Author's Note: Well, I'm back with the 7th chapter of this story! I sincerely hope that everyone enjoys it. Read and Review!!!

Notes for the Reader's Convenience: Honestly, I did not know how to represent Shoushu. As far as I understood from the anime, it wasn't an actual entity but rather an influence. Besides, it would be rather difficult to seal an actual human being into boxes without having to make a messy business of butchering them first! That sounded rather grotesque, so I decided on this instead.

I did not know which element Shinou was supposed to use. But being the Great One and all, I kinda figured he should be able to command them all without much trouble. Also, when they talk about a 'pact' or 'treaty' with the elements, I imagined that it was something that the Original King initiated that had since developed into a culture.

I would also like to apologize for any mistakes or shortcomings in the Daikenja's characterization. But somehow, it seems to me that for all his seriousness, he was a lot kinder and more generally affectionate than his current incarnation, Murata seems to be. Guess living for 4000 years disillusioned him a great deal, huh. Enjoy!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own either Kyou Kara Maou or any of its characters, so please spare me the lawsuits! ;)

P.S. I would also like to thank everyone who has reviewed my story up till now from the very bottom of my heart. I really appreciate all their feedback. So thanks a bunch for your constant support and encouragement!

Yeah, I know. I'll shut up now!! Have a good read… :)

Aftermath

-Shinou-

The Shinou's eyes shone with determined focus as his mouth set in a grim line. The almost tangible aura of resolution and power around him had somehow turned ice cold, as opposed to the heated fire of a few moments ago. He let out a low, menacing growl, as sapphire orbs scanned the battle-field for the perpetrator of the devastating attack. Suddenly, his vision fixed right at the middle of the vast enemy troupes. He kicked the charger's flanks, producing a high-pitched neigh from the said beast as it threw its front legs up into the air, preparing for the final charge! The harsh wind seemed to respond to the Shinou's emotions by becoming even more hostile, golden strands of blonde hair whipped backwards by its force.

'CHARGE'!! Growled the infuriated Mazoku for the second time that night. But somehow, the latter command sounded a lot more ominous in its intonation. It sent involuntary shivers down the spines of battle-hardened soldiers and courageous aristocrats from both sides.

His fingers tightened around the reins and the war-horse took off at lightening speed, its hoofs barely touching the ground! Such was the intensity of the Commander's power that not even the bravest of the enemy's soldiers dared to stand in his way as he made his unwavering path towards the centre of the Shoushu's army, the twelve Lords at his heels.

On reaching their destination, the warriors came face to face with a glowing orb of the same power that had caused the havoc. The same raw, uncontained, burning energy that had injured the Daikenja. The entire field looked on with mingled fear and awe as the final confrontation between the two arc-nemeses started off!

Suddenly, the fierce aura of power surrounding the General intensified into a visible red light and the force of the wind seemed to gather around him, forming a miniature cyclone. Flashes of electricity illuminated the darkness of the night as even the earth began to tremble beneath the feet of soldiers and steed alike. And yet, they all watched, transfixed…

The Shoushu's power sphere reacted to this as well, by glowing brighter and becoming larger in size, as if it were challenging the Mazoku to fight!

Eyes closed, the Shinou raised one hand towards the starlit skies. "Come to me, all powers that make up the Elements of the Wind, Water, Earth and Fire. In return, I swear to protect you and this Earth from this omniscient evil, the Shoushu, with my life!"

Immediately, a surge of energy came to life around the Great One, surrounding him with the four elements all at once, forming an indestructible shield! Almost simultaneously, the Shoushu's energy also came to life, rushing out towards the now enclosed Mazoku as if in a desperate bid. There was a deafening clash, a flash of lightening as the earth shook from the impact of the collision, and a flash of white light surrounded the area, blocking the participants of the combat from view.

Finally, the mist cleared. The Shinou was standing alone amidst the onlookers, his body glowing with energy.

"Victory is ours!" He declared, to his stunned audience. "However, I have only temporarily been able to absorb the Shoushu's power completely. But it has not been sealed as of yet. I do not have the ability to seal it all by myself, and the only others with the power are the twelve great Lords of our army." He looked at the said warriors, who all suddenly straightened under his gaze.

"However, I would like to warn you that such an action would bring immense responsibilities and dangers, not only unto yourselves but also to your descendents for generations to come. As such, I shall not force anyone to take the burden against their will. It is your decision, and yours alone, whether or not you would like to accept this responsibility," he finished, gaze intense upon his followers.

One by one, all of them came forward. The first to join Shinou was Rufus von Bielfelt, as he was so often the first to do almost everything, the more perilous, the better! He was followed almost immediately by Lawrence Weller, after whom came the Wincott brothers. The rest of the nobles soon followed suit.

The Shinou smiled, for the first time in what seemed like hours.

"I knew you would come," he said, almost in a whisper.

"Of course we would, my Lord," conceded Lord Weller. "We swore to follow you to the ends of the world, and beyond." He smiled.

As they finished sealing the boxes containing fragments of Shoushu's deadly power, Rufus came to stand beside Shinou on his horseback. Leaning a little towards his Commander, with a mischievous yet soft smile on his lips, one only he could manage, he whispered, "You should go now, I think there is someone waiting to see you. And you wouldn't want to keep that person waiting, would you?" A mischievous glint in the eyes; "You've already done the main job, we can manage the cleaning up from here," he promised, winking, and rode off.

The Shinou could not help but smile.

*****

-Daikenja-

The Shinou turned his steed, trotting slowly towards the largest medic-camp in the vicinity. Truth be told, for all his bravery on the battle-field, he did not have the courage to enter the tent at the moment. He was afraid of what sight he might behold there, and if he would be able to keep himself in control if it was what he had most feared…

He dismounted just outside the closed flap of the tent. The groans and cries of the injured soldiers could be heard from within. Lingering there a while to gather his thoughts, he finally stepped inside, with bated breath. The scent of blood and herbs overwhelmed his senses for a while. He looked around himself. Injured, bleeding men, heroes of war, surrounded him, their moans and cries mingling into a low humming sound at the back of his head. His eyes darted around the tent, in search of the one face they longed to see.

A slender figure was lying still on a makeshift bed right at the back of the tent. His eyes were shut as long lashes cast dark shadows on his pale cheeks. A cavalcade of night-black hair was splayed out on the white sheets, forming a dark halo in sharp contrast to the pale whiteness of his skin, covering his bare shoulders. In another situation, it would have been a magnificent sight to behold!

An aged man, in a heeler's attire was leaning over him, tending wounds while his patient lay, oblivious to the world. The Shinou's breath caught in his throat as he moved forward. The heeler, suddenly aware of his presence, straightened and turned to face him, bowing when he saw who it was. A small smile adorned the man's lips.

As if in answer to the Commander's questioning look, the Daikenja stirred slightly on his bed.

The Shinou's breath hitched. He felt week from sheer relief, hands reaching out to hold on to the headboard in order to steady himself.

"He will be alright," assured the elderly man beside him. "It seems he absorbed the full force of the attack by himself, probably to prevent more bloodshed and massacre," he confided, shaking his head. "Frankly, it's a miracle he is still alive. Any ordinary man would have succumbed to those wounds long ago." He indicated the bloodied bandages on the sleeping man's chest, barely visible over the sheets. "But it's alright, though. He seems to be parrying well," he nodded reassuringly.

The General smiled weakly at this newfound information, amused in spite of himself. That was Daikenja all over, selfless and kind. Risking his own life for people who would have stoned him to death even a few months ago without batting an eyelid! Honestly, he did not know whether to be grateful or angry any more.

He moved closer to the sleeping figure on the bed, hands reaching out to touch the peacefully oblivious face lightly. He raised a finger to dismiss the healer, who bowed and departed silently. The Shinou sat down carefully on the edge of the narrow bed, wary not to disturb its occupant. His fingers reached out to stroke his dreaming companion's forehead lightly, brushing back stray locks of night-black hair. He looked down at the serene, peaceful face of his sleeping comrade and his fingers shook, overwhelmed.

"Wake up," whispered the Shinou, softly under his breath. And just like the previous time, as if in response to his call, the Daikenja's eyelids fluttered. The General's heart skipped a beat.

Finally, the Daikenja's eyes opened and he stared, eyes dazed, at the sapphire orbs gazing back at him with a mixture of anxiety and relief. Then,, as if in a wave, all the memories of the battle flooded back to him, bringing the pain with it. He flinched. The Shinou's body tensed.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice concerned, while his fingers continued to place feather-light caresses on his temple.

"Sh-Shinou!" breathed the Daikenja, voice shaky. He shut his eyes tightly as if in an attempt to will away the pain that was now coursing mercilessly throughout his entire body. Then, forcing himself to open them once more, he looked straight at his Lord, leaning over him, eyes wide in concern.

"W-what happened?" he asked cautiously, both anxious to hear the answer and wary of what it may be. The logical side of the Great Sage, still functional deep within his dazed mind, told him that the answer to his unvoiced question must be in the affirmative, as the Shinou's presence before him testified beyond a doubt. Still, he wanted to hear it from the man's lips himself. Wanted something solid and real to hold on to, for once, rather than just hypotheses and calculations…

"We won!" came the simple answer to unspoken question, one which he had not dared to put into words as of yet. The Daikenja felt a wave of relief, amounting almost to ecstasy, wash over him with such force that, for a moment, it made him forget his physical agony.

A soft smile adorned his lips; soft, yet triumphant, and his fingers wrapped themselves around the Commander's free hand.

"We did it!" he whispered. The Shinou could not help but smile in return.

There was a moment's pause, during which they simply looked at each other, each lost in his own thoughts, relaxing in the other's presence. Finally, the blonde spoke.

"Why?" he asked, his lips forming the word, though no sound escaped his throat. The dark haired man closed his eyes, smile still intact, though it had lost its fierce intensity from a moment ago. It looked gentler, and a little sad. It was a rare sight indeed, the Shinou's invincible strategist looking so vulnerable, yet so peaceful.

"Because your life is more important than mine, for the future of the land," answered the Great Sage, slowly. "And because I would have died without regrets if it had been to save your life, my Lord." He confessed, opening his eyes to look straight at the Shinou.

"Don't," pleaded the greatest warrior of all time softly, almost pathetically. His eyes had filled, tears held back only by the force of will.

"Don't ever do that to me again!" he demanded, voice louder, shaking. His eyes had become more focused now, blazing; his voice passionate! He gripped his lover's hand tightly, stubbornly refusing to let go.

"I don't want to live. Not without you!" he declared, fire dancing in his eyes. "I'd rather die with you…" he said, quieter now, though by no means less passionate in his feelings.

One slender finger came to rest over the Shinou's lips. "Shhh…It's alright now," whispered the Daikenja, his voice soothing, reassuring, like comforting a rebellious child. "I'm here," he pressed the Shinou's hand lightly for emphasis.

"Forever?" the Commander questioned, his lips pouting, voice petulant like a child's as he gazed wide-eyed at his advisor, in nervous anticipation of his answer. The Daikenja almost laughed at the way the blonde man looked at him, his gaze adoring and those notorious puppy-dog eyes firmly in place! Except that it hurt his injured chest too much to do so. Hence, he just settled for smiling amusedly instead.

"For as long as you want me to," promised the Sage, after a while, smiling.

And that promise held truer than either of them had imagined that night, as they gazed at each other, the sun illuminating the horizon at the distance, heralding the break of dawn. And the beginning of a new era…

-End-

Please review folks…a little encouragement now and then works wonders for the soul, and the story!!

See you in the next chappie~

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