[Fic] Don't Look Back: Chapter 4
Title: Don't Look Back
Author: theukelover
Parings: slight MaouxWolfram, Eventual YuurixWolfram
Genre: Romance/Angst
Rating: T
Details: Male/Male Relationship, MPREG.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kyou Kara Maou
Don’t look back: Chapter 4 - Flow of Water
:-.-:
Wolfram was walking in the hallway. His boots echoed as he strode down his way. His mind lost in thoughts with several issues. First, he had yet to get used talking in Hild's native language since he asked Horace to remove the language barrier he had. Second, he had no idea where his son was. Asiel had just turned five and he was the most hyperactive child he had ever seen in his life. And third, there was also the major issue concerning Hadrid...
"Ah, Sir Wolfram," he heard someone call him and noticed the royal advisor getting out of his study and closed the door. "Energetic today aren't we? Lost your young one again I suppose." He mocked.
"That and that I'm going to see how Hadrid's doing. Have you seen him today?" he asked hopeful.
The older man shook his head, "I had to make sure everything was in order in case... well, I know Her Highness Zael is with him. Shall we go together?"
"Yeah." Wolfram said and Horace nodded slowly before joining the blonde's side and they started walking together in the castle towards the monarch's room.
Wolfram tried to ignore the awkward silence that they kept during their course. He had never had problems chatting with the red haired man but today they didn't seem to know what to say, none of them was able to think of anything interesting to talk about. He licked his lips and decided to talk about the first non-important thing that came to his mind. "So uh," he started before pausing, gaining a curious stare from Horace. "How's my pronunciation going?" he rapidly cursed himself. He should have thought of something better than that.
"Well," the advisor started. The smirk that appeared on his face and the exaggerating way he grabbed his chin, faking deep thought told Wolfram that Horace was going to start teasing, like now. "You talk funny," Horace said bluntly. "And the way you struggle to pronounce some words, it looks like you're gagging."
He couldn't contain his laugh when he saw Wolfram's indignant face. It was just too easy to push the blonde's buttons. "But, what can I say, practice makes perfect and you are indeed improving."
"That's good I think, though it's quite embarrassing that my son is learning faster than me. Considering that he is learning this language and mine as well." Wolfram said as he gave a defeated sigh.
"Children are able to grasp things faster than adults Sir Wolfram and I can tell that Young Asiel is very interested in learning all he can. Ah, I can see my future pupil in him! Such a wonder thing indeed, I can already see it, when he's older will be discussing over the Ancient Ruins of Eirol or the Origin of the Azelalt's Tree." Horace said as stars appeared on his eyes clearly enthusiastic.
"It's funny," Wolfram started. "How he looks just like his other father but when it comes to studying, he's nothing like him."
"That may be indeed something he inherited from you." Horace said happily, "you are a very intelligent man Sir Wolfram, the moment you learned how to write and read our language you started reading the castles library books when you have the time. And as I noticed it's always something very complicated books, be it history books to romantic novels, and also," his smiled turned gentle. "That dedication influences him. Seeing his father working so hard to accomplish things makes him want to do his best as well."
Wolfram felt his heart warm at Horace's words. He never really thought that Asiel had inherited anything from him. The boy wasn't explosive like him and loved to make friends with everyone. Not to mention that he could control the element of water. It was like having a baby Yuuri with him. So hearing someone telling him that was something he was going to treasure.
As they were on the last turn to the King's chambers, Wolfram was still trying to figure out that little annoying voice telling that something was amiss here. He glanced to see his friend next to him and it hit him. That was it. He was next to him.
"Horace, what the hell??" Wolfram said as he abruptly stopped just a few meters from the king's room making the other man stop as well. Horace's eyes widen clearly surprised and confused at the sudden act of the boy.
"I-I'm sorry?" the red haired man asked.
"Why are you still here? You should already be on your way to Isilia with Rina."
Horace shaped his mouth like an 'O' and nodded in understanding, a sad smiled came later. "I cancelled my trip to Isilia. It wasn't important anyways."
"Not important? You have wanted to go its ruins for months and now that you actually have the time you cancelled it and say that it's not important? And what about Rina, she was so excited too. "
"Rina understood why I did what I did," Horace sighed when Wolfram glared at him. "You should be aware of reason which made me end up with this decision Sir Wolfram." He finished softly.
Wolfram's anger subsided instantly and looked at the large double wooden door not to far from them. "He'll get upset you know when he hears that you cancelled your trip because of him."
"I know."
"Daddy!" both of them turned around when they heard the high pitched familiar voice calling behind them. Wolfram managed to catch Asiel in his arms before the small boy tackled him. Asiel squealed in delight when Wolfram lifted him to place him under his right arm.
"Well, where have you been mister?" Wolfram said as he ruffled his son's black hair.
"In the library reading!" Asiel answered cheerfully and smiled sheepishly at Wolfram's 'Oh really? I'm not convinced' expression. "Okay I was exploring a little. I have to check every inch of the castle before we move out. There might be some mystery or some treasure that no one was aware of!"
Wolfram sighed and shook his head. "You should have said something to me. I was looking all over for you." He stroked the baby boy's cheek. "Promise me that you won't disappear like that again."
"Okay. I'm sorry daddy."
"It's all right."
"Such a beautiful scene indeed, I just adore your father and son moments! I wish I could have a son of my own." Both Wolfram and Asiel turned to see a very emotional Horace who was whiping his eyes with a handkerchief.
"By the way." The small raven haired boy started. "Is uncle Hadrid sick again? I heard one of the maids saying that he was resting in bed." He hummed as he cocked his head cutely. "Maybe he had too much of my birthday cake yesterday. He did help me eat most of it."
"Uh... Uhm , yeah Hadrid has a stomachache so he needs to rest!" Wolfram answered nervously. He didn't like the idea of lying to his son but he just couldn't tell him that Hadrid's condition was nowhere near a stomachache.
The door to the king's room slowly opened, revealing a young girl whose long ebony hair was tied on a ponytail. Zael closed the door gently and let out a heavy sigh, her eyes showing her tiredness and lack of sleep.
"Zael!" Asiel said cheerfully. He wriggled so Wolfram could put him on the ground and ran to hug the girl.
"Hey there, small fry." Zael smiled and ruffled the boy's hair.
Asiel pouted at the nickname but didn't say anything about it. He knew she didn't mean it in a mean way. "You look tired." He said bluntly. "It's almost my nap time so you can sleep with me."
"Asiel." Wolfram said as he walked towards the both and kneels next to his son. "How about you go on first and get ready for your nap? I have to ask something to Zael."
Asiel nodded slowly. "Okay," he let got of the black haired girl and started walking away. "I'll be waiting for you in my room!" he said as he went away.
The three kept silent and made sure Asiel was nowhere near them. Wolfram stood up, keeping his sight on the direction where Asiel disappeared to. "How is he?" he asked almost in a whisper.
Zael closed her eyes and crossed her arms. "He's okay now, but..." she sighed. "It's only a matter of time."
Horace's face fell. The worst was near for his friend and he find it hard to believe that Hadrid was going to leave before him. Wolfram clenched his fists in anger but kept himself from saying anything unnecessary. He knew there was nothing they could do about it. Not even the advanced technology from this world was able to prevent Hadrid slipping away from them.
"If..." Zael's voice woke both from their thoughts. "If that's all... I think I'll go and rest a little. I wanted to stay longer but Hadrid kicked me out of the room so..." she shrugged. "If you're going to see him try and go one at the time."
Horace and Wolfram nodded in agreement. Zael nodded as well and left without saying anything, she was too tired to even say a 'see you later'.
"I think you should go first." Wolfram spoke. "You're his best friend after all."
Horace gave a 'Thank you' and went to visit his friend. As he closed the door when he entered Wolfram leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets and started outside the window. He took several deeps breaths but it wasn't enough to calm the hard beating of his heart. Of all people why Hadrid?
He had noticed that something was off with him. He knew Hadrid was lying when he said that he was just imagining things. Deep inside he knew what was going to happen but didn't do anything about it, because he didn't know how to fix it. In reality he had to admit that, he couldn't.
To lose a king, it was something that eventually would happen but still it was hard. The kingdom's people would weep for their lost. Many things would change and Zael would have to take Hadrid's place. For Wolfram it was just too soon for her to understand the real meaning of ruling. He let out bitter laugh. Yuuri was the best example of a clueless king, though he had the help of his elder brother and Gunter it was still difficult for him to grasp everything as quickly as everyone had hoped for.
Wolfram blinked and thought. If it had been Yuuri the one lying on the bed just waiting for the final moment to arrive, would he be as upset as Zael? He huffed. Who was he trying to fool? He perfectly knew that he would be far worse than her.
"Sir Wolfram, all this time waiting? You could have taken a walk or waited in your room." Wolfram jumped and looked alarmed at Horace who chuckled at his reaction.
"You're done already?" The blonde asked confused.
"Why, I lasted at least an hour and a half talking with my dear friend Hadrid in there," The older man smiled, "you're quite good at spacing out if I might say." teased.
Wolfram clearly looked confused. Did it actually take him all this time just to think about that? It felt just like a few minutes. He blinked twice as he saw as Horace mouth moved but didn't catch the words. "I'm sorry, what was that?" he blushed when Horace cocked an eyebrow. "So... What did you two talked about? Did he say anything interesting?"
"Oh I got yelled at," the advisor said with a big smile on his face, "And he literally told me that if I wasn't on my way to Isilia in the next two hours he was going to not only ban me from the castle but he was going to melt every last of my coin collection. He's so nice to me don't you think?"
"Well then I'll let you take your leave. I don't want you banned for staying you here." Wolfram joked.
Horace agreed and decided to take his leave as soon as possible. Wolfram looked sadly at the advisors back as he left. He was only trying to look tough but he knew that Horace was far from being happy. Yes the visit was going to distract him and maybe he would enjoy it, but knowing that his best friend was dying was still hard to accept. He turned and walked the few steps that kept him from entering the king's chambers. He reached for the L shaped knob and gently opened the doors and peak to see Hadrid sitting on his bed taking something what Wolfram concluded was his medicine but what exactly what, he didn't want to know.
Hadrid looked up as he felt someone staring at him and smiled when he saw bright emerald eyes. "Wolf," the king said with a tired voice. "Come in." Wolfram complied and entered the room, slowly closing the door behind him.
The blonde walked to sit on the chair next to Hadrid's bed. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he took a glass on the nightstand, poured some water in it and gave it to Hadrid. Hadrid gave him a low 'thank you' and drank it as if it was the first time in awhile. He gave a nervous laugh at the questioning look on Wolfram's face.
"Don't worry I'm feeling much better. It's just I can't seem to stop feeling thirsty. Maybe it's because of the medicine I'm taking."
Wolfram nodded.
"I heard you accepted my gift to your son." Hadrid commented.
"I was really thinking about it and I concluded that, who am I to refuse the king's offer?" Wolfram said. "But still, a house just for the two of us?" he scratched his cheek with his index finger. "I'm just glad I'm able to understand all those weird machines that wash everything by themselves and learned how to use that s-stove," he narrowed his eyes when Hadrid started to chuckle. "What is it?"
"I just remembered. That a few years ago when you arrived you thought that a microwave was an evil device that melted things and now... you're fully capable of learning to using anything you want if you feel like it."
The blonde blushed, "Yeah well, I actually didn't have much to do. Especially before Asiel was born, I had to do something. So I ended up learning how those devices worked."
Nothing more was said after that. Wolfram started to tap his finger in his lap but nothing was said, so he decided to start first. "One of the maids said that you wanted to talk to me. That it was important."
Hadrid closed his took a deep breath. He opened the slowly and looked at Wolfram in a serious way. "I had a dream." Wolfram monitored him to continue with his head. "But it was no ordinary one... I saw her. She spoke to me."
"Her?" the blonde asked as he moved his chair closer to bed.
"Era..."
"Era? You mean the goddess from this world?" Hadrid nodded. "What did she say? What does it have to do with me?"
"She said that... time's running out. In my case that is," he sighed at the sad expression on Wolfram's face. "We all knew it would eventually happen."
"But it's still hard, Hadrid." Wolfram snapped.
"Yes... well. That wasn't the only thing she said. She also mentioned you, something like 'The time of truth will be revealed as the flow of water starts its endless cycle' as least that's what I was able to understand."
"I have no idea what that means." Wolfram admitted bluntly.
"Neither do I. But you must keep your guard just in case."
"Yeah... you never know." The blonde answered as he rubbed his chin with his thumb trying to understand the words that the goddess had meant.
:-.-:
"And I'm especially gonna miss you my little Licorice!!" Rina said as she gave a tight hug to the half-asleep Asiel. The latter just blinked and couldn't help but yawn loudly. Rina squeal at the cuteness. The now seventeen-year old stood up to look at her 'younger looking' friend.
"Oh, Zael!" she added as she glompled the black haired girl. "I wish you could come as well, but I don't think that embittered old fart would allow it! I'm so glad he stayed in his study being a workaholic and didn't come to say goodbye." Rina complained.
"Watch your mouth young lady," Horace reprimanded. "He has the same rank as I do and he'll be the one watching over his majesty's political business while he's sick and I'm away."
Rina shut her eyes, fisted her hands and pouted in a very childish way, "But!" she whined. "Sir Arhlor is so scary!"
"Oh, c'mon Rina he's not that bad," Zael said as she waved her hand slightly. "I mean Alastor's quite a party pooper but he's nice in his own special way."
"And you." Horace continued, "Your highness should refer to your elders in a more respectful way!" he sigh his defeat when he noticed Zael wasn't paying attention to him.
"Oh, Wolfram I just couldn't forget about you now!" Rina hugged Wolfram and received a 'Hey! How come I'm the only getting glompled here?!' by Zael. Wolfram returned the embrace. "Take care of her okay?" she whispered in his ear and let go of him.
"Okay..."
"Well then," Horace said as gave bowed in respect. "We should take our leave now. Our time or should I say my time's up and I don't want to get banned," he joked. "Come dear it's time to go." He walked towards the truck house and opened the door for her to enter.
"Alright... well then," she looked at one last time to her friends. "I'll see you in four months, there's a chance I get back alone. You know how grandfather is when it's about history," she laughed, "take care." she turned around, thanked Horace for opening the door for her and went it.
Horace closed the door and smiled before getting inside the front. He waved a 'goodbye', start the engine and left. Wolfram watched as the truck house left the castle. He looked to his side and saw how Zael kept her gaze on the place where her friend and her advisor had just left.
"Daddy?" Wolfram looked down at his baby boy. "Is Zael okay?"
"Yeah, don't worry about it sweetie." Wolfram looked over his shoulder and monitored with his hand for a maid to come. A young girl with long silver hair came and bowed. "Deliah," Wolfram said as he turned around. "Please take Asiel to the gardens near the fountain, I'll be there in a moment." The maid nodded and took Asiel's hand and led him to the gardens. The latter let himself be dragged not really sure what was going on, but if he was going near the fountain (his daddy's favorite place in the castle for some reason) it meant he was going to spend the rest of the day with him so he had no complaints.
There was silence between the two. Wolfram placed his hand in the girl's shoulder and said softly. "No one's here, you can let it all out."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Zael said indifferently.
"You can't fool me, Zael. I happen to be an expert in that area." Wolfram felt a sting in his heart when Zael started trembling, clearly trying to contain her tears, "Come here..." he pulled her against him and hugged her tightly. The black haired girl didn't oppose the embrace. She pressed her cheek against Wolfram's chest, gave up her act and let herself cry.
"It's just that," She started. "I'm just not ready for him to go, you know? He's like a father to me. I never knew my real family so he's all I have," she sniffed, "and there's Tak and Raine that left almost half a year ago to study in another country. Horace and Rina just left and won't return until who knows when and to add to the list," She said, "You and Asiel are also leaving," she tried wiping her eyes with the back of her hand but new tears appeared. "I got so used to being with you guys that I'm not sure I'll be able to stand being alone."
Wolfram just quietly listened to her as he gently rubbed her back. She kept crying for the next couple of minutes before Zael calmed down. She took a deep breath a pushed herself slowly from the embrace.
"Well, it wasn't that hard now was it?" Wolfram teased.
Zael scrunched her mouth. "Yes it was, now shut it."
"Come on." The blonde said as he took her hand to pull her. He rolled his eyes when Zael looked at him confused. "In case you forgot I have a little boy waiting in the gardens so get moving."
"Oh," she shook her head . "I'll be there. I just need to do something first. Don't worry it won't take long."
"Okay, we'll be waiting for you." Wolfram let go of her hand and started walking towards the gardens. Without turning around and as he kept walking Zael heard him say. "I give you ten minutes, no more."
Zael smiled and nodded, though she knew Wolfram couldn't see her but she still did it. She slid her hand through her hair and pause in the middle of it. She felt the black strands with her fingers before letting go and started walking towards the castle.
:-.-:
"You're here!" Asiel said happily as he got up from the grass and run towards his father. Deliah, who was sitting next to him a moment ago smiled as she got herself up.
"Look what Deliah did for me!" Asiel had an origami figure on each hand, a boat and a frog. "The frog jumps, wanna see?" he didn't wait for an answer as he turned and placed his frog on a small table with three chairs that the young maid placed for them. Asiel got up in a chair for better access, he push the end of the frog and the small paper figure 'jumped' making the small boy cheer. "Isn't it great??"
"It is," Wolfram said truthfully. Who would have thought such a simple thing could be so interesting?
"Thank you for watching over him, Deliah. You can go now." He said still watching his son play.
"If there's anything you need don't hesitate in calling me, Sir Wolfram. Now if you'll excuse me." The maid said and waited for Wolfram to nod before leaving.
As they waited for the third person to arrive, Wolfram asked Asiel to teach him how to make the frog one. He wanted one just for himself so he could make it jump until he got sick of it (Not that he could admit it out loud). He messed up the first try but manage to make his own after the second try. He was making his new origami jump when he thought that Zael was taking too long.
"Zael!" Asiel said.
Speak of the Devil.
"What happened to your hair?" Asiel asked as he titled his head looking curiously at her. "You look like a boy."
As Wolfram got up from where he was sitting he turned to see a total different person that he had just saw a couple of minutes ago (or to be more precise someone he hadn't seen in a long time?). Zael had cut all her hair that used to reach her elbows to the point that now was as short as Wolfram's. Her nice casual attire was replaced for a hoodie and street pants.
"You cut your hair." Wolfram said as a matter-of-factly.
"Yeah." Zael responded in an obvious tone.
"And you're cross dressing, again." He commented.
"Glad you noticed."
Wolfram stayed silent before talking again. "You just have the weirdest ways of expressing yourself."
Zael shrugged and made an 'I-don't-care' sound. "I just feel better when I'm like this. I played doll too long." She said as she took her seat on the only chair that wasn't occupied. "So, what were you two doing while I wasn't here?"
"Deliah taught me how to fold pretty figurines with paper and I just did the same with Daddy. See?" Asiel said as he showed her his greatest creations.
"Wow! That's so cool!" Zael said with a big grin. Wolfram felt calmer that at least that weird sudden character change was able to make the raven girl feel better. "Have you tried to make the boat float in the fountain yet?" she asked the equally raven haired one.
"Oh, no I haven't." Asiel's eyes got all big and sparkly. "I'm going to try it right now!" he took his paper boat as he got off his chair and ran towards the fountain.
"Ah, I remember when I was his age. I also used to get excited over just everything." Zael said as she sighed. "I feel so old now."
"You tell me, I'm double your age." Wolfram shrugged.
"Ew..."
"Hey! What's with that??" the blonde said quiet offended.
Asiel looked in fascination as his boat floated in the fountain. Ignoring 'let's bug Wolfram' scene in the background. All he cared about in that moment was watching closely how his toy moved in the small waves the water created as it fell from the sides. He was so engrossed that he almost failed to notice that boat was sailing far away from his reach. So he did what it was natural in every five year-old.
He reached for it.
And fell.
The splash sound was very clear to the two people at the table and the both turned quickly and saw that there was no Asiel sitting by the fountain, just a small poodle were the water had fall when it was sent flying.
Both Wolfram and Zael knocked their chair as the got up and yelled. "Asiel!"
Asiel was in a sitting position inside the fountain, rubbing his eyes trying to get rid of the extra water that he got in them. Wolfram let go of the breath he didn't know he was holding. That had scared him a lot.
"I'll get him." Zael said as she strode to the fountain. Wolfram placed his hand on the table for balance as he took deep breaths to calm his quick heartbeats, his eyes staring at the transparent object. He really didn't remember the last time he had felt that way.
"C'mon," Zael said as she reached her hand to Asiel to take. "Up we go."
"I can't." Asiel whined.
Please don't be difficult, Zael sighed and put her hands under the water to pick him up. She pulled to lift him she felt a tight tug. Her eyes widened. "What?" she whispered as she tried again to pull and got nothing. What the hell? Her hands were stuck. As Zael tried for the third time something she wasn't expecting at all happened.
Her whole right arm was pulled.
Whatever that pulled her made her lose her balance, making her fall right next to Asiel. "Wolfram!" she yelled, fear clear in her voice.
Wolfram looked up and saw how Zael was struggling to get up and Asiel too scared to do anything. He ran towards them.
He felt he was going in slow motion. The faster he wanted to go the slower everything moved. As he ran, for some reason or another everything came clear to him.
As the flow of water
No...
He watched as Zael kept trying to get up, water dripping from her hair and clothes.
Starts its endless cycle
No...
Swirls started forming in the fountain's water.
Please no... not now.
Wolfram reached and grabbed Asiel by the waist and Zael by her free arm but before he could do anything thing else he felt the familiar energy that surrounded him every time he went between worlds and then.
Darkness.
<< Chapter 3
xposted at kkm_wolframfans
Author: theukelover
Parings: slight MaouxWolfram, Eventual YuurixWolfram
Genre: Romance/Angst
Rating: T
Details: Male/Male Relationship, MPREG.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kyou Kara Maou
Don’t look back: Chapter 4 - Flow of Water
:-.-:
Wolfram was walking in the hallway. His boots echoed as he strode down his way. His mind lost in thoughts with several issues. First, he had yet to get used talking in Hild's native language since he asked Horace to remove the language barrier he had. Second, he had no idea where his son was. Asiel had just turned five and he was the most hyperactive child he had ever seen in his life. And third, there was also the major issue concerning Hadrid...
"Ah, Sir Wolfram," he heard someone call him and noticed the royal advisor getting out of his study and closed the door. "Energetic today aren't we? Lost your young one again I suppose." He mocked.
"That and that I'm going to see how Hadrid's doing. Have you seen him today?" he asked hopeful.
The older man shook his head, "I had to make sure everything was in order in case... well, I know Her Highness Zael is with him. Shall we go together?"
"Yeah." Wolfram said and Horace nodded slowly before joining the blonde's side and they started walking together in the castle towards the monarch's room.
Wolfram tried to ignore the awkward silence that they kept during their course. He had never had problems chatting with the red haired man but today they didn't seem to know what to say, none of them was able to think of anything interesting to talk about. He licked his lips and decided to talk about the first non-important thing that came to his mind. "So uh," he started before pausing, gaining a curious stare from Horace. "How's my pronunciation going?" he rapidly cursed himself. He should have thought of something better than that.
"Well," the advisor started. The smirk that appeared on his face and the exaggerating way he grabbed his chin, faking deep thought told Wolfram that Horace was going to start teasing, like now. "You talk funny," Horace said bluntly. "And the way you struggle to pronounce some words, it looks like you're gagging."
He couldn't contain his laugh when he saw Wolfram's indignant face. It was just too easy to push the blonde's buttons. "But, what can I say, practice makes perfect and you are indeed improving."
"That's good I think, though it's quite embarrassing that my son is learning faster than me. Considering that he is learning this language and mine as well." Wolfram said as he gave a defeated sigh.
"Children are able to grasp things faster than adults Sir Wolfram and I can tell that Young Asiel is very interested in learning all he can. Ah, I can see my future pupil in him! Such a wonder thing indeed, I can already see it, when he's older will be discussing over the Ancient Ruins of Eirol or the Origin of the Azelalt's Tree." Horace said as stars appeared on his eyes clearly enthusiastic.
"It's funny," Wolfram started. "How he looks just like his other father but when it comes to studying, he's nothing like him."
"That may be indeed something he inherited from you." Horace said happily, "you are a very intelligent man Sir Wolfram, the moment you learned how to write and read our language you started reading the castles library books when you have the time. And as I noticed it's always something very complicated books, be it history books to romantic novels, and also," his smiled turned gentle. "That dedication influences him. Seeing his father working so hard to accomplish things makes him want to do his best as well."
Wolfram felt his heart warm at Horace's words. He never really thought that Asiel had inherited anything from him. The boy wasn't explosive like him and loved to make friends with everyone. Not to mention that he could control the element of water. It was like having a baby Yuuri with him. So hearing someone telling him that was something he was going to treasure.
As they were on the last turn to the King's chambers, Wolfram was still trying to figure out that little annoying voice telling that something was amiss here. He glanced to see his friend next to him and it hit him. That was it. He was next to him.
"Horace, what the hell??" Wolfram said as he abruptly stopped just a few meters from the king's room making the other man stop as well. Horace's eyes widen clearly surprised and confused at the sudden act of the boy.
"I-I'm sorry?" the red haired man asked.
"Why are you still here? You should already be on your way to Isilia with Rina."
Horace shaped his mouth like an 'O' and nodded in understanding, a sad smiled came later. "I cancelled my trip to Isilia. It wasn't important anyways."
"Not important? You have wanted to go its ruins for months and now that you actually have the time you cancelled it and say that it's not important? And what about Rina, she was so excited too. "
"Rina understood why I did what I did," Horace sighed when Wolfram glared at him. "You should be aware of reason which made me end up with this decision Sir Wolfram." He finished softly.
Wolfram's anger subsided instantly and looked at the large double wooden door not to far from them. "He'll get upset you know when he hears that you cancelled your trip because of him."
"I know."
"Daddy!" both of them turned around when they heard the high pitched familiar voice calling behind them. Wolfram managed to catch Asiel in his arms before the small boy tackled him. Asiel squealed in delight when Wolfram lifted him to place him under his right arm.
"Well, where have you been mister?" Wolfram said as he ruffled his son's black hair.
"In the library reading!" Asiel answered cheerfully and smiled sheepishly at Wolfram's 'Oh really? I'm not convinced' expression. "Okay I was exploring a little. I have to check every inch of the castle before we move out. There might be some mystery or some treasure that no one was aware of!"
Wolfram sighed and shook his head. "You should have said something to me. I was looking all over for you." He stroked the baby boy's cheek. "Promise me that you won't disappear like that again."
"Okay. I'm sorry daddy."
"It's all right."
"Such a beautiful scene indeed, I just adore your father and son moments! I wish I could have a son of my own." Both Wolfram and Asiel turned to see a very emotional Horace who was whiping his eyes with a handkerchief.
"By the way." The small raven haired boy started. "Is uncle Hadrid sick again? I heard one of the maids saying that he was resting in bed." He hummed as he cocked his head cutely. "Maybe he had too much of my birthday cake yesterday. He did help me eat most of it."
"Uh... Uhm , yeah Hadrid has a stomachache so he needs to rest!" Wolfram answered nervously. He didn't like the idea of lying to his son but he just couldn't tell him that Hadrid's condition was nowhere near a stomachache.
The door to the king's room slowly opened, revealing a young girl whose long ebony hair was tied on a ponytail. Zael closed the door gently and let out a heavy sigh, her eyes showing her tiredness and lack of sleep.
"Zael!" Asiel said cheerfully. He wriggled so Wolfram could put him on the ground and ran to hug the girl.
"Hey there, small fry." Zael smiled and ruffled the boy's hair.
Asiel pouted at the nickname but didn't say anything about it. He knew she didn't mean it in a mean way. "You look tired." He said bluntly. "It's almost my nap time so you can sleep with me."
"Asiel." Wolfram said as he walked towards the both and kneels next to his son. "How about you go on first and get ready for your nap? I have to ask something to Zael."
Asiel nodded slowly. "Okay," he let got of the black haired girl and started walking away. "I'll be waiting for you in my room!" he said as he went away.
The three kept silent and made sure Asiel was nowhere near them. Wolfram stood up, keeping his sight on the direction where Asiel disappeared to. "How is he?" he asked almost in a whisper.
Zael closed her eyes and crossed her arms. "He's okay now, but..." she sighed. "It's only a matter of time."
Horace's face fell. The worst was near for his friend and he find it hard to believe that Hadrid was going to leave before him. Wolfram clenched his fists in anger but kept himself from saying anything unnecessary. He knew there was nothing they could do about it. Not even the advanced technology from this world was able to prevent Hadrid slipping away from them.
"If..." Zael's voice woke both from their thoughts. "If that's all... I think I'll go and rest a little. I wanted to stay longer but Hadrid kicked me out of the room so..." she shrugged. "If you're going to see him try and go one at the time."
Horace and Wolfram nodded in agreement. Zael nodded as well and left without saying anything, she was too tired to even say a 'see you later'.
"I think you should go first." Wolfram spoke. "You're his best friend after all."
Horace gave a 'Thank you' and went to visit his friend. As he closed the door when he entered Wolfram leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets and started outside the window. He took several deeps breaths but it wasn't enough to calm the hard beating of his heart. Of all people why Hadrid?
He had noticed that something was off with him. He knew Hadrid was lying when he said that he was just imagining things. Deep inside he knew what was going to happen but didn't do anything about it, because he didn't know how to fix it. In reality he had to admit that, he couldn't.
To lose a king, it was something that eventually would happen but still it was hard. The kingdom's people would weep for their lost. Many things would change and Zael would have to take Hadrid's place. For Wolfram it was just too soon for her to understand the real meaning of ruling. He let out bitter laugh. Yuuri was the best example of a clueless king, though he had the help of his elder brother and Gunter it was still difficult for him to grasp everything as quickly as everyone had hoped for.
Wolfram blinked and thought. If it had been Yuuri the one lying on the bed just waiting for the final moment to arrive, would he be as upset as Zael? He huffed. Who was he trying to fool? He perfectly knew that he would be far worse than her.
"Sir Wolfram, all this time waiting? You could have taken a walk or waited in your room." Wolfram jumped and looked alarmed at Horace who chuckled at his reaction.
"You're done already?" The blonde asked confused.
"Why, I lasted at least an hour and a half talking with my dear friend Hadrid in there," The older man smiled, "you're quite good at spacing out if I might say." teased.
Wolfram clearly looked confused. Did it actually take him all this time just to think about that? It felt just like a few minutes. He blinked twice as he saw as Horace mouth moved but didn't catch the words. "I'm sorry, what was that?" he blushed when Horace cocked an eyebrow. "So... What did you two talked about? Did he say anything interesting?"
"Oh I got yelled at," the advisor said with a big smile on his face, "And he literally told me that if I wasn't on my way to Isilia in the next two hours he was going to not only ban me from the castle but he was going to melt every last of my coin collection. He's so nice to me don't you think?"
"Well then I'll let you take your leave. I don't want you banned for staying you here." Wolfram joked.
Horace agreed and decided to take his leave as soon as possible. Wolfram looked sadly at the advisors back as he left. He was only trying to look tough but he knew that Horace was far from being happy. Yes the visit was going to distract him and maybe he would enjoy it, but knowing that his best friend was dying was still hard to accept. He turned and walked the few steps that kept him from entering the king's chambers. He reached for the L shaped knob and gently opened the doors and peak to see Hadrid sitting on his bed taking something what Wolfram concluded was his medicine but what exactly what, he didn't want to know.
Hadrid looked up as he felt someone staring at him and smiled when he saw bright emerald eyes. "Wolf," the king said with a tired voice. "Come in." Wolfram complied and entered the room, slowly closing the door behind him.
The blonde walked to sit on the chair next to Hadrid's bed. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he took a glass on the nightstand, poured some water in it and gave it to Hadrid. Hadrid gave him a low 'thank you' and drank it as if it was the first time in awhile. He gave a nervous laugh at the questioning look on Wolfram's face.
"Don't worry I'm feeling much better. It's just I can't seem to stop feeling thirsty. Maybe it's because of the medicine I'm taking."
Wolfram nodded.
"I heard you accepted my gift to your son." Hadrid commented.
"I was really thinking about it and I concluded that, who am I to refuse the king's offer?" Wolfram said. "But still, a house just for the two of us?" he scratched his cheek with his index finger. "I'm just glad I'm able to understand all those weird machines that wash everything by themselves and learned how to use that s-stove," he narrowed his eyes when Hadrid started to chuckle. "What is it?"
"I just remembered. That a few years ago when you arrived you thought that a microwave was an evil device that melted things and now... you're fully capable of learning to using anything you want if you feel like it."
The blonde blushed, "Yeah well, I actually didn't have much to do. Especially before Asiel was born, I had to do something. So I ended up learning how those devices worked."
Nothing more was said after that. Wolfram started to tap his finger in his lap but nothing was said, so he decided to start first. "One of the maids said that you wanted to talk to me. That it was important."
Hadrid closed his took a deep breath. He opened the slowly and looked at Wolfram in a serious way. "I had a dream." Wolfram monitored him to continue with his head. "But it was no ordinary one... I saw her. She spoke to me."
"Her?" the blonde asked as he moved his chair closer to bed.
"Era..."
"Era? You mean the goddess from this world?" Hadrid nodded. "What did she say? What does it have to do with me?"
"She said that... time's running out. In my case that is," he sighed at the sad expression on Wolfram's face. "We all knew it would eventually happen."
"But it's still hard, Hadrid." Wolfram snapped.
"Yes... well. That wasn't the only thing she said. She also mentioned you, something like 'The time of truth will be revealed as the flow of water starts its endless cycle' as least that's what I was able to understand."
"I have no idea what that means." Wolfram admitted bluntly.
"Neither do I. But you must keep your guard just in case."
"Yeah... you never know." The blonde answered as he rubbed his chin with his thumb trying to understand the words that the goddess had meant.
:-.-:
"And I'm especially gonna miss you my little Licorice!!" Rina said as she gave a tight hug to the half-asleep Asiel. The latter just blinked and couldn't help but yawn loudly. Rina squeal at the cuteness. The now seventeen-year old stood up to look at her 'younger looking' friend.
"Oh, Zael!" she added as she glompled the black haired girl. "I wish you could come as well, but I don't think that embittered old fart would allow it! I'm so glad he stayed in his study being a workaholic and didn't come to say goodbye." Rina complained.
"Watch your mouth young lady," Horace reprimanded. "He has the same rank as I do and he'll be the one watching over his majesty's political business while he's sick and I'm away."
Rina shut her eyes, fisted her hands and pouted in a very childish way, "But!" she whined. "Sir Arhlor is so scary!"
"Oh, c'mon Rina he's not that bad," Zael said as she waved her hand slightly. "I mean Alastor's quite a party pooper but he's nice in his own special way."
"And you." Horace continued, "Your highness should refer to your elders in a more respectful way!" he sigh his defeat when he noticed Zael wasn't paying attention to him.
"Oh, Wolfram I just couldn't forget about you now!" Rina hugged Wolfram and received a 'Hey! How come I'm the only getting glompled here?!' by Zael. Wolfram returned the embrace. "Take care of her okay?" she whispered in his ear and let go of him.
"Okay..."
"Well then," Horace said as gave bowed in respect. "We should take our leave now. Our time or should I say my time's up and I don't want to get banned," he joked. "Come dear it's time to go." He walked towards the truck house and opened the door for her to enter.
"Alright... well then," she looked at one last time to her friends. "I'll see you in four months, there's a chance I get back alone. You know how grandfather is when it's about history," she laughed, "take care." she turned around, thanked Horace for opening the door for her and went it.
Horace closed the door and smiled before getting inside the front. He waved a 'goodbye', start the engine and left. Wolfram watched as the truck house left the castle. He looked to his side and saw how Zael kept her gaze on the place where her friend and her advisor had just left.
"Daddy?" Wolfram looked down at his baby boy. "Is Zael okay?"
"Yeah, don't worry about it sweetie." Wolfram looked over his shoulder and monitored with his hand for a maid to come. A young girl with long silver hair came and bowed. "Deliah," Wolfram said as he turned around. "Please take Asiel to the gardens near the fountain, I'll be there in a moment." The maid nodded and took Asiel's hand and led him to the gardens. The latter let himself be dragged not really sure what was going on, but if he was going near the fountain (his daddy's favorite place in the castle for some reason) it meant he was going to spend the rest of the day with him so he had no complaints.
There was silence between the two. Wolfram placed his hand in the girl's shoulder and said softly. "No one's here, you can let it all out."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Zael said indifferently.
"You can't fool me, Zael. I happen to be an expert in that area." Wolfram felt a sting in his heart when Zael started trembling, clearly trying to contain her tears, "Come here..." he pulled her against him and hugged her tightly. The black haired girl didn't oppose the embrace. She pressed her cheek against Wolfram's chest, gave up her act and let herself cry.
"It's just that," She started. "I'm just not ready for him to go, you know? He's like a father to me. I never knew my real family so he's all I have," she sniffed, "and there's Tak and Raine that left almost half a year ago to study in another country. Horace and Rina just left and won't return until who knows when and to add to the list," She said, "You and Asiel are also leaving," she tried wiping her eyes with the back of her hand but new tears appeared. "I got so used to being with you guys that I'm not sure I'll be able to stand being alone."
Wolfram just quietly listened to her as he gently rubbed her back. She kept crying for the next couple of minutes before Zael calmed down. She took a deep breath a pushed herself slowly from the embrace.
"Well, it wasn't that hard now was it?" Wolfram teased.
Zael scrunched her mouth. "Yes it was, now shut it."
"Come on." The blonde said as he took her hand to pull her. He rolled his eyes when Zael looked at him confused. "In case you forgot I have a little boy waiting in the gardens so get moving."
"Oh," she shook her head . "I'll be there. I just need to do something first. Don't worry it won't take long."
"Okay, we'll be waiting for you." Wolfram let go of her hand and started walking towards the gardens. Without turning around and as he kept walking Zael heard him say. "I give you ten minutes, no more."
Zael smiled and nodded, though she knew Wolfram couldn't see her but she still did it. She slid her hand through her hair and pause in the middle of it. She felt the black strands with her fingers before letting go and started walking towards the castle.
:-.-:
"You're here!" Asiel said happily as he got up from the grass and run towards his father. Deliah, who was sitting next to him a moment ago smiled as she got herself up.
"Look what Deliah did for me!" Asiel had an origami figure on each hand, a boat and a frog. "The frog jumps, wanna see?" he didn't wait for an answer as he turned and placed his frog on a small table with three chairs that the young maid placed for them. Asiel got up in a chair for better access, he push the end of the frog and the small paper figure 'jumped' making the small boy cheer. "Isn't it great??"
"It is," Wolfram said truthfully. Who would have thought such a simple thing could be so interesting?
"Thank you for watching over him, Deliah. You can go now." He said still watching his son play.
"If there's anything you need don't hesitate in calling me, Sir Wolfram. Now if you'll excuse me." The maid said and waited for Wolfram to nod before leaving.
As they waited for the third person to arrive, Wolfram asked Asiel to teach him how to make the frog one. He wanted one just for himself so he could make it jump until he got sick of it (Not that he could admit it out loud). He messed up the first try but manage to make his own after the second try. He was making his new origami jump when he thought that Zael was taking too long.
"Zael!" Asiel said.
Speak of the Devil.
"What happened to your hair?" Asiel asked as he titled his head looking curiously at her. "You look like a boy."
As Wolfram got up from where he was sitting he turned to see a total different person that he had just saw a couple of minutes ago (or to be more precise someone he hadn't seen in a long time?). Zael had cut all her hair that used to reach her elbows to the point that now was as short as Wolfram's. Her nice casual attire was replaced for a hoodie and street pants.
"You cut your hair." Wolfram said as a matter-of-factly.
"Yeah." Zael responded in an obvious tone.
"And you're cross dressing, again." He commented.
"Glad you noticed."
Wolfram stayed silent before talking again. "You just have the weirdest ways of expressing yourself."
Zael shrugged and made an 'I-don't-care' sound. "I just feel better when I'm like this. I played doll too long." She said as she took her seat on the only chair that wasn't occupied. "So, what were you two doing while I wasn't here?"
"Deliah taught me how to fold pretty figurines with paper and I just did the same with Daddy. See?" Asiel said as he showed her his greatest creations.
"Wow! That's so cool!" Zael said with a big grin. Wolfram felt calmer that at least that weird sudden character change was able to make the raven girl feel better. "Have you tried to make the boat float in the fountain yet?" she asked the equally raven haired one.
"Oh, no I haven't." Asiel's eyes got all big and sparkly. "I'm going to try it right now!" he took his paper boat as he got off his chair and ran towards the fountain.
"Ah, I remember when I was his age. I also used to get excited over just everything." Zael said as she sighed. "I feel so old now."
"You tell me, I'm double your age." Wolfram shrugged.
"Ew..."
"Hey! What's with that??" the blonde said quiet offended.
Asiel looked in fascination as his boat floated in the fountain. Ignoring 'let's bug Wolfram' scene in the background. All he cared about in that moment was watching closely how his toy moved in the small waves the water created as it fell from the sides. He was so engrossed that he almost failed to notice that boat was sailing far away from his reach. So he did what it was natural in every five year-old.
He reached for it.
And fell.
The splash sound was very clear to the two people at the table and the both turned quickly and saw that there was no Asiel sitting by the fountain, just a small poodle were the water had fall when it was sent flying.
Both Wolfram and Zael knocked their chair as the got up and yelled. "Asiel!"
Asiel was in a sitting position inside the fountain, rubbing his eyes trying to get rid of the extra water that he got in them. Wolfram let go of the breath he didn't know he was holding. That had scared him a lot.
"I'll get him." Zael said as she strode to the fountain. Wolfram placed his hand on the table for balance as he took deep breaths to calm his quick heartbeats, his eyes staring at the transparent object. He really didn't remember the last time he had felt that way.
"C'mon," Zael said as she reached her hand to Asiel to take. "Up we go."
"I can't." Asiel whined.
Please don't be difficult, Zael sighed and put her hands under the water to pick him up. She pulled to lift him she felt a tight tug. Her eyes widened. "What?" she whispered as she tried again to pull and got nothing. What the hell? Her hands were stuck. As Zael tried for the third time something she wasn't expecting at all happened.
Her whole right arm was pulled.
Whatever that pulled her made her lose her balance, making her fall right next to Asiel. "Wolfram!" she yelled, fear clear in her voice.
Wolfram looked up and saw how Zael was struggling to get up and Asiel too scared to do anything. He ran towards them.
He felt he was going in slow motion. The faster he wanted to go the slower everything moved. As he ran, for some reason or another everything came clear to him.
As the flow of water
No...
He watched as Zael kept trying to get up, water dripping from her hair and clothes.
Starts its endless cycle
No...
Swirls started forming in the fountain's water.
Please no... not now.
Wolfram reached and grabbed Asiel by the waist and Zael by her free arm but before he could do anything thing else he felt the familiar energy that surrounded him every time he went between worlds and then.
Darkness.
<< Chapter 3
xposted at kkm_wolframfans