Guten Tag! ElisiansBane with a collaborative story co-written by the lovely dreamerswalking!

This story was originally published as Last Breath under dreamerswalking. Due to unforeseen circumstances, DW passed on the continuation of this story to me. I was a fan of the story, so when it was announced that it would be discontinued, I jumped at the chance, because the storyline was so unique that I didn't want it to go to waste. I take no ownership of the original concept and the contents of chapter one as it is all DW's writing. The only thing I did was edit so that our writing styles matched for flow. I have made a solemn vow to finish this story in her honor to the best of my ability. The updates will be slow, but this story will continue!

Disclaimer: I do not own KKM.

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Last Breath Chapter One - Betrayal

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Yuuri's summer break had come and gone, with him spending ninety-nine percent of his time in Shin Makoku. Wolfram of course had shadowed him everywhere he went, claiming that he couldn't trust his 'cheating fiancé'. During that break he had gotten closer to Wolfram than ever before, and that had in turn sparked something within him. He had spent nearly the entire semester trying to figure out what that 'something' meant, and now he was sure he knew.

His last trip to Shin Makoku a few weeks ago had been… unusual. He had gone there immediately after he had finished with play rehearsal at school, barely escaping both his mother and his brother's attention. The school had decided on an all male cast for Cinderella. Despite much protesting on his part, he had been given the part of the lead heroine; Cinderella. Having pictures of himself as a toddler in a dress was bad enough, but now the entire school had the opportunity to mock him.

When Yuuri had left Earth he had been looking forward to a bit of what, for him, constituted normalcy. A nice weekend filled with paper work, playing with his daughter, some baseball and sword fights with his fiancé. Things had started out well. He had come up through the small fountain to find Wolfram, Conrad, Gunter and Ulrike waiting for him. After removing the various vegetation from his clothes, he had looked up and smiled.

Confused, he had watched their faces change from pleasant to shocked. Wolfram in particular seemed upset, instead of hugging and verbally attacking him the blond had stiffened and walked away. Yuuri had turned to the others who were still looking at him in varying degrees of astonishment. Realizing that no one seemed inclined to enlighten him, he began to towel off deciding to ask Wolfram for an explanation later. Yuuri never got the chance. The blond had ignored and avoided him, even going as far as to sleep in his own bedroom before leaving on a weeklong hunting trip. Yuuri frowned in remembrance. His face set in determination; he resolved to get an answer from Wolfram this time before he left.

It had been a tough few weeks back on Earth. Exam week had arrived and Yuuri had spent a majority of his time studying so that he could ace his winter finals. The moments he had that weren't full of textbooks and note cards had been filled with four things; eating, sleeping, the school play and thoughts about Wolfram.

The school play was thankfully in its final stages. Tonight would be the final performance, after which he would head to Shin Makoku for his winter break. His exams had gone well and the teasing about the play hadn't been as bad as he thought it would be.

Most of the students seemed to be in a state of shock that he looked nice in a dress. In fact, with a wig on, his delicate features made it impossible to tell that he wasn't merely a flat-chested girl. His mother and brother were having the time of their lives, taking pictures and fussing with his makeup.

Looking in the dressing room mirror he frowned at his appearance. 'Boys shouldn't look girly. But then again, Wolfram does look cute in his night dress.' Blushing furiously, he powdered his face. He had to get a grip. Now wasn't the time to be mooning over his fiancé. He needed to focus on the play. He could worry about his confession to Wolfram later.

At the end of the night, Yuuri found himself alone in the dressing room. The final performance had gone off without a hitch, and as he drank a cool glass of water he smiled at a job well done. Ordinarily clumsy, he had somehow managed to parade around on stage in heels without tripping once. That in and of itself deserved to be congratulated.

After the performance he had stayed afterwards; at first to greet the audience members, and then later to clean up the dressing room. Everyone else had left as soon as they could for the after parties, leaving their costumes and props scattered across the room. As he cleaned he couldn't help but admire the irony; Cinderella cleaning up after everyone else.

In a way he was a real life Cinderella story. Bullied by his classmates, he was sent to a place filled with glamour and excitement. He even got engaged to a prince! All that was left was to have his happily ever after, something that he had been putting off for far too long. Not anymore though. He was going to finish his story. He was going to confess his love to Wolfram and hopefully begin plans for their wedding. In five months he would be graduating and then he could stay in Shin Makoku on a more permanent basis. Excited at the idea of seeing his love, Yuuri finished putting away the last costume and began work on his own.

He carefully removed his wig and placed it on the mannequin's head so that it wouldn't get tangled. High heels were gladly removed and nylons were happily tossed into the garbage. The dress however presented a problem. Reaching behind him he fumbled with the zipper, never managing to get a good grip on the small tab. After a few minutes of useless contortions he resigned himself to his fate. He was going to have to walk home wearing the dress. Sighing he began to pack up the rest of his things. He would just have his mother return the dress to the school tomorrow. The crew would be there dismantling the set so there shouldn't be a problem.

Pulling on his jacket he grabbed his bag and left the school. Outside, Yuuri shivered and began a brisk walk. Snow crunched under his tennis shoes as he plodded onward. He had never really liked the cold and now he was stuck out in it wearing a dress. His legs were freezing. How did girls stand wearing them all the time? He shivered again as the wind blew straight through the flimsy material of the wedding gown. Lace, chiffon and satin weren't the warmest materials. This brief excursion into the cold had certainly made up his mind about one thing. Greta was going to get a full set of winter clothes. No dresses for her! Not unless it was for his engagement party. His face flooded with heat as he blushed.

A few minutes later he was walking inside his house. His bag for the trip was already packed. All he had to do was get out of this dress and he'd be good to go. However as he climbed the stairs to his room, a slight hitch emerged in his well-thought out plans. It was with mild horror that he watched his brother Shouri emerge from his room, camera in hand. Changing direction, he fled into the bathroom and into the pre-run bath. Immediately he found himself whirling in an endless expanse of water just before emerging in the royal baths of his palace.

Struggling under the weight of his gown he climbed out of the bath. He then began the tedious task of removing the excess water from his clothes. Gently squeezing and wringing it until it no longer felt like an anchor on his body. Grabbing a towel he dried what he could and prepared himself for his confession.

Still dripping he made his way through the moonlit halls. His footsteps muffled slightly by the thin carpet. As he walked he could feel the tenseness of the last few weeks draining away. This was where he belonged. Sure he loved his family back home, but this was where he could be himself. Here people needed and depended on him. Here was a place filled with adventure. Here was…love.

Another blush lit up his face. Fighting it back down, he continued down the hall towards his room. Wolfram's mostly unused room was just up ahead. A few meters farther was the king's chambers, the ones that he and Wolfram (and Greta on occasion) shared. As he walked his fingertips skimmed the stone walls causing a tingle to go through his hand. Suddenly he detected voices coming from the hallway just ahead. Pausing he stood still as the figures came closer.

"—so beautiful. You drive me crazy." A deep masculine voice said. The owner of said voice stepped into the moonlight cast from the arched window. It was one of his soldiers. He couldn't quite place the name but knew he had seen him before. Tall with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes, he was a handsome enough man.

"Do I?" A softer voice answered. "I think you should show me."

Yuuri felt his breath catch in his throat as his stomach sank. 'Please don't let it be him.' He began reciting a mantra in his head even as he realized it was futile.

The tall brunet smirked as he reached into the shadowed hallway and drew the blond male into a bruising kiss. Yuuri watched, his heart breaking, as Wolfram, his fiancé, wrapped his arms around the man's neck and proceeded to respond eagerly to the embrace.

Yuuri stood frozen as the soldier pushed Wolfram against the wall, his leg sliding between spread blue clad ones. He watched as Wolfram arched his neck, moaning when the soldier marked it. Eyes closed in bliss, the blond grasped the brunet's shoulders.

Tears streamed down his face as the scene unfolded before him. He was too late. The man who had promised to wait forever for him had moved on. Drawing in a gasp of air, he realized too late that he had released a sob. Startled green eyes met watery black. Time stood frozen as they stared at each other. The soldier holding Wolfram turned to see what the matter was and that was all that was needed to break the spell.

Hitching up his dress Yuuri turned and fled down the hall. He heard his fiancé yelling frantically behind him but couldn't understand the words as they were drowned out by the sound of his sobbing. Hurt and confused the only thing he could think of was getting out of there.

Left. Right. He took the turns carelessly, his feet slapping against the floor as he desperately tried to get away. Unable to see through his tears, Yuuri found himself scraping his hands and arms against the rough stone, ripping and peeling his fragile skin. Almost there. It was with relief that he reached the bath chambers. Bursting through the door he slipped on the damp steps, tumbling in a heap to the floor. He winced in pain as he wiped the tears from his cheek and tried to stand. Carefully he pushed himself up only to let out a small cry of pain. Taking the weight off, he leaned against a nearby pillar. His ankle was either broken or severely sprained. Either way it wasn't helping him with the fast exit he wanted. Turning, he hobbled towards the edge of the pool.

"Yuuri!" Wolfram yelled as he appeared in the doorway, out of breath and panting.

Yuuri could hear footsteps in the distance and knew that more people were coming. He began to cry again. Shaking his head he took a step backwards.

"Yuuri—" His fiancé spoke softer as he looked at him, unsure of what to say. Echoing cries of "Yuuri" and "Your Majesty" were heard as Conrad, Gunter and Gwendal appeared in the doorway behind Wolfram.

He half laughed, half sobbed as they took in his appearance. Damp hair and gown, his face puffy from crying. His mascara was probably running too. Everything that he thought he had was gone. The security and stability he felt in Shin Makoku was shattered. Shaking his head again he limped backwards another step, a soft cry of pain issuing from his lips at the movement.

Gunter, Gwendal and Conrad stood there for a moment shocked and confused. Gunter finally broke the silence. "Your Majesty, What—?"

Yuuri just shook his head brokenly as he looked at Wolfram. The other three looked at the blond in confusion. It was a small relief to him that they didn't know. Perhaps there was something left for him here after all, but not now. That could wait until later when he didn't feel as if he had just had his heart ripped out.

He just wanted to get away. He didn't want to be here anymore, skin crawling beneath Wolfram's guilty gaze and his advisors' concerned ones. He didn't want to go home either though. Not to where he would face coddling and Shouri's death threats towards the blond.

He just wanted out. He wanted to disappear. Heaving one last choked sob he turned and fell into the water, the sound of his name being yelled drowned out in a rush of water.

He didn't see Wolfram fall to his knees in tears, he didn't see Gwendal lose his usual cool as he shook Wolfram demanding answers. Yuuri didn't see Conrad and Gunter's looks of concern as the water settled. The next thing Yuuri saw was ice-like frosted glass barring his way to the surface.

The chill of the water hit him like thousands of knives as his lungs screamed for air. His fists pounded frantically against the unmoving ceiling of ice. As the cold set in; his movements slowed, becoming lethargic. Just as he was about to give in and let the water take him he saw movement. The glassy surface above him cracked and a hand reached through to pull him out. Gasping for breath he was pulled into a hot embrace. Crying out in pain he tried to get away from the over whelming contact.

Physically weak and delirious with cold, he surrendered to the soothing of the one who held him. He cried out, mumbling his story in a desperate, muddled way. He didn't see the man above him clench his jaw in anger. Nor did he see the concern in his eyes. He did however feel the comfort of arms clutching him tighter and the soft soothing voice of someone who cared. By the time the paramedics arrived, he saw and felt nothing.

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Wolfram could remember the exact moments that his heart had been broken. The first wasn't from a huge confession, nor was it from a break-up. It was the moment that he saw Yuuri with lipstick smeared across his beautiful mouth. His gorgeous brunet had risen from the fountain water, hair dripping down his face as his black uniform clung to him.

Wolfram's breath had caught in his throat at the beautiful sight, despite the vegetation clinging to Yuuri. His fiancé had removed the slimy green weeds and then looked up, smiling at him— and it was then that his heart fragmented into a thousand jagged pieces.

Rather than do something that could windup landing him in the dungeon he had left, walking away from the one causing him so much pain. Even though he often called Yuuri a cheater, he had never truly believed that the kind hearted demon king could or would do it. Furious and hurt, he had done his best to avoid the young king, going so far as to leave on a hunting trip to escape. He had only returned to the castle once he was sure that his fiancé had once again left Shin Makoku for Earth.

A few weeks passed and he became more and more embittered. The sight of his flushed and wet fiancé, his lips smeared with color constantly occupied his mind. That image provoked others. Soon he was lashing out at every female he came across, being deliberately rude and spiteful. When his brothers called him out on it he scoffed at them before turning away, ignoring their pleas that they only wished to help him.

It was around three weeks into his rampage that he met Rolan. Tall, strong and incredibly sexy; with a dangerous air that clung to him like a second skin— he was everything that Yuuri wasn't; which made him perfect. Their affair started out as mere flirting, which, with a little convincing from Rolan turned to kissing.

The kissing was great. Yuuri, always reluctant to acknowledge their relationship, had never allowed him to kiss him. Thoughts of Yuuri always drove him to do crazy things; usually he was driven by love to protect the klutz. Not this time. This time his actions were provoked by anger and lust. If his fiancé didn't want him that was fine, there were many others who did. He was Wolfram von Bielefeld, son of Cecilie von Spitzberg, former demon queen of Shin Makoku. The fact that Yuuri cheated on him haunted Wolfram's dreams and consumed his every waking moment. Kissing quickly spiraled into something dangerously physical. Innocence, once meant to be a gift became nothing more than a casualty of his vicious and unrelenting rage.

Once wasn't enough though, it had become an addiction. Soon, he and Rolan were meeting every other evening on the sly. If his brothers suspected anything they didn't let on. Their affair went on for nearly another month before that ill-fated night. That instant Wolfram discovered what true pain was, and lost the one thing most precious to him. That terrible moment when Yuuri, his fiancé, the one he had promised to love above all else, came home.

He had met with Rolan behind the stables as usual. Then after making certain the coast was clear he had led him into the castle, kissing and touching at random intervals. It was a gorgeous night, with the full moon's light cascading through the windows. Talking and laughing, he and Rolan had made their way towards his room. He had been so enthralled at the prospect of another rendezvous that he hadn't paid attention to his surroundings.

"You're so beautiful. You drive me crazy." Rolan's deep voice sent a shiver down his spine.

Wolfram had smiled coyly up at him. "Do I? I think you should show me." His challenge was answered as Rolan drew him into another harsh, yet arousing kiss. He had soon found himself against the wall, arching and moaning as he rubbed himself against his lover. His neck was viciously attacked and Gods did it feel amazing. Wolfram let go of his inhibitions and was seriously considering screwing the other man right there in the hall. He paused when a soft sob reached his ears. Turning towards the sound, his breath caught in his throat.

Yuuri.

He could hardly believe it as he stared at his fiancé. Yuuri, his beautiful Yuuri was standing there, tears running down his angelic face. That was the first thing he noticed. The next was the smeared make-up and the dripping dress. In one horrible moment he made the connections that he had been missing. Horrified, he stared into his love's eyes. The spell was broken as Rolan shifted in response to the broken cry. Yuuri was off like a shot, running back the way he came.

Yelling out, he jerked away from Rolan and ran after his fiancé.

"Yuuri! Yuuri! Stop! Let me talk to you. Please! Yuuri!"

Yuuri had ignored his pleas. The white wedding gown hiked up as he ran, turning corners with reckless abandoned, his delicate skin tearing on the jagged rocks that he passed. Rushing to the doorway that his fiancé had entered, Wolfram yelled out Yuuri's name as he watched the double black pick himself up and limp towards the water.

Yuuri had turned to him then and the sight of fresh tears spilling from his eyes broke Wolfram's heart.

"Yuuri—" he called brokenly, as his fiancé had taken an unsteady step backwards. Behind him, his brothers and Günter had almost magically appeared but he hardly noticed; his entire being centered around the wretched figure in front of him.

His heart ached as Yuuri let out a mixture of a sob and a laugh, as though whatever he was thinking both pained and amused him. As the double black took another step back he let out a pained cry, and it was obvious to those in the room that Yuuri was hurt. Behind him he heard Günter try to reach the double black with his words.

"Your Majesty, What— ?"

The question wasn't finished as Yuuri shook his head, water droplets falling as his hair was disturbed. With one final sob, they watched helplessly as the brunet turned and tumbled into the bath. Yelling out his name, they watched him disappear into a whirlpool of water.

Devastated, Wolfram fell to his knees, sobbing as he mourned the mess he had created. He barely felt his brother Gwendal shaking him, demanding answers. So lost in his own misery he hardly noticed anything at all. It was only when he felt the stinging sensation on his cheek that he came back to reality. Unsteadily he stood and brushed past his brothers as he staggered out of the room.

That had been two weeks ago. Two horrible weeks of guilt and anguish. His brothers and Gunter had continually asked him about what had transpired that night, but he refused to answer, preferring to keep closed mouthed about everything. Rolan, not wanting to risk the anger of either Conrad or Gwendal had transferred out the next morning. This was in the hopes that he would be far enough away, so that whenever they did find out, he would be out of reach.

Wolfram thought him a coward, but at the same time really couldn't blame him. He knew how protective Conrad was of Yuuri. If he was honest with himself, he too feared the day that the kind brunet discovered the truth. He spent most of the time locked in his room, only coming out for meals that he merely picked at, his appetite having disappeared with Yuuri.

He was losing weight and his normally immaculate hair hung limp and dull around his face. He was losing sleep too. The dark circles under his puffy eyes were a testament to the nights he lay awake crying for his stupidity. Even now he was amazed at how truly idiotic he'd been.

Yuuri was the kindest, most loyal person he'd ever met. He never had a bad word to say about anyone; always preferring to see the best in people— even when they themselves couldn't see it. Only now that it was too late did he realize what a fool he was. At the slightest sign that Yuuri may have been cheating, he jumped to conclusions. Always searching for the faults in other people, he automatically assumed the worst.

Now he knew. Yuuri had never cheated on him. For whatever godforsaken reason, his fiancé had decided to cross-dress. The makeup that had smeared down his cheeks the last time he saw him had affected him like a punch to the stomach and brought him low. The sight of the teary eyes surrounded by black smudges had made him cry, but what had truly destroyed him was the sight of Yuuri's mouth, once again covered in lipstick.

Lipstick that he now realized was part of his fiancé's costume.

Yuuri hadn't been back to Shin Makoku yet, and while that wasn't unusual the feeling of overwhelming panic that consumed him refused to leave. Yuuri would be back, 'he always comes back', he thought desperately. Wolfram tried to reassure himself, hoping that if he said the words often enough that they would be true.

It was during a rather somber dinner that the first hint of news came. A soldier burst into the dining room out of breath as he announced in a panic. "His holiness, the Great Sage has just arrived at Shinou's temple. He requests to see all of you immediately."

They all sat in a somewhat shocked silence a moment before hurriedly getting up and hastening to the horses, everyone eager for some news of their king. They made the trip quickly, Wolfram in the lead followed closely by Conrad while the others trailed close behind him. When they reached the temple they dismounted and entered; following Ulrike to the courtyard.

Murata was facing away from them, staring at the fountain when they arrived. They all stood in silence, fidgeting nervously as they waited for him to turn around and speak. When he finally did, it took great will power not to flinch back from the look that he gave them.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Murata spoke in a voice that was barely higher than a whisper but for the effect if had, it might as well have been a shout. His anger chilled the very air, and their eyes widened slightly as the Great Sage showed his rarely displayed power; his hidden magic twining about him, fluxing in response to his rage.

Just as suddenly as the power appeared it was gone. Ken seemed to almost collapse in upon himself as he bowed his head. There was a rather uncomfortable stretch of silence before Conrad in his desperation to hear about Yuuri, broke it.

"Your Eminence, please…Where is Yuuri? We only saw him briefly before he went back to Earth. He was hurt and crying. Please if you have any news about Yuuri, tell us." The concern Conrad felt for his godson was clearly displayed in his voice.

When Ken raised his head it was to look directly at Wolfram, the unshed tears in his eyes doing nothing to dull the look of fury given. Venomously he spat, "You want to know about Yuuri?" Murata demanded with a sneer. "About how he is and how I found him? Then perhaps you should hear what happened before that. Go on Von Bielefeld," he taunted mockingly. "Tell them what happened the night that Yuuri returned."

Wolfram could feel everyone's eyes on him. His breathing rang harshly in his ears. He knew, that Murata knew, of what he was guilty. It was written across his face; from the stricken look, to the way he couldn't meet the Sage's gaze. After taking a steady breath he managed to gasp out his admission. "It was—my fault."

"Tell them what you did." The Great Sage demanded. There was no trace of warmth in his voice.

Wolfram felt as if he had recently run across the country, his lungs couldn't seem to find enough air to fill them. His whole frame was trembling as he began to recount his guilt.

"I-I hurt him. He had just come back, his return was unexpected. He wasn't due to return until the next day. I was on my way to my room. I…I… I can't do this!" Wolfram sobbed, his slender fingers covered his mouth in an attempt to stifle the sound.

"Shall I continue then?" Murata's voice was glacial as he turned away from Wolfram who had collapsed onto the ground.

Conrad, Cecilie, Günter and Gwendal stood in twisted rapture as Murata continued the story.

"Yuuri had just finished his school's performance of the play Cinderella, in which he was the lead. Tired and happy he had returned home, excited to be spending his break in Shin Makoku. It was all that he had talked about for the last few weeks. Once arriving home he immediately set out with for Shin Makoku. Emerging in the bathing, area he made his way towards his room."

"He was so happy. He had a surprise for Wolfram. You see, Yuuri had just realized that he had fallen in love….with his fiancé. Of course he had been for awhile, but sweet innocent Yuuri has always been slow to discover these sorts of things."

Murata halted in his account to adjust his glasses.

"Now comes the irony. Yuuri, while on his way to their quarters, was planning to confess to Wolfram. Hearing voices coming from a branching corridor he stopped when he realized one of them belonged to Wolfram Von Bielefeld. As the two figures came into view, he recognized a soldier accompanying his fiancé."

"He stood there and watched as his fiancé and the stranger began to kiss. He remained frozen as the towering man pushed a very willing Wolfram against the stone wall and proceeded to ravish him. Yuuri, who had just discovered he was in love came home to find this…this…cheating tramp!

At this point Murata shot a malevolent glare at all of them. "Anguished, he turned and fled back to the baths. Wolfram, who had given chase, rushed in followed by you lot, and none of you—" he enunciated each word deliberately, "stopped him from leaving. None of you."

The group was silent with the exception of Wolfram who continued his hiccupping sobs.

Murata continued, his voice devoid of any anger. Instead, it was filled with overwhelming sadness. "But the story of course doesn't end there. I, of course, was back on Earth, still believing that we were not leaving until the following day. It was around half past midnight when I felt that something was terribly wrong. I quickly dressed and ran out into the night. Conrad is the only one here who has experienced a winter night on Earth. The biting chill of the wind will freeze your unprotected flesh within minutes. Thankfully it doesn't hurt for long, the numbness seeps in rather quickly."

"I ran in the direction that I felt compelled to. A sense of urgency filling me until I could hardly think because of it. I soon found myself in the public park a few blocks from Yuuri's home. I ran towards the center and as I, ran I grabbed a fallen branch. Soon I was standing on the ice in the center of the pond. Kneeling, I swept the snow away to see down into its murky depths."

Wolfram stared wide-eyed at the double black, mentally pleading for him to stop. To tell them all that Yuuri was asleep in his bed, or that he was sticking needles into a Wolfram doll. Pleading for him to say anything other than what was currently coming out of the Great Sage's mouth. All he was granted was a temporary reprieve, as Murata paused for a steadying breath.

"As I stared down into the water beneath me I saw Yuuri floating limply beneath the surface. Pounding on the glassy barrier with the branch I had grabbed, I broke through the ice and pulled him out. He was delirious with cold, everywhere I touched he cried out in pain. I immediately called for an ambulance and cradled him as we waited. As I held him he sobbed out his story, wondering in his delirium why his fiancé had done that. Asking me what he had done wrong. It seems that in his hurt and frustration he couldn't concentrate on where he wanted to return. So instead of his bathroom at home he wound up in the local park, trapped beneath the ice. Try as I might, I couldn't get him warm." Murata murmured softly, his face twisted by grief.

Everyone in attendance had gone very pale. Günter and Cecilie had begun to cry as well. Conrad was on the verge, his face was ashen and he shook with every breath he took in an effort to remain controlled. Even Gwendal was affected. His normally stoic figure held his mother close, as he bit his lip in an effort to remain strong.

"Please… I… He… Please tell me he isn't dead." The words came from a broken Wolfram, as the blond knelt in the dirt.

Once again, Murata's glare was back as he focused on Yuuri's fiancé. He stared him down for a long moment before he sighed and answered.

"He isn't. But just barely."

There was a mixture of apprehension and relief at those words and they all waited with bated breath for Murata to tell them more.

"Two weeks have passed by here since Yuuri left. On Earth it has been close to two months. I've spent every spare minute I've had by his side. Because of his venture beneath the lake, Yuuri developed a severe case of hypothermia. By the time the ambulance arrived, he had lapsed into a coma, and while he is stabilized, he still hasn't awakened. As the Great Sage, I shall be taking over in his absence. I shall arrive every other week and spend two days here, after that I shall return to Yuuri's side."

"When I arrive I shall attend to all the pressing paperwork as well as any urgent political meetings. Kindly arrange to have them during my visits. If there is something that needs immediate attention and I am unavailable I trust that you, Gwendal, will handle it appropriately."

"This is my first official visit as acting king. I shall leave the day after tomorrow so that I may return to Yuuri's side." He intoned coldly.

Murata turned to look at Wolfram, his face impassive as stone.

"Wolfram Von Bielefeld," he said coolly, unmoved by the pitiful and drawn expression of the Mazoku prince.

"As my first order of business…"

The people around him stood motionless, as they waited for his decree.

"You are to formally dissolve your engagement to the 27th Maou, Shibuya Yuri Harajuku Furi."

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Murata sighed as he peeled his sweat soaked uniform from his body. His muscles ached and his head felt as if it might rupture at any moment. Stepping into a robe, he walked to the bath chamber and slid into the steamy water. Lying there he could feel his tenseness ebbing away and he let his eyes slide close as he reflected upon his return to Shin Makoku. The day had gone pretty much as he expected, which was to say- it didn't go well at all.

After he made his decree addressing Wolfram and Yuuri's relationship; the blonde had very quickly turned his sorrow to anger. Enraged that Murata would dare command him to leave Yuuri, Wolfram had demanded that they fight. If Wolfram won then he would remain engaged to Yuuri until such a time as the king could make the decision himself. If Murata won, then Wolfram would step down and formally dissolve his engagement. With this agreement they had swiftly left the temple grounds to begin their duel.

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Conrad tossed Murata a sword as the blonde threw himself into an assault. Panicking at the sudden attack Murata instinctively used his foot to kick Wolfram away. He tried a quick swing and visibly cringed; the sword felt heavy and awkward in his hands. Which was quite understandable since he hadn't held one in centuries.

Reaching within himself, he made a whole-hearted attempt to bring his previous knowledge of weaponry to the forefront of his mind. As he focused his grip shifted from a stiff beginner stance to grasping the sword in a relaxed and obviously trained way. His features hardened with resolve as he lifted his weapon to block the blonde's strike. The sound of metal clashing rang through the air as the two immersed themselves in an intricate and deadly dance. Dust rose in low clouds around their feet as they shifted and kicked the dry earth.

It was clear to those who were trained in swordsmanship that although Wolfram appeared to be winning, Murata actually held the upper hand. Driven by desperation and rage, Wolfram threw himself into the attacks expending far too much energy. Murata, however, moved in a defensive pattern, using the blonde's own strength against him.

Soon Wolfram's strength began to wear and his movements became more labored and sluggish. It was at that point that Murata made his move. On Wolfram's next strike he parried the motion only to slide his blade down— then vertical and with a quick pull of his sword, had the other's flying across the air and landing on the ground a few feet away.

As the dust settled the blonde stared in shock at the opponent he had underestimated. Believing the fight to be finished Murata turned to head back to the horses. Hearing a low growl behind him he looked back to see Wolfram calling on his magic.

As a column of fire rose into the sky, the kings' advisors flew into a panic. "Wolfram! Cease! The fight is over. You have lost. Please stand down!" Gwendal shouted, frantically trying to reach the blonde but his words fell on deaf ears.

Rallying his power, Wolfram pushed more energy into the growing column, forcing it to reach immense proportions. The very air around them turned arid as the temperature rose. Horrified, Conrad and Gwendal watched as the pillar rose further into the sky. If that thing touched down, not only would it kill them all— it would destroy everything else in its path, including Shinou's temple.

Wolfram's rage and sorrow was all consuming. The cries of his family and friends were left unheeded; the only coherent thought in his mind was that he was going to lose Yuuri. His blonde hair whipped wildly in the magical surge and his body thrummed with the power flowing out into his attack. He was almost ready to release it. He could feel the magic straining to be set loose, to destroy those who opposed him.

All eyes were focused on Wolfram's attack so when the first crack of thunder was heard everyone froze in surprise, everyone except Wolfram. At the sound of thunder, and the first flash of lightning, tears filled his eyes. The column of fire began to recede, slipping back into the one who summoned it.

He began sobbing, his shoulders shaking jerkily as he slid to the ground. Rain began falling in a steady torrent, mixing with the blonde's tears. Rain so much like his love's magic, magic that the double black might never use again because of his foolishness. It was his fault… and he knew it.

Murata watched as Wolfram drowned himself in a whirlpool of self-recrimination and guilt. He tried to muster some sympathy for the blonde but it was difficult when the underlying emotion he felt was disdain. Turning, he continued towards the horses walking past Conrad and Gwendal who were rushing to their brother's side. He mounted his steed and began the journey back to the castle.

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Wolfram was back at the castle now. From what he had heard from the servants, the prince was unconscious, suffering from the backlash of reabsorbing his magic. The servants were all in a tizzy over the gossip surrounding Wolfram's affair and everyone castle-wide was speculating on the welfare of his Majesty the king.

He stood gracefully and got out of the water. Grabbing a towel he dried and dressed himself. With a final sigh he locked his emotions away and put on his authoritative mask. He had a country to run so that when his Yuuri finally awoke everything would be ready and just waiting for him to step back and resume his rightful place.

Ken missed the enthusiastic aura of his friend. The person lying in the hospital bed on Earth wasn't his friend. It was a shell hiding the one he loved. Yuuri was in there somewhere— he just needed to find his way out. The question is would he want to? With the trauma of everything that had happened, would he remember that there were people who actually cared for him?

Yuuri's mother was beside herself. The energetic woman with the bubbly personality was a mere shadow of her former self. Her forehead was creased with worry lines to rival Gwendal's; and dark circles beneath her eyes were a testimony to the sleepless nights she had endured since the incident. When she came to the hospital she tried to put a brave face on for her son and it broke Murata and Shouri's hearts every time the hollow smile was displayed.

She would spend hours at his bedside. Favorite childhood stories were read and daily events were narrated unceasingly until her voice was raspy and her eyes began lowering of their own accord. Ken had lost count of the numerous times he found her slumped beside the bed, fast asleep and clutching Yuuri's hand tightly in her own.

Yuuri's father had thrown himself into his work. He often came to the hospital but rarely did he enter the room where his son resided. He would pause, his hand on the door only to turn and walk away his heart heavy and his eyes empty.

Yuuri's brother was frantic. Murata and Shouri had grown quite close to each other, agreeing to set aside their differences in light of the tragic event. The overprotective brother and the would-be lover keeping vigilant watch over the sleeping king.

It was difficult to ignore someone when you had to spend every waking moment with him and as they talked, they came to an understanding. In Shouri's opinion, no one would ever be good enough for his brother… But if Yuuri was going to be with anyone, it should be someone who loved Yuuri as much as he did. Murata agreed with Shouri and as time passed, the sage proved time and time again that no one loved and took better care of Yuuri than he.

The next day and a half was spent listening to state affairs and tending to paperwork. Murata worked diligently; but however calm he outwardly appeared to be, he was equally, if not more anxious on the inside. He wanted nothing more than to throw down his quill and return to Yuuri's bedside. However thoughts of the promise he had made as well as the knowledge that Shouri was taking care of Yuuri, kept him in place.

As the sun sank beneath the horizon he rose and slowly made his way to Gwendal's office. He rapped his knuckles sharply on the door and waited for permission to enter.

When it was granted he slipped inside to find Gwendal seemingly busy looking over paperwork. A cursory glance of the room revealed hastily hidden knitting supplies— the tail end of a stuffed dolphin barely visible.

A sad half smile found its way to his face as he acknowledged the fact that Gwendal was dealing with the recent upset in his own way.

"I shall be returning to earth now. I entrust everything to you." He turned and made to leave the room but just as he reached the door he paused.

"Of all his councilors, Yuuri trusts you the most with his kingdom. He cares greatly for you and I'm sure he'll be glad to know that you miss him too."

Murata continued on his way, leaving behind a thoughtful Gwendal to stare at his unfinished Bandou-kun. As Ken approached the bath he slid eagerly into it's waiting depths and arrived moments later in his own bath at home. A scant twenty minutes later had him changed and walking into Yuuri's hospital room.

The steady beep of the heart monitor left him feeling both relieved and disheartened, and as he took a seat next to the sleeping Shouri he took a moment to study Yuuri's face for any sign of conscious life. Disappointed again he took a deep breath and began telling Yuuri of the finer points of his visit to Shin Makoku, leaving out his fight with Wolfram and the subject of his previous engagement to Sir Von Bielefeld.

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Hello, fellow fangirls!

First, thank you for taking the time to read this story. Once again, I would like to reiterate that the original concept and the contents of this chapter and the first scene in chapter two are all the work of the lovely dreamerswalking. I am honored that she would entrust me to continue her story. As a writer myself, I know how difficult that can be, giving your work to someone else. It's like giving up your baby. I promise to do my best to write a fulfilling conclusion to her story.

As always, please review. Your comments give me strength and direction. For those of you who read this story in its original format, I'm interested to see what you think of the new additions. Thanks and I will see you in the next chapter! -EB