Akirina: So sorry for the extremely long wait... First, I went to China for 6 weeks, hence I was not able to post during that duration of time (also because I had to study and using the computer to upload wasn't an option). Then 2 weeks after I returned, the school gifted me with an absolutely wonderful gift of MYEs (Mid-year Examinations), thus making it more important that I catch up on what I missed while in China... So, anyway, enjoy!
Akikee (A/N): I'm so sorry for the long wait. I know I'm so inconsistent in updates nowadays. Sorry…really, especially to Akirina because you're always so efficient in updating… Well, so I'm writing chapter 4 as you all know, and thanks for the reviews.
CrimsonQueen24: Well, I'm glad that you enjoy reading the story, and thanks for your review. I know Akirina replied your review, but here's me adding more to it. Basically, I agree Gwendal was a bit too harsh to Yuuri, but still, as it'd be explained in this chapter—he'd just overreacted. Well, he's repentant, so don't worry. About the part about Yuuri not acting like a five-year-old kid, well, I guess it's a point that needs to be improved then. Don't worry, Akirina and I will try to sort things out, and I'm sure things will turn out fine. Once again, thank you for your review!
I'm sorry I can't reply to all of the other reviews, but thanks anyway! Perhaps when it's my turn to type the chapter, I'll try to be a bit more interactive and reply to them. So, let's get on to the chapter. Read and enjoy!
"GET THAT HORSE OUT OF MY ROOM!" that was undoubtedly from an infuriated Gwendal as he witnessed the state his room was in. A horse! A darn, freaking, neighing horse that seemed way too familiar, was chewing its way through his soft toys! No! They had just suffered a horrible fate, thanks to Yuuri, and now they're going to be eaten by this horse? No way! Not in a million, billion, gazillion years!
"OUT! OUT!"
Gunter and Conrad had rushed to his room once again, face flushed from the running as they barged in, both demanding an explanation for the screaming and shouting that had come from Gwendal. Upon seeing Ao in the room, chewing happily on its way, both sighed as they looked at each other, mind clearly having the same thought: Gwendal should really get a life and stop being overly obsessed with his soft toys…
"What are the both of you looking at? Help me with getting this horse out!" Gwendal bellowed as he grabbed at the reins of Ao and tried to drag him out of the room.
"Wait! Why is Ao here? Isn't he supposed to be in the stables…?" Gunter's voice faltered before he could finish his sentence.
Something inside Conrad struck as his face turned pale. Without another word, he sprinted to the stables. Oh gods…he just knew that leaving Yuuri alone in the stables weren't the best option as an punishment, but he still allowed Gwendal to carry it out! Would Yuuri hate him for doing so? Praying hard to all the gods, Conrad hoped nothing had happened to Yuuri. Nothing must happen to him.
Yuuri was enthralled by the beautiful scenery up on the hill near the Blood Pledge Castle. Lying on the patch of soft grass, Yuuri looked at the clear blue sky, feeling his heart lightening and his mood getting better. This whiff of fresh air was surely better than the stale and smelly stables… He hoped that Gwendal would learn his lesson well. That would surely teach him not to mess with him!
Turning his focus on the Kohi which was in mid-air beside him, Yuuri smiled gratefully, appreciative that the Kohi had brought him to such a wonderful place. The hill was covered with colourful flowers in different shapes and sizes. Chuckling to himself, Yuuri got up from the grass patch and plucked a yellow dandelion and twirled it with his fingers. Perhaps he should make a crown with these flowers and give them to Conrad as an apology for his mischief? Yes, he shall do it, but Gunter and Gwendal won't have it though. That's for keeping him in the stables!
"Kohi! Look, do you one want some flowers too?" he asked the skeleton that had landed beside him, its teeth clattering together while nodding its head vigorously. "I take that as a yes."
With that, Yuuri started plucking the flowers from different stems and weaved them into a flower crown. The process was tedious as the flowers kept falling apart, but it was still fun. Yuuri even tried teaching the Kohi how to weave them, but of course, the poor Kohi couldn't even hold the tiny flowers properly, let alone weave them into a crown.
"Yay! It's done! I'm sure Conrad would love it. Do you like yours, Kohi?" Yuuri queried happily as he placed the flower crown on the Kohi's skull, then took the one meant for Conrad and examined it.
The only reply Yuuri got was a series of clattering again. Sighing, Yuuri thought to himself why he didn't get a better companion instead.
"Let's go Kohi. I don't want Conrad to get worrie-"
Yuuri never got a chance to finish his sentence because a group of people wearing the uniform of Dai Shimaron's army came out from nowhere, circling him. A rather tall man dressed in an amethyst suit with a black cloak dismounted from his horse and advanced towards Yuuri as he smiled.
"Oh good grace, the Maoh is actually making flower crowns!" Belire mocked as he bowed, his shoulder-length raven hair falling in front, covering half his face. "My greetings to you Maoh. I guess every king needs his own stress-relief activity."
"Who are you? What do you want from me?" Yuuri demanded, not liking the look of Belire. He gave him the impression of some cunning fox, plus his sarcastic tone had put off all chance of them staying all warm and fuzzy together. Keeping a cautious eye at Belire, Yuuri looked about for the nearest escape route.
"It seemed that Ranjeel wanted to capture you as hostage my dear. Now, if you'd just cooperate…"
The Kohi flew at top speed towards Belire and attempted to lift him off the ground, but to no avail. Instead, Belire unsheathed his sword and attacked the Kohi before it even reached him, sending it shattering into broken pieces.
"Oops," he smiled as he levelled his eyes with Yuuri's, "I guess your dearest companion won't be able to join us for tea in Dai Shimaron?"
"NO!" Yuuri cried in distress as he watched the bones falling to the ground in slow motion. "KOHI! What did you do to him?"
Raising his eyebrows slightly, Belire merely gave a smirk and advanced towards Yuuri.
"Now, if you'd cooperated in the beginning, nobody would get hurt," he shook his head, eyes shining with mockery.
"Don't come any closer! Or I'll…I'll…"
"What would you do? Throw those flowers on me? Attack me with your flower swords? I don't think so. Get him!" Belire ordered to his men as they closed in on Yuuri who tried to squirm his way out of the circle was blocked by the throng of soldiers. Soon, he was grabbed by the nape of his neck by one of them and was handed over to Belire who grinned at him as if he'd hit jackpot.
Glaring hatefully at Belire, Yuuri could only kick his legs at him and thrash about. However, Belire seemed oblivious about it. As he proceeded to his horse, ready to set off to Dai Shimaron to report to Ranjeel.
"Let me go! Let me go!" Yuuri yelled as he struggled free. Seeing Belire's hand was conveniently right by his side, he reached out and bit it hard.
A roar of pain escaped from Belire as he slapped Yuuri across the face. The force was almost enough to snap Yuuri's neck that he could only whimper in pain.
"You bark and bite like a dog, Maoh-heika," Belire spat, eyes flashing maliciously. "However, I can't have you making all those doggy actions you like while on the way to Dai Shimaron, so I have no choice but to silence you. Sweet dreams in la-la land."
Before Yuuri could even register what Belire was suggesting, a hard thump on the neck knock him unconscious and the last thing he saw was the crown of flowers he had made for Conrad.
"Conrad…"
Yuuri…Yuuri… Please be safe, or I'll really suffocate with guilt...
This was the only thought that was in Conrad's mind as he raced down the stone stairs, Gunter and Gwendal behind him. The stables…damn it! Why were they so far away? Behind him, he could hear Gunter panting hardly already. He himself also felt tired, but he cannot stop. He CANNOT stop until he Yuuri was found safe and sound.
Reaching the stables, the only sight that met their eyes was chaos. Horses were neighing and galloping around as the guards tried to stop them. Ignoring them, Conrad rushed into the stables. Where's Yuuri? Where was he?
He came to the place where they—he—locked Yuuri in, and what was left to welcome him was just the stinky smell of horse poo and weeds.
No…it can't be…
"HEIKA! Where is Yuuri-heika?" Gunter's dismayed voice exploded from behind him as he pushed Conrad aside to get a better view of the stall.
There's no Yuuri with his warm black eyes and smile to meet him…ok, that's not right, because Yuuri won't be smiling at him, all radiant and happy after he'd agreed to lock him in here. Conrad had expected Yuuri to be crouching at a corner, sobbing. But there was no one. None at all…staggering backwards, Conrad knocked into Gwendal. Spinning around, he felt his blood boil as he regarded his brother with unadulterated anger.
"You-"
"Gwendal-sama! We've just received news from Dai Shimaron that they'd captured the Maoh!" a messenger rushed in hurriedly as he reported the news to Gwendal who looked doubly shocked as Gunter and Conrad.
"The Maoh was…"
Something inside Conrad snapped as he pushed Gwendal against the wall, punching his fist at the side of Gwendal's face, face red with fury, leaving the messenger yelping with fear as he retreated out.
"YOU! Why did you lock Yuuri in such a horrible place? Didn't I tell you it isn't a good idea? He's just a small child for goodness sake! Now look what had happened? He's captured by the enemies! What made you think that you can lock him up here all alone? Have you ever have the slightest notion that he might be afraid? He's not like you who's cold and void of feelings! He's NOT like you, Gwendal! He's Yuuri! Shibuya Yuuri! Why did you…why did I let him…let him stay alone…?" Conrad's voice faltered as he slumped to the ground, breathing hardly due to his sudden outburst.
Looking overly taken aback, Gwendal could only let Conrad's words run through his mind. Yes, he's correct. He'd been overreacting, punishing Yuuri for such a harmless prank of his. It wasn't Yuuri's fault that he'd turned into a five-year-old and did all these things. No, Yuuri wasn't like this normally, when he was still himself when he wasn't turned. He was considerate and he'd never touch any of his soft toys.
Gwendal didn't know what made him decide on such an awful punishment for Yuuri. It's just that seeing Yuuri now reminds him too much of how Wolfram had been in the past. Somehow, he just had the penchant trying to 'toughen' up little kids. His own past with Lord Weller, Conrad's father, had sort of affected him in most ways. He didn't want to seem helpless and useless in front of Lord Weller, therefore he'd trained himself very hard, and kept to himself, not willing to let anyone into his own world.
Right now, seeing Yuuri remindws him not only of Wolfram, but also his younger self. He could swear he did everything out of good nature to Yuuri, but it seemed that his 'good-natured' way was sort of twisted.
"Oh hekia…forgive me! I shouldn't have let this monster Gwendal to sway me in letting you be locked here…now you're captured…oh…oh…Heika!" Gunter was currently wallowing with guilt as he sobbed into his arms.
Conrad was still on the ground, stunned and unable to utter a word. Gwendal knew Yuuri meant a lot to Conrad, and seeing his brother in grief struck a chord in his heart—something that was unfelt for years—and he wished he can take everything back…bending down, Gwendal reached out for Conrad's hand and held it firmly, his gray eyes showing determination.
Angry and confused, Conrad looked up as he opened his mouth to speak, but Gwendal shot him a look that stopped him. Gwendal could see the faint sign of tears in Conrad's eyes, and he knew his decision was correct.
"Pull yourself together, brother. We're going to rescue our Maoh."
A/N (Akikee): And so the chapter ends! I hope it turned out fine. I know it's still a bit unclear on Gwendal's part on why he punished Yuuri so harshly, but apparently, the idea is that he was trying to train Yuuri to be tougher, well, in his way that's to say… I can only apologize on my part on how the chapter went so angsty towards the end, but I do hope I made it better with the brotherly concern…Well, so I'm signing off now. Next chapter will be written by Akirina, but I'm not sure when she'll be able to update because she'll be overseas, so till chapter 6 is where we'll meet again!