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Darker Than Morning	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 2275 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. This fic is for fun. I'm not making any money off of this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
***Thanks for all the great reviews! Sorry it took so long for this chapter! Forgive me! XOXOXO

***Warning: language, violence, humor, angst, fighting

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

Chapter 10

Arthur groaned and stirred awake as the familiar headache of a hangover began to build. Not only was his head hurting but his body, as well. There was something heavy resting atop of him, and the feel of an arm around his waist. He smacked his lips at the dry mouth, his throat yearning for a drink of water. Aside from the strange weight there was something moving on the top of his head, almost near his temple. Arthur blinked his eyes as he tried to figure out what was going on with his head. It almost felt like he was being licked. Was it one of Gilbert’s dogs?

“No, it’s too big to be a dog,” he said and looked down at the clawed hand around his waist. Arthur froze with purged lips, forgetting about the headache and dry mouth. No dog licked his head but rather the heavy, wet tongue of a demon. “Heaven above…please tell me it’s not what I think?” Arthur whispered through his teeth but made the mistake of turning his head to see if the assumption was right. A purple tongue accidentally lapped at his eye, sticking his eyelashes together.

“Good morning, sweetling!” came Ivan’s cheery voice and smile.

Arthur gave him a flat, one-eyed stare before suddenly letting out a wailing scream.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?” Arthur shouted, rolling quickly out of the bed.

Ivan gave his innocent horseshoe smile and batted his lashes. “I was grooming you. It’s a little habit sometimes.” Ivan saw the look of pure fury in Arthur’s green orbs so he decided to escape while he could. “You’re so cute when you’re angry!” Ivan leaped off the bed and latched onto the ceiling, folding his wings around his body to hide.

“GET DOWN FROM THERE THIS INSTANT, SO I CAN MUTILATE YOU! HOW DARE YOU LICK ME LIKE A COMMON ANIMAL!”

Ivan’s tail popped out from the wing cocoon and wagged it as a dog would.

This only infuriated Arthur more. “Oh! Oh you…you…” Arthur changed his tactics and forced a smile on his face. “Ivan, my handsome little demon. Won’t you come down? I have so many kisses I wish to give you.”

“Not falling for it!” came Ivan’s teasing response.

Arthur’s cheeks puffed out. “Then I will make you come down!”

The answer was simply a giggle.

Arthur saw the broom in the corner and, with an evil grin, grabbed it. It was just long enough in length to reach Ivan’s body on the ceiling. Gripping the wooden handle tightly Arthur gave Ivan’s rump a heavy whack. The demon made a gasp and the tail twitched, going perfectly rigid before tucking under the wings. Arthur shouted again for him to come down with another whack of the broom. Ivan gave a whine and freed himself from the wing shield.

“Stop it!” Ivan whined, creeping along the ceiling.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Arthur followed the demon with his broom, whacking Ivan every chance he got. Ivan’s only tactic was to circle around the ceiling. “You can’t keep doing that! This room is not big enough to escape MY torture! Have at you!”

Ivan hissed at him and crawled down the wall only to be stabbed with the bristles. “Must you keep doing that?” Ivan grabbed the bristles and yanked them from the broom. “Calm yourself!”

“You were LICKING me! That warrants a beating!”

Ivan was still perched on the wall. “We bonded last night. I was allowed to mate you. You let me. I was simply showing some affection.”

“M-Mated? You…mated me?” Arthur raised an eyebrow, lowing the broom. “I was drunk!” He watched as Ivan removed himself from the wall. “That doesn’t count!”

“It does. I made love to you. That is what ‘mating’ is to demons. Don’t you remember? Surely you must remember something.”

Arthur couldn’t hide the flush that spread across his face for he remembered nearly everything they did. Once Ivan had said those few sentences Arthur had remembered it all. He remembered the gentle touches and warm pleasure. He knew the ‘mating’ was done willingly on his part. Arthur could not fault the demon for going through with it after permission was granted.

“I’m so ashamed,” Arthur whispered out and turned away from Ivan.

“Why do you feel ashamed? You did nothing wrong.” Ivan placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder.

“I did! I am a human…a human who allowed himself to be mated like a common farm animal! I have betrayed my race!” He shook when both of Ivan’s hands were now squeezing his shoulders.

“Your race has abandoned you. I have proof of it.” Arthur turned to look at him. “I do not lie. I wrote your superiors a ransom letter. In return, I did not get what I asked for your safe return.”

“What are you talking about?”

Ivan walked over to his pants on the floor and fished through the pockets. A few seconds later, he pulled out a small folded piece of paper. With an empathetic look, Ivan handed it over to the blonde. “This is what their response was. I’m sorry.”

Arthur unfolded the paper and scanned it with his eyes. He slowly brought his hands to his mouth as the words registered in his head. They had denied Arthur any chance of rescue or aid. It was clearly stated that the superiors had given up on him, leaving Arthur to the mercy of demons. The part that hurt the most was the false accusations of being caught. Why would they have reason to believe he let himself get captured willingly? They stated how alarmed and disappointed they were in Arthur’s choice. He had always been a dutiful and honorable soldier serving his race. Arthur put as much blood and sweat into this war as they had.

“That is one thing I never liked about humans. You claim to have unity and fight as one, yet you betray one another when a common cause is shared. They don’t care about you personally and will not waste their time bringing you home. We demons always band together for one another. We fight with one fist and one voice.”

Arthur looked at him with betrayal in his eyes. “I don’t want to believe this, but the signatures are valid… this is no joke.”

Ivan pulled him into a close, hug but the blonde did not pull away. “Stay with me,” Ivan offered sweetly. “You will be accepted here. No one shall ever harm you while you’re with me. I can care for you. I want you to remain here as my mate. What do you have to go back to? Nothing. They will scorn and jeer you. Stay here with me, my English Rose.”

As betrayed as Arthur felt he still could not find it in his heart to abandon the human race. Maybe some humans have given up on him but not the entire race. He still had a duty to perform and that was to keep the human population safe from demons. Perhaps he was growing a bit attached to Ivan, but Arthur knew in his heart that it could never be. He believed too strongly in himself and his race. The time will come when after this plan is complete he will have to choose. Regardless of any type of feelings he may have for Ivan he would choose the human race. In the end, he still had a role to play and had to do it right.

“Of course I will stay with you. I have no one else in this world…” Arthur replied softly.

Ivan kissed the top of his head. “That pleases me immensely, Arthur! I promise to care for you.”

“Thank you, Ivan,” Arthur thanked before pushing away from him. “But I would like to be alone for a bit… if you don’t mind?” Arthur kept his eyes to the floor.

“I understand.” He lifted Arthur’s chin and planted a soft kiss on the frowning lips. “Take as much time as you need. There is a lot to think about.”

Once Ivan was dressed he asked his lover if he needed anything. With a soft ‘no’ from the human, Ivan took his leave of the room. Closing the door gently behind him, Ivan couldn’t stop the triumphant smirk from breaking out on his lips. Feeling victorious and very, very smug, Ivan strolled down the hall to begin his day.

Ludwig sat at his desk in one of the guest rooms, working silently on some tax papers and legal documents. The rain drummed heavily against the window where his desk was facing. Resting his hand on his cheek Ludwig let himself be distracted by the weather. The gentle rumbling of thunder helped relax his nerves. There was a lot to think about, mostly concerning his brother when the attack was going to take place. His thoughts were troubled by trying to find the least obvious way to get Gilbert out of the manor before the humans attacked.

There was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Ludwig called.

“Arthur.”

“It’s open.”

Arthur hurried in and locked the door behind him. “I need to speak with you!”

“What’s wrong?” Ludwig asked, standing up from the desk and watching the other pace around the room. “You are obviously concerned about something?”

“I let Ivan ‘mate’ me last night! I was drunk, so I gave in and let him do it!”

Ludwig’s head followed Arthur’s body as the man continued to pace. “The mating bond doesn’t work with humans. He feels bonded, but you are not. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. As far as I’m concerned you’re doing everything right. Ivan has clearly fallen for you and that is the result we want.”

Arthur paused in his movements and glared at the other blonde. “Yes, but-“ He stopped in his speech, moving quickly to glance out the window. He folded his arms while his eyes followed the rain patterns on the glass.

Ludwig lowered his head slightly as he gazed at Arthur, shadowing his eyes slightly. “You’re not having feelings for him, are you?”

“If I could answer that I would,” Arthur responded.

“Don’t ruin this for us, Arthur,” Ludwig’s tone was firm. “We have come to far for this to blow up in our face. Look at me!” Ludwig demanded, but Arthur wouldn’t budge. “Arthur!”

“Speak to me in a civilized tone, and perhaps I will.”

“This is important, Arthur! Stop with the attitude! We need to focus,” Ludwig tried with a lower tone this time and was rewarded with Arthur turning to face him. “Please answer me. Are you having any feelings for him at all?”

“I think I am,” Arthur whispered. “But regardless of my feelings I know where my loyalties lie…and that is with the humans.”

Ludwig moved closer to him. “Are you certain of that?” Arthur answered him with a nod. “I should warn you that capturing Ivan is not going to be an easy task. What Alfred and the others have planned to properly capture him will be anything but humane or civil. Once we have him back at our military base he will not be treated kindly. Don’t forget that he has killed thousands of humans and destroyed cities. His army has destroyed hundreds of our brothers and sisters in arms. The humans at the base will not treat him kindly. If anything-“

Arthur cut him off, “I understand, Ludwig. Now stop talking!”

Ludwig grabbed the other’s arm roughly. “I need to know that you are behind us one hundred percent. No doubts. No second thoughts. We do not need your feelings getting in the way of our conquest!”

Arthur glared at him. “Let go of me! I will not be manhandled by you!”

Ludwig growled at him, baring his fangs. “You know the penalty for a traitor! If the humans should find out that you have caved in any way or shown your passion for a demon they will execute you.”

Arthur pulled out of Ludwig’s hold. “Yes, Ludwig! I understand! I’m fully aware of the consequences should I let my feelings for Ivan be public! I’ve already told you,” he lifted his head to face Ludwig with all the pride and certainty he could muster while speaking. “I know where my loyalties lie. Putting aside my own happiness, if I have any true feelings for the demon, is a sacrifice I am willing to make for the good of the world.”

Ludwig stared at him. “I will hold you to that, Arthur. Everyone is depending on you.” He watched as Arthur moved back to the window to gaze outside, his reflection in the glass.

“I know they are. Answer me this, Ludwig. What is your true reason for wanting Ivan out of the picture? Does it really have to do with your brother or is it something else?”

Ludwig sat back at his desk. “I was against their mating, but Gilbert had wanted it. Little did my brother know what most of mating entailed. In many ways, Gilbert was just like you: stubborn, prideful, confrontational, and always running at the mouth.” Arthur gave him a glare at that before returning to the window. “But Gilbert was not as wise as you. In the beginning of their mating, Ivan would beat him all the time. Whenever I came to visit there was always a new bruise or cut on my brother’s body. I don’t know why Gilbert remains with him. I’ve offered to take him away many times, but he will not listen to me.”

“So in other words, Ivan is abusive to Gilbert? I’ve never seen that my whole time here.”

“It has stopped, but I haven’t forgotten it. Perhaps Gilbert forgives him, but I don’t. Looking at it from a business perspective Ivan is not the best client to have. So those are the reasons why I want Ivan out of the picture. Aside from the military purposes, of course.”

Arthur’s shoulders began to tremble as he tried to contain his laughter. “You are foolish, Ludwig,” he stated softly.

“Care to explain that?” came a dark tone from the tall blonde.

Arthur smiled at him. “I have reason to believe that Gilbert is more dangerous than Ivan. You’d best find a way to contain your brother when all this goes down because rest assured, he will attack without mercy. He cares for Ivan.”

“He cares for the high style of living.”

Arthur shook his head. “I see things differently. You are not a full demon, so you don’t understand the full effects of the bonding. Just be cautious.”

“Hmph. Well, all that put aside I spoke to Alfred and Kiku. I will discuss the escape plans with you at a later date. I also have a message for you from Kiku.”

Arthur turned his whole body and flashed him a look of annoyance.

“Kiku says he misses your company and wishes to speak with you once again.”

“I won’t,” Arthur answered firmly. “You can tell him that I don’t socialize with traitors.”

Ludwig rolled his eyes. “Very well. I will write to him and let him know. Anything else you wish to discuss?”

“No. I will take my leave now.” Arthur headed to the door before turning around to look at Ludwig. “I suggest we tone down our faux attraction for one another. My duty is to seduce Ivan so I will continue to do so.” Ludwig nodded. “Good day to you.” He said and left without a second glance.

---

For the rest of the day Arthur remained in his room, laying flat on the bed. The rain continued to drum loudly outside with the occasional rumble of thunder. A servant had come to check on him, but Arthur told him he was not feeling well and wanted to be left alone. Some food was left for him, but it remained untouched on the little table. He really did not have an appetite. The conversation with Ludwig had bothered him for he believed the taller blonde thought he was lying. Whether he had feelings for Ivan or not, Arthur knew he was going to go through with the plan. The decision did bother him, but right now they were all in way too deep for Arthur to change this like he would like. There was no going back now. Ivan will only be one sacrifice that will save millions of humans. This was a necessary evil.

"I have to be strong," Arthur said to himself. "It's for the best." He covered his head with the pillow when came a knock at the door. "I want to be alone! Who is it?"

"It's Mattie. May I come in?"

"Ugh. Yes."

Matthew stepped in and gave him a smile. "Your new room is gorgeous, Arthur! You must be so excited!"

"It is a nice room and I appreciate it. Are you here on behalf of Gilbert? Ivan has claimed me as his mate even though I haven't fully accepted."

"Well, that is what I came to talk to you about. Gilbert has accepted the fact that you are now a mate to Ivan. He doesn't mind it at all as long as he remains the head mate. That means he has more power and status than you do."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Fine. That's fine. Tell Gilbert I appreciate his acceptance, and that he doesn't have to worry. I don’t plan on taking his place." 'Neither him or Ivan will have a 'place' soon,' he said to himself and turned over to give his back to Matthew.

Matthew came over and rests a hand on his shoulder. "Arthur? Are you all right? You seem upset."

"Don't worry about me, Mattie. I'm just not feeling well, and I have a lot on my mind." Arthur silently wished that Kiku were here with him at this moment for he could really use the Asian man's company and wisdom. Matthew was a good friend, so maybe he could confide in him anyway. "Mattie, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, Arthur. Anything. I'm your friend," Matthew replied, gently stroking Arthur's arm.

"You know your brother pretty well. Both he and Ivan are attracted to my temper and stubbornness. I guess they like being able to 'tame' me." His voice fell to a whisper and his fists clutched the throw pillow. "Do you think...Alfred just became bored with me after he had won me over? Do you think Ivan will do the same?"

Matthew gulped, unsure of how to answer. "Do you... like Ivan?"

"I don't know," Arthur replied softly. "Do not let this leave the room. I appreciate everything Ivan is giving me but... but I'm not a very 'cuddly' person. I'm not comfortable with 'love'. I don't know if I feel it or if it's... something else. I don’t know. Nothing makes sense anymore."

Matthew sat on the bed beside him. "You know, Alfred has told me that he never knew how to fully take you. He said you were hot and cold all the time. You were cold to him and often you'd scold or yell."

"Because he deserved it!" Arthur hissed. "He knew what he was getting when he jumped in bed with me!" Arthur sat up quickly. "That's the difference between Ivan and Alfred. Alfred EXPECTS so much from me when Ivan takes whatever I give him!"

Matthew gave him a little smile. "I think you really like Ivan."

Arthur narrowed his gaze at the lighter blonde. "Regardless of my feelings, he is a demon, and I am a human. I just can't, Matthew."

"Oh, Arthur..." Matthew took the other's hand. "What are you so afraid of?" Light eyes softly pleaded with green.

'If only you knew what we were planning, Mattie. Just don't ever hate me for what is going to happen.' "I don't know. It's just who I am."

"What are you going to tell Ivan?"

"That's why this conversation is never leaving this room." Arthur grabbed Matthew's wrists and squeezed to make his point clear. "I'll wait for something to happen. I will see where this leads."

"Ow! Okay, okay, I understand!" Matthew pulled his arm away and rubbed the sore wrist. "I'll just... leave you alone with your thoughts now."

"Sorry, Mattie. I'm just under a lot of pressure, and I'm confused and I'm- oh, I don't know! Just everyone leave me alone!" He flopped on the bed and covered his head with the pillow.

"Rest well, Arthur. If you need anything you know where to find me."

Arthur waited until he heard the door close before coming up from under the pillow. "I should just shut my heart away and become a priest. Then I don't have to worry about all this nonsense!" With that notion as his Plan B for the future he threw the pillow across the room.

---

A day and a half had passed while Arthur was still cooped up in his room. No one had bothered him until Ivan decided to make an appearance after their night of mating. Ivan cautiously entered the room, peeking inside. Arthur was sitting at the small writing desk with an open book, but he did not turn to see who had entered. Ivan smiled and shut the door behind him, clearing his throat to make his presence known. The blonde turned at the sound but did not smile, only responded with a simple greeting.

“Hello, Ivan,” before going back to his book.

"Good afternoon, Arthur. I haven't seen you since our night together and I thought I would come to offer you something fun we could do!"

Arthur turned around in the chair to look at him. "Fun? What kind of fun?"

"Do you like riding horses?"

Arthur cringed, thinking back to the times at Alfred's ranch where he was forced to ride the monstrous animals. "Not really. I'm a cat person. Let's stick with cats." He gave an uncomfortable smile at the demon.

"No problem, you can ride with me!" Ivan said with a grin. "I'll sit you in front of me, and we'll take the horse for a ride on the beach! Oh, you will love the sunset on the horizon, Arthur! Please say you will join me? It is not healthy to be cooped up in a small, dark room for so long!"

'You will be in a small dark room soon.' Arthur thought silently. 'Stick to the plan.' "Fine, I will go for a ride with you."

Ivan came up behind him and pulled the smaller man into a hug. "What's wrong, my English Rose?"

Arthur sighed, "Just a lot happening, that's all." He pushed out from his chair, which in turn knocked Ivan in the gut. The demon pouted and rubbed his belly. Arthur spun around with his hands on his hips. "Let’s get one thing straight here, Ivan! Maybe I did mate with you, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be your perfect little lover!" Ivan just blinked at him. "I am going to do what I want, and when I want to do it! You will treat me the same way you do Gilbert! I want my own life that is not glued to the hip with you! Understand this; I am not one for cuddling, hugging, snuggling, or anything of the like! Do not think for a moment that your little ‘bonding’ thingy changed who or what I am!”

“Okay, but-“

“I am General Arthur Kirkland of the Human Alliance, and I stand by my pride and honor! You are going to have to do a lot more than just mating!” Arthur flicked Ivan’s nose. “Do you understand?” It felt good to get all those feelings out in one swoop. Arthur let out a sigh of relief before looking into the smiling face of Ivan. “What?”

“Okay.”

“Okay what?” Arthur raised a brow.

“I said ‘okay’ to your quirky little demands,” Ivan smiled. “As long as you come to my bed and raise those narrow hips just for me, I will allow you to have anything you want.”

“Oh. Oh, well, um, thank you. I suppose?” Arthur wasn’t expecting such an easy answer.

“There is one condition though.” Ivan grinned. “You are still not allowed to leave the manor without me by your side. Can’t have you running off now, can we?” Ivan’s childish smile hid a threatening tone. “I would hate to have to tear the world apart looking for you! We don’t want that, do we?”

“No… No I suppose not…”

“As long as we understand each other,” Ivan’s eyes and face lit up with his next words. “Can we go riding now?” His voice was high pitched and excited like that of a begging child.

Arthur gave a crooked smile with a nod before being lead out of the room.

///

Aside from the monstrous animal he was straddling and the one pressing against his back, Arthur found the ride along the beach quaint and pleasant. His hands gripped the horses’ mane lightly while Ivan’s arms barricaded him from falling off. Ivan’s body kept his own warm from the gentle sea breeze. The sun was slowly setting upon the horizon and Arthur allowed himself some time to stare out at the vast openness of the ocean. How he wished that he were across that sea someplace far away from everything that was happening. Or he silently wished he were a seagull or a dolphin, so he could be free to go where he wished. Yet, there he was on horseback pressed back against a demon he swore to destroy (and would destroy).

The sound of the waves and the combination of Ivan’s warmth eased the anxious Arthur was feeling. He found himself leaning further back into Ivan’s chest, delighting in the gentle purrs that were produced. Something hard slid around his waist and Arthur saw that it was the scaly tail of the demon. Arthur was just relishing in the atmosphere when Ivan stopped the horse before an oasis. Questioning green eyes turned meet violet.

“Why are we stopping? Oh God, we’re not going to have sex in this oasis, are we?” Arthur cringed slightly, but heard Ivan chuckle behind him.

“Only if you want too. I can do it anywhere,” Ivan responded with a little nuzzle behind Arthur’s ear. “I thought we could just admire the sunset. I know you like scenic sights like this.”

When Arthur’s face turned to look at the sea, Ivan pressed them cheek-to-cheek. Arthur puffed out his free cheek but Ivan gave him an adorable little look. “What are you trying to pull?”

“I’m showing you my many sides!” Ivan answered. “I want to appeal to your better nature! By doing that, I must court you in a manner that is most desirable to you. If this is not to your liking, then perhaps you would like to see my mating dance?”

The blonde let out a laugh. “Whatever THAT is, it better involve keeping your pants on!” Arthur had to laugh again at Ivan’s playful expression. “I do not want to see you dance, sorry chap.”

“Your human strippers dance naked, yet my naked mating dance is considered ridiculous?” Ivan pouted and Arthur nodded. The demon only laughed and hugged the blonde tighter.

Arthur gave him a smirk. “I can’t be won so easily.”

Ivan mirrored the blonde’s face. “I don’t expect that. I’m already in the lead, but if you give in there won’t be any more fun times ahead. You keep spitting that fire, and I’ll keep making you scream in pleasure!” Arthur blushed brightly. “You don’t have to love me… just stay with me.”

Arthur shifted a bit in the saddle to get a closer look at Ivan’s soft expression. “Do you mean that?” Arthur was waiting for Ivan’s answer but their communication was suddenly cut off by a gunshot. The sound spooked the stallion and it reared, tossing the two men onto the sand. Ivan jumped up to shield Arthur who was still lying on the sand. “What was that?”

“Someone is here… a human.”

“A human?” Arthur looked past Ivan’s legs and gave a gasp at the human standing there. Armed with a gun and a belt of grenades, Alfred Jones had his weapon pointed straight at Ivan. Arthur’s throat closed up, unable to utter any words. What was Alfred doing here? Was the man trying to ruin everything? “ALFRED!”

“You know this human?” Ivan asked, his eyes still locked on the armed human.

“Damn right he knows me!” Alfred answered for Arthur. “That’s my ex-lover you have there! What are you doing with him?”

Arthur just gave Alfred a dumbstruck stare. He had to ask himself what game Alfred was trying to play. The man was obviously not letting on about their plan but what did he think he was going to gain by confronting Ivan?

“Why, he is now my mate.” Ivan answered him with smirk and a lick of his lips. “What is your name, puny human?”

Alfred cocked his gun. “Alfred F. Jones. The “F” stands for ‘freedom’!”

Arthur dragged a hand down his face.

“Alfred ‘Fucking Dead’ Jones is what you really meant to say,” Ivan hissed in Alfred’s direction. “You are spoiling my time with my mate. He is no longer yours, so step aside!”

“Arthur, get away from him!” Alfred commanded.

“Alfred, what are you doing?” Arthur shouted back at him. “We aren’t together anymore!”

“You sure as hell aren’t going to let yourself hang around with this monster! Not if I have anything to say about it!”

Ivan spread his wings wide and high, his arms outstretched to invite the human to attack. “Come on then, little human! Take a shot at me! Go ahead!”

“ALFRED, NO!!” Arthur shouted, but Alfred fired his gun anyway.

Ivan dodged it and grinned his fangs at Alfred. “That all you’ve got, Alfred Fucking Jones?”

“GET OVER HERE AND FIGHT ME, DEMON!!!”

“STOP THIS!” Arthur screamed when Alfred shot off his gun again.

“SO BE IT!!!” Ivan hissed loudly and bent down low to charge in Alfred’s direction. The force from his speed left a cloud of sand in its wake. “I WILL DEVOUR YOU!!!”

Alfred ducked and rolled out of the way, aiming his gun to take fire. The bullet sped past Ivan as the demon circled around, coming back towards him. All Alfred could see of the demon was that sharp-toothed grin and massive horns. Arthur’s cries of ‘stop’ and ‘no’ were barely heard. Alfred swung the butt of his gun but it did little to protect him from the onslaught. The force of Ivan crashing into him sent his body to the sand. He gasped when Ivan shot up a few feet into the air and dived back down towards his chest. Alfred had to roll out of the way again but was not so lucky to escape the full force of the blow. Ivan’s heavy landed sprayed sand everywhere and Alfred took some in his eyes. His glasses had long since been lost in the beginning of the fight. He hissed and rubbed his sleeves at the burning orbs, hearing Arthur’s cries and Ivan’s laughter.

“Such a spirited young man! Come on, Jones! Is that all you have to show me?” Ivan laughed proudly before using his tail to bat Alfred across the sand.

“IVAN, STOP!!!” Arthur shouted while he ran over to the demon, grabbing his arm. Ivan was too lost in his bloodlust to comprehend Arthur’s cries and that frustrated the blond more. “IVAN! YOU’VE GOT TO-!!!” Ivan suddenly lifted him in the air just before an explosion was heard. Arthur looked down to see Alfred on his knees with a grenade pin in his mouth.

“DROP HIM!!!” Alfred demanded and took aim with his gun once again. He fired a shot that Ivan had to dodge in the air.

“Cute! Such a gallant hero!” Ivan mocked and quickly flew Arthur over to safety. “Let me handle your old lover.”

Before Arthur could protest the demon had already taken off to confront Alfred. Arthur watched in pure horror while the two battled. Ivan toyed with Alfred while his ex-lover used everything he had to try and land a blow to the demon. Arthur could not understand for the life of him why Alfred was doing this. This whole thing was Alfred’s plan in the first place so why was the man defending him now? Alfred was with Kiku, so why was he doing this? The man would get himself killed if Arthur did not interfere. He didn’t want to see Alfred get killed by the hands of the one he was supposed to ‘love’. Arthur tried to find his voice but like the limpness in his legs, he was useless. Why couldn’t he find the strength to move?

///

Ivan shoved the human away with his tail, watching the body roll along the sand. The human Alfred was quickly losing his breath due to the heavy blows from his tail. Ivan let both his fangs and claws grow, letting his tongue slip out to lick his lips. He could see the look of fear in those cornflower blue eyes even though a shield of determination blocked them. This was the human who had made his Arthur cry and the crime would not go unpunished. He gave a throaty laugh.

“Get up, human! Get up!” Ivan watched as the human stumbled to his feet. “Come on, human! Don’t stop! I’m right here, Alfred! Come on, come on!” He taunted. “Come and get me, the demon who has claimed your Arthur!” Ivan spread his wings and thumped his tail on the sand. His adrenaline was racing at the sport of this fight. Most humans ran at the mere sight of him, but this one was brave. Brave and stupid, but determined nonetheless. How he loved a fine challenge!

“Arthur is not yours! He will never belong to you!” Alfred hissed. “His heart still belongs to me!”

Ivan gave a mighty roar. “You abandoned him! Stupid human!”

Alfred smirked. “Let me speak in terms an animal like you will understand! I made him bleed first, that makes him mine! I will never let a demon like you have him! Never!”

“Then come this way, Alfred Jones! Come and shoot me right through my black demon heart! Be the Knight in Shining Armor for your darling Arthur!”

Alfred tossed another grenade that sent Ivan jumping back a few feet. Alfred took this moment to gain more ground to prepare for another open attack. Ivan arched his back and laughed manically like a classic villain. Alfred fired three shots but none pierced or even grazed Ivan’s skin. The demon came at him head on with lightening speed, leaving him no room to dodge. Alfred felt as if his lungs and stomach had just leapt in his throat for he felt the heavy butt of those strong horns in his gut. As he fell to the sand the demon circled above him like a vulture, laughing like a madman. Alfred struggled to catch his breath as the demon stopped to mock him.

“What happened to that fiery spirit, oh great hero? Raise your gun and open fire on me!” Ivan spread his arms and legs. “Come on, boy! Have at me!”

Alfred was still struggling to regain his breath.

“So be it, then! Now feel the wrath of an almighty demon warlord!” Ivan laughed manically again and began his quick decent.

Alfred forced himself to move out of the way as Ivan landed on the sand. He could feel the vibrations of the landing under his hands. Before Alfred could blink, that massive tail whacked him across the sand. He forced a blue eye open to see Ivan charging at him on all fours. For a split second Alfred realized this was the first time he had seen an actually demon with all the facial characteristics, and it frightened him. The will to fight and live balanced out that fear, giving Alfred the strength to attack. The moment Ivan’s serpent like body loomed over his with all the features of a demon; Alfred pulled out another gun and fired a shot. The bullet shot through the demon’s left shoulder with a mighty screech filling the night air. For the moment, Alfred knew he was safe.

“How dare you, human!” came Ivan’s loud, snake-like tone. “Now we shall finish this! I will make your spine into a belt and devour your flesh!” There was another manic laugh.

Alfred lifted himself up on his forearms to look at the monster a few feet away from him. Amidst all the dust and darkened night, Ivan appeared more frightening in the shadows. Until the day he died, Alfred knew the image at this moment would remain burned in his memory forever. Alfred then regretted pushing Arthur into the claws of this beast. He knew now what they were going to face first hand when the plan was unleashed.

“WELCOME TO YOUR DEATH!!!”

Alfred prepared for an attack but Arthur’s form had jumped between them.

“NO!!!” Arthur shouted and Ivan’s features softened. “No, Ivan… stop. Not like this. I don’t want him dead!”

Alfred could not believe his eyes for this demonic creature known for such diabolical acts was listening to Arthur. The demon’s tail swayed slowly and the wings lowered. Even the cat-like slits and fangs grew dimmer. The demon’s features were softening with Arthur’s words. ‘He’s done it.’ Alfred said to himself. ‘Arthur has gained the trust and love of that demon.’ A demon that never shows mercy and who kills without a cause or purpose. It kills to satisfy only its bloodlust. Yet here it was, yielding to Arthur.

“Let’s just go back home. Leave him. He is nothing to me.”

Arthur’s words had wounded him even though Alfred knew their relationship was over. He only hoped that whatever Arthur was to say was a result of acting and not his true feelings.

“He has hurt you. He lied to you and betrayed you. Why do you want him living?” Ivan hissed. “I could rip the flesh from his bones and let you burn his remains!”

Arthur never lowered his arms. “He is not worth my time. Alfred should have never attacked you.” Arthur turned to look at Alfred with a sharp glare. “You are stupid, Alfred if you think that you could withstand the strength of a demon such as Ivan!”

Alfred’s jaw dropped and Ivan’s smirk grew.

“Our time together is over. Leave us. Go back to Kiku’s bed and I will go to Ivan’s. Never show your face to me or my demon mate again!”

Alfred watched with confusion and heartbreak as Arthur rushed to the Ivan, throwing himself into the demon’s arms. Ivan’s violet eyes bore into his own and Alfred could see the mocking laughter hidden within. The demon obeyed Arthur’s commands and they went back to the horse. Alfred watched them ride away, leaving him all alone in the cold sand; however, Alfred managed to catch a glimpse of Arthur’s face. The man’s heavy brows were lifted in hurt and his eyes silently asked, ‘why did you do this?’ Alfred held his stomach and stood up, watching until the horse was out of sight.

“Just whose side are you on, Arthur?” he asked softly, wiping some blood from his lip. “Either you are one of the strongest people I have ever met or you have truly betrayed us…” Alfred remembered the saddened look on Arthur’s face as he rode out of sight and he smiled. “You’ll do what’s right in the end.., and I bet you’ll hate me for it.”

End Chapter 10 TBC
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Darker Than Morning