Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Tale of the Inheritance of the Hero	By : PilarthelastPillar Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 861 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I'm a college student, so that means the only thing I own is the 40, 000 dollar debt that is slowly increasing. So no, I don't own Hetalia or Hetalia characters.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
Well, I must say that this story finally has some momentum going. This is definitely my favorite chapter. Also I want to praise a certain beta reader, Picture, for an amazing proof reading and critiques. With Picture's help, I feel this story is going to be more awesome than Prussia. Yes. I actually said it. Well, I'll cut to the chase, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia: Axis Powers

OOO

Chapter 3: Ally

"You have helped me and now I have returned the favor. Was I not right - even a mouse can help a lion!"- The Lion and the Mouse

***

Feliciano had walked about an hour on the path until finally he came out of the forest. The sun had blinded him for a moment as he found himself on the edge of a cliff with the horizon of the valley in sight. Feliciano stood there in awe as his green cloak bellowed behind him, his grandfather's staff at his side. The sun shone brightly and the valley looked like a deep green sea. The village of Buckeye was cradled in the very same valley below Feliciano. Small white houses could be seen as they peeked through the green canopies of leaves. It occurred to him this moment was the furthest he had ever been away from home. A sudden urge compelled Feliciano to sit down on the edge of the cliff and draw. Bringing out his stencils and pad, he began to draw; inspired by the scene before him.

While sketching the mountains and the valley before him, thoughts about his brother wandered into his mind. Feliciano frowned as worry coursed through him. His brother had a big mouth, but he can be easily scared just like Feliciano. Colors started to blend together as Feliciano used his fingers. When satisfied with the picture, he placed everything back in his pack. Feliciano stood up and brushed the dust off of his pants as he leaned on his grandfather's staff. The path leading down into the valley was rocky and narrow. Feliciano sighed, thinking it almost to be better to take a siesta now until his stomach growled. Giving another bitter look at the path, Feliciano began to climb down in hopes of a good meal.

OOO

Feliciano was able to find a meal, even if the soup was a bit watery. Sipping the last of his ale, Feliciano pondered the first day of his very long journey. Who was that mysterious swordsman? Why was he in the woods alone? It finally occurred to Feliciano that he would not be able to successfully save Lovino alone. He would need help.

But who would help a weak stranger like him? A frown formed on his face as he scanned the room. The pub that he found, "My Little Pony", was somewhat misleading. Gruff men sat in dark corners of the pub, whispering to each other in harsh voices. Feliciano could see a few locals at the main part of the bar, laughing and drinking. Feliciano drove the feeling of homesickness down as he made a decision. Standing up he walked over to a table where a man, half covered in shadows was silently drinking.

"H-Hello. My name is F-Feliciano, and-"

"What do you want?" the man interrupted angrily. The beer that he was drinking splashed suddenly out of the mug.

"I w-was just wondering if you could assist me, on my j-journey?" Feliciano squeaked.

"I don't do anything free boy! If you want my assistance, you will have to pay me one hundred ducts per day."

"P-Per day? A hundred ducts?" said Feliciano unbelievably.

"What? Too cheap to pay?"

The man now stood up revealing his great height, "How about we take this outside?" The man towered over Feliciano.

"N-n-no! Well I can see that you're quite busy. Just wanted to comment on the weather. Ve, bye!" and Feliciano ran back to his table for safety. Feliciano was about to leave when a small brunette waitress walked up to him.

"Are you feeling ok?"

Feliciano looked up and his mood was lifted instantly. He gave a warm smile as his curl bobbed in delight.

"Ve, I wasn't but seeing you is raising my spirits higher than a bird in flight." Feliciano smiled. The waitress blushed. She brushed soft locks of brown hair behind her ear.

"Well, aren't you cute? Is there anything I can help you with?" the waitress asked kindly.

"Well," Feliciano thought hard. "What do you know about a blond swordsman?"

"A blond swordsman?" she inquired.

"Yes! A blond swordsman who has blue eyes and never smiles!"

"Hmmm... I think I might know who you're talking about." the waitress said putting a finger on her pale chin while she pondered. "A man fitting that description came by earlier this morning. He didn't speak much, don't even know his name," the waitress started to clear Feliciano's table of dirty plates. "Very stern looking too. I hope you're not going to go after him! His clothes look like he's from the Capital!" The woman stopped and looked around for any eavesdroppers. When satisfied, she leaned in close to Feliciano and whispered,

"But I overheard him asking about someone. Seems he was looking for his friend or... target. I was able to give him directions and he looks like he was heading toward the Forest of No Return."

"Ve! Forest of No Return?" Feliciano exclaimed.

"'Yes, but I doubt you want to go there. Not even the bravest man in this village will dare to go to that dark place. Filled with nothing but monsters and thieves." Voice returning to normal, the waitress stood back straight again with a smile. "But that's all I know about the blond warrior. Is there anything else you need?"

"Well, if you can spare a candle and perhaps matches for poor little old me. Or maybe I can just take you out to dinner, signorina?"

OOO

With a candle in his pack and a pack of matches shoved in his pockets, Feliciano was already setting off toward the Forest of No Return. It was not a far journey and within thirty minutes, he reached his destination.

"Ve... she wouldn't even give me her name. Why did she have to be married?" Feliciano thought out loud to himself. He was walking into the forest now, and Feliciano had to admit the place was a lot scarier than the name might have implied. The forest was deathly silent. No sounds of insects, nor deer; not even the wind could be heard. Walking into the forest with his footsteps echoing made Feliciano hyper sensitive.

Voices seemed to appear out of nowhere and Feliciano gripped his grandfather's staff closer to his body.

"Who's there?" Feliciano said quietly.

But there was no answer. Feliciano looked around him and saw nothing but dead leaves and barren trees. And then he heard it again, voices. Mean, jeering voices to be exact. Tiptoeing off the path, Feliciano followed the sound of the voices. They grew louder as he neared a small clearing. Hiding behind a small bush, Feliciano peeked out from behind.

There was a big bonfire crackling away and Feliciano gasped. Before him was the blond swordsman, tied to an old oak tree with thick rope. Feliciano held his breath, hoping that no one heard him, for next to the captured swordsman was a group of raggedy, rough looking men. These must be the thieves the pretty waitress was talking about Feliciano thought. And sure enough, he spotted the two men who tried to kill him that very morning.

"How are you doing there, swordsman?" a voice brought Feliciano's attention back to the mysterious blond man. The swordsman said nothing but glared at him. "Not so tough now, without your sword, are ya?" The group of thieves laughed.

"So," the eye patch man stepped out, white skin covered in mud and bruises. "What's a Capital swordsman doing way out here?" the eye patch man took a dagger from his sleeve and stroked it gently down the side of the blond man's face. The blond swordsman did not flinch and stared unnervingly back.

"I demand you to release me," the swordsman growled. The eye patch man barked out a laugh.

"Now, now. I must say, I didn't think any Capital officers would be this stupid to go this far out from your precious city," the eye patch man said, "and without any backup."

The swordsman didn't reply and without any warning, the eye patch thief stabbed the swordsman in his left bicep. A scream erupted from the swordsman's mouth as blood flowed from the wound and down his neatly kept jacket. The thief pulled the knife from the swordsman's arm and wiped the blade on his dirty pants nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, we won't kill you yet. Think of my gift as pay back for this morning. But I suggest that you rest up for tonight. Tomorrow morning, you're coming with us to see our old boss. He'll be pleased to see you, swordsman of the Capital!" The men laughed again as they prepared for the night. As they gathered food and wood they started to sing,

"Swordsman from the city on the hill

Please do not look too ill

For tomorrow we travel by day

And before our boss you will lay

Yourlife will be decided

To defy us or throw away your pride

Either way, we'll burn you alive!"

Feliciano shuddered and crouched behind the bush again. Feliciano rolled his grandfather's staff in his hands as he tried to decide to stay or leave. This really isn't my business but...

Feliciano looked over to the swordsman and saw with dismay that the swordsman arm was soaked in blood. The swordsman already pale face seemed to have lost any color it was holding onto. A pang went through Feliciano's heart. Feliciano concluded that this man has saved him, and it was only right to do the same. Grandfather would have done the same thing, Feliciano tried to reassure himself. So, Feliciano got himself comfortable as he started to form a plan.

OOO

Nightfall had finally come and Feliciano was only able to come up with a simple plan: wait for everyone to fall asleep and recue the swordsman. The only flaw to this plan was if there is a thief on guard duty. If there was, Feliciano would have no idea how to get around him or defeat him. But luck was on Feliciano's side that night, as all of the thieves, in celebration, broke out the kegs and drank. It didn't take long for the men to fall into a drunken coma. And by the time that the new moon was over Feliciano's head, everyone was asleep.

When Feliciano deemed it safe, he slowly stood up. Knees cracking and muscles aching, Feliciano tiptoed across the clearing. Heart beating in his ears, Feliciano carefully stepped over the snoring thieves. Slowly but surely, Feliciano moved closer and closer until-

A loud cough made Feliciano freeze, and he could feel his heart stop. Turning his head he saw a man grumble and then shift in his sleep. A sigh of relief swept through Feliciano as the man fell back asleep.

Feliciano finally reached the swordsman as he gently touched his face. Feliciano flinched at how sweaty the face felt and the swordsman groaned. Blue eyes fluttered opened and his body jerked away.

"Shh!" Feliciano put a delicate finger on the swordsman's lips. The swordsman blushed furiously until blue eyes widened in recognition.

"It's you!"

"Shh!" Feliciano hushed again as he looked over his shoulder, checking to see if anyone still hadn't woken up. Turning his attention back to the swordsman, Feliciano began to untie the knot with shaky fingers. Minutes passed, and the ropes had not loosened causing the swordsman to be impatient.

"What is taking so long?" he asked, trying to wiggle his way out.

"Ve! The ropes are too tight to untie! I need a knife!" Feliciano whispered.

"My sword. Use my sword." the swordsman nodded in the direction of the cooling fire pit. Feliciano quietly crept over to the fire pit and saw the beautiful sword. It seemed to strangely glow in the fading light of the coals. Eager to get out of there, Feliciano tried to quickly grab the sword, only to realize that there was a problem.

"Ve! Why is it so heavy?" Feliciano whined.

"Quiet you idiot! You'll wake them up!" the swordsman yelled at him in a hushed tone.

But Feliciano could barely lift it so he settled on dragging it. Feliciano thought his arms would fall off by the time he got to the swordsman, who is still unfortunately attached to the tree.

"Mein gott. You have got to be kidding me." the swordsman stared at the pathetic display of strength. "If you can't even pick it up, how in the world are you supposed to cut with it?"

"Ve?" Feliciano tilted his head in slight confusion. "Well, how will I cut your ropes?"

A small groan escaped from the swordsman, and Feliciano could almost imagine the swordsman temple throbbing.

"You know what? It's fine. Death isn't so bad. I won't have to deal with idiots and thieves and taxes..." the swordsman trailed off, eyes looking into the distance. Meanwhile, Feliciano felt horrible. He was supposed to help this man! Feliciano shoved his hands in his pocket and hung his head low in shame. But then, Feliciano felt his fingers brush against something. Taking out the packet of matches, Feliciano's eyes widened. Taking out a match, he lit it underneath one of the thick ropes. The fire grew as it ate the rope away.

"What are you doing?" The swordsman demanded as he felt singing heat at his side. "You're going to ruin my jacket... and burn me." He added.

"Ve? Back in my village, we call this improvising." The rope was now down to a thread and Feliciano was able to break free. With the rope loosened, the swordsman was free. The warrior stumbled and fell, but Feliciano was able to catch him, barely.

When the swordsman was able to find strength, he gingerly scooped his sword and stood up. Leaning on Feliciano, the two men were able to walk away quietly. But it seems that Feliciano's luck had finally run out as, fumbling in the dark with the swordsman's weight, Feliciano stepped on an hand of one of the sleeping men.

"Ah! Watch it!" The man cried out as he grabbed his hand in pain. Feliciano and the swordsman froze with a look of horror that matched both of their faces. The man's cry had awakened the others. Before the thief Feliciano woken was able to stand, the swordsman swung his foot, which made a sick crack against the thief's face.

"Run!" The swordsman commanded, but it was too late. They were already surrounded and to make matters worse, Feliciano began to cry.

"Veeee! Please don't hurt me! I'll do anything! I actually have a distant cousin who also likes to steal things and spend large amount of time with men and doesn't like to bathe!"

"Shut up! I can't believe you got us caught!" the swordsman growled at him, he would have yelled but being stabbed, and starved; it was the most he could do.

"They've given us enough trouble today. Let's just kill them!" a voice suggested in the crowd of hangover, cranky thieves. The thieves started to tighten the circle around them. The swordsman placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw. A determine look creased his face, head held high as he was ready to fight to the death. Feliciano on the other hand started wailing.

"Ve! I don't want to die a virgin!"

But as he started to wave his arms (along with his grandfather's staff), Feliciano noticed neither how the staff felt warmer nor how a small pulse seemed to be seeping out of it. The end of the staff started to glow with pure light. Perhaps sensing his new master's dire situation, the staff had started to reawaken.

"Please stop! I don't want to die!" and in that moment the tip of the staff shone noticeably and then like lightning, a blinding light hit the thieves. Without realizing what happened, Feliciano grabbed the swordsman by the hand and led him away. Screams and cries could be heard. Feliciano, who was still confused about what had just happened, concentrated on putting the screaming as far behind them.

OOO

They did not stop until the screaming was nothing but a whisper. Exhausted, both men finally collapsed. The cloak around Feliciano's body was twisted awkwardly around him and his clothes clung to his sweaty body. The swordsman was worse. Holding his arm, he looked to be on the verge of passing out. Feliciano, rummaged through his pack and grabbed his remaining water. Crawling over to the swordsman he placed the water jug in his bloody hands.

The swordsman looked at Feliciano in surprise but still took the water silently. Feliciano went and acquired a shirt from his pack. The swordsman drank the water greedily and winced when he felt pressure on his injured arm. He looked down and saw Feliciano was wrapping one of his good shirts around the wound and binding it tightly.

"Why? Why are you doing this?" The swordsman asked wearily. Feliciano looked up at him with thoughtful eyes.

"Ve, at first, you seem very scary and mean. But I know you're a very nice person because you saved me, even when you didn't have to." Feliciano finished tying the shirt around the wound and gave it a pretty bow. "I know that I'm really weak, and pretty useless, but I'm just glad that I was able to repay you for your kindness." Feliciano smiled warmly and a hint of blush appeared on the swordsman's cheeks.

"Actually, I was looking for you." Feliciano continued. "You see, I'm on a quest. My brother has been arrested and is being taken to the Capital. I'm going to try and save him." Warm brown eyes met blue. "Will you be my friend and come with me?"

"Friend?" The swordsman repeated weakly.

The swordsman was dumbfounded as he stared blankly at Feliciano. Feliciano held out his pinky. "See, if trouble ever befalls on me, you'll come and help me. And if trouble ever befalls on you, I'll come help you!"

"I also heard that you were looking for someone, so if we go together, we can help each other!" Feliciano lightly took the swordsman pinky. The swordsman didn't know what to say. This strange, small man just saved his life, and seemed to want to be friends with him...for some reason. He looked to his arm, bloody but wrapped neatly with a little bow. The blond swordsman face was emotionless as he thought hard at the proposition he was presented with. He wanted to say no, but this strange man seems to sincerely want to be friends with him.

And he never had an ally before, no less a friend...

"Ja, we have a deal." The swordsman kneeled on one knee and placed his right hand over his heart keeping his pinky still wrapped around Feliciano's. "As repayment of saving my life and helping me, I will help you rescue your brother."

Feliciano smiled brightly and shook their pinkies together. "My name is Feliciano Vargas. What is your name?"

The swordsman, for the first time since their meeting, gave a small smile.

"My name is Ludwig. Ludwig Beilschmidt."

OOO

Well, isn't this a bit long compared to the last chapter? The Lion and the Mouse story is one of my favorites. Yay for Feliciano! The gang is slowly forming!

Next Time:

With Ludwig growing weaker, Feliciano and Ludwig must find a village to heal Ludwig's wound. But sometimes plans don't always go so accordingly...
- 2
- 3
- 4
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

Tale of the Inheritance of the Hero