Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

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
- 25
- 26
- 27
***Okay, sorry for the long update! Too much was going on and everything was a little hectic. But I have finally finished this chapter! Special thanks to my beta for her quick work!
***Warnings: Language, death, angst, humor
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic
'Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again.
The fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb, but they refuse.
They cling to the realm, or the gods, or love. Illusions.
Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is.' – A Song of Ice and Fire

Chapter 25: Pain
Feliciano sat outside with Ludwig's dogs nearby, staring up at the window where his lover was resting. He knew Ludwig needed to rest so he left the demon alone for awhile. The dogs were starting to notice that something was terribly wrong with their master. He had to take some time for the large beasts as well for they cared just as much for Ludwig as he did. Hellbeast came trotting over to him on the bench, resting a large head in his lap. Feliciano smiled at the dog and stroked the top of his head and behind the ears. "Don't worry, Ludwig will get better soon." He felt the tears stinging his eyes.
In truth he was concerned about himself now that Ludwig wouldn't be able to protect him. He felt that he got lucky that last time with Griot's defeat at his hands. The other two Fiends are aware of his powers and may make everything twice as hard now, for him and everyone else. Now it was to be him who had to protect Ludwig until he got better. The jewel in his chest suddenly filled him with strange warmth that brought a smile to his face. It was as if the jewel was trying to cheer him up! He placed a hand above the jewel and felt the gentle heat warming his palm. He let out a sigh through his nose.
"Is this spot taken?"
Feliciano looked up to see Sadiq standing by the bench. "Oh, please, sit. I would like the company." He smiled.
Sadiq sat beside him, reaching his hand out to stroke behind Hellbeasts' ear. "How's Ludwig doing?"
"The same, really. He's resting right now. My blood helped him a lot…along with something else." He blushed hearing Sadiq chuckle beside him.
"Ah yes, sex is always very soothing. It soothes the savage beast. It dissolves stress and builds endurance. Sex can heal."
Now it was Feli's turn to giggle. "I guess you know more about it than anyone!"
"Well, I don't mean to brag but…" He found himself laughing along with Feli. "If I don't laugh I'll cry."
Feliciano's laughter died in his throat. "Cry? What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"I'm not really going to cry…sometimes I want to…but then I forget how to. It's been so long…" He crossed his legs. "I'm having Kiku search the spirit world for Heracles…but there's been no luck in the search."
"He may turn up! Don't give up hope, Sadiq! If anyone can find him, Kiku can!"
Sadiq looked at him with a small smile. "I appreciate the uplifting words but they will do no good. Kiku said that it seems to him Heracles doesn't want to be found, that he is happy in the spirit world…and doesn't want to come back to me." He looked away. "Nothing's really changed with him, I guess. He has his freedom away from me and now he can be happy."
"But that cat back at your place-?"
"Isn't really Heracles. I've given up hope, Feli. What'll be will be. Heracles doesn't want me and I have to stop chasing something that will never be. I have to accept that." He looked down at his hooves.
Feliciano reached out his hand placed it on Sadiq's knee. "I'm sorry it didn't work out for you." He was met with a smile.
"It's alright. I have no one to blame for this but myself. And let me say I do love seeing you and Ludwig together. It's refreshing to see you two so much in love."
"That…doesn't make you sad at all?"
Sadiq shook his head. "No, not at all. I'm happy for you, and for Ludwig as well even if we have our problems. He and I."
"Do you blame Ludwig for Heracles' disappearance?" Feli asked. "I know he was struck down that day in the courtroom…and if you do blame Ludwig then please…please try to forgive him? He was only doing what he thought was right. It wasn't Ludwig who killed Heracles."
"I know that. It also wasn't Ludwig's fault that Heracles doesn't want to leave the spirit world. That's my fault. I'll make amends with Ludwig once he is feeling better."
Feliciano met his gaze. "Ludwig was hurt because of me."
"No, that's not it. Nothing is your fault. The Fiends were only trying to get to you and it backfired on them. You already killed Griot! That's a big accomplishment for such a little guy like you!" He grinned.
"Then why don't I feel like it's a big accomplishment?"
"Because you're too modest." He reached an arm around Feliciano to pull the smaller demon beside him. "What else is troubling you, little demon? You're an open book right now and something is making the wheels in your little head turn and turn. Sex with Ludwig didn't fully clear your mind?"
Feliciano blushed but didn't move away from the comforting embrace. He always did like to talk about his problems and if there was one person who wouldn't judge, make fun of, or scold him it was Sadiq. He didn't want to tell him about the visions he saw of the other demons but had no issue telling about his own with Romano. "Before the rest of you found us I was having a terrible dream, a vision, and it scared me."
"What was it?"
"It…it showed me how I would have become a demon if the Fiends didn't interfere with my fate. The car crash was planned, the one that killed Antonio and put my brother in a coma. If that crash didn't happen…then it would have been me who ended up murdering my brother." He turned his face into Sadiq's chest to hide his tears. "It wasn't a lie…it wasn't a trick…it was the truth! I would have killed Lovino because I was jealous of him always getting the best of everything, even a relationship, with his mean attitude! I was nice but I got the short end of the stick all the time! But…but I must have gotten so jealous and mad that I…I pushed him down the steps to kill him! And then I killed myself…" His wrists ached with phantom pain thinking about his suicide. "That's when I would have become a demon. I just…can't believe I would kill my own brother! My twin!" He sniffled. "But the worst part of it is…I don't know if it was an accident…or if I really meant it. We were fighting, I pushed him, he fell down the steps and broke his neck. Did I mean for that to happen? Did I want to push him down the steps? Could I be that terrible of a person?"
"It was an accident, I'm certain it was." Sadiq stroked Feli's back. "It was a fight gone wrong, that's all. You were both fighting, you pushed him, he lost his footing. A tragic accident, yes, but not one you planned on making happen. However, I know you well enough to understand why you would think it was your fault. Your fear and guilt is what turned you into a demon. Suicide is a coward's way out of a problem. Fear and guilt drove you to kill yourself, and to do such a thing is a terrible crime. Alive you can change things. When you're dead, that's it. Lights out. There's never another chance. Well, not counting our circumstances, that is."
Feliciano looked up at him with tearful eyes. "Do you really think so?"
"First of all I know you. I've known quite a few people and demons like you. Hasn't anyone ever told you that you are your own worst enemy?" Feliciano shied away. "I take it that you have."
"So…you don't think bad of me?"
Sadiq looked amused. "No, I don't think badly of you! Out of all of us you're the sweetest one, and without a bad track record! You are the purest of us all. Think of all the horrible things the rest of us have done in our past. We're stained with blood, but you are not." Feliciano still didn't look convinced. "Want to go for a ride?"
"Huh?" Feliciano blinked away his tears.
"A ride. Would you like to?"
"R-ride what? Ride where? You mean fly?"
Sadiq moved him away and stood up, looking all around a few seconds to make sure no one was watching. "No, I mean ride." His body started to glow and grow in size. When the glowing faded he had taken the form of a large black horse yet the features were not traditional. The form was everything a demon horse would look like; long pointed horns, red eyes and a demon tail. The front of the face looked like his eye mask only it was spiked and he wore it like a helmet. The dogs took a sudden great interest in him.
Feliciano gawked at him. "You can do that?"
'I always could. I just don't let the others see. Now then, do you want to go for a ride? I promise you'll have fun. Horseback riding clears your mind, and I think you need it as much as I.'
"Y-Yes! But not for long! I don't want to be too far away from Ludwig." He jumped onto Sadiq's back but felt a numbing pain in his groin and he cried out.
'Watch your balls there, kid.' Feli whimpered and bit his lip. 'That was the first thing my tutor told me when I got on my first horse. 'Watch your balls'. You okay?'
"Yes." He squeaked.
'Alright then hang on!'
Feliciano gripped the black mane as Sadiq's horse form took off through the garden, leapt over the wall and landed in the street. The dogs followed as well, running behind and alongside them. Feliciano felt himself smile even if he was looking at a barren wasteland around him. He had never ridden a horse before, much less a demon horse! Sadiq's horse form was so big that Feliciano knew he had to dwarf the largest Clydesdale! Or any other massive horse there was! The dogs barked happily beside them, probably thrilled to be running in the open again. Feliciano spread his demon wings to feel the breeze on them.
'Now this is more like it!' Antonio appeared above him, holding out his arms as if he could feel the breeze as well. 'Ride like the wind!'
Feliciano laughed happily. "I've never ridden a horse before!"
'You've been missing out!'
They rode a little further out in the open fields before taking a rest for a moment. The dogs continued to romp around and play with one another while the other three watched. Feliciano stroked Sadiq's neck. "Hey, why wouldn't you tell the others you could do this?"
'They would all want to ride me and I refuse to let any of them do that. It's degrading. Could you see Alfred using me as his 'noble steed'? You I don't mind, though.' He stomped his front foot.
"You know, it's funny, I always thought your legs were…well…goat legs."
Sadiq gave a horse snort, sharply turning his head to try and nip Feli's thigh. 'Why in the world would you think that? Me? A goat? There is nothing noble or regal about a goat! It eats anything and has weird eyes, like a sheep.' His horse form stood still and proud. 'They are stallion legs!'
Feli brought a wing around to hide his face while he giggled. "I just thought of you a satyr, that's all! You know, like in Greek mythology! Chasing nymphs and playing a flute."
Sadiq crossed his horse eyes in annoyance and gave a snort. 'I have the right of mind to buck you off of me.'
"But horses don't have horns!"
'This one does!' He stomped both front feet this time. 'Stallions are strong and proud beasts! They are loyal and hardworking!' Feliciano suddenly thought of 'Boxer' from Animal Farm and almost started to tear up. 'A goat is meant to give milk and be sacrificed.'
'Hey, where are the dogs going?' Antonio pointed to the three that had just run off barking.
"Follow them, Sadiq!" Feliciano held on as they rode after the dogs. He wouldn't forgive himself if he lost all of Ludwig's dogs! But Sadiq suddenly skidded to a halt and so did the dogs although they were further up ahead of them. "What's wrong?"
'Something's not right!' Sadiq's hooves stomped the ground. 'I can feel the vibrations! Something's coming!'
Antonio called forth his ax. The dogs turned around to run and so did they. Behind them the rocky ground exploded first before the force continued towards them, the large crack following fiercely behind. Feliciano glanced over his shoulder as the ground was opening as the crack followed them. The closer it got the bigger the openings became. The dogs were trailing behind, and the crack was catching up to them.
"RUN BOYS!" Feliciano shouted to them. "RUN!" He cried out when Viper slipped and fell into the crack. It caught up with Bones and Hellbeast a second later, trapping them all in a tar like substance. Once it had them the crack stopped moving and started to expand outwards. The dogs whined and struggled to break free of the tar that held him. "SAVE THEM!" He flew off of towards the dogs.
'No Feli! Don't go near it!' Sadiq transformed back and rushed after him, grabbing Feliciano from behind and pulling him back. "You can't save them now!"
"BUT WE HAVE TO! THEY'RE SINKING!"
"That bog is alive! It's a monster! You go over there and it will consume you too!"
Feliciano started to cry as he struggled to free himself of Sadiq's hold. "NO! NO WE CAN'T LET THEM DIE! THEY'RE LUDWIG'S DOGS!" The dogs continued to wail as their bodies sank further and further down. Viper's head disappeared under the black tar. "NO!"
"We have to go! Quickly! Before it comes for us next!" Sadiq pulled him away.
The pitiful sounds of their howls as they cried for help made the jewel in Feliciano's chest burn bright, returning him to his angel form. Sadiq had to let go of him as the bright light hurt his eyes. A strange sound could be heard coming from the direction of the bog monster. Feliciano watched calmly as the black bog lifted upwards to the sky in large pillars as it began to disappear. The bright light from his angel form defeated it, and once the light faded, three dogs lay on the dry ground. He felt faint, staggered a bit, but caught himself.
"Are you alright?" Sadiq asked him.
"Yes…the dogs!" Feliciano hurried over to them with Sadiq following.
Bones lifted his head and looked around. He wagged his tail when he saw Feliciano. Hellbeast stood up on wobbly legs but gave a happy bark along with a tail wag. But Viper wasn't moving. Feliciano knelt down beside the dog to gently shake the large body, saying his name. Viper wouldn't respond. The other two dogs came over to sniff him, and Feliciano knew what was wrong the moment he saw their ears lay flat. Hellbeast sat back and howled into the sky for the spirit of his fallen companion. Bones nuzzled his muzzle under Feliciano's arm while whimpering for his friend and seeking comfort. Feliciano hugged Bones around the neck. "I'm so sorry!"
'Calm yourself. You can gain his spirit.' Antonio held his ax out towards the body of the dog, using his power to pull forth the spirit form of Viper. Feliciano allowed the dog's spirit to enter his body, feeling the hound becoming a part of him the same as Antonio. 'He will be able to do actually harm to other demons better than I can.'
"Way to go, Tony." Sadiq clapped his hands with a soft smile, enjoying the sight of Feliciano happy and the other two dogs joyful again. Viper's body disappeared in stages, first his skin, followed by muscles, and finally bone until the form had completely disappeared.
"I wish I was able to have done more." Feliciano looked up at Sadiq and Antonio with sad eyes. "I know Ludwig will be upset with me for killing his dog."
"You didn't kill Viper, Feli. It was an accident."
Feliciano thought of his 'accident' with Romano. "There shouldn't be any more 'accidents', Sadiq. At least not from me." He stood up to dust off his pants. "Let's head back and tell Ludwig of the news. At least we know that Viper isn't truly gone from us." He smiled at Antonio, who called forth Viper's ghost form to assure him that everything was okay.

"Where's Viper?" Ludwig asked Feliciano when he walked in with Bones and Hellbeast. Bones trotted over to the bed and leapt up to join his master, lying down beside him.
Feliciano had to tell him of what happened but allowed for Antonio to bring forth Viper's spirit form. Viper gave a happy bark at the sight of his master, going as far as to join Ludwig on the bed even though they couldn't make physical contact. "I'm sorry, Ludwig, I really am! I tried the best I could to save him!"
Ludwig looked at his dogs and then turned to Feli. "It's alright. You managed to save two of them and Viper is not gone forever. He's still with me. And I am relieved to know that you have another being here to protect you the same as Antonio does." Both spirits retreated back into Feliciano's body. "But may I ask why you were out with Sadiq? Why did you leave this place at all?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Sadiq needed to clear his head and I did too…so we just…went out for a bit. I was safe with Sadiq so I didn't really think anything of it. And besides, you need your rest!"
"I do." He sighed heavily. Today he was in a lot of pain but he did not want to let Feliciano know that for it would only make his mate worry. "Do you think you could call Kiku in here for me?"
"Yes, is something wrong? Are you in pain?" Amber eyes quickly filled with tears.
Ludwig smiled. "Not much pain. I do need to see him, though, and just him, okay?"
"Okay Ludwig." He gave his lover a small smile. "I'm sorry I can't be more of a help to you."
"No, Feli, no! It's not like that. I know seeing me like this upsets you and I don't want you to feel that way."
"Alright Ludwig." With another smile he stood up. "I'll go get Kiku for you!" He hurried out of the room to find the kitsune, using the jewel in his chest to seek out the enlightened power force. Kiku was in one of the smaller spare bedrooms where he appeared to be sleeping on his bed. Feliciano closed the door behind him and tiptoed inside. Kiku was sound asleep. He hated to have to wake him. "Kiku?" He whispered the kitsune's name. "Kiku. Wake up."
The kitsune stirred awake, mumbling something softly under his breath but refused to open his eyes. "Hmmm…yes? Who is it?"
"It's Feli. Ludwig is calling on you for something."
Kiku stretched his limbs and yawned. "Oh yes, of course. I apologize."
"Don't be sorry for sleeping! You're lucky to get any real sleep at all! I've had a hard time sleeping recently." He said, watching as Kiku got up from the bed. "How do you sleep without a troubled mind, Kiku?"
Brown eyes focused on him. "Demons will never have a peaceful sleep the same as I. For me, I am an enlightened individual. I have, well, there's no need to go into such heavy detail when someone is waiting on me. But if you are truly having trouble sleeping then I will gladly help to ease your mind before sleep tonight if you'd like? I can't make any promises, though."
Feli nodded his head and gave a bright smile. "I would like that very much! Thank you, Kiku!"
Kiku bowed to him before heading to Ludwig's chambers, knowing why the demon had summoned him. Ludwig's body was so terribly battered that Kiku was unable to fully keep the pain at ease. His magic was wearing off by now, so the demon needed another dose. Ludwig is a very stubborn demon who hides his suffering well. It will take the rest of his healing power to mask Ludwig's pain, which is why he was sleeping before. Using too much of his energy, especially in this terrible place, drained his power quicker than normal. Not only did he have to help with Ludwig's physical pain but also he was attempting to help Sadiq search for Heracles. To his dishonor he was withholding information about Heracles from Sadiq. He did find the man, but he did not lie about Heracles not wanting to leave. He did keep the words Heracles spoke to him a secret for now. To tell Sadiq of what was said would make the demon lose his mind, and in this world he would go berserk and act the way Alfred and Ivan do now. It wasn't worth risking the chance. Feliciano would need all the help he can get from his demon friends without them going berserk and becoming monsters. But right now he had to care for Ludwig, and that's what he did.
"Ludwig? It's Kiku." He said as he entered.
"Good. Glad you're here." Ludwig answered through grit teeth with sweat lining his brow. "I'm going to scream soon. I'm not kidding! It's getting worse!" He let the kitsune pull down the covers to look at his legs and arms. The dogs watched anxiously from beside the bed.
Kiku had to unwrap the legs to see the stitches. Yellow boils had surrounded the stitches, signaling that something was wrong beneath the surface. "It may be an infection. Tell me exactly what hurts. What do you feel?"
"My bones." Ludwig answered through grit teeth. "They feel like…they're on fire! More than I'm used to!"
Kiku ran his hand above the right leg, searching for any signs of impurities, poison, or magic. He could conclude that it was an infection, mostly likely from the leg healing improperly. Ludwig had one major issue, and that was his bones' inability to properly heal when broken due to their charred nature. The limbs were broken and damaged so badly that the powers of immortality where finding it hard to heal quickly. Much more had to be done. Much more. "We need to reopen these wounds and set the bones once again."
"Why?"
"There is a terrible infection, and your bones are charred, making it harder for your body to heal itself. I can be corrected…but I'm afraid it will be a long process of surgery. We will need Ivan for this, and a few others. I will need Arthur too." He looked over at him. "Someone will need to take Feliciano out of the castle for this."
Ludwig closed his eyes, trying to control the pain. "I need to…be awake for this, don't I?" Kiku nodded. "Fuck. Have Sadiq and Francis take him out for the day…into the city. I want my brother here with me."
"Of course. I will need strong bodies though to hold you down."
"Gilbert can do it. Alfred too." He hissed through his teeth at a new wave of pain. "Alfred will enjoy this." He grit through his teeth.
Kiku covered him up. "I'll quickly make these arrangements. Try to hold on for a moment longer."

"Why are we going out?" Feliciano asked both Francis and Sadiq as they were leaving the castle. "Ludwig was upset that I had left at all so why are we leaving again?"
Francis took Feliciano's hand. "It's good to get out a little bit. We fear that you are growing weaker with constant worry and no food in your belly."
"Yes, so a day out in a new atmosphere may do you good." Sadiq added. "The last two Fiends are away licking their wounds, so we can try and enjoy the peace while we can." They all heard a sound from Seere's castle. Feliciano turned towards it. Francis and Sadiq knew that Ludwig's surgery was beginning so they urged the smaller demon quickly out into the city streets. "Let's find something fun to do! There must be-"
All the building windows and doors started to shut and lock as they came near.
"Hark, Hark. The dogs do bark." Francis muttered.
Sadiq snorted. "A joke about the black plague is a little in poor taste these days, don't you think?"
"Are they scared of us?" Feliciano asked, watching as a demon shut a window to their house. "We won't hurt them."
"They don't know that." Sadiq told him. "We're obviously strangers here. But let's keep moving. We're in the slums, which doesn't help."
As they continued on Feliciano couldn't stop looking around at the extreme poverty of these demons. Some didn't even have a home to go to. He saw one skinny, trembling demon scurry to hide under some stone steps as they passed. A few they encountered appeared more zombie-like with strange objects protruding from their bodies as if someone had placed them there. One demon had a steel pike through his skull as he hobbled through the street with the weight of it pulling his head to the shoulder. Feliciano couldn't help but stare at him even as the other two pulled him away.
"Don't look, Feli." Francis whispered to him. "Close your eyes as we pass through this next street, okay?"
Feliciano did so, closing them tight and letting the other two guide him by the hands. Unable to withhold his curiosity he peeked an eye open to see. There were many demons around them, male, female and child. But they were all hobbling. He opened both eyes to notice that most had one foot removed just below the ankle. "What's going on?" He whispered to the others. "What is this?"
Sadiq continued to pull him through with Francis bringing up the rear. "They're 'hobblers', basically. It's an old, old form of slavery for prisoners and workers. Masters, lords, and owners would cut off one foot to prevent the slave or worker from running. They still needed to do work and could hobble yet couldn't run. It was a great way to control your slaves in the workday. It's in most cultures, I'm sure."
"It's terrible!" Feliciano whined. "We have to help these demons!"
"You can by defeating the last two Fiends." Francis reminded him. "Once Seere is in control he will help all these demons, and then we can return to the human realm, which is now ours don't forget."
A demon woman stumbled in front of them as she was trying to hurry past. She was holding an infant demon in her arms. With a frightened gasp she threw the baby at their feet and hobbled away, which startled the other peasants to go and hide as well. The baby wailed and screamed on the ground, kicking its limbs madly. Feliciano pulled from the other two to pick the baby up from the ground. He wasn't sure what he could do but he hoped he could do something! But what happened next was unexpected and completely out of his control. The baby's body suddenly turned gray and cold. Feliciano yelped and dropped it, watching as its stone body shattered to pieces on the ground. Sadiq and Francis were equally as shocked. The few remaining demons all screamed in terror and pure fright, hobbling away to hide as quickly as they could. Most fell over one another while others tripped trying to get away.
"NO! PLEASE WAIT! I DIDN'T KNOW THIS WOULD HAPPEN!" Yet his surprise powers didn't end there. Whatever he did the remaining demons all turned to stone the same as the baby. Each one was frozen in time with the terror and fear still on their faces. Where they stood now looked like a city of statues. Feliciano dropped to his knees, eyes wide and mouth agape. "W-What have I…what have I done?"
Francis looked around to make sure they were alone and that it wasn't the force of something else. Sadiq did not sense an evil presence.
"I didn't mean for this to happen! I'm a monster!" He slapped his hands to his face and sobbed, trying to shield the rest of him with his wings.
Antonio appeared then with Viper by his side. 'It's the same power that is used against the Fiends. These demons fear you and your Light World magic did this. They fear the Fiends. If the Fiends have never ruled then this would have never happened.'
Feliciano looked up at him with pleading red eyes. "How do I stop it? Can I break this spell on them?"
'No, you can't. It's unfortunate, but that's how the Light World powers work here in the demon realm.'
"Then why doesn't it affect me?" Sadiq asked him.
'My guess would be that you do not fear him and he is close with you. All of you. The Light World magic feeds off of good emotions and positive aura. When it touches or encountered such dark fears as this…it can be brutal.'
Feliciano sniffled, wiping at his eyes and nose. "I want to go back! I don't want to leave that castle again! I don't want to hurt people!"
"You can't go back there yet." Said Sadiq.
"Why not?" Feliciano almost screamed. "Why can't I? Why are you two keeping me out here in this…this HELLHOLE?"
Sadiq knelt beside him and pulled the trembling demon into his arms, wrapping his wings protectively around him. "Stop this now." He said softly. "What's done cannot be undone. You know what you can do now and from here on out you can learn to control it. We cannot go back to the castle. Not yet."
Feliciano let himself melt into Sadiq's comforting warmth. "So why are you keeping me from there?"
Francis took a deep breath. "Ludwig gave us strict orders to keep you away from there for awhile. He's undergoing surgery."
"What?" Feliciano looked up at Sadiq. "Is this true?" Sadiq nodded. "I need to be there for him!"
"No, you don't." Francis answered. "Ludwig doesn't want you there because it will upset you. He needs to be awake for this surgery, which will be very, very painful. You cannot help him. Getting upset will only make it harder for him."
'They speak the truth.' Antonio added. 'You can help Ludwig by staying out of the way. He doesn't want you to see him suffering.'
Feliciano started to frown, his brows furrowed and his eyes became red as he pushed away from Sadiq. He stood up from the ground and stretched all four of his wings. Francis was a little apprehensive of Feliciano's sudden change in expression and Sadiq as well. The glowing red eyes are not a feature they saw often with Feliciano. His double tails started to sway in opposite directions.
"Just for the record," Sadiq started, taking a step back. "It wasn't our decision!"
Feliciano turned around to face them both with a dark expression. "I had to stand by my brother's side in a hospital bed while doctors told me he would never wake up. Lovi's face and body was bandaged for days! I had to personally care for him in every way! I had to live in fear of my brother suddenly dying in his coma and yet I still got on with my life! Antonio died and my family barely helped to support me! I may not be brave when it comes to fighting monsters or Fiends or demons, but I'm no stranger to an ailing person!"
"We never said you were!" Francis put his hands up in defense. "We're just following orders!"
Feliciano glared at Sadiq. "Since when do you listen to Ludwig?"
Sadiq shifted his eyes. "I obeyed his orders for your sake!"
"We're going back to Seere's palace." Feliciano demanded. "That's an order from me!"
Francis whispered to Sadiq. "Did his demon balls just drop?"
Sadiq whispered back. "I'm just glad I'm not Ludwig right now! Feliciano's PISSED!"
"Sadiq! Turn into your horse form!"
"What? NO!" Sadiq tried to protest but one glowing red eye look from the normally sweet man had him thinking twice. Feliciano's powers were still a mystery to all of them. He didn't want to be on the other end. So doing as he was told he transformed into a horse. 'Stop staring, Francis, before I kick your body halfway down the street!'
Feliciano fluttered his wings to seat himself carefully upon Sadiq's back. "To the castle."
Francis rested a hand on Feliciano's leg. "It's not good for Ludwig if you show up there."
Red eyes stared down at him. "Who said I was going to see Ludwig? I understand why he sent me away and I respect that. We're going back to the castle not to see Ludwig but rather gather up what extra rations of food we have to feed some hungry demons. I will get them to trust and like me." He kicked Sadiq into a walk. "And if they come to love me that can weaken the powers of the Fiends. I will become 'Feliciano the Merciful' or 'Feliciano the Good'. And you both will help me in handing out rations."
When they arrived back at the castle, Feliciano waited outside while the other two did as they were told. He was pleased when they came back with two large baskets full of rolls. They continued back to one of the poorer streets with Feliciano leading the way. He would use his wings to block Francis or Sadiq from walking past him. The demons ran away when they saw the three again, only this time, Feliciano called out to them, offering the bread. He held one up in the air for them to see and waited patiently for one to approach. At first, the demons were peeking at them with none making a move. Finally, one demon came out from under a building stoop, keeping his sunken eyes focused on Feliciano. As he neared, Feli crouched down to get at eye level and offered a friendly smile, holding out the bread. The starving demon approached his hand, sniffed it like a dog would, and then stared at Feliciano's face as if asking if he could have it.
"It's yours. Take it." He said kindly. "Go on, it's alright. Take it." The demon took the roll quickly from his hands and leapt away, holding it close to its chest. Feliciano asked for another roll and Sadiq handed it to him. As the other demons saw the other eating, they finally got up the courage to go to Feliciano. He handed out a roll to each demon who came up to him until both baskets were empty. They had just enough for the small grouping on this street. "How do we continue to feed these demons?"
"We really can't." Francis answered. "There are too many of them and we haven't the rations for so many."
Sadiq spoke next. "The Fiends hold them back from growing food. If you keep feeding them like this they won't learn how to fend for themselves. You need to teach them how to farm and make their own food. The Fiends make that hard for them."
Feliciano's face dropped. What Sadiq and Francis were saying is true. He swore he learned that in some English Lit. class somewhere. What was that old saying? 'Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for life'? But he doesn't know how to farm! "I can't teach them to farm! I don't even know how to farm!"
"Now don't get upset." Sadiq said. "What these demons need is for the Fiends to be destroyed. I suggest we focus on that above all else. Once the Fiends are gone and Seere is in control he can help all of these demons."
"But these demons need to eat now." Feliciano pouted sadly. "I want to help them."
"And you did." Francis smiled, slapping both hands on the other's shoulders. "These demons don't fear you now. Word will get around to others that you are kind and giving. That's good. But right now, rations are hard for everyone. Even us. What we need to do is get together with Arthur to try and find were the other two Fiends are."
Feliciano heaved a sigh. "So what are we to do now? I'm not allowed to go back to the castle but I don't want to keep walking around in the city and seeing the suffering of others."
"Then let us fly to the higher parts of society." Sadiq offered.
"Is that safe?" Francis asked.
"Won't know until we go." Sadiq grinned. "What do you say, Feli?"
Feliciano thought for a moment and then nodded. "Alright. Let's do it!"

Ivan dipped his hands in the basin of hot water to further wash the blood off of his hands. After many grueling hours they had finished with Ludwig's surgery. Ivan was grateful for Kiku's healing magic and Arthur's medical skills throughout the surgery. He feared possibly killing Ludwig if he had been doing it on his own. Both Gilbert and Alfred helped as well, using their strength to hold Ludwig down, which is no easy task within itself. Ludwig wasn't nearly as strong as he was, but the blonde demon could beat Alfred and Gilbert easily if he wanted to. But now that his job was done he left Ludwig's healing to the others, taking his leave of the room.
Ludwig lay on the bed, sweaty, panting, and exhausted from the hours of pain he had to endure. Right now his body was completely numb thanks to Arthur's knowledge of demon world insects. Seere had some of the tiny creatures saved and gave them to Arthur when he asked. After the heavy surgery, Arthur and Kiku placed the ant-like bugs to his legs, letting their bites completely numb his legs. The venom would last for many hours, keeping him pain free so that he could sleep, which he wanted to do right now. Everyone left him except for his brother, who dotingly kept by his side, along with the two dogs. Ludwig looked at his brother with heavy lidded eyes, wishing that it was Feliciano here with him instead. How could he say that about his big brother? Gilbert had always been there for him as a big brother should, and yet here he was wishing it were someone else holding his hand. Gilbert died and suffered terribly to save him, so how dare he be so selfish!
'It's okay, Ludwig.' Gilbert spoke to him in their link. 'You don't have to feel guilty for loving Feliciano.'
'You heard me?'
Gilbert nodded. 'I did. Silly, you forgot that I can hear your thoughts if you aren't focused enough.' He stroked Ludwig's hand with his thumb. 'I know you don't need big brother anymore.'
'That's not true! I do need you, Gilbert. I always need you…but I need Feliciano as well.'
'I know. You are very fortunate to have someone who loves you like he does. Big brother loves you too.'
Ludwig closed his eyes for a moment and opened them again. 'I love you in a different way than I do Feli. You're my brother. My family. Our bond is different.'
Gilbert was silent for a moment. 'Do you remember that day back in our village? Our human village? When you were terribly sick?'
'No, I don't.'
'I do. I sat by your bedside all night and day, never sleeping and barely eating. I wanted to make sure that I was right there for you, be it keeping your forehead cool of fever or holding the basket while you threw up. I made sure you were always warm, or get your body to cool when it overheated.'
Ludwig glanced away. 'I remember none of that, but I know you aren't making it up.'
'And the time you were stung by a bee as a little boy? Oh, how you cried and cried. Your little chubby finger was pointing to the red bump as you babbled to me. Do you remember that? Do you remember what I did?' Ludwig shook his head. 'You pointed out the tiny hole in the log where the bee was. I stuffed another piece of wood in the hole and trapped it there, and I said, 'now it won't bother you again'. You don't remember any of that?'
'Sadly no. I don't remember much of my human life like you do, Gilbert. But you are also not one of the five Accursed Nations like I am. You probably are able to remember more than the rest of us.'
'Perhaps. I'm just glad you're all fixed up the right way now. Soon you'll be up and walking around. Do you want me to go and find Feliciano for you?'
'…if you wouldn't mind?'
Gilbert smiled and kissed his forehead. 'I don't mind. I want to help you in whatever way I can. Rest now, little brother.'

Back in the city, the three had found a tavern in the richer parts. They were sipping down Blood Wine and chatting about everything that had nothing to do with their current situations.
"None of these demon women are good looking." Francis said. "But then again, these types of demons don't mix well with my type."
"They're pushy though." Sadiq said, having already denied three serving wenches that came over to him.
"I never had luck with girls." Feliciano chimed in. "I guess I wasn't manly enough."
Francis pinched Feli's blushing cheek. "You have to experience with a woman, Feli. It's in the genetic build of every healthy man!" He said proudly. "There is nothing like the soft curves of a woman's body as they press their naked, beautiful flesh against yours-"
"That's good enough!" Feliciano stopped him, his face bright red.
"Don't let Arthur hear you talking like that." Sadiq said to Francis with a laugh. "He'll turn your dick to stone, or something."
"I'm just telling Feliciano about what he's missing out on!" Francis played innocent. "He's still a virgin with women. We can't let him go through eternity with only sleeping with Ludwig!" Feliciano was still blushing, slumping down in his chair.
Sadiq ordered more Blood Wine for himself. "If I still had my harem right now I would set Feli up with some gentle ladies who could do things to him that he would never forget. Alas, I am harem-less." He chuckled at how embarrassed Feliciano was getting.
"Perhaps we should set up an appointment at your place for Feli once all this over." Francis offered. "You have many lovely demon ladies in your horde."
"Harem." Sadiq corrected him. "I'll offer it, but I don't want to be on the other end of Ludwig's rage if he finds out."
Feliciano finally spoke up. "I think…I make that decision on my own…on my own time…thanks for your help but…but I'll be okay for awhile. I'm happy with Ludwig. I only need sex with Ludwig. I don't want to cheat on him."
"It's not really 'cheating'." Francis pointed out. "It's experimenting. Cheating is when you do it on purpose for nothing other than personal gain."
Sadiq kicked Francis under the table. "The person on the opposite end of the relationship decides if it's cheating or not." He scolded. "Ludwig will see it as cheating."
Francis scoffed, then clapped his hands. "But what about a threesome? Or an orgy? That way, everyone wins!" He threw his hands up in the air.
"N-no thanks!" Feliciano whimpered. While he was grateful for the distractions this really wasn't the type he was looking for.
"Francis, now you're getting out of hand." Sadiq scolded.
"Says the demon who hosts sex orgies all the time?"
"I live up to my title." He gulped the wine. "You're making me out to be some sex-craved lunatic in Feli's eyes!" Sadiq pat at Feli's shoulders. "My doors are open to you if you ever want to come to my palace for… 'you know what'. But don't listen to Francis. Don't let him pressure you into do it."
Francis stuck out his tongue at Sadiq.
Sadiq motioned for Feli to lean over so he could whisper. "Francis is just jealous that I'm always surrounded by women and he's under the thumb of Arthur!" Feliciano couldn't help but smile at that.
"It's impolite to whisper!" Francis growled.
"We're just having a bit of fun." Sadiq answered.
Feliciano finished his cup as well. "I think we should go back." He offered. "At least to see if Ludwig is out of surgery." He had been away from Ludwig for way too long now and he really missed his mate.
"Sure, we'll head back now." Sadiq paid for their drinks.

Back at the castle they were greeted by Gilbert who took Feliciano to their chambers were Ludwig was. The dogs greeted Feli eagerly and he pet them both before hurrying over to the bed. Ludwig was sound asleep, looking pale and exhausted. Feliciano sat beside him and stroked the wild blonde strands of hair from Ludwig's face.
"How was it?" Feli asked Gilbert.
'Long and painful for him, but Ludwig pulled through. Everything should be alright now. His bones will heal properly this time.'
"Poor Ludwig. At least it's over now and he can rest." Feliciano smiled at his sleeping lover.
'Okay…well…I'm going to go now. I'll leave him to you.'
"No, Gilbert! Wait!" Feliciano called him back. "Ludwig needs you too, so why don't you stay?"
Gilbert's brows rose. 'You want me to stay?'
Feliciano nodded happily. "Yes, of course! You're his brother and you love him very, very much. He needs his big brother too. I do understand the bond of brothers, you know." He said softly. "And I could use the company. So come sit with us." Feliciano sat back on the bed and waved Gilbert over.
Gilbert felt happy once again after so long! He was certain now that Feliciano wouldn't completely take Ludwig away from him. Knowing that filled him with a great joy and warmed his insides. With a few tears in his stitched eyes he joined them on the bed, sitting on the opposite side of his brother. Together they sat with Ludwig, chatting softly and comforting one another. It was a very peaceful moment, but how much longer could this peace last?

In Seere's Chambers
"Ah ha!" Arthur grinned, looking into a cauldron of magic he had just conjured up with Seere. "Found them!"
"I know where those mountains are." Seere said, pointing to the picture within in the bubbling liquid. "They are very far from here. About three days of traveling by air."
"What do you think they're doing there?" Arthur asked him.
"My guess would be they are thinking of another strategy. Right now they fear Feliciano terribly. They are weak now, too, because they have lost one of three. Feliciano needs to head there as soon as possible."
Arthur looked up at him. "I don't know if Feliciano is ready yet…not with Ludwig out of working order. The Fiends can hold something over him."
Seere cleared his throat. "Then all of you should go and support him. Carry Ludwig with you."
"He is not fit to travel."
"The Fiends could attack at any moment. We can't wait much longer."
Arthur knew he was right and sighed heavily. "I'll go and talk to Feli right now. With an army of misfit demons and half humans behind him, how bad can things get?"
End Chapter 25 TBC
- 25
- 26
- 27
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

Utopia