13Disclaimer: I don't own KKM
The sun had begun to sink while Yuri and Ken were walking back from the park after Yuri's little dip in the fountain; the air had in turn gotten colder causing Yuri to shiver. Ken being the chivalrous almost-brother had taken off his jacket and draped it on her shoulders to prevent her from catching a cold. Along the way they met with some of their fellow schoolmates who looked at them questioningly, not because they thought the two were in a relationship but because Yuri was all wet. They had spent so much time explaining that she fell into the fountain that when they finally got to her house, the sun had already set and the moon had risen.
Just before she entered she turned to him and asked "Are you going to stay the night again?" It was a usual occurrence for him to spend the night in her house. It had been so ever since they were little because his parents, who were also a part of the demon tribe, were always away on business trips. Because of this, Ken was usually left with her family and they were listed as his emergency contact. He even had his own room in her house because her mother had declared that she wouldn't let a little boy live alone even for a single night even if his house was just next door.
"No, my parents are back in town and they want to spend some time with me." Ken replied shaking his head before ushering her in to say hello to his surrogate family. At this point, Yuri had forgotten the fact that she was going to tell him she was Demon Queen and had instead said a hasty hello to her mother and a quick goodbye to Ken before heading upstairs for a shower.
Once she headed down for dinner she noted that Ken had already left. She took a seat with the rest of her family silently pondering how she was going to tell them that she was crowned Queen of the demons from the alternate world just a few moments ago and that she had been in an alternate world for two months. Finally she decided to just lay it as it is.
"Guys" Yuri began as everyone turned their heads to face her. Yuri bit her lip "I have something important to tell you. You see, when I went to the park to meet up with Ken, I fell into the fountain and this black hole appeared out of nowhere. The next thing I know, I'm in an alternate world and am crowned as that world's Demon Queen. Oh, and one of my advisors happened to be my godfather Conrad Weller." Yuri told them as everyone just stared at her wide eyed. It was silent for a few moments before her mother broke it with a squeal.
"Oh, isn't he handsome! I didn't know he was a demon. How did you get crowned so fast? What was your kingdom like? Were there castles and handsome princes on white horses?" Her mother questioned.
"You guys knew?" Yuri questioned ignoring her mother.
"Yeah, I told your mother the moment Bob told me that your mother was going to give birth to the next ruler of the alternate world and your brother knows because Bob told him. By the way what's Conrad like know? Is he still gloomy?" Shoma said
Yuri looked confused "No, I've never once seen him without a smile on his face." Yuri told him as Shoma smiled, happy that the other man had taken his threat to heart.
"I want to know how you were able to be crowned as Queen in just a matter of four hours." Shori said as Yuri sighed. Now she'd have to explain the time difference and answer her mother's questions and that would lead to the topic of Wolfram.
"Well you see, time moves differently in that world. I was only gone for a few seconds here but it's been two months there. And to answer your questions mother, the kingdom is beautiful, the people are hospitable, I live in my own castle and Conrad's mother was the Demon Queen before me making him an ex-prince." Yuri started "While we're on the topic of his family I'd like to inform you that he has two brothers, the three of them are from different fathers. Her older brother Gwendal is my chief aide and his little brother Wolfram is… well… you see, that's where it gets complicated."
Yuri paused trying to collect her thoughts "You see… in that world if someone of nobility slaps another person of nobility, you're actually proposing to them and if the person slapped turns his/her head, it means that he/she accepts the proposal. Well… Wolfram didn't like the idea of an outsider who knows nothing ruling the kingdom and he made a rude remark and I lost my temper and slapped him, he was so surprised that his head turned. We had a duel to settle it and I won because I lost control of my powers. We made up after that. So in short… I accidentally got engaged."
Another silence descended among the family as everyone once again stared at her with wide eyes. Her brother sputtering incoherently broke the silence and unleashed chaos among them.
"You're… you're engaged! You're only fifteen!" Shori screeched
"My little girl is growing up too fast!" Shoma exclaimed moaning. Apparently he had no real problems about her being engaged but he had a problem with the fact that she was growing up.
Miko on the other hand was squealing once again about becoming a grandmother. Yuri just looked at her family and sighed. It was going to be a long night and Ken wasn't even there to help her. Not to mention the fact that she would have to explain everything to him.
It had been a month and a half since that faithful night Yuri told her family about her new found status as Demon Queen and her subsequent engagement to the former prince. For the past month and a half Yuri had been trying to tell Ken about it as well but was always interrupted by something or someone. She had also started playing baseball again, or rather, softball.
She had met an old team mate of hers from her little league days; the woman was an upperclassman who was a few years older than her. They met again by accident when Yuri was out shopping for some art materials and they had bumped into each other. The upperclassman, Czarina, mentioned that she wanted to start a softball group where she would be the coach. Yuri had jumped on with the project and together they had recruited other girls into joining. The majority of the girls were from their little league days, others were friends. Yuri had managed to get her father's bank to sponsor their team and she had also dragged Ken into becoming their manager. Ken didn't put up much of a fight when he found out that it was an all girls team.
Yuri was in one of the public baths. She had just finished practice and had decided to take a bath there; Ken was on the other side in the men's baths. She had no doubt that he was already finished. Boys don't take long when bathing after all. Deciding to take pity on Ken, she stood up prepared to leave the bath when she happened to look down and see another black hole. She repressed a scream as she was dragged down clutching her white towel to her body.
When she came to, she was in a large open bath reminiscent of the ancient roman baths from earth. She stood up and saw some people with long hair sitting on the far edge of the bath but couldn't tell if they were male or female because of the steam.
"Hello, can you please tell me where I am." Yuri called out to them
"Your Majesty!" Two unfamiliar male voices called out to her before they slammed into her. Yuri let out a scream one hand clutching her towel around her body, the other covering her eyes because she was unsure if the men were wearing towels.
"If there's anything we can do please tell us" One of them said while clinging to her
"Don't worry, we won't hurt you" The other said hugging her
"Your Majesty!" Another voice called out. This one she was able to identify as Gunter's.
"Gunter help me!" She pleaded with him as Gunter ran to her
"I am Lord Gunter Von Christ! I demand that you unhand her royal Majesty this instance!" Gunter ordered as the two men turned to him.
"Oh my, it's Gunter! Isn't he just the finest specimen you've ever met!" The two exclaimed pouncing on him. Conrad was at Yuri's side in an instant helping her stand up and giving her his jacket.
"Rescue mission accomplished. Welcome back Your Majesty." Conrad said
"Don't call me that. You're my godfather, you named me so call me by my given name." Yuri said with a smile.
She clung to him as he guided her out the bath and to a lavish room where clothes were prepared for her. Once she was done changing into the black dress they had provided for her (not like lady Celi's) and another pair of black heels. The dress was a black sleeveless dress that showed off her cleavage modestly and hugged her curves; it reached her ankle and had silver embroidered designs all over the end of the skirt. The heels, how she hated heels, were strappy stilettos that were oddly enough, comfortable. From her outfit she could tell that Lady Celi and some others fought over the design.
Shaking her head she opened the door expecting to see Conrad but saw Wolfram instead.
"Lord Weller went ahead, I volunteered to stay behind with you." Wolfram told her although he knew that it was just another attempt on his part to play matchmaker. Stepping out of the room, Wolfram offered Yuri his hand and led her away.
"Hey Wolf, where are we anyway?" Yuri asked looking around the unfamiliar palace.
"We're in the Voltaire lands, specifically Gwendal's Castle." Wolfram told her turning a corner.
"It's very beautiful here." Yuri said gazing around the hall that was decorated with paintings.
"It should be my mother had a hand in redecorating this place. She kept the architecture intact but had the colors changed. She replaced some of the old décor that were falling apart and bought new ones." Wolfram explained as they turned right. Yuri just nodded. It made sense; Yuri could see lady Celi's fine tastes everywhere she looked.
"How old is this building?" Yuri asked having another sense of déjà vu.
"Nearly four thousand years" Wolfram said stopping when she noticed the grimace on Yuri's face.
"Headache?" Wolfram guessed before guiding Yuri to one of the chairs by the wall. Yuri just nodded and sat down. Wolfram kneeling in front of her.
Adelaide was sitting beside Rufus. Avelina looked at them a sad smile on her face as she watched Rufus put his hand on Adelaide's slightly swollen abdomen. It had been nearly two years since Edmund's death and Avelina still hadn't gotten over it, probably never will. She had resigned herself to wearing dark colors and ruling the kingdom as the sole monarch.
It pained Adelaide that her beloved older sister was in so much pain and nearly wished that Edmund hadn't continued on with his plans. She heard Bertram sigh beside Avelina and put his hand on her thigh giving her a sad smile as well, beside Bertram sat Sophia who was looking out the window. They were on their way to the Voltaire land to celebrate the completion of the Voltaire palace.
Seigbert Voltaire, no, Seigbert Von Voltaire as Avelina had recently proclaimed that the ten most trusted advisors from the war would be given the added name of Von to signify that they were part of the ten aristocrats. The ten nobles who would aid the future rulers rule the kingdom.
They had arrived soon and were awed by the beauty of the structure. Clearly Seigbert's new wife the former Lady Erminlinda Von Karbelnikof now Von Voltaire had a hand in the design because it was clear that the structure's architecture had a slight feminine design and the garden was clearly Seibert's gift to her. The garden housed only her favorite flowers in a variety of colors. Adelaide could see that among the flowers in the garden, more than half of them were those bred by Avelina.
Adelaide had to sigh, it was another thing that saddened her when she thought of her sister. After Edmund's death she, Avelina, had only bred one last flower. One that she had actually bred before and only bloomed after his death.
Adelaide just shook her head as she took Rufus' hand and followed Bertram and Sophia. As Queen, Avelina had to be in front and since Bertram and Sophia were her highest advisors they were to walk behind her. Being someone who now merely belonged to one of the ten aristocrats, Adelaide was to walk with her husband (had she been anyone else, not an imperial princess, she would have had to walk behind him) behind the two. Adelaide had noticed the dark looks Sophia had been shooting Bertram ever since Edmund's death and had guessed that she knew he had a part in it.
They were soon met by a tall handsome man with chocolate colored hair and blue eyes. Beside him was a pretty woman with long pink hair and blue eyes. She held herself with a certain type of grace and confidence that showed that she would bow to no man lest he be the king. Perhaps it was what drew Seigbert in.
"Welcome Your Majesty, Lord Bertram, Lady Sophia, Lord and Lady Von Beilefelt." The woman said giving them a kind smile.
"Thank you Erminlinda, Seigbert." Avelina said giving them a smile and a nod to acknowledge them before they were led in.
Yuri blinked a few times to get her eyes to focus. Once again obsidian met emerald as Yuri found Wolfram's face near hers. His expression was no longer one of worry as he had gotten used to it after being around her for two months, instead his eyes had a curious expression that told Yuri he wanted to know what it was about. Yuri just shook her head and Wolfram took that as a sign that she would tell him later. Standing up, Wolfram offered Yuri his hand and began to walk. Yuri soon found herself in a large office where a desk stacked with mountains of papers stood in front of a large window.
"These are the papers that require Your Majesty's signature. I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of presorting and reviewing them for you." Gunter, ever the efficient aide said.
"That's alright. What are they about?" Yuri asked looking at the piles of papers.
"Tax collection reports on the land you control, permit applications for areas that need to be reinforced before the rainy season…" Gunter said explaining each and every purpose.
Yuri just nodded and grabbed the nearest pile. Taking the papers from the top, she read the documents swiftly but carefully and signed away.
"Your Majesty, I'm sorry to have to do this but you may have to make an extremely important decision immediately." Gunter said uncharacteristically serious
"What is it?" Yuri asked suddenly nervous
"We've been detecting aggressive human activities. We expect that they could be leading up to a battle. So please be prepared to declare war." Gunter said
"Declare war" Yuri repeated dazed and Wolfram rolled his eyes
"She's not going to do it" Wolfram muttered under his breath
"YOU WANT ME TO WHAT?" Yuri shrieked finally snapping out of her daze
"Declare war Your Majesty" Gunter repeated
"Hold on! I won't start a war! I decided that when I became your queen." Yuri said furiously
"But Your Majesty what are you going to do if they start the war? We can't just surrender to them without fighting back." Gunter said
Yuri sat down "No matter what you say, I will never sign papers declaring war. What do you mean by aggressive activities? How do you expect me to understand when you're so vague?" Yuri questioned. The door creaked open and everyone turned to see Gwendal enter.
"Their spending a rather large amount of money hiring esoteric skill handlers. Humans need wizards in order to fight against our demon tribe members." Gwendal explained as Yuri stared at him in shock.
"I don't recall giving permission for that girl to make herself at home in my castle." Gwendal said approaching the group and going to the long table that was in the center of the room. In his hand was a map which he spread over the table as Yuri and the others approached him.
"It's Cavalcade" Gwendal said
"Cavalcade?" Gunter questioned disbelievingly
"It appeared as though Saundergaurd was doing it but the money was coming from Cavalcade" Gwendal replied his eyes never leaving the map. When he felt Gunter's stance change he faced him.
"What's the matter you don't trust my network?" Gwendal asked as Gunter looked down
"If that's what you say then I won't doubt your word." Gunter replied
"Break it up gentlemen" Conrad started tensely " Don't you think you should be reporting this information to her majesty first?" he asked
"You're right. Please forgive me" Gunter said truly apologetic
"I believe that children like her should mind their own business" Gwendal said snidely
"It seems your business is to push us into conflict! But I'm not planning on going to war." Yuri replied angrily
"Well what do you want to do your majesty?" Gwendal questioned
"I want to talk to them first, there could be some sort of misunderstanding. Oh and don't tell me you already offered to talk to them, with that scary look on your face no one would want to talk to you." Yuri said raising her eyebrow at him daring him to reply as Conrad let out a small chuckle.
"Conrad!" Gwendal growled before turning to leave. Yuri gave chase as did Wolfram and Gunter. A pink haired woman appeared in the doorway just as Gwendal got there.
"Hey Gwendal!" The woman exclaimed as everyone paused and an expression of fear appeared on his face.
"Gwendal guess what! I've invented a new magic device. Would you help me with my experiment?" The woman said and Yuri could swear that the woman had sparkling stars all around her.
The woman turned to them "Well don't just stand there. If you're going to race do it outside, you'll stir up dust in here." The woman said as Wolfram and Gunter felt sweat trickle down their faces. That did the trick as Wolfram and Gunter released Yuri.
The woman led them to a sitting room as Gwendal took this opportunity to run away.
"I haven't seen you in a long time your majesty. I think the last time was at your coronation ceremony but I was seated at the far end of the ten aristocrats anyway this is the first time I've been close enough to meet you. I am Lady Anissina Von Karbelnikof by the way." The woman said
"How do you do" Yuri asked politely
"She's known Gwendal since she they were little children." Conrad explained
"I understand the current situation. Women and children will suffer if you involve the tribe in a bloody war because of men's worthless pride." Anissina said
"Right" Yuri exclaimed, happy that someone understood her.
"Well I have the solution!" Anissina said her voice filled with pride
"Huh?" Both Yuri ad Wolfram asked surprised
"We just have to prevent humans from coming over here" She explained
"Are you able to do that?" Yuri asked in awe
"Don't Yuri!" Wolfram said his hand banging on the table
"Of course Your Majesty. Using my new invention it'll be a piece of cake. I just happen to have it right here." She said her voice once again filled with pride as she walked away
"Now wait a minute Anissina" Wolfram said trying to stop her but his cries fell on deaf ears as Anissina pulled a white cloth off of a large golden fan.
Taking on a stance full of pride she said "This is my magical ventilator. It creates a magical wind so strong that humans, horses and ships can't move forward. They can't invade because the force of the wind holds them back."
"I get it. It would be like a news reporter during a typhoon." She said
"Gunter come on make her majesty's wish come true with your amazing magic powers" Anissina said pointing at Gunter to which Gunter stood proudly. As Wolfram sighed and shook his head.
"It would be my greatest pleasure to be of service to her. So tell me how I can be of help." Gunter said with a smile but soon found himself regretting it when he found that he had to do it manually by the rolling the lever. It created a breeze that felt pleasant to Yuri's skin and had her smiling. The next hour and a half saw Gunter testing Anissina's various experiments for Yuri.
By the time Yuri and Conrad got away and returned to the office and they decided to relax for awhile.
"Are Anissina's inventions always like those?" Yuri asked
"Oh yes, and Gwendal is usually the guinea pig." Conrad told her amused
"Then Gwendal's put up with a lot hasn't he?" Yuri questioned with an amused smile of her own but it was quickly wiped off when she saw some men clad in green preparing to leave.
"Who are those men?" Yuri questioned somberly
"Gwendal's staff. They must be preparing to take a message to their units in each area." Conrad told her softly all traces of amusement gone
"So we really are going to war" Yuri said sadly as Conrad looked shock for a moment.
"I believe so." He responded looking back at her
"No matter what I say there isn't much I can do when the chief of state feels we're about to be attacked." She told Conrad, disappointment lacing her voice as she looked down. "But I don't want to give up trying for peace." She finished
"Yuri I believe in you. I'm sure you'll find a way. The solution will come to you and we'll do our best to guide you as well as preserve our kingdom." Conrad replied
"Thank you" Yuri said finally looking up, a smile on her face. Yuri stood up from her chair with renewed determination.
"I've no right to be respected until I show respect to the reliable men around me by seeking their advice. Then I'll be doing my best." Yuri said passionately and decided to speak to Gwendal who was signing papers in his office, along the way they met up with Gunter and Wolfram who now stood with them in Gwendal's office.
"Alright now I'm listening." Gwendal said after a moment of peace as he had finished signing a set of documents.
"I would like your opinion on how best to go about the situation." Yuri told Gwendal calmly
"Oh? You're asking me what do for the sake of our people? What would you do if I told you war is our only option?" Gwendal asked
"I'd say isn't there any other way? I refuse to believe that declaring war is our only option. We should also think about the other people as well. How many lives would be sacrificed? How many families torn apart? How long will it take for people to get over the scars they had received when not even twenty years ago they had to live through one war? Now you just want to throw our people back to suffer through the same pain and relieve old nightmares! If we declare war for every little thing the humans do then that would only cause them to be more suspicious of us, besides, more wars would lead to more tensions and animosity between the demon tribe and the humans." Yuri told them. Gunter watched her with stars in her eyes, Conrad with a proud smile, Wolfram with an indulgent and understanding look and Gwendal with a smirk.
"I may have a plan. We need to crush the human's interests in going to war with us. Gunter!" Gwendal said
"Ah yes. We demon tribe know of an ancient hidden weapon that can only be touched by our true ruler. According to legend it is so powerful that once it is put into motion it will burn to the end of the world. The ultimate weapon Morgif." Gunter explained at the word Morgif, Yuri felt another headache but brushed it aside. Wolfram who was beside her holding her hand noticed her grip tighten and knew instantly that she was having another headache. He knew he had to get her out of there immediately or risk exposing her.
"I get it the queen must retrieve the ultimate weapon and bring it home then the surrounding countries won't want to mess with us anymore." Wolfram said getting the gist of the conversation
"Then let's go and get Morgif. Where is it?" Yuri asked
"Eight generations ago the king in power put it into motion one last time and since then its whereabouts have been unknown." Gunter said
"But I take it you at least have an idea of where it might be?" Yuri questioned
"Yes, it's in a far away undeveloped land called Vandevia island in the Cimmaron territory beyond the sea." Gunter started but then a frown marred his face "but I can't let her majesty go there." He said sulkily
"I'm afraid you'll have to. We can't do it. The queen is the only one who can." Conrad said
"I say no" Gunter said taking on a disciplinarian's tone
"Well I say yes! It doesn't matter if it's dangerous for me. All I care about is protecting the innocent people who would get hurt." Yuri said
"But your majesty I…" Gunter started but was cut off
"This discussion is over Gunter." Yuri said stiffly before turning to Gwendal "I trust you'll make the proper arrangements needed Gwendal." She said before she left the room with Wolfram in tow. Once she was out of the room with the door closed, her shoulders sagged as she felt the headache intensify. She was in a horrid mood and her patience was thin because of the headache but at least she was able to keep from showing signs of distress and was also able to momentarily stop her visions. Wolfram approached her and threw an arm across her shoulder leading her to a parlor near the office and sitting her down on the couch before closing the door to give them privacy and taking a seat beside her. Yet again he knew he had to wait for her to come out of her vision or visions before they could talk.
For some reason even if Adelaide knew it was a dangerous thing to do, she didn't discourage Avelina from going out of their land and making her way to Vandevia with Sophia and the royal blacksmith, instead she chose to come with them. Vandevia was untouched by the Originators and had retained its beautiful wilderness. But that wasn't what they were looking at, oh no, they were facing the volcano and was watching the imperial smith forge a sword that matched Avelina's design.
She had gotten the idea of giving Edmund a sword as a wedding present when she heard that he was raising an army to stop the Originators. What confused Sophia and Adelaide was why she chose this specific volcano and why she had to come. The only reason they, Sophia and Adelaide, came along was because they were afraid Avelina would do something completely stupid and reckless and hurt herself.
Once the sword was finished the imperial smith, a man of 250 years with a handsome face and muscled structure, presented them with the sword and it was actually the first time they saw the sword's design because Avelina had kept it closely guarded. Both Sophie and Adelaide felt their sweat drop when they saw the sword's design. It was a black gaudy thing that seemed to really suit Edmund. What confused them was that there seemed to be a design of a face on the sword.
"Uh… is it me or is there a face on the sword" Adelaide asked
"There is" Avelina said proudly
"Why?" Sophia asked touching the sword. Despite its size and durability it was incredibly light.
"Because of this" Avelina said holding the sword in her hands as she closed her eyes. Her body and the sword seemed to glow golden for a minute before it faded and everyone could see that the sword seemed to come to life.
"What did you just do?" Sophia asked fearfully
"I gave it life so it now has some of my powers and I made it so it can also react to Edmund's powers. It will channel and increase his powers. Plus the face is so that it has the ability to understand Edmund and interact with him. I call him Mullem Desoive Eligh Morgif" Avelina said proudly
Avelina looked so beautiful in her wedding gown that Adelaide couldn't help but sigh. Her ivory gown was a tube dress that clung to her tall curvaceous form and puffed on the way down, it had a long train and was highlighted by intricate golden embroidery. Her hair was done so that half of it was pulled up and away from her face in an intricate bun while the rest were curled and left to hang loosely. She had on just enough makeup to highlight her beautiful lavender/purple eyes and small pink lips. She had on a magnificent diadem made of white gold and diamonds commissioned for her wedding. The only other jewelry she wore was a beautiful locket of gold and silver with sapphire and diamonds encrusted into it, it had belonged to her grandmother who had died year ago from an ailment and was then passed on to her. Her veil was long gone, right after the priest had declared that Edmund was now allowed to kiss his new bride he had ripped it off and pulled her in for a long passionate kiss.
Now the happy newlyweds were dancing to the orchestra hired by the Emperor, Adelaide and Avelina's father, who was now trying to hold it together while dancing with the Empress. Their older brother was dancing with Edmund's twin sister and Bertram was with Sophia. Adelaide was taken to the dance floor by one of Edmund's best friends named Hagen. Hagen was a handsome man who had a certain prowess in battle that nearly matched Edmund's, he was also very kind and easy going but was known for his infamous habit of taking women to bed, a trait that until a few years ago, Edmund shared. Recently though, Adelaide had noticed that there was some sort of strain to their friendship only acknowledging each other through nods and with cold tones. There was something off about Hagen himself as well. Ever since the strain on their friendship started Hagen had seemed more distant and short tempered with smiles that never seemed to reach his eyes.
Adelaide watched as her father, Egilhard, approached the couple and taken Avelina to dance with him while Edmund approached her mother, Daniela, for a dance. After a few more moments Hagen twirled Adelaide into the arms of Siegfried, another of Edmund's best friends. Hagen stalked away nearing the center to where Avelina and Egilhard were dancing. Hagen was still fifty paces away when he charged at them with his sword unsheathed he struck just in time as Egilhard turned so that the blow would be on him and not the unaware Avelina. The blow was fatal and everyone watched in shock for a moment as the Emperor fell forward into his daughter's arms with his blood staining her beautiful gown. Avelina was the only one to really react, screaming first before falling to the ground sobbing over her father's lifeless body.
This seemed to jolt everyone into action as Siegfried quickly disentangled himself from Adelaide and rushed to Hagen disarming him while Edmund managed to strike a fatal blow to him using Morgif. He bled very little as his body began to turn into that of a puppet's and it had taken Edmund using his powers to burn him into a crisp to stop him from going after Avelina again. By this time Daniela, Adelaide, Sophia, Ludwig, Bertram and all the other close imperial advisers were gathered around the fallen Emperor. Ludwig held the sobbing Daniela and Adelaide close to him as Edmund made his way to Avelina, cradling her as she cried.
Yuri returned to the present feeling tears running down her cheeks. She didn't care to stop them as they continued to pour at a rapid rate. Wolfram engulfed her in a hug and soothed her much like Rufus had done for her so many times in the past. It had taken awhile before she had calmed down enough to stop crying.
"Your uniform's wet. I'm sorry." Yuri mumbled hiccupping
"Don't be. Now why don't you tell me about the vision?" Wolfram said gently
"The first one was basically two years after the great one died. Avelina was so different. She only wore black, she stopped gardening and she was just so sad. We visited this castle and I was reacquainted with Seigbert's new wife Lady Erminlinda Von Voltaire nee Von Karbelnikof. The next one was about Morgif. Avelina had the imperial smith forge him in the fires of the volcano in Vandevia island. She had personally designed Morgif to match the great one in both power and personality, even going as far as to bring it to life by imbibing it with her powers. The third was Avelina's wedding day. She was dancing with Emperor Egilhard when a guest possessed by the Originators attacked them and killed the Emperor." Yuri replied shakily as Wolfram just nodded. After awhile Yuri fell asleep with her head on Wolfram's lap.
Conrad who had been looking for Yuri found the couple asleep on the couch. He smiled seeing his two most important people being so relaxed before closing the door gently. He found a staff member and ordered that some snacks be brought to the parlor in two hours, just in time for tea.
"How are you feeling Wolfram?" Conrad asked as he finished helping Yuri transform into a "normal human" by giving her auburn colored contact lenses and a chocolate colored wig. He would have preferred it if they could have made her look like a boy, unfortunately, her curvaceous body made it impossible.
"Not very good" Wolfram replied weakly
"Still seasick? Better than last night?" Yuri asked
"Hard to say" Wolfram said lying back down
"Well you deserve it. That's what you get for sneaking on board. Come on let's get breakfast." Conrad said slightly harshly.
"Oh don't mention food in front of me I'm too sick to eat." Wolfram said covering his mouth
"Not that I'm not happy to see you Wolfram but why exactly would you sneak into a boat when you know you're seasick?" Yuri asked Wolfram gently. She was happy he was here because it meant he would be able to help her if she had one of her 'episodes'.
"So I can protect you of course" He said before another round of nausea hit him and he sat up to throw up into the basin on the bedside table. Yuri sat on the bed and rubbed his back before giving him some water. As Yuri got out of bed Wolfram's hand shot out "You look pretty like that, actually, you look like Adelaide." Wolfram whispered in her ear causing Yuri to blush. Conrad seeing the exchange thought nothing of it having become accustomed to the couple's innocent flirtations. Yuri smiled and stood up heading for the door.
Once Conrad closed the door behind Yuri she turned to him and asked "Are you still upset because Gunter booked us on this super luxury liner?"
"Not to mention finding Wolfram hidden in our luggage" Conrad added
"Oh that's right. Didn't he know how easily he could get sea sick?" Yuri mused. Suddenly a door opened and Yuri turned to it curiously. "Huh?" she asked as a tall man dressed in blue stepped out with a little brunette girl dressed in all pink.
"Uh, hi there" Yuri said as the man stepped closer.
"Well well, a pleasant good morning to you Ma'am" he said removing his hat as well as his hair. Yuri's eyes widened and she stood frozen for a moment before mumbling "Hair… Your hair fell off"
"Please excuse her, my mistress isn't used to the Cavalcade style of greeting." Conrad said immediately
"It certainly makes a shining impression." She said with a slight smile as the man laughed
"You certainly are a charming young lady. I heard your fiancé snuck on board to be with you." He said
"The rumors are spreading already" Yuri said somewhat dejectedly. It wasn't that she wasn't happy with Wolfram there it was just that it might affect how people saw their relationship.
"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Heathclife of Masinay and this is my daughter Beatrice." Heathclife
"My mistress is Mizusai of Echigo the daughter of my late master who was a silk dealer. I'm her attendant Kakunoske." Conrad said before Yuri could say anything
"My goodness sounds like you're a long way from" Heathclife said somewhat amused
"I've a mind to throw you out" a man growled loudly somewhere above them as they heard the sound of a body hitting the floor. Everyone turned to look at the direction for a moment before Yuri took of sprinting towards the sound.
"Mistress" Conrad shouted bowing once to Heathclife before taking off after Yuri.
"Hey you, let him go can't you see it was just a simple mistake." Yuri yelled
"You stay out of this…" The man said rudely before paling as he took notice of Yuri's expensive clothing
"I'm really sorry you had to witness this display" The man said a change in his attitude
"Well be sure not to let us see it again." Yuri said as Conrad arrived stepping towards the man and giving him a few coins. The man nodded and left as Yuri approached the boy who was still on the ground helping him stand up.
Yuri felt as though she was going to be sick. She was watching the humans eat and was disgusted when she saw that they were throwing their food on the floor when they were done with it. It was such a disgusting sight and now even though she was clearly a girl, some of the other women were asking her for dances and to top it all off Conrad wouldn't even help her.
"Well you look like you could use a break." Heathclife said teasingly as he approached Yuri.
"You could say that again." Yuri replied under her breath but Heathclife, who still caught what she said, chuckled.
"My daughter is just over there and she seems to need company. Would you mind it if I asked you to stay with her?" Heathclife said pointing to the little girl sitting by herself in the corner of the room.
"No, it would be my pleasure." Yuri said as she stalked off towards Beatrice.
"Hello again" Yuri said pleasantly as she took a seat beside her.
"Hello" Beatrice replied before sighing.
"So why aren't you out there enjoying the party?" Yuri questioned. As a little girl she had loved parties.
"I don't know anyone except papa." Beatrice replied shrugging.
"Well you know me." Yuri pointed out with a smile which Beatrice returned.
The two spent an hour talking before Beatrice started yawning.
"Sleepy?" Yuri asked the little girl who nodded.
"Come on. Let's find your dad and get you to bed." Yuri said as she took the little girl's hand and led her to the party. After talking with Heathclife and volunteering to put Beatrice to bed, Yuri headed towards their rooms.
After tucking her in bed, she immediately left and returned to her room. When she entered she saw Wolfram still asleep on the bed with his hand covering his eyes. She smiled slightly before heading towards her bed. Before she reached it though, the boat gave a violent shake as Wolfram fell off the bed.
"What the…" Wolfram wasn't able to finish what he was about to say as Yuri flung the door open and footsteps could be heard.
"Where's Beatrice?" A man asked Yuri in panic.
"She's in your room. What's going on?" Yuri asked.
"Pirates." Yuri was about to follow the man when Wolfram saw Conrad appear and push Yuri inside.
"Stay hidden. The two of you. I'll fight upstairs but Wolfram, you need to guard her majesty." Conrad said briskly before handing the pair their swords and leading them towards the closet. Normally, Wolfram would have argued but he knew that Conrad was right. Who knows what they'd do to Yuri if she was caught.
Wolfram held Yuri close as they both tried to remain still. Both had their swords in their hands ready to attack. Yuri bit her lip as she heard the door open and men going through their things. She jerked when she heard them talking about a man who tried to take them on. The movement was enough to displace a box that landed with a thud. The men heard and made their way to the closet as Wolfram prepared himself. Yuri tried to think of an animal but the only sound that came out from her mouth was a 'meow'. The men freaked out and Wolfram explained that in their world 'meows' were the sound given by a certain type of dragon. As the men continued to approach Wolfram pushed Yuri behind the hanging clothes and jumped out ready to attack.
When Yuri was able to make it out of the pile of clothes that Wolfram had shoved her in to, she saw him standing on top of his bed with his sword drawn and all the pirates looking at him. Yuri already guessed what would happen if Wolfram didn't lower his sword and give up. She knew he was doing his duty to protect her but that didn't mean he had to die.
"Wolfram stand down!" Yuri said in a loud voice filled with authority as everyone turned to look at her. It was only then that she saw that the pirates were wearing girly sailor outfits complete with a skirt. She sweat dropped. Wolfram dropped his sword as the two of them were taken up to the deck. When Yuri got there she was led away from Wolfram who was fighting back trying to get to her.
Yuri heard the children crying, the women's pleas, the angry mutterings of the men and the rude inappropriate remarks of the pirates but what really got to her was when she saw Beatrice being led away by her hair and Heathclife's desperate cry. She had finally had enough so she closed her eyes and called for the powers of the Demon Queen.
Yuri growled as she released the powers. Her hair reverting to its raven colored state and flowing free as her contact lenses disappeared. She had transformed into the Demon Queen once again and Wolfram and Conrad watched in amazement as it happened.
"You relish stealing, terrorizing and destroying the lives of these hapless passengers who are totally at your mercy. Well you scum are incapable of mercy, honor, tears or anything resembling human emotion." Yuri said as the captain of the pirates watched her angrily.
"Who made you my judge?" He asked angrily before turning to his crew. "Get her!" He ordered as his crew surrounded her.
"Yuri" Wolfram whispered worried.
"Finally, here comes the Demon Queen." Conrad said relieved as he walked over to Wolfram who turned to him curiously.
"But we're in the human's territory. I didn't know her powers can still work here." Wolfram said amazed.
"Normally it's not my nature to threaten nor kill. But I won't have any pity this time. I'll send you down the path of evil to make your own hell." Yuri screamed angrily as the trash around the deck started moving and gathering into a large skeleton figure.
"JUSTICE BE DONE!" She declared loudly as it attacked the pirates.
"He's the devil." The captain of the pirates screamed when he was caught by the skeleton and Yuri looked at him coldly.
"The devil? Don't tell me that you have forgotten my mark of justice." She said as fire appeared before him and spelled justice in kanji.
When the sound of an official Big Cimmaron navy boat was heard, Yuri let the pirates go and released the magic.
"You insolent rats. You'll pay for your actions." Yuri said before fainting.
Adelaide watched her sister from the window of the room she was provided in Edmund's palace. She had noticed her sister approach her with that purposeful stride but she didn't seem to emit an aura of anger as she usually did whenever she approached him. Instead, it seems as though she was actually looking for him to seek out his company.
She watched as Edmund, who had been resting under a large oak tree looked up and smiled as he saw Avelina approach. She saw him sit up and pat the seat beside him as Avelina drew closer. She couldn't see her sister's reaction though. She saw Avelina sit down beside Edmund and was amazed as Edmund pulled her close to him. Adelaide waited and waited for Avelina to yell at him for touching her so but it never came.
Adelaide watched in shock as for the first time Avelina hadn't gone storming off and ranting about how immature or annoying Edmund was. For the two hundred years that Avelina and Edmund had known each other and had been pre-engaged, this was the first time that she had showed Edmund any affection. Oh, Edmund had in the years shown Avelina great affection which had shown how in love with her he was. The only problem was the methods in which he had shown it and the fact that he was an impatient and rather dashing young man with needs. Avelina hadn't been so happy with Edmund making bold declarations of love and embarrassing her by bringing home different women every night.
It was obvious to everyone that Avelina was in love with Edmund no matter how much she denied it, but the problem was, though many didn't know it, that she was also in love with her best friend Bertram, who was Edmund's half-brother and their cousin Sophia who was a dear friend of Edmund's harbored some romantic feelings for him as well, albeit a lot less than true love.
Adelaide wondered what had changed between the dinner from the previous night and this morning. Both Edmund and Avelina had not broken the fast with them that morning, Edmund having woken much earlier than was usual for him and eating at once and Avelina having been under the weather that morning. It was obvious both needed some time to think away from each other. This led to Adelaide's train of thoughts about Avelina receiving a note after dinner while they relaxed in Avelina's chambers. A slight smile played on her lips after reading it and she had sent Adelaide away after that stating that she needed to prepare for a walk.
When she had entered Avelina's chambers earlier that day, Adelaide noticed how horrible her sister looked with her pale skin and red rimmed eyes. She had also seen the dress that Avelina had worn during her walk burning in the fireplace along with the note. When she had reached the great hall, she had noticed three empty chairs. Avelina's, Edmund's and Hagen's. She had to wonder if Hagen had something to do with what happened between Avelina and Edmund but shook the thought away.
Perhaps Hagen was just away with his latest conquest and it was Edmund who had sent the note. Perhaps to convince Avelina that he truly held the best intentions. Adelaide sighed. She didn't think she would ever get the notion of being in love no matter how wonderful it seemed. Perhaps Avelina was finally returning Edmund's feelings.
Yuri woke up two days later in a jail cell with Conrad and Wolfram. Her head was on Wolfram's lap and she smiled at him before sitting up. Wolfram put his arm around her shoulder as she put her head on his shoulder.
"What happened after I passed out?" Yuri asked.
"The Cimmaron patrol boat caught all of the pirates and also put us in this lovely jail cell where you've been sleeping for two whole days." Conrad explained.
"So how are we getting out?" Yuri questioned, she didn't need to ask how she was exposed because she could remember turning into the Demon Queen. Suddenly the door opened in came the orange haired Ms. Biceps wearing a man's outfit.
"Tada! I'm here to break you out your majesty so please follow me." The orange head said.
"Let me present Gurrier Jozak. He's been following us for awhile now as an undercover backup in case we ran into some trouble." Conrad said.
"Your Majesty. I'd recognize you anywhere. Even with your clothes on." Jozak said as Yuri turned her head and blushed.
"You were in that bath tub?" Yuri asked horrified as Wolfram's jealousy got the best of him and he grabbed Yuri.
"How could you soak with another man behind my back?" Wolfram demanded.
"It wasn't like that okay. I was in the public bath back home when I got sucked into the demon kingdom and I ended up in the men's bath in Gwendal's palace." Yuri explained as Wolfram calmed down.
"Alright. Time to escape. Right now." Jozak said as he led them to a boat where a man was waiting. Conrad handed him some money as they set off.
It was already the afternoon when they had arrived in Vandavia island and they made their way to one of the mountains. They stopped at an inn and met the only waitress there. A young woman who, to Yuri, seemed to miss the company of people. She happily pointed them out towards the haunted hot springs and Yuri, Conrad and Jozak set off immediately while Wolfram stayed behind to rest and recover from his prolonged sea sickness. Once they were in the hot spring, they realized that only Yuri can reach in and grab it without getting burned. But the other requirement was that she had to do it naked. So they turned the boat around and Jozak and Conrad got off while Yuri returned and stripped before jumping in.
Yuri felt so relaxed that her mind drifted from the sword for a few moments before she stepped on something hard. Looking down she saw something shine for a moment before she remembered why she was there.
Yuri took a deep breath and started swimming around trying to find the sword and after a few moments, she came to the end of the cave and saw… a sword with a face. When she reached down to grab it, it bit her finger and Yuri screamed.
"Your Majesty!" Conrad said.
"It's nothing." Yuri said reassuring him. The last thing she wanted was for him to barge in and see her naked.
When Yuri lifted the sword, she noticed that the sword was moving on its own and was trying to kiss her. She held him tightly and turned it around when she noticed that it was checking her out. She returned to the boat and wrapped Morgif in her jacket while she dressed and returned home. She had to admit that Morgif looked to be in pretty bad shape, it looked nothing like the gaudy black sword that Avelina had given Edmund on their wedding day, but the personality, it was just right. After all, she remembered Bertram joking about how Edmund's personality was the same as that of a dirty old man's it's just that he could actually get the ladies.
"Here you go." Yuri said handing the sword to Conrad. Both Conrad and Jozak looked at her weirdly when they saw that it was wrapped in her jacket.
"What it bit me, tried to kiss me and was checking me out. It has the personality of a dirty old man." Yuri said as Conrad unwrapped the sword. He had been a bit freaked out when he heard that it tried to kiss his precious goddaughter. Once the sword was unwrapped the two men were surprised to find a skeleton like face on the sword that seemed to be making weird sounds. When it saw Yuri it jumped out of Conrad's hand and headed straight for her making kissing faces. Yuri grabbed him and looked at him coldly.
"Mullem Desoive Eligh Morgif, you better behave or I swear I will throw you into that mountain without hesitation. Do you hear me?" Yuri said sternly like a mother scolding a child.
Both Conrad and Jozak watched in amusement as the sword seemed to bend a little as if it was ashamed of itself. After they had gotten back to the inn, the foursome talked about how they were supposed to activate the sword. It had said that a life was needed so they decided to go to a hospital then next day and visit the dying patients.
The group was so exhausted. Every time a dying patient laid eyes on either Wolfram or Yuri they would get healthy again. They had run out of patients and of options when a flier flew towards them. It was an ultimate fighters competition. They had decided to let Yuri enter even if Wolfram and Conrad were skeptical and hesitant.
As Yuri was suiting up to fight. An old lady grabbed her arm and told her to just give up. She had told Yuri that she might die but Yuri paid her no mind and gently excused herself. When her time was up, she stepped into the arena to see who she was facing… it was none other than the boy from the boat. Rick. Her eyes widened and she was even more hesitant to fight now.
"What are you doing here?" Yuri asked as she readied her stance.
"I was helping the pirates." Rick replied before he attacked her. Yuri dodged his blow gracefully before attacking herself. Within a few moments, Rick was on the floor with the tip of Morgif's blade on his throat.
"Go ahead. Kill me. I'm dead anyway." Rick said as he looked at Yuri and then towards the archers who were ready shoot. When Yuri put Morgif down and backed off she heard the whizzing of arrows and saw Rick get hit with one in his arm.
"WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?" Yuri asked screaming as the crowd booed at her. An elderly man who was sitting in the front row had a heart attack and died. An orb of light exited his mouth and into Morgif who suddenly activated and went wild. The crowd panicked and rushed away as Conrad rushed towards her but couldn't get close because of Morgif's power.
"Mullem Desoive Eligh Morgif! I order you to STOP!" Yuri said and suddenly Morgif deactivated. Wolfram was immediately at Yuri's side having jumped from his post while Conrad took Rick in his arms and all three of them ran.
"Where are we going?" Yuri questioned but spotted the old woman.
"We'll make a weapon demons! A weapon far greater than your sword." She screamed at them as they passed.
"Mother is docked in the harbor. Let's go." Wolfram said as he took Yuri's hand and ran.
Later that night Yuri sat down on the beach having just gotten away from Wolfram who had been fussing about her. She wanted some time alone to think of what that woman had said. She knew it was true, they would make something to oppose the demons and the demons would create something more powerful than Morgif to fight the humans. It was a vicious cycle. She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice Conrad sitting beside her.
"What's wrong your majesty?" He asked as Yuri was brought out of her thoughts.
"I was just thinking about what that lady said." Yuri told him honestly. She knew she could trust him.
"I know you'll do what's best for everyone Yuri." Conrad said giving her a hug. Yuri was about to reply when she heard Wolfram's voice calling for her. When Wolfram had arrived he explained that Lady Celi had done something to Morgif and the matter needed to be resolved immediately.
As it turned out, Lady Celi had wanted to touch the jewel on Morgif's head but he bit her finger and so she had dropped him and then the jewel, which Yuri knew was the center of Morgif's power, fell off. Yuri just sighed as the answer to her musings had come easily. She suddenly thought of a way to kill two birds with one stone.
"Jozak. Here, I'm entrusting this to you." Yuri said handing it over to the orange haired man whom she knew didn't trust her as much yet.
"Me?" Jozak asked.
"Yes." Yuri nodded as Jozak took the jewel from her hand.
"What if I give it to the enemy? Or lose it?" Jozak asked testing her.
"Then that is your choice. But I still believe that you are the best person for the job." Yuri said confidently as Jozak smirked.
"Why don't you give it to me and I can make it into a pretty necklace?" Lady Celi pouted.
Later on as they returned to the kingdom, Conrad asked what was to be done about Cavalcade now that the sword was out of power and the rumors of it being used was said to be false.
"I guess we'll just have to think of something else." Yuri said with a look of contemplation.
"Oh you wouldn't have to worry about that. A messenger from Cavalcade had just left. It seems their king wants to visit and talk about a peace treaty." Gwendal said.
"Well then we'd just have to accept." Anissina said coming from behind Gwendal.
"How'd that happen?" Yuri asked at the sudden change of attitude.
"It seems that the eldest son of the king had eloped with a merchant's daughter a few years back. He was on that boat with you and when you saved him, he told his royal father about being greatly indebted to you, that's why he wanted a peace treaty. To thank you." Gwendal explained as Yuri thought about who the prince might have been.
"I don't remember seeing anyone resembling a prince there." Yuri said deep in thought.
"I believe his name is Heathclife." Gwendal said as both Conrad and Yuri gasped at this.
"Mr. Baldy is the prince!" She exclaimed as all of her notions of fairytale princes was destroyed before she remembered Wolfram and his brothers.
Later that night, as Yuri was relaxing in the bath she suddenly felt something grab her. She screamed and Conrad and Wolfram who were stationed outside rushed in to see her being sucked into a black hole. Yuri suddenly found herself in the women's public bath.
"Yeah. I kinda figured it would be like this." Yuri said sighing as she stood up and left to change.
A/N: Okay so that's the third chapter. Sorry if it took so long. This was already half way done about three months ago but I kind of got writers block. I'll be doing this story in Yuri's point of view until Avelina comes in and I would be doing it per story arc. It depends though on whether or not I really would do that particular story arc. Sorry for the long wait and I'm sorry if some parts are a bit rushed. I just don't feel like writing every single detail anymore because it would be too long.
The names Siegfried and Hagen are from the old Germanic mythology called Nibelungenlied which was loosely based off of the old Norse mythology of Sigurd. Siegfried is Siegfried von Karbelnikof.
Erminlinda or it's original form Ermelinda from the germanic element ermen meaning "whole or universal" and linde meaning "soft and tender". Just thought it would be funny to name Anissina's past life as the universe's most tender woman. In the anime she may seem tough but she's actually a caring person.