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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
- 13
- 14
- 15
***Warnings: Hardcore yaoi, violence, language

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. Any references used belong to their rightful owners/creators. I own nothing and I am making no money off of this fic. This is for pure enjoyment.

Part 2 Chapter 4: It's A Very Mad World

Gilbert sat at the bar in the tavern, staring ahead at the wall of ale barrels and wines. Ivan was just visited by the doctor who bandaged up his ankle and gave him some sleeping potion. Instead of staring at the sleeping man he figured some good ale would help relax his mind. He kept seeing the ghost of the other Gilbert in his mind and it never failed to unnerve him. He had a strong feeling that this wouldn't be the last time he'd be seeing that ghost. Q had the ghost in his power and will use it again to taunt Ivan. He may even use it to taunt Gilbert. If that were to be true, the Gilbert would have to get used to the image of his dead self.

He stared down at his blurred reflection in the ale, specifically looking at his eyes. The pink eyes of the ghost were sad and frightened. His own were troubled and he could recognize the twinge of fear inside of them. But he had to pull it together. Fighting demons and monsters all the time kept his spirit strong and his fears subdued. Once again he would have to use all of his inner strength to conquer the fear of his dead self. Gilbert had to remember that the dead couldn't hurt you, only the living could. Of course, now with Q running around there wasn't much truth in those words. If Q was even dead…or alive…or something else.

For a moment he had thought back to a time when he was little and afraid of a 'ghost' that was residing in his room. There was never a ghost but to a young boy's imagination and fear there was. Gilbert remembered running to his mother that night and hiding under her covers, crying about the ghost he saw in his room. It was the ghost of a man his father had recently killed for trying to take his son away. Gilbert had watched from one of the windows that overlooked the front castle gates, where the man's skin was being hooked up on one of the pikes. It had scared him to the point where he thought the man's ghost was haunting him in his room. While hiding with his mother, she had told him that ghosts are harmless and to not be scared. He had shared her bed that night and pondered over the encouraging words. By morning he was feeling better and he trotted outside to the front castle wall with his nursemaid, breaking away from her. He stopped beneath the man's skin and looked up at it. For a moment he just stared at it, then he made a silly face. No reaction. He blew a raspberry at it, nothing happened. He picked up a rock and threw it, nothing happened. Gilbert could remember the words he had said as well.

'Ha ha! You're not scary! You're just a stupid curtain! That'll teach you to mess with me! The Mighty Gilbert! I'm not afraid of anything!'

"Except for maybe the spanking my nursemaid gave me after I ran from her. Boy, did I have a LOT of those!" He said with a chuckle and another bar resident looked over at him as if he were crazy. They locked eyes for a minute and then Gilbert smiled. "Will you excuse us? This is a private conversation." The other man slowly got up and moved away from him. "I've never been completely sane." He laughed again and shifted on his stool. There was a slight aching feeling in the middle of his back. "What the hell? I must have slept wrong or something."

He reached behind him to rub at center of his back and he gasped at what he felt. Two bumps lay on each side of his spine. They were hard and didn't move when he pressed on them but they did hurt. He had to get a better look at them so he quickly paid for his ale and rushed back upstairs to his room. Quietly, he opened the door and peeked in, looking at Ivan on the bed. His lover was still asleep and stirring slightly. He closed the door behind him and went to the mirror on the wall. It was fairly small and round but if he stood on his tiptoes he could see. Stripping off his tunic and under tunic, he turned to look at his bare back where the bumps were. They were the same color as his skin and looked to be nothing more than mere lumps. Both bumps were equally aligned with the other so they couldn't be cists. They had to save up their funds so going to the doctor again wouldn't be wise.

"I guess I'll just keep an eye on them." He said to himself and dressed. "See if they change."

There was nothing he could do about it now so best to worry when there was something worth worrying about. He walked over to the bed and sat beside Ivan, poking his nose. Ivan wiggled his nose and turned his head to the left. Gilbert cracked his neck before deciding to lie down beside Ivan on the bed. He grumbled to himself softly as he let himself cuddle up against him, resting a hand on the other's chest. With all that has happened Gilbert wanted to snuggle up with him. It was against his mighty morals but he could bend those a bit. Ivan was troubled greatly by the other Gilbert's ghost and Q.

Gilbert wished he could just look into Ivan's head and see what he was thinking. When it comes to the old Gilbert, Ivan is open with his emotions. With anything else he can be hard to read. He doesn't appear frightened but there was a strong chance that he was quivering on the inside. Ivan is stubborn and would never show it. Gilbert hoped Q wouldn't use the other's bottled up emotions to drive him insane. One thing Gilbert was starting to worry about was their differences in willpower. Gilbert had no clue about Ivan's life with the other Gilbert and would never be able to fully understand his feelings. Ivan would be more susceptible to Q's trickery if he continued to use the ghost to weaken him. Ivan's devotion to the old Gilbert may very well be his downfall.

Then where did that leave him? If they couldn't save Gilbert's ghost, then would Ivan just be killed and reunited with him? Would he be all alone once Ivan goes to be with his ghost? If Q wears Ivan down enough the man may give up and join Gilbert's ghost in the afterlife. Or if they simply failed in gathering the items, would Ivan feel hopeless and just surrender? Gilbert was growing too attached to Ivan he could feel it. The thought of Ivan leaving with another made him jealous. That feeling of jealousy was just as strong as his emotional attachment to Ivan. If Ivan tried to leave with the other Gilbert then he would have to find a way to stop them. His passion for the other continued to climb and he had never thought he would feel so stronger for another. Even if he had to chain Ivan or imprison him then so be it, but he was not going to let him leave. If they saved Gilbert's ghost then all was well. If not…things may get complicated.

'I'm not jealous…just passionate.' He let his hand stroke Ivan's clothed chest. 'Maybe a little selfish…okay, pretty selfish when it comes to things I crave. Rarely do I get jealous but that feeling just proves how much I like him.' His hand traveled lower and slipped beneath the blanket to Ivan's belly. 'That's strange…I'm horny just from touching him. Francis was right; once you've had sex you crave it more often. But he's wounded…I really shouldn't.'

He looked at Ivan's sleeping face as his hand lifts the bottom of the tunic upwards. Ivan had to remove his pants for the doctor to treat him and he had remained that way, giving way for easy access. Gilbert rests his hand on the soft mound and gently massaged, hearing Ivan let out a little noise from his throat. Gilbert rubbed his palm over the soft tip in slow circles, feeling the organ start to stiffen slightly. Ivan's arousal was starting to stir awake but his mind was still asleep. As it hardens more Gilbert was able to fit it in his fist and give shallow pumps. Ivan's breath quickened while his cock rose higher under the blanket. Gilbert now was able to start longer pumps, sliding his hand up and down the length. Ivan was still sound asleep and Gilbert got an idea.

It was frisky on his part but he couldn't help the wide smirk that spread across his face. With all the issues they currently had it didn't slow their sex drives. Sex was one of the few things they had that were good and Gilbert wanted it. He didn't care if Ivan was awake or not. He removed his own pants and boots before lowering the sheets to reveal Ivan's body. Mindful of the bandaging, Gilbert straddled Ivan's hips just above the other's member. He could feel it twitching against his cleft and his own arousal twitched with delight. Gilbert knew he could just impale himself without preparation so he reached over to the side table to grab the healing salve. It was for wounds but it was still a slick lotion. He poured some onto his fingers and reached behind to prep himself.

He started with just one finger and he contained his moan, not wanting to wake up Ivan just yet. He added a second finger and had to cover his mouth with the other to keep quiet. Slowly, he thrust and stretched his fingers inside of him, feeling his muscles relax and widen. He added a third and pressed deep, feeling a tremor of pleasure ripple through his body. When he felt like he was stretched enough, Gilbert removed his fingers and used the extra to rub on Ivan's tip. The other gave a little squeak and Gilbert almost let out a laugh. He shifts back on his knees so he could feel the wet tip press against his entrance. Gilbert held his breath as he lowered his body onto Ivan's cock, feeling the tip pass through the first tight ring. There was a minor ache but it was quickly dismissed as he moved further down. When his body was halfway down Ivan's shaft, Gilbert bit his lip and slammed himself down so he was fully entered. The surprise and quick pain of the action made him cry out in pleasure, the tip having grazed his sweet spot. Whether it was his cry or movement that woke Ivan up, Gilbert could only focus on the violet eyes looking up at him.

"Wake me up like that every morning." Ivan said with a smile. Gilbert was panting softly and he smirked down at him.

"I was only pitying you because of your limp." Ivan gave a little groan and brought his hands to rest at Gilbert's hips.

"Must you be so cruel? I am wounded."

"You fell down a ravine. Hardly a battle wound."

"Stop talking and start moving. The doctor said I can't move for a couple of days so get to riding." He slapped Gilbert's hip.

Gilbert gave a tiny grunt of annoyance but starting moving, rocking his body forward. Ivan shifted inside of him and the tip once again pressed lightly against his prostate. He lifted himself slightly and pressed back down but it was still only grazed. It had not wanted to speed up his motions yet but his body was craving the waves of pleasure he knew would come. He lifted himself up higher and pushed back down, letting out a choked gasp as that spot was hit head on. Planting his hands on Ivan's chest, Gilbert continued to raise and lower himself onto the other's cock, voicing his pleasure without caring who heard.

"Gilbert…so tight…" Ivan groaned and watched himself disappear into Gilbert's bowels with each downward thrust from the other.

He was pleased that Gilbert was taking the initiative to be demanding and forceful during sex. Pretty soon he would be able to tie his little lover up like so many times before and torture him. His old Gilbert usually had to be drunk or high to fully give in to bondage. When he wasn't and Ivan was feeling the need, what a rush he would get from forcing Gilbert into it. It was all in good fun for he would never take him brutally if he didn't want it. Ivan would have to chase him down and wrestle him into his binds. It was very 'caveman' as Gilbert liked to call it but it would always end up with the pink-eyed beauty cumming multiple times. The more he would fight him the more aroused they would become. The thought of this Gilbert getting that way and whipping the shit out of him forced his body off of the bed to sit the other in his lap.

"AH! You're not supposed to move!"

"Can't help it!"

He thrust up to match Gilbert's movements. The pleasured cries of his lover filled his ears and urged him on, ignoring the slight pain in his ankle and leg. The sight of his lover bending backwards and crying for more nearly sent him over the edge. He couldn't afford to hurt his ankle further if he were to throw Gilbert down on the bed and fuck him raw. This would have to do for now and it was just as pleasurable as the rest. He latched his teeth onto the creamy white neck and bit down, leaving numerous little red marks. He lowered his head further to take a pink nipple into his mouth and bite down, feeling Gilbert's erection twitch between their stomachs. He suckled and nibbled the first before moving to the second.

"Move faster…I need you to move faster!" Gilbert panted out but Ivan shook his head, keeping his steady pace.

"I can't. You must do it yourself."

Gilbert snapped his jaws at him threw his arms around his lover's neck. He crushed their bodies tightly together, holding Ivan's head against his chest. He rocked his hips into Ivan making the tip strike his sweet spot each time. The idea that he was currently in complete control aroused him where he was bouncing wildly, which in turn made the bed groan. He let go of Ivan's head to move his face down towards the other, letting their lips meet in a brutal kiss. He felt Ivan kiss him back with force like he was trying to swallow him up. Their tongues dueled for dominance until Gilbert had to break away for air.

"I'm close…so fucking close!"

"Cum for me."

Ivan's demand was easily met with a few more jerky bounces and an arch of Gilbert's back. He bent backwards as his completion raced throughout his body and coaxed their bellies. Gilbert panted heavily and let his head remain dipped back while Ivan's nails dug into his hips.

"I'm close…" There suddenly came a heavy pounding at their door.

"HEY! KEEP IT DOWN IN THERE! FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS HAVE SOME SHAME!" Both men froze in place. "WE HAVE A KID NEXT DOOR HERE! FIND ANOTHER PLACE!" They heard stomping and the slam of another door. Another person shouted a 'thank you' to the person who banged on the door and someone else clapped. Gilbert was slightly mortified and Ivan grew limp inside of him.

"Hey!"

"Sorry." Ivan said with a sheepish smile. "Normally I wouldn't care but I have seen children here and you are extremely loud." Gilbert's mouth fell open and he lifted himself from Ivan.

"Don't blame all this on me!"

"You woke me up with my dick in your ass. You started it."

"I DID N-! HMPH!" Gilbert stood up and crossed his arms.

"What are you complaining about? You came, I didn't." Ivan said with a pout.

"Well, I'm the one who deserves it anyway! After hauling your fat ass around in the snow I deserve to feel good!"

"Name calling isn't necessary." Ivan said and lay back down on the bed. "Listen, go blow off some steam and walk around the city. Try to find some information on the grotto that is next on our journey. See what the locals have to say. I need to rest and shouldn't do anything strenuous." Gilbert looked at him in annoyed surprise.

"Then what do you call our sex just now?"

"Spiritual healing?" Ivan batt his lashes at him and Gilbert just snorted.

"Fine. I'll do it but don't think this is over! I'll get you back for your cruel words."

"Don't be such a drama queen." Ivan shooed him away with his hand. "Now go. I'm sleepy." He stretched lazily. "It's hard work having to lay in bed and get waited on."

"I will kill you."

Back at the castle, Arthur had just shared the news of the missing constellation with Ludwig. The king looked out his chamber window at the city below him, his features troubled by the news. Arthur had left to go and meet with an astrologer he knew to hopefully find out more. Right now, all he knew was that it was a bad omen and Gilbert was out there. He clenched his fits against the stone pane and silently cursed his helplessness. All of these astronomical and cosmic disturbances left him with a bad taste in his mouth. For centuries his family had successfully secured the safety and dominance of their kingdom, engaging in few wars and forced cruelties. He couldn't let their powerful reign fall to some missing stars and a Soul Chaser. Gilbert was too far away to bring him back now and he doubts his brother would come back anyway. He was losing control of everything and the world was diving deeper and deeper into the unknown cosmos.

"Ludwig?" He turned to see that Feliciano had entered the room, his hands neatly folded in front of him.

"Long time since I've seen you." He turned to look back to the window. "What is it?" He couldn't bear to look at those sad amber puppy eyes.

"I…well, you've been drinking a lot since Gilbert left and…and I know why you have but-"

"Yes, yes, I know of your feelings. Forgive me, Feli, but I really, really don't have the time or the patience for your whining about my drinking. You heard everything Arthur said. I'm sure Kiku has told you."

"He did…and I'm scared." Ludwig heard the smaller male walk up behind him and wrap his slim arms around his waist. He felt the other's cheek rest against his back. "What's going to happen, Ludwig?"

"I don't know." He said with a soft sigh. "I just don't know. All we can do is hope that Arthur figures something out." Ludwig could feel Feliciano trembling against him. "We will have to call our wedding off for awhile."

"I understand…after all, it is the constellation of Demose that is missing." Ludwig blinked in surprise at Feliciano's sudden show of knowledge.

"How do you know something like that? Arthur didn't even know if that was the right constellation."

"It…it is. I've heard Antonio sing of it before. There's a story behind it, you know." Ludwig closed his eyes as an angry vein broke out in his forehead. He slowly turned around in Feli's hold to face him with a forced and angry smile.

"And…if you knew MORE about this missing constellation…why didn't you tell Arthur about it so he could confirm his suspicions?" Feliciano let out a scared gasp at Ludwig's angry features and backed away.

"I didn't hear all this until after! It's only a story! Nothing else! It's just, that's the one Antonio pointed out in the sky when he sang about it! Ask him, not me!"

"The last thing I need is that wine guzzling, off-tune, half-witted musician in my castle!"

"B-But Wiggy…you always seem to forget that your subjects know of a different world and life than you do." He whimpered out.

"Then tell me what you know about it. What has Antonio sang about?" Feliciano scratched his head nervously and Ludwig knew he was going to regret this.

"Ah…well…the constellation Demose is a very old demon that people say go back to when the world was created. But Antonio said that the demons then were not like the ones we see now. They were very much human with little distinguishing features. But crazy stuff happened, I don't remember what, and it was a battle for power between the gods and the people. Demose counted as one of the people and he tried to keep the gods from fully controlling the world. But he was defeated after a century long battle and cast into the sky among the stars as a warning to any like him to be wary of challenging the gods. The gods then turned all the demons into monsters, some more grotesque than the other. It is even said that Demose will one day come back to help the surface dwellers and restore the demon race to what they once were. It sounds much better in song!" Ludwig just gave him a blank stare.

"Let me know which brand of wine Antonio drinks and have a hundred barrels of it sent to me."

"EH? But it's the truth, Ludwig! Antonio wouldn't lie!"

"He and Francis dressed up as women to sneak into one of our summer celebrations! They both tried to seduce me for my keys to the royal winery! Any pair of males who dress up as women with soft fruits for breasts and try to make out with one another for personal game should NOT be taken seriously!" He ranted. "That blonde haired nut squeezed the pomegranate so hard that it popped and spilled all down Antonio's blouse! So don't tell me their words or stories are fact! I will hear the REAL story from Arthur and I don't want you hanging around with those two anymore either! It's bad enough they're best friends with Gilbert!" Feliciano, despite his worries, gave a tiny chuckle behind his hand. "What's funny?"

"You let them kiss each other in front of you dressed like that? You couldn't tell they were men?" Ludwig turned an angry red.

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT! IT WAS THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER AND THE SUMMER ALE WAS STRONG THAT YEAR!"

"I see." He giggled again. "But if Demose really has returned then things should be okay. He will be on our side."

"I'm more concerned with the safety of our world and Gilbert's well-being." Ludwig said softly. "Everything is going to be turned upside down." Feliciano hugged him again.

"Don't be scared, Ludwig. If you are scared and worried, then I am even more so." Ludwig closed his eyes and held him back.

"I'm not scared yet because I don't fully understand what is going on. So try not to worry too much."

"I'm scared for Gilbert and Ivan too. I hope they're okay."

"I hope so too."

'Just what are you seeking, little Gilbie?'

He dangled his legs from a tree branch that overlooked the city where Ivan and Gilbert were currently residing. He was curious as to why Gilbert was walking about the city and talking to people. The man's strange magic attack from that night still baffled him but he couldn't return to the other side at the present time to find out. He was unable to return until he had the soul of Ivan Braginski within him. Aside from wondering about Gilbert's strange power he did not want to go back so quickly. These worlds were just too much fun.

He decided to follow the human around to know more about their plans. Using his powers he made himself invisible to everyone. He glided along the wind and down to the city, landing directly behind Gilbert. The pink-eyed man seemed to hear his landing but continued onwards. He followed directly behind him, peering over Gilbert's shoulder every now and again. If only the man knew what was following him. Beings from other worlds and dimensions walked among them all the time but humans were unable to see. The playfulness of it made him squeal in glee.

'You can't see me! You can't see me!' He sang. 'But I can see you!'

"Excuse me, sir, but I am looking for some information on the caves that are near this city. Specifically the grotto that holds a mythical diamond." Gilbert asked and elderly man who was a potter.

'Continuing our quest, I see. You are foolish if you think some silly items could rip Gilbert's spirit from me.' He stood between Gilbert and the man as they spoke.

"You would be wise to stay away from those caves, young man. Horrible things have happened there. Demons were said to have lived there thousands of years ago and they would torture human trespassers."

"I'm not afraid of some cave dwellers. I hunt demons on a daily basis. I welcome it!" Gilbert said proudly.

"You shouldn't be so bold…you do not know what lies inside of those caves."

"And I suppose you do?" The man cleared his throat.

"That's all I know."

"Thank you for your time." Gilbert walked away and 'Q' followed him. "So everyone is saying the same shit that demons reside there. Some say there are demon ghosts, others say there still are demons, and some say there are monsters." Gilbert chuckled. "I guess we won't know until we find out!"

'I can make those horrors come true for you.'

'Stop it. This is cruel!' Gilbert's spirit called to him. 'You may look like my Ivan but you are not him!'

'Silence you little field mouse. I own you in a different way than he does but they are similar. The only similarity being is we both own you. Ivan claims you as his own property, as do I.'

'He thinks more of me than that.'

'I grow tired of your whining. Remember I can return all of your pain tenfold and you will not have death to relieve you.' He smiled when he heard Gilbert's silence. 'Better. Now, why don't we get a head start to those said caves?' Gilbert said nothing. 'That's a good boy.' He let out a playful chuckle and disappeared.

Two days had passed of Ivan's bed rest but he was finally able to stand on his own two feet. He had healed quickly and could put enough weight on his ankle to support his body. They would be riding horses for the remainder of the journey with their next stop being the caves and grottos. Ivan would use his riding time to better rest his ankle before they would have to walk through the caves. They had already strapped their mule with their supplies, double-checking to see if the ever-burning torches were still safely tucked away.

The two men wasted no time in continuing on their journey, leaving the city at dawn. Their traveling was slow due to the mule and the snow. It took about the remainder of the day to cross even half of the map to their destination. They had to set up camp and had no issues that night before continuing on at the first light of day. As their rotten luck would have it, they arrived at the grottos during sunset with the sky already growing dark.

"There are so many…which one is the right one?" Gilbert asked and Ivan checked the map.

"Arthur marked this one, the furthest on the end." Ivan pointed to the cave. "We must go in that one." They brought the horses and mule to the mouth of the cave and tied their reigns together, securing it against a tall rock. "Get the torches."

"Already gotten." Gilbert held up the two for Ivan to light with rocks, finally having mastered the technique. Ivan took one and held it out in front of them, chasing away the darkness.

"It looks pretty dark in there." Gilbert said. "Scared?"

"Oh, terrified. Bats, spiders, and monsters, oh my." Ivan smiled softly. "Well, no time like the present."

"What kind of shit do you think we'll encounter in this unholy place?"

"The usual. Ghosts. Demons. Strange humans with crazy torture contraptions adoring their flesh torn bodies lurking in the shadows. Their eerie voices bouncing off the cave walls as their tortured bodies crawl along the cave floor." Gilbert just looked at him with his lip lifted in a sneer and Ivan just laughed. "I'm kidding."

"You're a strange, strange bird." Gilbert held his torch out as well. "Shaq?"

"Yes Kobe?"

"Shall we go?"

"After you."

"No, after you."

"Let's go together then." He smiled.

"Onward!"

Slowly the two began to descend further into the cave. Ivan held his torch upwards and Gilbert kept his lowered, watching for any holes. The cave was cold and the stone walls damp. So far they had only to travel straight through the cave, keeping a sharp eye out for a sparkle from the diamond. Gilbert reached his hand out and grasped Ivan's wrist, pulling him back.

"Stay where you are."

"Why?" Gilbert pointed ahead to the large crack in the cave floor. "Oh, I see."

"It seems fairly narrow. We can jump it." Ivan gulped slightly.

"We can?"

"Damn straight!" Gilbert smirked and backed up a few paces to get a running start. He leapt over the crack with ease shouting 'YEAH' as he did. He landed on the other side with room to spare and turned to Ivan. "Your turn buddy."

Ivan gulped again and looked down at the crack, seeing nothing but deep darkness. He was never really good at jumping if his track record in high school gym class was any indicator. He couldn't make it completely over the vaulting horse if his grade depended on it. And there was no counting how many times he broke the jump bars during track.

"I'm not so certain if I should. I don't know if my ankle can handle that."

"Oh, right. Hm…just jump with your good foot. It's not that wide, Ivan. You can do it."

Ivan held his breath and backed up a few paces just as Gilbert had done. He hoped the torch wouldn't throw him off balance for it was a long way down. He whispered 'for Gilbert' under his breath and ran. He was able to clear it but was only inches away from the other side. Luckily he was able to land his arms on the other side and Gilbert grabbed them, helping to haul him up.

"We need to work on your endurance." Gilbert said with a grunt. "And get you to lose some weight."

"Good luck with that." Ivan checked his ankle to make sure it was well. "I hope we don't come across other's like that." Gilbert laughed.

"We need to build up you flexibility. Here, watch me!" He handed Ivan his torch and preformed a few standing back flips, one chart wheel, one handstand with a short walk. Ivan just frowned and clicked his tongue in annoyance. Gilbert finished with a pose. "HA! See? That's how you CAN be with a little hard work and determination."

"Pfft. What are you talking about? I do those every morning before breakfast…I just don't show you."

"There is no shame in admitting that you aren't as awesome as me. The sooner you embrace it, the happier you will be."

"Just keep walking."

They continued their way through the cave until they came to a large clearing with a shallow pool in the center. Gilbert ran to it and held the torch, seeing the clear water straight to the bottom. He smiled and waved Ivan over to show him the pool. Ivan admired it for a moment but went back to checking the large area for any other tunnels. As far as he could tell this was the end of the cave.

"Gilbert, start looking around for the diamond. It has to be here for there is no other way out other than the way we came."

"I have the urgent need to just…find something to cloud that perfect water with." He smirked but went to scaling the walls with Ivan. "Hey, you brought that pick ax, didn't you?"

"The little one? Yes. I have it on my belt right now. Any signs of it yet?"

"Nope. Just rocks and more rocks."

"Let me check the pool."

Ivan went over to the rock circle and peered over the edge into the water. He carefully lay the torch on the side and reached his hand down to the bottom. The water came up to his shoulder when his fingers finally touched the bottom. There was a fine sand lining the bottom so he shuffled it around. He gasped softly when he spotted the small diamond at the bottom, along with a couple of others. His grin widened and he figured it wouldn't hurt to take more than one.

"Gilbert! I found it! Come over here!" Gilbert rushed over and stood beside him.

"WHOA! There's a lot! Take all those bitches!" Gilbert dived his own hand to the bottom and pulled one up. "I'm rich! Er!" He reached down to take another, then another, then another.

"We don't want anything weighing us down." Ivan said but he was taking just as much for himself.

"Hardly! We just have that one jump and then we're- GAH!" Something had grabbed Gilbert's forearm and pulled him into the pool, his feet dangling in the air.

"GILBERT!" Ivan wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled the struggling man, finding him stuck tight. "GILBERT!"

Under the water, Gilbert opened his eyes to see that it was a demonic-like hand holding him down. He shouted out some air bubbles and used his other hand to fumble with his belt. He knew his dagger was there and all he had to do was pull it out. The hand pulled him further and his lungs started to ache with the lack of air. He was able to unsheathe it and stabbed the blade into the other arm. The arm let go and Ivan flung him out of the pool, toppling them both to the floor. Gilbert gasped loudly for air once he was free of the water.

"What happened?"

"A hand…a hand grabbed me!" They quickly grabbed the torches and stood, looking around the area for anything else.

"Maybe it only lives in that pool."

"If only that were the case. Look." Gilbert pointed to the far wall where they could see rivulets of black goop coming from the walls. "I'm not a cave dweller or anything but even I know that isn't normal." They moved closer together.

"It's happening over on this wall too." Ivan said, looking down at floor where the goop was gathering into numerous small puddles. "Ready yourself for battle…something's coming." They leaned their torches against the wall of the pool.

Gilbert pulled out his sword and readied it with a stance. Ivan released his battleaxe from the holster and stood back to back with Gilbert. They watched as the puddles started to take human form. Their biggest issue was going to be the light, for they could not hold the torches and fight all the same time. The forms had only white eyes that glowed with a dim light, their limbs long and tentacle like. They moved slowly towards them, surrounding the two completely.

"Let's rumble!" Gilbert shouted and charged to his first grouping of bodies.

Ivan took the other end of the room, swinging his axe with full force to cut into the forms. Gilbert was slicing and stabbing with ease, swiftly moving between the forms. But both men noticed one thing about the blob forms. They kept slopping back together to regain their form. Ivan and Gilbert continued to slash and chop their way through the forms but their acts were proving useless. They were only wearing themselves out. They quickly regrouped back at the center.

"They just keep coming!" Gilbert hissed.

"There has to be a way to defeat them!"

"We could make a break for it! We have the diamond!" The forms drew closer.

"I'll settle for that. Okay, we'll slice our way through to the tunnel and run like scared little rabbits. You grab the torches and I'll fend them off!"

"Got it!"

Before they could carry out their plan a loud, echoing rumble rippled through the area. Both men dropped their weapons to cover their ears from the loudness of the sound. The walls rumbled and cracked with showers of little rocks from the ceiling. The forms even ceased when the sound was heard. Suddenly, all became quiet again and the two grabbed their weapons. Gilbert saw something sharp and quick coming from the corner of his eye and he tackled Ivan to the floor.

"STAY DOWN!"

They watched as something large made a loud 'swoosh' and the blob creatures were cut in half. Before their chopped bodies could fall, another 'swoosh' was heard. They were sliced four more times before their bodies plopped to the cave floor and remained still. They were not regenerating at all and began to melt away into the cave floor. Once all the black goop was gone, they slowly got to their feet and looked around for the source. Gilbert's body started to tremble as he feared whom it might have been. He reached his hand behind him to find Ivan's and grip it tightly. Ivan gripped it back and he knew the other thought the same thing.

'I grew bored of your pitiful fighting so I took care of them myself.'

"Show yourself!" Gilbert shouted.

'You only have to look.'

Both men turned towards the opening of the cave where the unmistakable body of 'Q' stood. He held his pendulum's chain in both hands, letting them see how the black goo dripped off the blade.

'Miss me?'

End Part 2 Chapter 4 TBC
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- 15
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