Chapter 3
It was afternoon. The sun was beating down upon the pirate ship that lay securely in the clandestine harbor near the mountains behind Van Dar Via. Its gentle bobbing didn't even scare the delicate violet sparrows that chirped away, undisturbed. But one sunny-haired boy on the ship cursed it under his breath as he mopped the floor.
"Did you say something, von Bielefeld?"
"I said unchain this ball right now! Its rolling around as this stupid ship bobs."
"Now, now von Bielefeld, even though you're Shinou's nephew, I can't trust you easily. What if you try to make your escape here, while Conrart, Yozak and Shinou are away to bring food? Even Gisela has left to collect medicinal herbs. This cannon ball attached to your leg helps me and Yuuri a lot."
"If you were half the sage you call yourself, you'd know that I'd definitely escape if it's just this."
Wolfram smirked as he concentrated his heat in his palms. He smoothly directed them through his leg, into the chain…and got shocked.
"Of course, it isn't your normal chain." Murata smiled genially.
But Wolfram knew perfectly well how spurious it was.
"Houseki." He said in anger.
"Ah, don't worry. It won't drain your energy. It will only stop the chain from being affected by Maryoku. So you won't feel weak. Aren't we treating you so well?" This time the cheeky tone was visible in his smile too.
"Tsk."
"Well, carry on with your task. Every person on this ship will have a task. And you are a floater. You'll help wherever it's required. Unfortunately, today's mopping task was given to you, as Dacascos needs to sleep when not navigating."
"Yeah yeah, you're severely understaffed because no one wants to join you bunch of jobless idiots."
"My, you're quite astute. I hadn't noticed."
"Shut up. Leave. I'll do it since I don't have any other choice…"
"For now." He mumbled to himself as Murata walked away.
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Wolfram had been at it for half an hour now. The work was almost finished. A prince had to be efficient in everything he does. He dipped the mop in the bucket again and swished it.
Swish swish!
Swish swish!
As he kept moving forward, a delicious aroma wafted towards him. He sniffed a little when his stomach decided to make him know about its state.
GRUMBLE
The movements from the kitchen stopped and a black mop of hair poked out of the window.
"Did I just hear a stomach grumble?"
Wolfram flushed in embarrassment.
"No. You're hallucinating. Who'd find your cooking tasty?"
GRUMBLE
In all fairness, Yuuri had tried; with all his might. But 2 seconds later, he just couldn't contain it. He burst out laughing…hard! So much so that his whole body was shaking uncontrollably.
Wolfram was shaking too, for entirely different reasons- Anger and hidden embarrassment. He turned around and trudged along with his cannon ball.
"Hey! Stop. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh. Please, don't leave."
When Wolfram didn't pause, Yuuri jumped out the window and ran behind him.
Wolfram stopped when a palm touched his shoulder tenderly.
"Come on, I apologized, didn't I? And why are you dragging this cannon ball around with you?"
He turned back and scowled his meanest scowl at him. "Your stupid sage did that to me."
"What? I'm so sorry Wolfram. This is no way to treat someone. I'll definitely talk to Murata about this. So please, come with me to the kitchen."
"Why should I come? I'm not hungry!"
Yuuri gave out an indulgent smile. "Then, keep me company? I'm getting bored. I also want someone to sample my new dishes."
Wolfram looked skeptical for a moment, but nodded affirmatively. Yuuri, feeling happy, grabbed his hand and ushered him into the kitchen. Placing a stool nearby, he began resuming his cooking as Wolfram looked on.
"So what is your favorite dish, Wolfram?"
"Poached eggs and bacon."
"Really? I'll make it for you tomorrow morning then." Yuuri said with a smile.
Wolfram didn't reply. He eyed Yuuri warily, who was stirring something in the pot.
"What are you making?" He finally asked.
"Curry."
"…I've never had curry before."
Yuuri almost dropped his ladle in shock. "Seriously?" he asked.
"Shut up. Its because in the castle, people eat much more refined dishes." He stood up brusquely and just when Yuuri started fearing that he might try to leave again, Wolfram trudged towards him.
'I really need to get that cannon ball off him. Um…isn't he coming too close?'
"Wait, Wol-Wah! What are you doing?"
Wolfram leaned over Yuuri's shoulder and took away his ladle.
Yuuri's heart raced as Wolfram leaned forward towards his face. His big emerald eyes shone brightly.
'Oh Shinou, is he gonna kiss me? What should I do?' He shut his eyes tightly.
A few seconds passed and no one was leaning on him anymore. Yuuri peeked first and then opened his eyes slowly. Wolfram was gently blowing the curry he scooped up in the ladle.
"Huh?"
Tasting it, Wolfram returned it to him and said. "I suppose it's good enough for a pirate."
Yuuri looked as dazed as ever.
"Geez, didn't you ask me to sample your dish?" Understanding flitted on his face.
"Oh…" he said, in a discerning tone.
"Well? What now?" Wolfram asked. The hopeful tone that he thought was quelled had actually gone across to Yuuri.
"Wait here. I'm going to get the key from Murata to unshackle your leg. Then please have today's curry with me."
Wolfram let out a cherubic smile in satisfaction that had Yuuri stumbling in his steps. 'Be still, my heart!' he thought to himself. Taking one last glance at Wolfram, he made his way to Murata's room.
When Yuuri left, Wolfram fell into deep thought.
'What was I doing? To think I almost kissed him. Its not like I had actually gotten up to do it. My original intention was to taste the curry only. But he looked so cute when he closed his eyes. Wait, cute? Wolfram von Bielefeld, you DID NOT just call a pirate CUTE! That's right. He's a pirate, after all. But…he definitely doesn't behave like one. I mean, who would willingly open a prisoner's shackles? I didn't even ask him to. He's so naïve…just like a-'
"I'm back!"
"Wimp."
"What?"
"I said you're like a wimp."
"That again? I'm not a wimp!"
" You are."
"Its not wise to say that when the key to your freedom is in my hands, Wolfram." Yuuri said with a grin, dangling a bunch of keys in his hand.
Wolfram, who looked like he was ready with a retort, shut up grudgingly.
Content with the response, Yuuri kneeled in front of Wolfram. He picked a key from the keychain and proceeded to unlock the shackles.
"What would you do if I run away? Or if I hurt you?"
Yuuri paused and looked up. Green eyes were looking down seriously at him.
'I vaguely remember a sea with the exact shade of this green.'
"What?" Wolfram asked, annoyed with no response.
"Sorry. I guess I just trust you."
As Yuuri continued with his task, he missed the look of surprise on Wolfram's face. Being the Maou's son, Wolfram was involved in politics ever since he was born. The very first lesson he was taught was to never trust anyone. He looked intently at Yuuri, who was fumbling to find the right key. 'How could he trust someone just like that?' Wolfram wondered solemnly. When a 'click' was heard finally, Yuuri let out a "phew!" and got up.
"Now lets have our cur-" Yuuri stopped midway when a loud THUD came from outside. "Hm, is that Shinou and the others? They weren't supposed to be back before evening though."
Wolfram narrowed his eyes suspiciously as Yuuri peeped out from the kitchen window. What seemed even more suspicious was that there were no further noises. When Yuuri looked at him, bewildered, Wolfram decided to go out and check. Yuuri followed him from behind. Just as Wolfram reached the door, he came to a stop.
"Adalbert!" He growled.
"Who?" Yuuri peeked from behind his shoulder and gasped.
"Well well well, if it isn't the third son himself? Pleasure meeting you here." Wolfram turned rigid instantly. His hand reached for the sword that was no longer on his waist. He cursed silently.
"What are you doing here, you traitor?" He stole a glance towards Yuuri who was shocked. "Bounty hunter." He murmured. It was enough to make Wolfram understand.
"It is as that twerp says. I sometimes earn money by catching wanted pirates. I had heard the famous third son got kidnapped. Hadn't thought it would be by these bunch of fools, though. But, good for me. Now I can also use you as a bargain chip with your mother. Two birds in one stone."
"Shut up!" Wolfram yelled. Adalbert just chuckled and drew his sword.
"Give up, both of you. It's useless to resist. I know your fighters aren't here to protect you."
"I don't need those idiots to protect me!" Wolfram said as he conjured up a huge fire lion. Adalbert charged towards them. Yuuri shouted "Wolfram stop! You'll burn down the ship!" From the corner of his eye, he could see Murata who put a finger on his lips and quietly mouthed "I'll get help."
Yuuri was scared for Wolfram who was dodging Adalbert's blade with skilled dexterity.
"Hey! Stop fighting!" He yelled. He shouted harder when both of them didn't seem to be listening to him. Yuuri finally snapped when he saw Wolfram stop and collapse. There was blood on his fingers that clutched his stomach.
'No…no way! STOP!'
Suddenly, there was a rolling thunder in the skies. It turned dark as black clouds filled it ominously. Adalbert's face didn't betray his shock, though. He looked at Yuuri, whose hair had grown till his shoulders. He watched hypnotically as his eyes turned to slits. The ship rocked violently. Wolfram moaned painfully from where he lay. Yuuri walked up to him and picked him up gently.
"Rest, dear one. You've done enough." Wolfram, despite his seasickness, looked mesmerized at Yuuri's alter ego. His silky black hair that was now long, tickled his cheeks as Yuuri cradled him.
"Thou hath stirred up a hornet's nest in my heart by hurting my dear one. Matters that can be solved by words must not be solved by swords. Thou shall repent for thy misgivings!"
Wolfram kept watching in amazement as two huge water dragons swelled up from behind and coiled around Adalbert. Adalbert didn't wiggle or move but it was clear that he was starting to feel uncomfortable.
"That's enough, Yuuri." Said Shinou, who was standing on the shore. Conrart, Yozak, Gisela and Dacascos, who were behind him, looked in sheer awe. Murata just smiled mysteriously.
Yuuri hesitated a bit, but finally released Adalbert.
As Adalbert jumped off the ship to make his escape, Yuuri's balance faltered.
"Justice…is…done." He whispered as he fainted. Wolfram jumped from his arms and caught him just in time.
He looked at Yuuri's face and thought, 'Just who ARE you, Yuuri?'
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Finally done with chapter 3! Thank you for your reviews:
TSUNA AND THE DEMON- I told you I'd update sooner but I'm sorry for being late.
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Guest- Thank you for your support! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Belldandy55555- Yeah. But he'll start having fun too! :D
Nickesha- Don't worry. This isn't a ConradxYuuri.
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