Dawn

**A/N**
Thank you KuroiShinigami, XZanayu, and AliceM for your reviews! They make me so happy! This chappie may be a little on the longish side, but I couldn't really cut it. I hope you'll see why! I think it will definately be an enlightening time for everyone's clueless Shibuya. :) You'll have to let me know what you think.
Also, AliceM, it might not take as much time as you think... (que evil maniacal laughter)

And on to the show.
*****

The next morning while everyone was seated at the table, Yuri spoke to his brother and parents. “I’m leaving.” It was said as a firm statement. He wanted to be calm, cool, and collected as he told his family of his decision. He didn’t want to worry them or give them room to add interjection-

“Oh Yuri that’s fantastic!” his mother squealed as she clasped her hands and bounced around the table to his seat before grabbing him in a bear hug.

Yuri shook his head as he felt his body lifted from the chair beneath him. Somehow that had not been one of the possible responses he had imagined last night in his room when he’d thought it all out. He looked across the table to see his father’s face. At first there was a look of shock but that was quickly replaced by a rather genial look of accepted bemusement. At this point Yuri felt his control of the situation wave to him fondly as it flew away.

“I’m so glad you finally came to your senses, Yuri.” Jennifer said as she finally released her son to watch him sink back into his chair. She bustled to the sink and then back to the table as she quickly cleared the table. She continued to chatter on in excitement as she moved. “I have to say I was thrilled to see you at first, but lately I’ve really been worried about your lack of action. Not the behavior of the mighty and honored ruler of the Great Demon Kingdom, let me tell you! Oh well, that will all change now, since you’ve come to your senses. And really you are still young, I’m sure everyone will forgive a youthful indiscretion; right? After all, your people do love you, Yuri, and I’m sure-“

“Mom?!?” Yuri interrupted. He couldn’t quite believe where this morning was taking him, and his mother’s constant stream of words was started to make him wish he were deaf.

“Yes darling?” Jennifer turned to face her youngest son.

“What-“ Yuri began, only to be stopped when his mother reached out to cup his face in her hands as she leaned close to him.

“Yuri, don’t worry. If I could forgive you for not having adorable little wings when you were born, than I’m sure your kingdom will forgive you for having to leave them for a little while.” Jennifer smiled brightly. “Everything will be all right, Yuri, you’ll see.” She took a step back, releasing him as she finished with the dishes in the sink.

“When will you be leaving?” The question came form Shori.

“As soon as possible. Murata will be coming with me; I think he wants to go back as much as I do.” Yuri smiled.

“That’s wonderful! You two really are such good friends, it will be nice to see you having adventures again.” Jennifer cooed happily from the sink. “How long do you think you’ll be before your next visit?” She was more than content to begin planning for the future as the present was already settled in her mind.

“About that.” Yuri winced as he saw his mother straighten and turn to give him ‘The Look’ he shot a glance towards his father and saw the slight inquiry on his face he turned to Shori hoping for help, but saw only the normal bored look of suffering that was normally there. “I love you guys, you’re my family. You’ll always be my family and I’ll always love you. But,” he sighed and looked down briefly before raising his head and meeting his mother’s gaze directly.

“This isn’t my world anymore. Shin Makoku is. I have a kingdom full of people, full of friends, who need me. And if I’m going to be their king in more than just title, I need to be there.” He saw the understanding in his mother’s eyes just before her face broke into another smile, this one full of pride in her son’s difficult decision.

Yuri gave a slight sigh and felt his shoulder relax in relief. “I know that I’m going to want to come back and visit someday, but it will only be to visit. My place is in the other world. They need me there, and I need them too. I’ve just been an idiot, in that it took me this long to figure that out.” He gave his family a wry smile and saw as Shori nodded in agreement before flashing his own small grin. He felt a hand, heavy, settle on his shoulder and looked up to meet the silent approval of his father.

*****

Wolfram felt good. It was a relief to have Greta in on his secret. At first he’d been ashamed of the situation. He’d wanted to continue his show of strength, in light of all of the recent changes; especially considering that Greta had been a bit distressed at leaving Blood Pledge Castle. But now, knowing that he’d hidden it for naught, that Greta still saw in him value as a surrogate father; knowing that she not only understood his problem but that she didn’t blame him she in fact forgave him for keeping secrets. It was healing.

It was something that made him smile now, hours later, as he stood in front of the dark window gazing out across the night. Her words, her understanding, they were precious to him; priceless. The feeling that he was alone in his midnight vigil was gone, that knowledge that he could call upon the memory of Greta’s acceptance made the night seem different; new.
It didn’t matter as much any more that the room seemed empty. That the mattress was different and that it felt lumpy. It was easier to breath, even though the sheets didn’t hold his scent.

The walls of the room didn’t seem to tower quite so high anymore, waiting to crash over and smother him in rubble. It still ached. But at least now he could admit that it probably always would ache; walking into his bedroom alone knowing that there would be no ebon headed body to wake beside, and though the idea hurt, he could face it. He realized that had been the most painful part.

Having to face that it would always hurt, that he wouldn’t ever be able to wake up and smile and not think about it. Oh he’d given it a good shot after Yuri had first left. He’d forced himself to grow-up that night. To finally face himself as a man, with weaknesses yes; but a man none the less. And Wolfram knew that he’d grown even more as the days and weeks had passed. Seeing other’s awareness of him as his own person and not the ‘tag-along fiance’ or ‘the whiny brother’ or ‘the impudent baby’ had been strengthening. It had allowed him to remain in control. But it seemed that that control was fleeting.

It came with the sun and left with the sun. Leaving the nights haunted with memories and ghosts that Wolfram was forced to banish every sunrise. He had felt broken. After his confession earlier with Greta, Wofram didn’t feel quite as broken. He smiled. It was ironic to realize that he’d spent most of his life trying to be better, louder, more arrogant than anyone else in order to fit in, to be apart of something instead of alone. He’d spent years agonizing over what he could change about himself to make others see something worthwhile in him. And now here in this person that he’d once despised, because he’d seen her as competition in the heart of someone he’d loved, he’d found acceptance.

Greta knew him, knew his faults, his weaknesses she was here to see his struggles and was there to hear his thoughts and fears and yet by simply being by having committed herself to this partnership between them. Wolfram shook his head. It baffled him when he thought about it; it really did. But after this afternoon he couldn’t help but mull over the facts and thoughts than were rolling in his head. It was a marvel to him that for the first time he actually felt like he belonged.

It was the first time that he, himself, just as he was; was good enough to belong. The first time he was important enough to matter to someone. The knowledge that when everything was falling around him, when the light had literally walked out of his world, the moment that he’d felt his heart die, when all of that had happened; he’d finally found someone to belong to. It took his breath. Granted it wasn’t what he’d always imagined or allowed himself to dream about. But then again there was no way he’d have ever been able to imagine or picture exactly how it felt to finally belong to someone, with someone.

Wolfram smiled and leaned back closing his eyes as he felt his mind slowing. It was astonishing the changes that had happened in the past few months. Taking the evening and looking back over the days and weeks illuminated the truths of his life. It was true that while it had been the most difficult, painful, gut-wrenching time it had also been the most liberating, rewarding, honest time in his life. And without it he’d have never experienced or been able to appreciate some of the best moments of his life.

As Wolfram settled into bed and lay back against the sheets, he felt relaxed and at peace for the first time in many nights he knew that he’d have no trouble sleeping. ‘Which was good,’ he thought, ‘the next few days would be long and tiring.’ It was time to return to Blood Pledge Castle for a short visit, he’d received the summons earlier in the evening from Gwendel. Greta had been excited by the prospect of returning to visit Annisinna, Wolfram cringed. It was scary to think about what Greta may be learning or picking up form the older demon. He just prayed she wouldn’t begin any of her own experiments when they returned.

*****

Yuri turned to look up at the setting sun. If everything went well it would be the last sunset he saw in Japan in quite a while. He closed his eyes but kept his face turned toward the warmth of the sun as it fell from the heavens. He rolled his neck from side to side hearing the gentle pop as his vertebra released their tension. He could hear Murata chatting happily with his mother in the kitchen inside. His father and Shori were standing at the back door whispering softly as they alternately watched him standing by the inflatable wading pool and Ken and his mother conspiring in the kitchen. It was nice, it was familiar, he would miss it; dearly. But it was not home.

He could hear the animated conversation between Ken and his mother finally wind down as they made their way outside, with Shori and his father trailing in their wake. Yuri opened his eyes and faced them smiling widely. His father looked solemn as he stepped up and gave Yuri a firm hug. He held the hug longer than expected and with a final squeeze he released him giving his shoulder and arms a final pat as he stepped away.

Jennifer was at his side in a heartbeat. She raised her hands to frame his face and brush at the bangs on his forehead. She smiled brightly and Yuri could see the gleam of tears in her eyes and she drew him in to a tight embrace. He pulled her close and swept her off her feet in a bear hug before he let her down. As she came away she looked at him fiercely before she stated, “You go back now and you stay there this time, young man."

"You’re a king with a family and people and responsibilities. We raised you to always take your responsibilities seriously. Don’t disappoint us. And don’t wander around your castle at night without your robe. I packed it. And kings can’t be sick, neh?” Jennifer smiled quickly and stepped back. “And try to remember us and how much we love you and how proud we are that-“

Jennifer broke off as her voice cracked. She rushed forward and wrapped her amrs around her youngest son, “I do love you, Yuri, I wish you never had to leave or go someplace where I couldn’t follow. But because I love you, I want you to be happy. And if you stay you wouldn’t be happy. You would die a little every day trying to be happy and knowing that you couldn’t be. And I would die too watching that."

"So I will let you go to this other world, and every day I will picture you waking up and smiling and having adventures with your friends and laughing. I will let you go to this other world to be happy and to live and to love, and because I know that you will do this I will be happy. I will miss you, but it will be okay, I will live knowing that you are happy and living your life.” She stepped away and walked over to her husband who wrapped his arms around her as she wiped her tears away.

Yuri tried to breath past the lump that had formed in his throat at his mother’s whispered words. He took a moment to blink the emotion from his face and saw Ken moving the duffle bags closer to the inflatable pond. He nodded at his friend and turned once more to face his family. Shori gave his brother a swift sure hug before walking over to hand Murata the duffle bags as he stepped into the pool.

As Yuri stepped over the shallow plastic wall into the water he reached to accept the bag Shori handed him but raised his face to look at his brother when Shori didn’t release his hold on the bag.

“Stay safe.” Shori released the bag and walked back to his parents.

Yuri smiled. They were simple words, but coming from his brother, they spoke volumes. He gave one last wave to his family as they stood to the side of the pool and as the water began to shimmer with magic he smiled and tried to give them one last memory to hold onto until he could see them again, “I love you.”

The world was a fall of colors and motion as it fell away, the rush of sound was almost overwhelming, but he could hear a final plea from Jennifer as she shouted, “Remember to visit!” The world went black.

*****

Wolfram and Greta stood next to the shallow water garden in the center of the flower pavilion. Maids and footmen milled among the guests as everyone mingled. Gwendel was escorting the two ambassadors around and introducing them to everyone present. The aristocrats had been called for this gathering as well since it served as both a farewell and welcoming engagement for the two respective peace ambassadors that were visiting.

It was a stroke of planning on Gwendel and Gunter’s part to have timed everything so that the new peace emissary from Franzia arrived at the same time that the previous one from Diakun was leaving. This allowed for the two emissaries to meet each other, all in a further effort of peace, as well as all of the family and aristocrats to be called only once; it also was a boon for security as only one day/night of celebration had to be planned for. It really was a brilliant idea.

*****

The man in the shadows could hardly contain his excitement. This morning word had arrived that the time for action had been decided. All had received the call; he felt a shiver of mad glee run through his body. He had to bite at the insides of his cheeks to keep the nervous giggle from escaping. Knowing that finally, finally the time was upon them; that all around the world his brothers in arms were all poised as he was waiting to carry out the plan, it was exhilarating.

The fact that all of the royal houses had followed Shin Makoku’s lead in having this same type of formal affair for the switching out of the peace preaching sycophants was a stroke of sheer luck. In the inevitable chaos of planning for the events, all of his brothers had been able to move that much closer to their targets. The fact that the gathering itself would allow them greater access to their targets as well as provide them with sufficient cover and distraction to carry out the plan; really it was divine providence.

It had to be, there was no other way to explain how perfectly everything was falling into place for their plans. He willed himself to stillness. The moment was upon him, he could feel everything shift into sharp relief. His heart slowed as he raised the bow and aimed down the cross hairs. The time had come.

*****

Wolfram smiled down at Greta and noticed that Gwendel seemed to be heading in their direction with the ambassadors. He could hear Greta giggle at something the maid said as she handed her a glass of fizzy juice. He felt a fly buzz his face and reached up to brush it away when something caught his eye. He turned his head looking for the bright flash again, like sunlight on metal. But it was gone. Instead he noticed the surface of the water garden ripple as colors seemed to bubble up from below. The hum of conversation died and told Wolfram that he was not alone in noticing the water’s dance. Suddenly it seemed like the water itself exploded in a brilliant flash of light and moisture.

Wolfram blinked the unexpected glare from his eyes and focused on the sight before him. It seemed that the Great Sage stood dripping a few feet away clutching a black bag with a green bundle behind him. Wolfram heard a squeal as he felt Greta move swiftly from his side to hurtle herself towards the other dripping figure in the water garden. Wolfram felt his heart stop as he saw Yuri, his Yuri, sitting in the pond with sodden green leaves plastered to his head as he chuckled and hugged Greta close to his chest. Wolfram blinked. His heart started beating again at a frantic pace. His vision had narrowed to only that of the two figures seated in the pond in front of him. Sound was gone, except for the thundering rush of blood in his ears as his heart tried to beat it’s way from his chest.

*****

He couldn’t believe his luck. There before him was the missing double black. It had to a sign. There was no other way. First the endless planning and then the waiting, but then only this morning he’d received word and now, not the double black was back and he’d appeared dead to rights in front of his aim. He smiled. His heart now free at his good luck he less loose the bow.

*****

Yuri was happy. He’d felt the reassuring pull as he’d been sucked back into this world. He’d nearly fallen down in relief. Afer so many agonizing hours of thinking he’d never again feel it, never again be able to return. Finally he was back, and even better it seemed Ken’s aim was improving. They were here in the castle, they weren’t going to have to walk for days to get anywhere. And the people he’d missed most were right here, right in front of him. In fact one of them was already in his arms. Yuri gave thanks and let loose a peal of glad laughter as he hugged Greta close.

*****

And then there was blood, and death, and screams. The world went black.

**A/N**
Mwauhahahaha!!!! I am E-vile. hehehe