AH. I FINALLY UPDATED. I worked for days on this. Like days. Maybe even weeks. School has been hell. I've been writing this every day after school when I could. But I finally finished it. And I made it LONG AS HELL because this recovery process is taking WAY too long. So, hopefully the next chapter will be the last one and we can FINALLY get back to Shin Makoku. I hope. I'm so sorry. But this chapter is really emotional and I hope you all enjoy it. Please don't forget to review. I love hearing from you guys.
Whispers in the Dark
Chapter 20
Early Morning Sun
It was early morning and the sun was high in the sky. Saralegui stood alongside Berius as he said his goodbyes to his allies of the demon tribe.
"I wish King Yuri a fast recovery. Send my regards to Lord Bielefeld as well." Saralegui said as he spoke with Conrart.
Conrart nodded, acknowledging Saralegui's wishes. "Of course. I'm sure his majesty appreciates your concern, as well Wolfram."
Saralegui smiled. "Please, inform me right away if anything changes. I want to be kept up to date on everything that is going on. You will do this for me, won't you?"
Conrart placed a hand over his heart as a sign of loyalty. "As you wish."
Saralegui accepted Conrart's response. He turned away from him and made his way to the carriage.
"Wait! Sara!"
Saralegui stopped at the doors of his carriage and looked back as Greta came running towards him. With tears in her chocolate eyes, she ran blindly towards the blonde haired king. The small girl, with arms stretched out wide, wrapped her arms around Saralegui and buried her face in his stomach. Saralegui stumbled back from the speed and the force of her hug and was caught by Berius, a hand on his back to keep him standing.
"Lady Greta. Is something wrong?" Saralegui asked as he looked down at the crying girl in his arms.
Greta looked up at Saralegui, tears rolling down her cheeks as she looked him in the eye. "Don't go. Please, don't go yet."
"My lady," Saralegui knelt down and took her small shoulders in his hands. He watched for a moment as Greta tried to wipe away her tears that continued to fall. "Who am I?"
She said nothing at first. Greta didn't understand what it was that Saralegui was trying to tell her. But she answered: "You're Sara."
Saralegui moved his hands from Greta's shoulders to her hands and gripped them tight. "I'm not Sara. I am King. King Saralegui. I have a kingdom to protect. The people who live there as well depend on me. You understand that after all, your father does the same thing."
Greta understood all too well. She's been with Yuri since the beginning. When he first became king, she tried to kill him. She regrets that now, but she was also glad that she tried. She got to meet Yuri. They've become so close. Yuri and Wolfram were her family now. It was all because of Yuri's reign as king.
But what does that have to do with it?
"I understand but," Greta mumbled. She tightened her grip on Saralegui's hands and frowned harder.
"You are a smart girl, Greta. I know that you understand why I have to leave." Saralegui said. He released the girl's hands and Conrart took over. He picked Greta up by her waist and held up so that Saralegui could get into his carriage. Greta was lost in thought so she did nothing, said nothing.
Saralegui stepped into the carriage and took a seat on the bench. He looked out the small window at Greta was watching him.
Berius grabbed the reins of the horses and gave them a slap. The horses let out a loud 'neigh' and began to walk off, pulling the carriage along with them. Saralegui sat back at took a deep breath.
"Sara! Don't go!" Greta cried as she kicked in Conrart's hold. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched the carriage go. Saralegui could hear her cries and looked out through the window as best he could.
"Greta, please. You must calm down." Conrart said as she tried to calm the young girl.
But Greta wasn't listening. She didn't want Saralegui to leave. She understood that Saralegui had a job as king, but she didn't understand why he chose now of all times to go back. Saralegui was there when Yuri was taken away. Saralegui has been helping to find and care for Yuri since. It's been more than a week in time. What would it matter if he stayed another few days? She didn't get it at all!
"Why does he have to go? It's not fair!" Greta cried. She stopped her flailing and wrapped her arms tightly around Conrart. She was so confused. She wanted answers. "Why can't he stay?"
"You have to understand that his majesty has a job to do, just as our majesty has as well once he recovers. Being king is a big job, the most important of all in each land. His people need him. He has to go back to keep peace." Conrart tried to explain.
"But Conrart," Greta couldn't finish her sentence. She sniffled and wiped her eyes again. Conrart placed a hand behind her head and ran his fingers through her hair as a way to calm her down.
"I understand. But I promise, his majesty will return as soon as he can. By that time, Wolfram and Yuri should be back at the palace and things should be back to normal." Conrart said.
Greta's saddened at that. She knew that Conrart was lying. She remembered what he said last night and how she could sense his unease. Things would never be back to normal. At least not right away.
So she simply nodded to her godfather. "Can I go see Yuri?"
"I don't see why not." Conrart replied.
"Actually," Gisela stepped in and interrupted. "I should check in on his majesty first. It's been a few hours since I sent the last nurse to check on him?"
"How about Wolfram? Have you been sending nurses to check on him as well?" Conrart asked.
"Of course, he needs just as much treatment as his majesty." Gisela said. "However, could you check up on Wolfram? Keep him company until I get there?"
"Of course." Conrart replied.
Gisela turned away and went back inside to check on his majesty. Conrart adjusted his hold on Greta and walked inside with her and left to find Wolfram's room.
Walking down the busy hallway towards his majesty's recovery room, Gisela dodged other doctors and patients. Some of the doctors tried to stop her and ask her questions about how the Maou was doing, but she kept silent and told them everything was fine. Some were more persistent, offering their assistance but Gisela politely declined, rarely having to use her authoritative voice.
Stopping outside Yuri's room, Gisela knocked softly on the door. "Your majesty, are you awake?" It was a fair time to come in and check on him. It was almost nine in the morning. His majesty was usually up by now. "Your majesty?"
Gisela placed her fingers around the handle of the door, pushed it down and opened the door. As she stepped inside, she noticed immediately that it was empty. She saw that the saline bag was gone, as well as his majesty.
"Your Majesty?!" Gisela cried. She looked around the room, looking around, inside and around anything she could find. "Where could he have gone? He's still in serious condition!"
"I'm so sorry Miss Gisela!" The nurse who was in charge of Yuri while she was away walked into the room. On the wheelchair she was pushing sat His Majesty who was still half asleep. "He had insisted on seeing Lord Bielefeld a few hours ago and I allowed him to do so. I'm so sorry I kept him out longer than intended."
Gisela took a few deep breaths to try and calm her beating heart. "That's alright. Just please get his majesty back into bed. He's still recovering!"
"Yes Ma'am." She scurried across the room, pushing the wheelchair along with her. Gisela began to gather her tools that she would need for when Yuri was ready for her. She could the rustling of the sheets. A soft "thank you" from Yuri, as well. Gisela turned to face Yuri and walked over to him. The nurse was finishing up the last few details like making sure that Yuri's IV was reconnected to the Saline. And that the Saline bag itself was placed back on the hook.
"If you need me, I'll be around." The nurse said as she bowed to Gisela.
"Thank you." Gisela replied.
Once the nurse had left the room Gisela brought her attention back to King Yuri. "How are you feeling, your majesty?"
"I'm doing fine." Yuri replied.
Gisela smiled and placed the blood pressure cuff around Yuri's arm. "I'm glad to hear that. If you keep this up, you'll be out of here and back to the castle in no time."
Yuri was silent as Gisela took his blood pressure and listened to his pulse. He wasn't really focused on Gisela at the moment. He was thinking about that dream he had. Was it really just a dream though?
Did Yuri really speak to Wolfram through his own dreams?
He couldn't be completely sure if the Wolfram that he saw in that space was the Wolfram he knew just yet. He would only know for sure if Wolfram confirmed it. That or, he finds something himself that proves it. Either way, real or not, Yuri would never forget it. He could never forget how much pain Wolfram was in. What his body has been put through. There were so many scars. Old and new. So many burns. Yuri wanted to heal them all. He wanted them all to disappear.
But even he can't do that. He can help heal the new ones, but the old ones will never heal. Those scars have been on his body for who knows how long. They can never be healed completely. But he'll be damned if he lets the new ones stay.
"Your majesty?" Gisela called out to Yuri, snapping her fingers in front of his face to grab his attention. He's been zoned out for a few minutes now.
"I'm sorry, Gisela. What was it?" Yuri replied.
Gisela placed her hand on Yuri's forehead and felt for a fever. When she felt none, she sighed. "You've been awfully distracted since you woke up. Are you sure there isn't anything on your mind?"
Yuri wanted to tell Gisela about this dream. About Wolfram. But he wanted to figure this out on his own. However, since Gisela takes care of all of the people in the castle, it's likely that she's seen Wolfram's scars, even treated them.
But Yuri didn't bring it up. He didn't want to get Gisela involved in his problems. She already had enough stress having to deal with him.
"No. I'm alright. I promise." Yuri said.
Gisela didn't question him further and she removed the cuff from his arm. "If that's the case, then allow me to check your wound? I need to see if it's healing properly."
Yuri obliged to Gisela's wishes and allowed her to remove the bandages. Once they were unraveled, Gisela saw the scar on his forehead. It was dead center, as if he was decorated with a bulls-eye. Gisela could only imagine the pain that Yuri had to go through when it happened.
"Is it bad?" Yuri asked nervously.
Gisela sighed. "It could be worse. But its healing slowly." Was all she could say in response.
"Am I still going to look pretty after this?" Yuri asked. It was meant to be taken as a joke.
"I'm sure you will still be as attractive as before, your majesty. Maybe even more!" Gisela replied.
Yuri just smiles, a small blush tinting his cheeks. "Thanks. That makes me feel a lot better knowing that."
"But your majesty, you also need to focus on recovering. Your people and your kingdom need you." Gisela said.
"I know. I know." Yuri mumbled. "Its just...I can only heal so fast...and,"
Gisela took Yuri's hands and smiled. "Just get well soon. We'll be waiting for you."
"Thank you." Yuri replied.
Gisela grabbed a fresh roll of bandage and began to wrap his head. As she did, Yuri began to think to himself.
"Who's running blood pledge while I'm gone?"
"Lady Annissina." Gisela replied.
"Is she now?" Yuri sighed. "Gwendal probably isn't too happy about that."
"Lady Anissina is handling her duties well. However, you are our king. So, we are all waiting for you to return. She is handling herself for now. But she doesn't have your light!"
"My light?!" Yuri asked in confusion.
"Your light." Gisela smiled. "You have a light to yourself, your majesty. It helps us all stay strong."
Yuri wanted to accept her words, but he couldn't. Not yet. Not now.
"Thank you for taking care of me." Yuri said. He looked at Gisela's who face was filled with surprise. "But Gisela, please," He gripped his blanket tightly in his hands. "go and take care of Wolfram. I'm fine. I think he needs you now more than I do."
Gisela said nothing for a moment. She just looked Yuri in the eye, her face neutral. But then she smiled and said, "As you wish, your majesty."
She stood up and began to gather her things to go and see Wolfram. "Stay with him until his condition changes. He has to get better."
"Of course, your majesty." Gisela replied.
As she left, all Yuri could see were the scars. The scars that Belar inflicted. The scars that were now on Wolfram's body because of his doing.
"He's not getting away with this." Yuri clenched his fists and bit his lip. "There has to be something I can do."
But he can't do anything. Not yet.
Still, utter silence in the white hospital room. The only sound is the beeping of Wolfram's heart on the monitor. As Gisela worked on Wolfram, treating his wounds with the lotion and her own Maryoku, she listened to that heart beat. The sound of life ringing in her ears made her push forward.
Wolfram was loved by so many people. Herself included! She loved Wolfram like a brother, a friend. She didn't want him to be hurting when he woke up. She wanted him to be recovering and smiling like Yuri. She wanted him to be happy and healthy. She knew it was going to be a long time before that was possible. But everything has to go through a process. It's all about progression.
As she rubbed the lotion into the burns on his feet, Gisela remembered the moment she first laid eyes on Wolfram. It was about three days ago since then. Since then, Wolfram has shown signs of improvement. His burns are fading, but still bright. The peeling was becoming more profuse and the blistering was beginning to calm.
Gisela stopped applying the lotion to his skin and just stared at him. She saw his chest rising and falling as she slept. She stood up and walked over to his side. A ghostly touch on his skin, her fingers barely touching his flesh.
"Wolfram," She crouched down at his bedside and placed her head against his. "I'm so sorry this happened to you. You've suffered so much." She ran her fingers through his hair. She knew her hands were still covered in lotion but she didn't care. Sorrow and distress hit her like a bomb and she wanted to be as close as she could be to the blonde. "Wake up soon. I need to know that you're alright."
Her heart was pounding. She didn't care. She cared for all of her patients. But Wolfram wasn't a patient. She cared about Wolfram as a friend. She's known him for so long. Seen his development over the years. Watched him grow into the man he is today. All she wants is to see him open his eyes.
A knock at the door caused Gisela to flinch and sit up. She looked over at the door. "Who's there?"
"It's Shouri." Gisela stood up. "Can I come in?"
Gisela grabbed a small towel and wiped her hands. "Sure. Come on in."
Shouri opened the door and walked inside. When he saw Wolfram, his eyes flashes with pain. Gisela saw this and frowned. "I'm sorry. I'm tending to his wounds right now. I won't be much longer."
"No." Shouri walked over to Wolfram's bedside. "Take your time. Tend to his needs correctly." He looked over at Gisela. "Do you need any help?"
Gisela smiled and picked up the lotion from the small side table. She opened the lid and handed the jar to Shouri. "Help yourself. There's plenty of wounds left to treat."
"That's not necessarily a good thing." Shouri replied.
"I know." Gisela placed more lotion on her hands and began to treat the wounds on Wolfram's arms.
Shouri began to treat the wounds on his legs. "When do you think he'll wake up?"
Gisela's shoulders slumped and her eyes drifted. "I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?"
"That's just it. I don't know. He should have woken up by now. There's no reason for him not to wake up."
Shouri stopped what he was doing. "Then….why hasn't he?"
Gisela clenched her fists and looked at Wolfram. "It could be….that he doesn't want to wake up."
"Why the hell wouldn't he want to wake up?" Shouri shouted.
"Lord Shouri, please keep your voice down." Gisela hissed. She kept her sweet girl face but her tone was powerful. Shouri backed off and kept his cam. "And to answer your question I'm not sure why. He must have his own reasons. But this is only a hypothesis. I'm not even sure if this is what' causing his long slumber."
Shouri sighed and adjusted his glasses. "If the reason is because he refuses to wake up, then we need to encourage him to wake up. Something is holding him back. Something happened that we don't know about. We need to make him aware that its okay to wake up."
Gisela smiled and nodded. "I understand. But, how do we do that? We don't even know if he can hear us."
Shouri stood up and used the same towel that Gisela used and wiped his hands clean. "You keep treating his burns. I'll be right back."
"Where are you going, Lord Shouri?" Gisela asked.
Shouri opened the door. "I'm going to see my brother." And then left. Gisela said nothing against this. She knew that Shouri was smart enough to handle himself.
"I know that you're the one who brought Shouri here but," Yuri shifted in his bed to get more comfortable. "What about my mother? She doesn't know about this, does she?"
Murata shook his head. "No. We made sure not to tell her before we left. She was close to learning about this when a letter came from here to there about Wolfram being captured, but she knows nothing."
Yuri took a breath of relief. "That's good to know. If my parents knew about all this. I don't know what I'd do."
Murata adjusted his glasses. "Mama-san would be very distraught, trying every waking moment to come to this world and search for her son."
Yuri sweat dropped. That wasn't what he wanted to hear. "Thanks Murata. That's such a nice image to have."
"I'm only telling the truth." Murata replied. "Your mother cares about you, Shibuya. You should be grateful that she doesn't know. But you'll have to tell her one day. She'll figure out something happened when she sees that scar on your forehead."
Yuri placed a hand on his head where the bandages were. "You're right. But I'm not sure if I could ever really tell her about it. It's still really hard for me to think about. Let alone talk about it."
"She won't push you. That's just how she is." Murata replied.
"I hope so." Yuri said as he leaned back in his bed. "I don't want to see my mother cry."
"No one does." Murata mumbled.
Yuri knew how much Murata cared for his Miko. Spending time at their house almost every day of the week, he's developed a close bond with her. More so that with his own mother.
"I'm sorry." Yuri said. He clenched his fingers over his closed fist and bowed his head. "I didn't mean to say that."
"No. You are right. Mama-san is your mother. Seeing her cry would no doubt crush your spirit. She is your mother." Murata replied. He smiled. "But I'm sure that just by seeing you alive and well that she'll be overjoyed."
Yuri gave Murata's arm a push. "Shut up. My mom loves you, Murata. You have just a right to be upset seeing her cry. That's if she even finds out. But knowing her, she'll poke and prod until she figures it out."
"I suppose you're right." Murata looked over at the window. The afternoon sun shined into the white room making it seem even brighter. Murata wished to be outside, taking in the suns warmth. It was similar to Miko's warmth. But Yuri needed him. So he decided to wait a little longer.
"I know I'm right. You're practically already a part of our family." Yuri said.
Murata didn't respond to that. He just smiled to himself. He could feel the honesty in Yuri's tone as he said that. He always felt wanted in the Shibuya household. And to hear from Yuri that he is part of his family made his stomach swell with pride.
"Thank you."
The door to Yuri's room slammed open, hitting the concrete wall behind it. Yuri jumped in his spot on the bed, almost falling out. Murata looked behind him to see what the commotion was about.
"Shouri! What's the big idea!?" Yuri shouted.
Shouri took a few deep breaths, he held himself up by his knees, resting his hands atop of them to catch his breath. Once he was feeling better he stood up tall and adjusted his glasses.
"Yuri. This is important." Shouri said.
"What's important? What's going on?" Yuri asked. He was a bit concerned now.
"It's about Wolfram." Shouri walked further into the room and over to his brother in his hospital bed. "We're not sure sure yet, but Gisela said its possible that Wolfram is flat out refusing to wake up. It's not that he can't. He doesn't want to."
"Doesn't want to! That's insane. Wolfram is one of the most determined people I've ever met. He has to wake up." Yuri replied. But then, he remembered. He clenched his fists. "Unless, he's reached his limits."
"Reached his limits?" Shouri placed his hands on Yuri's bed. "What are you talking about? What do you know? Why doesn't he want to wake up? Why would he be at his limit?"
Yuri looked up at the ceiling tiles. He began to look over the tiles designs, following its patterns as he thought about what to say next. "Wolfram. He's suffering." He could feel their stares on him as he tried to explain. "I don't know how it happened. But I saw him in my dreams. He was hurt. He was burned. He was scarred. He was in so much pain. He was so scared. He can usually hide his pain but in that moment, in that scape of time, he bared it all to me. What he was really feeling. What he saw in himself. About the scars on his body. He isn't the same anymore. I don't know what happened exactly. But something happened when I wasn't with him. Something that really freaked him out. Everything that happened might be what's holding him back."
Everything fell silent for a moment. Yuri took this time to calm himself down. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know what Shouri and or Murata would do with this information. He hoped it would be used to come up with a plan. A plan to help Wolfram wake up.
"I had no idea. I knew he was in serious condition. But I had no idea it was that bad." Shouri said.
"You wouldn't know. He's been out since he arrived." Murata replied.
"You knew?" Yuri asked his friend.
"I figured that something was wrong, but I had no idea of that actual damage." Murata replied.
Yuri took a deep breath. "What does Gisela think I can do about this?"
"At the moment, I don't know what she would have wanted you to do." Shouri replied. Yuri looked away, disappointed. "But," Yuri's perked up. "What you mentioned before. About talking to him in a dream. Can you do that again?"
Yuri had to think about that. He wasn't sure. He's only been to his dream scape a few times. He wasn't even sure how he got there all those times.
"I don't know. It only really happens when something important happens. I don't know if I can make myself go. I'm usually guided." Yuri replied.
"If your guided than ask the Demon King to take you to Wolfram. I'm sure he'll do it." Shouri argued.
"I don't think that's how it works." Yuri shot back.
"There's only one way to find out, Shibuya." Murata said, stepping into the fight. "Go to Wolfram and find him in your dreams. Convince him to wake up."
Yuri looked down at his hands, he traced the tube to the Saline bag and back again to his hand. He made up his mind. He grabbed the needle atop of his hand and yanked it out. He hissed at the pain but chose to ignore it. He heard his brother protest his actions. He didn't really care at that moment. He used all of his energy to move his legs. He's had almost no mobility in his legs since he woke up. He needed to get them to move.
With all of his strength and even what little Maryoku he had saved in his body, he moved his legs over the bed and sat on the edge. He took a few deep breaths and looked over at the wheelchair just a few feet away. There was no way he could get into that chair. It was too far down and too far away.
"Shibuya," Yuri saw Murata at his side. He held out a hand to help him. Yuri smiled. "Let's go. Lord Bielefeld needs you now."
Yuri grabbed Murata's hand and Murata helped Yuri down by holding onto him and keeping most of the pressure on himself and less of the weight on Yuri. He was still far too injured to stand on his own. Murata helped bring Yuri over to his chair and sat him down in it. Yuri got comfortable in his chair. "Thank you."
Murata nodded in acknowledgement. Yuri took that as Murata's response and used the wheels on his chair to roll out of the room. With each push of the large wheels, he felt pain roll through his body. The wounds in his body aching and stinging with each movement. Shouri couldn't watch his brother put himself through so much pain. He had to stop him.
"Enough." Shouri said. He walked over to his brother and stopped him from moving. Yuri was about to complain but saw the look in his brother's eyes and stopped himself. "I asked you to help us in waking up Wolfram. Hurting yourself even more isn't going to help anything. Just sit back and I'll get you there."
"I can take care of myself." Yuri complained.
"I know you can, little brother." Shouri grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and picked up where Yuri left off. "This is just one of those times where you need to let others give you a push."
"Are you trying to be sentimental or are you making jokes?" Yuri asked.
"A bit of both. But that isn't the point." Shouri replied.
As the two Shibuya brothers bickered amongst themselves. Murata watched from behind with great pleasure. He loved watching them bond. It made his chest knot. But in a good way.
Seeing someone you care about smile, always brought a smile to his own face as well.
Rolling into the room, Yuri saw Gisela standing over Wolfram. Her face showed all of the emotion she was feeling. Fear and worry were the main ones. Yuri didn't like it that his friends were under so much stress over this. He hated that being captured caused so much sadness and pain. He wished that he could start over.
But he couldn't start over. This was his present and his reality. Starting over was only a dream that he would wish to grasp, but could never grab. So, he had to make his reality work out. The first step to doing that, right now, is waking Wolfram up.
"Your majesty. Your Eminence." Gisela said, bowing in respect.
"How's Wolfram?" Yuri asked as he was rolled to his bedside.
Gisela frowned. She looked down at the blonde. "His condition hasn't really changed. His wounds are slowly healing. But other than that, nothing has changed."
Yuri bit his bottom lip. "Alright. It's not the best news, but," He sighed and placed his hand on Wolfram's arm. "I'm going to get through to you. So, you better listen and wake up."
"It's time, Shibuya. Every second you wait is wasted." Murata said.
"How am I supposed to fall asleep at noon? I just woke up not too long ago." Yuri asked. He sat back in his wheelchair. "I can't force it. That won't work."
"Would this help, your majesty?" Gisela held out her hand. A small pain pill sat in the palm. It was round and blue.
"A pain pill?" Yuri questioned.
"That would be perfect. Yu-chan has always been weak when it comes to pain pills. They make him drowsy and he falls asleep." Shouri exclaimed.
"How do you even know that? Are you keeping tabs on me that I don't know about?" Yuri asked.
"Just take the pill, Shibuya." Murata said.
"Alright. Alright." Yuri hissed. He looked down at the small blue pill. He was nervous. He wasn't even sure if this was going to work. He could just end up taking this pill and falling asleep for a few hours and accomplishing nothing.
Popping the pill into his mouth, he swallowed it and took a breath. The aftertaste was gross but he ignored it as best he could.
"Alright, you should feel drowsy soon. When you do, don't fight it. Just think of Wolfram and hope for the best." Shouri said.
"Alright." Yuri said.
It didn't take long, as Shouri predicted, for Yuri to become drowsy. He felt his eyelids getting heavier and heavier. He yawned and rested his head on the small part of the bed that he was closest to and closed his eyes.
Walking through the dark blue dream scape, Yuri began to think to himself. Not knowing where to look, or even where to start was driving him mad. So far he's been walking in endless blank space. It was so quiet that he could hear his own heart beating. You could drop a pin and hear its echo for miles.
That fact alone was beginning to annoy Yuri. He was irritated. He made it to the dream scape, but its all for nothing if he can't find Wolfram.
But what was he to do about it? He can't call out to him. Would he even respond if he heard? If not, he'd be shouting to no one.
"Wolfram?" Yuri called out. There was no reply back. "Wolfram!" Silence. Nothing.
'Do not fret.' Yuri stopped walking and looked around. The demon king was trying to tell him something. But how? 'Wolfram cares about you. He will reveal himself to you in no time.'
'How are you talking to me? I'm in my-or is it our-body. Why won't you speak to me face to face?' Yuri asked.
'This is your time. It is your responsibility to awaken your friend. I will not get involved unless you need me too.' The demon king replied.
'Why is it my responsibility to wake Wolfram up? I'm not saying I don't want to, but," Yuri sighed as he walked, he shoved a hand into his pants pocket. 'You make it sound like I don't have much of a choice. Is it because of the whole engagement thing? If so, I don't want to hear that from you.'
There was silence for a moment and Yuri was beginning to wonder if he was a bit rude and the demon king refused to even speak to him. To anger yourself would be the silent treatment taken to a whole other level.
But when the demon king finally responded, Yuri felt relieved. 'This has nothing to do with the engagement. I can assure you. However, Wolfram is closest to you, whether you notice it or not. He relies on you. You are the only one who can wake him up.' Yuri said nothing. He was trying to comprehend everything that the demon king was trying to tell him.
'Do you really think Wolfram depends on me that much? Isn't he usually the one yelling at me to do my job?' Yuri replied.
'Wolfram is very stubborn. But you've also seen what he;s hiding behind all of the anger and the worry. You've seen his scars, have you not? Wouldn't those who have seen someone elses pain want to understand it more?' The demon king said.
Yuri was going to reply, but he was stopped.
'Do not think. Just do. Save those who mean the most to you.'
Yuri could no longer sense the demon's presence at all. He was alone again in this empty blank space. He stopped walking and began to look around. Something was telling him that he was close. Wolfram was close.
"Wolfram!" Yuri called out for the dozenth time since he arrived.
To his left, a bright light began to shine. Yuri held a hand over his eyes to shield them from the glare. As it began to dim, Yuri removed his hand from over his eyes and looked over where the light was just moments ago.
Ahead of his gaze was a door. It was a plain white door. Nothing interesting really about it. But Yuri wasn't sure what the point of this door was. Or how it even got here.
"What's this?" Yuri asked himself. He was puzzle as to where this door was supposed to lead. But, something was telling him to go inside. "It is in my mind right? It can't be that dangerous!"
Yuri gripped the knob on the door tightly and tried to turn it. But then, "It's locked!" Yuri released the knob and sighed. Then, he started knocking on the door. "Wolfram. I know its you in there. Open the door."
Silence. Waiting. Yuri stood this way for a few moments before he grew annoyed.
"Wolfram! Wolfram, open the door. I just want to talk.'
Nothing. Now its changed. It wasn't annoyance. It was fear. Worry. He began to knock louder. Harder. "Wolfram. Come on. Wolfram."
When there was no response this time. Yuri knew he has had enough. Taking a few steps back, he readied himself to a good position. He angled his body. And then. He ran. He ran full speed into the door and rammed into it. He felt the pain in his shoulder almost immediately. But he ignored it. He saw that the door was beginning to crack and the hinges were beginning to come undone.
"One more time." He mumbled to himself.
He set himself up the same way as before and took off. He rammed himself even harder into the door. The door was broken in half and the hinges were hanging just barely against the sides. Yuri kicked down the door and watched it fall. When it was all clear, Yuri walked inside.
This space was different from his. Almost the complete opposite. It was bright. Nothing but white everywhere. White walls. White floors. The light made the white even brighter. It strained his eyes and Yuri wished for those sunglasses that he used for his regular disguise.
As Yuri's eyes adjusted to the bright light, he saw something lying in the middle of the room.
No. It wasn't something. It was someone.
"Wolfram." Yuri cried. He ran over to his friend who was lying on the ground. His eyes were lifeless, staring up at the ceiling. He was barely moving. His chest still rose and fell. It was just like in reality. There was almost no difference.
Crouching down beside him, Yuri looked Wolfram in the eye. Wolfram didn't seem to notice his presence. He didn't look at him.
"Wolfram?" Yuri shook him gently.
Wolfram's eyes slowly shift over to look at him. Yuri's heart was pounding in his chest. He was relieved.
"Thank goodness. I thought I would never find you."
Wolfram said nothing. He just stared at Yuri for what seems like the longest time. Yuri was confused.
"What's wrong? Are you alright?"
"How did you get in here?" Wolfram asked.
Yuri blinked. Confusion in his features. "I found a door while walking through my dream scape. It lead me here."
"Your dream scape?" Wolfram mumbled. He looked back up at the ceiling. "Is it like this place? Does it show your true nature? What you really see? What you're really feeling?"
"I'm not really sure. My dream scape doesn't really change. Does yours change? What does this represent?" Yuri replied.
Wolfram's head went back a bit as he looked around. "Emptiness. That no matter how strong I get, people see right through me and just see the weak defenseless child who still craves protection."
"What?" Yuri whispered. Was that really what this room meant? Yuri didn't want that to be true. And what did he mean that people could see right through him? What happened in that room? Yuri wanted to know. "Wolfram? Why are you refusing to wake up?"
"What do you mean?" Wolfram replied.
"Dammit. You know what I mean. Why are you refusing to wake up? Lady Cecilie and everyone else have been worried sick that you are refusing to wake up. It's been days since we were found. You haven't woken up since. What is keeping you here? Tell me!" Yuri shouted.
Wolfram sat up, his body stretching out as he did as if he were stiff. He kept his gaze to the ceiling.
"Why? That should be obvious." Wolfram looked at Yuri. "I don't want to go back."
Yuri's eyes widened when he heard that. What did he mean? Why wouldn't he want to go back? There are so many people who want to see him wake up.
"Don't want to go back? Wolfram. You can't mean that! What about your mother? Greta? Conrart and Gwendal?" Yuri grabbed Wolfram's wrist. "You're my friend, Wolfram. I'm not going to let you stay in your mind forever. You have to wake up."
"You can't tell me what to do Yuri. Not this time. I may be your guard and I may even be your fiancee. But this is my own decision. I don't want to go back. I don't want to wake up just be hunted and hurt again." Wolfram wiped his eyes of his tears. A smear of blood followed. Yuri's eyes sharpened. There was no blood on his body. Where could he be bleeding? "Just think. You won't be stuck with me anymore. You'll be free to live your life. You can flirt with all the men and women you want."
"Wolfram. I know for a fact that you don't mean that. The thought of me doing that alone pisses you off to no end." Yuri said.
"It does." Wolfram mumbled. "It did. It really did." He reached a hand up to Yuri's face and cupped it. He smiled. It wasn't really a happy smile. It was more….broken. "I can't handle this world anymore. I've been broken far too many times. I can only bleed so much in one lifetime. I just don't want to bleed anymore. I know that sounds cowardly and not like me. But you don't know. You don't know what I've gone through. I can't take it anymore. I don't have any more blood to shed. No more will to give."
Yuri's eyes shook as tears began to collect in his eyelids. Hearing Wolfram talk in this way made him question everything. How much pain has Wolfram had to suffer in his life? How many people have hurt him?
"No." Yuri placed his hand over Wolfram's and gave it a squeeze. "You're wrong. You're not alone anymore. You have me. You have your brothers. You have Lady Cecilie. You have Murata. You have Greta. Dammit, you even have my family back home on Earth. You have people who support you. Who want to hold you up. You have too much to lose to go this way Wolfram. I will not let you die. You are way too important."
"Important?" Wolfram repeated to himself.
Yuri didn't want to say it. It was embarrassing. But. Wolfram needs to hear it. it may help him realize that what he thinks he needs...may not be what he truly wants.
"You're...you're important to me! You're so important to me, Wolfram. You've been there since day one. Everyone has. But, you've been one of the bigger changes. You and Greta. We're a family. How hurt do you think she will be if she loses a dad because some ex king decided that wanted revenge. She will be devastated. Look inside your heart. Tell me to my face that you want to stay here in this room and die. Tell me that you wouldn't mind not seeing our daughter grow up to be a beautiful young woman. Tell me you don't want any of that and I leave."
Tears were falling down Yuri's cheeks now. He was also blushing a bit. Second hand embarrassment from pouring his heart out. He felt like he just confessed his love to the guy.
Wolfram just stared at him. His eyes seem to have brightened a bit. They seem to be searching for something.
Answers. The right ones.
"I…" Wolfram placed his hands at the sides of his head. He was struggling to come to terms with that he wants and what he thinks he needs. He didn't know what to think. His head was spinning.
"Wolfram. Think. Please!"
He didn't know what to do. He didn't know. Wolfram was beginning to shake. Tears were rolling down his cheeks from his emerald eyes.
"You miss them. You want to see your family. Everyone is waiting for you. No. For us to get the hell out of here and wake up. Don't you want that too? Don't you want to see your family? Recover from this?"
"Belar? What about Belar? You seriously can't consider letting him get away with this?" Wolfram asked.
Yuri hadn't even thought of Belar since he woke up. He was too concerned about getting better. Of Wolfram getting better. He never once really thought of Belar. Of the possibility of any consequences being held against him.
Talking may not be enough this time. Yuri knew that.
"I don't know what we're going to do about Belar. But I know that talking with him is not the plan. But killing him isn't the plan either. I can't stoop to his level. That's against everything I stand for. However, I know that you want a say in this as well. He hurt you. He hurt you, probably more than he hurt me. I want you there when he discuss with the Aristocrats what our next course of action should be." Yuri replied.
"No war?" Wolfram asked.
Yuri shook his head. "No war."
"I know you are against war, Yuri. But, have you considered that the option may come up. The Aristocrats are very self righteous people. They do what they think is best." Wolfram stated.
"That may be. But i'm still king. I won't let them go to war." Yuri replied.
Wolfram closed his eyes. "We can only see about that."
Yuri perked up at that. "We? As in together?"
Wolfram smiled. A genuine smile. "You were right. I can't stay here. I have family to go back to. And an ex king to punish. He won't be getting away with this."
Yuri smiled back and stood up. He held a hand out to Wolfram. "Then let's go. I'm sure everyone's waiting."
Wolfram nodded and grabbed Yuri's hand. He squeezed it and stood up. Yuri saw the scars on Wolfram's body again but this time, he didn't see pain in his eyes. He saw the fire.
The burning flame of his soul. His Mazoku spirit.
"Is Yuri really going to wake up Wolfram? How is that even possible?" Greta asked.
Gisela smiled at Greta. "I'm not sure myself. But I know his majesty can do it. He has everyone behind him."
Greta smiled. She was really hoping that this plan was going to work. She missed her papa. She wanted to see Wolfram. Not the Wolfram that attacked her. She wanted her Papa Wolfram. "Yuri is amazing. He can do it."
"I wonder what's taking him so long? It's been over three hours." Shouri pointed out.
"It takes time. It's hard to convince those who don't want to live to reconsider." Gisela explained.
"What? What do you mean?" Greta cried out. "Does Wolfram really not want to live anymore?"
Gisela didn't mean for Greta to hear that. She tried to think of something to say.
"Everyone has that point in their life where they contemplate whether or not they have real value. Wolfram is going through that time now. I can assure you. His majesty will bring Wolfram back." Conrart said.
Greta looked up at Conrart. "Are you sure?"
Conrart nodded. "I'm positive. I know his majesty. But I also know Wolfram."
Greta looked back at her papa and folded her hands together and began to pray. It was silent and to herself, as well as to no one in particular. She just wanted anyone who would hear to guide her fathers back safely.
And then, it happened.
"Gisela, look." Shouri said. He stood up from his chair. "Wolfram's hand moved."
Gisela looked down at Wolfram and watched as his fingers began to flex and move. She grabbed her flashlight and opened Wolfram's eyes.
"Wolfram. Are you awake? Can you hear me?" Gisela asked.
Wolfram's eyes followed the light as she moved it around. That was a good sign.
"Wolfram. If you can hear me. Can you clench your fist?"
Wolfram did just that. Greta began to cry. Tears were rolling down her cheeks as hope began to shine.
Gisela stepped back and watched as Wolfram began to stir. He moaned and slowly opened his eyes. The fluorescent light hurt his eyes and he had to close them for a moment before opening them again.
The first thing he saw was his daughter, standing at his side, tears rolling down her face. His stomach began to knot at the thought that he almost left her behind.
"Greta." He raised a hand, hissing as he did. The burns on his body no where near as healed as they need to be. He wiped her tears away with the back of his hand. "I'm so sorry."
Greta placed her face in her hands. She wanted so desperately to hold her father and cry, but she restrained herself and cried to herself.
"Welcome home, Wolfram."
She removed her hands from her face and just let herself cry. She hasn't cried this hard, since she had those dreams of her mother.
She didn't want lose her papa like she did her mother.
Wolfram began to cry as well as he watched his daughter. He felt so much guilt for even thinking about dying. He forgot how lucky he was to have a daughter as wonderful as her.
"I love you, Greta. You know that, right?"
"I love you too, Wolfram."
As they cried, Yuri began to stir. He could hear them sobbing and he forced himself to wake up. Yuri sat up and rubbed his eyes. When he saw his daughter and Wolfram crying, he felt himself smile.
"I told you that he could do it." Conrart said as he placed his hands on her shoulders. He could feel her small body trembling between sobs. He smiled at Yuri who just smiled right back.
Everything was back to normal. As normal as it can get.