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This Image of You	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 2818 -:- 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
- 12
- 13
- 14
***Warnings: Language

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. Any references are copyrighted by their owners/creators. I am making no money off of this fic. It is for pure enjoyment only!

Part 2 Chapter 3: Something Is Missing

Gilbert awoke at dawn the next morning, stretching his body and yawning loudly. He scratched his crotch with one hand and his belly with the other. A lazy smile adorned his waking face, having had one of the best drunken sleeps in a long while. He smacked his lips and peeked an eye open, looking around the room for Ivan. Both eyes opened when he realized that Ivan wasn't with him in the room. Concerned, he stood up from the bed and looked around the room.

"Ivan?" He called softly but received no answer.

Gilbert noticed that the furs were gone, which meant Ivan must already be up and about. Muttering to himself about Ivan's rudeness to not awaken him, Gilbert quickly dressed himself in his armor and furs. He lumbered loudly down the stairs and took notice of the empty tavern, the residents all still sound asleep in their beds. He continued to the ground floor and looked around for Ivan or anyone who may know where he had gone. A clanging sound from a door alerted him to the kitchen where someone was up and cooking. Knocking gently, he pushed the door open and peeked inside.

"Hello?" His voice slightly startled the middle-aged woman baking bread in the kitchen.

"Oh my! You startled me!" Gilbert chuckled and stepped inside.

"I'm sorry, but I'm looking for my friend. Big, tall, dumb-looking violet eyed man with a funny haircut and a big nose? He has a childish smile and is wearing heavy brown furs. He's my traveling companion but I can't find him anywhere. Have you seen him?" The woman looked down at her bread as she thought.

"I know which man you speak of. I saw you come in with him last night. I'm sorry, but I haven't seen him. I did hear someone walking around late in the evening. Maybe he went out? The best person to ask would be Mr. Sarge, the lamplighter. He is always on these streets at night, lighting the lanterns."

"Great! Where can I find him?"

"He lives above the butcher's store. Just a few houses down."

Gilbert thanked her and left the tavern, trotting down the street to the butcher's house. He saw the sign that read 'Butcher' and knew he was at the right place. Clearing his throat, he walked into the shop with the little doorbell jingling above. Across the way stood a wooden counter and a man behind it chopping meat. The man turned at the sound of the bell and noticed Gilbert.

"Ah! A customer? This early in the morning? I must be in luck! How can I help you today, sir? I have fresh goose and pheasant! Caught just yesterday from the woods nearby!"

"I didn't come here for meat, thank you." The butcher pouted a bit. "I really came to see if I could talk to your tenant. Mr. Sarge, the lamplighter? Is he available?"

"I think he's still asleep. He sleeps during the day because he works at night. What do you need to see him for?"

"Well, you may be able to help too. I'm looking for my traveling friend. He's a really tall and bulky guy with purple eyes and silver-ish hair. Have you seen him? He should be wearing all brown furs."

"You know what? Come to think of it, Mr. Sarge spoke of seeing a man fitting that description last night." Gilbert looked surprised. That meant that Ivan had left in the evening, not the morning. "He said a man, that fits your description, was talking to himself and walking the streets. He walked all the way into the woods. Mr. Sarge said he called out to him but the man did not hear him and kept on. The woods are extremely dangerous at night."

"And he hasn't come back at all? Mr. Sarge say anything about him coming back?"

"No one comes back from those woods at night. I'm sorry about your friend."

Gilbert said nothing, rushing out of the shop and onto the streets. He ran along the snow-covered street towards the woods. The sun hadn't fully arose yet and the woods were still dark but there was enough light for him to see. He wasted no time in searching, hollering Ivan's name and looking for any sign of someone having passed the way. To be safe, he used his dagger to mark the trees so he could find his way back to the village. These woods were heavily littered with trees and would appear impossible to travel through at night. But most importantly, what was Ivan doing traveling through the woods at night? And why didn't he wake him?

Gilbert was reminded of that strange and disturbing dream he had about the creature. It seemed to know him and Ivan. He had to wonder if Ivan experienced something of the same nature. If that were the case, then where was he? Was he hurt or dead somewhere? Did animals get him? Was he swept away by the same strange force Gilbert felt in his dreams? Whatever the case, he had to find him and prayed that he was alive. His voice began to grow hoarse at the constant calling of Ivan's name with no answer.

"IVAAAAAAN! IVAN, WHERE ARE YOU?" He called. "IVAAAAAN! Where the hell could he be? Damn it!" He slammed his fist into one of the trees in frustration. His helplessness and lack of success were starting to get to him and he was losing his resolve. The trees all looked the same and snow covered the ground for as far as he could see. His feet were growing cold through the boots. His lips were beginning to chap from the air. "I'll never find him in these woods." He leaned against another tree and whispered his name. "Ivan…" He didn't want to lose his lover, not now. Tears started to sting his eyes and he cursed himself for being so emotional. It wasn't like him. "Come on, Ivan…give me a sign. Anything…"

'Hello…' Gilbert froze at the soft voice behind him. Who was out here with him? And worse, why did it SOUND just like him?

"He-Hello?" He answered back, slowly turning around.

It was HIM. Himself! His own self was staring back at him but he could tell that it was not of this world. A ghost. Before him stood a ghost of himself, a mirror image, perfect in every way. There was a large red gash on the left side of his head and Gilbert knew right away that this was Ivan's Gilbert from his world. He just stared at his own apparition, feeling his blood chill and his heart still. He was looking at the ghost of his DEAD self. That was HIM looking forlorn and poignant. He was staring straight into the face of his own dead body. The thought made his head spin in bewilderment and fear. To who would ever think they would gaze upon the ghost of themselves? But there was no doubt in his mind that this was Ivan's dead Gilbert.

"W-who are you?" He asked in a whisper. "Are you me? I know you're not ME me…but…you are me, right?" His ghost said nothing but stared back at him with dead pink eyes, the blood from the wound dripping but falling nowhere. He thought the bone thing in his dream was terrifying but it couldn't match the terror he was experiencing now.

'Ivan…'

"Ivan? Y-yes! Yes I'm looking for Ivan! H-Have you…seen him?" 'I can't believe I am talking to my ghost.'

The ghost gave a little nod and turned from him, floating away. It paused to look back at him to see if he was following. Gilbert's legs were frozen in place and he couldn't find the strength to move them. The ghost before him almost had him on his knees in tears. The ghost tilted his head in the direction he wanted Gilbert to follow him. In his ears he heard the sound of a heartbeat. He couldn't tell if it was his own or something else. The heartbeat seemed to echo through the woods around him but grew less and less the further the ghost moved.

Gilbert finally found the strength to move his legs and follow his ghost. The heartbeat grew louder once he had caught up with the spirit. His ghost floated along the snow-covered ground silently, looking back every now and again to make sure Gilbert was still there. The heartbeat started to grow defining and he rubbed his temples. As he continued to follow, his mind was flashed with vivid images of the other Gilbert's memories. All of them were with Ivan, doing some strange things in an equally strange world. Nothing made sense to him other than recognizing him and Ivan in various stages of coupling and courting. There was so much he had wanted to ask but he could not find his voice.

Then the heartbeat grew louder and he had to cover his ears. It did little to cease the sound that never seemed to stop tormenting him. Finally, he saw his ghost stop at the top of a ravine. It looked back at him and pointed to the bottom. Gilbert gulped and walked up to stand beside his ghost and look down. Someone had fallen. He could tell by the snow and the footsteps below. He looked at his ghost who spoke just one word.

'Ivan.' He pointed to the footsteps before gliding down the ravine.

Gilbert held his breath and slid down the ravine carefully. The heartbeat continued to pound in his head as he followed the ghost and the footsteps. They led to a small fissure in the ravine made from the roots of a slanted tree. Gilbert's ghost looked back at him and gave a very sad smile before slowly disappearing into the hole. The heartbeat remained until Gilbert crouched down and peered inside. There lay Ivan, shivering and panting heavily on the ground. The heartbeat finally began to fade once Ivan opened his eyes and looked upon him. It must have been Ivan's heartbeat and the ghost was channeling it. He had remembered Arthur saying something about that long ago. Gilbert gave him a crooked smirk of relief.

"Are you a ghost?" Ivan asked weakly.

"No. No, I'm your Gilbert. Alive and well." He gave a breathy chuckle. "I…I saw a ghost, though. I saw Gilbert. Your old Gilbert. He led me here to you."

"Was he alone?"

"Yes. Why? And what happened to you? Why did you leave?"

"Long fucking story." He gave a pained smile. "I've sprained my ankle pretty badly…I couldn't make it up the ravine. I thought I was going to die here." He sighed in content. "Thank you, Gilbie. My snow bunny…"

"You speak of the ghost, right?" Ivan nodded and let Gilbert help him out of the hole. "I'm surprised I'm even moving right now. I was looking into the FACE of my DEAD self. Do you know how fucking INSANE that is? I almost can't believe it."

"I'm sure." Ivan hissed out as Gilbert helped him to stand. "Damn…that hurts!"

"And it's a LONG way back." Gilbert looked up at the ravine and gulped then looked at Ivan, sizing him up. "All I'm missing is the ass's ears."

"Well done, little one. You have pleased me." Gilbert's ghost hung limply in the air as the soul chaser sucked him back into the helmet's mouth. "Ending the fun now would be pointless."

"Please stop this…I can't take it anymore…"

"Aww, did seeing your living self make you sad?" Gilbert said nothing. "His fate will be nothing like yours. He is the lucky one." Gilbert remained silent and the being could sense his distress and helplessness. "You know, I could always let you go to Ivan and convince him to come with me. That way you two can continue to be together for all eternity."

"I won't do that. I won't take Ivan's life away just for myself!"

"So noble and so stupid. When will the universe learn?" He tapped the fang of his helmet as he watched the two men in the ravine from afar. "Keep moving along, Ivan. Keep moving along."

"Oookay…you…seriously…need to…stop…eating…whatever it is…you're fucking EATING! You're fat!" Gilbert grunted out each word as he climbed the ravine, VERY slowly, with Ivan on his back. The larger man had his arms around Gilbert's chest, trying to help by using his good foot to push up.

"I'm not fat…I'm big boned." Ivan pouted. "You just need to build more muscle."

"That's what I thought your body…consisted of! Now I think differently!" He was using his dagger to help pull and steady their weight.

"Muscle weighs more than fat. I am all muscle."

"Yeah, in your head!" Gilbert hissed and looked up to the top, seeing that they were only halfway there. "Fuck…me…hard!" He said angrily.

"Later, love." Gilbert just ignored him and continued their difficult ascend to the top of the ravine.

When they finally reached the top, Gilbert shoved Ivan off of him and fell back into the snow. He panted heavily as his muscles screamed and his lungs tried to even their breathing. Ivan ended up on his stomach with his ankle still twisted and aching. He looked over at Gilbert's form in the snow and his eyes widened. He shot his hand out to grasp Gilbert's in his own and squeezed. Gilbert let out a hiss and turned to glare at him.

"What did you do that for?"

"Don't lie down. Don't lie down in the snow! For God's sake don't! DON'T!" He pulled at Gilbert's arm.

"Ivan! Let go of me!" Gilbert tugged his arm away and sat up. "What the hell has gotten into you? Don't we have enough strange shit happening without you going off your rocker?"

"My old Gilbert died in the snow." Ivan said seriously. Gilbert looked at him and all his anger melted away. He had understood then.

"Sorry. I was just exhausted…but what happened, Ivan? Why the hell did you get up and leave?"

"Just like you…I followed Gilbert's ghost. He led me to these woods. He was calling for me. I couldn't just ignore him. I was in a trance while I followed him or I would have woken you up. But…someone is controlling him. Someone has my Gilbert."

"The guy in the bone armor, I'm guessing?" Ivan gave him a surprised look, lifting his upper body from the snow.

"How did you-?"

"I've seen him. He's come to me too. In a dream. He's dressed all in black bones and has no face, only those glowing purple eyes. His face…it's hidden inside the mouth of that skull helmet! He wants-"

"Me." Ivan finished for him. "He wants me…because I cheated death. He must be the grim reaper or something like that." Ivan looked down at the snow. "But he does have my Gilbert…how can we save his soul when it's captured by someone like THAT?" Gilbert stood up from the snow and shook the white powder off of him.

"Let's discuss this more when we get you back to the inn and fixed up. We just need to gather all the items and then Arthur will know what to do." Gilbert went to one of the trees and broke off a long and heavy stick. "Here, use this to balance yourself. I can't carry you the whole way."

Ivan silently used the heavy stick to balance his weight as he stood, resting everything on his good foot. Gilbert was beside him the whole time, staying close in case he lost balance. They followed the tree markings he had made and for a wounded man, Ivan was doing extremely well. The man really was hearty and strong. But his smile was absent. Gilbert knew that at a moment like this, Ivan would be wearing a happy smile despite his situation and ankle. With the appearance of that bone man and the other Gilbert's ghost he wouldn't blame Ivan if he didn't smile again for a long while. He himself felt like curling up into bed and hiding under the covers.

By late afternoon they had arrived back in the town. Gilbert helped escort Ivan to the tavern and to their room, calling for the owner to fetch a doctor. The two lumbered up the steps and stumbled through the door, Ivan's weight once again nearly toppling them. Gilbert helped him sit on the bed and Ivan let out a sigh of relief to finally be off his ankle. Gilbert removed his boots and furs, tucking him under the covers for warmth. Ivan said nothing as Gilbert relit the fireplace, filling the room with its warm glow. Gilbert took off his own furs and went to the bed to sit beside Ivan, stroking the bangs from his face.

"How does it look?" Ivan asked, referring to his ankle. Gilbert stood up and went to the end of the bed to flip up the blankets. He looked at it carefully and gave it a light poke.

"I'm no doctor but I think you should be walking in a couple of days or so."

"We don't have that kind of leisure. Gilbert's soul doesn't have that much time." Ivan said sadly.

"Hm. Let me order us some food while we wait. I'll be right back." Gilbert left the room briefly to order some soup and bread to be brought up to them. When he reentered the room Ivan was sitting up in the bed and looking at his ankle. "Looking at your 'cankles' now?" He joked but Ivan didn't laugh nor did he seem to even care.

"What do you know about him? About the man-beast?"

"Well…that first night we camped out he appeared to me in a dream. He…spoke to me. About you and your other Gilbert. And how he wanted you." Gilbert did not want to tell him the demonic sexual nature that went on. "I didn't want to tell you because I thought it was nothing more than just a crazy dream. I decided I would say more when and if it happened again. What about you?"

"Pretty much the same. He has my Gilbert's soul trapped and I have to find a way to save him. I hope Arthur can do more with these items. This creature…whatever he is, he is toying with us."

"It's a game to him." Gilbert said as he tossed another log into the fire. "And we're his game pieces. We can expect extra hardships now knowing that he is at our backs. If he likes to play mind tricks then we can't believe ANYTHING that he says. He may try to turn us against one another. Or make us go insane. He mentioned that to me…about your sanity." Gilbert looked back at him. "He didn't give us a name or anything. Guess we can just call him man-beast."

"Q." (1)

"Huh? Q? What's that about?"

"We'll call him 'Q' until we get a name from him." Ivan knew Gilbert wouldn't know the reference but it seemed appropriate.

"Okay…Q. So what do you think Q's next move will be? Where does he come from and who exactly IS he?"

"Who knows? Right now I need to get my ankle better as quickly as possible. I will deal with Q during our next meeting." Ivan's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'll send him back to whatever tear or universe he came from. Mark my words. I will strip him of that armor and wear it myself."

"Or die trying?" Gilbert added for him but Ivan just shook his head.

"Oh no, I don't lose." He gave a pleasured smile.

Back at the castle, Arthur was frantically searching through all his books, trying to find an answer to the vision he had had. In the vision a being was following Gilbert and Ivan from another world. Arthur was uncertain of which entity it was and which universe it came from. He had a rough idea of what he was looking for but just had to find it. This worry he kept to himself and Alfred, not letting on to the others that something was wrong. The last thing he needed was Ludwig in here pitching a fit while he was trying to work.

His second biggest issue was how he planned to contact the two on their journey. Using telepathic magic took a lot of power and energy. He would have to call them through an item on their person, preferably Gilbert. The brothers shared many things and he should be able to make a connection channeling through the objects. Arthur wouldn't be able to say much for any length of time but he could at least get a warning out to them. He grinned manically as his aching fingers finally flipped to a page in an old dusty book containing the material he needed.

"Alfred! I found it!" Alfred floated over to him and sat cross-legged on the long table.

"What did you find? Is it what you were looking for?"

"Yes…this is what I had in mind. I am almost certain of it." Arthur quickly read through the pages, pointing out the picture of a man dressed in bone armor drawn on the page. "Do you see this man here?" Alfred looked at the picture but shrugged his shoulders.

"What about it?"

"There are four known Soul Chasers throughout the astral world. This one here is the most widely known, for he is the MOST conspicuous one of the group. The others all work from a distance, not wanting to be seen. That is why he has the most prominent picture in this book."

"What is a Soul Chaser then? Why don't I know of them?"

"They only chase souls that have been misplaced or have escaped from the outer realms of the universe. Ivan is a prime example of that. He died, traveled between worlds, and got lost here. This being is out to get him back. They are timeless, these Soul Chasers. Not much is known of their origin. This one wears the bones of creatures past. Almost like a trophy of how long he has been around. They are defiantly in danger, both of them." Arthur flipped the page and he let out a gasp, nearly falling off of the bench. "WHAT THE HELL?"

"What is it?" Alfred asked curiously and moved to stand next to Arthur, looking at the page. "Holy shit! That can't be him! Ivan was doodling in your books, Arthur!"

"Alfred, I need you to sneak into Ludwig's room and take one of the many pendants and wooden things that Gilbert has made for his brother over the years! And for the sake of all that is old and holy, don't be found out! This is important! Don't ask questions just DO IT!" Arthur gave him a stern, serious no nonsense look and Alfred gulped.

"Back in a flash!"

Alfred hurried out of the room and flew down the halls, turning into a shadow to conceal himself. He remained high up against the ceiling so no one would be able to spot him easily. The picture in the book concerned him but he couldn't focus on that now. He wouldn't be able to know any more juicy details until Arthur had what he needed. Once he arrived at Ludwig's chambers doors, he leaned against the wood to listen for movement inside. When he heard nothing he gently lifted the latch handle and pushed the door open.

He peeked inside, finding the chamber lit but empty. He slipped inside and shut the door quietly behind him, floating into the room. Looking around, he noticed Feliciano's vanity but saw nothing of Ludwig's there. Cursing under his breath he searched around the room for Ludwig's belongings. He had to shuffle through his wardrobes and trunks, looking for any kind of trinket box that may hold brotherly belongings.

"Alfred?"

"FUCKING FUCK!" Alfred nearly jumped out of his skin at the whiny, squeaky voice that came from inside the room. He turned around to see Feliciano peeking out from behind one of the sofas.

"Alfred? What are you doing in our room?"

"W-What are you doing hiding in your OWN ROOM!"

"Ludwig was drinking tonight and…and Gilbert's not here so-" He blushed slightly and hid behind the chair arm, peeking out at him. "I rather be here, where he can't find me…if he wants to, that is."

"I think he would look in the room you both SHARE if he wanted to have his way with you. I mean, the bed is RIGHT THERE. You should be hiding somewhere else!"

"But I don't have anywhere else to go where I feel safe! Kiku isn't home tonight and Gilbert isn't in his room! Gilbert is the only one who can fend off Ludwig."

"Come stay in our room then. I can fend off Ludwig." Feliciano came out from the chair.

"You still haven't told me why you are in our room going through our things?"

"I…I need something of Ludwig's that Gilbert made for him. Arthur needs it, actually. But I can't tell anyone about it." Feliciano tapped his chin and then smiled.

"Oh, I know! Wait right here!" Feliciano hurried across the room to a trunk. He fumbled through it and took out a wooden box, bringing it over. "Here, this is what you are looking for." Alfred took it from him and opened it, seeing a large number of various pendants and animal figurines.

"Um…is there one that Ludwig likes the most? Do you know?"

"Yes. He really likes this little carving of a rabbit. Gilbert made it for him when he was young."

"Great! I need this! It will help Gilbert in his journey." Feliciano nodded happily. "But you can't tell Ludwig! You have to swear that you won't tell him!"

"I swear it. I don't talk to him after he's been drinking. But what's wrong? Are Gilbert and Ivan alright?" Feliciano asked with some worry in his voice.

"They may be in trouble if Arthur doesn't warn them in time. But please, don't tell anyone! Arthur doesn't want anyone to know until he does what he needs to! Understand?" Feliciano nodded. "Okay, I'll see you around then." He turned to leave but Feliciano stopped him.

"Wait! You…you said I could stay with you and Arthur tonight." He whined and pouted.

"Shit…" He sighed. "Alright, come with me."

Arthur continued to stare at the picture of the Soul Chaser who could only be Ivan himself. The drawling was an old style but it was undoubtedly Ivan drawn as the man under the armor. He chewed his pinky nail as he tried to make sense of it. It was possible that this Soul Chaser was Ivan's counter part in the universe. Maybe the Ivan he knew did not have a physical humanly parallel being like the rest of them did. This creature may very well be his parallel self. That would explain more of how Ivan was able to travel safely through the cosmos. He had already ruled out that if one dies in one world the other does not. Gilbert was dead in Ivan's world but still alive here, which meant that the chasers don't seek out the parallel others. They are allowed to live.

"Damn it! This is so confusing! I HATE not being able to figure things out!"

"Arthur! I'm back!" Arthur looked up to see Alfred coming in with Feliciano. He gave him a 'what is he doing here' look. "Ludwig's out drinking his sorrows and Feliciano's scared. This is the only place he can stay for the night. He can sleep in my bed."

"I won't say anything! I promise!" Feliciano begged. "Please let me stay! Please, please, please!"

"Fine! Alfred, you take care of him. Do you have what I need?"

"Yes, right here!" Alfred handed him the wooden rabbit.

"Good. Now, I'm going to have to travel quickly to the Moon Temple to do this. Don't let anyone bother me. If Ludwig or anyone asks where I am, tell them I am off hunting…forest elves or something! For a new potion I'm making. I'll handle the aftermath later!"

"But let me come with you!" Alfred pleaded. "I don't want to stay here with Feliciano!" Feliciano whined softly at the insult.

"You will stay here. This is very tricky magic. It's important that I have complete silence and concentration. I'll be back soon."

Before Alfred could say more, Arthur summoned a spell that let him travel quickly through the air, out the window, and through the night sky towards the temple. He had to stop and levitate for a short moment to regain his energy before repeating the same spell. The Moon Temple came into view and he entered through the top, using another spell to lower himself carefully to the floor. But when he landed, the first thing he noticed was that the blue fire torches was burning red. It was a bad omen from the gods of old, a warning of a disturbance in the universe. For a moment, he fell to his knees, offering a short prayer and fearing for the fate of the universe.

"Get it together, Arthur!" He hissed to himself and stood back on his feet. "I can do this."

Arthur walked over to the altar and sat before it, placing the wooden rabbit before him. He folded his arms and legs, keeping his back straight. Looking at the image of the moon and stars, he closed his eyes and began chanting. The spell had to be repeated a number of time until Arthur was able to see the area where Gilbert and Ivan were residing. His frustration was getting the better of him but he had to stay focused or he could loose the spell. Even his lungs were beginning to ache with the constant chanting. In his vision, something started to take form and he found the energy to repeat the chant louder. Finally, a vision of a room appeared before him. He could see Ivan on a bed, not clearly, but knew it was him. He must be on Gilbert's person right now. He spoke:

'Gilbert? Gilbert can you here me?'

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?" Gilbert shouted and looked around the room. Ivan blinked in surprise.

"That sounded strangely like Arthur?"

'Gilbert, Ivan! It is me! It's Arthur! I don't have much time! I'm talking to you telepathically through an item on your person!' Gilbert looked down at his traveling pouch and saw a little green light coming from it. He opened the flap and looked at the pendant Ludwig had gotten him long ago. He always traveled with it but never wore it.

"My pouch is talking…"

'Listen to me. The two of you are in great danger! There is a being following you and-'

"We've met him already." Ivan spoke. "He is in bone armor and he is after me."

'…how did you know? Have you met him?'

"Twice." Gilbert said. "Both Ivan and I have encountered him. He's getting enjoyment out of tormenting us. What do you know about it?"

'I know that he is a very ancient entity, wearing the bones of creatures past. He has the body and looks of a human yet is not one.'

"Then what do you advise?" Ivan asked. "How do we deal with him?"

'I'm afraid I don't have that answer for you at this moment. But I will continue to study this being and let you know whenever I find something out. I didn't think you'd already run into him. I wanted to warn you.'

"Well, thanks for the warning. It is appreciated." Gilbert said. "Is there anything we can do?"

'I can't stay for much longer so I will make this quick. Be very careful of anything he says or does when you meet him again. Whatever you do, don't give in to him, no matter what he offers you.'

"He has Gilbert's soul." Ivan said. "He uses Gilbert's soul to torment me."

'…you must stay strong, Ivan. I know I can save Gilbert's soul but only after you get me the items I need. I can't defeat that beast but I can take Gilbert's soul away from him. Just as long as our Gilbert is willing to accept another person into his body.' Ivan looked at Gilbert who simply nodded.

"I'll do it."

'Don't lose this item we are talking through! If you do I may not be able to get in contact with you again! The vision is fading…I can't stay…talk to yo-'

"Damn, I lost them." Arthur cursed softly at the altar. "At least the spell works and they are aware." Arthur did not want to tell Ivan that the man in the armor might very well be his parallel self. "This isn't the time for that yet." He stood up and looked out at the stars, noticing that something was not right. "Where is the constellation of-?" He gasped. "It's missing! Something is terribly wrong and the gods know it! I must get back and alert Ludwig!"

End Part 2 Chapter 3 TBC

***Q is a character from Star Trek: The Next Generation. He likes to play mind games and confuse humans. Whereas Ivan's parallel self is not completely like him, he reminded me of Q as I was writing. Also, for those of you who have not seen The Next Generation, the actor for Q is also the voice of Discord from the new My Little Pony Friendship is Magic series. The pony creators let him play the same character as he did in Star Trek! ^^ A little nerd nugget of joy for you! Trust me, I'm not creative enough for trickery and wit like that. ^^' I take no credit! Just spreading some nerdom.
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This Image of You