HEY GUYS. Who's ready for this chapter to start. *hands fly up* Alright. Well I have to say this chapter was a lot of fun to write. Although this whole bonding thing with Saralegui and Wolfram is making me fear I will start shipping them. And when I told Yami that (Bakurafangurl91) she bopped me on the nose (via internet) and said "Bad Hikari bad" so yeah, getting a bit scared because I start shipping people like that A LOT. So, I decided to fix that problem. Wanna know how, then read the chapter. let's get on with the fic.

Chapter 7

Nature's Footsteps

The soft breeze hit his face as he stood on deck on his boat. His blonde hair flowed. Golden eyes gazed off into the calm ocean seas, he could smell the salty air in his senses. It has become familiar to him enough that it was pleasant. However-

"This is torture." Wolfram moaned.

Saralegui felt a bead of sweat roll down his neck. He has heard that Wolfram has seasickness, but he never imagined it was this bad. He's been moaning and vomiting since they set sail. He almost felt bad. Almost.

"Wolfram, why don't you just go down to one of the available rooms? I'm sure you'll feel better if you lie down." Saralegui recommended.

"Like that will make it any better." Wolfram held his mouth for a moment before continuing. "Besides, I want to be right here when we dock, the sooner I get off this thing, the better."

"If you say so." Saralegui mumbled.

Saralegui didn't want to push on the subject any longer and just left him be. If the blonde Mazoku wants to stay out here and vomit his guts out, by all means let him. But Saralegui swore to himself that if Wolfram got anything on his boat, he would make him clean it with a toothbrush. A small childs size toothbrush!

'The boat should be docking in Small Cimaron in about an hour. That gives us plenty of time to come up with a strategy for how we are going to approach this.' Saralegui thought to himself.

"Then again, there's no way Wolfram is capable of talking in this state. We'll have to discuss this later." Saralegui said to himself.

"What did you say about me?" Wolfram moaned. He held his stomach as he stood up from against the railing.

"Nothing at all." Saralegui answered. He looked out into the ocean. "We should be arriving soon. So, try and sit tight for now."

"Yeah whatever." Wolfram said.

Saralegui walked away from the blonde and headed inside. When he walked in, he had Berius keep an eye on him, to make sure he didn't go overboard. He had some thinking he needs to do if this plan is going to work. Like a plan B if this plan to fail. He has to save Yuri at all costs, and he can't afford to fail.

"Gwendal, Gwendal," Gunter cried as he ran into Gwendal's office. Gwendal looked up from his paperwork with a sigh. Gunter has been doing this a lot lately, coming in and shouting about his highness being gone, but since his highness is already missing, that must mean something else entirely has happened. "It's Wolfram he's-he's missing."

"You're absolutely positive he's gone?" Gwendal asked.

"Yes, the maids can't find, we've looked everywhere. Do you think he snuck off with his majesty Saralegui?" Gunter replied in worry.

"Its most likely the only option he had. I could tell when he stormed out that he had his own plan." Gwendal clenched his fists atop his desk. "I knew I should have sent someone to stop him. He's a fool to have left on his own with his highness."

"What should we do?" Gunter asked.

"We can't do much of anything at this point. However, if we must, I'll send you and Conrart out to fetch him. We don't need anyone else being captured." Gwendal answered rubbed his temples.

"Do you really think it could escalate that far that Wolfram would carelessly get himself caught?" Gunter asked.

"No, he's not that careless, however, I fear that its possible he may try and purposely draw the man out, either to defeat, or to get himself purposely caught to locate Yuri." Gwendal concluded.

"Oh my, his majesty won't like that." Gunter cried.

"That's not the problem here Gunter. Whether his majesty likes the idea or not, we can't let it happen. Wolfram is being too self righteous. He should be back here with us, thinking of a plan." Gwendal said.

"Shall I fetch Conrart and start off to Small Cimaron?" Gunter asked.

"That would be best. We have to stop the brat from ruining everything." Gwendal replied with a growl.

Gwendal loved his brother, he really did. But there were times when the blonde could be a real idiot. However, Wolfram's just driven by love and fear, he can't exactly help it. But that is still no excuse for what he's doing.

"If we're going to stop him, we must leave immediately. Since his highness Sarelgui left not that long ago, he may be nearing the docks of Small Cimaron soon." Conrart spoke.

Gunter jumped as he saw Conrart behind him. He hadn't even heard him come in. "Conrart! How long have you been standing there?"

"Not long actually. But I did hear Gwendal say something about retrieving Wolfram, so I can only assume that he snuck off." Conrart replied.

"That's right. So, as soon as you can, get going and retrieve him, before he does something stupid." Gwendal responded.

Conrart nodded in understanding and headed out of the room. Gunter followed after Conrart. This was a very important issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wolfram has completely disobeyed Gwendal's orders. This could ruin everything if they couldn't bring him back.

Gwendal clenched his fingers together as he sat at his desk. "Idiot. If you ruin our plans because of your foolishness, there will be extreme consequences."

"Thank goodness, we finally docked." Wolfram said.

Saralegui stepped off the boat and onto the pier. He was just as happy that they had finally docked, but for different reasons entirely.

"We should get going. We must begin asking around if we want to find Yuri. Its our only option left after all." Saralegui spoke.

"I know what you mean." Wolfram replied. He dusted off his uniform and stretched. "We have to find Yuri. So, we have to ask as many people as we can. I say we start with locals. They're prone to the area, so they must have seen something."

"I agree with you on that. We must get going." Saralegui responded.

Berius stepped up to his king and bowed. "Shall I prepare a carriage?"

"That won't be necessary. If we walk we can collect evidence and ask around, as well as look out for anyone suspicious." Saralegui answered.

"But your highness, I strongly suggest we get a carriage. Walking around isn't as safe it may seem for someone of your power." Berius counter responded.

"That's enough Berius. We'll be fine. We don't have that far to go. Besides, I've been cooped up in that castle for practically my entire life, and I've always traveled through carriage. I want to see my kingdom with my own eyes. More than anything, we must look out for anything that can help us discover Yuri's location. A carriage will go much too fast for that." Saralegui said.

Berius didn't like what he was hearing at all. His majesty was putting himself in harms way, he was going too far for something like this. He didn't know what to do about this. He knew he couldn't talk Saralegui out of this. So, he had no choice but to follow his majesty's orders.

"Very well." Berius said.

"Wolfram, let's go." Saralegui said as he started walking.

"Right." Wolfram replied.

As the group walked towards the gates of Small Cimaron, Wolfram kept his eyes out for anything and anyone. He wanted to keep his majesty safe but also needed to look out for potential witnesses, but he knew none of them would be this far out from the gates, a bit further in would be more realistic.

However, he was beginning to think that maybe they should have listened to Berius. Taking the carriage would have been much faster, but to walk was also very smart. It was a good plan either way, no matter which way they looked at it. Either way, they needed to find Yuri quickly. So, if walking to the gates of Small Cimaron was the fastest way to finding Yuri, then Wolfram will do anything that Saralegui says.

"We should be nearing the gates soon. We should keep a look out for locals." Saralegui spoke up.

"Right." Wolfram replied.

As they continued walking, Wolfram couldn't help but become more cautious. He felt as if something was following them, watching them like a hawk, but he could see no one present. Why was that? However, if he was right and someone was watching them, he had to make sure they he found them before they found him. Meaning, he has to keep his eyes peeled on everything around him.

Why was this happening? Everything was going so smoothly not that long ago. Now everything was in complete hell. Yuri was missing. He was working with Saralegui of all people. And he was almost positive that Gwendal was going to kill him when he gets back. Why did this happen? Just who is it that is causing all of this crap to happen?

The sound of rustling leaves took Wolfram out of his thoughts, he looked towards the woods, Berius had sensed it too since he was looking in the same direction. Saralegui was oblivious as to what was going on. He was just watching what he and berius were looking for.

"Something's coming." Wolfram mumbled.

"Shall I take care of it?" Berius requested, drawing his blades.

"No," Wolfram bared his own blade and narrowed his eyes at the forest area. "I shall handle it. You get Saralegui out of here."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Now now Wolfram, I think Berius can handle himself. We shall head on together and Berius can check the area for the source of the sound." Saralegui spoke up.

"What? I said I could handle it." Wolfram shouted.

"And I'm saying not to handle it. We need to find sources, not look for trouble in the woods." Saralegui shot back. "Stand down Lord Bielefeld and come with me."

Wolfram tsked and placed hsi sword back in his belt and walked over to Saralegui. "I don't what your plotting but that wasn't funny."

"I'm not plotting nor making a joke. I'm only looking out for you." Saralegui replied.

"How can I be so sure?" Wolfram questioned.

"Your safety to me, is just as important as Yuri's safety. If you were to be injured, lost or even taken yourself, the physical pain it would give me would be just as catastrophic as the pain i feel knowing Yuri is being captured and held against his own will. So, please, be more careful with your choices." Saralegui answered.

Saralegui was dead serious. Wolfram could tell. It was clear as day in his features. He couldn't believe it. He never knew that Saralegui cared about him. This has to be a joke.

"Is that so?" Wolfram looked away from the blonde king. He stayed silent for a moment. He didn't really know what else to say. "It seems I still can't fully read you."

"What do you mean by that? Are you saying you still don't fully trust me?" Saralegui asked.

"Who is to say that I have ever trusted you?" Wolfram responded.

Saralegui grabbed hold of Wolfram's arm. "Okay, now I know you're lying Bielefeld. If you didn't trust me, you wouldn't have taken a ride in my boat. So quit playing games with me."

Wolfram rolled his eyes as they continued walking. "Believe what you want. However, I ask that you release hold of my arm. I am engaged to Yuri, I don't need anyone believing otherwise."

"Oh, are you saying you think someone will see me clinging to you and make accusations? You're certainly cautious."

"I'm not being cautious, I'm being faithful."

Saralegui released hold of Wolfram's arm and stepped away from him a few steps. "I see. Yuri is very lucky to have a fiancee of your state Wolfram. If only he would open his eyes a bit he would be able to give his love back to you in return and show it."

"Yuri will show him he loves me when he's ready."

Saralegui rolled his eyes at Wolfram. He never knew how naive the mazoku could be. And he was supposed to be in his fifties. He sure has matured, but he has no idea what he needs.

"Enough talk, let's get back to the main objective."

"If you wish."

They said nothing more as they continued on. Neither had anything else left to say, their main focus was on Yuri and finding him.

Yuri waited impatiently as he waited for the man to reveal himself. He had said something about making him want to suffer, to hear him struggle, but Yuri didn't know where he went off to, or what he had planned. He was forced to sit here and wait for whoever it was that captured him to reveal himself.

Just what did this person want from him? Who was it anyways? Just what were they after? What did they want from him?

Yuri clenched his fingers into the chains around his wrists. He hated this, this feeling of captivity and unawareness. He wants out of this place, but he doesn't even know where here is.

"Something's not right here." Yuri said.

"Correct as always Maou. I say you have great instinct."

Yuri gasped as he felt a fist pound into his chest, the wind being knocked right out of him, he clenched his jaw tight to hold back any moans of pain. He kept his head down, he hadn't seen the low blow coming. It hurt like hell.

"Painful isn't it? But you're not crying out in pain. Don't hold it in. Let me hear it."

"You'll never get away with this." Yuri recognized the man's voice. This was his true voice, not the voice he heard over the speaker that was changed. This was his true voice. It was all too familiar. "Belar."

Belar smirked down at his prey. He didn't care that his person has been identified by the maou. It was actually perfect actually. It would mean his revenge would be given to him with a blow to the gut just as hard as his punch, no, harder than any punch that can be ever given.

"So, you know who I am. That means this will just as much fun for me, and more painful for you."

Yuri raised his head, he glared at Belar with hatred. "I'll never give in to you. I don't care what you do to me, but you will not get what you want from me, do you understand."

Belar grinned at Yuri. "That's what you think. You have no idea what I have planned."

"What are you planning?" Yuri hissed.

"You'll see soon enough Maou." Belar said before walking away.

Yuri struggled against the chains, he didn't like this. He had that look in his eye, it was a look of absolute evil. He didn't like it. He was up to no good, and Yuri was afraid to find out just what it was that he was going to do.

"Belar." Yuri shouted. He got no response. He growled and yanked himself against the chains one last time, his hair flipped from the force over his eyes. He wasn't fearful.

He was angry.

"Welcome back Your Majesty."

Saralegui and Wolfram looked over at one of the nearby homes on the hilltop near the gates of Small Cimaron, a woman in her late thirties was waving to him, handkerchief in hand with her daughter by her side. She also waved at the blonde king with a smile.

Saralegui made his way over to the small family, Wolfram following in toe. "Good afternoon, how are you all?" Saralegui asked kindly.

"We're doing well. How are you?" The woman replied.

"Fair." Saralegui said, giving a quick response. "Would you mind if we asked you a few questions?"

The woman nodded silently before inviting the king and Wolfram inside for some tea. Once the woman left to make tea, her daughter sat his majesty and Wolfram down at their table. She swung her small legs on the chair as she waited for her mother to return.

"You're a very cute girl." Saralegui commented.

The little girl blushed at the king's statement and nodded. "Thank you your majesty."

"Do you have a name?" Saralegui asked.

She nodded again. "Of course. Everyone has a name. Mine's Chloe."

"Well Chloe, can I ask you a quick question?" Saralegui asked.

Chloe tilted her head. "Sure, what is it?"

"Have you seen any strange people wandering around here lately?"

Chloe stayed silent, her blue eyes staring into Saralegui's yellow ones. "I saw a strange guy wandering around in the woods a few days ago when I lost my ball."

Wolfram raised his head, his interest peaking. "What did he look like?"

"I'm not really sure. His face was covered and it was too dark to tell. But I saw him with someone that had your insignia your majesty."

"Was anyone with him?" Saralegui asked.

"I think so."

"Would you like some tea?" The mother asked as she walked back into the room. She placed the tea on the table and passed them out to his majesty and Wolfram. Wolfram and Sarlegui took hold of their cups and took a sip before placing them back down onto the table. "So, what was it that you wished to speak of?"

"I believe your daughter has already answered all of my questions." Saralegui responded.

"Oh, well then I'm glad we were of assistance." The mother replied.

Saralegui nodded to her. "Thank you for your time."

"No problem your majesty. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Thank you." Saralegui said as he stood up from the table. Wolfram stood up as well and followed Saralegui out of the house.

"What are you planning we do now?" Wolfram asked.

"We're going into the woods, what do you think?" Saralegui replied.

"You believe we'll find something there."

"Without a doubt."

They said nothing as they entered the forest, it was still light out so they still had some time before sunset. Which means they could spend that much time searching for clues in the area. They decided to split up. It wasn't very wise, but they made sure they didn't go to far from each other. As long as they were still within eyesight of each other, they believe they would be okay.

Wolfram started searching on his own, he looked high and low for anything that would be considered out of the ordinary.

As he searched a bit farther back, he found a trace of footprints in the dirt. They could be anyone's but they seemed to go forwards and backwards as well, and it seemed as if one set was dragged along. This shows a hint of struggle.

They were the real messenger's footprints as he was dragged back here by the mystery man.

Wolfram looked around from there, he found nothing much that was different. They must have covered their tracks well.

Suddenly, he felt an arm go around his waist and a rag over his face. He struggled against it. He knew from the smell what it was. It was chloroform. It was a tacky move, but it was affective. Wolfram couldn't break free. He has to do something to get away. He shakily raised his hand, he has to gain enough strength to use his fire. He didn't care if he himself got burned in the process, as long as he got away.

'All things that make up...the element of fire...obey this proud Mazoku!'

Fire began to blaze from his fingertips, it was small but useful. The capture saw this and knew that he was in deep trouble if Wolfram did not fall unconscious before he could land an attack. Wolfram felt his eyes begin to droop and his vision beginning to blur. He grew weary each passing second. But he had to push on. He moved his hand towards the man's face, he had to get a small burn on him, even the closeness should be enough to make the man release him. However, just as his hand was about to touch the face of the man to burn him, he fell into the darkness and into the man's arms and mercy.

He was completely defenseless and at the man's mercy. He has never felt so weak before in his life.

He felt as if he let Yuri down.

OMFR what a chapter. I thought it was good. Who else did? I hope you did because it will mean a lot. Anyways, we finally know who the man is behind all of this shit, Yuri's pissed off, Wolfram and Saralegui seemed to be bonding...ish...and Wolfram has been captured. AH SHIT MAN ITS GETTING GOOD. I'll see you all next chappie, so review everyone.