Disclaimer: nothing in this wonderful series belongs to me of course

Disclaimer: nothing in this wonderful series belongs to me of course.

Author's notes: we are finally here! The final chapter! Thanks to all of you who have stuck with me and my far from perfect writing for so long! Initially I only meant it to be a short fic of several chapters, but always such kind of fic always manage to grow out on me… and I'm so glad to announce that this is the first ever fanfic that I manage to finish! I would not have accomplished this feat without all of your support. Hope you all have enjoyed this journey as much as I did!

(I think I have to apologize for the totally un-inspired title for this chapter . but I really couldn't think of anything fitting. Maybe u can try to suggest some for me? )

Now, please enjoy and REVIEW! ; )

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Chapter 10 (Part 2) The End

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The audience roared as Conrad yet again deflated a potentially disabling slash from Wolfram. They then cheered as Wolfram went onto deliver the next blow with the speed of lightening and the agility of a hawk.

The excitement of the audience was so rampant that the every air inside the podium seemed saturated with the crowds' emotion. Their blood was practically boiling with exhilaration.

Unsurprisingly, the almost tangible overflowing emotion of the crowds did not reach Yuuri at all. Yuuri was in his own little of world of anxiety ever since the start of the duel, when the brother crossed swords.

Yuuri was barely touching his seat, as his body kept trying to bolt up from his seat. His body was screaming at him to stop this duel. Yet his promise to Cecilia stopped him from doing so.

Yuuri was staring so hard and his hands were wriggling vigorously on his lap. He scarcely dared to blink, afraid that he would miss the finishing blow – which could just about be any of the strike, considering the high level of swordsmanship both the men below had obtained and considering the ferocity of the battle raging down on the field.

His heart would skip a beat every time their swords collided and created a clunk that carried clearly over the deafening roar of the crowd. His eyes would threaten to squeeze close, afraid to see blood, every time the swords' advance just missed their target by mere inches.

Yuuri was so very anxious for the two of them, but at the same time also deeply awed by the deadly dance.

Yuuri really had to give Wolfram credit for his performance so far. Although no one really talked about it, and Wolfram never really had a chance to impress Yuuri, he really was good at fighting with sword. From his serious demeanor, Yuuri could tell that Wolfram was really giving all he had. Every step, no matter advancing or retreating, was perfectly executed to optimize his position to offence or defence. Wolfram's built was slight, but it did give him the advantage of agility and speed. Even though the strength behind his blow might not be that heavy, Wolfram's quick succession of attacks did manage to force Conrad into an offensive position.

Conrad, on the other hand, seemed less aggressive in his action. But perhaps it was just because he was the more seasoned warrior of the two, with little wasted movement and effort. He seemed on the defensive side, but he would every now and then duel Wolfram a deadly blow, forcing Wolfram to jump back to recompose himself. Yuuri knew without doubt that stamina-wise, Conrad definitely was superior to Wolfram, and it would only be a matter of time before Conrad's patience would reward him with the opportunity to win the battle.

If Yuuri could figure out such a point, Wolfram no doubt could too. He'd had to change his tactics real soon to prevent sure defeat.

Just as Yuuri wondered about this, Wolfram charged at Conrad head on with a loud cry. Their swords were locked in a contest of strength as the wielders tried hard to unbalance the other.

Wolfram's and Conrad's eyes also locked onto each other at that moment. Wolfram spoke something to Conrad, which Yuuri couldn't hear over the distance.

With a hard swing, Conrad untangled their swords and jumped back to create distance between them.

Yuuri felt something definitely changed in Conrad's demeanor. His eyes hardened and his grip on his sword tightened.

Conrad charged at Wolfram with strength and directness unseen before during this battle.

Yuuri's gasp was lost in the collective gasp of the crowd.

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"Fight me for real, brother. Or else how can my heart be eased to give Yuuri up? I had to know that he will be in good hands. "

Wolfram's emerald gaze and Conrad's brown gaze collided.

At that instant, Conrad knew what Wolfram meant was not only his ability to physically protect Yuuri, but also his ability to guard Yuuri's heart.

Conrad also knew that Wolfram had already forgiven them and was trying to give them his blessing in his own indirect way.

This realization hit Conrad hard – the gravity of the situation was not lost to Conrad. Wolfram's acceptance meant the world to Conrad. It must have broken his heart to accept Conrad and Yuuri's relationship, yet Wolfram was still willing to sacrifice himself for them.

Conrad really had to give all he had in order not to disappoint Wolfram and Yuuri.

With a renewed battle cry, Conrad charged forward, with all his skills and speed as a swordsman, and behind the firm grip on his sword, his wholehearted devotion to Yuuri.

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With a quick and violent slash, Wolfram's sword was wrenched clean out of his hand.

All the audience's breath was held frozen at that moment, their gaze stuck to the sword flying through the air, and followed it until it rattled off the ground several meters away from the dueling men.

It was the end.

The cheers and roars of the audience that followed were nearly deafening. Many of them were jumping up and down in excitement.

Yuuri watched as Wolfram picked up his fallen sword. He turned to Conrad and said something, which Yuuri simply had no way of eavesdropping over the roaring crowd. He watched transfixed as Wolfram then turned and walked away from Conrad – and walked towards Yuuri.

As Wolfram made his way across the field to where Yuuri was standing, the crowd gradually tuned down their shouts and excited chattering.

When Wolfram stood right in front of Yuuri, the podium was once again in absolute silence.

Yuuri looked into Wolfram's emerald eyes, and saw the warring emotion there.

"Wolfram… I…… "

"Stop whimpering for a moment, you wimp!" Wolfram whispered so that this intimate insult wouldn't be carried over the whole crowd.

"But… I'm sorry. I - "

"There's no need to apologize." Wolfram said, tears welling up in his eyes, and raised his hand.

Yuuri closed his eyes in reflex. He knew Wolfram must have been so hurt. It was the least that Yuuri could do to let him beat him to relieve his anger…

Yuuri felt the caressing touch of Wolfram's hand on the back of his head, gently pushing him forward. Then he felt the soft touch of Wolfram's lips on his left cheek.

"Goodbye, Yuuri."

Yuuri snapped his eyes open, and stared at the rapidly retreating back of his ex-fiancée in shock.

The crowd was in uproar once again.

In all the chaos that followed, Conrad was the first one to find Yuuri as always, and escorted him away from the prying eyes of the people.

"It means 'Goodbye' to kiss your lover's left cheek in front of a crowd. " Conrad said to a still bewildered Yuuri.

"Goodbye? Where's Wolfram going? Is he so mad with me that he doesn't want to stay here anymore?"

"No. It means… farewell to your lover. It means the relationship ends, although in a good note. "

"It means that he has granted us his forgiveness." Yuuri finally understood.

Yuuri looked up at Conrad, who was still a bit winded from the vigorous battle. His mind strayed a bit to wonder how on earth it was possible for Conrad to still look so handsome with sweat all over his body and his hair unruly from the battle. Then his straying mind was reined back as their gaze met.

Conrad engulfed Yuuri into his embrace and held him tight. They were both overcome with relief and happiness – as they could never have been truly happy without Wolfram's forgiveness and blessing.

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After the duel between Conrad and Wolfram, Yozak's urge to meet Yuuri alone increased steadily.

Right after the duel, the end of the engagement between Yuuri and Wolfram had been officially announced. However, no official word had been given regarding Conrad and Yuuri's relationship. No one really asked them about it. However, the whole castle… or even the whole city sort of knew. On outward appearance, Yuuri and Conrad's relationship remained the same as before. But the atmosphere around them had definitely changed, and the small gestures, the exchange of glances, and the tone they spoke to each other… all of those betrayed the true nature of their relationship to those who knew them well.

When they looked or spoke to each other, it was as if the world didn't exist beyond each other, and that no one could really intrude into the warm and fuzzy atmosphere surrounding them.

That's why Yozak thought if something was to be done about this situation, sooner would be better than later.

The opportunity finally presented itself about two weeks from the duel.

It was nearly midnight when Yozak was finally back to the castle. He was so tired after a lengthy report from contacts from other countries.

Yozak was dying for a long hot bath and then looking forward to giving up his consciousness to his comfortable bed all night. On his way to the bath, he met someone whom he had meant to see for a long time, which disrupted his originally plan.

"Your Majesty, how come you're wandering the corridor by yourself at such an ungodly hour in the night? "

Yozak smirked to himself at the slight jump of the teenager on hearing his voice. His silent approach was a total surprise to him, who was so lost in his own thought.

Yozak had absolutely no doubt on who was occupying the young king's mind.

"Yozak! You scared me! I… I just couldn't sleep. I just want to have a stroll to have some fresh air…"

Yuuri's face was really such an open book sometimes. He was so obviously lying, and was embarrassed to be caught wandering out at night… no doubt waiting for someone.

"There's no need to be so secretive, your Majesty, " Yozak gave Yuuri a teasing wink, "after Sir Weller winning the duel against his brother, all of us know what's going on between the two of you. There's no need to be so shy about your… relationship. "

The predictable blush on Yuuri's face was really so damn cute…. Yozak really could understand why Conrad had fallen so hard for this kid.

"I… I'm just…"

"It's ok, your Majesty." Yozak gave Yuuri several causal pads on the shoulder. Yuuri's whole body buckled a bit under the force. Yozak kept his hand on Yuuri's shoulder and started guiding him along the corridor.

"However, as your guard, I must not allow you to wander at the corridor at night alone. Please let me escort you back to your room while you wait for Conrad there. "

"But I want to – well, ok. Sorry for giving you trouble… " Yuuri must have tried to sound neutral, but the defeat in his voice was still clearly evident.

They walked in silence during their journey back to Yuuri's room.

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After the conversation Yozak had had with Conrad on the first night that Yozak was back, he had meant to speak with Yuuri. As Conrad's long time comrade and friend, Yozak felt obliged to make sure that his friend would not be hurt again this time.

But talking to Yuuri alone had proven to be a challenging task, as the king was always surrounded by various people, not to mention that after his conversation with Conrad, Conrad seemed to have taken extra care to not to let Yozak have chance to approach Yuuri.

So while waiting for his opportunity that Yozak was sure who present itself sooner or later, Yozak talked to other people who knew about the incident.

In the end, he got the most valuable information from Gisela.

Yozak had always felt a special connection with Gisela, despite there being little opportunity for interaction between them. Yozak felt it must be because the two of them were the witness to the evolution of the relationship between Conrad and Julia, and the witness to its tragic end.

Gisela had told Yozak what had transpired during the assault on Conrad and Yuuri, and how Yuuri nearly sacrificed himself in order to save Conrad.

It left Yozak with no doubt on the depth of Yuuri's feeling for Conrad.

There was no doubt that Yuuri liked Conrad dearly, clearly willing to die for him. However, what Yuuri felt for Conrad… was that really love? Or was it just admiration, transient infuriation, or was it just the love for a brother?

Yoazk knew it was not in Yuuri's nature to hurt other people's feeling, least of all Conrad's. However, Yuuri was still way too young.

Was he really sure of his feeling towards Conrad? What if one day he suddenly realize what he felt for Conrad was not that for a lover, but that just for a friend or brother?

That would destroy Conrad, for he had let go of all his restrains, and he had already fallen too deep.

So Yozak had to make sure, even if in the process his doubt might hurt the kid.

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"Yozak, I think we just walked pass my door." Yuuri's puzzled voice brought Yozak out of his thought.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was so lost in thought. "

Yozak opened the door for Yuuri. Yuuri entered the room and turned to bid Yozak goodnight. He stopped upon seeing the unnaturally serious expression on Yozak's face.

"Your Majesty, are you sure about your feeling for Conrad?"

Yuuri tilted his head and looked at Yozak quizzically.

Yozak stepped into the room and close the door behind him.

"Are you sure that you are not just infuriated, " Yozak stepped towards Yuuri, who stood frozen on the ground and stared at Yozak wide eyed-ly, "Are you sure that you are not just attracted to him because of his stunningly good looks?"

"Yozak, I- of course I - "

"Are you sure that you love him as much as he loves you? If you don't, if you're not absolutely sure, then please do not let this continue. Conrad's heart is already scarred as it is. If he opens up his heart once more but gets hurt in return, he would not recover this time. He had already fallen so hard for you, not only willing to defend your life with his own, he was even willing to hurt his most precious little brother for you. "

Yozak was practically staring down at Yuuri now.

"You're so young, and probably never been in love before. Are you sure about your feelings for Conrad?"

Yuuri stared at the ground, his hands held in fist and his whole body start quivering. For a moment Yozak thought he was going to cry. However, when Yuuri looked up again, what shone through the expressive big eyes was fire of determination.

"Of course I am sure. I have never been surer of anything else in my life. Back there in the forest when I thought I was going to lose him – it scared me to death. It made me realize how important Conrad is to me. If anything should have happened to him, I would not be able to stand it because…" Yuuri bit his lips and blushes stole up his face for the things that he was going to say, "because I love him so much. "

"I had promised someone else… and I had promised myself that no matter what, from now on I would fight for Conrad's and my own happiness. I would fight against any obstacles standing in our way. So even if you do not approve, you cannot stop us. "

Yozak really had to admit he was a bit taken aback by the young king's transformation. Was it really that same clumsy young kid who thought it was just an accident or some joke that he stumbled into an alien new world?

"I understand your worries … I don't know how I can prove to you my feeling for Conrad is true. But time will tell… time will prove it for us."

"Ok. I guess we'll just wait and see then? "

"I guess so."

"Your Majesty, please excuse my rudeness." Yozak gave Yuuri a deep bow. "But you understand why I had to do what I did, right?"

Yuuri nodded, his expression relaxed.

"I'm sorry for intruding into your resting time. I've got to go before Conrad came back… Conrad would absolutely kill me if he knew what I've done. "

"Don't worry, this will stay a secret between the two of us."

"I'm so glad you think so too, my dear king." Yozak gave Yuuri another deep bow before bidding him goodnight and leaving the room.

Yozak was more than satisfied about the outcome of his secret meeting with Yuuri. Yozak would continue to keep an eye out for the new couple, but his faith for their relationship was then even more consolidated.

Maybe this time Conrad really had found happiness.

Yozak was confident that years from now, he would laugh at his own silly doubt on Yuuri's feeling.

Yes, time will tell.

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It was a fine autumn afternoon. Weather couldn't be any better in Yuuri's opinion – the temperature was just right, with comfortable warm sunlight and a cool refreshing breeze bringing them the scent of the forest about them. Yuuri was so glad that Conrad had asked him out on a little stroll on the horse. Yuuri leaned backward and settled himself comfortably against the broad and firm chest of his protector and lover. Conrad's arm around his waist tightened its hold. His other hand slowed the pace of the horse by pulling gently on the rein, finally bringing it to a stop.

After helping Yuuri down the horse, Conrad unloaded his horse and let it roam about a bit for some fresh grass.

They then strolled at a leisured pace, their hands entwined with each other's, until they reached their destination – a small lake in the middle of the forest.

Yuuri had to suppress his urge to laugh at what Conrad did next. With an absent-minded expression, Conrad unfolded a big cloth and laid it out on the ground. He then proceeded to take out the food and drinks that he had prepared and place them neatly on the cloth. Surveying his work one last time, finding it to his satisfaction, Conrad beckoned Yuuri to sit down with him on the cloth.

Yuuri really thought the whole idea that Conrad, the strongest warrior in Shin Mazoku, so happily setting out a picnic for him, was a bit hilarious.

However, Yuuri knew in actual fact Conrad was a very gentle hearted person. This side of him was his true nature… fighting and taking other people's lives really was not something Conrad wanted to do, but rather something he was forced to do.

Yuuri was glad that this side of Conrad could be maintained regardless of the things that he had been through. In order to create a world in which Conrad could keep to his true nature, Yuuri would strive to be a good king.

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….

Yuuri lay his head down on Conrad's thigh and gave a contented sign.

Everything was so perfect – Yuuri wish they could stay like this forever.

"It's so comfortable here… can we come again tomorrow? And the day after?"

"Yuuri, " Conrad said in a mock condemning tone, "You know we can't. Your duty as the king demands some serious catch up work. I shouldn't have brought you out in secret in the first place… "

The mischievous light shining from the depth of Conrad's eyes told Yuuri otherwise – Conrad was so glad that he had asked Yuuri out too.

Yuuri tried his best to give his lost-puppy-eyes and pout. "But the weather is too fine to stay inside… my baseball skills are really becoming rusty with so little practice recently. Can't we go out again tomorrow afternoon… say have a nice short baseball practice? Please? "

"If I agree, then what will I get in return? "

This new side of Conrad was really intriguing to Yuuri.

Yuuri had known all along that Conrad was prone to deliver wry humour at unexpected moment. Now that they were together, this humorous and mischievous side was appearing more and more often. Without doubt, Conrad was slowly but surely opening up to him, and this was what Yuuri treasured most about their new found relationship.

Conrad's previous restrain and wall was gradually lowered down for Yuuri, and for Yuuri alone. Yuuri was glad that he could bring about this change – perhaps it would relieve Conrad slowly of the long time stress of being a half-blooded, and the self imposed need of sacrificing all his happiness for the well-being of his family and country.

Yuuri was out of his musing as he felt the change in the intensity of Conrad's gaze. Besides mischief, there was something more behind those chocolate brown eyes, something which made Yuuri feel a bit shy and embarrassed.

"Well, what do you want?"

"Um…." Conrad's hand stroke Yuuri's hair lightly as he pretended to think hard about it.

"Maybe a kiss? Or a kiss followed by something more - "

"Hey! I never knew you were such a pervert!" Yuuri sat up indignantly. He knew he must have been blushing so badly.

Yuuri gave a little surprised yep as Conrad drew Yuuri back onto his lap. Yuuri's upper torso fell securely against Conrad's broad chest. He was practically sitting on Conrad's lap now.

Yuuri tried to squirm out of the now "dangerous" man's lap, but Conrad's secure embrace prevented Yuuri from moving away. He snaked his arm around Yuuri's waist, his hand making small soothing caress at his lower back. His other hand gently pushed Yuuri's head against his shoulder.

Yuuri felt his heart beat was accelerating like mad as he was held so close to his lover's warm body.

Yuuri had to try hard to make himself snap out of it – staying in Conrad's embrace was so comfortable that he could have dozed off right there. Yuuri pushed at Conrad's chest firmly so that he could lean back and look up at the face of his lover.

Conrad was smirking slightly, clearly enjoying himself immensely.

Conrad leant forward again, making Yuuri's heart skipped fiercely in his chest.

"You're not protesting against my suggestion – I take it as a 'yes' then?" Conrad whispered to Yuuri's ear, his voice deep and sensual, sending shivers down Yuuri's spine.

"No! I didn't say anything! " Yuuri squirmed more vigorously on Conrad's lap, anxious to get out of the now devious man's lap. He felt that his heart may explode if he stayed there any longer, out of nervous anticipation of what may happen next. "Let me go!"

"If you don't say yes… then I guess I will have to convince you…!" Conrad's expression turned serious for a moment. He leant forward and got so close to Yuuri . . .

Then he started to tickle Yuuri.

"Hey!" Yuuri was laughing so hard that he could barely utter one complete word. "St- stoppp! It's – so … so unfair!"

Yuuri could not untangle himself out of Conrad's iron grip, and he was laughing so hard that he could hardly breathe. Tears of laughter were rolling down his cheek. He frantically hit Conrad's chest to try to stop him to no avail.

Then in the middle of his struggle, Yuuri slapped Conrad hard.

Both of them stopped moving.

Yuuri panted heavily for a moment as his body tried in vain to get back precious oxygen into its system. He looked up at Conrad and felt sorry instantly as he saw the now reddening cheek.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you – not that you don't deserve it!" Yuuri lightly touch Conrad's reddened cheek. "Does it hurt much? I'm sorry…"

Conrad just caught Yuuri's small hand with his own and pressed it against his cheek gently.

"It's ok, Yuuri."

Conrad moved Yuuri's hand to his lips and kissed the back of his hand.

"In fact… I'm so glad about this." A mischievous gleam was shining through Conrad's eyes. "I'm so happy that you proposed to me."

Yuuri felt faint – how on earth can he make the same mistake twice?

"No – it was an accident. I didn't mean to, no, I mean it's not that I don't want to. But I really didn't mean to - "

Conrad cut off Yuuri's embarrassed babbling with his own month – he sealed Yuuri's soft lips with his own.

The moment that Conrad's lips touched his own, all those hectic thoughts fled from Yuuri's mind.

It felt so right.

Conrad's lips were firm, warm and gentle. His calloused hand tenderly cupped Yuuri's face as he deepened the kiss. Yuuri moaned softly and wound his arms around Conrad's neck. He opened his month in silent invitation, which Conrad took without hesitation. His tongue slipped into Yuuri's mouth and their tougue entwined with each other.

After a long moment, they finally broke up for the need of fresh air.

They looked into each other's eyes, and found the same emotion mirroring there.

"I love you." They whispered to each other at the same time.

The three little words were not only expression of their love for each other, but also exchange of a solemn vow to stay strong together and face whatever adversity life might have in store for them.

They fell onto the ground, securely wrapped in each other's embrace, feeling content and safe. They stayed that way for a long time, until the sun began to set and the surrounding scenery was alight with the beautiful golden flame of the retiring sun.

They then gathered their stuff and prepared to hand back to the castle before it turned all dark.

Conrad took Yuuri hand in his own and lead him to find his horse, and to the way home.

Yuuri looked back to the beautiful scenery one last time, a bit regretful that they had to leave this little haven so soon. However, such feeling vanished the moment his gaze met the loving smile of Conrad.

In fact, Yuuri decided he didn't really mind much where they would be going or staying, as long as he was with Conrad.

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AN: well, that's it! This is the end! I really hope I haven't screwed up the ending! Please please please tell me what you think!

Thanks a million for reading and reviewing!

Farewell to all my dear readers.