Author's Note: This story is a mix of canon and non-canon. It explores a little more about the Maou within Yuuri and why exactly he's there. It also explores a little more about Shinou's death and the events surrounding it. This chapter introduces some of the 'end' events such as the Maou's original 'death', however, the future chapters will fill out information between the two points.

Conrart and Yuuri will slowly get together in this one, I assure you, its going to be quite an interesting story. I'm predicting a length of about 8 or 9 chapters I think for it. I hope people like it!

Dedicated to all of you who have encouraged me to continue writing outside of the box with my YuuriXConrart stories! I thankyou so much for your reviews! They always leave me smiling.

Disclaimer: Own nothing but, Connor Weller, Yurikito Shibuya, Alaric, Edward and Inoya.

Covenant Castle, The Great Demon Kingdom [PAST]

"My Lord."

Shinou's head lifted slowly from where it had been resting back against the head of the chair, blue eyes blinking once before regarding the man who stood in the shadows. "Ah, my friend, do you bring me news?"

"I bring a message from the Great Sage." The tall man moved forwards, his dark chocolate brown hair framing a familiar bone structure that always brought some spark of happiness to Shinou to see it. A fine piece of parchment was offered out to Shinou, the soldier shifting a little uncomfortably in the pool of candle light that illuminated his face. "Good news I hope, Sire."

"As do I." A smile tugged at his lips, regarding the man who had become his personal guard during the last few years. There was no man more loyal, no man more determined than Connor Weller and it was that fierce loyalty that Shinou depended upon during the days where the pain became unbearable. "You remind me so much of your father."

"Thank you, Sire." Blue-indigo eyes glittered from beneath wild brown locks, his long hair falling on either side of his face in the style so popular amongst those of the Wincott family. "I live to serve."

Shinou turned over the letter that was sealed with the wax emblazoned with the mark of the Great Sage, his thumb idly stroked over it, feeling the faint raised edges of the design. And with a sickening realisation he knew exactly what the message would say, he knew that his time amongst the living was slowly and painfully coming to an end. His heart screamed at the injustice of it all, the injustice of life that had found him there, slumped and barely able to walk on his own.

"My Lord..." A warm hand lightly rested against the Maou's slumped shoulder, squeezing warmly. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Help me to the Shrine." For once Shinou could not maintain any outward appearance of strength and his heart was eased by the fact that no one but one of his most trusted allies would see him. "It is time."

The still sealed letter fluttered to the floor from Shinou's hand, unopened and crumpled.

A flash of understanding darkened Connor's features for a long moment, before he was slipping an arm beneath Shinou's shoulders and hefting half the man's weight upwards. "Allow me to remain by your side, Sire." His voice was soft, eyes showing his deep concern for his lord and friend. "Allow me this one last honour."

Shinou half staggered, drawing on the strength of the half-blood beside him and finally managing to straighten enough to almost walk on his own a few steps. "Thank you." The blonde Demon Tribesman whispered, voice barely audible. Blue eyes closed against the heart-stopping pain that flared through his very soul as the Originators swarmed around inside him, consuming him from the inside out.

And they moved through the hidden corridor that ran through the thick walls of the castle, Connor Weller leading his lord by feel alone through the thick darkness and towards a destiny that neither man desired.

Covenant Castle, The Great Demon Kingdom

"I want him out."

Conrart Weller's head lifted from where he had been quite engrossed in a book he had borrowed from the Castle library to gaze into the dark eyes of his Maou. "Majesty?"

"I want him out of my room or I'll damn well leave myself!"

Now this made Conrart straighten sharply, truly looking at the Maou intensely, noting the lines of strain and stress marring the usually clear white skin. A frown tugging at his lips as he rose and came around the edge of the desk to stand before the one person in his life that mattered the most to him. Hesitating only a moment, his hand soon lightly cupped Yuuri's cheek, carefully lifting and turning the boy's face towards him. His brows immediately drew together when he realised there was a dark shadow of bruising running across the line of Yuuri's jaw.

Yuuri squirmed, his eyes not quite meeting Conrart's and swallowed hard around the lump that was slowly forming in his throat. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't be complaining. I have a bed to sleep in, food on the table and people who care about me..."

"Did someone strike you?" Conrart didn't even realise his grip had tightened, his expression going from slightly troubled to furious in the blink of an eye. A thumb stroked softly over the silky cheek, feeling Yuuri tense and wince in reaction to even that slight pressure. "Yuuri... did someone hit you?"

"It was an accident." Yuuri breathed softly. A fine flush beginning to rise across his cheekbones at Conrart's scrutiny, aware those intense eyes were on his face. "Its nothing to worry about."

"This is not nothing, Yuuri."

"Wolfram is... excitable when he sleeps." The boy swallowed, his eyes finally managing to drop to the floor, head shifting away from the warm grip on it, even though all he wanted to do was step forwards and press against the warmth of Conrart's body. "I... I usually end up sleeping on the floor..."

"Why didn't you tell me this happened?"

"I honestly didn't want to worry anyone, I just wanted to see if I could handle it myself... yet no matter what I do Wolfram always finds his way in." Privately he didn't like sleeping in the same bed as the blonde, it left him disconcerted and extremely uncomfortable. Day by day, it was wearing on what nerves he did have remaining. "I tried to end it with him."

"Majesty?"

"I tried to end our engagement." Stepping away from his protector, he was striding across the length of Conrart's office, the sunlight almost blinding him as he moved before the massive windows. "I let it go on for too long... I thought... I honestly thought it might work." Yuuri dropped down onto the edge of one wide sill, his knee tucked up against his chest as his back rested against the solid wall. "You know... I honestly tried... Wolfram and I."

"The results...?"

"Were not pleasant. I don't want him... there is no spark... no connection as there should be." His stoic gaze flickered towards Conrart, looking the man over for one long heart-breaking second before dropping and his head turned away. "I guess... my heart is just not in it."

Conrart couldn't help but feel the flutter of relief uncurl within his belly at those words, his hand reaching out to lightly smooth the dark strands back from Yuuri's face, though he almost jerked his fingers back when they touched soft skin. He needed to distract his Maou, it was the only thing he could think of to remove the shadowed expression from the younger man's face.

"I have been meaning to go on my rounds this afternoon, I was considering visiting the Chapel."

Dark eyes blinked in surprise, his head lifting upwards, "Chapel? I didn't know there was one." Though he latched onto the excuse, anything to get out of the castle, anything to get away from everything else that haunted his thoughts. There had only been one source of peace in recent days and that had been Conrart.

The Forest Near Covenant Castle, The Great Demon Kingdom [PAST]

Sheets of rain pounded the ground, whipping up the air and beating against the trees that surrounded the small forest trail that weaved in and out amongst the large forest trunks that dominated the slopes of the hill. Their clothing was already soaked through, their hair plastered to their faces beneath the thick water proof leather and wool cloaks they were wearing. The force of the wind had almost dislodged Shinou from his dark bay mount, meaning that Connor had to quickly move to one side of the man, using his own body to keep Shinou mounted.

Suddenly hand gripped Connor's wrist tightly, the bones almost rubbing together it was so tight that it made the half-breed look up and stare into the pallid face of his Maou. It shock him to see the flicker of soul deep fear in those usually clear blue eyes, the true vulnerability of the man and it shook him to the core.

"I am with you, Sire." He reassured him softly, his voice barely audible above the howl of the wind. "The Chapel is not far, we can rest there, Sire and wait for the storm to ease."

A slight nod, the man's grip slackening a little, but didn't release Connor's wrist.

It wasn't long before the faint outline of the old Chapel built before the construction of the Temple appeared out from amongst the wildly swaying foliage. Its walls were overgrown and several windows were shattered, but it was still serviceable to their needs to be out of the rain and wind that had come upon them soon after leaving the Castle.

Dropping down from the back of his horse, he drew the two animals around and into the shelter provided by the height of the storm, tying off the long reins to a nearby sturdy branch. One hand reached up towards Shinou, feeling the man's fingers clasp around his own, before he helped ease the man downwards and shifted to slide beneath one broad shoulder to steady him.

And they staggered together through the night, looking for shelter from the storm that didn't want to abate in the slightest. Death was prowling the dark night waiting for its next kill.

Warm sunshine slanted down through the trees, swashing over Yuuri's skin as he tipped his head back and just inhaled deeply the summer air filled with the scents of the summer forest around him. There was something different about times like this, moments where it was just himself and Conrart, where he didn't have to pretend to smile... that the happiness didn't have to be forced.

"We should go riding more often." Yuuri commented softly to himself, settling back into the saddle and for once not thinking he just might fall out of it if he did relax. Time finally teaching him what patience hadn't. "Just us."

"If it would please you, Yuuri." The soldier couldn't help but glance at his Maou, feeling his heart squeeze to see the life slowly beginning to seep back into the young man. How long had it been since he had truly seen him happy like this? When had the weight of the world seemed to settle onto the Maou's shoulders, burying him in the expectations of so many? "Yuuri..."

Dark eyes blinked slightly at the sound of his name and his head turned towards Conrart in question, one dark brow lifting slightly.

"Are you unhappy?"

"I..." Lips pressing together for one long moment, truly considering the question and not rushing to give the answer someone wanted to hear from him. "Yes... I use to find it fulfilling. I use to wake up every day and know that I would be doing something better... changing the world... seeing my people happy and now that they are..." Brows drew together into a furrowed line of concentration. "I realise that... I'm the one who's unhappy. I want more."

Conrart for once didn't quite know how to answer that statement, he didn't know what to say because in his heart he felt the same feeling, the same sense of longing for something just out of his reach, though he knew exactly what would ease it. Gaze returning to the King riding before him, he swallowed back the hard knot that rested in the back of his throat and the weight of a heavy lead anchor in his stomach. He wanted Yuuri, the desire was so fierce that it physically hurt to not be able to reach out and show the other man exactly what he was missing.

Jealousy had burned in Conrart's heart whenever he saw Wolfram in Yuuri's bed, his younger brother allowed to announce in public that he was with the man Conrart loved. However, he could say nothing... do nothing to fight against it. What rights did he have?

"You know... the legend about this place?" Yuuri's head tipped back to examine the building that was slowly coming into view, his eyes sweeping over the aged and worn grey stone structure.

"That this is where Shinou truly died?"

"Well... maybe I should ask him sometime." The youth laughed softly at that, shaking his head as he gazed at the building before him. "Its so odd to think that..." Shrugging off the thought, he pressed his lips together as he studied his surroundings with interest, taking it all in with inquisitive black eyes.

Something stirred within Yuuri, another awareness slowly rising to the surface as if from a long sleep. It was rare that Yuuri felt the presence that he had a sense of the other spirit that inhabited his body, the other soul that coiled up within him and protected him. The Maou awoke, but there was no reason for it, no threat he could sense, no injustice to be managed. He was responding to the oddly familiar surroundings, stirring at the sight of the chapel and the ancient road that use to run beside it.

'Sleep...' Yuuri reached out to the spirit, whispering the word along a mental connection that ran like a tentative thing between them.

Yet, his gentle urging was ignored this time, the sleepy presence almost seeming to blink once, peering out at the world beyond the backs of his eyes and stiffened immediately at the sight of the chapel. 'Connor!'

Yuuri abruptly jerked, his hand suddenly tightening around his horse's reins and Ao let out a sound of protest when he came to a jarring stop, reacting to the stiffness of his usually pliant rider. A surprised sound escaped Yuuri's lips, stunned by the fact that it had actually willingly spoken back to him, in all this time, the Maou simply had acted when he had needed to and retreated into the back of Yuuri's mind and curled up in one corner.

"Majesty?" Conrart drew his own horse to a stop, his head turning back to regard Yuuri, but quieted when the youth raised his hand, begging for silence.

'Connor!'

And Yuuri's body jerked, shock appearing on his face for a moment as his heels thumped against the horse's sides, his posture shifting and Ao was suddenly bursting into a full gallop, streaking through the brush. Leaves and branches sliced at his exposed skin, but he couldn't feel it, only the overwhelming sense of dread that filled his every nerve.

"YUURI!" Conrart was behind him, the horse's hooves pounding against the leaf-strewn earth, but no amount of yelling could stop the head long plunge of the dark haired young man.

'CONNOR!'

Yuuri felt the change, was startled by the fact that it had actually happened without provocation. His hair whipped behind him, his entire body shifting slightly inside, fitting another shape, another soul that had protected him since that first duel against Wolfram. Emotions roared through him, ones that were definitely not his own. The Maou was desperate, seemingly more aware than he usually was of far more than just his immediate surroundings.

Leaping from the back of Ao the moment they broke through into a clearing, the Maou was racing across the overgrown meadow, his heart racing, feeling ready to just explode out of his chest. "CONNOR!" The Maou's dark eyes took in the silence around him with a shiver of fear, his head twisting around towards the ruins of a house that sat back amongst the trees. "No..." He whispered in shock, jerking back from the sight as if he had been physically struck. "Connor?"

On shaky legs he was striding forwards, moving through the ruins of what had once been a moderately sized home, the small stables and courtyard walls all stood collapsed in, brambles and other weeds covered the cobblestones beneath his boots. "It shouldn't be like this."

Yuuri struggled up out of the warm darkness, desperately trying to remain aware and awake within the Maou's body, desperate to hold onto what was happening, trying to process the emotions streaming through him. Gone was the calm the Maou always exuded, gone was the aura of authority and replaced by a powerful trembling of fear and the desperate flicker of hope. "He wouldn't have left it like this... not... our home."

And suddenly he stumbled, body jerking so hard, muscles screamed in protest. Knees gave way as he dropped to the ground before two gravestones, his hands were already tearing away at the plant that had twined itself around the ritual markers. He didn't notice the thorns cutting into his palms and fingers, the blood smearing across the stones. A sound of horror escaped him, tears streaking down his cheeks and burning him from the inside out.

"No..." Fingertips traced the lines of a name, leaving red streaks behind in the weather worn lettering. "No... no... it can't be." The date was the same on both stones... the markings making it clear the two men had died on the same day and had been buried side by side in the shelter of the house that had become their home.

Rage ignited.

It was so hot within him, Yuuri recoiled in shock at the force of it.

"SHINOU!" It was a howl of rage, one that echoed off the trees, murderous and furious. "I will destroy you for this!" Tears splashed down onto the worn stone, washing away the blood. "You swore to me he would live. You promised me, Connor would live if I gave you what you wanted. I gave you my life, my soul, for some far off future if you saved him. Did you think you could hide this from me forever, keeping me unaware of the world beyond this boy's existence?"

"Yurikito."

Dark eyes narrowed on the shimmering outline of Shinou as he stood in the lee of the trees, his blue eyes softening as he gazed at the man before him. "I would kill you if you weren't already dead."

Conrart stood back amongst the shadows of the collapsed stable, holding the bridles of the two horses to keep them still, shocked by what he was witnessing. The fact that Shinou had greeted the 'Maou' by name sent a shiver through him, making him wonder just what the story behind the Maou's presence within Yuuri truly was.

"You must understand..."

"Understand what? That we trusted you, that I trusted you with Connor's life. When were you going to tell me about this?" A hand touched the stone just beside him, his jaw gritting tightly, eyes blazing in fury. "When were you going to tell me that Connor died when you promised me his life would be spared, that you would heal him?"

"He didn't wish to live without you."

"He had so much to live for! So much... to give." Yurikito snarled. "He would never have given up his life... not like that." However, Yurikito's face paled sharply, his hands clenching, though his fingers were trembling against the wash of emotions that struck him so fiercely in the gut. "Not Connor."

"Majesty?" Conrart stepped forwards, unable to bare the pain that filled those dark eyes, something that drove a spike of pain straight through him at the sight.

"Connor?" Hopeful eyes turned towards him, staring up into his face, those usually still dark eyes were filled with roiling emotions as he gazed at Conrart for one long moment as if seeing someone else in his face... A harsh laugh escaped his lips, his arms wrapping around himself as he stepped backwards, ending up dropping down to sit against the grave where the bones of his beloved rested. "Conrart Weller. How is it... even in so long... even after four millennia that... a Shibuya is protected by a Weller?"

Now that had Conrart stumped and the man stilled as he blinked in shock as he stared down at the newly named 'Yurikito'.

"That a Shibuya loves a Weller." An bitter sound caught at the back of Yurikito's throat, his lips pressing together sharply. "Why...? Why do you get a happy ending? Why! Answer me that. How come they get happiness together when all we were ever given is death."

"We still have need of you, Yuki, my friend...please understand..." Shinou's face had actually paled, his expression showing the anguish and guilt he felt over his own actions, but all of it had been for a reason... all of it was to ensure this future. What was a life in the face of that? Two lives given so that the Great Demon Kingdom could live.

"You will not have it from me. I have done all you have ever asked... I have fought the battles beside this boy, shielding his soul from the Originators, but enough is enough. I will no longer be a pawn in your games, I called you friend, but no more."

And suddenly...

Yuuri sat there, blinking wide obsidian eyes up at Conrart, a look of startled loss registering n his face. A hand was pressed against his chest over his heart, his skin paling sharply as the sense of loneliness suddenly filled his entire being. "He's... gone." The boy breathed out, his limbs trembling, unaware of the tears that were streaking down over his cheeks and soaking into his shirt. "He's... gone..."

Shinou's call of the man's name echoing on the stale breeze that filled the space that had once been a man's home.

The Chapel Ruins, The Great Demon Kingdom [Past]

Connor returned from the pouring rain outside, shaking off the worst of the wetness that clung to his body, his head twisting around to gaze at the spot where his Maou had been silently resting for a few minutes while he checked the perimeter. His footsteps halted, his body jerking to a stop as he noticed the stillness of his lord. Was he merely asleep?

A cold sense of dread skittered through him, the knowledge that they might just have been too late...

"MAJESTY!" Hurrying towards the man, he dropped to his haunches. "Your Majesty!"

Connor's hands shook the man's broad shoulders once, his blue eyes wide with soul deep concern as he gazed over the body of his Maou, who lay crumpled against the wall his clothes soaked through from the rain. "Shinou?" The blonde head slowly began to lull to one side, the fine golden locks hanging limply around his features. One calloused palm shifted to slide beneath one cheek, turning his head and gazing down into the sightless sapphire eyes. "Alaric?" It was rare that he ever used his lord's given name, but his heart ached at the sight.

One arm flopped lifelessly to one side, a single medallion etched with the crest of the Great Sage sitting between the man's once clenched fingers. How had it come to this? His lord had been well merely a few days before, as lively as ever, yet now he lay broken like a limp doll tossed aside.

Alaric Theissen had been a man who had drawn them all together with his charisma and personality alone. It had drawn Connor Weller to his side as well, the hope that he would find some kind of mission for his life. Now it was gone... now the one mission he had been charged with, protecting the Maou had resulted in his death.

There was a fierce crack of lightning outside and the frightened whinnies of the horses. Connor's fingers lightly brushed against the man's eyelids and sliding them down, making it appear as if Shinou was merely sleeping. "May your soul remain until we get to the Temple." He whispered a silent prayer, begging for the man's soul to hold on just a little longer to the cooling body of the man who had once battled and won against the Originators.

Sliding his arm beneath one of Shinou's, Connor grunted softly as he actually hefted the large man onto his shoulders, feeling the strain running across his back and through his muscles. Yet, he took the pain into himself, his head bowed as he shifted the weight of the man and headed towards the doors and out into the rain.

And allowed the storm to steal away all his other emotions in its numbing cold grip.

Village Of Inoya, Japan [PAST]

Rain drenched the village, thunder rumbling through the skies, bright flashes of lightning illuminating the earth for only a few moments before darkness once more descended. Amongst the branches of one of the trees, Yurikito Shibuya perched, his long dark locks swept back into a leather thong at the back of his head, the fine strands sticking to his face and the back of his neck. The black demon mask covered the top half of his face, the strings holding it fast to his face, hiding his identity and his features from the world. He was the devil that dwelt in the night, protecting all those that slept within the village walls and those in the castle beyond. Not even a storm would prevent him from continuing his duties during the darkest hours of night.

They feared him.

He could see it in their eyes, in every movement whenever they saw him. The fact that his own people would react so fiercely to his presence left a hollow ache in his heart. It ate away at his soul to know that he was no longer welcome in the very place he guarded against all who would seek to harm those of the Demon Tribe.

Sheets of rain pounded the ground and tree branches around him, the wind making several of the sway. Yet, something tickled against Yurikito's senses, his head lifting from where it rested back against the trunk of the tree, obsidian eyes gazed out into the darkness, sensing movement.

Soundlessly dropping from his perch, the Samurai loyal to the house of the Maou of Earth strode through the autumn forest, his black hakama and yukata both soaked through and plastered to his lithe body. A shiver of power rippled through the usually silent trees, the tickle of something incredibly powerful was uncoiling itself and stretching across the barriers and wards that had been erected around the village. One hand dropped to the hilt of one of his katana, fingers lightly coiling around it while he moved swiftly to investigate.

Inhaling deeply the scents of the rain soaked forest, yet the usual aroma of beech, oak and walnut trees had been replaced by the stronger tang of pine needles. There were no pines in this forest, the pines only grew on the higher slopes of Mount Kiriyama. Yet as he drew air into his lungs again, he swore all he breathed in was the heavy scents of wet pine and loam.

Something flashed between the trees... a brilliant streak of sky blue and gold.

His blade slipped a little further out as he approached the shimmer of colour, every sense he had screaming at him to run, yet something gripped his heart, calling to him. Rain continued to fall heavily, dripping down his chin and throat, his entire body trembling with the force of emotion that struck him out of nowhere. His bare feet made little sound while he hurried forwards, sliding down the steeper slopes, following the flash of colour that appeared and disappeared between the massive trees.

Yurikito Shibuya, the Black Demon of Inoya, broke into a full out run, branches slapping at his face and clothes, attempting to slow him down, but he refused to give up. Something was calling to his very soul. Whispers darted amongst the branches, playing between the limbs of the massive trees.

The scent of pine was growing stronger and abruptly he was plunging through the very edge of the forest trees, his feet sliding in mud and sharp rocks that dug into the soles of his feet. The river loamed before him, the cold water sweeping over his ankles and tugged at the hems of his hakama.

On the other bank walked a man along a dark road, which Yurikito knew didn't exist. Tall pines stood on the other side of the man, towering taller than the forest around the Demon, their pungent scent filling the air. His heart stilled within his chest as he stood there, unaware he had taken a step forwards, leaving him knee deep in the raging river.

The man carried another across his broad shoulders, the weight of the body dragging him down, yet, the man kept walking, refusing to give up in his fight through the storm. The air between them seemed to shimmer with the magic Yurikito had sensed earlier gathering just outside of the barrier he had erected around the village with the assistance of his Lord, Edward, the King of all Earth-born Demon Tribesman, father to young Robert whom now slept within the Castle walls. His hand lifted, fingertips tingling with the odd contact against the barrier between what appeared to be an open vortex to... the other world.

Was he seeing the other world for the first time? Was he being offered a glimpse of what had only been spoken about in legends, the land of true magic and their fellow Tribesmen?

Suddenly the stranger became aware of Yurikito, the tall man jerking to a stop, head twisting around towards where the masked Samurai stood knee deep in the body numbing river staring at him. Eyes locked. The man tensed, shifting the burden resting across his shoulders to reach down for the hilt of a sword resting at his belt, however his hand stilled and dropped away from his blade.

The next flash of lightning illuminated the strange scene and Yurikito jerked back in shock as he caught a true image of the man's face that was seared into his memory. A strikingly handsome face under soaked dark locks and eyes... eyes that were like a painted shadow... not quite the hue of a pure blue sky, but tinged with the rich indigo of deepening shadows. They were such an incredible colour.

In those eyes he had seen something that changed Yurikito in that one moment forever.

The other half of his soul.

And with another blinding crack of lightning the barrier shimmered, the energy exploding around him with a roar... Knocking him back onto the bank, slamming him to the ground.

It was long minutes before the dazed Samurai was able to lift his head, staring across the river... desperate for another glimpse of the man he had seen... but all he saw was the normal dark forest and the very faint flicker of silver magic of the protective barrier once more in place.

I desperately hope that you all like this story. I've always wanted to see a Samurai alongside one of our wonderful Demon Tribe swordsmen! We probably even get to meet all of the ancestors of our favourite characters...