KKM: Gunter (Gwendal, Cacile, Stuffel)
Title: Gifts from the Warfront (v3.0.2)
Fandom: Kyou Kara Maou
Characters: Gunter, Gwendal, Cacile (Maou), Stuffel
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gunter tries to stop a battle in peacekeeping efforts
Wordcount: 2042
Prompt from: promptdujour
Beta by: kawaii-gaara ♥
Disclaimer: I don't own KKM or their characters.
Notes: This is the 3rd complete rewrite on this. I wanted to do more with Stuffel, but it didn't end up happening that way. I guess I'll have to revisit that idea another time.
Prologue - Sadness and Despair
It was one of the saddest and darkest days in Shin Makoku when Susanna Julia von Wincott had become victim to the war. The narrow victory of Luttenburg didn't cast any more light over the country either and the Maou was overwhelmed with despair. There was so much permanent loss and even her middle son had been sent away. At least he would be away from the terror that was continually happening in this place. It was true she had allowed her brother to act in her place, but it didn't change the fact the responsibility was completely hers. She didn't like seeing anyone sad and was constantly displeased with how many people were affected by this war.
Gwendal was consumed in his own duties, but he wasn't oblivious to what she was thinking. Many thought similar, but few thought about Stuffel's happiness as she did. He knew this war wasn't good for their country, but with the humans completely against them, there wasn't much else they could do. He desperately tried to choose tactics that would harm the least amount of soldiers and civilians alike.
With Cacile's refusal to reclaim her power, Gwendal needed to handle matters in his own right. He had tremendously helpful reconnaissance teams and there was one man left in the castle that had not been completely active in the war - aside from consistently trying to sway Stuffel's ideas away from such bloodshed. Well, technically there was another, but he was still too young to fight so needlessly, despite the constant nagging about wanting to go into battle. The untapped resource - what he hoped would be an emissary of peace - Gwendal had no choice but to figure out some form of compromise for him to present.
Long nights he spent debating with himself compromises that would not allow the mazoku to seem weak, or to continue to be perceived as tyrants. As each day passed, Gwendal had grown more and more unsuccessful. The only advances he seemed to have developed was that he had the Maou's full support to put an end to the bloodshed - even if it was merely a stalemate. He didn't like the idea of a stalemate or compromise, but some things are often more important than pride. Reluctantly, he drafted a proposal that he could only hope the humans would accept. It was mostly beneficial to the Mazoku, but it wasn't without human gain. Settling on this, he presented it to the Maou, receiving her signature with the heaviest of expressions. Under that heavy veil of sadness, there was a slight glimmer of hope.
What the 26th Maou neglected to tell people, was that her reign was coming to a close and once there was a sign of temporary silence, she would, without remorse, relinquish her position.
Part 1 - Gunter's Assignment
How many times had he been summoned to Gwendal's office only to have it end with disagreement and yelling? Too many, as far as Gunter was concerned. But as this was by her majesty's request, he had no grounds to object. What concerned him was the fact that he was summoned with the explicit direction of not informing Stuffel of the meeting. The regent was always quick to assume the worst and was excessively paranoid (which likely came from his self-absorbed nature). This would only serve to feed that paranoia. Regardless of Stuffel's reactions, the trim man headed into the office.
Having the Maou and her eldest waiting patiently and impatiently, respectively, was enough to stir some worry. Both wore similar expressions of disdain, but where one looked more worried, the other looked perturbed. Taking a seat across from them and folding his hands on the table, he braced himself for what was to be asked of him.
War was something Gunter watched from the sidelines with a heavy heart. Most of his students had already been sent into battle, many to never return. Although he was employed by the military for training soldiers to properly utilize the sword and the occasional student in maryoku, he was still a civilian. So many times he had wished it was him that was sent instead of his students. What he didn't expect was this level of anxiety he felt when he was charged with entering a battlefield. He hid it well and kept his composure, focusing his mind on the future of Shin Makoku should this be successful to mask his fears. Whether or not this was right wasn't up for discussion, as it was something decided by the Maou, and her word was nearly as absolute as Shinou's.
The task he was assigned was simple in theory. Meet with a representative from the human side and offer the treaty. He wasn't quite pleased with the added words from Gwendal of, "Use any means to get them to agree," but he could only pray that it would not resort to such means.
There was a border town, not terribly far from the capital where troops of both sides were beginning to prepare for battle. Enough distraction was provided to enable Gunter to leave without detection, but everything still unsettled him. His eyes couldn't hide his worry-filled insomnia, but he otherwise was more presentable and distinguished than anyone else that would touch that soil in the next few days. His uniform had no markings of a soldier's accomplishments, yet he sat upon his horse high and proud like any general would.
Part 2 - Pre-battle Emotions
The soldier's camp was a heterogeneous mixture of heavy and light atmosphere, depending on where he walked and whom he spoke with. There were soldiers betting on the outcome, some playing simple games with stones, and many having an enjoyable time in each others' company. Despite their excitement, he could tell most were trying to forget the next morning. Stopping by many of the campfires the soldiers had gathered around, he allowed himself to share the warmth of the flame and their company while engaging himself in their stories. He was surprised how many were his former pupils and shared stories of his own about the days he spent teaching them. He was proud of all they had accomplished, despite the little bit of embarrassment he gave them.
As the night progressed, the laughter lessened and the expressions of concern increased. He roamed the camp, tossing the occasional log on burning embers. There was a low fog from all the fires that seemed to enhance the heaviness that had been previously ignored by most of the soldiers. The fireside discussions were no longer of fun events or lovers left at home, but many concerns of whether or not they would even live to see those loved ones.
While it hadn't really crossed Gunter's mind, not a single soul questioned his presence at the camp. It had always been clear that he wasn't part of the military and was a close adviser to the Maou. His mission was relatively covert, which given that no one inquired, he was easily able to protect the nature of the mission. He worried that if someone were to approach him, that he would not be able to protect the secret.
The fire's haze lingered over the campsite with small glints of orange to light the path. Most of the men were sleeping or writing letters that may never reach their destination, which enabled him to reach the far end of camp unnoticed. Mounting his horse, he silently rode into the darkness towards what most would believe to be a future blood-soaked battlefield.
Part 3 - Treaty in the Fog
Dawn was still several hours away, and Gunter knew that everything needed to be settled before the sun made itself visible over the horizon. The field he slowly rode onto was already singed in preparation of the destruction that would occur upon it. Such a waste of prosperous land.
Dense fog looming around him, he waited. He was able to contain his anxiety, but he still felt ill prepared to handle something so important. The future of everyone was riding on his shoulders, and it was a pressure he hoped he would never have to feel again. Should he fail, he not only had to deal with watching a horrifying battle before him, but he would likely be given a similar judgment as Geigen Huber. Success was the only option.
After a several hour wait, he was able to make out a few shapes in the distance. The fog was still heavy, but he could sense the humans approaching him. He had been adamant about heading forward without guards or other soldiers to accompany him, but the other side hadn't been as noble. Gunter could only assume that their small numbers for this meeting was protection. He wasn't worried about damage from the humans, but in such a tense atmosphere, he couldn't quite blame them either.
Three figures. The man in the center emerged through the fog first, flanked by an archer and a spear man. They stopped just out of reach, but close enough to converse. None of the four men descended from their steeds. Gunter kept his eyes fixed on the human at the center and his peripheral vision was good enough to pick up any movements of the other two. He could feel the other three all watching his moves carefully and had no doubt that they would attack him if they suspected him to act unjustly.
Gunter's exterior was terrifyingly calm. He held the reigns with one hand while the other held a neatly folded set of documents. Inhaling deeply, but smoothly, he reached out his hand for the humans to take. He couldn't imagine how long those next few minutes were going to feel, but as they read over the Maou's proposal, it felt like time had stopped. Surely he would laugh at himself later, as time for mazoku was slow and seemingly insignificant, but right now, he would have given nearly anything for it to move accordingly. The overwhelming silence was not accommodating either. The air was heavy and still, not even the leaves in the distance were rustling. All that could be heard was the breath of the horses, the leather gloves around the other men's weapons and the shifting of parchment in the human's hands. He'd have prayed to Shinou if it wouldn't have been a distraction.
The man in the center continually looked up at Gunter as he read, shooting him glares that he assumed were disapproving and supposedly intimidating. It would have taken minimal effort for him to eliminate these three with barely a sound, but today he was an emissary of peace. He was not to disobey her orders. Even in self defense, he was to restrain himself.
He remained still as there was actual movement and discussion from the humans. The spear man watched Gunter intently while the archer and human representative spoke in whispers. Gunter never moved his eyes away from the man in the center, and carefully watched his hands as they moved into a satchel. He desperately tried to contain his emotions as he watched the man forge his signature on the papers.
The humans gave him one set of documents while retaining the other for their proof of treaty. They gave their regards to the mazoku's queen before turning and disappearing back into the fog. A heavy sigh exited Gunter, as he let out all the tension that had built up within him. Safely placing the document inside his uniform, he turned to return to camp.
Epilogue - Unexpected Gifts
Not too far from the field on the way back to the campsite, Gunter encountered several men - likely scouts. He smiled, soft and honest as he informed them of a battle that would not occur. Although the proud mazoku had to assist in compromise with the enemy, he left the battle field and camp with great satisfaction and a different type of pride. He would be returning to the capital with several gifts. To the Maou and Shin Makoku , temporary end to the devastation and to many mazoku families, a platoon of loved ones returning without a single battle wound. It was a rare event, but then again, no one expects gifts from the war front.
Fandom: Kyou Kara Maou
Characters: Gunter, Gwendal, Cacile (Maou), Stuffel
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Gunter tries to stop a battle in peacekeeping efforts
Wordcount: 2042
Prompt from: promptdujour
Beta by: kawaii-gaara ♥
Disclaimer: I don't own KKM or their characters.
Notes: This is the 3rd complete rewrite on this. I wanted to do more with Stuffel, but it didn't end up happening that way. I guess I'll have to revisit that idea another time.
Prologue - Sadness and Despair
It was one of the saddest and darkest days in Shin Makoku when Susanna Julia von Wincott had become victim to the war. The narrow victory of Luttenburg didn't cast any more light over the country either and the Maou was overwhelmed with despair. There was so much permanent loss and even her middle son had been sent away. At least he would be away from the terror that was continually happening in this place. It was true she had allowed her brother to act in her place, but it didn't change the fact the responsibility was completely hers. She didn't like seeing anyone sad and was constantly displeased with how many people were affected by this war.
Gwendal was consumed in his own duties, but he wasn't oblivious to what she was thinking. Many thought similar, but few thought about Stuffel's happiness as she did. He knew this war wasn't good for their country, but with the humans completely against them, there wasn't much else they could do. He desperately tried to choose tactics that would harm the least amount of soldiers and civilians alike.
With Cacile's refusal to reclaim her power, Gwendal needed to handle matters in his own right. He had tremendously helpful reconnaissance teams and there was one man left in the castle that had not been completely active in the war - aside from consistently trying to sway Stuffel's ideas away from such bloodshed. Well, technically there was another, but he was still too young to fight so needlessly, despite the constant nagging about wanting to go into battle. The untapped resource - what he hoped would be an emissary of peace - Gwendal had no choice but to figure out some form of compromise for him to present.
Long nights he spent debating with himself compromises that would not allow the mazoku to seem weak, or to continue to be perceived as tyrants. As each day passed, Gwendal had grown more and more unsuccessful. The only advances he seemed to have developed was that he had the Maou's full support to put an end to the bloodshed - even if it was merely a stalemate. He didn't like the idea of a stalemate or compromise, but some things are often more important than pride. Reluctantly, he drafted a proposal that he could only hope the humans would accept. It was mostly beneficial to the Mazoku, but it wasn't without human gain. Settling on this, he presented it to the Maou, receiving her signature with the heaviest of expressions. Under that heavy veil of sadness, there was a slight glimmer of hope.
What the 26th Maou neglected to tell people, was that her reign was coming to a close and once there was a sign of temporary silence, she would, without remorse, relinquish her position.
Part 1 - Gunter's Assignment
How many times had he been summoned to Gwendal's office only to have it end with disagreement and yelling? Too many, as far as Gunter was concerned. But as this was by her majesty's request, he had no grounds to object. What concerned him was the fact that he was summoned with the explicit direction of not informing Stuffel of the meeting. The regent was always quick to assume the worst and was excessively paranoid (which likely came from his self-absorbed nature). This would only serve to feed that paranoia. Regardless of Stuffel's reactions, the trim man headed into the office.
Having the Maou and her eldest waiting patiently and impatiently, respectively, was enough to stir some worry. Both wore similar expressions of disdain, but where one looked more worried, the other looked perturbed. Taking a seat across from them and folding his hands on the table, he braced himself for what was to be asked of him.
War was something Gunter watched from the sidelines with a heavy heart. Most of his students had already been sent into battle, many to never return. Although he was employed by the military for training soldiers to properly utilize the sword and the occasional student in maryoku, he was still a civilian. So many times he had wished it was him that was sent instead of his students. What he didn't expect was this level of anxiety he felt when he was charged with entering a battlefield. He hid it well and kept his composure, focusing his mind on the future of Shin Makoku should this be successful to mask his fears. Whether or not this was right wasn't up for discussion, as it was something decided by the Maou, and her word was nearly as absolute as Shinou's.
The task he was assigned was simple in theory. Meet with a representative from the human side and offer the treaty. He wasn't quite pleased with the added words from Gwendal of, "Use any means to get them to agree," but he could only pray that it would not resort to such means.
There was a border town, not terribly far from the capital where troops of both sides were beginning to prepare for battle. Enough distraction was provided to enable Gunter to leave without detection, but everything still unsettled him. His eyes couldn't hide his worry-filled insomnia, but he otherwise was more presentable and distinguished than anyone else that would touch that soil in the next few days. His uniform had no markings of a soldier's accomplishments, yet he sat upon his horse high and proud like any general would.
Part 2 - Pre-battle Emotions
The soldier's camp was a heterogeneous mixture of heavy and light atmosphere, depending on where he walked and whom he spoke with. There were soldiers betting on the outcome, some playing simple games with stones, and many having an enjoyable time in each others' company. Despite their excitement, he could tell most were trying to forget the next morning. Stopping by many of the campfires the soldiers had gathered around, he allowed himself to share the warmth of the flame and their company while engaging himself in their stories. He was surprised how many were his former pupils and shared stories of his own about the days he spent teaching them. He was proud of all they had accomplished, despite the little bit of embarrassment he gave them.
As the night progressed, the laughter lessened and the expressions of concern increased. He roamed the camp, tossing the occasional log on burning embers. There was a low fog from all the fires that seemed to enhance the heaviness that had been previously ignored by most of the soldiers. The fireside discussions were no longer of fun events or lovers left at home, but many concerns of whether or not they would even live to see those loved ones.
While it hadn't really crossed Gunter's mind, not a single soul questioned his presence at the camp. It had always been clear that he wasn't part of the military and was a close adviser to the Maou. His mission was relatively covert, which given that no one inquired, he was easily able to protect the nature of the mission. He worried that if someone were to approach him, that he would not be able to protect the secret.
The fire's haze lingered over the campsite with small glints of orange to light the path. Most of the men were sleeping or writing letters that may never reach their destination, which enabled him to reach the far end of camp unnoticed. Mounting his horse, he silently rode into the darkness towards what most would believe to be a future blood-soaked battlefield.
Part 3 - Treaty in the Fog
Dawn was still several hours away, and Gunter knew that everything needed to be settled before the sun made itself visible over the horizon. The field he slowly rode onto was already singed in preparation of the destruction that would occur upon it. Such a waste of prosperous land.
Dense fog looming around him, he waited. He was able to contain his anxiety, but he still felt ill prepared to handle something so important. The future of everyone was riding on his shoulders, and it was a pressure he hoped he would never have to feel again. Should he fail, he not only had to deal with watching a horrifying battle before him, but he would likely be given a similar judgment as Geigen Huber. Success was the only option.
After a several hour wait, he was able to make out a few shapes in the distance. The fog was still heavy, but he could sense the humans approaching him. He had been adamant about heading forward without guards or other soldiers to accompany him, but the other side hadn't been as noble. Gunter could only assume that their small numbers for this meeting was protection. He wasn't worried about damage from the humans, but in such a tense atmosphere, he couldn't quite blame them either.
Three figures. The man in the center emerged through the fog first, flanked by an archer and a spear man. They stopped just out of reach, but close enough to converse. None of the four men descended from their steeds. Gunter kept his eyes fixed on the human at the center and his peripheral vision was good enough to pick up any movements of the other two. He could feel the other three all watching his moves carefully and had no doubt that they would attack him if they suspected him to act unjustly.
Gunter's exterior was terrifyingly calm. He held the reigns with one hand while the other held a neatly folded set of documents. Inhaling deeply, but smoothly, he reached out his hand for the humans to take. He couldn't imagine how long those next few minutes were going to feel, but as they read over the Maou's proposal, it felt like time had stopped. Surely he would laugh at himself later, as time for mazoku was slow and seemingly insignificant, but right now, he would have given nearly anything for it to move accordingly. The overwhelming silence was not accommodating either. The air was heavy and still, not even the leaves in the distance were rustling. All that could be heard was the breath of the horses, the leather gloves around the other men's weapons and the shifting of parchment in the human's hands. He'd have prayed to Shinou if it wouldn't have been a distraction.
The man in the center continually looked up at Gunter as he read, shooting him glares that he assumed were disapproving and supposedly intimidating. It would have taken minimal effort for him to eliminate these three with barely a sound, but today he was an emissary of peace. He was not to disobey her orders. Even in self defense, he was to restrain himself.
He remained still as there was actual movement and discussion from the humans. The spear man watched Gunter intently while the archer and human representative spoke in whispers. Gunter never moved his eyes away from the man in the center, and carefully watched his hands as they moved into a satchel. He desperately tried to contain his emotions as he watched the man forge his signature on the papers.
The humans gave him one set of documents while retaining the other for their proof of treaty. They gave their regards to the mazoku's queen before turning and disappearing back into the fog. A heavy sigh exited Gunter, as he let out all the tension that had built up within him. Safely placing the document inside his uniform, he turned to return to camp.
Epilogue - Unexpected Gifts
Not too far from the field on the way back to the campsite, Gunter encountered several men - likely scouts. He smiled, soft and honest as he informed them of a battle that would not occur. Although the proud mazoku had to assist in compromise with the enemy, he left the battle field and camp with great satisfaction and a different type of pride. He would be returning to the capital with several gifts. To the Maou and Shin Makoku , temporary end to the devastation and to many mazoku families, a platoon of loved ones returning without a single battle wound. It was a rare event, but then again, no one expects gifts from the war front.