Kyou Kara Maou Fan Fiction ❯ Yuri Stands Upon the Earth ❯ Invocation ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Kyo Kara Maoh, but that's not stopping me from looking for Conrad and Yuri on the black market.

 

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Chapter 4

 

Invocation

 

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Yuri leaned over the railing of the ship, watching nothing in particular as they sailed toward human lands. They had arranged to sail to Caloria, a friendly nation; Flurin would be willing to house them both before and after their trip to Dai Shimaron. Yuri hated to impose on Flurin, but she had readily agreed to Gwendal's letter. He only hoped that her friendliness with Shin Makoku would not put her on Ranjeel's radar.

 

On the other side of the ship, Yuri could hear Wolfram's nauseated groans and occasional dry heaves. The young Maoh tried to tune him out when he became motion sick. He tried not to think about how normally Conrad would be keeping him company on the ship since Wolfram was always otherwise indisposed. He felt a pang of loneliness as he absently watched the rushing, clear blue water beneath him.

 

Behind him he could hear the sounds of his friends and advisers that had accompanied him. He could pick out Gwendal behind him, to the left and probably about twenty feet back, from his gruff and heavy footfalls. His steps matched his demeanor; Yuri had learned to recognize his approach from early on in his time in Shin Makoku. Though Gwendal had intimidated for a long time after he became Maoh, he had come to recognize the heavy footfalls not as angry, but determined and strong. He found them more comforting now when he heard them.

 

Less familiar but recognizable by their clipped pace came from behind Yuri, pacing back and forth; Hube's footsteps, though not as common a sound in Shin Makoku as Yuri would like, reminded Yuri of his own father's steps. There was a protective feel in their weight, but they moved quickly enough to keep pace with anything.

 

Another pair of footsteps approached him. Without looking, Yuri recognized them as well. Murata's footsteps were light—he was rather small in stature—but there was a subtle weight to them, indicative of the many lifetimes of memories and burdens he housed within himself. But the steps had a friendly, disarming quality to them as well. Yuri didn't say anything as his friend leaned his back against the railing he was resting his forearms on. They remained immersed in a companionable silence for awhile.

 

In the quiet—punctuated by Wolfram's pitiful moans—Yuri considered the footsteps only conspicuous by their absence. Yozak had the footsteps of a spy: stealthy and practically silent, though ever-changing to match the guise he had taken on. Yozak was like a shadow, feet barely touching the surface—and currently he was headed for Dai Shimaron ahead of Yuri's group to alert their underground allies of the situation.

 

Compared to Yozak's constantly changing footfalls that Yuri could never get a good read on, Conrad's footsteps were the epitome of consistency. His were the first footsteps Yuri had learned to recognize from a distance. Whether walking, running, fighting, or just shifting his weight, Yuri associated Conrad's footsteps with safety. Conrad was always self-assured and dutiful, purposeful in his steps. Yuri often found himself listening for the familiar sound of Conrad's approach when the two were not together. Not hearing the footfalls on the ship's deck, as he had grown so accustomed to doing, made Yuri feel lonely.

 

He shrugged, trying to rid himself of such helpless emotions. He was going to be strong—strong for Conrad, for his people, and for himself.

 

Murata adjusted his glasses and coughed deliberately, though he wasn't looking directly at Yuri. The young king looked at him out of the corner of his eye. “We should be reaching Caloria soon,” the other teen said disinterestedly.

 

Yuri brightened at this. Dai Shimaron would be half a day's ride from Flurin's homeland. Yuri tried not to think about how it had been Conrad to teach him to ride a horse—when they hadn't ridden together. The young Maoh frowned at himself and his uncanny ability to find an association between just about anything and his imprisoned knight. But he couldn't shake the vision of Conrad from his dream. He only felt the need to hurry more when he thought of it.

 

“Murata,” Yuri began slowly, trying to phrase his question carefully, “is it possible to dream of something happening a long distance away?”

 

The other teen looked curiously at his friend. “You mean dream about what is actually happening somewhere at that moment?”

 

Yuri nodded. He needed to know if he had really seen Conrad or if his subconscious was just messing with him. Either way he wouldn't be surprised. He had long-since learned not to be surprised about things in this world. It was easiest just to take things in stride.

 

“I've heard of it happening,” Murata replied with a measured air to his tone, “but it's very rare, and even more rarely accurate.”

 

“How can you know?”

 

The Great Sage's incarnation studied Yuri for a long moment, apparently making his own conclusions about why Yuri was asking, but did not voice them. Yuri tried not to think about what they might be.

 

“There is no way to know for sure,” Murata conceded. “But such an action involves a magic far deeper and more ancient than either maryoku or houjutsu. That's why it is so rare and unreliable.”

 

Yuri pondered this for a moment before giving into the bait. “And what is this magic?”

 

Murata's glasses gleamed as he tilted his head and the sun caught them. “It's a bond forged by mutual respect, concern, a desire to protect, and a selfless willingness to do anything for the other. Both parties must feel this down into their very souls… and even then it is uncommon for such a bond to result in such a manifestation.”

 

“No wonder it's so rare,” Yuri whistled as he considered Murata's words. “And it's magic?”

 

“A type of magic, yes.” At Yuri's confused look, Murata smiled knowingly. Yuri thought sometimes that Murata enjoyed knowing more than him so he could show off his big brain. “Magic exists in this world in many forms, Shibuya. Maryoku and houjutsu are two specialized branches of magic that have evolved over millennia. King Saralegui has his own type of magic specific to his people as well.”

 

Yuri considered this new information. “I suppose that makes sense. I've just never thought of my maryoku as magic. But on Earth, it would be.” He smiled impishly at a sudden thought. “Does that make me a wizard?”

 

Murata frowned and Yuri immediately sobered at his look. “Wizards and sorceresses exist in this world, Shibuya,” he said quietly. “They specialize in mastering the ancient magic maryoku and houjutsu descended from. They are mostly a reclusive group, keeping to themselves in order to study. But they are very dangerous. Once, many years ago, they lived among everyone in peace. Magic was an ordinary part of the world then. But a few times throughout history, wizards and sorceresses sought to take power, and great calamity befell the world until it was contained and the magic users defeated.”

 

“What happened?” Yuri breathed. Why Günter's history lessons couldn't be this interesting was beyond the black-haired teen.

 

“Soushu was created as a weapon of wizards in one struggle over 4,000 years ago,” was the low reply. “The foolish ones who created Soushu were swallowed by his influence almost instantly, tainting a good portion of the ancient magic he was born of. You know how that turned out.”

 

Yuri swallowed and nodded, remembering back to the collection of boxes and their keys (Conrad's arm, for one, Yuri thought painfully), as well as facing the tainted Shinou before coming out on top. He still had nightmares about it.

 

“Since Shinou sealed Soushu, wizards and sorceresses have gone into seclusion in order to prevent something similar from happening. But the ancient magic still exists in countless forms, many we would never think magical in their own rights—the garden at Blood Pledge Castle, for instance, is made up of hybrid flowers that have magical properties.”

 

Murata turned and leaned over the railing, mirroring Yuri. The latter was completely engrossed in what his friend was telling him. He had fought Soushu and never known about his origins. It seemed all the more personal the way Murata explained it, which forced Yuri to take the information in more carefully and retain it.

 

“But all of this was just a long way to say that dreaming about another in a different location is possible, but requires the right ingredients for the proper magic to be invoked,” Murata said at last. He smiled brightly at Yuri. “Does that help?”

 

“Uh…” Truth be told, Yuri had completely forgotten his original question amidst Murata's fascinating recitation.

 

“Look!” his friend said suddenly, brightening as he pointed. “Caloria.”

 

The familiar landscape of Flurin's land was indeed visible on the horizon and quickly approaching. The sun was setting and the warm colors of the sky painted the port city in a pleasant glow. The fading yellows and oranges danced rhythmically with reds and purples on the land and cityscape. It was a rich symphony of colors that only made the land look more welcoming than they knew it to be already. Yuri grinned. They were getting close now. Soon he would be able to rescue Conrad. Soon.

 

But first, he would get to visit Flurin, which would be nice. He hadn't seen her in what seemed like ages. Yuri ran from his position to the bow of the ship in order to be in the front to greet the friendly Calorians. It was almost like coming home when he came here, so he felt his spirits soaring. He even laughed as the ship pulled into the port. Many people, Flurin included, were waiting for Shin Makoku's Maoh and company to arrive.

 

As Murata watched Yuri's happy waves to their welcoming party, he couldn't help but consider Yuri's question anew. It does take a rare type of magic to be properly invoked, he thought to himself. Love.

 

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As the dawn approached, Yuri mounted his horse with a yawn. The group had rested at Flurin's for the night, but they needed an early start to reach Dai Shimaron. Yuri hadn't slept well again, his mind continually conjuring the image of the beaten and shackled Conrad. He didn't know what he'd find when he got to Dai Shimaron, but at least they were doing something.

 

Flurin handed the reins up to Yuri, and he smiled his thanks. “I only wish we could stay longer, Lady Flurin,” he apologized.

 

“Any time we get to see you is time well-spent, Your Majesty,” she replied earnestly.

 

Yuri couldn't help but smile. She was a true friend… one he was possibly bringing danger upon. “Are you sure we can return here once we've finished in Dai Shimaron?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“It might bring Ranjeel's eyes to Caloria,” Murata said from atop his own mount.

 

“So be it,” Flurin said determinedly. “We did not make our alliance with Shin Makoku lightly. My people believe in His Majesty Yuri. And now that Shou Shimaron is cooperating with Shin Makoku, as well as the rest of the alliance, it would be ill-advised to move against us.”

 

Yuri looked at Flurin in a new light. She was truly a smart and more than capable ruler of her people. He already respected her, but the more he learned about her, the more he could admire her and hope to be like her.

 

“I can't thank you enough, Lady Flurin,” he reiterated.

 

“I can never repay you for what you have done for me, Your Majesty. I only wish to repay your kindness where I can.” She took his hand lightly while Wolfram smoldered behind them. “I sincerely hope you can rescue Lord Weller. He is a good man.”

 

Yuri swallowed and nodded. “He is. Thank you,” he managed tightly.

 

Flurin seemed to understand his mood, so let go of his hand and stepped back. “Good luck, my friends. May the good spirits watch over you.”

 

Yuri waved a farewell as the small group headed out. Murata had a thoughtful look on his face as Yuri rode abreast of him.

 

“Murata? What is it?”

 

The black-haired teen blinked and looked at his similarly-colored friend. “Ah, I was just thinking about her farewell.”

 

“What about it?”

 

“Such a phrase is a magical invocation, a type of prayer I guess you could call it,” the bespectacled boy replied. “It's a type of magic not practiced in this part of the world, or so I thought.”

 

“Is something wrong with it?” Yuri asked. He had a hard time picturing Flurin as a sorceress or whatever. Then he realized he was being silly, imagining a pointed witch hat on her head and shook off the image.

 

Murata shook his head. “No, it just surprised me. Spiritual magic is rather arcane, but powerful in its own right if the caster knows what they are doing.”

 

“And if they don't?” Wolfram asked, twisting in his saddle to look at them. Apparently their conversation wasn't so private in close quarters.

 

Murata shrugged. “In this case, it's just a wish of good fortune… words. Nothing more. If the spirits aren't specifically invoked, it's a harmless phrase.” He adjusted his glasses. “I just wonder why it popped up here…” He shrugged. “But it's not important.”

 

Wolfram and Yuri shared a confused glance but said nothing before turning back to their ride.

 

Though Yuri's horsemanship had drastically improved since his arrival in Shin Makoku, he still wasn't very good, so the group's pace had to slow to accommodate him. Even Murata, the least athletic of the bunch, rode better than Yuri. He had lifetimes of practice in that head of his. Yuri wished they could go faster to get to Dai Shimaron faster, but he couldn't help that particular limitation. If he tried to ride any faster, he'd only get himself hurt.

 

Conrad, we're coming.

 

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Saralegui, accompanied by his ever-present guard Beryes, followed Ranjeel as they descended a spiral staircase that lead to the dungeons beneath the castle. He could feel a subtle pressing in on him as they moved further down, indicating that they were below ground level. Sara looked back at Beryes, who shrugged, as the trio continued on their path. Ranjeel was practically bouncing in his excitement. As such, asking to see his prisoner had been met with an enthusiastic yes.

 

Sara idly wondered if Ranjeel was truly this much of a fool, provoking Shin Makoku, or if he was smarter than any of them anticipated. Either way, he acknowledged, Ranjeel was unpredictable. Those types of men were dangerous, Sara had learned—from Yuri, ironically—so he remained on his guard.

 

Upon learning of Lord Weller's capture at Dai Shimaron's hands, Sara had immediately made preparations to visit the larger Shimaron—on diplomatic leave, he claimed; but the truth was that he wanted to be present at the world-shaking event that was bound to occur once Yuri arrived. Not to mention, he wanted to make sure Ranjeel's actions didn't directly harm his own plans for uniting Dai and Shou Shimaron under his leadership.

 

And he wanted to see Yuri. It had been awhile since their last visit. Yuri endlessly fascinated him.

 

He could also tell that Beryes was interested in the situation, having formed something of a rivalry with Lord Weller. It was amazing, Sara mused, that everyone's lives could be so carefully intertwined.

 

Sara blinked when he realized Ranjeel had stopped at a large metal door. He nearly ran into the man, but Beryes threw out a supporting hand to prevent the accident. Sara gave his bodyguard—his uncle—a small smile of thanks. Beryes nodded in return.

 

“This is the highest security dungeon in Dai Shimaron,” Ranjeel told his guests. Sara wondered if he had been daydreaming when they passed the lower security wings or if those were located elsewhere. “At the moment, Lord Weller is the only occupant.” A cold smile overtook the king's features. “Ready, Your Highness?”

 

“Lead on, Your Highness,” Sara said with a detached nod.

 

Ranjeel opened the door after fuddling with a set of keys and walked purposefully to the end of the room. Sara followed him to the last cell. The cell was dark, as the only light came from burning torches on the wall behind them. The high security cells had no windows. With a start, Sara noticed a shadow at the back of the cell. After a moment, his eyes adjusted to the lighting (or lack thereof) and he inhaled sharply in spite of himself.

 

Lord Conrad Weller, the best swordsman of Shin Makoku, the Lion of Ruttenburg, and the Maoh's personal knight, was shackled by the wrists to the wall. His clothing was ripped and covered in dried blood. His visible skin was covered in bruises and more dried blood. There were undoubtedly further wounds beneath his clothing. He couldn't make out the extent of the man's condition in the poor lighting, but Sara knew instinctively that closer inspection would bring to light countless more injuries to the man, both internal and external.

 

Beryes had tensed behind Sara, and the king didn't blame him. If this could happen to Lord Weller, who had bested even Beryes in combat, then no one was safe. But Sara also recognized that, if Yuri were to lay eyes on his knight in this condition, then he would go berserk with rage. And a berserk Maoh was dangerous for any and everyone. Sara had seen that from close proximity.

 

“Lord Weller,” Ranjeel greeted in a mocking tone that Sara thought did a discredit to his position, “you have company.” The man in question looked up. “King Saralegui of Shou Shimaron has arrived on a diplomatic trip and hoped to see the tamed Lion of Ruttenburg.”

 

Sara was amazed at the strength in the captive soldier's gaze as his eyes turned to him and Beryes. His eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he was amazingly collected for his situation. If Ranjeel thought to break Lord Weller through torture, then it was obvious he would be sorely disappointed. This man had dealt with much pain and suffering in his life, if even half the stories about him were true; there was little Ranjeel could do to him that would be worse than what he had experienced already.

 

Sara's eyes widened. Unless…

 

“Your Highness Saralegui. Beryes,” Lord Weller greeted, pointedly ignoring Dai Shimaron's king. His tone, if tired, sounded much like he was inviting them into Blood Pledge Castle as guests. The man was indeed something. Yuri was lucky to have him.

 

Deciding he wanted to visit with the captive solder without supervision, Sara turned to Ranjeel and pulled off his glasses. He let forth a stream of his power and Ranjeel's eyes widened before his gaze turned distant.

 

“I'm sure you have much to take care of before the Maoh arrives this evening. Don't allow us to detain you. We won't be long,” Sara said smoothly, hypnotizing his host. It almost seemed like waste of his power to use in such a minor instance, but the situation was precarious, especially with Shin Makoku's envoy arriving in a few hours. He couldn't afford anything more overt. Yet. Not all battles were won by force, after all.

 

“I have some things to take care of,” Ranjeel agreed in a cooperative tone Sara had come to know well. “If you'll excuse me. You can find your way back, I trust?”

 

Sara smiled as he replaced his glasses. “Oh yes, we'll be fine. Please, attend to what you need to.”

 

Ranjeel nodded and headed, dazed, out the door. Once the metal door clanged shut, Sara and Beryes turned back to the captive.

 

“Using your power?” Lord Weller asked mildly. He had been watching the exchange closely.

 

“Ranjeel is a bother,” Sara supplied with a shrug.

 

“I can't disagree,” Lord Weller agreed wearily.

 

Indeed, Sara thought. “Dai Shimaron doesn't seem to agree with you, Lord Weller,” the young king said instead, crossing his arms. He knew the story of his previous defection from Shin Makoku. He had made it his business to know all about Yuri and his closest subordinates, Conrad Weller most especially.

 

Lord Weller pursed his lips and Sara relented. “I apologize. That was inappropriate.”

 

“What are you doing here, Your Highness?” Lord Weller finally asked bluntly.

 

“We came to see if the rumors about you were true,” Sara answered. “It seems they were.”

 

“His Majesty Yuri is also on the way,” Beryes added.

 

“You're no fun, Beryes,” Sara pouted. He hadn't planned on bringing that up yet, but he supposed to withhold that information would be cruel to the poor man. Though Sara had sought to do much the same as Ranjeel now did to Lord Weller previously—before he and Yuri had reached their understanding—he took no joy in seeing the suffering of a good, loyal man. Rather, it made his heart ache; he kept picturing Beryes in Lord Weller's position and the thought haunted him to his very core.

 

Lord Weller had gone pale—paler, anyway—at the news, though he didn't appear surprised. He knew the Maoh well, after all. “When?” he managed.

 

“They left Caloria this morning,” Beryes replied, distinctly more talkative than usual. Sara idly wondered if the personal nature of the situation had to do with it. “They should arrive by mid-afternoon, evening at the latest.”

 

Lord Weller seemed to digest this information for a time before speaking. “And what will you two do?”

 

“That depends on Yuri,” the young king answered.

 

“Your Majesty,” Beryes reprimanded, but Sara shook his head.

 

“No, Beryes.” He turned back to the prisoner. “Lord Weller, I take no pleasure in your situation. I wish to help, if I can. But considering the situation, I must make that offer to Yuri, as he must be the one to act on your behalf. Otherwise, things could grow ugly.”

 

Yuri would have to maneuver through personal, political, and physical games and machinations in order to rescue Lord Weller without starting a war or getting himself and/or Lord Weller killed in the process. Sara only hoped Yuri was up to the delicate dance that awaited him. And that was why he would offer his help.

 

“I understand,” Lord Weller said. He sounded resigned, though to what, Sara was unsure. Perhaps Beryes would know.

 

“You still have no interest in Dai Shimaron's throne, correct?” Sara asked on a whim.

 

Lord Weller blinked in surprise, taken aback by the question. “None. My loyalty is with Shin Makoku and Yuri.”

 

Sara nodded at the confirmation. As the final true heir to the Dai Shimaron throne, Lord Weller was a potential threat to his plans of unification, which he had made clear. And there was no doubt in Sara's mind that the man would make a good king. But Sara had plans of his own, and those had to come before everything, even friends. “Then I will do my best to help how I can. I like Yuri, and I rather like you, Lord Weller; Beryes too.”

 

A ghost of a smile flitted across the captive soldier's face. “You're too kind, Your Majesty.”

 

“Sara,” Beryes said lowly, and the king recognized his tone as warning him of their time.

 

“For now we must leave. Yuri should be arriving shortly. But we want you to know that neither you nor your Maoh is alone here,” Sara said. He then wondered if the soldier would believe him. He had done a lot of dishonest things to Shin Makoku and Yuri in the past. But Yuri believed in him, so he could only hope the knight would follow his king.

 

“Thank you,” Lord Weller said softly.

 

Sara blinked, but smiled to himself.

 

“Will you tell Yuri something for me?” At Sara's nod, Lord Weller continued. “Tell him not to do anything foolish for me. His safety comes first.”

 

Beryes grunted his agreement, and Sara couldn't help but smile fondly; two men whose priorities were with the ones they were charged to protect. These men, these true knights, were among the last of their kind.

 

“I will tell him.”

 

Yes, Sara decided as he and Beryes ascended the spiral staircase, this would be most interesting indeed.

 

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Author's Note: This was probably my favorite chapter to write so far, though there is good stuff coming up. Please leave me a review and let me know what you thought. It really makes my day to see those review alerts. Thanks and see you next chapter!