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Fallen Embers	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1799 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
***Warnings: Language, drama

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter 10

"I'm pleased to see that all is well with you, Mr. Jones," said General Fletcher, a middle-aged man with small facial features.

"You may take the next day off to relax," added General Haddock.

Alfred looked at them both. "What about the soldier who attacked me?"

General Fletcher cleared his throat. "He will be put into solitary confinement for a day."

"That's all? I mean, he DID break into my room and try to rape me."

"But he didn't. You saw to that," replied General Haddock. "If he had gone…further…then it would be a different story. Don't forget that man has his rights too."

Alfred grew angry then and stood up from the bed. "Rights to what? I was defending myself!"

"You used excessive force against an unarmed man," said Fletcher. "You clearly did not stop after one punch. What you should have done is after the first chance you had, you should have left the room and asked for help. Instead, you beat him bloody."

Alfred's mouth dropped open at the spoken accusations. "So wait, are you saying this was MY fault? I beat him up because he brutally head butted me and punched me in the face! He started it, but I finished it!" He couldn't resist saying the last part, and right now he regretted it. "I was just sitting in my room and he pretended to be nurse Nadine coming to check on me!"

General Haddock gave a sigh. "Mr. Jones, we understand that what happened a few hours ago was uncalled for. We are taking care of it. There was no rape, so you do not have a strong case. Take the day off, relax, and calm down."

"But I've been putting up with all the gay bullying since I came to this base!" Alfred nearly shouted. "This is the first time someone has acted on it! If this attempt happened to a female soldier without rape, I bet his consequences wouldn't be so lax! What makes me any different? I should be treated the same as any other soldier here!"

"This is the army. You're a man, so get over it."

Alfred just stared at the two generals with a hard frown. "I will report this further if need be."

"If you must, but what we are doing for you is more than what you can get. The army does not have time to deal with such incidents as this. If it should happen again, then we will dismiss the soldier from this base." General Fletcher gave him a salute. "Next time, think about your actions."

Alfred just sat back down on the bed, watching in shock as the two generals left the ward. The soldier with him gave him a pat on the shoulder while the nurse rubbed his back. Alfred knew Ivan was in front of him, but he couldn't acknowledge the ghost here. "Can I go back to my room?" he asked the nurse.

"Yes. Let Mr. Donalds accompany you there, just in case," offered the nurse.

Alfred left with the soldier and Ivan, going back to his room. Good news travels fast, for some of the soldiers he passed either looked at him with slight pity, or they were snickering. Usually he could ignore them, but after that scene in the hospital ward it started to affect him. He felt the tears welling up in his eyes, and once he got to that room and closed the door, he started to cry. His tears were silent as he sat back against the door, bringing his knees to his face.

'Alfred? Alfred, my love, please don't cry,' Ivan whispered to him. 'I can't bear to see you sad.'

"I want to go home, Ivan. That's all I want. I don't want to stay here any longer!" He lifted his head to gaze at Ivan with reddened eyes. "I want to go back to my house in New York with my fathers and brother! I want things to be the way they were before I left! I want to wake up to the smell of my papa's cooking and hear my dad scolding me for not picking up my boxers in the bathroom! I want to tease and poke at Matthew as he's doing his homework! I want to sleep in my own bed again and hang out with real friends!" It was all true. Alfred wanted his old life back even though he always complained about it. No one cared enough about his father's being gay or him coming from a same-sex household. Alfred never remembered his fathers having a hard time with others. In high school, Alfred's friends liked to refer to his papa as Gaston from 'Beauty and the Beast' and his dad as Niles Crane from 'Frasier'. Those were the only real (slightly) insults he had ever heard about his fathers. But why was everything so different with him?

'Alfred, please talk to me. I want to help you feel better. What can I do?' Ivan offered.

"I'm sorry, Ivan." He let out a sigh and wiped his eyes. "I'm just frustrated, that's all. Everyone is against me here. I don't know what to do about it anymore. I want to be become my old angel self just so I can get even with everyone! I want to…to throw fireballs at them!"

Ivan wanted to stroke his face, but he couldn't. 'You did not have that kind of power, Alfred. And the one thing you weren't was violent. Never would you hurt another.'

"Yeah, well, times are different now, Ivan! I tell you that all the time! You don't understand anything about this day and age! You don't know what I am going through!'

Ivan let his own bloody tear trickle down his cheek. 'I'm sorry I cannot be more of a help to you in this world, Alfred. I swear to you that once I am freed, I will take my axe to all these men who have done you harm. If you'd like, I will bring you their heads and cocks to do with as you please. Just name it, and I'll do it.'

Alfred knew Ivan's words were true, and he wished the man could carry out those threats right now. More than ever he wanted to become his old angel form and wreak havoc on this base. If he was everything Ivan said he was, then he could rule the sky and take these men on as his slaves. Then, he would have the last laugh. The idea of enslaving these men made him grin, but it slowly disappeared from his face. "I hate myself, Ivan."

'Why? Why would you hate yourself?'

He looked away. "Because I want to punish all these guys for picking on me and making my life hell…but…but I can't let you hurt them. Oh, I want you to, but it wouldn't be right. Nothing would be solved that way.'

Ivan smiled sweetly at him. 'That is your old self talking, Alfred. My angel, my Light, would say something like that. He would never let harm come to others, no matter how mean they are. You're kind-hearted like that, and it's nothing to hate yourself for. I do not have a kind heart or love for anyone but you. I admire your strength and will. Looking at these men who bother you, I don't see cruel intent in their eyes. They like you, Alfred. They may be mean, but they like you. I hate how they treat you, but I honestly have to say they enjoy your company. You still smile and laugh so brightly, that they are all jealous of you.'

Alfred scoffed. "Jealous? I doubt that. They're doing it to be dicks, Ivan. It's just because they CAN. I want to go home…but only after I save you. I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it."

Ivan smiled and floated to sit next to him. 'Alfred, I would do anything for you. I am here to love and cherish you with all of my being. I want to be what you most want of me. You will never be sad again so long as I am with you. I await the day when you say the words 'I love you, Ivan'.'

"Someday I will say those words."

'I will wait patiently.'

/

Two days had passed without any attack from a soldier or a Shadow Angel. Ivan feared they were plotting something, so he was on high alert everywhere Alfred went. Like many others, Ivan noticed the massive change in Alfred's personality. Alfred did not take the day off that was given to him, but went about his daily training routine. The man couldn't even force a smile on his face when a fellow soldier would speak to him. In fact, Ivan noticed that Alfred hardly made any conversation or interacted with the men at all. He spoke little and barely ate. He had shut Ivan off to his dreams, but it was understood. Ivan knew that Alfred had to figure it out for himself. But Alfred's change in personality and mood did not go unnoticed by the other soldiers. Even the following day, the same routine was had and Alfred sad demeanor had the soldiers questioning amongst themselves. 'You see, my Light?' Ivan said to himself as he watched Alfred lift some weights. 'They may be mean to you, but they care for you. This place is dark and cold…and I know now that they look to your positive attitude to cheer them up.' He smiled. 'You always spread love and happiness wherever you go…I just wish you could recognize it as easily as everyone else does.'

Ivan had come to learn more about these warriors, or 'soldiers' as they were now called. All of them were away from their homes and families, living in a cold place where there was barely any life. Their leaders were not the greatest, nor were they warm or helpful. Alfred had it the worse among any of the men here for dark forces are hunting him. The fact that the Shadow Angels had not shown up for three days worried him. Ivan feared they were planning something big, and now that they knew they could enter into humans. Ivan wondered if he could enter Alfred like they do and use his body as a vessel to fight. Alfred may not be very fond of that idea, but the man didn't know how to properly fight celestial beings. Ivan perked up when he saw Alfred move from the current spot to another. He wished Alfred would just go up to his room and sleep so Ivan could comfort him properly. Alfred had asked Ivan to stay out of his dreams and that's exactly what he did. Ivan frowned when two men came over to Alfred and quickly moved to stand beside his angel.

"Hey Jones, how ya' doing?" asked the first soldier.

"I'm fine," Alfred responded in flat voice.

"So…um, anything wrong?" asked the second, but Alfred just answered him with an annoyed glare. Ivan wasn't sure how much he liked Alfred when the man was angry. Light never had a mean bone in his body. "Dude, no offense. We're just asking how ya are."

"Like I said, I'm fine."

"Well…if there is…like, anything you need or something…just ask, okay?" offered the first one. "I mean, there's only so many of us here and…you know, we're all brothers-in-arms."

Alfred gave a little chuckle. "I'll remember that. Thanks." He did a few reps with his barbells. "I'll be fine on my own, though."

"Okay. Guess we'll…see you later?" asked the second one.

"Sure. Later."

Ivan came around to face Alfred once the two men had left. 'Alfred, this is not very becoming of you. I know you're upset…but, may I speak?'

"Sure."

'The angels have been silent these last three days, and I am concerned for your safety.' Alfred just looked at him with a flat gaze. 'I fear that…if you are so saddened and upset by what has happened these last few days…then those angels will FEED off of that. They are searching for any type of weakness within in your heart.' Alfred shrugged his shoulders. 'This is how they killed you all those eons ago. They were not afraid of you. Our love was so strong that you gave up your family and kin to be with me. I know it hurt you…and you wished everything could have worked out perfectly on both ends. But all those bastard angels need is one shred of weakness and doubt within your soul; and they will eat you up.'

Alfred glanced around before answering in a whisper. "And what would you have me do? The human race is against me as well as the heavens and all their celestial beings. Just what should I do?" He asked with minor amusement. Alfred put down the barbells and left the weight room, heading back to his dorm with Ivan close behind.

'I am to kill all of the remaining Sun Angels. Only by their deaths will we keep the Sun God from rising again. The Sun God, your father, has bestowed this endless punishment upon you.'

Alfred glared at him. "For loving YOU." Ivan froze. "We will talk more in my room." Once behind closed doors, Alfred turned to Ivan. "What is so great about you? Or better yet, what was it that made my angel self so attracted to you?" He crossed his arms and Ivan sighed.

'My beloved angel…I could tell you, but I doubt you'll believe me. Instead…allow me to enter your dreams and show you.'

A wheat-colored brow rose. "Can you do that?"

'I fail to see why not.'

"Fine. Let's do it. I want some stinkin' answers, or I swear I will go crazy!" He readied himself for bed and even took one of his cold pills to help him sleep. "Ivan, you promise everything you show me will be the truth?"

Ivan knelt beside the bed, looking longingly at him. 'Why would I want to lie to you?'

Alfred gave a nod and glared at the ceiling as he waited to fall asleep. He chuckled softly and turned to Ivan, who was still gazing at him. "Would you like to know how my fathers' met?" Ivan seemed confused by the question, but the ghost gave a nod. "You probably won't understand most of it, but I'll tell you anyway. My papa is a great chef and baker. He offered to teach a free cooking class at a local college. My dad, who sucks at cooking, chose to attend in hopes to learn. My papa said that only when he met my dad did he hear an oven roar. My papa opened the over door that my dad had a roast cooking in…and a massive flame of fire roared at him, burning off his brows. After that moment, my papa decided to give my dad much-needed private lessons on cooking. The first time my dad cooked something…my papa ended up in the hospital with food poisoning. He needed to have his stomach pumped. But my dad was there the entire time beside my papa…and after that, they were together. What do you think of that?"

Ivan looked down at the sheets for a moment, and then back to Alfred. 'I cut open my own belly in hopes to bleed to death and end my miserable life in the freezing snow. You came down from the heavens and healed my wound. You brought me hope, love, and light once again.'

Alfred frowned at Ivan's tale. "Will you show me all of this?"

'I never wanted to…but I will because you asked it of me. Once you are asleep…I will show you everything.'

Alfred stayed awake for another ten minutes before the pills finally put him to sleep. It took him a short while to find where he was in the darkness of his mind, but when he did there was only Ivan and the cold snow. Narrowing his gaze at Ivan's ancient form, Alfred gasped as he watched the man stab himself in the gut with his own weapon. Ivan collapsed to the snow, bleeding from the wound and cursing the world. Within the blinding snow, a bright light appeared that vanquished all of the white flakes around it. When the light dimmed, Alfred could see a human form standing before Ivan with large golden wings. He gasped softly, staring in awe at the form of himself in white robes. Alfred stared at his angel form, noticing that he was thinner, shorter, and frail. The image made him smile for he recognized the soft face as himself during blissful times. 'So that's me? That is what I looked like in another life?'

The form of his angel self healed the wound in Ivan's belly and made the snow melt away to a warm, green land. Then, various images of his time with Ivan flashed before him. Many of the images were of the two of them sitting together and talking, cuddling, playing, or hugging. Alfred could not understand the language they spoke, but he could read their feelings just by looking at their faces. The sound of his laughter filled the area and Alfred looked on at a scene before him. This time, he could understand their speech.

'Snow, everyone in the heavens tell me humans are bad…but I do not see that with you.'

'Light, I am not a good human to others of my race, but I am your humble and dutiful servant. Ignore what those bastards in the sky say.'

Light slumped his shoulders. 'Yes, but they are still my family, and I wish they could accept you and I as lovers. They do not even know I am seeing you. But if they did…then I fear-'

'No harm will come to you,' Snow replied. 'I will kill them all first should they try to punish you. I want them to punish only me should we be found out. I would gladly lay down my life to ensure your safety.'

Light smiled. 'I'd rather you never do that.'

'Then let us hope the time never comes to make such a choice.'

Alfred felt a familiar aching in his chest much like the time he saw Ivan's statue. The scene quickly changed to a much darker one. The ache in his chest was no longer one of warmth, but of sadness and despair. Looking down at his body, Alfred gasped when he saw the blood gushing from his chest and belly. While he felt no pain, he could feel himself slowly begin to die. Still, he looked upon the scene before him, seeing how Ivan was being held by some strange gray being. A bright light held Alfred's angel form but had a fiery blade shoved through his chest. Unable to take his eyes off of his other self, Alfred watched his celestial body slowly burst into flames and explode in the sky. The embers of his body looked like stars for a second before they fluttered down to the snow before Ivan. Alfred watched as Ivan tried frantically to hold on to the embers that were once an angel's body. HIS body. The tears pricked his eyes as the dark aura of sorrow, pain, grief, and despair from Ivan flooded his being. The full feeling was indescribable. When Ivan's heart was pulled from his chest and his body turned to stone, Alfred nearly lost it right there. Collapsing to his knees, he hung his head while replaying the dreadful scene. There was some part of him that was trying to remember, and it was hurting.

"Do you understand my feelings for you now?" Ivan's voice echoed in the dark. Alfred looked up to see the man kneeling before him in shackles. "I didn't want you to ever witness this, Alfred. This is a moment in time of which I cannot escape. It never leaves my thoughts." He looked down at his hands. "I couldn't save you. The God of Winter allowed me to remain asleep until you found the statue, yet he holds me prisoner. I am his servant, his slave; doing his dark bidding."

"B-But I don't understand. Who is this 'God of Winter'?"

"He is an old god who has somehow survived the changing world. Old gods are forgotten, like the Sun God, your father. But gods like Winter remain. All your brethren are those Shadow Angels. They mean to do you harm. One deal I have with the God of Winter is that I am to kill all of those angels so he can remain the one true ancient god in this world. In return, I am able to protect you from continuous harm." He smiled softly. "When you come to truly love me as you did all those eons ago, I will be free of Winter's chains and regain my heart. No longer will I be a statue. I'll be free to be with you."

Alfred searched the purple eyes for lies, but found nothing other than truth and love. Ivan's love for him was clear enough after this scene, so why did he not feel any love for the man in return? Anyone who saw such a scene of one who loves them so much that they would sacrifice all they were would be dumbstruck with love. So why was he still hesitant? Was it because his mind just could not remember their relationship? Swallowing hard, Alfred reached out and took Ivan's hands in his own. "What should happen to us after all this is over? Do we remain mortal and just die when our time comes? Do I become an angel once again and rule the skies? For that matter, are you more than just a human? Are you like me but don't know it? What is going to become of us?"

Ivan squeezed his hands. "I can't predict the future, Alfred. All I know is that I don't care what happens so long as I am with you. If I have to live a life with you in the mortal world once again and die a human death, then I will. Should you die before me, I will follow right after without a moment's hesitation. But I am nothing more than just a human. A human under a spell. I am nothing special like you." He smiled. "Do you see now why I love you so much? All those memories I gave you were of the wonderful times we spent together. You gave me hope, happiness, and laughter. I just want to be with you."

"Wow…Ivan…um- this is a lot for me to take in. So many things are different now…I'm not even like that angel anymore. A better question is…are you in love with ME as I am or what I was?"

"I am in love with you, Alfred. I know you are not my angel any more, but you are still my Light! You have many past life souls within you. I've seen them. Your angel form is one of them. Should you remember that form then all is well. If not, then I don't care so long as you and I are together!"

Alfred looked down at the dark floor beneath him, his shoulders trembling with sobs. "Ivan, you love me so much and yet I can't…I can't give it back to you! Not yet. I just can't! I don't even know HOW!"

"I will wait." Ivan pulled him into a hug. "I will wait as long as I need to. I will continue to kill the Shadow Angels that hunt you."

"I know." He remained in Ivan's arms. "I'm sorry, Ivan."

"For what?" He stroked the wheat colored hair.

"For not being able to love you back right away."

"It's all right. I understand." For a minute they remained silent with Ivan still holding Alfred close. Since he was able to create the memory, Ivan thought it would be beneficial to their 'growing' relationship to change the scene. The land in which Light created for him could never be forgotten, so Ivan recreated it around them. He could remember how the warm breeze felt against his skin and even all of the sounds and smells. Gently, he nudged Alfred in his arms to get the man's attention. When blue eyes looked at him in question, Ivan jutted his head to the right where there stood some rolling hills and a forest. "Do you like it?"

Alfred stood up from Ivan's arms. "The trees are really big…"

Ivan joined him. "This is the warm world you created for me. I still remember everything about it. We used to wander through the meadow and forests. Why don't you join me?" Ivan slipped his hand into Alfred's and smiled. He was delighted when Alfred's fingers entwined with his and squeezed. He was answered by a large smile with only a few tears sparkling against tan lashes.

"Sure! Yeah! Let's go for a stroll!"

Alfred thought it was the LEAST he could do for Ivan. This wasn't the type of date Alfred wanted, but it was something Ivan could understand. Ivan's excited grin was a bit psychotic looking yet charming…in its own way. They walked side by side in silence, listening to the birds sing and the wind whistle through the tall grass. The entire scene started to feel familiar, and Alfred couldn't help but choose to be a little playful. Sometimes his inner child would come out and a simple game of chase or, his favorite, a water gun fight, would excite him. The standards for men his age and up to enjoy such games without being a father usually kept him from engaging in the play. But he was in his dreams with Ivan, who would do anything and everything he asked. Real life sucked at the moment, so why not enjoy the time he had here?

"Hey Ivan!" Ivan looked at him, and Alfred took off. "TRY TO GET ME!"

Ivan's mouth dropped open in surprise, and then he grinned. "OH, I'LL CATCH YOU!" He took off after Alfred.

"I'm faster than you!" Alfred was one of the fastest runners at the base, but he had never seen Ivan run only fly. He glanced behind to see Ivan gaining on him, and sped off quickly towards the trees. Upon entering the woods, Alfred wasn't afraid of getting lost because it was his dream. Instead, he wove around the trees, stopping to take a breath and hide behind one. Then he tried to contain his giggles as he carefully watched Ivan searching for him. Peeking around the other side, he saw nothing. Looking around again, he noticed that Ivan was out of his sight. With a sharp turn to the left, Alfred nearly collided noses with Ivan. "GAH!"

"Got you!" When Ivan attempted to grab him, the man was unprepared for Alfred's flexibility and skill as he escaped.

"HA! I just cartwheeled out of your way!"

"Cartwheel?" Ivan blinked, his arms still frozen in the 'grabbing' motion.

"TRY TO GET ME NOW!" Alfred laughed and continued to run, hearing Ivan's feet clomping behind him.

Ivan followed after him, keeping a careful watch on where Alfred chose to hide. While the man's form was quick and far ahead, Ivan was still a skilled hunter. He saw the man move to hide behind one tree, and then crawl on the ground to hide behind another. Ivan smirked. 'Trying to trick me, I see?' Ivan slowed his running to a walk, crouched low to the ground, and proceeded to 'hunt' Alfred. 'You have your meat handed to you, but I know how to hunt it.'

Alfred glanced around the tree, but saw no signs of Ivan. 'Huh, where could he be?' Alfred looked up at the treetops, staying silent as to hear any sudden sound. Frowning, Alfred thought about how horrible he would be in actual combat if he can't even figure out where Ivan is. 'Think, Alfred, think! You know this!' Then, a light bulb went off. 'Ah ha! I know now!' "I SEE YOU!" Alfred hopped out from behind the tree, figured he would scare Ivan out of hiding. Instead, something poked him in the side, forcing a giggle to escape his throat at the tickle. "What the- ?" To his left, he saw Ivan grinning at him while holding a stick.

"Got you."

Alfred pouted. "No sticks!"

"You never said 'no sticks'." Ivan looked sheepish. "I still caught you."

"Okay, fine." He gave a small, agitated sigh. "So now that you have me, what should we do next?" Alfred crossed his arms, but 'eeped' at the mischievous look on Ivan's face. "Oh no. No way. I know that look! I know what you are thinking! This isn't some mating hunt, Ivan!" Alfred said with a laugh.

"Aww, but can't we do a little…what did they call it on the screen? Um…petting? And humping! Yes, humping!" Ivan happily clapped his hands. "I'm always in a rut for you!" He 'eeped' himself and playfully covered his mouth. "Oopsie. You don't want me to say those types of things."

Alfred raised a brow, tapping his chin in mock thought. "Hmm…let me see…" he smirked "oh…I have an idea that will work for BOTH of us in THAT sense!" Alfred grinned, and so did Ivan. "YOU be the bottom!"

Ivan continued to grin and stare at him. Then, the bottom of his left eye started to twitch. "Say that one more time?"

"HA HA HA!" He did his 'Superman' stance. "You said you would do anything I asked! So I say YOU can be bottom while I go on top! I'm not that frail little angel anymore, and you're not a gigantic Yeti!" Alfred smirked evilly and cracked his knuckles. "This is man to man!"

Ivan laughed. "Are you saying that you're challenging me to a fight?"

"I am."

"Well, I decline." Ivan crossed his arms as well, sticking his nose in the air. "I win regardless."

"How do you win?" Alfred tapped his foot in annoyance.

"It's just the laws of nature. The bigger, stronger, and more dominant male will mate with the smaller ones. You may be bigger, but you're still no where near as strong or as dangerous as I am. Therefore, I mount you. You don't mount me."

Alfred scoffed. "Well then, you'll just have to wait until I am ready to do anything. You could have had it all right now."

"Or…" Ivan sauntered up to him "what if I pretended to let you have your way, and then overpower you when you least expect it?"

"I wouldn't let you."

"You couldn't stop me."

"Oh yes I could."

"Oh no you couldn't." Ivan remained still when Alfred's lips suddenly kissed his.

"Stop talking."

Ivan just smiled and took Alfred's hand. "Of course I will wait until you're ready. No more silly talk. Let's take a rest." Ivan led him to a spot beside the brook. "I like this change in you, Alfred. You were so sad and angry earlier that it was worrying me. But seeing this playful side of you has brought back wonderful memories!"

"Yeah." Alfred sighed. "I only wish I could remember…but I do like to have fun like that." He smiled.

"Too bad we can only have that sort of fun here and not in your world."

"Hey Ivan? I've been meaning to ask you about that. Are we…really just in my head or in some other world?"

Ivan looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I mean that…all this seems so real in its own way. I have so many past lives and have traveled through time…so what if this is just one more void? Like in the movies and fantasy books! Right now we are in another world!" He grinned. "Probably one that overlaps the real world and the afterlife! Or maybe something even SMALLER than that!"

"What are you saying? We are in your head." Ivan flicked Alfred's forehead. "Nowhere else."

"How do you know?"

"I just do." Ivan winked. "Let's enjoy each other's company for a bit longer before you wake up? I want to play some more!"

Alfred laughed at how Ivan resembled a puppy wanting to play. He couldn't resist the offer for unstructured fun. "Alright! Since there's not much here, let's play a simple game! I'll hide, and you have to find me! If you find me before I run to the safe spot, which is right here, then you get to give me a LOOONG kiss." Alfred was undefeated at such a game as 'hide-and-seek'. "So, are you up for the challenge?"

Ivan gave him a serious look. "I am an expert hunter. You haven't a chance."

Alfred stood up. "Can you count?"

"Count?"

"Nevermind. Just cover your eyes and don't look. I'll shout, "I'm ready" when I am hiding."

Ivan giggled and covered his eyes with both hands. "Okay, Alfred! I'm waiting right here! And when I find you, I'll kiss you so hard and long that your lips will be puffy! Ooooh, exciting!"

Alfred shivered for a moment before taking off in a run to hide behind the trees. He peeked out from behind one to see if Ivan was following the rules. Ivan had his back turned and his arms up, still covering his eyes. Alfred snickered. 'He'll never find me! Besides, this is my dream! I can make anything happen!'

Alfred turned to continue further when he bumped into something. Looking up, he stared right into the yellow eyes of a large, strange humanly figure. He recognized it as the god that was holding Ivan and took his heart. Alfred's blood ran cold and his eyes felt like they would freeze from staring, yet he could not turn away. He whispered out:

"You're Winter."

End Chapter 10 TBC
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Fallen Embers