Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Tempus Vernum	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1527 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I'm making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
***Warnings: Violence, language, torture, angst, minor non-con
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 21: The Thunder Breaks Part 1
Ludwig's holding cell was a tiny stone room beneath the home of the city sheriff. The room was totally dark save for the tiny faint glow of a distant hallway candle through the barred door window. He had been stripped of everything except for his robes; they had taken the ring and his leaf pendant. No doubt Jasper had recognize what sort of ring that was and is probably wearing it now.
Ludwig sat quietly in the darkness, his back pressed up against the cold, lifeless stone. With his knees propped up and his arms resting on top, he stared down into nothingness. Tomorrow he would die. All those nights of seeing the noose behind his eyes was soon to become a reality. If that is what Jasper would allow to happen. Upon being thrown in this room, the sheriff mentioned that he may face a different death, such as being forced to walk to the noose wrapped in heavy chains. Or the oldest form yet; burning, which is the divine punishment for witches, heretics, and ill-behaved monks. Jasper may just sentence him to all three; noose, chains, and burning.
But why? Ludwig thought. Why would Jasper go through such trouble to punish him? For the skeleton fairy? That couldn't be the whole truth, only the last straw that broke the donkey's back. Jasper always seemed to have an issue with him, as if the bastard could see something he couldn't. Which was probably true, since Ludwig knew now how Jasper gained his eternal youth, and his heavenly magic. People were afraid to defy him, to question him, or to even speak evil of him. Ludwig figured the people saw Jasper's eternal youth as just another blessing from the Goddess, so no one openly questioned him. Ever since he had join the monkhood, Ludwig had always heard stories about the miracle Jasper made, or the person he brought back to life, or the person's illness that he healed. He could also foretell of strange and dangerous events, like when the drought had come and the farmland flood that destroyed crops and homes. Jasper was the holiest and highest of all the monks; who would believe his word over someone so divine and fearfully respected? But why would he be doing all this? What is his real motive?
'Gilbert.' He said his lover's name instead and all thoughts went to the warm embrace of his beloved. Facing death now, Ludwig imagined what his life with Gilbert would be like. He actually had to images. The first was Gilbert and himself living in the fairy realm in a home outside of both courts. They would build it themselves and live on forever in peace together as one. The second image was of Gilbert becoming a human and becoming a woman. He pictured Gilbert as a woman with long flowing white hair and smiling pink lips, with a healthy build and long legs. SHE would come out of their little meadow cabin wearing an apron and holding a freshly baked rhubarb pie over her swollen belly. And she would welcome him home with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. But that was a silly image. His mated life with Gilbert would consist of loud singing, dancing with a broom, doing stupid stunts, laughing out loud for no reason and taunting him. But the love they would always have would be well worth the loud suffering.
"Psst! Master Ludwig!" Came a whisper from the door.
Ludwig lifted his head to the door, wondering if he had truly heard a voice.
"Master Ludwig! Do not be frightened. I am a friend!" The man whispered.
Ludwig crawled the short distance to the door. "Who are you?"
"My name is not important. I work for the town guard and I serve Supreme Monk Jasper."
"Then how can you be my friend? Monk Jasper is out to destroy me." Ludwig whispered back.
The man was silent for a moment. "Master Ludwig, you helped me many years ago when you were still a young monk! You probably don't remember me, but you gave me your cloak on a snowy day to keep warm. I had nothing of my own, and I was shivering. It was such a kind deed that I'll never forget it. Now I have the chance to return the favor."
Ludwig could faintly remembering doing something like that, but he couldn't recall a face. All he could remember was that the man had no legs and used uneven broken sticks to aid in movement. But could he truly trust this person if they work for Jasper? "How do you wish to return my kindness?"
"I fear I cannot save you from this prison, but I do wish to tell you some things about Monk Jasper. He is a strange man. He is not even human! I've seen him do strange things."
"Like what?"
"He can make things move without touching them. Sometimes I hear the sound of blades rubbing together, like knives! One time I saw wings on him in a shadow…big wings. And once…I saw him talking to someone who wasn't there! His eyes were glowing strangely, like…like stars! Jasper isn't even his real name."
"What is his name then?"
"Oh…it is a sin to say his real name. I only heard it by accident…when he was talking to that person…I heard the name whispered. And he answered to it. He asked, 'why do you call me by my birth name'. His name is…" the voice dropped to an even lower whisper. "His name is Aeon. Don't ever call him by that. He'll get angry."
Ludwig pressed his head against the door. This man did little to help him escape, only give him some information on Jasper, or Aeon. But he couldn't dismiss this man for being somewhat useless. "I thank you for telling me this, good sir."
"Thank you, Master Ludwig. Um…one more thing before I go. It may give you a little bit of comfort, for that is all I can do. I will say many prayers for you tonight. And I know that…that you are something special and the Green Goddess will not let you die."
"Your words have helped to ease some of my fears. I thank you for it."
"I must go now. May the Goddess bless you."
"And you as well."
Ludwig moved away from the door and returned to the wall. The man did give him a few things to think about. The things the stranger spoke of would all point to Jasper, or rather, Aeon, as being a fairy. But Ludwig has been around many fairies and Jasper didn't appear to have the aura of fairy magic. At least, not real fairy magic. Perhaps it was artificial magic of some sort? And just how much magic do the half breeds have by themselves? If they had any at all. Now what about Jasper's strange men? Were they all half-breeds as well who gained fairy magic by consuming the flesh of fairies? They were even backed by the Pure Bloods. If so, then Jasper had his own personal army of mega-fairies.
'If only I could get a message to the others and Gilbert.' Ludwig said to himself. 'And where is Ivan? Why hasn't he helped me? Did something happen to him?'
Each of his questions went unanswered and Ludwig sat there in the dark and silence of the cell.
/
'I'm getting closer!' Gilbert followed their red thread, passing by the temple and making his way down the road, which led to the city. 'Hold on, Ludwig! I'm coming for you!
It was too soon to stop. Gilbert slammed right into a net, a huge woven net of gold that burned his flesh. He cried out in surprise and pain when he was forced to the ground. The net was burning at his hands and face, but the rest of his body was protected due to his clothes. However, the netting was heavy and it weigh down his motions as he tried to escape. He was surrounded by a group of men whose faces he couldn't see. There was one who walked up beside him; a cloaked figure with their hood covering their face. Gilbert glared up at the person as he continued to struggle under the weight of the net.
"Who are you people? I demand that you release me!" Gilbert hollered.
"You are far too important for us to let you go." Said the cloaked man. "Be still now, Little Snowflake." The man held out his hands and began chanting a spell. Mists of white and gold flowed from his fingertips as they surrounded Gilbert through the net.
"What are you doing?" Gilbert fought harder against the net, but the smell and power of the mist was making his eyelids droopy. 'Shit…is that a sleep spell?' Gilbert's eyelids fluttered as he fought to stay awake. How could he have been so stupid? He was so focused on following the thread to find Ludwig that he was unaware of anything else that could potentially harm him. Was this a setup?
But Gilbert's vision soon went dark and he fell into a deep sleep.
/
The door to the cell clicked open and the light of a bright torch filled the darkened room. Ludwig had to shield his eyes from the bright light after being in the dark for so long. It was hard to make out the people coming into the small cell, but when he did, he recognized Jasper immediately at the head of the group. Behind Jasper stood some armed guards and the same royal advisor from before. Jasper was smiling at him, almost as if the man had a secret that he wasn't going to tell. Ludwig narrowed his eyes at all the men, at Jasper especially, but he remained silent.
"You're looking well, Little Luddy. Prepared to die?" Jasper asked him sweetly.
"I have done nothing wrong." Ludwig answered.
"Foolish boy. You've done everything wrong!" Jasper stepped closer to him. "Let me tell you how this is going to work. First, you will be tied to the post of the Death Wagon as it brings you to the town center. That is where the hangman will be waiting for you. Your crimes will be publically spoken out loud for all to hear. You will not be hooded or blindfolded; you will see your death coming. After that," Jasper shrugged his shoulders "You have no royal or noble titles to your name. You are common birth, so they'll just toss your body in a mass grave somewhere. It's what you deserve anyway."
Ludwig was trembling with rage more than fear. He could attempt to punch out or attack Jasper now, but it would do little good. He was surrounded by armed men who would kill him on the spot, and then there would be no real chance of changing anything. Instead, he remained silent, stood up from the floor and bowed his head.
"I will die with my pride in tact."
Jasper rolled his eyes. "That's cute. Guards, bind him."
With his wrists tied tightly around his back, the guards led him out of the dungeon and into the daylight. He had to avert his eyes from the sudden brightness of the day and the reflection off the white snow. The guards lifted him into the Death Wagon and once again tied his wrists to one of the posts. Ludwig kept his eyes focused on Jasper, watching the man mount his horse proudly with a smug smirk of victory plastered on his face. The Death Wagon jerked into motion, and Ludwig glanced up to the gray cloudy sky, searching for signs of anyone, anything, could save him right now.
'Gilbert…I hope you're alright.'
He wanted Gilbert to save him, but he did not want his lover to fall pray to Jasper. Jasper may be expecting Gilbert's arrival and have a trap set for him. Just like in their vows, he would defend Gilbert's life before his own. Ludwig kept his head down as the Death Wagon continued through to the city streets. People came out of their houses to watch and follow after him, some with mocking expressions and others with mournful ones. The cheering of the crowd grew louder as they approached the center, and Ludwig looked up at the hangman's noose dangling so elegantly in the center of the dais. It was just like he had envisioned so many times, now it was becoming reality.
Ludwig barely felt himself walking up the steps as the guards held his arms firm, guiding him up to the platform. The executioner, a plump and tall masked man, stood in wait as Ludwig was placed behind the noose. Ludwig looked up at the noose hanging there, and the chill of death stilled his breath. The executioner brought the noose down and looped it around his neck, pulling the binding tight. Ludwig could feel the cold, rough rope fibers biting into his skin. Glancing down, he could see the faint lines of the trapdoor, which would open beneath him and hopefully, if the Goddess was merciful, snap his neck instantly so he wouldn't suffer.
Jasper came up onto the platform and stood in front of him, gazing at him up and down with a sneer. "She chose you. Why?"
Ludwig just stared at him. "She?"
"The Green Goddess. She chose you instead of me. Why?"
"I haven't the slightest idea what you are talking about."
"You wouldn't. Well, it doesn't matter now. With you dead, I will be able to excel in this world, just like it should be." He leaned in close to whisper in Ludwig's ear. "I have your Winter Fairy in my possession. He came for you, as I knew he would. He is mine now."
Ludwig made an attempt to lunge at him, but the executioner held him back. Jasper was wearing an amused smile, and all he wanted to do was tear the man apart limb by limb. He had his Gilbert! "Let him go." Ludwig said. "He has done nothing. You will achieve what you want with my death, so he is useless to you. It is me you want, not him. So I beg you, let him go."
Jasper scoffed. "I don't listen to the pleas of a dead man. Now then, shall we begin with announcing your sins?"
/
Ivan had been following Ludwig and the wagon from atop a cliff in the woods, which looked down upon the Emerald Valley City. In his phantom form, he watched with red eyes as the tiny figure of Ludwig was pushed up onto a dais with a noose. A crowd of people had gathered around to watch. Ivan just stared at the scene, wondering what he should do. If Ludwig died, then Gilbert would never love anyone again. He wanted that, didn't he? He knew Gilbert would never love him, but with Ludwig dead, he wouldn't have to feel jealous any longer.
But could he really sit back and watch Ludwig die? The monk had helped him, even comforted him in times of need. When he spoke of his and Gilbert's intimate time, Ludwig was understanding of it and passed no judgment. The monk was always respectful of him, and even felt remorse for the spiritual contract he had with Arthur. Yet the biggest thing on his mind was still Gilbert and if he could bear to see the fairy broken hearted.
Ivan's saucer eyes closed as he lifted his head to the winter breeze, feeling the air ruffle through his black fur. He was searching for an answer, a sign, or anything that would help him make this decision. The image of Gilbert crying for eternity appeared before his eyes, and he had made his decision. Ivan growled, allowing all of his hackles to rise. Lifting his head once again to the sky, he let out a loud, haunting howl; the howl of the Phantom Black Dog that promised death to all those who heard it.
/
The jeering of the crowd slowly grew silent as the sound of a deathly howl drifted along the winter air. Everyone fell silent, looking all around as the sound continued, slowly growing louder and louder.
Jasper paused to listen, letting his pale eyes glide back and forth as he tried to figure out what it could be. He had a strong feeling of just WHO it was.
Ludwig's eyes widened in hope and relief as he recognized the sound of Ivan's howl. Ivan was coming for him! He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks to the Goddess.
"LOOK!" Someone screamed. "OVER THERE! IN THE FIELD!"
All heads turned to the field.
A large black beast engulfed in flame came barreling through the snow, its red saucer eyes burning bright, its fangs sparkling white, and its howl growing deafening. The people screamed and panicked, trying to escape. This caused a stampede in which many were trampled, pushed, and killed.
Ivan came charging through the main city street, his flaming body setting fire to each and every house as he ran towards the platform. People were screaming. People were running. People were crying. It didn't stop him, though. He had called forth all of his power so he could be seen by everyone. Already he could smell death in the air, and he grinned with his white fangs. He barreled through the crowd of people, crushing their limbs beneath his large paws and snapping them in half with his jaws. He snatched up a guard in his jaws, shook the body like a dog with a kill and tossed the dead man into the air. Ivan saw Ludwig on the platform, along with that bastard of a monk who attacked him and charged with an echoing howl.
Jasper saw the beast coming, and looked to the lever that would release the trap door. He grabbed the lever, pulled and the door fell open and Ludwig with it.
Ludwig felt his feet drop out from beneath him as the door opened, yet it lodged half way. The noose still tightened around his neck and cut off his breathing. Ludwig gasped and sputtered for air as the rope cut off his air flow. Panicking, he kicked his feet along the board trying to regain some foot to relieve the pressure from his neck. It did no good; it only helped to tighten the noose further. He could feel his life slowly drifting away and his vision becoming fuzzy.
'Today I die…'
Ivan leapt onto the platform, snapping his jaws at Jasper only to have the man suddenly disappear, just as a magical being would. But there was no time for the man now. Ivan saw Ludwig struggling with the noose, and turned his jaws to the rope, biting it in half. Ludwig's body slid to the ground beneath the platform, which quickly caught on fire. Ivan jumped down and bit Ludwig's robe, dragging the man out from under it.
Ludwig pulled the noose off of his neck, coughing and gasping as he tried to catch his breath. His chest was on fire and his throat bleeding from the rope. Ludwig looked at Ivan, seeing the beast's body engulfed in flame. Ivan shook his fur and the fire burned away.
'Get on!' Ivan demanded.
Ludwig got up and jumped onto Ivan's back, holding onto the black fur as the dog ran through the crowd of dying people. The city was on fire all around them while dead body lie in the street. Death had come today for the citizens of Emerald Valley, but it wasn't for him.
"I thank you, my friend!" Ludwig wheezed out. "Where is Jasper?"
'The monk disappeared!' Ivan answered, making his way towards the field. 'We need to get you to safety!'
"Take me to the temple!"
'It will not be safe there for you!"
"Jasper has Gilbert!"
Ivan growled in his running, entering the snowy field. 'Use your bond thread to find him!'
"I cannot face Jasper as I am now! I need the fairy gifts given to me by the others!"
'Some of them may not work in this realm!'
"My staff won't, but the others will! I have to save Gilbert! I can't save him if I cannot fight against a monster fairy!"
Ivan turned to go in the direction of the temple, the screams of the townspeople fading behind them. 'I have the power to be seen in this world! Let me lend you my power so your staff may work in this world!'
Ludwig lay his head on the back of Ivan's neck. "Thank you, friend. I was worried you had gone, or something had happened to you."
'It is all for Gilbert.' Ivan answered and they made their way to the temple.
/
Gilbert's eyelids fluttered open. His body was throbbing in pain all over, and the first thing he noticed was that his wrists were tied above him. His back was pressed up against something thin, a pole or post? He looked down at his lap to find that he was fully naked with his thighs and legs tied together. The constant kneeling position was already awaking the ache of slow blood flow. Gilbert's eyes darted around the area, finding himself to be in some sort of house or castle. Around him were a group of armored men, yet they were not human men. They had the smell of human, but there was also the strong sense of magic surrounding them. Gilbert looked at each one, counting ten in total. They were all staring at him with hungry gazes, one was even rubbing himself to arousal. Gilbert sneered and turned away, choosing to look up at his binds. It was that damn magic rope, the same magic that burned Alfred. It was doing the same to his skin. It's the same rope they used for the netting as well.
The door opened loudly, and Gilbert watched as the armored men bowed and chanting something in a strange tongue. Behind him, he could hear footsteps approaching, gentle ones. There was a swishing sound along the floor, probably from a robe or a dress. A figure came into view, then. It was that bastard monk Jasper, dressed in silken green robes with long bell sleeves and decorated in jewels. Gilbert glared darkly at him, the look promising the monk a painful death without a shred of mercy. He wanted to slice off that perfectly thin beard and rip out those pale eyes. The bastard monk smiled sweetly at him while he folded his hands directly in front, standing perfectly poised.
"How are you feeling?" Jasper asked, and was answered with a spit. "Splendid." He chuckled, bringing his fingertips together. "I must say, it is an honor to have you here in my humble abode, Snowflake."
"Shut your fucking mouth, you bastard." Gilbert hissed, tugging at his binds. "Where is Ludwig?"
Jasper pretended to wonder. "Oh, well, he escaped on the Hound of Death and ran away, leaving you behind. Tragic, really."
"Ludwig would never leave me behind. He'll come for me."
"That's so touching. To have a fairy lover and be bound together for all eternity." Jasper placed his hands over his heart and smiled fondly. "The joys of being a fairy."
"And you're some half-breed slime crying 'no one likes me'! You fucking whiners piss me off! Shut your fucking traps and do something about it instead of whining all the time!"
Jasper grinned. "Oh, I have. Ludwig didn't tell you? I'm sure he has."
"He did. You disgust me." Gilbert sneered at him. "Eating stillborn baby fairies…and for what? To gain eternal life? Eternal youth?" Gilbert smirked. "Trust me, asshole, no amount of fairy babies or magic will fix that fucking face."
Jasper just fluttered his lashes and turned away, walking over to a small table covered in a black velvet tablecloth with gold tassels. Beside the table was a box and he opened the lid to begin taking out the contents. Gilbert watched as first a plate came out and was placed on the table. Next were a knife and a fork, a cup, and a small bowl. His pink eyes widened slightly as he feared he knew what the meal setup was for.
"Are you inviting me to dinner?" Gilbert asked with sarcasm while trying to hide his fear.
"You ARE the dinner!" Jasper chirped cheerfully. "I've never had a Winter Fairy before! But only I will eat you. My men will get a small portion of your body. You know, the dog worthy parts."
Gilbert growled. "You're disgusting!" He couldn't fully hide his fear now and Gilbert felt his aching limbs begin to shake. "Why are you doing this? Why do you hate Ludwig so much? He's never done a damn thing to you!" He hollered.
"Oh, he's done something all right." Jasper's voice lowered, and his tone grew dark with a slight echo. "He, a simple human, was granted a gift that I, a half-fairy, should have been entitled to! For decades I worked, struggled, fought and slaved to gain the Green Blessing of the Goddess." He closed his eyes and tilted his head upwards for a moment before he continued to speak. "Instead, she chose HIM. Our Little Luddy. She chose HIM over ME! Ludwig has destroyed everything that I've worked for just by being born!" He hollered. "It's unfair! The only way to gain my blessing is to get rid of the current one!" He pulled a blade from out of his sleeve. "Yes, I eat fairies; and yes, I ate the stillborn princess of King Arthur and that peasant scum Francis. The Pure Bloods gave her to me! THAT was my ticket to reaching the full power of a fairy! I've made my choice! I choose fairies! Fairies will not accept me, so I will FORCE THEM to do so by helping the Pure Bloods wipe the universe clean of the Fairy Realm!"
Gilbert stared at him in shock and distain. "You're a fucking psycho! All this because some bitches and jackassess wouldn't let you play their games? Grow some fucking balls you pansy!" Gilbert gasped in pain as Jasper's foot kicked him in the stomach, making him double over.
"That's right, show off those pretty winter wings! I'll be eating those first!"
Gilbert's eyes widened and his head shot up. "Don't you touch me!"
"MEN! HOLD HIM STILL!"
Gilbert shouted curses and insults as a few of the men rushed over to shove and hold his body forward. He hissed as the rope held tight and stretched his arms painfully, straining his shoulders. Two men held his legs, one on each side. Two more grabbed a wing, a top wing in each hand and pulled. 'Ludwig!' Gilbert cried out mentally. 'I need you!' His lover wasn't answering him, maybe Ludwig couldn't hear him.
"Since you chose to use such dirty language and insult me," Jasper teased "I'm going to cut off each wing very slowly. I want to hear you begging and sobbing for mercy."
Gilbert started to panic at being held completely helpless while his wings were going to be sawed off. He felt the first bite of the knife cut into the base and then, as promised, Jasper began to slice slowly. Each slow movement was pure agony, and Gilbert had to clench his jaw shut to keep from screaming. His chest heaved as his body locked rigid with agony. The blade was now halfway through the wing, and it was too much to bear. He would allow himself to scream, but he'd be damned if he'd beg for mercy. With his head still held down, Gilbert let out the first loud, echoing wail of agony that would be followed by many. After his first wing was removed, Jasper decided to hack at his other one, purposefully missing the same gash. Gilbert's voice was so harsh from screaming that his throat was raw and once the second was removed and they moved on to the third, he was used to it. He hissed through the removal of his smaller wings. Now his back was empty of fairy wings; his gorgeous, sparkling wings of frost, ice, and snow. Wings that Ludwig loved to stroke while they lay together. Gilbert's body shook with pained exhaustion. The blood was running down his back now from the open wounds, tickling him mercilessly.
"You are beautiful in your agony." Jasper said softly. "Breathtaking. Such a pretty fairy boy. Another gift the Goddess saw fit to bestow upon Ludwig; finding him a gorgeous fairy to mate with."
Gilbert slowly lifted his eyes to watch Jasper beneath his lashes. The monk carried his two top wings to the table, placed them along the plate, sat down, and started to cut them into pieces. Gilbert's eyes welled with tears as he watched the bastard put piece after piece of his beautiful wings into that filthy mouth. The men had to split his smaller wings up amongst themselves, and they fought over pieces like dogs for a bone.
"Mmmm! Delicious! I am tasting the sigh of winter." Jasper smacked his lips. "Oh won't Ludwig be surprised when he finds a wingless fairy. How much will he want to mate you after that?"
It took a moment for Gilbert to find his voice. "Ludwig loves me…no matter how I am…or how I look!"
"Ah, another perfect trait of our Little Luddy." He smiled at Gilbert as he picked up the other full wing and broke it in half. "I can feel the power of a Winter Fairy already. Icy tingles." He shivered. "Delightful." Gilbert glared at him. "Hmm…let's see here, how else can I make you suffer? I want to see Ludwig come racing in here on his gallant monster to save his love. The more I hurt you, the faster he will come to your rescue. He must be feeling your agony now. You are my bait. He will come for you. He will follow your red thread and once he arrives, my men will be ready to kill him. They will kill him, and they will eat him, except for his eyes. THOSE are mine. Those sweet baby blues, as light as the morning sky and clear as a fresh spring pool…" he licked his lips. "I look forward to shitting them out."
Gilbert screamed in outrage, pulling violently at his binds. "DON'T YOU FUCKING TOUCH HIM, YOU BASTARD! DON'T HURT HIM! HURT ME INSTEAD!"
"Ha! Then everybody wins! I plan to keep torturing you! By hurting you, I hurt him." Jasper pushed himself up from his chair and moved to the other side of the room, picking up a torch from inside its holder. He closed his eyes, waved his hand around it, and the flame burned a bright, solid red. With a spring in his step, he returned to Gilbert's bound form, kneeling in front of him. He held the fire in Gilbert's line of vision. "Do you know what this is?"
Gilbert, frightened, shook his head.
"This is human fire kissed by the power of a fairy. An All Seasons fairy," he grinned "Like me! You see, normal human fire cannot harm a fairy, but this type can!" He grinned, stood up, and held the flame close to Gilbert's raised, bound hands. "What do you think happens to a Winter Elemental fairy when they are met with fire such as this?"
Gilbert's eyes widened as the flame was held close to his hands, and he started to scream as he felt his flesh slowly start to melt.
"Melting just like a snowman! Let's melt your hands all the way down to the bone, shall we?" He shouted over Gilbert's cries of pain. "This way, we can't use our hands to fight." He laughed manically as he kept the flame there, watching in wicked delight as the bleached sight of pure white finger bones came into view. He then pulled the torch away, only easing the fairy's agony for a short time.
'Fucking kill me now!' Gilbert silently begged. 'Kill me! The pain is too much!' He lifted his head with tears in his eyes. 'Ludwig…where are you?' He made the mistake of looking up at his hands, now solid bone without a hint of his white skin. "NO! NO! NO! NO!" He couldn't feel them! He couldn't even move them!
"Oh yes! Give Ludwig a hand job now with ribbed bones and knuckles. Maybe he'll like it!" He cruelly joked and roughly tweaked Gilbert's nose. "Do you know what would happen to an Autumn Fairy if I used this flame on them? They would burst into flame and burn to a crisp, just like a pile of dead, dry leaves or straw. Oh, but the best is the Summer and Spring fairies! You know what I like to do? I use the opposite! I bless the icicles and blow the vapor onto their bodies. They freeze up, turn into ice statues. I then hack them to pieces, starting with the head, and then the limbs. But, here's the best part! Once frozen," he grinned "I unfreeze them while they are still alive. Do you know the sounds of a fairy whom just realized their limbs are gone? Oh, what a beautiful sound!" He shivered in ecstasy. "Then I set the dogs on the pieces and keep the heads in my hands. You know why? Because the fairy brain can still feel the pain as their limbs are being torn to shreds!"
Gilbert, still with tears in his eyes, just looked at Jasper and shook his head. "You are a monster…you aren't fairy or human…you're a monster! An abomination!"
Jasper let out a scream of anger and roughly backhanded Gilbert, brushing the pale cheek and cracking open a pink lip. "Using THAT word just earned you your feet as well!"
"NO!" Gilbert screamed. "NO! STAY AWAAAAY!" Jasper ignored him and moved to hold the flame at his right foot, once again melting the skin. He wanted to die. He wanted the pain to end! It was unbearable! 'Oh goddess above…make it stop!' "MAKE IT STOOOOOP!" He cried out the last part.
"YES! Yes, cry out like that! Use your siren's call of pain to bring your little lover here! You can watch me kill him!" He moved to the other foot. "Scream louder!"
And Gilbert did. He couldn't help it, the pain was just too much.
"Let's leave you like this for Ludwig to find you."
"Master," one of the men spoke. "May we have him?"
"Yes, let us fuck him!" Said another. "What an even better way to anger your enemy by raping the one they love?" He said cruelly. "I will go first!"
Jasper held up his hand. "There will be no rape here. However, that does give me a bit of an idea."
Gilbert looked up as Jasper, now standing before him, removed the green robe from his body. Beneath it he wore brown pants and a tunic. The pants had a buttoned flap in the front, and Gilbert watched with pained fear as the monk pulled out his erection. 'No! No, don't!' Gilbert began to cry silent tears; only they weren't clear; they were streams of blood.
"YES!" Jasper gasped out and began jerking himself. "A fairy's bloody tears are the most delicious!"
Gilbert couldn't watch the man jacking off to his suffering but he could hear the 'twapping' sound of flesh rubbing over flesh.
"So pretty…so beautiful in your suffering! Tragically beautiful!" He gasped out, moving his hand faster. "I don't dirty myself with fairy whores, so you will just…have to accept…what I offer! Feel blessed!"
Gilbert made the mistake of turning his head back when Jasper ejaculated onto him; the pale yellow substance splattered on his chest, lower belly, groin, and thighs. He shook and shuddered, feeling the urge to vomit as the semen started to grow cold and stick to his skin. But Jasper wasn't finished, and he ejaculated for a second time making sure to shower Gilbert's face with it. The smell and stickiness of it brought forth the vomit.
"Oh, I'm sorry, is Ludwig' s essence even better than mine? He's THAT special too?"
Gilbert wouldn't answer him. All he could think about was Ludwig's face and his embrace; the only thing helping to keep his mind off of the pain. This pain and dismemberment would forever cripple him. He would have much rather preferred the gang rape, at least that way time would heal his body but he would still have his fairy attributes. Right now he resembled a decaying human covered in cum. He wanted Ludwig to save him, but at the same time he did not want his lover to see him like this.
"Your lover is slow. This is boring me. Perhaps we should drag you outside and tie you to a post there so Little Luddy can see you better. And I know JUST the place."
Gilbert clenched his eyes shut as he saw Jasper's fist coming towards him and then it all went blank.
When he came to, the first thing he noticed was the winter air on his body. It didn't make him cold, instead it helped to ease his suffering just slightly. He was still bound to a post, but Jasper had been smart in tying him. While he was bound upright, his skeleton feet were left to dangle only an inch away from the snow. If he could get his hands and feet into the snow, then he could use the power of the element to grow new muscle and skin. Jasper knew that, and chose to torture him further by keeping his body so close to its chance of healing. But the next thing he realized was WHERE they were; the ancient fairy battle ground. Although they were at the opposite end of Ludwig's temple, so hopefully his mate was nearby. With blood stained cheeks, his weary eyes scanned the woods and open field, searching for any sign of Ludwig.
Jasper was standing beside him, unarmed, with all his armed men in a straight line in front of them.
"The fairy heart and bond makes you weak, doesn't it?" Jasper whispered to him. "I can see it glowing now. It pines to be with your mate. You want him to come and lick your wounds, make love in the snow, hold each other close in a warm embrace." He stood closer to the bound body. "The Goddess chooses him…but I will not let that happen. I will kill him and take back the right that is mine."
Gilbert managed to find his voice. "What are you…talking about?"
"I have slaved endlessly for the chance to become Her voice here on earth! I would prove to the world, to humans, fairies and half breeds alike, that ANYONE can become something grand! Everyone scoffed and belittled me for being a half breed!" He smirked. "Now they will pay! But it is your lover who will pay the most. The Green Mother chose HIM, a simple HUMAN over the mightiness that is me! I will have the title and the role! It is my right!"
"You are an…idiot! You fucking…EAT other fairies…who are Her creations too. Look at what a…bastard you are. You couldn't hold a candle to Ludwig's greatness." Gilbert forced a smirk. "You are nothing. The Goddess sees that as well. Ludwig is everything you will never, ever be."
Jasper sneered at him. "I hold more power than Ludwig. He is still fully human. I am a fairy."
"A fake one." He was backhanded.
"You just don't know when to keep your mouth shut, do you? Well then, let's use that to our advantage. Let's call your lover here with some more delicious cries of pain." Jasper moved behind him to stick the tip of his finger into the bleeding wound where a wing once was.
Gilbert let out a cry of sheer pain, flopping helplessly against the post like a fish. Jasper never removed his finger, only kept applying pressure up and down the open gash. Gilbert coughed and sputtered when the finger was finally removed.
"Say something to piss me off again, harlot." He now stood directly behind the post. "Touching you intimately would be disgusting for me, but my men will have no qualms. Perhaps your lover will be attracted to your scent instead? Like an animal in rutting season? I can cast a lust spell on you and let my men have their wicked way. Wouldn't Ludwig just love to see that! You writhing in ecstasy at the hands of another male."
Gilbert lowered his head, bit his lip and felt fresh bloody tears trickle down his cheeks. The thought of Ludwig seeing him being forced with unwanted pleasure would wound his mate. He couldn't allow for that to happen. He didn't want anyone else but Ludwig touching him. The thought of these strange, fake fairy males fucking him upset him more than his maimed body. His fairy heart began to throb and ache at the thought of it. His love for Ludwig was stronger than his pride and he whispered out a plea. "Please don't."
Jasper purred. "Hmm…so Ludwig is your biggest weakness. Perhaps fairies are actually weaker than humans."
"My Lord," started a soldier "We have company."
Gilbert lifted his head. His eyes widened and he smiled through the pain as he saw Ludwig, dressed in all the fairy gifts, riding atop of Ivan. The two approached slowly with Ludwig's face showing nothing but anger and fury. Gilbert smiled brightly through his tears, and even let out a little laugh of relief at the sight of his mate.
"L-Ludwig!" He called out to him.
Ludwig noticed the condition of Gilbert's body. His fairy lover was stripped naked and tied to a post. His face was battered and bruised, but that was not the worst part. Gilbert's hands and feet were solid bone, as if his skin had been pulled away. Even his wings were missing; Ludwig could tell by the puddle of bloody snow behind Gilbert, pooling at his heels. Ludwig could feel Ivan tensing beneath him, for the creature had taken notice of Gilbert's suffering as well.
"I love the new tattoo on your neck, Little Luddy!" Jasper laughed, referring to the noose mark on Ludwig's neck.
"Release Gilbert, now!" Ludwig demanded, with his voice harsh.
"Come any closer and I slit his pretty little neck." Jasper pulled a dagger from his belt, stood behind the maimed fairy and held it at his neck.
Ludwig and Ivan remained still.
"Run, Ludwig." Gilbert whispered with his throat against the blade.
"Let him go." Ludwig repeated. "It is me you want, not him!" He dismounted from Ivan.
Jasper smirked. "I see you are wearing fairy armor." He slid the flat part of the blade against Gilbert's cheek. "Pity, it will not work at full capacity here."
Ludwig lifted his staff and slid off the sheath covering the crystal blade. "Care to test that theory?"
Jasper removed the blade from Gilbert to laugh out loud. "Oh, this is rich! You mean to fight ME, little boy? Don't make me laugh! You don't know what you are up against, HUMAN."
Ludwig aimed his blade at Jasper. "Monster!"
"Run, Ludwig!" Gilbert shouted to him. "Run before you're killed!"
"No!" Ludwig shouted. " 'His life I will defend before mine own'." Ludwig repeated a part of their warrior's vow.
Gilbert's eyes welled with fresh, clear tears.
"Touching." Jasper scoffed. "But enough of this sap! It bores me to tears!" He held out his arms. "You wish to fight me, Little Luddy? Want to be a hero and a god on earth?"
"I want you dead and gone from this world!"
"HA! You're barely a challenge for me as you are now, boy! Let's spice things up a bit, shall we? I haven't had a good long fight in decades! I'll even give you a power boost!"
Jasper's eyes turned solid white as a mighty wind began circulating around them. When the monk began to glow a faint red, an equally red orb formed in the sky above them. Jasper slammed his fists together and the orb burst into red light, stretching out far and wide to create a magic dome. The dome blocked out the human realm, encasing them in its ancient magic. Ludwig felt his fairy armor and other gifts intensify in power.
Beside him, Ivan's phantom dog form forced transformed him into his human one. Ivan looked at his body in shock, and then up at the red dome surrounding them. "Ludwig, it's a fairy magic dome! Here everything of the fairy realm will work!"
Gilbert was still helpless to do anything, and he cursed his weakness and maimed body. If only he could get to the snow…
Ludwig glared at Jasper and readied himself in a fighting stance. "I'm giving you one last chance to surrender!"
"As if I would! You want to fight me and rid the world of me?"
"I will fight you, but first you must release Gilbert!"
"Release him? Why? He will be useless to you. He is wingless and naked; no armor or weapons to defend himself."
"I will defend him!" Ivan growled.
Jasper laughed at Ivan's words. "No one invited you to speak, dog!"
"LUDWIG! JUST RUN!" Gilbert cried out to him. The power from the fairy dome frightened him and Gilbert knew that Ludwig didn't stand a chance under these circumstances. Jasper was right, he had no armor or sword; he would prove useless to Ludwig. He would only get in the way.
"You want your fairy lover so bad?" Jasper taunted. "Then you may have him."
To their surprise, Jasper cut Gilbert's binds and the fairy fell to the snow in a limp heap. Gilbert immediately shoved his hands and feet in the snow, crying out in relief as he felt the element start to heal his body.
"GILBERT!" Ludwig yelled his name.
Gilbert stood up on his knees and gave an open mouthed smile at Ludwig.
And then the world stood still.
Gilbert let out a gasped cry of pain and arched as a blade ran through his back, through his heart, and out his chest. The blade struck clean through. Gilbert knelt there in shell-shock, unable to move or speak a word. The blade was pulled out, and he fell back onto the snow.
"NO! GILBERT!" Ludwig ran to him.
Ivan howled in rage and ran towards Jasper with his claws and fangs bared. However, he was blocked and attacked by the soldiers.
Jasper made no move to stop Ludwig from reaching Gilbert's bleeding body. He stood there with a smirk, his bloodied crystal sword at his side. He wanted Ludwig to be enraged with grief when they fought. It would make the battle much more interesting. This was just another sweet way of making the man suffer.
Ludwig fell to his knees and cradled Gilbert in his arms, placing a hand over the bleeding gap in his lover's chest. Gilbert coughed, spitting up blood and crying the same. "Ludwig…I'm sorry."
Blue eyes welled with tears. "You have nothing to be sorry for. This was all my fault. Nothing you did was wrong."
"I couldn't help you…" Gilbert sobbed "I always rush in…when I should…think it through first. I can't protect you."
Jasper watched with smug delight.
"I won't let you die." Ludwig whispered. "There is still a chance." Using his free hand, he reached under the fairy armor and beneath the front of his robe. There, he pulled out the vial of Matthew's blood.
"No…" Gilbert whispered. "You will need that."
"You need it more…and I need you with me if I'm to fight."
Jasper's smile slowly turned into a frown at the vial. He narrowed his eyes at it, curious.
Gilbert closed his eyes. "I wish..you would save it for…yourself."
Ludwig pulled the cork out with his teeth. "Drink." He held the vial to Gilbert's bloody lips, and forced the fairy to drink all the blood. Gilbert's eyes were closed, and Ludwig feared it was already too late. But suddenly, Gilbert's eyes flew open and his body sparkled with a golden light. The gap in his chest healed up completely. His face was void of bruises and cuts. His hands and feet had grown back their skin and muscle. But the best was when he jumped up onto his feet, and a set of four Winter Fairy wings sprouted from his back.
Jasper let out a cry of disbelief and rage.
Gilbert took a deep breath of fresh air, turned his attention to Jasper, and grinned. "I'm back, baby!"
"How did you-?" Jasper growled. "Never mind! I can easily defeat you both!"
Ivan was relieved to see that Gilbert was still alive, but his way was still blocked by the strange fairy soldiers.
"Jasper, stop this foolishness." Ludwig aimed his staff blade at the monk. "You will never get what you want by destroying everything the Green Mother loves."
"Stupid little boy! You think that's really all that matters?" He cracked his knuckles. "Fine then, let's end this little game right here and now!"
Ludwig stood in front of Gilbert. "I accept your challenge…Aeon."
Jasper's eyes widened dangerously.
Both Gilbert and Ivan were confused by the sudden use of a strange name.
"How do you know my fairy name? That is the name my mother gave me! No one knows that! HOW DID YOU KNOW?"
"I have my ways."
Gilbert whispered into Ludwig's ear. "This guy's getting pissed, Ludwig. Watch yourself."
Jasper slowly smiled and twiddled his fingers in the air. "I haven't heard my fairy name called in quite a long while." His pale eyes suddenly turned a solid black. "Now I will let you see the true me. I am Aeon!"
Aeon's body engulfed itself in a black snake of smoke. Ludwig and Gilbert stood close together, and Ivan ran over to join them. It wasn't just Aeon's body that was changing, but the other fairy males as well. Each fairy soldier grew bat like wings, pointed horns, clawed hands and spiked tails. They all bared their fangs, showing that rows were razor sharp. But it was Aeon's fairy form that was the most terrifying. Like the others, he had mighty claws but instead had three tails; the middle was sharp while the other two were heavily spiked. Yet his wings were unnatural for a fairy. They were not bug like, nor were they the form of a dragon or a bat. They resembled a birds'; tall and long, but the feathers shimmered in the red dome. They weren't feathers at all, but rather sharp blades that sparked when the feathers rubbed together.
'Like knives.' Ludwig repeated the stranger's words in his head.
"What the fuck are those?" Gilbert stared at the wings. "Those look like daggers!"
"Or knives." Ivan growled, lowering his ears.
Aeon spread his wings, the sounds of the knives scraping together echoed painfully in their ears. The high pitch sound was almost mind numbing. "Look upon my magnificent form! The Pure Bloods gave me the option the Goddess did not! I got to choose my form! I have the power of the ancients flowing through my veins! I have the power of the Dark Fairy Royal family in my soul!" His eyes were still a solid black as they focused on the trio. "Do you see my army of Demon Fairies? They were half breeds just as I was! The Pure Bloods granted them power and choice as well! So tell me, Little Luddy and friends, just how to you fight an army of ancient darkness?"
Ludwig gulped. Gilbert shivered. Ivan turned into his dog form and turned to run.
"Let him go!" Aeon ordered. "I find it humorous that the God of Death has abandoned you!"
Gilbert growled. "FUCK YOU, IVAN!"
"We've got bigger problems on our hands." Ludwig said to Gilbert. He wasn't expecting Jasper, or rather Aeon, to have such a monstrous form. His armor and other fairy gifts will help, but without the aid of Gilbert or Ivan, Ludwig didn't have much hope of victory. Still, he had to try.
"Ludwig…we're surrounded!" Gilbert stood back to back with his lover, eyeing the demon fairies.
"They are my children." Aeon rubbed his wings together. "They want to protect their father; their lord and master. If you can defeat them, Ludwig, then I will give Gilbert a sword to fight with. I fear neither your blade nor Gilbert's. I want you both to fight me, so I can destroy you!"
"I reaaaaaaaly hate this guy!" Gilbert hissed through his teeth.
"You'll have to focus on staying alive, Gil! I'm the only one with a weapon!"
Ludwig aimed his staff ball at a Demon Fairy and called for a bolt of light that shot in its direction. The beast dodged it, and laughed manically. The others did as well. 'Shit!' Ludwig hissed. 'We're outnumbered. I'm not strong enough on my own!'
"We'll be turned into mince meat." Gilbert joked darkly.
Ludwig tried again, this time slamming the staff into the ground. He called forth crystals to shoot up from the earth, forcing the demons to jump or fly away from them. Aeon clapped his hands.
"Great show, Ludwig! Surely you can do better than that? MEN! ATTACK!"
The Demon Fairies flew at them. Gilbert dodged one, managing to punch the demon in the jaw and kick another with his heel. Ludwig swung his staff, knocking one out of the air. The demon squealed in pain as his flesh burned from the touch of the staff. Even though he was naked, it didn't stop Gilbert from taking off into flight to drive some of the demons away from Ludwig. Gilbert may not have any weapons, but he was able to call forth his elemental powers to hold them off. He threw out his arms and legs, sending a swarm of icicles raining down upon the approaching demons. Most of them missed, and some even landed near Ludwig. Ludwig cursed and danced around as the icicles nearly struck him down.
"DAMN IT, GILBERT!"
"WELL, DON'T STAND IN MY WAY!"
Gilbert used a whirlwind of snow to keep most of the demons from attacking him. Ludwig was still grounded, but used the icicles to his advantage by substituting them as shields. However, Aeon decided to intervene and with a strike of black lightening, he shattered all of the icicles. Ludwig was defenseless again, so he readied his staff to shoot bolts of energy at the demons.
"THESE FUCKING GUYS JUST WON'T DIE!" Gilbert shouted as he used stream after stream of icicles.
'We don't stand a chance at this rate!' Ludwig said to himself, swinging at another demon that nearly bit his face. 'We are seriously outnumbered!'
"GAAH!" Gilbert was tackled out of the sky, spirialing downward with one of the demons. They crashed into the snow, Gilbert winded and stuck beneath the demon. The demon fairy grinned and growled, letting streams of saliva drip onto Gilbert's face and neck. "GET THE FUCK OFF ME!" Using the power of his element, Gilbert disappeared into the snow. Like a mole, he traveled under the snow, leaving a lengthy mound as he moved. The demon fairy followed the tunnel mound.
Ludwig used every bit of magic that he could, but it just wasn't enough. His body was growing weak as his power was draining from overuse. Never had he used the staff like this before, and his body wasn't used to it. When his guard was done, Ludwig felt something slam into him, and he was knocked to the snow. It was a demon fairy, straddling him, with a blade pointed at his neck. Three more demons surrounded him, each with their grinning sharp teeth and weapons of choice; an axe, a morning star, and a spear.
"LUDWIG!" Gilbert had emerged from his mole hole only to be taken down by the rest of the demon fairies. They held him firm, using their strength and weight to keep him grounded. Gilbert buzzed his wings frantically. "I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU! I SWEAR IT!"
"Game. Set. And match." Aeon clapped his hands. "That was dreadfully dull and boring. I thought you two would put up a much better fight! I'm disappointed in you."
Ludwig looked at the weapons aimed at vital parts of his body. "Let us fight, Aeon. You and me. We will test the Green Mother's choice. I believe she will grant me the strength and power to defeat you!" He hoped he could stroke Aeon's jealousy and pride into letting them go. As it stood now, they were defeated. There were too many of these demon fairies with strange powers.
"Oh, do you?" Aeon smirked. "Well then," he snapped his fingers and the demon fairies moved off and away from Ludwig. "Stand up then, Little Luddy." He licked his lips. "Show me what you've got."
Ludwig stood with the aid of his staff. Once standing, he aimed the blade in Aeon's direction.
Aeon's black eyes twinkled. "I sense your fear and doubt, Ludwig. You're terrified of me. You know damn well there is no chance you can defeat me."
"I will defeat you…or die trying."
"That is likely. You are all alone here, Ludwig. Your lover is weak and being held captive. Right now you stand before a Master Fairy with powers unlike that of the Fairy Realm. I have an army of demons behind me." The remaining demon fairies stood behind their father and master. "What do you have? Where's YOUR army?" He smirked.
There was a suddenly cracking sound outside the dome walls. Aeon saw a crack growing larger, and larger, and larger until an area of the dome shattered loudly. Everyone covered their ears and shut their eyes to the bright light that flooded the dome.
Ivan entered through the open hole in the dome; but he wasn't alone. Behind him walked six darkened figures side by side. From left to right walked Arthur, Alfred, Roderich, Elizaveta, Sadiq, and Heracles. Each one of them was armed with a weapon. Arthur wielded a large scythe. Alfred held his favored sword; Sadiq twirled his unique one; Roderich's was invisible and Elizaveta's was long and thin. Herc's blunt weapon now resembled a long hammer with a flat front and thick spiked end. They came into full view and Ludwig breathed a sigh of relief and actually smiled.
The demon fairies backed away slowly. Aeon sneered and growled.
Gilbert flew to Ludwig and jutted his thumb towards the group. "In case you were wondering, THAT'S our army."
End Chapter 21 The Thunder Breaks Part 1 TBC
***Cliffhanger! But a fun one! This next chapter...whew! *cracks knuckles*
- 20
- 21
- 22
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

Tempus Vernum