Yuuri's Travels: Arrival Gate: 1 - Fishpond
Title: Yuuri's Travels: Strange Occurrences and Interesting Phenomenons
Warnings: Language, sexual innuendos later. First fanfic so mediocrity may abound.
Characters/couples: Yuuri/Wolfram
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: I don't own Maruma. If I did, Conrad would have been happily married to a nice girl.
Summary: Series of snapshots.
The power for traveling was all from Yuuri but it was Murata who directed their voyage. What happens when the navigator isn't there? With inadequate directions involving sappy sayings (oh yeah 'Home is where the heart is' - really good instructions there Murata!), how can Yuuri mess up?
Prologue: Arriving is such sweet sorrow
Arrival Gate: 1 - Fishpond
There was the time when Yuuri appeared in one of the greenhouse fishponds while Wolfram and Greta were having a picnic.
Greta's eyes went wide. Wolfram turned around and was awarded with the sight of Yuuri rising from the pond, tripping over the decorative stones then trying to catch the resident fish that was none too happy to suddenly find a too large companion in its home.
Cries of "Yuuri! You're home!" and "What do you think you're doing, wimp!?" were simultaneously issued from Yuuri's two-person audience as he fell painfully on the pebbly ground.
Thankfully, Wolfram and Greta were not just members of a useless peanut gallery there to heckle him. Both were already off the blanket with Wolfram joining Yuuri in playing catch-me-if-you-can with the fish while Greta vacillated between helping them and hugging Yuuri. She settled for hugging Yuuri with one arm and batting the fish with the other. It took a couple minutes of giggling and scrambling and Greta yelling "Wisc!" and bumping into each other and falling down and more giggling before the blue fish was finally back home. It swam indignantly under an outcrop swishing its long tail at them with extreme attitude.
"Hey Wolf! That fish has the same bratty moves as you," grinned Yuuri several moments later. Greta giggled. Wolfram indignantly crossed his arms and tossed his head with extreme attitude.
"Hmph. I don't know why you're trying to kill Gunter's fish. If you must land in the greenhouse, use the fountain over there. There would be less casualties and less damage." Said the rumpled and dirtied Mazoku who reminded Yuuri of the very pretty flashy blue fish.
"I wasn't trying to land here, you know. I was aiming for the fountain in the front courtyard. I didn't know I was going to end up swimming with Mr. Fish..."
"Wisc!" corrected Greta.
"...with Mr. Whisk the Pretty Blue Fish," finished Yuuri.
"Not that I mind, and your family should be the first one you see, but Yuuri, not only are your sword fighting and horse riding skills lacking, but your navigation skills as well. The courtyard is clear across the opposite way!"
"Hey, it's not as if I was given directions like turn left at the big bubble and make a right at the swirly water and I don't get to pull out a giant map of the multi-universe while traversing dimensions."
"From what I've seen, the sage always arrives at his intended destination. I know you're not in the same league intellectually, but you're the Maou."
Yuuri decided to ignore that remark especially since he knew very well he was not in the same league as prestigious-private-high-school-student-and-boy-genius-Muraken. "... Greta, you're going to smell like pond water if you hug me like that."
"Don't worry about her dress, it'll wash off. Your arrivals have been very erratic the last few times," said Wolfram thoughtfully. "I won't be angry though, I know the time difference is not an easy thing to control." He paused then added, "We're really happy to see you." And he gave Yuuri that soft smile that was reserved only for Yuuri. It ended too soon as Wolfram shifted his gaze back to the pond.
Yuuri sighed in contentment. He was happy to be home. With Greta hugging him. Wolfram not in angry-mode. Watching a fish with scales a shade darker than Wolfram's uniform. A long beautiful swishy graceful tail. The fish had by this time gotten over its irritation and swam around freely.
"Is it named Whisk because it swishes its tail just so," he asked half rhetorically. "Whisk, whisk, whisk. At least it's better than Wimp, right fish?"
"Wisc is the nickname," answered Greta, "It's a reverse ast...ack...ark..."
"...acronym", supplied Wolfram smiling at her.
"It's a reverse acronym that stands for it's name. We reversed it because C-S-I-W is hard to pronounce," Greta informed Yuuri proudly.
"C-S-I...W as in Washington? Crime Scene Investigation: Washington?"
The two just looked at him as if he popped an extra head. Yuuri grabbed the back of his neck sheepishly. Nope, no extra heads there.
"Just an American TV show... Well, there's no CSI Washington. Just CSI, CSI Miami and CSI New York. But I don't think they've made a CSI Washington... I mean if they did, would they use the state or the city?"
"Yuuri, you should leave Earth nonsense on Earth," Wolfram said flatly.
"Just because it comes from Earth does not necessarily mean it's nonsense. Earth sense has served me well, has served this kingdom well and continues to do so..."
"I did not say leave Earth sense there. I said leave Earth nonsense there. If you cannot tell the difference, which (since you are a wimp) you probably can't, then I, your well-chosen fiancé, will tell you."
"Well, that's very kind of you, Wolfram. What would I ever do without you."
"It's only one of the many duties as your fiancé. I'm happy to hear you finally admit how much you need me." Wolfram smirked.
"So C-S-I-W..." Yuuri prompted Greta. He'd like to get away from the subject of the duties of a fiancé, especially a fiancé who takes Yuuri's sarcastic put-downs, strips them off their sarcasm and takes them as compliments.
"It stands for Conrart Swims in Water!"
Yuuri chuckled. So Gunter's pet fish is not an aquatic clone of the third son of the ex-Maou but the aquatic clone of the flower named after the second son of the ex-Maou.
"Why would Gunter get a fish that looks like Wolfram and name it after Conrad's flower?" Yuuri queried no one in particular. Though after it was out, he wished he could pluck the question back out of the air, stuff it in his pocket and throw it in the first garbage receptacle he saw. He doubted Wolfram liked being compared to a fish, no matter how pretty the fish was. He waited for a punch, a headlock or... wait Wolfram was talking calmly. He should probably just listen.
"Gunter didn't buy the fish or name it. We talked about this two months ago remember?" When nothing came out of Yuuri's mouth despite it opening and shutting numerous times, Yuuri doing a very good impression of the fish that Wolfram was compared to a second ago, Wolfram continued. "You wanted to honor Gunter with a gift for helping with Greta's studies when you and I are both away. This is the present we got him."
"You got him a fish?!!" Yuuri was a bit incredulous. Sure, he had forgotten about the little thank you gift for Gunter, but he thought Wolfram would at least give him something a little bit more... well, meaningful. Their daughter was a big responsibility to be handing off just to anyone.
Wolfram was slightly hurt by that outburst but didn't say anything opting to reach his hand to the pond and make ripples in the water, watching the patterns they made as the blue fish swam underneath.
"Yuuri, we actually got him three fish," said Greta in a happy voice. "Want to see the other ones?"
Yuuri nodded in response to Greta's question but looked at Wolfram instead. Greta took his hand and started leading him towards another corner of the enormous greenhouse. Wolfram followed them.
"Wolfram and I picked them out. They're very symbolic," she said matter-of-factly. "It took us a while because the solid ones are rare. Even Gwendal had to help because we had to keep Gunter from the messenger pigeons."
"What do messenger pigeons have to do with pet fishes?" Yuuri had to ask.
"Well, because we had to keep them a secret from Gunter." Of course, thought Yuuri. He should not have bothered asking. It was plain to see that the connection between pigeons and fishes is keeping secrets from Gunter.
"Anyway," Greta continued, ignoring Yuuri's internal diatribe, "we went to about twenty markets. Well, I only got to go to twenty markets. Wolfram went to many more, Greta only got to go with him half the time but it was fun because we always stopped and looked at other shops too.
“Then we had to write hundreds of letters to merchants all over the kingdom. There were so many of them, it took Conrart several days just to get a list of all the pet vendors in Shin Makoku.
“Then Wolfram painted pieces of papers to give each merchant a sample of the color green we wanted. I helped roll them in with the letters and I helped send them out. We spent a week at the rookery because we were only allowed to use a fifth of the castle's pigeons at a time. So we had to send them out in shifts. Yozak taught Greta all about the messenger pigeons and the rookery, how the pigeons find their way, what they eat, how to take care of them, where you can hide them while you're spying. It was so much fun.
“And Wolfram ended up doing a painting of Gisela because when we were trying to get the right color of green, Gunter came in the room and wondered what Wolfram and I were doing rotating Gisela about by the window surrounded by a bunch of green paint. The painting came out really nice and Wolfram gave it to Gunter.
“So, after that, Anissina took Gunter away for the rest of the week and she built a whole bunch of new inventions for him to help with. That way we could keep the messenger pigeons secret and he didn't look for me to take lessons. The inventions were pretty cool, I wish I could have seen them all. There was the Freshen-Your-Underwear-While-You're-Wearing-It-kun, the Love-Conquers-All-kun, the Find-A-Funny-Walk-kun and the Bonetti-Defends-Capa-Ferro-Attacks-kun -- I'm not sure what that one did. But The Love-Conquers-All-kun blew up one of the rooms and Gwendal wasn't too happy about that."
They arrived at the little pond similar to the one they just left. In it was the same fish but with the exact color of the healer's hair and eyes.
"Wow, it really is the color of Gisela!" exclaimed Yuuri.
"Yes, isn't it pretty?"
"Very."
"It took a while to get all the letters back from the merchants. This color was the hardest to find." Greta continued on with the story as she and Yuuri sat on their haunches watching the fish and Wolfram stopped a step behind watching his odd little family. "When we got all the positive responses together -- we counted ten of them -- then we mapped them out. They were all over the territories. Wolfram was going to fetch the fish but I wanted to come too so Lady Celi took us on a trip to find free love through Shin Makoku territories."
"You went on a trip to find free love?" Yuuri narrowed accusing eyes at Wolfram. He didn't notice that he had stood up or that he had balled his hands into fists. Wolfram rolled his eyes.
"Gunter wanted to come when he learned Greta and I were going on a trip around the territories. He was told the reason for the trip was for Greta to learn about her adopted country. You do remember Gunter's position is that of an advisor and tutor, right? Since you weren't around to advise, he felt it was his job to keep tabs on your beloved fiancé and tutor your cute daughter."
"He also said he didn't want bad people to take Wolfram."
"He insisted on coming especially since neither Conrart nor Gwendal volunteered to chaperon us. But when Mother said she was actually taking me on a trip to search for free love, he backed off quickly."
"Gunter was very happy about it and even told Wolfram 'good luck' and 'do your best' and 'your love is out there, find it, take it with both hands and never let go'. Then his nose bled."
Wolfram snickered and Greta giggled at the memory of the overdramatic advisor imagining Yuuri free from the bonds of Wolfram's engagement. Yuuri laughed too after a bit.
"So what's this one's name?" Yuuri asked.
"It's Wart." answered Greta.
"Wart??!! Who in their..."
Wolfram interjected before Yuuri could finish. "Before you insert your foot in your mouth and insult people through your appalling ignorance, let me go ahead and stop you. Mother named Wart. It seems to be an inside joke between her and Gisela. I personally don't have knowledge of the humor but Gunter loved the name and he seems to know its source. It's neither your place nor mine to judge the name."
Yuuri looked at Wolfram critically and realized, "You insulted the name didn't you? Did Lady Celi scold you?" He hit right on the head. Then imitating Wolfram, Yuuri added, "Honestly, I don't know how you survived the first eighty odd years of your life without me, your beloved king, by your side."
"Are you mocking me?"
"So did you find out what the joke was?" Yuuri asked Greta.
"-wimp..." Wolfram muttered under his breath.
"Wolfram tried finding out from Gunter and Gisela but they didn't say," answered Greta pouting a little.
Wolfram sighed and added, "...even Greta came up with nothing and she has cuteness on her side."
"Lady Celi only laughed when I asked her. Gwendal and Conrad have never ever heard of anything about a 'Wart' and Anissina is still working on Spill-All-Your-Secrets-kun."
"Well, Yuuri, this may be where your talents can be useful."
"My talents? What? How?" Yuuri asked suspiciously.
"Gunter has a big soft spot for you..."
Greta's eyes were big and shiny at the thought of finally finding out what the mysterious secret was about. It was the kind of big and shiny that could not be denied. It only took one look at Greta's face for Yuuri to relent. Not that he wasn't curious anyway. So he scrunched his brow into what he thought was a thoughtful, analytical frown, stroke his chin and said, "Hmmm... this sounds like a job for the Shibuya Investigations Team. Never fear the Maou is here!"
"Yay!!!" Greta clapped her hands. Then she jumped into Yuuri's arms and he spun her for a turn and a half almost falling down and stumbling. Wolfram was so much better at that than he was.
"Do you want to see the third fish?" Greta asked happily.
"Oh yes, what color is that one?"
"Black."
"Ahh... why black?"
"Come on," Greta beckoned. "I'll tell you on the way."
"Ok, let's go." Yuuri grabbed Greta's hand and tossed a glance backwards to make sure Wolfram was following.
"As you know, we got three fish of different colors."
"Yes, a blue one, a green one and a black one."
"They stand for three different people."
"Let me guess, the blue one is for Conrad, the green one is for Gisela and the black one is for me."
"Right. You're pretty smart Yuuri."
"Hear that, Wolf. That's straight out of your daughter's mouth."
More eye-rolling from Wolfram.
"Oh yeah? Answer me this, why should Gunter receive a present that would signify Conrad, Gisela and you?"
"Hmmm... because we're his favorite people in the whole wide world?"
"I give you points for trying and for not being completely off the mark." Yuuri beamed at Wolfram's answer and Wolfram ignored him. "Personal presents coming from the Maou must have a meaning showing the Maou's recognition of that person. The most elegant way is to pick a present that shows a representation of that person's 'being' using colors to symbolize the person's kingdom, family and self."
"So the black fish is to represent me, the king of Shin Makoku and green for Gisela his daughter to represent his family."
"Right."
"I don't understand the blue one then."
"Of course, you don't."
"..."
"..."
"Are you really happy to see me?"
"Of course, I am."
"..."
"(Smirk) The last fish is to represent Gunter's 'self'," Wolfram said finally after relishing a couple more seconds of silent taunting.
"I figured that part out. But unless Conrad is Gunter's alter ego, I don't know how he can be the representation of Gunter."
"I am not sure what you mean by alter ego... but Gunter's career is teaching as a military instructor, an advisor, and a tutor. This would be Gunter's passion, a representation of his 'self'. Conrart is Gunter's best and, probably, favorite student."
"Ahhh, I see now... but I thought I'm Gunter's favorite."
"Not as a student, you're not."
"I'm amazed at all the thinking that had to go into this one present. I can't imagine having to do that for all the gifts I give out. I mean I didn't have to do any of that when we sent presents to Mr. Baldy and Lady Flynn and whoever else we sent presents to."
"Just because you didn't doesn't mean that no one did. Do you think Gunter would be sloppy enough to send just any trinket when it bore the Maou's name?"
"I guess not."
"Gunter double-checks and triple-checks all gifts for appropriateness."
"Did he do that for this present?"
"Of course not!!! What are you stupid?" Wolfram stamped past Yuuri in a huff.
They arrived at the last pond where an elegant black fish swam around swishing its long tail. Yuuri was not surprised to see his ever-present bodyguard waiting for them.
"Welcome back, Your Majesty."
"Yuuri, Conrad."
"Welcome back, Yuuri."
"Glad to be back."
"Are you here to see Gunter's present?"
"Yes, we just saw the blue one and the green one. I even got to swim with the blue fish for a little bit," Yuuri laughed awkwardly.
"Oh?" Conrad made it sound like he knew exactly how Yuuri ended up swimming with the fish.
"Not on purpose." Yuuri sat on his haunches with his hand on his chin to watch the midnight fish flitter around with no care in the world. Greta copied him.
"There's Wisc and Wart...dare I ask the name of this fish?"
Greta's vain attempt to suppress a giggle and Wolfram's stubborn silence confirmed his worst suspicion. He can feel Conrad giving his trademark smile behind him. It was the bodyguard that answered.
"Well, Your Maj... Yuuri, it's rather long. Let me see if I can remember it correctly. The name is 'The Royal Black Fish, that is a symbol of His Majesty's regard, the 27th Maou of Shin Makoku Shibuya Yuuri Harajuku Fuuri, whose grace and wisdom knows no rival, who vanquished Soushou and freed the great, powerful, wise and courageous founder Shinou, and who, let it not be left unsaid, united humans and Mazoku and led them to a new golden age of peace and prosperity, to his devoted yet humble servant, Gunter von Christ, for his dedication and love'."
"...a bit long and convoluted, don't you think?"
"We don't call it that, Yuuri, it's got a nickname," Greta said, happy to supply the information. Wolfram snickered.
"I highly doubt Gunter calls it by that!" Yuuri growled at Wolfram.
"You're quite right, Your Majesty. Gunter calls it 'Darling'," Conrad informed him.
"Eeeep..." Yuuri stood up quickly distancing himself from the black fish as if it will distance him from the images that came with that information. He pointed his finger at Wolfram's chest and said, "I guess I should be thankful you don't call me that."
Wolfram cheeks reddened and suddenly felt the need to brush all the forgotten dirt on his and Greta's clothes.
"Well, Your Majesty..."
"Yuuri, Conrad."
"...Yuuri, we should head back to the castle. Gwendal wants to see you as soon as possible."
"Ok... though it was nice to spend a few minutes here and play with the fish. Thank you very much Greta, you've done a wonderful job. It sounded like one big adventure... I wish I could have done it all with you. Though no more trips searching for free love. Not until you're older. Actually, not even then... I didn't know one gift can take so much thought and work. Practically everyone in the castle got involved, huh?” Yuuri paused, collected himself and said “...sorry, Wolf, about earlier. I didn't mean..."
"Sometimes I don't know which you doubt, my abilities or my devotion." Wolfram mumbled in a low voice.
"Neither!!!" Yuuri was surprised by the vehemence in his own voice but somehow deep down in the recesses of his subconscious, where it will stay for all eternity if baseball-loving, straight and complete opposite of gay Shibuya Yuuri Harajuku Fuuri had anything to say about it, he had a feeling that the day he started doubting Wolfram would be the day he started sliding on the slippery slope of self-doubt; he'd be lost without Wolfram. Wow, this greenhouse is really enormous, Yuuri thought.
"Well, I guess we should get going Conrad. It feels like it's going to be a very long day."
"See you later, Wimp."
"I'm not a wimp."
"I wasn't talking to you."
"Oh. Sorry."
"Bye Wimp. I'll come back and bring you a snack later," Greta called out to the fish.
"I don't know if I'll get used to that," Yuuri said sourly.
"Would 'Darling' be better?" Conrad chuckled suggestively.
"No thanks!!!" Yuuri exclaimed.
As they approached the door to the greenhouse, Yuuri turned to see if Wolfram and Greta were following and was surprised to see them sitting down at the picnic blanket.
"Aren't you two coming?"
"No," answered Wolfram. "We'll finish our picnic and clean up over here. You'll need to bathe and change anyway and then Gwendal will debrief you. That'll take a while. My presence won't be needed but I'll be there later."
Yuuri nodded. And as they left, Yuuri asked Conrad why the three fish weren't in one pond. "They look lonely by themselves."
"They're solitary creatures, they'd fight and kill each other if they are kept in the same pond. That's why pet merchants never carry more than three or four, they don't have the space for all those tanks. And its why it was so difficult to find those three."
Then they heard Yuuri utter a long 'ooohhh'.
"Wimp." Wolfram muttered under his breath. And smiled.
Next: Arrival Gate: 2 - Blood Pledge Castle Courtyard