Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Darker Than Morning	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 2275 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. This fic is for fun. I'm not making any money off of this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
***Warnings: Language, violence, suggestive themes

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. This fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter 2

Arthur had held true to what he said to Matthew. The younger man had to leave quickly to tend to his ‘master’, and Arthur was left alone again in the room. Sleep was no longer coming to him due to the constant aching of his muscles. The obnoxious ‘pins and needles’ feeling he was getting threatened to drive him mad. Every moment was spent in pain, and not a single part of his body was left ache-free. The wounds from Ivan’s sick fun were beginning to grow more painful by the minute. His stomach ached, yet it growled with hunger. His throat and mouth were dry, a constant reminder of how thirsty he was. Dehydration was starting to get the best of him and soon he feared he would begin to become delirious.

As the rest of the day, or evening, whichever it was, went by he was nearly unaware of everything that was happening. He knew there were people in the room but his mind could not register who it was. All he heard were shallow voices as his green eyes stared off into nothingness. It wasn’t until the smell of flavored meat, and sweets filled the room that awoke his senses. Suddenly he was coherent of what was happening in the room. He turned his head to see only Ivan sitting at the small dining table with a silver tray of various meats. Ivan took no notice of his stare as he ate, tearing violently at the raw meat. Arthur told himself that he would eat a shoe right now so the bloodied red meat did little to disgust him. Normally he would avoid meat and focus more on eating healthy vegetable substitutes but his stomach was rebelling violently. He didn’t consider himself a vegetarian but meat tended to be more expensive and did little for good health. Right now he wanted to sink his teeth into that meat and gobble it up.

Alas, he wouldn’t actually be reckless. Never would he accept some raw meat from his enemy much less his captor. He had to focus his mind on fighting against the need to satisfy his hunger and protect his body from starvation. Arthur knew the risks involved with his current injuries and his lack of nutrition. He is more likely to die of starvation and poor blood circulation before infection. But without any type of nutrition his body doesn’t stand a chance of fighting any infection. He did not want to grovel and beg in front of his demon captor. He would not beg on his knees like a dog for some table scraps. General Arthur Kirkland of the Human World Alliance yielded to no one!

“Getting hungry?” Ivan finally spoke, and Arthur blinked his tired eyes in his direction but said nothing. “And I bet you are very thirsty, yes?” Ivan smiled at him as he poured a goblet of water right in Arthur’s eyesight.

“…” Arthur was too parched to speak, but his weakened glare was enough of an answer for the demon. When Ivan drank it down loudly, on purpose, Arthur felt his throat constrict with the desperate need to quench his thirst. Oh, how he wanted that water and that meat!

“You must be growing tired in there.” Ivan said and stood up from his table, pouring another goblet of water. He walked over to Arthur and smiled sweetly at him. “Even weakened from hunger and dirty from our fun you are still a sight to behold.” Arthur’s response was a narrowed glare before lifting his chin and turning away from the demon. “My, my, you sure are stubborn. But I am certain being cooped up like that is slowly driving you mad. Your body must be in a constant ache for your limbs are tinted purple with poor circulation.”

“M-My comfort…is of no concern…of yours.” The words hurt to speak, but he couldn’t stop himself from saying them.

“Perhaps that is true. I do like playing with you! You are like an unbreakable toy!” He chuckled. “That means I can play very rough with you, and you won’t break! You don’t understand how exciting that is to me!” Arthur only gave him an annoyed and disgusted look before turning away again. He failed to notice the slightly annoyed smirk of Ivan. “Thirsty?” Ivan threw the contents of the goblet onto Arthur, watching as the cold water splash onto his tinted skin.

“GAH!”

Arthur shivered at the cold touch of the water as the rivulets tickled his skin. The sight of the water made his throat throb and crave the wet moisture, even if it was just some droplets. But he could not lick at his skin in front of Ivan; he would rather die. The thought was still tempting. Just watching the water inch down his body was enough to drive him crazy. He heard the devilish chuckling of Ivan from his left, but he refused to make eye contact. Ivan had ordered him again to drink but Arthur would not comply. He felt the cage rattle but his body was too stiff to even properly react. The only thing he currently feared was venom in Ivan’s veins. He silently prayed that the demon’s hands would not touch him. He knew so little about it that he feared how his body would react if it went on longer.

“Still so stubborn. It really is quite amazing.” Ivan circled the cage. “You happen to be in luck, little human.” Arthur opened his green eyes to look at Ivan. “For you see, Gilbert has taken a liking to you, and he wishes to have you serve him along side Matthew.” Arthur gave him a look of disbelief. Ivan just smiled. “He likes your stubborn streak as well as I.”

“I will not serve a demon.” Ivan laughed out loud at Arthur’s whispered response.

“I fail to see the choice you have in this matter! Reading over your files you are far from a stupid human, Arthur Kirkland.” Arthur focused his eyes on violet and held the stare.

“Who is to say I won’t kill your mate once I am alone with him? That would be one less demon in the world.” His voice was hoarse, and he would regret this amount of talking later, but he couldn’t remain silent either. “You seem to put a lot of trust in me.”

“I’m not worried about Gilbert. He can fend for himself easily. And you will not have free range, oh no.” He smiled. “You won’t be able to wander around free for a very, VERY long time.” Arthur gripped the bars to move his face closer to Ivan’s.

“Then I will kill myself,” was Arthur’s response, but all Ivan did was smile at him.

“Both you and I know you wouldn’t do that. Those who kill themselves are weak with no support and feel they have nothing to lose. But you…you have a strong sense of pride with a heavy stubborn streak. You are too proud and noble to kill yourself.” Arthur knew he spoke the truth, and he found himself smirking.

“You are a foolish demon. I will see you dead.”

“I look forward to the challenge.”

Ivan unclipped the ring of keys from his belt and unlocked the cage. Arthur’s first instinct was to leap out, but his body was still tight and stiff. The demon just smiled at him and waited patiently for Arthur to exit the cage. It took a few moments for Arthur to find the strength in his legs to move them, but once they were out that narrow door he found a new wave of strength. His body slid easily from the cage, but his legs were like water and he stumbled. He fell heavily to the floor, catching himself on his arms so he wouldn’t have hit his face or mouth. Arthur’s body screamed with painful relief as his limbs forced themselves to stretch and his blood started to flow once again. He felt the tears stinging his eyes at the ability of being free but he dare not let them fall. The smell of meat was still heavy in the air and he wrapped his arm around his belly, lifting his head to the table.

“See! I knew you were hungry! Here.” Ivan smirked and took a piece of the raw meat from the tray and dropped it on the floor before Arthur. Arthur’s eyes widened at the meat so close to him and it took all of his willpower not to eat it. “Go ahead, eat up!” Arthur glanced up at him and turned his face away. He would not eat meat off the floor like some animal for the amusement of his captor. “I said eat.”

“Go to hell.” Was Arthur’s response and he heard a growl come from the demon.

“How dare you ignore my hospitality!” Arthur gave a crazed smirk at the word ‘hospitality’, but it was short lived when strong fingers fisted in his hair. He let out a short cry as his head was twisted and forced to the meat. His lips touched the warm flesh but he squeezed them together, clenching his eyes shut. “Don’t be afraid to eat it. It’s only fresh cooked human.” That made Arthur’s eyes open and he found the strength to struggle.

“You sick bastard!” He shouted when his mouth was away from the flesh. Ivan just laughed and shoved him away by his hair.

“It could be human or it could be steer. Maybe stag. Maybe goat. You won’t know until you’ve tried it.” Ivan grinned at him and held the meat in his hands, still offering it to Arthur. Arthur was trying to hold down what little bile he had left in his stomach. “Well, no matter. You will eat soon enough. Starvation causes one to do very crazy things for food.” He tossed the meat onto the tray and summoned in a pair of guards. “Take our human to my mate’s room. Have him freshen up too.”

Arthur took one last look at the grinning demon before a blow to the head knocked him unconscious.

When Arthur woke up he found himself in a different room curled up in some blankets on the floor. He tried to lift his head but found it heavy with something around his neck. He brought his hand up to feel a thin iron collar around his neck. The iron was cold and it had already cut into his skin. The blankets were warm and he sat up with them, holding the fabric over his body. To his small surprise he was no longer naked and was wearing a simple set of clothes. A long sleeved white t-shirt and pants with simple brown slip-on shoes. They were befitting of a servant or a slave, which he now was. Even his wounds had been bandaged and his body had been washed. Everything from before was coming back to him and he remembered what Ivan had said about him serving Gilbert. The collar around his neck with the looped chain attached to the wall was all he needed to confirm his current situation. The chain was very long and neatly coiled in a pile. The length was most likely for walking around the room so he could still do slave work.

Arthur glanced around the room and found it to be less gaudy than Ivan’s room. Just like the other it had a very ancient Victorian look. The walls were painted a deep red but with cream colored paneling on the bottom half. A large balcony twin door with a white curtain arch stood to his far right and he could see outside at the ocean. The walls were covered with framed paintings and various stag racks or animal heads. The furniture was white with some kind of floral or scroll sculpted resin designs. The bed was a canopy with heavy cream-colored curtains and matching bedspread. The bedspread had black embroidered brocade designs and was nothing like the shared bedroom. Arthur figured they must only use Ivan’s room for any type of ‘mating’ or ‘date’ they may have as a couple. This was strictly Gilbert’s room, and he had to wonder what his ‘party’ room was like. If Gilbert was anything like his younger brother had said then it was defiantly NOT a ballroom, which he would prefer himself.

The smell of smoke filled his nose and his throat tightened. He looked around for the source and noticed Gilbert on a very fancy fainting couch smoking a large hookah. For a mate of a demon general he was dressed in only a black tank top and cargo pants. Beside him on a white coffee table was a three-tier plate with various cakes and cookies. Next to it were four bottles of beer in a row and Arthur stuck his tongue out. It was way to early in the morning for beer from his point of view. The demon didn’t realize he was awake nor did he even turn to look at him. He was just lounging there with an obnoxious smirk on his face, almost as annoying as Ivan’s stupid horseshoe smile. Given the chance he would break both their jaws to wipe those looks away forever. He nearly jumped out of his skin when the door opened and he heard the familiar sound of Matthew’s voice.

“No, no, no! Bad dogs! Don’t-!” A pack of four dogs ran into the room, slobbering and barking excitedly as they ran to Gilbert. “Run,” Matthew sighed.

“Hey, buddies!” Gilbert said loudly and welcomed the dogs.

After they had properly greeted him with their tongues they ran around the room, one jumping onto the bed while two more played with the same rope toy. The fourth dog found Arthur and slid over to him, sniffing at his face and hair. Arthur couldn’t really tolerate dogs and preferred cats, but he let the large animal lick his face, keeping his blank expression. His troop had their own pack of dogs. After the apocalypse humans and demons genetically altered domestic animals to make them larger and stronger. Gilbert’s dogs were each a different breed and Arthur knew what kind. The one currently sniffing his ear was a German Shepard. The one on the bed was a large bridle colored Irish Wolfhound. The two playing with the toy were a Beagle and a spotted Whippet. All were primarily hunting dogs except for the German Shepard, who’s sniffing was getting annoying. Arthur hissed and shoved the animal away. Its playful bark was what alerted Gilbert and Matthew’s attention.

“Gilberta! Down!” Gilbert said to the German Sheppard and it ran over to him, sitting by his feet. “Sorry, she can be a little over zealous. Meet the rest of the crew! That’s Gillie,” He pointed to the Whippet. “That’s Gileena,” Then to the Beagle. “And that’s good ol’ Poochie!” he pointed to the wolfhound.

“Gilbette, Gileena, Gillie, and…Poochie? Gee, where did you get THOSE names?” He said with sarcasm. ‘Everyone here is fucking insane!’

“Aren’t they the best pack of bitches you’ve ever seen?” He said with a mighty amused laugh and Matthew bent down next to Arthur and whispered.

“He never gets tired of that joke.” Matthew then smiled at him. “Would you like some breakfast? You and I can share it. It’s human food.” Arthur looked at him, his mouth watering.

“What kind?”

“Just some pancakes, bacon, and eggs.”

“I make sure all my bitches are well fed.” Gilbert said with another laugh and Matthew just rolled his eyes. “Go ahead and eat or you’ll make Matthew cry.” Arthur looked at Gilbert with surprise.

“What is it with you? You’re very odd.” Gilbert went back to smoking his hookah.

“I stand fully neutral on this war. I know who you are. You’ve served with my brother and any friend of Ludwig’s is a friend of mine.” He grinned.

Arthur just gave him a puzzled look, but it was quickly wiped from his face once Matthew handed him a plate of food. Arthur dove into it, scooping up the food with his hands like a madman. Matthew just blinked at him and figured it was silly to offer Arthur utensils right now. The blonde man didn’t even notice he was eating with his hands. All he knew was that he was going to have a full stomach and how delicious the food tasted. He was only eating this food because Matthew handed it to him. If Gilbert had handed it to him he would have flipped the plate. Matthew also handed him a wooden cup filled with water, which he gulped down and held out to have refilled. Matthew took the pitcher and poured him more water to drink.

Once he had finished his food he rubbed his belly and looked at Gilbert playing with his dogs. He still did not know what to make of this particular demon. Gilbert was very different from Ivan, but the man was still a demon. His wings and tail were white and his horns a gold color. His horns were large but not nearly as thick as Ivan’s. Gilbert only looked like his brother in facial features with the same shaped eyes. Ludwig was taller and broader in the shoulder than Gilbert. The younger brother had no demon attributes except for a pair of fangs, which kept him from speaking or smiling if he could help it. The same mother raised them both and Gilbert should be nearly the same as Ludwig, only cornier. And louder.

“You will like it here, Arthur,” Matthew assured him with a smile.

“No. I won’t.” He stated flatly. “I refuse to be in the same room as a demon.” Matthew gasped softly, and Gilbert looked over at him. “I will not tend to or serve a demon. I’d rather be back in the dungeons than serve him.”

“Hey, back it up, string-bean!” Gilbert glared at him. “I saved your British butt from that cage! Two more days you would have been dead!”

“That would be better than being here! I hate all demons!”

“Arthur!?” Matthew shouted his name in shock, but it was Gilbert who acted.

The demon’s eyes glowed a brighter red as they focused on Arthur. Arthur felt the gaze on him and suddenly his heart was in terrible pain. He cried out and gripped his heart, feeling his chest tighten to cut off his breathing. He panted and gasped for air, falling to the blankets. His body flopped around like a fish and if it weren’t for Matthew pulling at Gilbert to stop Arthur’s heart would have exploded. Or at least that’s what it felt like it would do. When the pain stopped Arthur sucked in large gulps of air and panted heavily. What had just happened? He looked at Gilbert with wide green eyes, seeing that obnoxious smirk.

“Keep my little power in mind next time you run off at the mouth, limey. I’m one of the very few number of demons who actually have a power.” He chuckled and stood up. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take my dogs out for a run in the garden. Matthew, perhaps you should talk to our new friend. I expect a better attitude when I come back. LADIES!” He whistled for his dogs but only three came with Poochie still lying on the bed. “Alright, three then.” He left the room with the dogs and Matthew immediately sat next to Arthur on the blankets.

“Arthur, you must stop being so defiant!” Matthew pleaded with him.

“Forget it, Mattie.” He responded with venom. “There is no way I’m giving in to a demon’s commands!”

“But Master Gilbert is our friend! He saved you from Lord Ivan’s grasp!”

“To Hell with him.” Arthur crossed his arms. “Ivan let me out of that cage willingly. I did not ask for it. I never would have anyway. I will not break.”

“Arthur…please.” Matthew looked at him. “I already sent a letter to Alfred saying that you are here. I should be getting a response shortly. If you want to let this happen then you have to be nice to Master Gilbert. Or at least pretend to be. He can protect you from Lord Ivan!”

“And just why should I need HIS protection? I don’t take charities from demons.”

“Because…” Matthew looked away and blushed deeply. “Because um…well…you see…Lord Ivan can be very…’grabby’. The more you fight the more excited he becomes. If you are soft, sweet, and compliant he leaves you alone.” Arthur looked at Matthew’s embarrassed face and saw the little tears welling up in his eyes.

“Matthew? Did Ivan-“ Matthew gave a curt nod and turned away.

“When I first came here. It…it was horrible, Arthur. I was screaming and crying…trying to escape. He was like a monster! Like something out of a nightmare! After I gave in and let him have his way it went quickly. He was immediately bored with me and gave me to Master Gilbert as a servant.”

“Oh Matthew…I’m sorry that happened to you. It must have been terrifying.” Matthew covered his face with both hands.

“It was but…but I still think about it! I don’t think about the bad part…I think about the…the…you know…the ‘good’ part of it. Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed! Please don’t ever tell Alfred!” Arthur knew that Matthew was talking about the venom in Ivan’s claws that made him feel extreme pleasure. Arthur had experienced it first hand, and that was just a small preview of what the demon could really do.

“Matthew, don’t blame yourself. It’s…it’s whatever that venom is inside his claws.”

“Not just his claws.” Matthew turned to look at him. “It’s also in his bites and on his…” Matthew turned a new shade of red and hid under the blankets. “I should be ashamed of myself for talking like this!” Arthur knew what ‘part’ Matthew was speaking of, and it made his lower belly quiver a bit as he remembered the feeling from one claw. He gasped inwardly and cursed himself for even thinking about it. “I don’t want that to happen to you, Arthur.”

“It won’t happen to me. I will not allow it. I assure you that if he advances on me I will fight him tooth and nail until he snaps my neck. He can defile and eat my dead corpse but I won’t be there to witness it.”

“But if you fight him it will only make him more excited!” Matthew screeched as he came out from under the blankets.

“I will not just lie there and let him have his way with me. I can’t do that to myself.” Matthew just looked at him with the same pleading eyes that Alfred used.

“Please…stop being so stubborn and prideful. It will end up being your death and I don’t want to see you killed!”

“I can handle myself, Matthew. You just focus on keeping yourself safe.”

“Will you serve Master Gilbert as I do?” Arthur just shook his head and Matthew sighed. “You are so difficult. It’s reasons like these that-“ He stopped himself. “Nevermind.” Arthur’s eyes grew dark and his brows furrowed.

“Oh please, by ALL means, Matthew. Say what you wanted to say.”

“I have to clean the tub and get it ready for Master Gilbert. Forgive me.” Matthew stood up and quickly walked through another door that lead to the bathroom.

Arthur gave a little sneer in Matthew’s direction for he knew what the light haired man was referring to. The mention of it infuriated him and despite the heavy chain connected to him he started to pace around the room. The chain made a heavy dragging noise behind him and it made his skin crawl. He had to calm down or he would end up making a complete fool of himself. Lifting the chain to lighten the load Arthur walked over to the balcony door and found it unlocked. He looked behind him to see that he still had a few feet of chain left. It wasn’t enough to escape but it was more than enough length to hang himself if he wanted to.

He closed his eyes and lifted his head to feel the cool ocean breeze on his face. It was the first bout of fresh air he had since he was captured. The sun was warm and the rays kissed his cheeks, bringing about a tiny smile to his face. He opened them again to gaze out at the open sea, watching the clouds that spread over the horizon. The rest of the area was appealing as far as he could see. They were defiantly in a remote area to civilians but the human army had to know about this place. To his far right was a stone wall in which wisteria was growing from the top and over to the other side.

“A garden?” He spoke softly and tried to twist his neck to see more of it.

His mother had been fond of gardens and had a very small one next to the vineyards. Arthur would spend his free time studying there and drinking tea. He was curious to know what types of flowers and layout Ivan had in his garden. Why the demon had a garden was beyond him, but there were many questions he had about Ivan’s choice in taste. Perhaps Ivan made floral perfumes in his spare time when he wasn’t out slaughtering humans. Or maybe he was a secret poet and would sit in that garden to become inspired.

Wondering about the garden was what brought him back to what Matthew had mentioned a few moments earlier. He was speaking of Alfred and their bitter relationship. During one of their many fights Alfred had complained that Arthur was ‘too serious’ and ‘snobby’. It was one of the reasons why they had broken up. Alfred liked to joke around and be wild while Arthur was prime and proper. It had been ‘opposites attract’, but it didn’t turn out like in the storybooks. While on Alfred’s range, Arthur had suggested starting a garden but his lover quickly discarded the idea. Alfred had said that it was too ‘girly’ and silly to have a garden on a ranch.

‘It would take up land that the horses would need,' he had said to him.

His words had started another of their various fights, but like all their minor conflicts, they ended in sex. The sex was always good after a fight, and Arthur was always aroused by Alfred. At the end of their relationship Alfred had thought that all Arthur liked of him was the sex, and that wasn’t true. Arthur knew in his heart that he couldn’t be what Alfred wanted in a life companion. Alfred liked to cuddle and wore his heart on his sleeve. He liked to do sweet, fun things that Arthur usually despised. But the blue-eyed American brought out the part of Arthur that he wished he had. He lived his wild side through Alfred’s antics, and Arthur always admired the other for his carefree view of life, but he did not see that. Arthur always thought Alfred could read between the lines, but he should have known how oblivious and dense his lover could be.

“Blimey, Alfred. Where did we go wrong?” He said with a heavy sigh and rests his cheek in his palm. Life was getting more complicated and for a moment the thought of jumping had crossed his mind. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the ocean breeze.

//

“General Alfred, some news.” Alfred looked up from the war table at the messenger who handed him a letter.

“Thank you.” The messenger left and Alfred moved away from the others to open the letter.

“The letter is from whom?” Kiku asked softly. “Your brother?”

Ludwig and Francis looked up from their own seats and awaited an answer from Alfred. Alfred was carefully reading over the letter.

“That bastard demon has Arthur, as well.” Alfred turned back to them. “Matthew said he was tortured, but that he did not reveal anything about us.” Francis leaned back in his chair.

“He’s probably throwing a tantrum right now as we speak. Soon Ivan will be paying US to have the Brit removed from his holding.” Alfred glared at the Frenchman.

“This isn’t a joke, Francis. Arthur is our comrade and brother in battle. We need to find a way to get him out of there. We’ve kept Matthew there because he is happy with Gilbert, and he is also our acting spy. Arthur will not settle for just remaining there as a spy and not be out on the fields with us.”

“But that area is nearly impenetrabl,.” Kiku pointed out. “Our only way, in my opinion, would be to leave it up to Arthur to escape on his own. He has been known to ‘Houdini’ his way out of tight places.”

“Or perhaps he can destroy the manor from the inside.” Ludwig spoke flatly and tapped his finger on the table.

“What are you suggesting, Ludwig?” Alfred asked.

“Something else he is VERY good at.” Ludwig’s blue eyes met with Alfred’s azure ones, and he knew immediately what the half-demon was referring to. He gave a curt nod.

“It may take some coaxing to get him to agree, but I will see what I can do.”

//

With a full belly and a moment of relaxation, Arthur had returned to the blankets to fall asleep. He must have slept for what felt like ages because when he woke up the room was dark and the fire was dying. Matthew was not in his blanket bed, and Gilbert was snoring loudly from his own. Arthur sat up and rubbed his eyes, looking out the window to try and get a sense of what time it was. The dogs were all curled up together by the fire and only one, the Beagle, lifted her head to look at him. Her ears slipped forward before she returned to her pack. Arthur continued to look around for Matthew but saw no sight of him. To his right came the sound of a door opening, and he held his breath. He slowly turned in the direction and saw a small door open from the wall behind a tapestry. His eyes grew wide as Matthew came out of it, closing the door silently behind him. Matthew’s eyes locked with his and the younger man smiled.

“Good, you’re awake,” Matthew whispered and went over to him. “I have a letter for you! It’s from Alfred! There is one for me as well!”

“From Alfred?” Arthur whispered back and took the letter handed to him. He opened the envelope and read the content of the letter.

'Arthur,

I am glad to hear that you are safe and well. It’s a sucky situation that you are in. I’m sorry for not being able to help you enough on the battlefield. If I had been there I would have kicked some demon ass and saved you. I know you hate the position you are in now, but the others and myself have thought of a way that your captivity could help us. Ivan has kept you alive because he finds something fascinating about you. You’ve always had a special way about you, Arthur, and now you must use that to help out your race. We ask you to gain the trust of the demon general by acting as a spy using seduction. I can picture the face you are making now, and even though I do fully agree with it, I can’t let the opportunity for taking down a powerful demon family slip away. Just think of how much the demon army will be crippled if Ivan’s reign and leadership were to fall? The humans could easily take over his regions and strengthen our military power.

I know all this is against your better judgment, but if anyone can pull it off it’s you. You seduced your way into my heart by your wit and charms alone. I will not speak of the other but he knows first hand how ‘persuasive’ you can be. We ask you to win the heart and trust of Ivan. Please accept our proposition. We will move forward with frequent updates as the days go on.

Please Arthur, do this for us. If not for your race then for me. We can be heroes together. I’m the last person who would ask you to use your body like this but I am thinking of our future and the future of others.

Please write back ASAP with your consent. You are still my Arthur. My Shitty McScone.

-Alfred.

p.s. Burn this letter after you have read it. Deuces.'

Arthur just stared at the letter and reread it one more time to make sure he had read the words right. Did his comrades actually expect him to consent to something so degrading and vulgar? They actually wanted him to seduce a demon. And not just any demon but General Ivan- the most notorious and dangerous demon male of their region. Arthur imagined himself lying back on the demon’s bed with Ivan crawling over top of him. The image made him throw up a little in his mouth. To lie down with a monster that had claws and horns was not natural. Demons were animals and he was far from an animal. He could picture Ivan’s body being flabby and chubby, another feature that made Arthur want to vomit. And there was nothing attractive about Ivan at all. Even if he weren’t a demon Arthur wouldn’t have given him a second glance. That big nose and silver hair…he shivered with a sneer.

“Damn it all…why do I get the short end of the stick all the time?”

He stood up from the blankets and went over to the tripod standing mirror to gaze at himself. He tilted the oval shaped glass to the right angle and watched as his reflection stared back at him with disappointment. Arthur admitted to himself that he was no saint. He did enjoy having sex but never fully let on that he did. His wild side would come out after he had had too much to drink. Alfred was speaking of Ludwig in the letter and the poor sap had been victim to his drunken seduction. Arthur squinted his eyes at his reflection and thought that if he could seduce and entice a stiff man like Ludwig then someone like Ivan would be a cakewalk. He was able to lure and win Alfred, the most popular and sought after boy in military school. Arthur didn’t doubt that he could seduce the demon but he just couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea of actually doing it. The principle would go against everything he believed in, and he despised demons. He hated them in every way and form.

“Arthur?” Matthew’s sweet voice broke him from his thoughts. His green eyes looked at Matthew’s reflection from the mirror. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah…Alfred’s note is just…well, it’s pure him. Although his grammar has gotten better.” He moved towards the fire and crumpled up the paper, tossing it into the dying flames. He watched as it caught fire and quickly burned to ashes.

“What did it say?”

“Nothing that concerns you right now, Mattie.” Arthur smiled at him. “I have some thinking to do.”

“Well, Master Gilbert will be out all tomorrow hunting, and Lord Ivan usually goes with him. With any luck we will have a work free day.”

“Hm.” He turned from the fire to gaze at Matthew. “What did your letter say?”

“Oh, just the usual. Nothing important.” Matthew smiled and held the letter to his heart. “I miss him.”

“Then why don’t you go back? Why haven’t you gone back?”

“It’s a dangerous world out there, Arthur. Nothing is safe. Demons lurk around every corner. As long as I am here with Master Gilbert I am protected from harm.” He smiled softly. “Master Gilbert is my friend…and I would hate to leave him. He trusts me, and I don’t mind serving him.” Arthur sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair.

“You always were subservient, Matthew.” Matthew ignored that.

“Are you going to write back to Alfred? Usually letters go out secretly the day after we receive them.”

“I will probably have his answer by then.”

“His answer?” Matthew questioned. “Answer to what?”

“I will explain later. That damn Alfred," he hissed through his teeth and turned to stomp back to the bed. The dogs awoke but did not bark at him. Matthew followed him over to the blankets and sat beside him, placing a soft hand on his shoulder.

“You still love my brother, don’t you?” Arthur took a deep, shaky breath and looked away.

“It’s over between us.”

“But you still wish to be with him.” Arthur said nothing. “My big brother still cares about you too, you know.”

“He doesn’t show it.”

“But he does. I know him. I know him better than even you!”

“He has Kiku now.”

“Things always have a way of changing, Arthur,” Matthew smiled and kissed his cheek. “Good night, Arthur.” Arthur looked at Matthew’s form as he snuggled into the blankets.

“Yeah… rest well, Mattie.” Arthur thought Matthew was asleep, but then the younger man spoke.

“I’m sure he would like to see you…shall I write in my letter that you wish to see him?” Arthur’s brows knitted together and he looked back at Matthew’s form. “Every once in awhile we meet.”

“You meet? Matthew, what are you talking about? You said no one can get through these walls.”

“They can’t.” He sat up and fixed the blanket over his lap. “There is a secret stair that leads out into the garden through the Braginski family tomb. Alfred and I always meet at the iron gate in the dark of night. I’ve tried letting him in, but I do not have the key. No one does other than Lord Ivan. That door you saw me come out of? Well, that’s where it leads. I was meeting the messenger at the tomb. But you need to get that chain off of you if you wish to meet Alfred.” Arthur kept his stoic expression.

“That would mean that I-“

“Yes.” Matthew finished for him. “You have time to think so use it wisely.” He settled back down into the blankets. “I know my brother would want to see you. Goodnight, Arthur.”

“Goodnight.”

Arthur waited until he was sure Matthew was asleep before getting up from the blanket bed. He lifted his chain and went to the balcony door, opening it silently. Before he could close it something had blocked his way. He turned and saw the paw of Poochie caught between the doors. He rolled his eyes and opened it further, letting the large wolfhound join him on the balcony. Arthur stood at the railing, and the dog sat next to him, panting with her tongue out. He looked up at the crescent moon and listened to the soft sounds of the night sea. The air was so still that he could faintly hear the waves crashing along the shore. The sounds, which should be relaxing, only made his thoughts wander further. He rests his hands on the railing and stared down at the sidewalk below. Poochie whined and nuzzled his hand with her nose. He turned to look at the dog that simply looked up at him with innocent brown eyes. Arthur found himself giving the dog a defeated smirk.

“Damn it all, Poochie.” He chuckled and slumped further against the railing. “What am I to do? Am I to be General Arthur Kirkland of the Human World Alliance, strong in spirit as I am in victory? Or am I to be ‘Mistress’ Arthur Kirkland, human whore to the demon general?” Poochie continued to pant and whine at him, sensing his distress. Arthur laughed again and pushed the bangs from his eyes. “In order to win back the love of another I must first make that demon fall in love with me. He has to love and trust me so I can betray him later.” Poochie raised her paw at him and batted it against his thigh. Arthur reached his hand down to pet her head and scratch behind her ears. “Can I really do that to another living being?” Arthur turned from the dog and looked up at the moon, the two remaining there until the sun rose.

Ivan was in his office signing and documenting some war papers to be mailed off to his fellow demons. He poured himself another glass of vodka and gulped it down quickly. His demon tongue came out to lick at his lips, still savoring the taste. Pouring himself another glass, he held it up to him and smiled at the clear swirling liquid. The rising suns’ rays reflected on the crystal and the yellowish glare reminded him of that human, Arthur. He easily envisioned the human’s blonde hair and smirking mouth resting on his bed. The human intrigued him and made his loins stir with excitement to break his spirit. He wondered what Arthur’s cries of pleasure would sound like as the human writhed beneath him.

“Mmm…how exciting!” He was about to slip his hand inside of his pants when there came a knock at the door. He hissed softly and laid the glass down, folding his hands on the desk. “Enter.” The door opened and a shaking servant came in.

“L-Lord Ivan? I’m sorry for interrupting you but…but the human named Arthur wishes to see you.” Ivan’s face held is childish surprise before he smiled happily.

“Does he now?” He chuckled and stood up. “Thank you for the good news, Raivis!”

“Y-you’re welcome, sir. My pleasure, sir.” The young demon trembled and bowed his head. Ivan drank his vodka and held the glass up to the sunlight again.

“Crystals hold such beauty…such strength.” Ivan broke the glass in his hands, making Raivis flinch and tremble. “And then they break.”

End Chapter 2 TBC
- 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

Darker Than Morning