Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

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
- 13
- 14
***Thank you so much for all of your support and reviews throughout this story! It was a pleasure to write! This is the final chapter everyone! Please, please, please read it all the way through! There may be some surprises and shocking scenes, but please don’t run away! Give it a chance!***

***Special thanks to my beta, Miss Macabre Grey, who hated this story all the way through and let me know it every second.

***Warnings: Language, violence, gruesome scenes, character death(?) angst

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

Chapter 12: Final

Gilbert paced in front of the large fire in his old room. After the escape Gilbert had a difficult time trying to fly with a wounded Ivan. Luckily, the albino had brought some demons with him before the attack, and they were able to help carry Ivan. With the manor destroyed, Gilbert offered up his house, not caring if Ludwig found out. The offering was for the best, not only so he could help nurse Ivan back to health, but also so he could watch over his grandfather as well. The dogs were lying in a pile on the center rug, watching Gilbert's movements intently. Matthew had just come into the room with an armful of bandages and a messenger bag of first aid supplies.

"Master Gilbert, where would you like these?" Matthew asked softly, looking at the albino.

"Put them on the floor by the bed. Ivan should be waking up soon." Gilbert looked at his exhausted mate on the bed as he slept, the wounds still bleeding slowly onto the sheets. At this point Gilbert did not care about the sheets. All he cared about was wrapping his hands around Arthur's throat and tearing through the man’s jugular. The blonde human was as good as dead the next time he and Gilbert met.

"Should I wake him?" Matthew placed the medicinal supplies on the floor beside the bed. "Or would you rather do it?"

"Let me do it." Gilbert offered, walking over to the bed. "He may jump awake and bite your face off." Gilbert chuckled at Matthew's horror stricken face. "I'm kidding. Just stand by." He started shaking Ivan's shoulder gently, trying to rouse him, "Ivan. Ivan wake up."

Ivan gave a little moan but blinked his eyes open, glancing all around. He looked up at Gilbert and gave a smile. "Gilbie..."

"Hey. How are you feeling? You're pretty banged up."

Ivan hissed softly as he sat up on the bed, stretching out his torn wings. "I can see that. Where is Arthur?"

That was the wrong thing to say; Gilbert's temper skyrocketed, and his wings stretched out behind him. "How dare you ask for that traitor?” he hollered. “I am the one at your bedside! I am the one who came to your rescue!"

The wounded demon just smiled easily, folding his hands in his lap. "This is why it is called 'war,' Gilbert. Arthur did what he was told because he is a dedicated soldier. You seem to forget that we captured him first."

Gilbert growled. "Ivan, your capture was PLANNED! We did not PLAN to imprison Arthur; he just happened to be there when you attacked his army! Ludwig had a hand in all this as well!"

"Yes, and I will deal with your brother when I am healthy; however, this does not change how I feel about Arthur." Ivan looked straight into Gilbert's angry eyes. "Arthur is my human and I consider him my mate, as well. I will have him whether you approve or not. I know he regrets what he did and recognizes the error.” Ivan giggled. “And I do so LOVE yellow hair! It’s just like the sun, and Arthur is the morning!”

“He’s darker than the morning, Ivan,” Gilbert grumbled then shouted, "How can you say those things?" He frightened both Matthew and the dogs with his roaring voice. "Look at what he has turned you into! You will probably never fly again! Your tail is never going to heal properly and think about how long it will take some of your claws to grow back! How will you fight if another demon comes after you?" Gilbert saw that Ivan wanted to say something, but he cut the larger demon off. "A normal mate would leave when their dominant was as beaten and destroyed as you are! It would be shameful for me to walk around with you in this condition, yet here I am! AND YOU STILL WANT THAT TREACHEROUS HUMAN BY YOUR SIDE!"

Ivan looked away from Gilbert to focus on the forest outside the window. He could understand Gilbert's feelings and Ivan appreciated the demon's devotion. Even as he knew this, Ivan still wanted to have Arthur for his own. That moment before they escaped, Ivan recognized the look of fondness in those green eyes. Arthur was finally showing his true feelings for the demon, but Ivan did not have the chance to say more to him. Ivan would go back for Arthur just as he promised, with or without Gilbert's approval.

"I understand your feelings, Gilbert, yet you must be aware of your position in the mating world. I am allowed to have as many mates as I can afford and protect. I want Arthur."

Gilbert stormed away from the bed to lean against the mantel, his tail swishing madly and his throat growling. Even the white wings were flapping and twitching in fury.

"Gilbert?" Ivan said his name.

"Matthew, take the dogs outside," Gilbert said without looking up. Matthew whistled for the dogs to follow him as they left the room. Once they were gone, Gilbert opened his eyes to stare at the fire. "I think there is another small matter you are forgetting with this whole 'mate' thing, my love."

Ivan raised a brow. "And just what is that?"

The white demon took a deep breath, spun on his heal, and faced Ivan with a smug smirk. "I have the right to call the other mate out if I see them as a threat."

"You are going to challenge Arthur. A human." Ivan shook his head. "I won't permit it."

"Well, YOU don't have a choice." Gilbert sauntered over to the bed. "I will fight on a human's terms. There’s no way I am afraid of that little British bitch. Whatever kind of spell he has over you, I will end up breaking it along with his spine. Once he is gone," Gilbert bent at the waist to peer into violet eyes. "You will be all mine once again."

Ivan met the peering gaze with a straight face. "At least let me eat Arthur if you end up killing him?"

"Would I let good meat go to waste?" Gilbert replied with a grin and strolled over to the window. "First I need to pass the message onto my little brother so he can tell Arthur. I will end this once and for all." He spread his wings. "No one fucks with my mate!"

///

Two days had passed since the demon's escape and Arthur's arrest. During the arrest, Arthur had started to suffer with his nervous breakdown, resulting in immediate doctor care. Afterwards, the soldiers had put Arthur in a cell next to the one where Ivan had been. Unlike the demons humans were never tortured when arrested. Not that Arthur would have cared, since he had survived Ivan’s torture of choice. Even though he was being well cared for as a prisoner, Arthur refused to eat or drink, not because he was sick, but rather the empty numbing sensation in his stomach. Arthur did not have the energy to even think about eating. His mind was in a million places from emotions running through him in rapid waves. He was mentally exhausted to the point where he could have just faded away into the walls.

However, that feeling had fled when Arthur turned to see Ludwig standing before the barred door. This was just the person Arthur wanted to see, and he could not have come at a better time. Arthur had finally made up his mind about what he wanted to do with Ivan. All he had to do now was find a way to escape. Ludwig could help him do that.

“Arthur, I have come to inform you that I have paid your bail, but the judges still wish to speak with you.”

Arthur gave a little scoff before standing up from the floor. “I suppose I should thank you for that then?”

Ludwig frowned, noticing that there was something off about Arthur. “That would be appropriate… are you alright?”

“I’m fine!” Arthur replied. “Just eager to get out of here and hurry to see Ivan.”

Ludwig’s eyes widened, and Arthur just smiled.

“Did they drug you?” Ludwig asked with serious suspicion. “You aren’t acting like yourself.” He was aware of Arthur’s nervous breakdown, and knew the man was still suffering from the aftermath.

“Well, this is the me that I work so very hard to inwardly contain.” He crossed his arms and smirked. “It takes something so drastic and nerve-wracking to set me off into this mode! Do you know what it is?”

“Do I want to know?”

“Yes, you do!” Arthur stomped his foot. “You’re trying to play the shining hero who comes to rescue me, the same as Alfred! I do not need a Sir Lancelot who expects such things like love and cuddles! I need someone just as hard of heart as I.”

Ludwig could tell that Arthur had temporarily gone insane due to his imprisonment and all that had happened in the last few days. The doctors had told Ludwig that it may happen, but the man did not believe it. Now he was eating his words. If Ludwig were to talk sense into Arthur, he would have to take another route. “Listen to me. There is no way you could be one of Ivan’s mates, not after what you did. Gilbert will not permit it. I have gotten word from my brother. He is extremely upset and angry with the both of us. He means to call you to duel for Ivan’s loyalty. Please accept the fact that you are simply a human and Ivan a demon. It would not work out. You may love him, but he will never love you. Only loyalty and fondness exists in the demon world,” Ludwig hoped what he said was getting through to Arthur’s crazed mind.

Arthur threw his head back and laughed. “Speaking about ‘love’ again, I see. Moreover, I suppose Gilbert ‘loves’ Ivan now? Is that because he knows Ivan is infatuated with me, a human?”

“In my brother’s note I can believe that he holds deep feelings for Ivan. Ivan is, after all, Gilbert’s mate and they have bonded. I used to think Gilbert enjoyed being pampered and living the high life, and I’m sure he thought that about himself, too. Now after the betrayal, he sees things differently. Gilbert has every right to challenge, fight, and kill you for Ivan’s love. Don’t do it, Arthur. Don’t be a fool.”

“What are you talking about, Ludwig?” Arthur turned his back to the taller man, crossing his arms. “I do not love Ivan. Both you and Alfred know that there is no room in my heart for that sort of thing. As I’ve said before, Ivan is the only one I’ve met who understands my feelings.” He smirked over his shoulder at Ludwig. “I don’t have to love Ivan to possess him.”

Ludwig continued to give the smaller blonde a hard stare while gripping the bars in his hands.

Arthur turned around to walk back to the door and look up at Ludwig. “I just want him to be all mine. He will belong to me! Alfred managed to leave me, but Ivan has more loyalty than that boy ever will!”

“Arthur-“

“Just let me out so I can take on your brother. I accept his challenge. Where am I to meet him?”

“The same field in which we captured Ivan.” Ludwig kept a straight face. “You will die,” He responded flatly.

“Oh, trust me, I have my ways. I’m not dying any time soon,” Arthur said as he smiled sweetly.

Ludwig gave the smaller blonde one more disapproving look before giving a snort through his nostrils. He was skeptical about letting Arthur out of the cell, but his brother was insisting on challenging the human. Gilbert may even come to the base searching for Arthur, which in turn could lead to the soldiers capturing him. It would be better for Gilbert and Arthur to meet on neutral ground. Whatever the outcome is, so be it.

“Think before you act. That is all I am going to say.” Ludwig unlocked the door, standing aside, so that Arthur could exit. “The judges still wish to speak with you. Are you aware that they may strip you of your military duties and title?”

“Yes, I am,” Arthur said proudly without a care. “Take me to them, so I can get everything sorted out before I proceed to Ivan.”

“Follow me.”

///

Arthur exited the courtroom, having just finished his meeting with the judges. He was stripped of his military duties for betraying the human race and letting a prisoner of war go without military consent. The judges called him a traitor and verbally shamed him, but Arthur didn’t care about the insults; he already had a back up plan that did not include the military.

With his bags finally packed and his dorm key handed in, Arthur carried what little things he had to an army jeep. He piled the suitcases into the back, securing them with some rope. The judges had allowed him to take one of the jeeps to leave the base, which was just what he was going to do. First, he had to ride this jeep out to the field to confront Gilbert before he continued on to Ivan. All the while, he could not stop smiling. It was not a happy smile, but rather a crazed one, the same one he had when Alfred betrayed him.

“So you really are leaving,” came Alfred’s voice from behind him.

Arthur turned to look at the younger man. “Yes, I am. I have nothing more to say to you, Alfred.”

“Well, I have a lot to say to you, so shut up and listen.” Arthur continued to tie his belongings. “I really thought we could have something special, you and I. I wanted to make us work, but you did not want to change. I do enjoy being with Kiku, yet there are times when I miss being with you. Arthur, you were my first boyfriend and that holds something special to me. I really did want us to work, Arthur.”

“We could have never worked if you expected me to change,” Arthur said easily. “I am who I am. Of that I am proud. We had some fun times together, but the more I think about it the less I seem to care.” He turned to face Alfred, resting his back against the jeep and crossing his arms. “I was jealous of you cheating on me with Kiku. A possessive jealousy, which did not come from love. You may have loved me, but I have never really loved you. I care for you, but I could never love you as Kiku does.”

Alfred’s mouth dropped open, and Arthur chuckled.

“I hope a big bug flies into that mouth of yours,” Arthur chortled. “I wish I knew all this before- well, it’s no longer important. You go your way and I will go mine. Goodbye Alfred. Give my regards to Kiku and Francis.” Arthur hopped into the jeep and turned it on, the engine roaring to life.

“Arthur, wait! You can’t just up and leave like this! I know you can’t mean all those words you just said! For God’s sake, you are still my Arthur!”

“I AM MY OWN!” Arthur hollered back at him, shoving the jeep into third gear and skidding down the dirt path.

Alfred had to shield his eyes from all the mud the jeep had kicked up, covering him from head to toe.

“ARTHUR!” Alfred called after the retreating vehicle, but neither it nor its driver turned back around.

///

Gilbert stood casually in the open field, waiting for Arthur to make his appearance. With tail, claws, and wings twitching with excitement, Gilbert could not wait to beat that human into the ground. He was tempted to bring Ivan the human’s severed head after he was through with him. His mate loved that blonde hair so much that Gilbert would allow him to keep it as a souvenir. Once Arthur was out of the way, Ivan would be all his once again. He would not allow himself to be overshadowed by a human.

“Gilbert!”

Gilbert’s ears picked up at the shout of his name, and he knew who it was. Sharp white teeth grinned as the demon watched Arthur walk into the cleaning from the trees. Just like himself, Arthur wore a dominant and confident smirk.

“Lovely evening for a duel, isn’t it?” Gilbert rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck.

“I don’t see Ivan.” Arthur looked around. “Where is he?”

“Resting of course. You know, after your troops completely mutilated him the demon needs some time to recuperate.”

“So how do I know you are telling the truth?” Arthur asked seriously. “For all I know you could have killed Ivan to keep me from having him.”

“Oh please!” Gilbert hissed. “Do you really think I would kill him? I’m here to kill YOU, limey!” He pointed to the blonde. “I won’t use my power against you for that would be too easy. I want to tear you apart limb by limb and suck the marrow from your bones.” He grinned. “An Arthur Steak Special is on our menu for tonight.”

“Ivan would never eat me.”

Gilbert laughed. “That’s where you are wrong!” He leapt a few feet into the air, looking down on Arthur. “There is something you should know about demons. We always consume the bodies of our dead mates!”

Arthur’s eyes widened at the statement.

“Listen up, Arthur Kirkland! I am, and always will be, Ivan’s one true mate! No longer will I allow a whore like you to tempt him further! IVAN IS MINE!”

Arthur stood his ground the second Gilbert’s spiraling form came towards him. He gripped the small bottle of liquid in his fist, just waiting for the right moment to use it. Arthur knew that it was an underhanded trick, but there was no other way for him to defeat a demon. Gilbert was unlike other demons, making him much harder to shoot or kill. For all Arthur knew, Gilbert could just be toying with him before those glowing red eyes made his inners explode. Arthur knew where he had to strike if he was going to defeat Gilbert.

When Gilbert was in range, Arthur could see the faint glow of red from the demon’s eyes. Quickly, he popped off the lid of the vial and tossed the yellow-green liquid into Gilbert’s eyes.

Gilbert’s demonic shrieks and roars of pain echoed in the night as the acid quickly burned through. The demon had slammed into Arthur, knocking him to the ground. Arthur watched Gilbert’s body twist and turn wildly in the air. The acid most likely had already eaten away at his eyes. In some small way, Arthur felt sorry for the demon. However, Gilbert had called him out and would have killed him right there if Arthur did not strike first. Gilbert was the only thing that stood in the way of his and Ivan's being together.

“YOU BASTARD! YOU CHEATED!” Gilbert shrieked loudly before his body tumbled out of the sky and to the ground. His body slithered and crawled along the grass, the pain excruciating.

Arthur stood up and rushed over to the demon but kept a safe distance between them. “You have your power… I have mine.”

“Fucking… bastard!” Gilbert hissed, rolling around in the dirt. “My eyes! You’ve ruined me!” Arthur jumped back while Gilbert’s arms and tail tried to reach for him. “You… bastard…”

Arthur looked at the blood dripping from Gilbert’s eyes and face as the small amount of acid burned through the skin. Arthur knew a demon without sight could still live on, but the acid was another matter. Besides, this was a battle to the death and the champion would win Ivan as a ‘mate’. This may not be the human way, but Arthur was not fighting for a human male. Arthur was fighting on demon terms, so it was either himself or Gilbert. His answer was obvious.

“Gilbert… I saw your eyes flash red. You were going to cheat as well. I could not take your word for it that this battle would be a fair fight. I was right, too. I figured you might cheat so I sunk to your level. I outwitted you.”

Gilbert was twitching on the ground, hiding his face from Arthur. “You took Ivan from me… ,” he forced out.

“Ivan came to ME. We’ve talked about this before. You even agreed to let me be a mate, as well.”

“Knowing that he would soon tire of you.” Gilbert panted. “I… had him… first.”

“And now I am claiming him.” Arthur pulled his handgun from its holster and pressed the barrel to Gilbert’s temple. The demon lay still. Arthur smirked. “I hope they have rhubarb pie in Hell.”

“… I’ll be sure to let you know.”

At the echoing sound of the gunshot, hundreds of birds flew from the trees with ear-piercing shrieks.

Arthur looked down at the now still and limp body of Gilbert.

He had won.

Now there was the issue of what to do with Gilbert’s body. Arthur thought about bringing it back to the jeep and driving it to the manor. However, Arthur did not know where the Beilschmidt manor was to begin with. Still, he could not leave the body here in the dirt like a common animal.

Just as Arthur moved to slip his hands under Gilbert’s fallen body, the sound of footsteps came from behind him. Arthur jumped up and spun around to see the piercing blue eyes of Ludwig staring back at him. “Ludwig…” Arthur noticed the stoic and blank facial expression of his comrade. He could not tell what the half-breed was feeling. Still, Arthur kept his finger wrapped around the trigger.

The taller blonde spoke nothing to Arthur as he went over to the body of his brother. Arthur watched as Ludwig lifted the dead body into his arms. Ludwig stood for a moment staring at the bloodied face of his fallen brother before he started to walk away. Arthur blinked in surprise, confused by the strange reaction of Ludwig.

“Where are you going?” Arthur asked the retreated figure.

“It is no concern of yours,” Ludwig responded softly. “The Beilschmidt manor is straight down the dirt road for fifteen miles. You will find Ivan there. Be warned, what you are about to find there may not be what you hope.”

“Ludwig, wait!” Arthur called his name but the man did not stop. “IT WAS EITHER HIM OR ME! YOU KNEW THIS!”

The man still did not respond nor did he look back at Arthur. It was at that precise moment when Arthur started to feel the guilt build in his chest. Nothing had turned out the way it was suppose too. The hole that Arthur kept digger for himself seemed to hold no end, just an endless tunnel. Nothing seemed to go right and there was no guarantee that everything would be better. Yes, he had won Ivan for himself, but it did not seem like a victory. Ivan’s words that night during the escape were all that forced Arthur to act the way he did.

“No. I can’t think that way,” Arthur said aloud to himself. “Ivan wants me; he said so himself. Gilbert was stubborn and selfish, unwilling to share his mate,” he scoffed. “Come on, Arthur. Don’t kid yourself. You wouldn’t have wanted to share Ivan with Gilbert either. It was kill or be killed. I shouldn’t feel guilty about it,

and I won’t!”

Content with his own little pep talk to himself, Arthur rushed back to the jeep to make for the manor. Following Ludwig’s instructions, Arthur drove back onto the dirt road and continued straight. He drove at top speed, wanting to reach Ivan and the manor as quickly as possible. Still, he had to wonder what Ludwig’s word meant before the man left with Gilbert’s body. He had said that Arthur might not like what was going to be there. What did he mean by that? Would Ivan be angry with him for killing Gilbert? Had Ivan already died from infection? What did Ludwig mean?

Arthur stepped on the gas and sped down the road, pondering the words over again in his head. The ride did not seem so long, since he was lost in thought the whole way there. The manor could be seen up ahead, but instead of feeling relief and joy, he felt dread. Now he would know the full extent of Ludwig’s words. The closer he got the more troubled he became. He stopped the jeep in front of the large entrance steps and hopped out to dash for the door. Without bothering to knock, Arthur forced his way in. Strangely, the door was unlocked.

“Hello?” Arthur called into the nearly empty manor. Where was everyone? “HELLO! IVAN! ANYONE?”

The whole manor was completely empty. Was Ivan even here?

“HELLLOOOOO!” His voice echoed in the large hall with still no answer. “Did everyone leave? Is this what Ludwig met?”

A soft whimpering sound came from his right and Arthur turned to see Poochie standing in an archway. The dog looked at him with her ears lowered and tail limp.

“Poochie… what happened here? Where’s Ivan?”

Poochie trotted off to the steps and Arthur followed behind. The wolfhound took him up the stairs and down a few halls before they came upon a door. Poochie clawed and scratched at the bottom, wanting to go in. Arthur placed his hand on the knob and turned, finding it to be open. Poochie pushed past the door and hurried over to the bed, sniffing around the floor. Arthur stepped inside, looking all around at the room. Nothing seemed out of place. The dog was still sniffing the floor around the bed, whimpering and whining.

Arthur held his breath as he made his way over to the bed, only to find it empty. The sheets were covered in blood, but there was no sign of Ivan. Arthur searched around the room, yet he found nothing.

“Ivan, where are you?” he spoke softly, lowering his head to the ground. “Where are you?” He walked back over to the bed, running his fingers along the spots of blood. His eyes widened to find it still warm! He pulled his hand away, staring at the traces of blood on his hand. “Ivan?”

Arthur looked at the reflection of the window cast over the bed from the moon. A large horned form with torn wings stood in the center of the shadow. Poochie whimpered and yelped as she ran out the bedroom door. Arthur slowly turned to look behind him at the demon outside the window. The blonde did not move, feet frozen to the floor. He had to turn his head away when he saw the window forced open from the outside. Both fear and excitement filled his body, yet he was still unable to move.

“So the victor stands,” Ivan spoke, his voice holding a gentle purr.

“I didn’t want to kill Gilbert… but I followed the demon rules. He would have killed me if I did not kill him.”

The smell of blood was thick in the air, and Arthur could hear the red liquid dripping onto the floor behind him.

“I know. It’s a shame though, your victory will not last for long.”

Arthur’s brows furrowed but he did not turn around, fearful of facing Ivan. “What do you mean?”

“Your human comrades did quite a number on me. I used the last of my strength to drag my wounded body from the bed after hearing the pained sounds of my dying mate.”

Arthur closed his eyes and swallowed hard.

“I was foolish to think I could make it to Gilbert’s side. I have lost too much blood already, and my body is swarming with infection. I fear I don’t have much time left.”

Arthur spun around when he heard Ivan speak those words, looking at him with wide green eyes. He felt the tears stinging the back of his eyes. “You’re being ridiculous. Some stupid weapons and wounds couldn’t keep you down.”

“Ah, yet you forget I am still only flesh and bone. Just like any other living creature, I cannot fight off disease and infections.” Ivan walked over to Arthur and stood before him with a small smile. “You always said you were going to kill me and you have.”

“Ivan, don’t talk like that! Everything that has happened… it… well… I wish I did things differently!” Arthur let his tears fall, pounding his fists into Ivan’s chest. “I was too stubborn and proud to do what I really wanted!”

Ivan made no move to comfort or hold him. “You were following orders.”

“I could have ignored them!”

“And then you would have suffered at the hands of your own. You’re not stupid, Arthur.”

Arthur just rests his head against Ivan’s chest.

“So, now what?” Arthur whispered.

Ivan purred as he let his arms wrap around Arthur’s body, holding him close. “Well, I can’t really forgive you for what you did to Gilbert.” He felt Arthur’s fists clench tighter against his chest. “Since I’m close to dying… I can’t let you go on living without me.”

It happened before Arthur could even think or pull away. A sheering pain ripped through his chest, breaking through ribs and cartilage. The last thing he saw were purple eyes before everything went black. He felt his body hit the floor, but there was no sound. After that, there was nothing.

Ivan stood above the fallen body of his human, staring at the gaping hole he had made. He held Arthur’s heart in his hand, feeling the warmth of the muscle slowly begin to cool. The blood trickled through his fingers so bringing his hand up to dry lips, the long tongue came out to lap at metallic liquid. Ivan purred at the salty warm taste on his lips before pressing the muscle against his teeth. Sharp fangs pierced through the bloodied organ, ripping out a large chunk to engulf it. Ivan easily finished the heart in a few bites, licking red lips and fangs.

“Such a sweet heart.” Ivan chuckled at his own little joke.

The demon fell to his knees beside the human body, spooning himself against the still warm flesh. Carefully, the blonde head was tilted to face the other, unseeing green eyes staring into purple. Those purple eyes chose to remain open and staring into lovely green, waiting only for the color black to take over. The daylight would never come for them, yet the darkness was closer to morning then they could have hoped.

The End

Now that was how it could have ended, but things did not turn out the way I wrote them.

Everything I have written is true except for the ending. I chose to write the ending from my thoughts and emotions at that time. Many times, I wrote about my dark feelings and violent thoughts, always wondering how different my life would be if I were to act on them.

So, I bet you are asking yourself ‘then what did happen’?

After I had left the military base to face Gilbert, our fight did not end so brutally. Using acid to burn out his eyes was my original plan, and I did have the vial with me. However, I did not actually use it for Gilbert’s surprising emotional reaction did not warrant it. Ever since he had mated with Ivan, the albino demon fought hard to suppress the feelings of love he had for the dominant male. It was true that demons could not feel love on the same level as humans, but Gilbert assured me that he knew what the feelings was. The white demon held the feeling for his human mother and half-breed brother.

By no means was Gilbert going to let what I did to Ivan go without a fight. He wanted revenge for the mutilation of his lover and he was determined to have it. If it wasn’t for Ludwig showing up in time to talk sense into his elder brother, then I may have never been able to write this story.

Now, I’m sure the next question on your mind is what happened to Ivan. The demon is still alive and well, but his days of battling humans are over. The war between humans and demons persists to this day with neither side backing down. Currently, the humans hold the upper hand due to the fall of Ivan’s barbaric army.

Ivan still lives with Gilbert in the broken manor by the sea, living only by themselves with the dogs. Poochie has chosen to stay with me after I found her in the Beilschmidt manor next to Ivan’s empty bed. I found out later that Ivan had escaped the manor in search of Gilbert and myself in hopes of ending the duel. He was later found by some wondering demons and brought back to the manor where we later found him.

Only the four of us stood in that room, Ivan, the brothers, and me. We decided then that we were to go our separate ways. Ivan would leave with Gilbert and I would have nothing more to do with them. My possessive need to obtain Ivan never went away even as I promised to give Gilbert full rights to him. It killed me inside to watch those white wings wrap around my Ivan before they left the manor. I wanted to run after them and pour my heart out to Ivan. I wanted Gilbert to just disappear, so I could be with Ivan like I wanted. Everything I’ve done has always been for others and never really for myself. I let the pair go and remained forlorn in the room.

What happened after they left the manor? Well, since I was no longer a general in the army I had nowhere else to go. I chose to remain with Ludwig in the Beilschmidt manor, which ended up with us being together. Even though I shared Ludwig’s bed, I still yearned for another’s. I would often gaze out the window, imaging being in Ivan’s bed with those wings and strong arms wrapped tightly around me. I want to feel that tail inch up my leg and curl around my thigh, teasing my lower half. I want to possess that demon with every fiber of being. The demon consumes my thoughts day and night, but I hide it very well.

I did what I was told, holding true to my duty and honor. I brought down a mighty foe whose dark shadow cast fear into the hearts of every human. A mighty foe that I fell in love with. A mighty foe that is the true victor of this story. I may have conquered him but in the end, who triumphed over whom?

This is a question I struggle with to this day. I hope that you, the reader, have come to a better conclusion than I have.

-General Arthur Kirkland of The Human World Alliance

Arthur had finally finished the last page of his book, pulling the paper from the typewriter. He blew carefully on the ink before placing it to the side to dry more. Poochie looked up at him from her place by the fire and wagged that wiry tail. Arthur sat up from his chair to stretch his back before walking over to give the dog a pat on the head.

“It’s finally done, Poochie. My little tale of love, war, violence, and betrayal.” Arthur flopped back onto the bed. “And yet…I wonder if anyone would actually care to read it. Sometimes I feel like it came off as a bad romance novel.”

Poochie jumped up to place her long paws on the bed.

“You’ve been a captive audience this whole time. Bloody fool of an animal.” He scratched behind her ear. “Oh well, I guess we should just wait to see what happens. Things haven’t really turned out THAT bad, have they, Poochie?” Arthur glanced at the grandfather clock in the room, watching as the hands hit ten o’clock. “Whoa! I nearly forgot!”

Arthur slid off the bed quickly, running to the closet to find something else to wear other than his ‘typing’ clothes. He pulled out some black jeans and top, rushing to change out of his ink-stained outfit.

“When the cat’s away, the rat will play! I consider myself a rather large rat.” Arthur laughed inwardly to himself when he was finally dressed.

Poochie barked loudly at the balcony window doors, her tail wagging high and her front paws dancing. Arthur looked at the shadowed figure standing on the balcony in front of the windows. Large torn wings spread wide and shimmied in that classic mating dance. The long tail swayed casually back and forth while cat-like violet eyes bore through the glass. Bright claws tapped and scratched lightly at the glass, beckoning to come in.

Arthur smirked at the figure whose white fangs grinned in returned. He went over to the balcony to open the doors, welcoming in his favorite visitor and one true lover.

The End (For Real)

***See? Everything turned out okay! Thanks once again for reading my fic! I really enjoyed writing it! You guys are so awesome! Couldn’t have made it without all of you! I hope you all enjoyed it! Thanks once again for reading! XOXOXO***
- 13
- 14
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Darker Than Morning