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Utopia	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 2991 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
***Sorry for the long update. Life is pretty busy and crappy recently, but I'm still doing my best to get my writings done before I go insane, lol! There's a lot of angst in this chapter. Special thanks to my beta for her quick work! Read and review!
***Warning: Language, violence, mentions of non-con
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter 20: Dark Hearts
Ludwig stirred awake with a throbbing pain in his head while a large tongue rapidly licked his face. Viper was above him, whimpering and whining. With a groan he pushed the large dog away, sitting up slowly to rub the back of his head. What had hit him anyway? Where was his brother?
'Ludwig!'
Ludwig turned to see his brother.
'Finally! You're awake!' Gilbert smiled with only the very corners of his mouth. 'I was so worried about you!'
"What happened to me? Did you see anything?"
Gilbert shook his head. 'I was woken up when Viper started barking. I look over and see you face down on the floor!'
Ludwig stood up, still rubbing the back of his head, feeling the large bump and warm blood on his fingertips. "Something's not right. I can feel it." He growled. "I wasn't just knocked out for anything!" He gasped. "I have to find Feli!"
'Take me with you! Let me help!' Gilbert watched as his brother helped to unlock the chain from the pillar. He let Ludwig pull him through the castle as they looked for Feliciano.
"I hope he's alright! I have a strong feeling something terrible has happened to him!" Ludwig's shoulders began to flame up. "I swear…if someone hurt him I will show them no mercy!"

Feliciano blushed terribly as he laid on his stomach while Kiku worked tireless on trying to heal him. Sadiq had found an extra bedroom close by. He gripped the sheets beneath him, clenching his teeth as the pain from Botis' vicious rape still burned through his body. It was Botis pretending to be Ludwig. No matter how many times he told himself that, he still could not shake the image of Ludwig's form forcibly taking him. Even thinking about it made the fear rekindle each time but he couldn't stop thinking about it. Even though Kiku's warm rays of healing light could not cure the mental issues he knew he had. Feliciano buried his face in the sheets to cry.
'How can I ever face Ludwig again? What if my body is forever ruined? What if Ludwig looks at me as tainted goods because another demon as marked me?' The worst of the pain was Botis' seed, which still burned within him. Kiku's healing powers were unable to rid his body of that terrible cum. It was disgusting as much as it was painful. 'Ludwig won't want me after this…and I don't blame him.'
"There, I've done what I can." Kiku said as he moved his hands away from Feliciano's backside, their faint light disappearing. "Feli, how do you feel?"
Sadiq helped him to sit up. Feli tried to smile but the corners of his mouth only turned to a frown. "I still hurt inside. His…his…"
"Shh." Sadiq carefully sat Feliciano in his lap, using the top sheet to cover him. "You need time to heal." Sadiq could barely look at Feliciano's face that was now swollen with black and blue. Kiku had healed as much of him as he could. Feliciano's battered and trembling form reminded him of the slave women he would come across back when he was alive. He tried to save some, but couldn't save them all .
"Please…you guys can't tell Ludwig about this."
Kiku and Sadiq looked at each other with confused expressions.
"Feli," Kiku started in a soft tone. "You cannot hide this from Ludwig. He will know something terrible has happened to you; he is a demon, and you are his mate. He can sense it. He will sense Botis all over you."
Feliciano's bottom lip trembled and he turned pleading eyes up at Sadiq. "Ludwig will hate me now!"
"Don't talk like that!" Sadiq softly scolded. "He will not hate you. Nothing was your fault."
"But demons are territorial! Especially with their mates!" Feli pulled at Sadiq's slave collar. "He will find me ugly and disgusting!"
Kiku sat on the bed with them. "Ludwig would never look at you that way. He may be a little difficult to understand, and he will be angry, but Feli, he will not be angry at you. If anything, he will be angry at himself for not being there to protect you." He saw Feliciano bury his face in Sadiq's chest. "Feliciano, did Botis say or do something to put this fear of abandonment in you? Did he tell you that Ludwig wouldn't like you anymore?"
"N-No." He swallowed hard. "B-Botis took the form of Ludwig…the whole time he was raping me. It even…sounded like him! I'm afraid to look at him." He cried again. "How will I ever be able to make love with Ludwig again after what's happened?" Unable to hold back his cries any longer he buried his face in Sadiq's chest and sobbed loudly.
Sadiq wanted to wrap his wings around the smaller man but they were clipped together, forced to remain folded on his back. Instead he just held in a comforting embrace while Kiku tenderly stroked the chestnut brown hair. There was little they could do for their friend other than give support. There was a rapid knocking on the door.
"FELI! I SENSE YOU ARE IN THERE!" Ludwig knocked loudly again. "IT'S ONLY ME AND GILBERT!"
Feliciano turned frightened eyes to Sadiq and Kiku. "I can't speak to him right now!" He whispered. "I'll speak to only Gilbert, but not to Ludwig. Will you tell him for me?"
"FELI!" The pounding was growing louder.
Sadiq moved him from his lap. "I'll take care of them. Wait here." He went to the door. "Back up a moment! I'm coming out!" There was silence as he slipped out from the door. "Feliciano only wishes to see Gilbert."
Ludwig glared. "Why is that? Furthermore, why are you here? Where is your bitch Fiend?"
"I'm allowed free range, believe it or not. You please her right, she'll let you do whatever you want. I can't go very far because she can track me easily. I'm still looking for Heracles, wherever he may be in this realm. I came here to see the rest of you and to search for him. And good thing I did."
"What's happened to Feli?" Ludwig asked. "I demand to know. Now!"
Sadiq smirked. "You can't come in. Not yet. I'm under direct orders from Feli, who, in case you've forgotten, is our 'master'. I take orders from him first." He grinned.
'Brother, let's just do as he says.' Gilbert said through the link and waited for Sadiq to open the door for him.
Ludwig crossed his arms as his brother entered and not he. He glared at Sadiq. "You're just loving this, aren't you?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I cannot lie."
"Why can't I know what has happened? I was attacked as well. I need to know what's going on! I can sense something terrible happened with Feliciano. I need to see him."
"Yes, something did happen to him. However, he does not want to see you right now."
Ludwig's eyes slowly widened. "He…he doesn't want to see me? Why not? What have I done?"
Sadiq sighed. "It's a bit more complicated than that…but he is not ready to see you. He's probably telling Gilbert to tell you instead."
"But you know what it is." His eyes burned orange.
"You could say that."
"Let me pass."
"No."
"I said. Let. Me. Pass." Ludwig's tone was dark.
"And I said 'no'." Sadiq turned his back to walk into the room. He sensed Ludwig coming up behind him and on instinct, he kicked back, landing his hoof in the other demon's gut. The force of his horse-like kick sent Ludwig soaring backwards to slam to the floor, coming to a sliding halt.
Ludwig curled up while holding his midsection, trying desperately to catch his breath. The force of the kick wasn't as bad as the last time but it sure as Hell hurt the same! He growled viciously, letting his body ignite with flames. "Damn you! I bet you were just waiting for that!"
"You wanna go at it?" Sadiq mocked him, urging a brawl to take place. "Come on, boy! Charge at me! Your horns are curved but mine are straight!" He challenged further.
Ludwig struggled to his feet to face the other.
"Come at me, bro."

"So can you…explain to Ludwig what's happened?" Feliciano looked at Gilbert earnestly.
Gilbert sighed in his mind. 'I think…it would be better if you told Ludwig yourself.'
"But what if Ludwig doesn't like me anymore?"
'He will still like you; he actually does love you. I know it's hard for him to express it, but he will be more supportive than anything! You should be the one telling him all this.'
Feliciano blushed. "But…but I have…I can't get…get that part of me clean. It hurts so much…like a constant icicle is just freezing my inner muscles. I don't even think I can walk." He sniffled, wiping his nose with his sleeve. "How am I going to save everyone now when I am like this?" he slapped his hands to his face. "I'm so useless!"
'No! No, you are not useless! Don't ever say something like that again! This is the work of the Fiends! They're trying to get you to lose your way! Ludwig would have never raped you like that, never! You know that, don't you?'
He nodded. "I do. I do know that. But…seeing that image…and the pain and taunting…and…" he peeked through his fingers. "You know how territorial Ludwig is." He whispered. "I am filled with Botis'…seed. It will not leave me. Ludwig will not want to go back inside of me knowing that beast came in me."
'…Feli, that is something Ludwig has to decide. I know my brother, and he won't care. If anything, he will want to cleanse your body by using his own. He'll reclaim you. That's all.'
"I'm so ashamed…"
Kiku placed his hands on Feli's shoulders. "There is nothing for you to be ashamed about. None of this was your fault. If you'd like, perhaps either myself or Gilbert can speak to Ludwig for you."
'I still think Feli should tell Ludwig himself.' Gilbert pointed out once again.
"And I believe we should give Feli some time to rest, and to also give Ludwig time to think things over, before he acts out in an irrational manner."
Feliciano nodded. "Will one of you tell Ludwig for me then? Please? I don't want to face him like this."
'What if he wants to see you?'
"I'm not ready to see him yet. Tell him I wish to stay in my chambers for a while. Let Seere know as well that I plan to stay in here…until I feel better. Both you go and speak to him, but tell Sadiq take me to my quarters." Feliciano could only hope that Ludwig wouldn't be angry with him for what happened. He knew he shouldn't think that way but he couldn't help it. 'Please Ludwig…please don't hate me.'

"What is the meaning of this?" Ludwig asked from inside one of the spare rooms where Kiku and Gilbert stood before him. "Why haven't I seen Feliciano yet?"
Kiku calmly spoke first. "Feliciano has run in to a bit of trouble."
"A bit? What do you mean?"
"Well," Kiku continued. "He was brutally attacked by another demon." He saw Ludwig's tail twitch.
'It was Botis.' Gilbert came out and said it. 'Feli has been raped and beaten by him, but your dogs and Antonio were able to kill him.' Kiku glared at the bluntness of his words.
Ludwig's eyes widened and his breath stilled. For a moment he wasn't sure what he had heard, or perhaps he didn't hear it right. "W-What are you saying? You mean that it was Botis who attacked and raped him?" He repeated in a slow, even tone.
Kiku nodded. "Yes. It's a terrible thing that has happened. I healed him the best I could, but his insides are still damaged. It is more mental than physical, for you see, Botis did not use his image to rape…but rather yours."
"Mine? You mean he disguised himself as me?" Ludwig growled, clenching his fists. "Surely Feli knows that it wasn't actually me?"
'He does know.' Gilbert answered. 'The problem is, I don't think he can shake the image of you raping him. He's going to think that every time you guys do it. And knowing Feli, and how sweet he is, it won't be easy to bring him back."
Ludwig looked down at the floor as he pictured his sweet little Feli a crying heep on the bed while trying to mate with him. The image hurt, making him rub at his chest. "W-What else did…did that bastard do?"
Kiku cleared his throat. "I'll let Gilbert go into…the harsh details." He plugged his ears.
Gilbert would have rolled his eyes if he had any. 'He drank Feli's blood and came inside him. Feliciano keeps saying that his seed burns, and its very cold. It's bothering him, and on top of all the other problems that come with forced entry…well…I know first hand.' He lowered his head bit. 'I know what he's feeling. I didn't have time to feel it for long after they ripped my limbs off-'
"Enough, Gilbert. Speak no more of this." He motioned for Kiku to speak. "What is your take on this, Kiku? Why did Botis attack Feli? I was attacked as well right before it happened. Someone wanted me to not interfere. Was it Seere? Is he in on this?"
Kiku folded his hands in front of him. "I believe Seere had nothing to do with it. The Fiends sent Botis here. The demon had been plotting this attack for awhile."
"I agree." Said Ludwig. "He used the fake cries of my brother to lure me away from Feli."
"Aside from that…I think the reason he used your image was to break Feli's will and trust. As we all know, our little demon angel will believe anything you tell him. He is very sweet and gullible. He's willing to trust anyone, to help them if he can. He wants to be known as Feliciano the Merciful, not Feliciano the Coward." Kiku lowered his voice then, leaning in closer to Ludwig. "The Fiends are terrified of Feliciano."
"How so?" Ludwig whispered back. Gilbert wiggled his way in to hear as well.
"I did an experiment in this realm. I was able to use my enlightened powers to calm the rage in a demon. Once I calmed the anger and rage, the demon became normal. The demon was at rest; he was relaxed and smiling. He was happy."
'What does that have to do with anything?' Gilbert asked.
"Seere wants to bring this realm back to the way he remembers it. I believe these Fiends, when they took over, used their powers to make these demons forget who they are. They turned them evil; they have filled their subjects with rage, jealously, fear, and distrust. The more people you have who are fearful and vicious…the stronger they become."
Ludwig stroked his chin. "Just like what we do. We feed off of the humans' fear to stay strong."
"Yes, however, you are not doing it to your own kind like the Fiends are. This is why I believe the Dark One betrayed all of you. The Dark One will use these demons who have forgotten themselves as an army. It will promise them freedom from the Fiends, which they will believe. Once the Dark One has them, then I fear we will be at a loss. The Dark One will control all the realms save for the Light World."
'The only one who can possibly get into the Light World is Feli.' Gilbert pointed out. 'He is part angel.'
Ludwig turned back to Kiku. "Do you think that's why the Fiends pushed for Feliciano's rape? Are they trying to do away with his angel side and fill him with rage and fear?"
"It is a strong possibility. They know how much Feliciano loves you, Ludwig. They can control you by controlling him. They can keep Feliciano from using his light powers to fear their demons from their memory loss and hatred. These Fiends fear the light that flows in our friend. The Dark One does as well."
"So what can we do? How can I get Feli to trust me? How can we heal his spirit?" Ludwig hoped Kiku had an answer for he wasn't the best at expressing his emotions.
"You have to constantly show him that he is loved by you. He fears you will not want him now that he was taken by another demon. You must be comforting. Do not insult or scold him when he is feeling scared. Try not to talk about it. Keep conversations light and happy. But most of all, show him that you still love him no matter what. Don't think of him as 'tainted' or 'dirty', for that's how he sees himself right now. Do you understand?"
Ludwig nodded. "I do. I'm not goo at expressing myself…but I will work very hard to do it for Feli. But I do want to see him. Please, let me see him?"
Gilbert nodded. 'I'll go ask him.'

'Bastards. I will kill all of them. All there are. There will be no mercy.'
Ivan lay on the floor of his cell, still chained and battered. Only this time, he was not just lying there in a drugged stupor. Instead, he was picking at the lock of his helmet. Alfred's hug in the arena had brought him back to reality, at least a little bit. In the other cell he could hear Alfred being raped by the demon guards. Ivan was going to put an end to it. All of it. He was using the bone tip of his skeleton wings, which he had ripped out shortly ago. The blood pooled down his back and over the iron scales. He didn't care. The sounds of Alfred's defeated cries and moans forced the tip to work the lock faster.
The lock clicked.
Ivan paused.
The broken wing dropped to the floor to join the other.
Sitting up slowly, Ivan slipped his fingers underneath the rip, gave a tug, and opened the helmet. He slipped it off his head, taking in deep gulps of air as he was finally rid of the iron helmet. Brushing away his greasy bangs, he tossed the helmet across the cell and set his gaze upon the chains holding him. Ivan smiled, and it continued to grow and grow. The wide grin curled up passed his ears and temples before the shark teeth revealed themselves; with a few bites, he broke the chains.
Now free, he pulled out all the pins in his legs and instead stuck them inside his tail. It was easy to ignore the pain in his body. In fact, he could barely feel any pain at all. Perfect. Walking towards the door, he gave it one swift kick with his foot and it broke in half, straight down the middle. Ivan could feel his heart beating rapidly and his veins pulsing with adrenaline. He followed the sounds of Alfred's groans; his lover was very close. Right before him was a cell door that was left open but a demon guard was standing there. Ivan could hear and sense the other demons taking his lover.
With a wide grin he approached the guard quickly, took the face in his hand, and crushed the skull. Turning to the door, he looked inside to see four demons surrounding his Alfred, three holding him down while another was having his way. They didn't notice him enter the room. They would know soon though. Ivan shot out his tail to pierce through the demon that was raping Alfred. The demon let out a surprised gasp of pain before being pulled out and away from Alfred. The other demon guards were frozen in shock for a second, and that's when Ivan attacked. His hands shot out to grip a throat each, squeezing tight while the third demon tried to escape. Piercing their necks, Ivan let them drop and sped after the other. The demon barely reached the door when Ivan was on him. The guard struggled in Ivan's hold, trying to call for help but it was cut short. Ivan had stretched his jaws to bite off the demon's head and let the body fall to the floor in a boneless heap. The other two were squirming or clawing along the floor, trying to stop the bleeding in their necks. Ivan walked over to them, looking down at their forms with disgust and revenge. Lifting his foot he brought it down one the guards' head, purposefully adding slow pressure while savoring the sounds of the skull cracking. Once it was fully smashed, he turned his attention to the other and smiled with his teeth.
The third demon tried to crawl away but Ivan caught him by the ankle, holding him upside down. Taking a moment to enjoy the squirming, he readied his claws to pierce flesh. With a strong swipe across the belly he opened up deep gashes that spilled out with guts and blood. Enjoying the sounds of the demon choking in agonizing pain, Ivan sung the body around with such force against the wall that it cracked, falling to the floor in a twist heap of flesh. And then, there was the last demon, the one that had been raping Alfred. Ivan saw the demon holding the hole in his chest and moaning. He had an idea.
Ivan walked over to Alfred, who was sitting up on the floor and watching the whole scene take place. His lover was battered, bloodied, tortured, and exhausted. Using his powerful jaws he broke all the chains and clips on Alfred's body. Ivan held out his hand, Alfred took it, and he pulled him up. At first, neither one moved until the need to be near the other was strong enough to break the hold. Alfred threw his arms around him without a word.
"Kill the demon." Ivan said to him. "Right there. Kill him."
Alfred looked in the direction Ivan was pointing and saw the demon who had been raping in on the floor in pain and wounded. Without another word, he limped over to the demon whose dick was in him just a short while ago. Alfred lifted one foot, stretching out his talons before forcefully clutching the demon's groin. With a tug he ripped the entire organ off, listing to the screams of the demon. He smashed the cock under his foot and swiftly became annoyed at the screams. With a screech of his own, he leapt in the air and soared downward to sink his full talons into the demon, just like catching some prey. Alfred set to violently tearing at the demons body and face with his teeth and claws while the talons held the other down. When finished, Alfred removed himself from the demon and turned to Ivan. Wiping the blood from his mouth, he limped over to his lover.
"Let's get out of here." Alfred said in a harsh whisper. "Together."

Feliciano stepped out of the hot water and slipped on his robe, trying not to look at himself in the large mirror. He had both Antonio and Matthew floating nearby in his vision so he could have some company. Sadiq was in the other room standing guard for him. He wondered what Kiku and Gilbert were saying to Ludwig, or rather how they were saying it? Any minute he expected Ludwig to burst through the door, which he hoped the demon wouldn't do. The idea of Ludwig touching him had gone from yearning to complete and utter fear. He hated what Botis did to him! Feli knew he would have gotten over the rape after awhile but using Ludwig to further the damage was what hurt the most. That and the cum still inside him. He couldn't stand for long and had to sit down on the vanity stool.
'Are you alright, Feli?' Matthew asked him. 'Should we get Sadiq?'
"It's nothing to be worried about. Just my…um…you know." He blushed sadly.
'Oh. Yes.' Matthew turned away, bashful.
Antonio spoke next. 'Whatever drug he gave you was enough to subdue me. If only he hadn't used it this never would have happened.'
Feliciano gave him a small smile. "I don't blame you at all, Tony."
Matthew sniffled. 'Why does everything have to be so terrible? Why can't we just live in peace and be happy?'
'Peace is a falsehood, Mattie.' Answered Antonio. 'It can never be achieved. You learn to live with it, and do your best to keep you and your loved ones safe and at peace for as long as you can. The world is a lost cause. Always has and always will be, until the end of time.'
Matthew lowered his eyes. 'That just seems so sad.'
"It is sad." Feliciano lowered his lashes.

Ludwig, Gilbert, and Kiku showed up at the chamber door and found it locked. He knocked on the wood and Sadiq answered. Ludwig gave a frown. "Where is Feli? I wish to see him."
"He having a bath right now." Sadiq closed the door behind him.
"Sadiq," Kiku stepped in front of them. "Would it be possible for me to go and speak to Feli first? I think it would be best for Ludwig to speak to him. I have an idea."
Sadiq thought for a moment, and then nodded. "Very well, Kiku may enter." He opened the door for his kitsune friend but ignored Ludwig.
"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" Ludwig asked him with a hint of annoyance. "Like being with Merkova?"
"Hmph. I do plan on leaving in a few minutes but I want to make sure that Feli is alright before I do."
Ludwig shook his head. "Kiku can take over from here. I'd rather you not spend so much time here and end up bringing that demon bitch here where she could hurt Feli." 'Gilbert, say something witty to him. Something mean. You're good at that.'
Gilbert would have glared at him but instead turned his link to Sadiq's. 'Better run along back to your pussy wagon. You've got some heavy petting to do.'
Sadiq glared at him and said, "Smoke my pole you albino lab rat reject." And pushed past them.
'He knows we're right,' Gilbert said 'About him leaving before Merkova shows up. If he didn't believe it, those hooves would be ankle deep in my gut.'
"Tell me about it." Ludwig rubbed his own belly where Sadiq had kicked.
'Hey quick question? I'm really curious. That one time you fucked him, did you see your dick poking out from that gaping hole in is stomach? It's pretty close to his lower back and groin- OW! OW WOW OW WOWWOWOW!'
Ludwig growled angrily while tugging and twisting at Gilbert's ear. "YOU ARE UNBEARABLE SOME TIMES!" Kiku peeked his head out and Ludwig released Gilbert immediately. "Well?"
"He will speak to you. But he wishes that you remain outside the bathroom door. It's not that he doesn't want to see you…it's just that he is worried with how he looks. I suggest you do as he asks."
Ludwig gave a curt nod. "I will. May I come in now?" Kiku stepped aside for him and Ludwig entered, heading over to the bathroom door. He gave a soft knock. "Feli? It's Ludwig."
"…hi Ludwig." He almost couldn't get it out.
"Hi. I'm standing outside the door just as you asked. Feli…I'm not mad at you. Not at all."
"…I know."
Ludwig put his hand to the door. "I really wish you would come out. Nothing is your fault." He was silent for a moment and waited for an answer. When nothing came he kept talking. "Gilbert and Kiku told me about how Botis…did what he did. You know I would never act like that, right?"
Feliciano wiped away his tears and leaned against the door, wanting to be close to Ludwig but still keeping a distance. "I know. I just…need some time."
"I can give you that."
"But I need you to be patient. You still have demon instincts…"
Ludwig bit his bottom lip. "Yes, that's true, but I know how to control them. I won't lose control. I swear it to you. When have I ever been dishonest?" Feliciano was still silent on the other side of the door. "Please, Feli, come out of there." No one was around to hear him speak. "I just want to hold you. Knowing something terrible has happened and I wasn't able to protect you will haunt me for centuries to come." He waited for an answer.
Feliciano slid down to the floor against the door after Ludwig's last words. He knew how hard it was for Ludwig to show his sensitive side. While he truly believed Ludwig's feelings it was his own that were doubting him. He didn't trust himself with Ludwig. He loved Ludwig so much that he wanted to be as perfect and as pure as possible for him. Ludwig was always protecting him, so one of the few things he could give back was honest love and a pure heart. He could belong to Ludwig and no other. His demon mate was the only one who could ever see him naked or make love to him. But now he was tainted. Ludwig may not care about that, but he did. His body would eventually heal, but what about his brain and heart?
'I'm sorry, Ludwig. If only we had never come here. If only things were different…' He briefly wondered what Seere thought about this whole mess, or if he was behind it? But then he remembered his talk with the elder demon. The wise demon had told him to always, no matter what, to see the good. Seere said that was his gift to give the demon race. And he wanted to give it. He would show everyone kindness, compassion, and do his best to find the good in everyone. 'But some are just mean and rotten…they have no good in them. Like Botis.' His eyes narrowed a bit. 'Damn that demon and what he did to me!' His eyes turned glowing red and he grit his teeth, letting out a series of low growls.
With a gasp he stopped himself as he realized just how angry he was getting. Never had he felt that angry before! Was this the demon part of him? Was this his demon rage like Ludwig and the others sometimes have? If it was then he didn't like it, not at all. It scared him. He had even forgotten what he was angry about. He just felt rage. 'But can a coward like me even have rage?' He gripped his hair in his fists. 'ARRRRGH! I'm so confused!'
"Feli? Are you still there?"
"Ludwig?" He turned to the door.
"Oh, good. You're still there. Are you ready to come out now? I really want to see you."
Amber eyes lowered to the floor for a moment. 'See the good…Ludwig speaks honestly…see the good.' He stood up slowly, straightening his back. 'Be strong for once…be strong for Ludwig. He's being strong for you right now.'
Ludwig took a step back, hoping that he would see that black handle turn and pull open. 'Come on, Feli…don't be afraid of me…' He heard a sound, a 'click'. The door opened. He held his breath and remained still so as to not startle Feli.
When Feliciano emerged from the room with his head and eyes lowered in a long robe he could immediately sense the difference in aura. The normal happy, light, and very warm aura that often surrounds Feli was now dark and fearful. The worst of it was the smell of Botis all around him. Those demons know how to mark their territory, and Botis did it well. Ludwig clenched his fists, digging his claws into the palms. His first instinct was to reclaim his mate but he had promised to not hurt him. That was for another day when Feliciano would be able to trust him. But those thoughts faded away when Feliciano finally lifted his face. Red-rimmed eyes accompanied a large bruise on his cheek and a dark scar on the bottom lip. The rest of his body was probably covered in scars and welts too.
They stared at each other for a moment until it was Ludwig who made the first move. He pulled his small lover into a tight embrace, never wanting to let him go. He buried his nose in the chestnut hair, squeezing so tight he pushed Feliciano's wings painfully together. His lover didn't cry out, instead, Feliciano threw his arms around Ludwig's waist and held him back.
"Can you ever forgive me for not being there to protect you?" Ludwig asked softly. "If not, I'll understand."
Feliciano's answer came in a muffled sob. He buried his face against Ludwig's burning chest, not caring about the heat burning his facial wounds.
"I was tricked. Someone pretended to be Gilbert calling for me, and you were with Seere, so figuring you were safe I left to help him. Instead, Gilbert was fine. I was set up. I was hit on the head with something blunt and knocked out. That's when your attack happened." He growled softly. "Botis may have done this to you, but someone set him up to do it. When I find out who it was, I'll kill them myself."
"But…but why do this to me?"
"They want to break your spirit. The Fiends. They're trying to hit you where it hurts. They know how pure and trustful you are, so they are attacking those virtues to turn you evil."
He sniffled. "Just like them. So much rage and fear here, Ludwig…it scares me!" he whispered. "I want to go back to the way things once were! When we were dukes."
"We will have that again. We just have to be patient."
From the back stood Gilbert and Kiku watching the two embrace. They both wore sad smiles, pleased that Feli was comfortable enough to hug him but distraught that such an act had to happen to their friend. Kiku spoke to Gilbert through the link.
'This takes great strength on Feli's part. I am must proud of him.'
'Yeah, and my brother isn't too bad at this stuff either! I raised him well, my little bro.'
Feliciano finally lifted his head to see Ludwig, resting his chin on the strong chest. "He looked…just like you. He made the perfect image of you."
"That's part of his powers. He carries the magic of deception in him. But you needn't worry about him anymore. He's gone now. The dogs saw to that."
There was another voice that joined the room. It was Sadiq again. "Hey guys? Don't mean to interrupt, but look who I found on my way out?" Sadiq grinned and stepped to the side as two dark figures entered the room.
Feliciano clung to Ludwig, trembling.
'Holy shit!' Gilbert gasped out, to all to them. 'It's Ivan and Alfred!'
Ivan walked in with Alfred's arm slung over a shoulder, holding the other demon up. Both were still covered in dirt, grime, and blood- images of hardship and torture. They barely looked like themselves. Ivan's hair had grown longer and so did Alfred's. Their eyes were clouded, hazy with exhaust.
'My brother!' Matthew said to Feli. 'My brother is back!' Feliciano left Ludwig's arms to hurry over to the two demons, calling Matthew along the way. 'Brother!'
Alfred barely recognized the ghostly image of his brother. But when he did, he moved away from Ivan to speak softly with him.
Ivan let him go and turned his attention to Gilbert, ignore everyone else. Gilbert turned away from him. Ivan frowned. Everyone watched carefully, curious as to what Ivan or Gilbert would do.
If Gilbert wouldn't look at him then Ivan would have to make him. Moving over to the albino demon he grabbed the arm and pulled the other towards him. Gilbert didn't make a move or a sound. Ivan stared at him, noticing that now his lover's lips were stitched as well, with silver thread. Magic. Ivan's white brows went up in remorse for Gilbert's current stitches; something brought on by one of the Fiend's minions or the Fiends themselves. Pleased to see his other lover again after so long, Ivan brought Gilbert's lips into a kiss. The kiss was soft, gentle, and warm. Ivan had missed him so, and put all of his love and longing into that one little kiss. Like a fairytale ending, the stitches in Gilbert's lips snipped and cracked, disappearing from sight.
Gilbert let out a breath and took in a few deep gulps air once they were gone.
"Gilbert!" Feliciano gasped in shock. "Your lips!" 'A true love's first kiss! I knew Ivan loved him!'
Gilbert had wanted to speak, to tell Ivan how happy he was, but all he could do was open his mouth so he could see there was no tongue. Ivan seemed to notice, but instead of saying anything he pulled him into a hug, and that's how they remained.
Sadiq clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Now that the gangs' all here, nothing has ended. We still have a lot of shit in front of us."
Ludwig took control, keeping Feliciano in his arms. "First orders. Get Ivan and Alfred cleaned and bandaged. They'll need food and blood, someone see to it that they get it."
"But wait," Kiku started. "That 'gang' isn't all here. We haven't seen Francis in a long while."
'He's pining for Arthur.' Said Gilbert. 'Arthur is the only one of us still missing.'
"Oh no he isn't." Came a new voice that entered the room. This time it was Seere. "I just found someone at my door." He smiled softly and stepped aside to let Francis walk in carrying Arthur, who still had a fish's bottom. No one said a word as Arthur scanned the room.
"What the hell has become of us? We look like a rag-tag team of street walkers."

Feliciano was finally cleaned, dressed, and sitting propped up in bed with a tray of food placed in front of him. So much had happened today that his head was spinning. So much so that he didn't really have an appetite, which was extremely odd for him. Feli knew he was the type who could eat while having the flu, but now he was only nibbling on the meat placed in front of him. Kiku was in the room with him in kitsune form, while Ludwig and Gilbert seemed to want to wait on him hand and foot. Feliciano hated the fact that he was skeptical of Ludwig being here with him, but it was reassuring to know that others were in the room with him. It was just so hard to trust Ludwig after what had happened. What if someone possesses this Ludwig right here in front of him?
"You're not eating?" Ludwig asked him. "I hope you're not planning on giving it to the dogs?" Bones, Viper, and Hellbeast were asleep around the base of the bed.
"No, I'm just not hungry." It wasn't just his stomach but his backside still burned with the icy fire of Botis' essence. He tried not to let it show too much.
'It's been a long day.' Said Gilbert. 'It'll take some time for your appetite to come back.'
Feliciano took a small drink of the blood grape wine. "Gilbert, if you want to go with Ivan…you have my permission." He smiled softly at the albino.
Gilbert grinned. 'I'm supposed to be your slave. I shouldn't leave.'
Amber eyes gazed at him. "It's fine. You have my permission. Just be in the shadows when you do."
Ludwig watched his brother quickly leave. "You spoil him."
"He loves Ivan." Feli answered. "I can't keep him here knowing that he wants to be with Ivan. It was true love's kiss that broke the stitches on Gilbert's mouth! A bit of a dark fairytale…but romantic all the same!" He gave a smile.
Ludwig frowned. "That's not one of your smiles."
"It isn't?"
"No. Did Botis take away your smiles as well?"
Feliciano's brows furrowed sadly as he looked at Ludwig. "I…I'm sorry…Ludwig. I'm trying really hard to-" Ludwig stopped him by moving the tray away.
"Don't apologize. I fear Botis has taken away you smiles as well. Those smiles that are your trademark." 'A stupid simpleton smile with a big heart.'
"I don't…really have anything to smile about right now. After all that has happened. I mean, I'm glad we're all back together. Tomorrow we'll all meet for a meeting…and…and everything will be okay, right?"
Ludwig blew out the beside candle. "It's late. You should rest." He glanced at the bed. "Where am I sleeping?"
Feliciano shifted his eyes to the side. "I…I can't have you in this bed. Not yet. Please don't be mad?"
"I'm not. I fully understand. Where would you like to me to be? I still need to be near you to protect you."
"Um…maybe…outside the chamber doors?" He hated to put Ludwig outside the room, but the image of 'Ludwig' looming over him with that grin was enough to terrify him. 'I know it's not true! So why do I keep having these doubts?' "I have Antonio and Matthew with me to keep watch. And Kiku is here too. I'll be alright in here, so long as you keep watch outside the doors?" He tried to smile again, but at this point even he knew it wasn't a real Vargas smile.
Ludwig gave a curt nod. "I'll sleep outside the doors. Call if you need anything." Feliciano nodded and he left the room without another word.
Feliciano slumped in the bed, feeling his backside aching and his eyes bringing forth new tears. He had hurt Ludwig's feelings. 'Why can't you pull it together, Feli? You're just a stupid weakling like everyone says you are! Your gym teacher was right!' With his hands pressed against his face he cried silent tears, slipping further under the covers. He felt both Antonio and Matthew leave his body to float around him. There was a pressure on his pillow, and he turned to see Kiku, in kitsune form, curling above his head. The whimpering of Bones caught his attention, unable to stop the large beast that joined him on the bed. Feliciano smiled at all his friends surrounding him, trying to keep him safe. He then thought of Ludwig and how hurt his demon lover must feel knowing that he was outcast and the others were welcomed.
'I'm sorry, Ludwig. Maybe I really am just a stupid, fearful, selfish person.'

Outside the door, Ludwig sat on the floor with his arms crossed and a weapon on his belt. Someone was walking this way. He reached for his dagger.
End Chapter 20 TBC
***There will be a surprise character showing up in the next chapter!***
- 20
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- 22
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