Kyou Kara Maou Fan Fiction ❯ Yuri Stands Upon the Earth ❯ Arrival ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Kyo Kara Maoh! Yet.

 

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Chapter 5

 

Arrival

 

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Yuri swallowed as the small envoy from Shin Makoku entered the gates of Dai Shimaron's capital city. The castle, one Yuri had visited a few times with little positive to take from the experiences, loomed ominously over the small group's heads, dominating the busy city's skyline. As the small group progressed through the main thoroughfare of the city to the castle, hustling citizens, peddling vendors, and playing children alike stopped to stare, those in their path moving hastily aside. Yuri could hear various fearful whispers about his and Murata's identities, but he tried to pay them no mind. This day he came to rescue Conrad.

 

Upon reaching the gates of the castle, a large number of livery-clad servants and retainers spilled out from the front doors to welcome them. A few broke off from the main party to take the reins of their horses and lead the mounts to the stables.

 

“Welcome, Your Majesty the Maoh,” the head servant said with a deep bow to Yuri. “And Your Grace the Great Sage,” he greeted Murata in turn, “and honored lords of Shin Makoku,” he finished with a bow to Wolfram, Hube, and Gwendal.

 

In the fading light of day, the man had distinct rat-like features, and his oily greetings only cemented Yuri's instant dislike of the man. Yuri rarely disliked anyone from a first impression, but this rodent-like servant made his way onto his short list of exceptions.

 

“Thank you,” Gwendal greeted in turn, stepping into his diplomatic mode.

 

“His Majesty Ranjeel awaits you in the throne room, but would you prefer to freshen up in your rooms first?”

 

As wonderful as the prospect of washing off the dirt from their hard day's ride sounded to Yuri, he shook his head. There were more pressing matters to attend to. “If you would take us directly to His Majesty, we would be most appreciative,” he said. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Murata nodding in approval.

 

Most of the travel day had passed by with Murata schooling Yuri on how to behave while in Dai Shimaron's court, with Gwendal giving occasional suggestions of his own. Yuri had to be as diplomatic as possible, Murata pressed, if he wanted to save Conrad without starting an international conflict. Such a thing would put them all in danger and invalidate all their efforts toward rescuing the soldier. Taking this to heart, Yuri had listened as carefully as he could, asking questions and even giving some suggestions himself; some Murata had dismissed while others he had considered thoroughly before giving his verdict.

 

“Of course, Your Majesty,” the rat-like servant agreed. “Please, follow me.”

 

The small group from Shin Makoku followed the man into the castle. Yuri tried not to think how the number of servants that accompanied them resembled a guard more than an escort. He swallowed.

 

“Remember what I told you, Shibuya,” Murata whispered lowly. “If you're not sure how to reply, allow myself or Gwendal to do so.”

 

“I know,” Yuri whispered irritably in return. Didn't Murata know he would do anything—whatever it took—to get Conrad back?

 

Murata smiled to himself and Yuri sighed. No, Murata knew. He just wanted to help. Yuri was grateful to his friend.

 

They stopped in front of an impressive set of double doors that could only lead to the throne room. It seemed to Yuri that the rulers of Dai Shimaron had gaudy senses of decorating style. The ornately engraved doorframe and door handles were too over-the-top for Yuri's taste. A door was a door to him.

 

“Please, allow me to announce you, and then you may enter,” the servant said with a bow.

 

Yuri inclined his head in agreement, and the man stepped into the throne room. He vaguely heard their names being called as he concentrated on the task at hand. Focus, he told himself. You are the Maoh. Now is the time to act like it.

 

When the double doors opened, Yuri squared himself and strode purposefully toward the man at the other end of the large room. The Maoh was flanked by Murata and Wolfram, Gwendal and Hube behind, their added height giving Yuri a measure of comfort.

 

Yuri was so focused on Ranjeel, who was sitting erect on his throne, that he nearly missed a step when he saw Sara and Beryes among the nobles of Dai Shimaron lining either side of the aisle. Murata cleared his throat and Yuri straightened. He would find out about that later, no doubt. For now he needed to focus on Ranjeel.

 

Yuri came to a stop a few paces in front of the throne and gave Ranjeel a diplomatic bow—one deep enough not to be disrespectful but shallow enough to show his own position of power; Murata and his companions followed suit. Ranjeel seemed surprised, though not displeased by the gesture.

 

“Your Majesty the Maoh, welcome to Dai Shimaron,” Ranjeel greeted. The man's obvious dislike for the Mazoku in front of him was plain in his falsely pleasant tone.

 

This was another man on Yuri's exception list. He could feel the Maoh beneath the surface of his consciousness, thinking about how this man was responsible for Conrad's capture. He remembered his words from the dream, threatening to execute Conrad in front of Yuri before killing Yuri himself. Bastard. Yuri pushed his anger down as far as he could. As satisfying as unleashing the Maoh on this hateful man and his supporters might be, he could not afford to lose control.

 

“Thank you, Your Majesty Ranjeel, for your invitation to visit your beautiful country,” Yuri replied in return, doing his best to put Murata's lessons into practice. They had repeatedly rehearsed this very scene on their ride.

 

“Of course, of course,” Ranjeel said, waving off the compliment with his hand. “I only hope to foster good relations between our nations.”

 

I'm sure, Yuri hissed to himself, surprising himself with his vehemence. Rarely did he get so worked up without the Maoh's influence. It just wasn't in Yuri's nature to be hateful, but Ranjeel brought it out in him, it seemed. The man was a piece of work. Next to him, Yuri could sense Wolfram about to say something, so he hastened his reply. As angry as the king made him, they couldn't ruin everything now, not when they had come this far already.

 

“I hope for nothing but the same.”

 

The two leaders smiled with false warmth at one another. The court of elites was absolutely still behind them, morbidly fascinated by what would happen next. So this was politics, Yuri thought to himself. No wonder he usually left this sort of thing to Günter and Gwendal.

 

“You must be tired from your journey,” Ranjeel said finally. “Please, allow my servants to show you to your rooms. I'm afraid we have already eaten, but the cooks will send food to your rooms—nothing but the best, of course.”

 

“That sounds wonderful,” Yuri replied. His cheeks were starting to hurt from all the smiling.

 

Dai Shimaron's king nodded and snapped his fingers. The rat-like man from before appeared at Yuri's side, startling the young king with his sudden appearance. “Show our guests to their rooms, Charles.”

 

Charles? Yuri thought idly. What an average name for such a strange-looking man.

 

“And Your Majesty,” Ranjeel added as Yuri's group turned to leave, “if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”

 

Yuri inclined his head in a regal show of thanks before following after Charles, the rat-like servant. As he passed, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sara nod at him. Yes, he would be seeing Shou Shimaron's king tonight. He was glad. It would be nice to have a friend like Sara around, here of all places.

 

Once the group had been shown to their respective rooms, they all gathered in Yuri's opulent suite. Yuri tried not to be distracted by the gaudy decorations that furnished the guest room. The others had reported that their rooms were just as heinously decorated.

 

Yuri slumped in a thickly cushioned chair, looking around at his allies. “What now? We're in.”

 

“In a nest of vipers,” Hube muttered.

 

Gwendal nodded his agreement. “We need to be very careful from this point on. There is no doubt that Ranjeel will try to provoke you over the next few days. You must remain calm, or he could have you arrested.”

 

“Murata's already made that clear,” Yuri said tiredly. “I can't blow up and make myself look like a threat.”

 

“No matter what,” Gwendal replied seriously. “Even if Ranjeel uses Conrad himself to provoke you, you must remain calm.”

 

“Trust in our plan,” Murata added with a nod.

 

Yuri had sat straight up at Gwendal's words. “He might do that? Use Conrad, I mean.”

 

“I would be surprised if he didn't,” Gwendal answered.

 

Yuri bit his lip. Wolfram put a hand on his shoulder. “You stick to your part of the plan and we'll take care of ours, Yuri.”

 

“By keeping Ranjeel's attention on you, it gives the rest of us freedom to move around,” Hube added.

 

“Though undoubtedly we will all be watched very closely,” Murata contributed. “Any splitting up we do needs to seem natural.”

 

“Yozak will also have to be careful,” Hube mused. “If they know him by name, then sneaking around here will be difficult, even for him.”

 

“Well, first we need to find Conrad, right?” Yuri asked.

 

“I believe we can help you there,” a new voice piped up from the doorway. Everyone started and looked up to see Sara and Beryes watching them. Beryes closed the door behind him. Sara's expression was unreadable.

 

“How long have you been there?” Wolfram demanded, startled to be taken off-guard in enemy territory by a shaky-at-best ally.

 

“Sara!” Yuri exclaimed, partly in shock, partly in pleasure, and partly in hesitation. He still didn't know why Shou Shimaron's king was here now, of all times. But Sara was a friend in unfriendly territory.

 

“What do you mean you can help us?” Gwendal asked coolly, ignoring the exclamations of the remainder of his party. Next to him, Hube was re-sheathing his sword, though he checked to make sure it was loose enough to draw quickly. The action reminded Yuri of Conrad… just as everything seemed to lately.

 

“Oh Yuri, I just had to come when I knew you'd be visiting,” Sara wailed, reminding the young Maoh of Günter suddenly.

 

Wolfram seethed as Sara grabbed Yuri's hands happily. He was grinning boyishly. Yuri couldn't help but smile back. “I'm glad to see you, Sara.”

 

“How did you know we would be coming?” Gwendal asked. His tone indicated his irritation at his first question being ignored.

 

“I heard about Lord Weller's capture through my sources in Dai Shimaron,” Sara replied, turning away from Yuri. Remnants of his grin were slowly fading as he spoke to Gwendal. “When I heard about that, I knew without a doubt that Yuri would come.”

 

Yuri flushed. Was he really that predictable? Yes, he realized. He was predictably reckless. Everyone knew it and accounted for it.

 

“You said you could help,” Murata prompted. Yuri started. His friend had been silent since Sara's appearance.

 

Sara inclined his head in Murata's direction. “Indeed, Your Grace.” He turned grimly to Yuri. “I know where Lord Weller is being held.” Yuri's eyes widened in surprise. “Beryes and I visited him only hours ago.”

 

“Sara…”

 

The young king frowned. “He's in bad shape, Yuri. Ranjeel wants to provoke you into action that he could consider hostile so he can arrest you and execute both you and Lord Weller.”

 

Yuri swallowed. He knew as much, but hearing it from a third party not directly involved somehow cemented its finality. Sara said it so matter-of-factly that it gave Yuri pause. He knew he had to be careful, that Ranjeel was after his life, but his concern for Conrad outweighed it all.

 

“He asked me to give you a message,” Sara said quietly. Yuri looked up in surprise. “He said not to do anything foolish for him and that your safety comes first.”

 

Yuri couldn't help but smile. That was Conrad, all right. “Thank you, Sara.” He found it hard to speak; a lump had formed in the back of his throat.

 

“I want to help, Yuri,” Sara said, putting a hand on Yuri's shoulder. “It's going to be difficult to rescue Lord Weller out from under Ranjeel's nose. He will be expecting it. But that is where I can help.”

 

“What do you mean?” Murata asked with a frown of his own. Yuri could tell by his expression that his friend found something fishy about the situation.

 

“I've been in politics longer than you, Yuri. I can aid you in dealing with Ranjeel and the other nobles. Ranjeel will undoubtedly try to separate your group as much as possible to make you vulnerable.” Sara smirked. “But he cannot order me around.”

 

“That makes sense,” Gwendal said slowly. “And if we go along with his splitting us up, that can help us instead of hindering us.

 

“Why do you want to help us?” Murata demanded. Yuri was surprised by the harshness of his tone. The Great Sage's incarnation was suspicious, and Yuri knew to trust his wise friend's instincts.

 

Sara turned to Murata, his tone hard, startling Yuri in turn. “I like Yuri,” Sara replied. “And I rather like Lord Weller as well. But that's not it.”

 

Murata nodded for Sara to continue. Yuri watched on in morbid fascination. He almost felt detached from the whole situation, as if he hadn't been the one being discussed.

 

“If Ranjeel were to succeed in his plans, he would first overtake Shin Makoku before turning his sights to Shou Shimaron. We are too small to fight Dai Shimaron alone.”

 

Gwendal crossed his arms. “So keeping Conrad and His Majesty alive keeps Dai Shimaron's eyes off you.”

 

Sara nodded deferentially to the older man. “Indeed. Besides, I wish to unite the Shimarons under my rule. Allowing Ranjeel to gain any more power than he already has hurts my ambitions.”

 

Wolfram snorted. “So your motives are selfish.”

 

Yuri noticed a slight flash in Sara's eyes, but it was gone as soon as it had appeared. Perhaps he had imagined it in his fatigue?

 

“Exactly,” Sara replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. “I just want you to understand why I'm helping. Helping you helps me, so I will do all in my power to be of assistance.”

 

“I can appreciate that,” Murata said with a satisfied nod.

 

Sara spread his arms wide. “I've visited this castle many times over the years. I will be able to help you find your way around.”

 

Yuri nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Sara.”

 

The two young kings studied each other for a moment before Sara turned to the door. “Tomorrow,” he said from over his shoulder, “Ranjeel will want to give you a tour. I'll make an appearance.” And with that, he left, followed by Beryes.

 

Yuri watched after him for a time, a bit confused by the exchange but overall happy that they had an ally in Sara in the unfamiliar, unfriendly castle.

 

“Shibuya,” Murata said softly, pulling the Maoh from his reverie, “be careful around that man.” Yuri turned to him questioningly. “He seems to have an answer for everything, but he is still hiding things.”

 

“Are you saying we shouldn't trust Sara?” Yuri demanded irritably. He had long since made his decision to trust in Sara no matter what.

 

Murata shook his head. “No, I believe that he wants to help.”

 

“Then what?”

 

“Just be careful around him. He's already hurt you once before.”

 

Yuri felt a stab at his chest at the reminder. He didn't need Murata bringing it up… Besides, he was set on his convictions. He wasn't going to doubt his friends anymore. And Sara was his friend.

 

“Murata…”

 

Murata turned to Yuri, the frown on his face showing nothing but concern. Yuri's frustration waned at the sight. Murata only wanted him to come out alright. He couldn't fault him for genuine concern.

 

“I know you said you would never doubt King Saralegui again, even if he betrayed you. Just remember that this time a betrayal could cost Lord Weller his life.”

 

Yuri went cold at the thought. He remained cold as the others left for the night and as he tried vainly to get some sleep.

 

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Conrad slumped wearily in his shackles as the dungeon door closed shut with an eerie clang of finality. Ranjeel had come down in order to gloat; the Maoh had arrived and was within the king's grasp. This time the Maoh didn't have Conrad to protect him, so he was as good as Ranjeel's. Conrad had taken the king's crowing in stoic silence. While he might not be at Yuri's side, he was not the only one capable of protecting the teen. He trusted his brothers with Yuri's life—and there was no greater sentiment of faith from Conrad. He also trusted His Grace to keep Yuri from doing anything too foolish.

 

But it still bothered Conrad that Yuri would put so much stock into one soldier's life. Ranjeel had laid a trap in anticipation of this, and Yuri had fallen for it—perhaps willingly walked into it, but the point remained. He supposed he should not expect anything else, though. Yuri hadn't given up on him when he had defected to Dai Shimaron on His Majesty Shinou's orders, so of course he would come after Conrad now.

 

“Be careful, Yuri,” he whispered in a prayer to his king.

 

“Shouldn't you be worried about yourself, Commander?”

 

Conrad started at the new, but familiar, voice. He looked up to see Yozak's recognizable red-head peeking into his cell from around the corner. His normally upbeat attitude was subdued as he took in Conrad's appearance.

 

“Yozak!” Conrad gasped in surprise. The intake of breath jarred his broken ribs, but he ignored the pain.

 

“Yo!” The spy grinned momentarily before returning to taking stock of the captive soldier. Conrad felt like a piece of meat being sized up in a butcher shop. “You look terrible,” Yozak pronounced at last.

 

“Thanks.” Conrad would have rolled his eyes at his oldest friend, but he was pretty sure the action would hurt too much to be worth it.

 

“The kiddo is not going to be happy when he sees this.”

 

Unfortunately Conrad knew this to be true. And that worried him. “It doesn't matter what happens to me. Yuri's safety is the priority.”

 

“Of course, of course,” Yozak replied dismissively. “But the kiddo doesn't think like that. Especially when it comes to you, and you know it.”

 

“Yozak…”

 

The spy grinned again. “Don't worry; he's got a full guard to look after him while he's here. His Grace and Gwendal developed a plan to get you out before Ranjeel can even notice you're gone.”

 

Conrad felt a wave of relief at the news. “And you're a part of this plan.”

 

“Naturally.” Yozak crossed his arms and looked around disappointedly. “For a high security dungeon, it was pretty easy to get in.”

 

“And out?”

 

“That's another story—why I'm here, actually. We still have allies within the city so we'll be able to hide.”

 

“I see.”

 

Yozak gave his commander a knowing smile. “You're still worried about the kiddo.” Conrad opened his mouth, but Yozak cut him off. “He's determined to get you back. And you know how he gets when he sets his mind on something.”

 

“Stubborn.”

 

“Unmovable. Much like someone else I know, Commander.” Yozak winked. “Anyway, he's set on this. So just wait a little longer and trust in Yuri.”

 

Conrad blinked. Yozak rarely referred to the Maoh by name, so he knew his friend was serious. They were all serious. He knew from personal experience the strength of Shin Makoku's best. Yes, he knew he could trust in them—in Yuri especially.

 

For the first time in what seemed like a very long time, Conrad felt hope. “I'll wait,” he told his friend.

 

Yozak nodded. “Good. It won't be long. Just a few more things to settle and then we'll all be back on our way to Shin Makoku.”

 

“Just a little longer…” Conrad echoed.

 

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As the red-haired spy from Shin Makoku disappeared into the night, the figure in the shadows grinned to itself, licking its lips.

 

“King Ranjeel will want to hear about this.”

 

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Author's Note: And there you have it. Things are beginning to move. Hope you're still enjoying. You've made it this far, why not hit that little review button below? Reviews make me happy and I write faster when I'm happy. Cheers!