Hey guys, what's up? Another update perhaps! Yep. I somehow managed to bang out another chapter. It's shorter than the last few were, but this was all I really wanted in this chapter. Sorry, Yuri isn't really in it much. It's mainly about Wolfram believe it or not. Just because its short, does not mean it isn't good.

I don't have much else to say. If the ending confuses you, it will be explained next chapter. But it should be obvious what's going on. Good luck!

Whispers in the Dark

Chapter 16

Control

Striped of most of his clothing, Wolfram, still unconscious and unresponsive, lay on his hospital bed, nurses all around him, holding small glass containers, like ones used to hold moisturizer, filled with cold white lotions, ready to help heal the burns that littered Wolfram's pale skin. Their were only three nurses that could be spared from the other patients that help him with his burns. Other nurses and doctors were in the OR or Operation Room, to help with Yuri to get that arrow out from inside his skull.

"Alright ladies, this isn't too hard. However, only put the allowed amount of lotion onto each burn. Too much lotion could irritate the burn and only make it worse, possibly infect it. We can't afford for that to happen. So remember, only a small dollop size, as small as a coin, depending on the burn size."

"Right."

Carefully and gently, the nurses all dipped their fingers into the small lotion containers, rubbed them into their hands, and began to apply the lotion to some of the burns. Luckily, the burns were small in many areas, and since he is a fire user, his body is more used to the temperature of flame, so to get even the smallest burn to his own skin, means that his flames were hotter and more powerful than usual. It was quite astounding.

One nurse was spreading burn lotion on Wolfram's face, slowly and softly massaging it, gliding her hands and fingers gently against his skin, as if giving the blonde a facial. The burn on his face was only on the one side of his face, his right side, on his jaw line and his forehead. It was hidden underneath the bangs of his hair.

The second nurse worked on the burns on Wolfram's upper body, including his torso and his arms, hands and fingertips. Luckily, their weren't too many burns on his upper body since his jacket kept his skin from taking too much contact with the flames. Only a few burns could be seen, his hands were burned pretty badly, but not too severe, it wasn't something the cream couldn't fix. There were also burns on his hips, just above his waistline. It shows that their were signs of struggle, that he was fighting back against someone or something.

The third and last nurse was in control of his legs and feet. The only real burns to there were on his calves and the soles of his feet. His feet however, were severely burned. From the depth of the burn, it was at least of that in the second degree. It was blistering and red, some parts of it a darker red, that of dead skin. It was truly heartbreaking. It would have to be treated multiple times, a routine appliance of lotion at least three times a day for at least a few days. The nurse was thankful that this lotion was created by top healers in the demon kingdom, it was assured to have as much healing power as them, maybe even at the level of his majesty and his level of healing. She was positive that the burns would be healed at one hundred percent in a matter of time.

While the nurses continued to gently and patiently apply the lotion to his body, a knock at the door could be heard. None of the nurses looked back at the door but the second nurse made her voice known.

"Who's there?"

"Is it alright for me to come in?"

The nurse stopped what she was doing. "Your eminence, of course, please come in."

The door opened and Murata stepped into the room. He looked around, it was a type room in a typical clinic. However, this was one of the best clinics in the demon kingdom, therefore, it was better built. Instead of having a room with at least three people in the same room, curtains separating them. Everyone was able to get their own room. It was a big enough clinic for being in the middle of the forest. It surely made enough money and the castle gave it compensation as well on some occasions to keep it running smoothly.

Murata looked over in Wolfram's direction. "How is he doing?"

The head nurse, the one in charge who took charge of the burns to Wolfram's face replied to his eminence. "He is doing quite well. The lotion is still being applied as we speak, your eminence. His wounds will be checked over by another doctor before long. He should recover swiftly."

Murata nodded and took in Wolfram's injured body in his memory. He felt a belt tightening around his stomach as he took in every stitch, every burn, every scrape on his body. It was such a heart wrenching sight. To see your friend in the state Wolfram is now, it was almost too much to take. But Murata knew, that Wolfram's state was nothing compared to Yuri's. He may not even survive this mess. That arrow could kill him.

Murata placed a hand over Wolfram's. He could feel Wolfram's warm skin under his. His skin was damaged. Badly damaged. But nothing that couldn't be repaired. But for now, it was going to be nothing but pain and struggle. But it would all be worth it once his recovery was over.

"Get well and wake up soon. Shibuya's going to want to see you." Murata smiled. He removed his hand from over Wolfram's and walked away from him, out the door.

The nurses watched his eminence leave before snapping out of their trance and went back to applying the last of the lotion to Wolfram's burns. "Focus ladies."

"Right."

In the OR with Yuri, Gisela and the rest of the doctors, the removal of the arrow lodged in Yuri's skull was taking place. The doctors stood away from Gisela as she did her part with the arrow. Other doctors worked on fixing the stitching on his other wounds. Gisela needed space and concentration in order to get this arrow out of his majesty's skull properly.

Gisela kept her hand over the arrow, right above his majesty's forehead. A green orb of magical energy formed around the edge of the arrow. Gisela concentrated hard. Her mind fully set on removing the arrow. She watched as the arrow ever so slowly began to raise itself from inside Yuri's skull. This technique that Gisela was performing was almost rarely used because not a lot of healers knew how to do it correctly. Not to mention it uses up a lot of energy just to use it.

Every few minutes, the arrow would be raised higher and higher. The stains of blood on the arrow became more and more evident as it was raised. Gisela concentrated harder. The arrow continued to rise. The doctor a few feet from Gisela raised a sponge to the green haired woman's forehead and wiped away the sweat that was evident on her face. She was getting weaker. This form of medical aid was wearing her out. Her maryoku would eventually run too low and she would collapse.

"Miss Gisela, are you feeling well? Do you need assistance?"

"I'm fine for now. I'll just be a bit longer."

The doctor listened and stepped back once more, went back to looking over Yuri's wounds. Gisela continued, nonstop to get this arrow out. She felt herself getting weaker. Her body felt hot. She was sweating profusely. The muscles in her arms were beginning to cramp up. The same with her shoulders. She must have been in the same position for at least thirty minutes. Her maryoku has never been used this long at such a constant rate.

"Please, your majesty, hold on and pull through. It'll be just a little longer."

The arrow continued to raise itself up. The wound gradually getting bigger by millimeters. Barely noticeable.

"This form of medical aid. Does it come with any risks?"

Gisela took a few deep breaths. "If done incorrectly, could cause the removal process to fail. Especially if the one doing the aid stops suddenly and the removal item falls back into the body, it could cause even more damage." The doctor wiped more sweat from her brow. She continued. "It is also dangerous for the aid using this technique because it wipes out your maryoku so quick that if you take too long, you will collapse and possibly be killed if you use too much."

"Then, why take that risk if it means you may die in the process?"

Gisela smiled. "It's all for his majesty."

The doctors watched in awe at Gisela's dedication for his majesty, as she pressed on despite the fatigue. She was amazing! The doctors watched as the arrow continued to be raised. Forty-five minutes and still going strong! Amazing!

One of the smaller nurses, she was petite and shy looking, walked over to Gisela, her hands up as she place them on Gisela's shoulders.

"I praise you, Miss Gisela. Bring his majesty back." A blue aura flowed from her fingertips and onto Gisela's shoulder. She was giving her some of her maryoku.

Gisela smiled as she continued her work. "Thank you."

His majesty will be saved.

"This is taking way too long. How long can it possibly take to get word on Yuri?" Shouri continued to pace as he argued with himself. "Then again, this is a big deal. Surgery of that stature will surely take a while." He turned around again. "But still, any word at this point should be have been given. So what gives?" He turned again. "But, they did take him in right away, so its reasonable to see why they've left us in the dark this long." Again. "But it has been almost an hour and half, they should know something, if anything by now." And again. "What if something happened to him in there? What if something happened and he's dying?" And-

"Will you knock that foolishness off? You're giving me a headache with your squandering." Gwendal was getting annoyed that Shouri would not sit down and be patient. His blabbering about Yuri and his constant pacing was becoming a nuisance.

Shouri turned to face Gwendal. "Well I can't exactly help it. My baby brother is in there. He could be dying and they aren't telling us anything."

Gwendal rubbed his temples and tried to get his pounding headache to subside. "There has yet to be a doctor to inform us of his majesty's condition because the rest of them are in there trying to save his life. So unless you want me to kick you out and send you back to the castle, I suggest you knock off that cursed pacing and sit down."

Shouri sighed and sat down in his chair. Murata sat a few down from him. He was in his own little world, thinking. He didn't even notice Shouri's pacing as he was so lost in thought.

Shouri then looked over at Lady Cecilie. She was sitting in her own chair, squirming every few moments, impatient because she was eagerly awaiting news on her son. Wolfram wasn't as bad as Yuri when they came in, so she had assumed she would have word by now on his condition, but not a word was spoken about either one.

As if Shinou himself were listening in on their prayers, a doctor's footsteps could be heard coming their way. Murata raised his head and Lady Cecilie sat up just a bit straighter. Shouri stood up and Gwendal sat up in his seat as well. When the doctor finally made his way into view, he stopped in front of them all. His arms wrapped around his clip board.

"Do you have news? About my son, Wolfie?"

"What about Yu-chan? How is he?"

"Please, everyone relax." Murata stood up from his chair and stood in between Shouri and Lady Cecilie. "He has only just arrived. Give him a little space. I'm sure he'll tell us everything he knows."

The doctor nodded in respect of Murata. "Thank you, your eminence." He looked back at Shouri, Lady Cecilie and Gwendal. "I understand your eagerness to hear from us. It has been a while since you've arrived. So, I will tell you everything I know."

"Which is?"

"We'll start with his majesty." Everyone kept their gazes locked on him. The doctor continued. "Miss Gisela was able to successfully remove the arrow that was lodged into King Yuri's cranium. The size of the wound was quite large, but luckily, thanks to whatever that rare kind of medical aid she used, the damage done to his skull and brain from the arrow has been completely healed. All that is left to do, is stitch his head back up. It will be a rather large scar. Across his forehead. However, thanks to King Yuri's magnificent black hair, it should be able to hide it quite well." He looked down at the clip board. "After that's taken care of, Yuri will be taken to recovery where he will be resting for at least a few days. While he's recovering, nurses will be sent in to work on his burns. His burns were not as severe as Wolfram's but he still requires a bit of treatment."

"What about Wolfie?" Lady Cecilie wanted to hear about her son.

"Wolfram is doing quite well. His heart rate is steady. His blood pressure is normal. His brain waves are normal. He has been treated for his burns. Nurses will come in routinely to continue the treatment. A doctor is with him now, looking him over to make sure he doesn't need to be re-stitched. However, from what we've seen, he may need additional surgery to completely close his wounds."

"So then, my Wolfram is doing well?"

"Yes, your son should recover before long."

Lady Cecile felt tears of joy beginning to form in her eyelids. She didn't want to cry. Ruin her makeup. Instead she just waved her hands in front of her eyes and thanked Shinou for watching over her son.

"When can I see my brother?" Shouri was getting desperate. He needed to make sure his brother was doing well.

"You can see your brother after his surgery. However, we ask you give us a short wait period. Let us watch over him for a little while after he comes out of the OR. We want to make sure no complications occur. We apologize that we are making you wait so long, but it is only a safety precaution."

Shouri placed his hands on his head and took a deep breath. "If you must." Shouri removed his hands and went back to face the doctor. "But I want to see my brother the minute family is allowed to see him. I have to see my brother."

The doctor nodded. "Of course, Lord Shouri. He should be out of surgery and finished his short period watch by dawn. If you want, you can come back then or we can set up a room for you to use until then."

Shouri looked at his watch. "Dawn isn't for another few hours. I could get some sleep until then. If even possible."

"We should go back to the castle then. We can get some sleep and then come back in the morning." Gwendal was exhausted for staying up for a few days with no rest, but try not to show it.

"That's pointless. It would take a few hours to reach the castle. By the time we got there, it would time to come back."

"Well we can't all stay here. I'm going back to the castle. I don't trust Anissina to watch over the country for too long. I'll return sometime tomorrow to check on Wolfram. Not to mention that I will be bring along Del Kierson von Wincott along as well."

"The head of the von Wincotts? Why bring him here?" The doctor was concerned.

"We need him to release Yuri and Wolfram from his poison. If not done soon, the poison will begin controlling them, the Wincotts are the only ones who can control the ones under its poison and are also the ones who can release them from it. We need him here as soon as possible."

The doctor nodded. "I see. Then we will make arrangements for his arrival. We promise you that his majesty and Wolfram will be looked over at every hour of the night and we will make sure that they will not lose control of their bodies. We promise that we will keep them in their rooms until you return."

Gwendal stood up and nodded. "Then I'll be on my way then. Anyone else who wants to join me may come along."

"We'll be staying here, Lord von Voltaire. I'm sure your mother will be joining us as well." Murata was sure of it.

Gwendal said nothing. Left the hospital with his men. Headed back to Shin Makoku.

The doctor looked back at the rest of them. Sighed. "I'll show you to some our spare rooms. I hope we can make the most of them."

"Whatever you have will be fine."

The doctor said nothing. He lead them to where some of the empty rooms were. Rooms that were used for family of the patients who needed to be there. Those patients were usually children and the elderly.

"Come with me."

It was the middle of the night, or that's at least what she assumed as she sat up in the bed she had found herself sleeping in. She looked around, her eyes half-lidded. She was groggy. She was sleepy. She was alone. She sat up, her body barely sinking in to the firm mattress below her. She looked around. The room was pitch black save for the moonlight that barely shone in through the window.

Stepping down from the bed, she looked around, she saw the door a few feet away. She could see the light underneath the door frame. She needed light. She needed to get out. She needed her papa.

Walking over the door, she kept a hand out, it was so dark she could barely see in front of her. She didn't want to accidentally bump into anything. When she reached the door, she opened it up and looked around. No one was around. It was silent. She opened the door completely and stepped out into the hall, shutting the door behind her, walked down the hall. She looked around as she did, her big brown eyes observing out the area. She saw rooms, dark and silent. She couldn't tell if there were people in them or not.

Walking further down the hall, she came across another room. It was lit up, not dark. She peaked inside through the small glass window. She smiled. Getting off her tip toes, she looked around, opened the door, walked inside. Her ears immediately took in all the beeping sounds coming from the monitor. Those of his heart. Those of his brain waves. All of it. She took it all in. It meant there was life in that body.

Walking over towards the bed, she pulled a chair up, sat down and looked over him. She watched as his chest rose and fell. She watched. She listened. She placed a hand over his. She smiled again. Her heart was being out of her chest. She was so happy. Nothing could ruin this for her.

"It's me." She finally spoke. Her voice cracked a little as she spoke. She was nervous. She was happy. She felt like crying. "I'm so happy that you're back. I've missed you both."

No response. It was to be expected.

She tightened her hand around his. It was warm. She missed that warmth. That warmth of love. "Promise me you'll wake up soon. I want to see you again. Talk to you again. I miss my Papa Wolfram."

Still no response. She sighed.

She placed a hand to her heart. "Daddy Yuri should be waking up soon too. He has to be. Gwendal promised he would be. So that means you have to wake up too. Please Wolfram!"

She closed her eyes. She didn't know what else to do. His presence was soothing, but he wasn't actually here. He was still lost inside himself. He won't wake up. She didn't know why he wasn't waking up. Not responding to her voice.

"Fa la la. Fa la la."

She was singing. It was a song she knew. That he knew. She wanted to sing for him.

"The vision is running. And the golden eagle runs trembling."

She felt her body beginning to shake. Memories came flooding back. Memories of her mother.

"Fa la la. Fa la la."

She could hear her voice inside her head as she sang. The voice of her mother singing along with her. The lullaby of her country.

"The second vision sings...the lullaby of the little mice."

Tears rolled down her face as she saw her mother singing to her. She may have been small, crying and longing for her mother, but she saw what she looked like when she sang to her. It was faded, but she remembered. But now, she was singing it to her papa. She thought that maybe the song would reach him. He would hear it, wake up and they could be a family again.

"Even if your mother's form can no longer be seen. Please stop crying."

She couldn't get her tears to stop. Her voice has become shaken. Rasp. She was stuttering. Her eyes burned from the tears. She felt her whole body trembling. She was so lonely. She wanted her papa.

"Your mother is the clouds; Your mother is the road; and she watches over you."

She wiped her tears as ended the song. They came down her face so fast that they wouldn't stay completely gone. She cried. And cried. And cried. She leaned her head down into Wolfram's chest and cried until she couldn't any longer. She listened to his heartbeat as she laid there. Her eyes red from crying, stray tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Wolfram, wake up. Please!"

She sat up and wiped her eyes again. She got up from the chair and walked over to the small sink in the room, turned on the water and began to wash her face, it felt sticky from the tear stains, her eyes burning from the tears.

As she washed her face with cold water, a faint sound of creaking could be heard. It wasn't very loud thanks to the water running. As she washed her face, the body on the bed behind her began to move. Wolfram sat up, eyes wide open.

Greta felt something was off and turned around and saw it for herself. She didn't know what to do. She wanted to run over and hug him. But something told her that something was wrong. He didn't have the same spark in his eyes when she was around. He wasn't even looking at her.

"Wolfram?"

Wolfram looked over at her. He did nothing. He didn't even blink. She stepped back. She knew something was wrong. She ran out the door, went to go and find a doctor. As she did, she ran into someone. She fell to the floor. Looked up and saw that it was Murata.

"Lady Greta, where are you coming from? I thought you were sleeping."

"It's Wolfram! He's acting strange."

Murata didn't question what it was and ran towards him room. Greta quickly followed. He threw open the door and saw him standing in the middle of the room. He was no longer connected to any of the machines. The doctors would no doubt be coming in momentarily at that notice.

"See? He's acting weird."

Murata walked inside with caution. One step at a time. He edged towards Wolfram. A hand stretched out.

A fist was swung and Murata was thrown back. He was thrown into the wall from the force. He looked up at Wolfram who looked down on him.

He was no longer in control of his own body.

"Greta, I need you to do me a favor." Wolfram edged closer. Murata looked over at Greta. "Go get a doctor. A few of them."

"But Murata you're-"

"NOW!"

Greta hesitated but quickly raced off to find a doctor.

It was just Murata and Wolfram now!