellent."
101010
Wolfram flushed furiously as his body was scrubbed lovingly by various women and young men. Despite his violent protests, their persistence won and they dominated him in the bath. This was, of course, after having dragged him, kicking and screaming, to said baths. Unfortunately, they were overwhelmingly gentle and even endured Wolfram's rude comments.
"You do realize I'm not accepting to be your precious Prince, right, you lout?" Wolfram mumbled, expecting another sweet response. His blush brightened. "Hey! Hey! I can wash down there myself, thank you very much!"
"Don't be so modest, my Prince," a young girl chirped, attempting to wash a part of Wolfram that the warrior adamantly protected with his hands. "We are your humble people and we only wish the best of you. We will always pray to you, my liege."
Wolfram shoved her hands away. "Right, you'll pray to me. If you want to obey me, here's my first command. Send me back to the Great Demon Kingdom!" he bellowed, hurling bubbles at the servants.
The girl charmingly giggled. "Oh, your word is not that powerful over us, Sire. His Majesty has made it clear that we shall give you everything you desire with a few exceptions. Returning you to your original home is one of them."
Wrinkling his nose in detest, Wolfram continued to glare. "Hey, wait a moment," he muttered, analyzing the girl's features. "You're that girl that brought us tea!"
"Oh, I'm so honored you recognize me, my Prince!" she cried joyously, smiling before returning to rinse Wolfram's body.
How could I not? My wimp of a fiancé found you pretty. Wolfram growled and smacked a man's hand away from his hair.
"You will pay dearly for the severe crime of kidnapping the Demon King's fiancé!" Wolfram harshly yelled, jerking away as his hair was inevitable rinsed with warm water.
"Oh, you won't be his fiancé for long, my Prince," another woman retorted, rubbing Wolfram's golden curls with a towel. "We just received notice that the Demon King has accepted to meet with us to discuss a future treaty, beginning with the severing of your engagement."
Wolfram's blood froze. "N-No! You lie! Yuri would never allow that to happen!"
"We'll see, my Prince."
Wolfram remained silent the remainder of the bathing and dressing process, his mind deep in thought as to what the future held for him. His eyes developed an angrier expression but rather than rant at those around him, he bit his lip viciously.
Yuri would never abandon me…not even for the good of the kingdom. I know he wouldn't! He'd find another way…right?
The various servants adorned his body with the gorgeous and sophisticated Sulterian robes and accessories before guiding him back to the room he had been occupying. After an attempted escape on his way to the baths, Wolfram was from then on constantly in the company of at least four lage but polite goons. Currently, there were five and they each possessed heavy blades at their hips.
"Don't think I'll forget this," Wolfram uttered. "I'll be sure to have you pay the ultimate price for such an act. Speaking of bad things, where is Namir? He tried to kill me!"
"Ah, well, he went against orders by trying to harm you. He's in solitary confinement until His Highness states otherwise," a man replied. "Here we are, my Prince. Please sit yourself on the bed so we may fasten the locks."
"Solitary confinement, huh? Why not just eat him?" Wolfram suggested, eyeing the room. He formulated a quick plan of escape.
A man laughed. "We would never eat Namir, Sire. Now, please sit yourself on the-Oh! Prince!"
Once Wolfram had approached the bed, he instantly leapt over it, catching the others off their guard. He lifted a nearby chair and chucked it to gather extra time for an escape. "Get the hell away from me!" he screamed.
"Sire!"
With a cry, Wolfram rushed to the windows though before he broke through it, grabby hands snatched his limbs and forcibly dragged him back to the bed. "No!" he protested, bucking. "Let GO!"
After a brutal but brief struggle, Wolfram groaned against the body that pinned his arms. "For a humble servant, you're not treating your Prince with the respect he deserves," he grumbled as the locks were placed around his wrists.
The large man released him. "It's an order to keep you restrained until you've calmed yourself down or until His Highness says otherwise," he explained.
"Where exactly is your stupid king anyway?" asked Wolfram, smacking the glass of water that was presented to him, hurling it to a shattering doom. "He's the freak with the two red eyes, right? The coward!"
As the shards were calmly collected, another man responded, "Yes, my liege. He should be here shortly, actually. We'll be sure to let you know when he's coming to visit you. We'll let you see Rashid as requested in a few moments."
Wolfram clenched a pillow and pitched it toward a servant, hoping to strike her as she exited. She was quick to catch it however, with a smile. She gently tossed it beside Wolfram and bowed before departing the room.
"Ahh! Damn them all! Their placid behavior is more irritating than I ever thought possible!" he screamed, flopping onto the sheets with a lurch.
"I guess they really did get you, even after all my work to stop them," a familiar voice whispered.
Wolfram bolted up and, as predicted, spotted Sagira standing beside him. "You again? What the hell do you want now? Every time you show up, crap happens. Go away."
"I'm so sorry," Sagira mumbled, sniffling. "I was drained after our last encounter. Being possessed takes a lot out of both parties. I couldn't even talk to you through your brother."
Blinking, Wolfram replied curiously, "My brother? You mean Gwendel? I heard he was possessed but I never expected that you were behind it."
Sagira smiled vaguely, obviously pleased. "Uh-huh. That was me. I knew Namir would kill you and so I managed to get your pretty friend to chase after me before taking over your brother's body," he quietly said, crawling into the bed.
Wolfram softened his rage and lightly tucked some of the long strands behind the boy's ears. "Are you really here?" he murmured, suddenly missing Greta.
"No. I'm using the life of the vines that are all around the walls of the palace," Sagira confessed, timidly meeting Wolfram's eyes. "I want to save you."
"Huh. Tell me why I should trust you."
Sagira frowned, depressed. "I'm not working with Red Eye, I promise. I…I'm an experiment gone wrong, you could say. That's why when I use the stones inside of me, my eye changes to red. I was the first one to have stones inside of me and it went badly. I really am here to help though."
"Khalid mentioned about perfecting the fusion of a body with stones," Wolfram mumbled, eyeing Sagira. "If you really want to help, I need information. What the hell is going on?"
"I'll tell you what I know but I must leave shortly before I'm caught once more," Sagira whispered, scooting near Wolfram. "Red Eye has good intentions but they don't really know that their abilities come from bad magic that was supposed to have been put away. They need you to begin their reign."
Wolfram growled, "They want to take over this world?"
Sagira stared at him awkwardly. "Of course not. At least, I don't think so. They just want to run their own country but that's bad as it is. No good can ever come from black magic because it kills your conscious and even your soul," he added.
"Where do you play in this?"
"I am hated by all. They think I've become an enemy ever since the experiment went all wrong. My real body was long ago terminated but I appear as a child now," Sagira stated. "Never mind that though. I've been warning you of these events long before but I suppose it didn't work so well."
Tucking his legs beneath his body, Wolfram leaned in. "Warning? What warnings? I don't remember anything like that," he confessed, failing to recall anything that could have reflected a threat.
"The nightmares," Sagira elaborated. "I thought if I could frighten you enough through realistic nightmares, you would understand. Unfortunately, something interfered."
"So you've been giving me those horrible nightmares! Do you have any idea how hard it was to endure those?!"
Sagira grimaced. "Please understand why I did it. I couldn't contact you any other way until I managed to use your brother," he said.
In retrospect, Wolfram suspected he could comprehend why Sagira executed his methods as he did. "Okay, then, why did you use my brother? He was…really hurt…from protecting me."
"Remember that day in the gardens? I was trying to save you from them but I didn't expect Khalid to be there. At that time, I managed to get a sample of your brother's hair and I used it in my spell. Besides that, his will to protect you is powerful and I could use my skills to feed that."
Wolfram mumbled sadly, "Oh Gwendel…"
With a tug on Wolfram's robes, Sagira probed the warrior out of his own mind, "Listen, quickly. I want to save my people. I can save them by saving you. I know they're good I just…"
"Sagira," Wolfram softly said and hesitantly wiped a tear away from the young face. "Your people? Do they mean that much to you after they shunned you?"
Sagira brought his small face up. "You don't understand. I was to be their king. I've studied them ever since I was cast out of the palace, left to die. I've seen how good they can be. They are all with Red Eye but I know they just want to be happier," he pathetically whimpered.
"I thought Khalid was supposed to be their original king?" Wolfram said, obtaining a disturbing sensation all of the sudden. "And come to think of it, he seemed to recognize you in the gardens but he tried to kill you. He knows you?"
With a quick sniff, Sagira wiped away his tears. "Everything has been twisted around to confuse you all, Wolfram. Like the man that Khalid killed that was trying to rape me? He's with Red Eye. It's nothing more than a trick!"
Wolfram gasped, "What? What do you mean? Why were you making us chase you anyway?"
"I was trying to show you the pit of bodies. That's where our dead use to go. They are the only ones that were never affiliated with Red Eye. I was trying to save you from-No!" Sagira cried, grasping one side of his head.
"What is it?" Wolfram hastily asked, his nerves tensing with anticipation.
Sagira groaned and peered at Wolfram with a brightly crimsoned eye. "Someone is looking for me. I can't stay but please believe what I have told you and what I'll continue to tell you. Nothing is what it seems! My people need help!"
"What do you mean 'your people'? You were supposed to be king? But how?" asked Wolfram quickly, fearing Sagira's departure before his question was answered. "Tell me that much before you leave!"
"My eye color is like Khalid's, isn't it?"
Wolfram paused, studying the one bright eye. "Yeah, it is. Khalid said it was somewhat rare."
"It is," Sagira whispered.
Eyes widening, Wolfram whispered, "You…are connected to him somehow?"
"Yes. I am Khalid's older brother."
101010
"Are you alright, Yuri?"
Yuri flinched, failing to remember Conrad's presence beside him. The two had remained in solitude for some time while the others attended to Khalid's ritual, allowing Yuri a depressing respite. The entire moment, his mind only wandered back to Wolfram.
"I'm sorry, Conrad. I'm…fine," the king lied in a whisper, which Conrad quickly caught.
With a sympathetic and lonely smile, Conrad clasped Yuri's shoulder, offering whatever comfort he could provide. "You're worried about Wolfram," he kindly stated. "He's going to be okay, Yuri. I know you'll save him somehow."
"What if I can't, Conrad?" Yuri mumbled feebly, leaning into the soothing touch. "When dealing with other problems, I always felt that we could always work things out. Now that Wolfram is the center of all this, I just feel helpless. I…I'm afraid I'll make a wrong move and Wolfram will suffer the consequences."
At the sight of tears, Conrad's eyes softened. "Yuri," he whispered and coaxed his godson into his arms, allowing their arms to cling to one another. "It will be alright, Yuri. Because Wolfram is involved, I think you'll only be more confident in finding a peaceful solution. I trust you and will stay by your side all the way."
Yuri grimaced and bore his face into Conrad's chest, permitting a sharing of grief over Wolfram. The double black clenched his eyes shut to halt the streaming tears, which he miserably failed at doing.
"Oh, Conrad."
Conrad shut his own eyes and absorbed Yuri's pain.
Oh, Great One, help us, Conrad silently thought with a deep sigh. He stroked Yuri's back as he had once done to a young Wolfram, knowing it had always soothed the blonde.
They remained in such an embrace until the dark eyed boy willingly broke the contact after an entire five minutes. Conrad then scrutinized the other carefully, smiling when their eyes met. "Feeling better?"
Yuri sniffled and rubbed his eyes but weakly returned a smile. "I think so," he raggedly replied, clearing his throat while drying off any remaining tears. "Hey, Conrad?"
"Yes, Yuri?"
"Thanks."
Conrad nodded, the ache in his heart lessening.
As if on cue, Gwendel entered the conference room. "Khalid succeeded in delivering the message and he's currently regaining his strength," he informed, noting Yuri's reddened eyes.
"I guess we were wrong to suspect him," Yuri commented, thankful his voice did not falter when speaking, especially after his cry. "When will we leave?"
Gwendel glanced out the door and allowed Murata to enter. Afterward, Gwendel shut the door to the room and took a seat in a chair beside the desk. "I suspect we will leave within an hour. By then, the preparations will be met."
"Shibuya, understand that we are going into a war zone and that you must stay out of harm's way, even if you do see Lord von Bielefeld," Murata scolded, already anticipating Yuri's impulsive reaction.
Yuri frowned. "We don't need to fight th-Gwendel? Are you okay?" he suddenly inquired, noting the man's form slumping into the seat. "Er…Gwendel?"
"It's happening again," Murata muttered, slanting his body forward to inspect the eldest brother. "This is how he looked before his body was-whoa!"
The others, minus Conrad, briefly leapt from their seats once Gwendel's body snapped upward, straightening. As suspected, the manifestation of Red Eye occurred in his eye.
"I have little time," the entity within Gwendel reported, "but I have spoken with Wolfram."
"W-Wolfram?!" Yuri stuttered, panicking. "How is he? Are they hurting him? What's going on?"
"They are treating him very well. They won't hurt him so don't focus on his well-being. When you arrive in Sulteri, Wolfram will be taken to the front lines of the battle as a trophy. Do not try to save him then, but rather, focus on stopping this war. The power of black magic cannot be seen by other nations."
Yuri stammered, unable to formulate words.
"Are you that young boy?" Murata quickly asked. "Do you expect us to trust you so easily?"
Gwendel's eyes shifted to look at Murata. "Yes and you don't really have a choice but to trust me. Things will only get worse. If you make one false move, Red Eye and its dark magic will spin out of control. I must leave before I'm traced here.
Your Highness, Wolfram sends you a message. 'Tell Yuri if he even thinks of ever breaking our engagement, I'll kill him after letting Anissina play with him first.'"
Yuri's lip twitched, forming a genuine smile. "That's Wolfram. He's okay!"
The one within Gwendel returned the smile before it hurriedly vanished. The possession ended with Gwendel's body sagging into the seat. The man groaned and rubbed his forehead, drained. "Ugh…I wish there was some sort of warning before that happens."
"You heard what he said?" Conrad questioned.
Gwendel shot him a momentary expression of irritation. "Of course I did. I don't lose consciousness," he explained, grunting as he unsteadily stood. "Are we to trust what he says?"
"As he had said, we really don't have much of a choice, do we?" Murata exclaimed with a sigh.
Yuri nodded. "I believe that even if he's lying, this fight needs to be stopped. War will only cause more problems!" he declared confidently, eyes narrowing and generating a dominant look. "We will stop this and we will get Wolfram back!"
Gwendel glanced at the king and grumbled beneath his breath. "Then let us prepare for a long day ahead. We should arrive tomorrow evening if we leave tonight," he calculated, voice powerful but body exhausted from the possession. "I'll inform Gegenhuber of the plans. Thankfully, Mother just left on another quest and doesn't have to deal with this."
"Do you really think you should be moving so much after what you just went through, Gwendel?" asked Yuri, concerned. "Your wounds still haven't completely healed either, you know."
In a quick gesture, Gwendel presented Yuri a determined gaze before making for the exit. He grasped the door handle and jerked open the door. Before he exited, he paused and spoke in an unusual honest tone.
"They will not take Wolfram. I'll make sure of that."
101010
Once Sagira declared his departure, Wolfram sensed an overall feeling of relaxation sweeping him. The child was unable to express more information regarding his relationship with Khalid, but he ensured Wolfram he could drop a message to the Demon King before he grew too weary.
Still, Wolfram was suspicious as to why Khalid never mentioned his relationship to Sagira. It brought about a twisting knot in Wolfram's stomach.
It was excellent timing that four guards came just as Sagira vanished to escort Wolfram out. Now, the golden haired captive strolled along the familiar halls of the Sulterian palace, eventually coming to halt before an enormous and intimidating door.
"Rashid is in here," one guard claimed and opened the door to allow Wolfram's entrance. "Mind your step, my Prince."
Wolfram snorted at the guard but remained cautious and hesitant. If his memory served correct, he was currently trailing down the steps into the dungeons. "Why is Rashid in the dungeons?" he asked with a rude voice.
"You can ask him yourself, Sire."
"Super," Wolfram mumbled, eyes scanning the area. Though the dungeons were relatively empty, the eerie and cold atmosphere sent a shiver through his spine. The clanking of chains offered him excuse to inspect a nearby cell.
A form crept out of the shadows. "Wolfram?"
"Rashid?" Wolfram whispered, grasping the metallic bars. "What have they done to you?!"
Rashid smiled sweetly, eyes portraying an exhausted man. "I was such a fool. All this time, I was nothing more than a pawn and I failed to realize it," he pitifully gasped, sinking upon the cold floor. "I refused to join them and sent my guards after them, only to realize every person in Sulteri is a part of Red Eye."
Wolfram shook his head slowly. "We all were fools, Rashid. You were only trying to help your people. No one could have suspected the situation was worse than we thought," he said, hoping to console the tired man.
"Even little Namir," Rashid continued, rubbing his eyes, "was a part of this. I loved him like my own son. I can't understand how I failed to notice these things."
"Have they hurt you?" asked Wolfram, inspecting what little he could see.
Rashid sighed and threw his head back, staring upward. "I received a punch but that was all. Apparently, they don't want me hurt badly or killed."
Growling, Wolfram spun around to confront the guards. "Release him! How dare you put a decent man like Rashid in a prison! He's done nothing wrong!"
A guard responded, "He knows far too much of our spells and must remain in Sulteri, my Prince."
"Then put him in a decent room! I will not allow this!" Wolfram yelled with a mighty stomp of his foot.
The guards gazed at one another before reaching a mutual conclusion. One unlocked the barred barrier and clutched Rashid's arm. "We will have him located into a more comfortable room but with guards. Is that suitable, Sire?"
Wolfram crossed his arms. "Yes, fine! Make sure you get him food too!" he shouted as he followed the guards and Rashid. For a moment, Wolfram pondered over the fact if he should even be acknowledging himself as their Prince to order the servants around.
They might think I'm actually accepting this lifestyle, he mused but deduced that if it got Rashid into a more healthy environment, it would have to do for now.
"So what happened?" Wolfram inquired, walking alongside the ex-king of Sulteri.
Rashid stole a peek at Wolfram. "It happened about three days ago. They completely took over. They told me that I was still useful and that Khalid would benefit them greatly as well," he notified while his shoulders drooped.
"But what about the poorer Sulterians? I thought they were hated by the upper and middle class."
"I don't understand that, either. They've begun getting along all of a sudden. Maybe Red Eye is uniting them," Rashid thought aloud, unsure. "I'm sorry to say I don't know why they want you as their Prince, either, Wolfram. That was your next question, correct?"
Wolfram released a frustrated breath. "Bloody brilliant. All we need now is a war and then we can assume the end of the world," he grumbled.
A guard peered at him. "Actually, we are going to war in two days, my Prince."
"WHAT?!"
"Other countries are coming to exterminate all of Sulteri," he explained, opening a door to Rashid's more comfortable prison. "We'll show them the consequences of that. The Demon King is offering his assistance as well."
Wolfram stared at Rashid, sharing a mutual feeling of perplexity.
"Yuri…"
101010
Yuri remained on his horse, fully alert despite the lack of sleep he received the previous night. They had camped out last night near the Sulterian border and it was an unpleasant night with all the preparations that had to be performed. As Khalid had stated after his ritual, they had met a representative of Red Eye, who instructed them to stay adjacent of the border until Sulteri's army arrived.
Now, the threatening countries would be arriving shortly.
"Are you ready, Shibuya?" Murata asked, beside the king. The Great Sage's senses were also sharpened though he knew he would not be participating in the battle.
Nodding, Yuri swallowed a large heap of anxiety. "I'm ready," he reluctantly replied though his stomach stated otherwise.
"Here they come," muttered Conrad, eyes fixated ahead at the enormous armies that approached Sulteri from various directions. The middle brother briefly peeked at Khalid.
The man remained silent.
"Brace yourselves but stand down!" Gwendel bellowed to their army, consisting of a small number from Wolfram's division as well. "Even if you see Lord Bielefeld, you do not act until instructed!"
"Yes, Sir!"
Yosak chuckled. "All is in order, as requested, Captain."
In approval, Gwendel grunted, "Good."
Yuri swallowed yet again and gasped just as Sulteri's new formed Red Eye military elegantly draped the ground with their presence. Near the front, reclined Wolfram who was ushered on a horned beast by two rather impressive soldiers.
"Yuri!" Wolfram joyously screamed, eyes brightening.
Yuri waved, acknowledging his fiancé's cry. "Wolfram! Are you okay?!" he shouted back, hoping to be heard.
The blonde nodded and weakly smiled. Even from their distance, Yuri distinctly captured it and appreciated the expression.
As the other armies neared the two opposing forces, the captain of Big Cimarron's military hollered, "The Great Demon Kingdom will suffer the same fate as Sulteri unless you stand down immediately!"
Yuri narrowed his eyes and retorted, "No! We don't want to fight! We have not come to help Sulteri but rather, stop this nonsense! Nothing good can come from it!"
"Show them Sulteri's new found supremacy!" a guard beside Wolfram screamed. "We will defeat all of them in the name of His Majesty and Prince!"
Before anyone managed a protest, a massive tornado generated from the combined forces of Red Eye. It moaned and hissed as it effectively lurched itself among Big Cimarron's forces, hurling the troops like petals in a violent storm.
"No!" Yuri cried, eyes widening. "Stop it!"
Wolfram gasped and jerked at his restraints. "Stop this at once! Damn it, I order you to stop it!" he shrieked.
"My Prince, this is a direct order from His Highness," the guard beside him uttered, grasping onto the chains more tightly. Because horned beasts lack reins, the guards settled on clutching onto the chains that connected to the locks restraining Wolfram's wrists.
Cursing, Wolfram could only observe as the tornado died, generating many screams as the soldiers fell from the sky. While the fallen soldiers crushed into the dirt, the other armies released shouts of horror and rage.
"Attack! Take Sulteri at any cost!"
"No!" Yuri cried, only to be violently tugged back by Conrad.
Conrad narrowed his eyes threateningly. "Your Majesty, don't get involved. Stay here beside me," he ordered coldly, gripping Yuri to prevent any escape.
"But-" Yuri stammered, eyes shooting back to Wolfram.
The blonde's eyes enlarged as arrows and enormous boulders were catapulted in their direction. The two guards near him extended their arms upward and reflected the attacks with a gust of mighty wind. The soldiers horrifically screeched as they scurried away to safety like ants to avoid the assault.
Various troops from the Great Demon Kingdom leapt forward in horses, offering Sulteri their assistance. They implemented their skills to keep the armies back away from the Great Demon Kingdom and Sulteri.
"Damn it!" cried Big Cimarron's captain. "Use your esoteric magic! Get them and kill the Demon King for supporting them!"
"Guard Shibuya!" hollered Murata. "Don't let the armies get close to us!"
Gwendel nodded and quickly shouted orders to the troops.
Yuri cried out as the attacks grew in intensity, especially toward him. "Stop it! This isn't going to solve anything!" he screamed.
With a bellow, Khalid rode forward and quickly immersed himself deep within the battlefield, hurling soldiers as far away from Yuri as possible. "Get moving!" he commanded to Conrad, who rapidly obeyed. "Take him closer to Red Eye!"
Wolfram adjusted his gaze and released a constrained breath at seeing Yuri unharmed. Returning his eyes to the battle, Wolfram winced as the Sulterian army collided brutally with the esoteric magic of the other armies. They were swift to unite all their abilities into one massive attack, which began with a harmonic chant.
"What are they doing?" asked Wolfram, panicking as the other soldiers grew more persistent. He feared Yuri would get hurt.
"They're calling upon a beast that sleeps deep within the ground," one guard informed, pulling Wolfram back slightly. "Watch."
A tremendous and eerie screech ripped through the air and sadistically shook the ground. All grew silent with shock and hesitance while the earth beneath them stilled. Just as suddenly, a ghastly claw tore the earth apart. The hands of the Sulterians brightened and a massive beast lurched out of the gigantic hole, howling.
"What…the…" whispered Murata, fear paralyzing his body.
The beast's bright eyes twinkled while it surveyed its prey.
"Your Eminence," whispered Yosak.
Murata quickly jerked his head to witness what troubled Yosak. He saw Khalid intently staring at the beast, his lips twitching as if speaking.
Wolfram released a terrified yell as the beast crushed its horns into the opposing armies, producing a disturbingly bone shattering reverberation that morphed into screams. "No! Stop it! Stop it at once! This is…This is not…"
"No! Kill it! Kill it!"
The beast hissed as it straightened, its upper body, which resembled a man's, protruding from the hole. Various soldiers that were impaled on its horns slid off, coating the beast's bull-like face in crimson. It reeled back its head and leaned forward, parting his enormous mouth to unleash an endless inferno.
Despite the attacks, the soldiers who remained out of the beat's line of fire took the advantage to fire at Yuri and the Sulterians. One particular soldier eased back an arrow upon a bow, coating it with esoteric magic and aiming for Yuri.
Wolfram tensed as a voice probed into his mind.
His Majesty will die.
Wolfram's head snapped into attention at Sagira's voice. The vision of Yuri's death flashed through his mind and his eyes flicked to the side, where he spotted the archer. "No! Yuri!"
The cacophony of sounds that the battle generated silenced Wolfram's screams.
I will help you escape.
In a violent movement, the strands of grass beneath the horned beasts' feet vibrated and shot outward. They swirled and snatched around the guards' arms, jerking them off of Wolfram to provide a quick getaway.
Taking the advantage immediately, Wolfram firmly patted the horned beast's neck, commanding its rapid gallop. The creature's speed instantly kicked in and Wolfram rushed right into the archer's line of attack.
Khalid's senses sparked and his body shot around. "Wolfram!"
Yuri vaguely heard Khalid's cry and he glanced over. As Wolfram's form dashed forward, Yuri's lips parted in a silent cry when he noticed the archer.
Wolfram's body viciously reeled off the horned beast once the arrow impaled his chest. His body crushed harshly into the ground and it bounced off the surface before stilling.
"WOLFRAM!"
Conrad grasped Yuri's reigns and, with the aid of troops, rushed him over to Wolfram's fallen form. The massive monster provided them enough of a distraction to approach Wolfram with little resistance from opposing soldiers.
Yuri leapt off his horse and collapsed to his knees beside his fiancé. "Oh, Wolfram…"
"Yu…Yu…ri…"
Even a healer did not need to explain to Yuri that the arrow was embedded deep within Wolfram's heart. Yuri gently gathered Wolfram's body and cradled it against his chest. "Don't talk, Wolfram. It's…going to be fine. I promise you," he sobbed, clenching the boy, hoping to offer any healing assistance.
Wolfram craned his neck enough to peer at Yuri with a feeble smirk. "I…so-sorry…"
Murata and Gwendel managed to ride over just as the emerald eyes glazed over and shut.
Yuri sniffed and stroked Wolfram's face. "Wolfram…? Wolfram?! Wolfram!"
Conrad tensed as his fingers pressed against Wolfram's wrist, encountering no pulse. His expression provided Yuri with enough of an answer. "I'm sorry."
Wolfram was dead.
Dead?
Yuri's eyes lost all sense of reality as he glanced back down at Wolfram. "No…"
Khalid rushed over, eyes blazing.
"No! NO! NO! NO! NO!"
"Shibuya, don't!" Murata cried, realizing what was occurring. "Not here!"
Khalid barely managed to take another step closer as an enormous and potent wave of power covered the entire land. He grunted and braced his body as it only increased in power concurrently with Yuri's screams.
The Demon King's screech of genuine agony stilled every living being. He gradually stood, Wolfram's lifeless body dangling from his arms. His eyes narrowed to pierce everyone with the most deadly stare.
"FOOLS!" He screamed and commanded a large piece of earth to elevate, allowing his presence to be witnessed by all. "I have warned you to never involve yourself with wars! Do you want to see what war brings?!"
In a mighty gesture, The Demon King forced Wolfram's body high above his head, displaying his death.
"THIS IS WHAT WAR BRINGS! THIS IS ALL THAT WILL EVER COME FROM WAR! THIS IS WHAT YOUR LOVED ONES WILL SEE!"
Lovingly, The Demon King lowered Wolfram's body. Black clouds overlapped the clear skies and bolts of lightening struck around the various armies, hurling them away from one another. At the same time, a beastly water dragon roared and tore through the monster that had ripped out of the earth, vanquishing it.
"HOW DARE YOU! REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOUR REASONS ARE, YOU WILL ALL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!"
Various water dragons hurled out from The Demon King and constrained each army independently but not before tearing the dirt to scribble 'JUSTICE' for all to witness.
"Go back to your homes where your families are!" The Demon King commanded in a thunderous voice, softening his eyes. "This battle will not solve your problems."
"But, Red Eye-"
"GO HOME!" The Demon King screamed furiously when Big Cimarron attempted to oppose him.
The soldiers panicked in fright when the water dragons carried them high into the air. "Take them as far as you can go," The Demon King instructed to the dragons, which quickly obeyed by carrying off the three armies.
The Demon King then settled his eyes on Sulteri. "You took him away by force and that is a crime worth punishing. However, I have mercy for you as well. I have no time to understand what you are truly after at the moment. Leave."
The Sulterian soldiers glanced at one another and then at something among the Great Demon Kingdom's troops. After two seconds, they simply took their leave, without another word.
Murata shook his head in sadness upon noticing what the troops of Sulteri had looked at before leaving.
As the army retreated silently, The Demon King lowered himself to the level of his fellow people and released them from the water dragon's clutches. Without speaking to them, he knelt to the ground and gazed at Wolfram.
His teary eyes softened as he jerked out the arrow from his fiancé's chest. "Wolfram," he whispered, stroking the golden curls.
"Your Majesty," Khalid uttered cautiously. "Give him to me."
The Demon King glanced upward at Khalid, offering him a suspicious stare. "You can help him," he mumbled.
Almost hesitantly, Khalid replied, "I can return his spirit into his body."
The Demon King surveyed Khalid a moment longer before settling Wolfram's body carefully among the cushioned dirt. "Bring him back to me," he ordered, eyes utterly fixated on Wolfram.
Murata slanted his eyes but kept silent as Khalid knelt near Wolfram.
Khalid spread his fingers and hovered his hands over Wolfram's head and chest. "Those who obey the King's command, capture the spirit of the one you pray to, your Prince, and deliver it to your King," he mumbled in a chant.
Those who were near enough to hear were flabbergasted by the words, with the exception of The Demon King, who was far too engrossed with Wolfram to notice.
A gentle glow radiated out of Khalid's hand and a brilliant light crept out of his fingers and into Wolfram's pale body. Once it entered the body, Wolfram's face flushed with life and he inhaled a sharp breath of air.
"Wolfram!" The Demon King cried. Instantly, his hair shortened and his voice returned to its higher pitch. Exhausted, Yuri swayed and was swiftly steadied by Conrad's hands.
Elsewhere, The Demon King's water dragons had managed to place the armies a safe distance. They sensed Yuri's power decreasing, causing them to vanish in an instant.
Wolfram's eyes fluttered open to gaze at the king. "Yuri," he whispered joyously.
"Get away, Your Highness," uttered Conrad rather gravely as he forcibly tugged his king away.
Yuri blinked and stuttered, "Wh-what? Conrad, what are you-"
"Seize him," Gwendel demanded to the troops.
The soldiers quickly dashed for Khalid, who smirked and snatched up Wolfram before leaping over them.
"Wolfram!" screamed Yuri, shocked.
Khalid landed a few feet away and hurled Wolfram over his shoulder. "Clever of you," he cooed, drawing out his large blade with one free hand.
Gwendel crossed his arms. "It's your own fault for giving yourself away with that revival spell. Even I know only dark stones can perform such a stunt," he commented.
"I also saw you chanting when that monster attacked. You were helping them call it forth. Don't forget that the Sulterian army looked to you before leaving too. They were awaiting your orders, weren't they?" asked Murata, frowning.
Yuri gasped. "W-What?! Khalid! Tell me he's lying! You…you're not a member of Red Eye, are you?!"
"You traitor!" Wolfram screamed, weakly struggling against Khalid's hold. "Release me you damn hypocrite! How dare you lie to me!"
"Why, I never lied to you, Wolfram. I promised you that I would keep you by my side, recall?"
Wolfram froze.
Khalid chuckled and added, "While we're here, I'll ask you one final time."
"WHAT?"
Khalid shifted his shoulder to balance Wolfram's weight more effectively. "Will you choose me or His Highness?" he asked as shadow beasts slithered to his aid. They groaned and formed their limbs into deadly razor tools.
Wolfram snarled. "That question again? You sick bastard! I will never get involved with a liar like you!" he barked, punching Khalid's back. "How dare you lie to me? To me! I'll never forgive you for this!"
"I see," Khalid drawled out and sent an electric shock of esoteric magic through Wolfram's body, rendering him unconscious.
"Why, Khalid?" cried Yuri, far too drained to release himself from Conrad's firm grip. "Why are you a member of Red Eye?"
Khalid laughed, a hearty and deep sound that sent a shiver down their spines.
"You are quite wrong, Your Highness. I am no member of Red Eye."
"Then why are you doing this?!" screamed Yuri, desperately trying to reach Wolfram.
The shadow beasts cackled as they staggered about, shielding Khalid from any attack. The man shut his eyes briefly and snapped them open, revealing two sinister slit and crimson eyes.
Yuri tasted bile in the back of his throat. "You…You're…Red Eye's…"
"That's correct, Your Majesty. I am its King."
1010…tbc…1010
Well, there you have that.
I hope you enjoyed it.
Note that the message Wolfram sent to Yuri via Sagira is Lemonysh's clever remark so the credit is not mine.
Also, thank you to Jori Winter for helping me catch some of my bad habits and another thanks to Serendy for also helping me with errors through your previous reviews.
Of course, a major thanks to each of you that have reviewed thus far and kept this story alive.
Love,
Mirai Kurosaki