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Utopia	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 3044 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
***Wishing everyone a very happy new year! ^_^ Special thanks to my beta for all her hard work!
***Warnings: Language, humor, minor violence, angst, character death, slight yaoi
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
***EXTRA! EXTRA! Gilbert and Ludwig's mini backstory will be featured at the end of this chapter! In the next chapter will be Heracles and Sadiq's mini story, followed by Francis and Arthur's. Just some extra little background knowledge for your reading enjoyment!

'We're gonna rock this house until we knock it down

So turn the volume loud, cause it's mayhem 'til the a.m

So crank the bass up like crazy and let yourself go, let yourself go

Say fuck it before we kick the bucket

Life's too short to not go for broke

So everybody, everybody (Go berzerk!)' -Berzerk- Eminem
Chapter 8: Friend or Foe?
In the demon language of Abyssal, Ludwig and Gilbert touched their swords together, holding the blades high above them as the power was conjured. Ludwig's body burned bright with flames while Gilbert's form adorned a layer of silky white mist. Swirling together flame and mist, the brothers brought forth a terrify burst of power in a fiery ring to race along the ground taking out hordes of demons. Only the dukes were able to avoid the power surge and they were not at all thrilled with the result. Alfred lost all of his meals, Ivan had to cease his playful torture, and Sadiq lost the image of his lover. The force of the blast sent the remaining demons running back to the Abyss while the corpses turned to dust and disappeared. When the aura dissipated, Gilbert and Ludwig returned to their normal forms.
"Once again, brother, we vanquish evil!" Gilbert said with a laugh.
"Only for now." He looked up at the sky as it quickly returned to its regular dark purple hue. "All evil here is gone now, which means Botis got away."
"Or he had left long ago." Gilbert put away his sword. "Let's gather up the others and find Feliciano." Ludwig nodded, putting away his own weapon and looking for the other dukes.
"Ludwig, you jerk!" Alfred landed beside them. "I wasn't finished eating!"
Ludwig snorted. "By the amount of blood smeared all over your mouth I would say you have had enough."
Ivan appeared beside Gilbert. "I did not get the chance to capture a demon. Someone banished them all too soon."
Ludwig crossed his arms. "They were never ending. We had to push them back somehow." He had to turn away when Ivan began to rub the bloodied spot where Gilbert's arm should be.
"Gilbie, you lost your arm." Ivan cupped his face. "Does it hurt?" Alfred clicked his tongue.
"Nah, you know I barely feel it. But I wouldn't mind you sew it back on for me."
Ludwig looked around. "We're missing one. Where's Sadiq?"
"I barely saw him in battle." Alfred answered.
"Go find him." Ludwig ordered. "I need to get back to Feliciano." Leaving the other demons he flew to the wooded spot where he had hid the human.
He found Feliciano, safe from harm, but not by himself as he was left. A strange being was holding Feliciano to its chest as if shielding him. The human was sobbing in to the creature holding him yet it was doing him no harm. Ludwig had never seen a being like this but there was no evil radiating from it. Instead, the aura around it was one of peace, enlightenment and serenity. To Ludwig, the feeling was almost refreshing. It appeared human in form with the characteristics of an animal. He was unable to tell if it was a male or a female. Dark eyes met his with a pale face decorated in red lines. What baffled him the most were the pointed ears and numerous tails, which seemed impossible to count. Even the clothing it wore, long decorated robes, was unfamiliar to him. Although he felt no malicious intent from the being, he still had to find out who and what it was.
"Are you friend or foe?" Ludwig asked.
"Friend."
Feliciano heard Ludwig's voice and looked behind him to see the demon standing there, unharmed. "Ludwig!" He broke away from the other to run and latch on to the demon's waist, continuing his whimpering sobs. "Ludwig! You're okay! I was so scared!"
Ludwig could only stroke the top of the brown hair while keeping his eyes focused on the being. "I'm very well. You have no reason to be afraid now. Everyone is safe. Now who are you, stranger?" He asked the creature. "You say you're a friend?"
The being gave a polite bow. "I came to help our human friend." Although the voice was even and soft it held the tone of a male. "I was summoned by the ancient gods to come here and aid in your conquest. However, my real duty is to our human friend, and to you, Mr. Ludwig." Before Ludwig could reply, the other demons had joined them.
"Heeeeeeey bro! How's our little buddy do-" Gilbert stopped when he saw the stranger. "Whoa! Who's this guy?"
Ivan smiled brightly, clapping his hands and answered "Youkai!" (1)
The being gave a frown. "I do not approve of that term. I am a kitsune, one of the oldest enlightened spirits of the west."
"Ah, from the 'mysterious orient'." Sadiq added. "I've been in your parts centuries ago when I was human."
"Me too!" Ivan nodded.
Alfred floated over to the kitsune, grabbing its ears. "Are you a cat or something? What's with the ears?"
"Ouch!" He bats Alfred away. "I'm a fox. My name is Kiku and this is my human form. As I was telling Mr. Ludwig, I am here to help in your conquest to regain control of the earth. Humans and spirits have drifted far apart and it is time for us to be together again. The humans have grown numerous and greedy. Almost all have lost their way."
"But aren't you on the 'nicer' side for humans?" Sadiq asked. "We're enslaving them, not helping them find enlightenment."
Kiku folded his hands in front of him. "That is for the Gods to decide when the time is right. But I'm afraid we can't rest right now. This battle was a decoy to keep all of you here while the demon captains gathered to attack another place."
"What?" Ludwig growled. "We've been tricked?"
"Where do we need to go?" Alfred asked. "Where's the real battle?"
"I fear the calamity has already happened." Kiku looked to Feliciano. "Human, look at me." Feliciano turned his face from Ludwig's chest. "The hospital where your brother resides has been attacked and destroyed. They were searching for something there, and your brother was their target."
Feliciano's eyes filled with fresh, fearful tears as he turned his face away to look up at Ludwig. "What is he saying, Ludwig? What's happened to my brother? We have to get to the hospital!" He pulled on Ludwig's clothes. "Please Ludwig, please!" He sobbed. "You have to take me to him! Please!"
Gilbert placed a hand on Feliciano's shoulder. "It's not safe to go there now."
"NO!" Feliciano screamed at him. "I need to go! Please Ludwig! Romano is all I have!"
Alfred growled at Kiku and took out his weapon, aiming the point at the kitsune's neck. "How do you know of this? Who told you?"
Kiku remained calm, slowly lowering the blade with his hand. "I saw it on my way here to protect the human. There is nothing left of the hospital. I'm sorry." Feliciano cried frantically against Ludwig's chest.
Ludwig looked at Kiku for a moment and then back to Feliciano. "We'll all go together. But Feli, if what Kiku says is true then you must prepare for the worst. Are you sure?"
"YES!" He sobbed "Please! I need to know if he is still there! He might be alive!"
"We'll search for clues while we're there." Ivan suggested.
Ludwig scooped the sobbing man in his arms. "Let's go. Everyone be on the lookout for anything suspicious."
Feliciano could only hold on to Ludwig and pray for Romano's safety as they flew through the air. He hoped the kitsune, Kiku, was wrong about the hospital. He prayed that when they arrived the hospital would be fine, and so would Romano. But all this led to one question: why his brother? What did the demons want with Romano? He was too afraid to ask. Right now he just wanted to see that Romano was okay. When Ludwig came to a stop, Feliciano moved from his chest to look around. He saw the entrance to the hospital, destroyed. The right side of the building was completely destroyed: Romano's room was in the middle. There were sirens all around with rescue officials racing in to the building. Feliciano stood in a frozen daze, his eyes wide with disbelief as he gazed upon the rubble.
"Feli, let's return to the apartment." Ludwig offered. "There is nothing left here. I'm sorry."
"He might still be alive!" Feliciano turned tearful eyes to the demon. "Please, fly me up to his room? I don't ask for much, Ludwig, but please do this for me? I need to know. If I don't find out…I think I might just go mad."
Despite his feelings on the situation, Ludwig did as Feliciano asked by flying him up to the floor. He placed the human down and Feliciano shot off to Romano's room. He followed swiftly behind, hoping the human wouldn't hurt himself on the debris. A shrill scream from Feliciano told Ludwig that Romano's room must have been destroyed, and when he happened upon the destroyed door frame he had been right. With pity, he watched Feliciano frantically try to climb over the rubble, pulling at the rocks in hope of reaching his brother. Ludwig did not have the heart to tell him that Romano was most likely dead. Another high pitched scream was a sign that Feliciano had found some trace of his dead brother. Ludwig turned just as Feliciano slipped on the rubble and tumbled down to the floor, sobbing. The demon climbed the rubble himself to see a pool of blood on the green tiled floor near Romano's bed. His wings drooped. He understood the devastation and heartbreak of losing a dear brother. Floating back down, he brought Feliciano into his arms.
"I'm sorry." He whispered. The small human only clung to him and wept. Ludwig could sense every emotion within the human and it made him want to protect this man more than ever. So much had happened in the last few days and poor Feli had to endure all of it alone; the only human among demons. Now his brother was gone and his world was about to be conquered by demons. "Cry all you want now." The memory of the Romans tearing his brother apart limb by limb took form, bringing an almost tear to his demon eyes. He knew crying solved nothing yet he did not have the heart to tell Feliciano that. Not right now. The human was too vulnerable.
"Mr. Ludwig." It was Kiku. "Let me take our human friend."
Ludwig was reluctant to do so, but when Feliciano asked him to find the body of his brother, he handed him over to the kitsune. Kiku held the human tenderly, whispering words to him while trying to calm the hiccups and sobbing. Ludwig climbed over the rubble once again, landed in the room, and began to move the large boulders of debris. He started where the pool of blood was and worked his way to the bed only to find something unexpected. There, on the bed, unharmed, lie Romano, still asleep in a coma. Thrown over his body was that of an angel. Ludwig recognized the white wings as belonging to one of the Light beings. Perhaps it was the one he had seen before? This blood was not of Romano but of the angel whom protected him. The angel had a broken, bloodied wing and both legs were smashed under some rubble. All of the blood pooled out from under him. Ludwig removed the debris and looked at the shattered legs of the angel.
This angel was none other than Romano's lover, Antonio. Ludwig recognized him from the bedside picture, which was now smashed somewhere on the floor. The first time he had seen the angel was during his first visit here but he did not get to see all the features. Now he could tell it was Antonio and once again, he had saved Romano's life. To Ludwig, it would seem the angel used the last bit of his strength to keep the rubble from crushing Romano. Surprised by the loyalty of a Light being, Ludwig couldn't help but place his hand on the angel's head.
"Feliciano thanks you for protecting his brother." An angel eye shot open, the green orb looking up at him.
'Protect Romano.' Whispered the angel.
Ludwig crouched down beside him. "What happened here? Have you the strength to tell me?"
Antonio took a deep, pained breath. 'They came for him…because he is like Feli. The demons want to possess and own him…like you own Feli.' He spat up a stream of sticky blood. 'Don't let them! If they get a hold of him…all of you will fail!'
Ludwig grabbed the angel by the shoulders. "What do you mean? You mean to say that Romano holds the same power as Feliciano?"
'Yes.' Antonio shook in his hold. 'I can't protect him…not anymore…the Light God will not allow me…to protect him a third time.' He hissed in pain. 'Protect him for me? I beg you…protect them both. They are your salvation-'
Ludwig frowned as he watched the light from Antonio's green eyes start to fade. "Where will you go now? You have sacrificed your one chance at entering the Light World! What will happen to you?"
'Nothing. I will be…nothing.'
The Light God was worse than the Dark One. To ignore and forsaken a spirit hell-bent on protecting his lover was a disgusting crime. The Dark One would not allow this. "What can I do for you?" Ludwig asked. "Can I ease your suffering?"
Antonio flashed him a bloody smirk. 'I want to die looking like a human.'
Ludwig knew what he meant. Standing up, he conjured a blade and gripped the base of the white wing. Trying to make it fast and painless, he sawed through the bone of each wing, tearing them from Antonio's back in a stream of blood. This caused the angel intense pain and he screamed. Ludwig gripped the brown hair, bent the head back, and slid the blade across Antonio's throat. Only other spiritual beings could kill one another, and this was the most painless way. He let the angel drop the floor, watching the last of the life blood leak out from him. Something about Antonio's death didn't settle right with him. It didn't seem fair. Ludwig was offered a second chance at life for selfish reasons. Antonio gave up his eternal life to save that of another. He couldn't let such a noble deed just waste away, so he took matters in to his own hands. Taking the same blade, he made sure the angel was dead before carving out the heart. Ludwig looked at the still beating organ in his palm; just as he thought. There was still a chance that Antonio's spirit could live on.
Now, there was the matter of Romano. Turning to the bed, he looked down at the sleeping, almost death like form of Feliciano's brother. Ludwig's eyes widened suddenly as he realized just how identical the Italian twins were. It looked to him as if it were Feliciano himself lying here and not Romano. This is what Feliciano would look like if he were dead. He was gazing upon Feliciano's dead body. The image unnerved him. He wondered how Feliciano could even stand to be in the same room with someone who looked exactly like him, lying there in a death-like state? How did he not notice it before? Still, he had a mission, and a duty, to these Italian brothers. Removing all the I.V.s from Romano, he took the unconscious man in his arms along with the still beating heart of Antonio.
Emerging from the room, Ludwig followed the wails of Feliciano's voice until he reached all of them. All eyes were on him as he held the organ and Romano in his arms. Feliciano still cried against Kiku until the kitsune motioned for him to look in Ludwig's direction. Red-rimmed eyes widened when he saw Romano, unharmed, in Ludwig's arms.
"Romano?" Feliciano gasped out.
"He is unharmed." Ludwig stated. "We are to watch over him, by orders of Antonio."
Breaking from Kiku's embrace, Feliciano ran to them both. "Romano! You're okay!" He laughed through his tears of joy. "Big brother! You're okay! Oh, thank you, Ludwig! Thank you!"
Ludwig cleared his throat. "You should thank Antonio, it was he who protected your brother from the demon captains at the cost of his own life and soul." Feliciano looked confused, and then Ludwig showed him the beating heart. "This is all that is left of Antonio. I spoke with him myself. We are to watch over your brother for the demon captains are after him."
"Why?" Feliciano whispered. "Why do they want Romano?"
"For the same purpose you serve us." Ludwig saw the look of fear on Feliciano's innocent face. "Fear not. We will keep him with us."
Gilbert stepped forward, taking Antonio's heart in his one good hand. "I think we need to find a bigger place. Our little group is growing."
Feliciano looked up through his light lashes at Ludwig. "Thank you, Ludwig, for offering to care for my brother."
Ludwig cleared his throat. "It's the least I could do." Embarrassed, he turned to the others. "One of you! Find us a bigger place to live before the authorities find us! We don't want too much of this leaking out."
Alfred came up and pointed to Antonio's beating heart. "Let me have that. I'll take it to Arthur while I'm picking up Matthew. I'm sure Arthur knows what to do with it." Gilbert nodded and handed the organ to Alfred.
"The rest of you, let us leave this place before something else happens."
Sadiq stepped forward, looking tired and forlorn. "I know of a place for all of us. Follow me."
"Is it far?" Gilbert asked.
"It's further in the center of the city, but the place is huge and spacious. It's where the rich people of the city live."
"Awesome!" Gilbert grinned. "Let's live the high life of the human world!"
Ludwig looked at the human hugging his brother's head with a frown. Things were going to get complicated.

By morning they had all moved into a condominium in the heart of New York City. Feliciano didn't ask how they got it or who they pushed out to live here, but he wasn't complaining. The place was more like a small house, going up as high as three stories. The furniture was high end, mostly white leather, mahogany, and stainless steel appliances. It was straight out of Miami Vice, or something like that. But at the moment he didn't really care about the condo. His biggest concern was Romano and the best way to make his brother comfortable. He had chosen the very last bedroom on the third floor. It was a small bedroom; just enough for a single man who would be doing nothing but laying on the bed. He did not want to associate with the others at the moment. His major concern was Romano's well being. Feliciano was left alone with him, and like usual, as if Romano were in the hospital, he began to care for him.
First he brushed Romano's hair with a comb he found, making sure it lay perfectly on his head. Next he filed the nails, followed by a full rubdown with Vaseline Intense Moisture cream. The nurses failed to keep Romano's skin moist, just one of the many things Feliciano did himself. Like before, he continued to speak to Romano as he cared for him.
"I think we can say 'goodbye' to the bakery, Romie. When the demons take over the world there will be no room for baked goods and cakes." He smiled at Romano. "But that's okay! You can come live with me and Ludwig! I'm sure he won't mind! Ludwig is really very nice! You would probably hate him at first but once you get to know him, you'll love him!" Feliciano smiled softly. "He's so very nice for a demon. I wouldn't mind being his…human slave…if it comes down to that."
Romano lay motionless.
"It's good to have you back, Romano." Feliciano sat next to him on the bed. "I don't know if you can really hear me…but now would be the best time to tell you." He closed his eyes, feeling the tears welling up in them. "Antonio is dead. He gave his life in return for yours. He would not let you die. If not for him, it would have been you who died in that car crash. I know you were always mean to him…I'll never understand why. But he loved you so much that he gave up his own life to let you have a chance at living. If that isn't love…then I don't know what is." Glancing at his brother, he gasped at the tear rolling down Romano's cheek. "Romano?" He whimpered. "Don't cry, Romano! Please don't cry!" 'I guess he really can hear me!' Feliciano wiped away the tears with a tissue. "Oh Romano…I wish you would wake up?" No answer, only another tear. Feliciano was crying too. "We're going to protect you, Romano. I won't let anyone hurt you. One day you'll wake up, and then we can all be together!"
"Feli?"
Feliciano jumped at the sound of Sadiq's voice. "Oh, it's you. Sorry. I've been a little jumpy."
Sadiq smiled softly. "It's okay. I was just coming to check on you and your brother. You must forgive Ludwig." He walked over to the other side of the bed. "He is not…well versed, shall we say, in the categories of emotions."
Feliciano nodded. "I understand. Is anything wrong?"
"No, nothing. Ludwig sent me in here to make sure you were getting along well." He looked at Romano. "He's crying."
"I told him about Antonio, his lover, who gave his life to ensure the safety of his own." Feliciano wiped away his own tear. He gasped. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't be speaking this way after your…complicated relationship."
Sadiq gave a breathy chuckle. "It's alright. The fact that your brother cries for his lost lover is refreshing to me. I wish my own lover would have mourned for me as Romano does for Antonio."
Feliciano squeezed his brother's hand. "I'm sorry you did not have a happy relationship with your lover. What went wrong? Do you know?"
Sadiq looked to the far wall. "He was too stubborn and full of pride to submit to me. I was used to having everything and anything I wanted. I was an Ottoman general. I had the world by the balls…except for him. Heracles was a force I have never met. Stubborn, prideful, strong, willful, disobedient, and so full of hate… I tried to give him everything he could want. Anything to make him like me." He smiled sadly at Feliciano. "That was my own fault. I should have gifted him his freedom first, and then wait for him to come back to me. There was no life for him outside that of a farmer, but he wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
"He cursed you, didn't he?"
Sadiq nodded. "He did. He sent me off to battle with the kiss of death. I know, up until this day, that he spent all his time summoning a spell from the gods that would see me to my death. He wanted me dead." He looked at Romano's silent tears. "Your brother loves his Antonio. I wonder what that feels like? To have your lover pining for you."
Feliciano looked away. "I wouldn't know."
Sadiq smiled. "Ah, but you have Ludwig who has struck your fancy." He saw Feliciano blush. "Don't deny it. Ludwig is a fine choice of a demon mate for any human. He would never hurt you on purpose. Listen, my demon house is that of the Voluptuous Ones. Out of the five demon dukes you know, my region reeks of sex and desire. I sense the sexual tension between you and Ludwig, and it is very strong."
Feliciano blushed brightly. "He is a demon and I am only a human."
"Demons have had humans in the past. Do not let Ludwig's past hinder you from courting him. Yes, he has had me and Alfred, but that was very long ago. Take it from an old man who has long since past his chance at love: tell Ludwig of your feelings for him."
"I can't." Feliciano blushed bright red. "I don't even…do well with sexual things. Romano has always been the 'naughty' one. I have been the good one."
Sadiq smirked. "You're cute. If I were not seeking my old lover and Ludwig had nothing to do with you, I would have had you myself. I'm irresistible when I want to be. I one time courted Gilbert but was chased away by Ludwig."
Feliciano smiled. "I hope you come to find peace with your lover Heracles."
"He's here on earth. I've seen him. For once in his life…he is happy. He wants to be with me. That is my biggest wish…that he wants to be with me on his own free will. None of the others believe this."
"I don't know what to say, Sadiq. I cannot speak for demons."
"I know." He smiled. "I feel confident in speaking to you openly like this. I know you can care for Ludwig in ways the rest of us cannot. He and I share a past, but it is nothing more than that. You can heal him, Feli. You can be his light."
Feliciano looked away. "I can never be his light. I have never been worth anything. All I would do is make him angry."
"Well, that is stupid human talk." Sadiq moved away from the bed. "The sooner you learn to love yourself, the sooner you can learn to love another. Go to Ludwig's room this night with an open heart, and I promise you, all your dreams will come true."
"Sadiq? Do you think that…your lover…ever really loved you?"
He looked away. "To be honest with you, Feli, I don't think he ever did. Perhaps I am in love with the illusion that he loves me. I know the truth despite what Ludwig thinks." He closed his eyes. "I just want-" He opened the door. "I just want to know what it feels like to be really loved." He left before Feliciano could respond.

At Arthur's Place…
"Come on, now. You're almost there." Francis held Matthew's hands while helping the newly born golem to walk. Matthew was shaking on two feet, whimpering in fear. "I won't let you fall. They feel heavy now, but once you continue to walk they will feel natural."
"Will Alfred…be upset over me?" He stumbled. "Looking like this?"
"I doubt it. He'll just be happy to have his brother back. Okay, ready to stand on your own?" Matthew nodded and Francis let go, ready to catch.
Matthew wobbled back and forth a few times until he got used to the feeling of his new legs. "I can stand on my own! I'm not a ghost anymore!"
Francis chuckled. "Don't get too excited now. You don't want to fall and hurt yourself before Alfred can see you."
"Alfred. My big brother." Matthew smiled at the thought of him. "I can't wait for him to see me like this!" There was the ring of a bell from the front of the shop. "Is that him?"
"Wait here, let me find out." Francis entered the shop to see that it was Alfred who entered and he was talking to Arthur. "Greetings."
"Hey, Francis!" Alfred waved to him. "So where's my brother? Is he ready? You didn't give him two heads or anything, did you?"
Arthur scoffed. "I rarely mess up making a golem." He looked to Francis. "Fetch Matthew."
Alfred waited for his brother to enter, eager to see him in solid form. Francis returned holding Matthew's hand, and Alfred's eyes widened at the sight of him. Matthew looked just as he remembered him! There were no traces of 'ghost' at all upon his person. "Hi big brother." Matthew said to him. Alfred grinned and rushed over to him. "Mattie!"
"Go ahead and embrace him." Francis offered. "It's as if he is truly real."
Alfred did so, squeezing his brother's smaller form. Matthew's body was cold against his but that didn't stop him from hugging. He was so thrilled to have his brother back in a form that he could see and touch. Now he could start making up for lost time. He could be the big brother Matthew had needed all those years ago.
"Matthew, you look great!" Alfred pat the man's shoulders. "Are you ready to come back with me?"
Matthew looked coy. "Will the others allow me to live with them?"
"Of course they would!" Alfred gasped out. "And even if they tried to say anything I'd beat them up! I am the hero after all!"
Arthur could hear the sound of a heartbeat in the room, knowing that it was not one of theirs. Concerned, split the brothers apart. "Alfred? Is that a heartbeat I hear on you?"
"Oh!" He snapped his fingers. "I almost forgot! Sorry about that!" He took out a plastic bag puddle with blood at the bottom. "This is the heart of an angel."
Arthur's eyes widened. "How did you obtain that?"
"Um…if I remember correctly, this is from the angel who protected Feliciano's brother in the hospital when the demon captains attacked."
"Bring it here." Arthur urged them all to follow him into the back room where he conducted his magic. "I have never held the heart of an actual angel. Let me see it." Alfred handed him the bag and he took the heart out. Arthur stared at it in awe, cupping the still beating organ in two hands. "Strange…"
"What is it?" Alfred asked.
"Um, it's nothing." He cleared his throat. "Why did you bring this here?"
"Ludwig and Gilbert thought you would know what to do with it. We don't want the spirit of Romano's lover to go away forever, so we thought you could help bring him back. I don't know what you do, but you know what I'm saying, right?" Did he explain himself well enough?
Arthur's lips slowly drew into a dark smirk. The heart began to beat faster, startling them all. "I would have to do some research before I can give you an answer. I have never held an angel's heart before."
Matthew stared at the organ. "W-why is it beating so fast?"
"I'll have to find out later." He took the heart and opened a large jar. Carelessly, he dropped the organ inside and sealed it shut, leaving it to beat rapidly behind glass. "Is there anything else?" He asked, tapping the top of the jar with his fingers. Francis frowned at him, knowing he was up to something.
"Yeah, one more thing." Alfred held up his finger. "There is a kitsune in our group now. He said he was summoned by old gods to watch over Feliciano. Dude's got nine tails!"
"Now the Asians are involved?" Arthur gave a deep sigh. "Just what we need. Keep the spirit close to you, though. And the more tails it has proves the level of enlightenment and wisdom it has. In other words, to make it easy for you, since you're staring at me like I have two heads, he's very old and smart."
"Oh, I get it! Well, Kiku is harmless either way. I was half paying attention when the guy was talking."
Matthew frowned slightly. "Some things never change."
"But the funny part is, Kiku said that the demon captains are after Romano because he holds the same powers as a vessel like Feliciano does. Right now we have Romano with us to protect him. What do you think we should do?"
"Hmm." Arthur crossed his arms. "I didn't think the brother would hold the power being unconscious. This is something new even to me. Well, all I can do right now is this: Protect Romano over Feliciano. Romano is in a coma and unable to mentally fight back against possession. Feliciano is stupid and easily fooled, but he still has his wits about him and you can reason with him. If the demon captains get a hold of the brother and use him," Arthur shuddered. "It'll be a whole new game with different rules. Give me a little time to conjure up a spell that will help protect the brother. I'll find you all soon."
"Am I free to go, then?" Alfred asked. "Can I take Matthew too?"
"Not yet. I want him to stay a bit longer and learn what he is. Francis can teach him everything he needs to know. I rather not send a new golem out in to the world with little knowledge of how to perform." He glanced at Francis. "Francis will care for him, so have no fear of that."
Alfred gave a long annoyed sigh. "Fine then! I'll come back tomorrow and check up on things!"
"You promise?" Matthew asked.
"Of course! I came back today, didn't I? I promise I will be back tomorrow."
After Alfred had left, Arthur busied himself staring at the beating heart in the jar. "Francis, take Matthew somewhere and teach him what he needs to know. I have work to do." He tapped the glass with a smirk. Francis led the young golem out of the room, leaving Arthur all alone. His green eyes lit up as he continued to leer at the heart, which was still beating quickly. "Well, well, well." He said in a low, even tone. "Once again I win, old foe."

Ludwig was the only one trying to do any amount of work. Ivan was in the kitchen making hot chocolate and his brother was fumbling with a machine called a 'computer'. He wondered how Feliciano was getting along with his brother upstairs? He had sent Sadiq up there instead of him, for he was not well versed in extreme emotions. Glancing at his brother, he could remember the feelings of that dreadful day but he didn't know what to do about it. No one would have been around to help him either. A familiar smell filled his nostrils and he turned to see the human joining them in the living area. Ludwig stood up to greet him.
"Feliciano, are you feeling better?" Ludwig asked.
"Yes, a little." He smiled. "I'm glad Romano is back here with me. I just know you can help keep him safe."
"We will all do our best. By the way, have you seen Kiku? Was he with you?"
Feliciano shook his head. "I think he said something about mediation. Why?"
"He knows why the demons were after your brother and I would like to ask him more questions. And the sooner Alfred gets back the sooner we can proceed with what to do next."
"Hot chocolate is ready!" Ivan came out from the kitchen wearing a lacy pink apron that was too small for his stocky weight. "I made sure to use the good china mugs, and there is enough for everyone."
Feliciano couldn't believe that this was the same demon from just a short time ago. Ivan was wearing such an innocent expression in that apron, blushing when Gilbert complimented on how delicious the hot drink was. Only hours ago the large demon was tearing bodies apart in the cruelest of ways, now he was handing out cocoa and acting like a 1950's housewife? It was so bizarre. Ivan, by far, was the most frightening of all the demons here…even in an apron.
"Sadiq, where are you going?" Ivan asked the other as he was heading to the door. "Don't you want some nice hot cocoa? I made it with milk from a free ranged cow!"
"Not right now. I'm going out for a bit." He put on his trench coat, quickly turning into a human.
"No you're not." Ludwig stated firmly. "You're staying right here."
Sadiq narrowed his gaze. "I'll do what I want."
"I don't trust your mental state right now." Ludwig walked up to him. "It's best that you remain here with the rest of us."
"Bro, let him go." Gilbert wiped away the chocolate mustache. "He can take care of himself."
Ludwig shook his head. "You're staying. Try to leave and I'll make Ivan sit on you." Ivan grinned, and with a growl, Sadiq hung up his jacket.
"What pisses me off the most is that I'm actually listening to you." Sadiq said and roughly pushed passed Ludwig, bumping his shoulder.
"Cocoa?" Ivan asked the passing demon.
"Fuck your cocoa." Sadiq stormed off into one of the downstairs bedrooms and slammed the door.
Ivan pouted. "But...I added little things called marshmallows to it. It looks like pretty snowflakes on dirt."
Gilbert laughed and pat Ivan's shoulder. "It's okay, buddy. I love your hot cocoa! Now why don't you take a mug for yourself and we'll go to your room?" Ivan grinned with his shark teeth. "I couldn't help but admire your ass as you cracked skulls in that fight."
Ivan blushed. "Oh Gilbie, you're such a flatterer!"
Ludwig rolled his eyes with his lip up in a sneer as his brother left with Ivan, heading up to the second floor. He returned to the couch, deciding to pick up one of Ivan's hot chocolates along the way. Now it was only him and the human. Feliciano joined him on the couch with a cup as well. They sat far apart with the human trying to make himself look as small as possible. Ludwig glanced at him, feeling the awkwardness in the air around them. The human always reeked of sweet virgin blood, and now that they were alone Ludwig was able to pick up on it once again. If Feliciano had been anywhere near him during or after that battle, he would have forced his way with the human. His energy level and sex drive always intensified when he was at the height of his blood high during a fight. Fucking a sweet little human after a victorious battle was a right of passage for a demon, but that's not how he was. Ludwig would always pride himself in his ability to control his urges. That was until Feliciano came in to his life. A sweet little human, useless for anything considered necessary but rich in love, devotion, joy, appreciation, and life. It was that power keeping them all here.
"Ludwig?" Feliciano said his name with a blush.
"Yes?"
"Um…I'm a little scared to sleep alone tonight." He took a deep breath through his nose. "So could I…sleep in your room tonight? With…you?"
Blue eyes slowly widened and he turned to look at the blushing human. "Just to sleep, correct?"
"Mm-hm!"
"I have never slept in my human form before."
Feliciano's eyes shifted. "You don't…have to sleep like that?"
"You'd rather me be like this?" He was surprised to see the human nod. 'I would lose it should he be that close to me.' "Perhaps another night. I will be…up late plotting some military strategies. I'm sure Kiku will spend the night with you whenever he comes back. He said he is here to help protect you as well." Ludwig was surprised at how disappointed Feliciano looked.
"Oh…okay. M-Maybe I'll sleep in Romano's room then."
"Hm. Be sure to tell one of the others to stay with you as well." He looked towards the direction of Sadiq's door. "He can pout with you all night. Forget Ivan and Gilbert, they will be lost in each other for the rest of the day. Let Alfred pout with you as well."
Sipping his cocoa, Feliciano got up and left the room without another word to head to Romano's room. Ludwig had been so very cold to him. Maybe Sadiq was wrong about Ludwig wanting to be with him. He shouldn't be with a demon anyway! It was unnatural! Wasn't it? And there was still the issue of the world destruction and the enslaving of the human race, something he wanted to avoid if he could. But could he really be lying to himself about liking a demon just to be safe from the apocalypse? The only demon he wanted was Ludwig. Ludwig had mentioned going with Alfred or Sadiq but that's not who Feliciano wanted. He wanted to be with Ludwig above all others. Sharing the same bed with him was enticing. He pictured what it would feel like to rest against such a powerful body covered in heat and hard muscles. It made his lower regions tingle.
Later that evening, Alfred had insisted they all order out to some pizza place for dinner. It was a fine idea, since Feliciano was too depressed to care for cooking. If he wasn't feeling happy or excited while he cooked then the food would come out terrible. He was content with his own personal pizza and garlic breadsticks. Now they were taking advantage of the enclosed hot tub on the patio balcony. He, Alfred, Kiku, and Sadiq were currently occupying the Jacuzzi with hot sake Kiku had treated them too. The kitsune wouldn't have any himself but he wanted to gift something to the demons for allowing him to reside in their dwelling. Feliciano had never had sake before and the bitter rice wine had him feeling a little tipsy. Red wine was his specialty. No matter how often he saw these demons he was still amazed by their ever present wounds. The blood from Alfred's bullet wounds never touched or mixed with the water. No 'bits and pieces' of Sadiq's gaping stomach hole bobbed around in the water. Feliciano was actually relieved to have someone more normal looking like Kiku with him. At least the kitsune looked like a cosplayer in costume going to a convention. It was a little easier to take.
"Hey, Feli, what's wrong dude?" Alfred splashed some water at him. "You've hardly said a word since we've been in here. What's eatin' ya?"
"Hm? Oh, nothing.
"It's Ludwig." Sadiq answered for him. "He's being his usual 'I'm so noble and boring' self."
Alfred scoffed. "Please, I know that attitude! Don't worry, Feli. He'll come around! Believe it or not, Ludwig can be very shy when he feels uncomfortable."
"Alfred's right." Sadiq took another sip of sake and silently motioned for Kiku to pour him some more. "Don't feel bad that he say 'no' to sharing a bed."
"Everything happens for a reason." Kiku spoke softly, refilling Feliciano's sake cup. "You should never push an issue. Let it unfold naturally." Alfred snickered behind his hand. "Do you have another option, Mr. Alfred?"
"In all of your 'spiritual enlightenment' searches, haven't you ever heard the expression 'nice guys finish last'?"
Sadiq moved along the water to sit beside Feliciano. "Listen, if you want something, then go after it." Kiku frowned. "There is nothing wrong with Kiku's words of wisdom. It works for many people. However, you've lived your life up until now looking at the backs of everyone else."
"Yeah! You gotta push your way forward sometimes!" Alfred added in. "Or you'll never get ahead."
Feliciano, slightly overwhelmed, glanced at Kiku.
"They speak true." He added. "But not everything can be obtained with force. Force an issue and things may turn out badly. Be patient; keeping your mind and heart open at all times will help lead you on the right path and aid in your quest for what you seek. Wonderful things come to those who wait."
Alfred smirked. "I just kissed him and grabbed his cock." Kiku spit out his sake. "That worked too."
Kiku growled. Sadiq stuck out his tongue. Feliciano blushed hotly, sinking further into the water.
"I will take my leave now." Kiku said calmly, exiting the tub.
"Wait!" Feliciano hurried out of the water. "I'm coming too!" Anything to get away from the mixed advice those two were giving him.
With only Sadiq and Alfred left in the tub, the two fell silent as they relaxed. The scent of jasmine filled the air, but only Sadiq appeared to smell it. He glanced at Alfred, whose eyes were closed. The other hadn't smelt it. He could sense that Heracles was nearby! His lover had sought him out! Now to get rid of Alfred.
"I pissed in the water."
Alfred gasped and flapped his way out. "Ew! Gross! You're such an old man! Learn to control your damn bladder!"
"Sorry, I was getting comfortable and it just slipped out."
"I'll just continue my bath somewhere else inside! That's so gross, dude!"
As if he cared what Alfred thought about it. Now he just had to wait for Heracles to appear. The smell of him was drawing nearer, and soon a form slipped inside. He turned on the demon allure charms, motioning for his lover to join him in the tub. Heracles' cat-like form climbed over the ridge and he settled in the water.
"I've finally found you." Heracles spoke.
"Yes. Now that you are here we can begin to patch things up between us."
"Hm. I would like nothing more."

'If you want something, go after it. If you want something, go after it.'
Feliciano repeated those words over and over again in his mind while standing outside of Ludwig's bedroom door. Gilbert had told him, in passing, that Ludwig had gone to bed and was asleep. This was the perfect chance to go and get 'what he wanted'. He wanted to sleep next to Ludwig. He wanted to spend his nights lying beside someone, wrapped tenderly in their embrace and help him chase away the nightmares. He wanted to be with Ludwig. Gathering up the courage, he opened the door and tiptoed inside, closing it softly. Light snoring came from the bump in the bed. Sticking out from under the top sheet was Ludwig's tail, swaying back and forth lazily. Feliciano felt himself smile.
He removed his robe, leaving on only his tank top and shorts. Sleeping next to someone with a higher than average body temperature would guarantee him waking up in a hot sweat. Being naked was the first logical answer, but he wasn't prepared to tempt Ludwig with his body just yet. Not that that's what he wanted! It was best just to avoid an invitation to that until he was ready. All he wanted was to feel wanted; to feel safe and secure in the arms of another, just like his brother had with Antonio. Slowly, he slipped under the sheets and laid on his belly to face Ludwig.
Ludwig looked peaceful when he was asleep. Despite the horns and a fang peeking out between his lips, he was incredibility handsome. Ludwig slept without a shirt on, showing off his strong collar bones, pecks, chest and shoulders. Feliciano flushed as he imagined tracing each muscle with his finger. Taking it a step further, Feliciano lifted the sheet to peek underneath at Ludwig's waist. The demon wore nothing underneath! There was a dark patch of hair with his 'man parts' nestled inside. Feliciano couldn't bring himself to even think of the word! He pushed the sheet back down with embarrassment, clenching his eyes. Even though it was small and not erect, the tip of it that showed was big. He couldn't imagine what it would look like engorged. He took another peek again, using only one eye to look, and then both eyes when he saw it had grown just slightly. Pushing the sheet back down, he lifted his eyes to see icy blue staring back at him.
End Chapter 8 TBC
*** (1) I'm using Youkai to mean 'demon'. It's how the name is spoken in Saiyuki when referring to demons. It is actually spelled yokai, but I don't have the appropriate symbol needed for the 'o'. It doesn't always mean 'demon', but that's how I'm using it: the Saiyuki way! Weee! So before I'm attacked in a review or email on the issue, there you have it! Peace out!***

EXTRA MINI STORY!
Gilbert and Ludwig
Young Gilbert sat on the floor of his hut, playing with a small wooden horse while trying to ignore the sounds of his mother's labor pain. Being no older than four, he didn't understand in full why his mother was hurting so much to give him a little brother or sister. He was being ignored in the hut despite the people in there with him. There was his father, two women who help his mother, and a midwife. Gilbert had to keep his back to the whole scene for he was not excited or happy in the least to have a little sibling. One of the boys told him that mother and father would forget about him and spend all their time on the new baby. Hearing that had upset him. His parents were always hugging and kissing him. He didn't want that to stop! Gilbert knocked over the wooden figure of a warrior with a grumble.
Finally the labor was over and Gilbert heard his father cheering at the birth of another son. Gilbert turned to look at his father from his spot on the floor, feeling the tears threatening to fall. His father was holding the screaming bundle of cloth, voicing how proud his was to have a strong healthy son. But, HE was the son! Father was always proud of him! Was he really going to be replaced by that tiny bloody bundle in a blanket? Dishearten and angry, Gilbert stomped to his hay bed and lay down upon it. He was so angry! His little fists were clenched tightly in his crossed arms. Why would they all be proud of that tiny thing? The elders had said he was born with a great gift being he had white hair and pink eyes. They said he was touched by the spirits, but now they would all ignore him. He didn't want to see his father or his mother.
By the next day, his mother called him over to meet his new brother, Ludwig. With a frown he climbed on the bed beside her to look at the baby suckling. There was nothing special about it. Yellow hair like his father and mother, chubby pink face- reminded him of a piglet. His mother tried to make him feel better but the truth was that he was jealous. Gilbert tried his very best to hide it but the others knew how he felt. Some months had passed and he still felt nothing for the baby. Soon an entire year went by and he had learned to accept Ludwig, but he still didn't like him. Until one night when he was alone to watch his brother.
Ludwig was squirming in the blankets, making whining noises and gurgling. Gilbert ignored him, playing with his wooden figures on the floor. There was a snapping sound, and then a small 'boom'. Ludwig burst in to high pitched screams. Gilbert turned to see that the leg of his cradle had broken and the Ludwig tumbled out of it. Frowning, he went over to the baby and shouted at him to 'shut up'. When Ludwig didn't stop, Gilbert was forced to pick the heavy brat up. The baby was heavy and he had to bend all the way back to support Ludwig's weight. That made the baby stop crying. Ludwig murmured and cooed, touching Gilbert's face and nose.
"Don't touch me, you little piglet! You're heavy!" He placed Ludwig on his parent's bed to leave him there, but the baby began to cry again. "Stop it! Just be quiet!" He watched the little chubby limbs wiggling in the air. "Ugh! You're SO annoying!" Gilbert climbed on the bed and sat down beside the baby. "There! Happy?" The baby stopped and looked at him. Gilbert frowned. Ludwig smiled, and then laughed.
"Baaaaboooo!"
Gilbert found himself smiling. "Hey…I guess you're a little cute." He covered the tiny naked body with a blanket. "Warmer now?" Ludwig laughed again, and so did Gilbert. The baby lifted his hand to stroke Gilbert's cheek. With that little touch, along with a baby's giggle, he had forgotten all his anger and jealously. He began making silly faces and noises to hear more of Ludwig's laugh. But Ludwig had grown tired quickly and fell asleep. Gilbert just stared at the tiny baby with the blanket, sleeping soundly. Ludwig was completely helpless, Gilbert realized. The baby couldn't walk, run, talk, stand, or anything! He remembered the stories about animals, monsters, and spirits eating babies. "Well, you don't have to worry about that, Luddy! Big brother will keep you safe!"
And he did.
Gilbert carried Ludwig all around with him until he was old enough to walk. Gilbert would always walk behind him, ready to catch Ludwig if he fell. As Ludwig grew, Gilbert found himself becoming more attached to him. He saw Ludwig not only as a little brother but as a friend, and sometimes even as a son. Gilbert spent more time with Ludwig than his parents did. He vowed to always protect Ludwig, no matter how old they got. Gilbert saved him once from a snake by clubbing it. The time Ludwig fell ill he stayed up with him all night until he was better. Whenever Ludwig couldn't sleep Gilbert would allow him in his bed. They would play games, and he'd always let Ludwig win. If any of the other boys bothered him, Gilbert would chase them away. If Ludwig was still hungry after a meal, Gilbert would always share his food. Gilbert couldn't be happier to have such a wonderful little brother whom he loved unconditionally.
Yet the saddest day had to come sometime. To Gilbert, it was the day when Ludwig grew too big to be carried around and refused to sit on his lap anymore. Gilbert could understand it, Ludwig was growing up and would be a man soon. As Ludwig grew, the boy became strong, dedicated, disciplined, educated, and all around independent. Ludwig didn't need him anymore.
Depressed, he sat by the riverbank tossing stones in the water. Someone came up behind him. He could sense who it was.
"Brother, is something bothering you?" Ludwig asked.
"No Ludwig, I'm okay."
"You won't look at me. Did I do something to upset you?"
Gilbert gave a snort. "Nothing you do could upset me." He turned and smiled at him. Although they were still young men, not nearly old enough to fight in battles, Ludwig was slightly taller than him. Once the man reached his adult years, Gilbert could foresee him growing even bigger. "Why aren't you at your birthday celebration?" He pat the spot next to him and Ludwig sat down. They always celebrated Ludwig's birthday when the leaves turned brown. They celebrated his in the winter.
"I saw you weren't there and wondered where you went. You know I do not care about my birthday."
"Ah, but that's the special day you were brought into this world! And I became a very proud big brother!"
Ludwig rolled his eyes. "Yes, brother. You tell me all the time." He saw Gilbert's smile fade away. "Brother? Did I say something to hurt you?"
Gilbert snorted out a laugh. "I guess…I'm a little sad that you're growing up and you don't…seem to need me anymore."
Blue eyes widened. "That's not true, brother!"
"Well, I can't do all the things I used to do with you. Like carry you around and tell stories, make shadow puppets, that stuff. I miss it." He gave Ludwig a sad smile. "But you're growing up. Next year I'll be of a warrior's age and so busy with hunting and training that I won't have much time for you. I guess this is all working out, huh?"
Ludwig picked up a stone in his hand. "Would it make you feel better if I tell you that I worry about you becoming a warrior?" Gilbert titled his head. "Next year you will ride off with father and the other men to fight the Romans. I won't be allowed to go with you. I worry for your safe return. I won't be there to help you if you need me."
Gilbert wrapped his arm around Ludwig's shoulder. "Don't worry about me, bro. The day you go off to battle is the day I get all gray hairs. I'll be so worried about keeping you safe that I'll forget about the battle. You are NEVER allowed to ride off to battle without me beside you, got it? Promise me."
Ludwig nodded. "I promise. But brother, you have to let me grow up sometime. I'm going to be chief of our tribe after father dies and no one will respect me if I have my brother following me around." Even though Gilbert was the first born, he was considered a spiritual figure in the tribe. He would become not only a warrior, but a priest as well. This got Ludwig to thinking. "Brother? May I ask a request of you?"
"Sure, Luddy! What is it?"
"Would you ever…consider not becoming a warrior and just take up the job as the tribal priest?"
Gilbert frowned. "Why would I do that? I'm a healthy and strong young man! I want to help my tribe beat the Romans!"
"Yes, but-" he looked out to the water. "I am the one who is expected to lead our tribe to victory in battle. You are my brother; for all these years you have watched over me, keeping me safe from any and all harm. Now that I am growing up I want to return the favor. If you stay as just the tribal priest…then that will make me happy since I know you'll be safe here. Let me protect you for once."
"Bah! Like I would let you ride off to die without me! Sorry bro, but that's a promise I can't keep. I'm doing both." Ludwig sighed but nodded.
"I understand."
"Come on, let's get back to the celebration! Everyone will wonder where you are!"
So came the day when Ludwig was old enough to become a warrior. Being next in line for chiefdom, he had to go through a special ceremony. Gilbert was very proud of his little brother. Ludwig had grown up big and strong, even bigger than him! Gilbert had blamed his slighter figure on his white features and training as a priest. When it came for his day to take over as head priest, Gilbert insisted that Ludwig be beside him. As he adorned the white fur cloak, colored beads, elder staff, and painted symbols on his skin, his first mission was to bless Ludwig. Gilbert had taken his study of the magical arts to heart, the same as he did his warrior training. He had his mentor, the past priest, help him perfect a protection spell. Gilbert was proud to use it on his brother, asking the spirits to always protect him.
It was the night before the big battle with the Romans and Ludwig had left the tribal camp to stand upon a hill overlooking the land. He was worried about this fight; he felt it all the way down to his core that something bad was going to happen. In his mind he heard screams, a man's cries. He gripped the hilt of his sword on his belt, praying that it was only before-battle nerves.
"Stargazing alone?" Came Gilbert's voice.
Ludwig turned to see his brother in his priestly garb, almost glowing in the light of the moon. Gilbert always appeared to glow when the moon was out. "No. I'm just thinking about the fight tomorrow."
Gilbert stood beside him. "Nervous?"
"I have a bad feeling, that is all. Can you read the stars, brother? Do the spirits tell of something wicked?"
The stars did, but Gilbert couldn't tell Ludwig that he sensed disaster tomorrow. He smiled at him. "No, the stars speak of victory."
Ludwig glanced at him. "Will you stay home tomorrow?"
Gilbert shook his head. "And leave you alone? Never."
"I want you safe."
"And I you." Gilbert stood in front of him, making sure they kept eye contact. "You don't remember being a baby, do you?" Ludwig shook his head. "Well, I remember. I remember how much I hated you at first. Mother and father went on and on about you, the 'normal' son. You were born fatter, healthier, and stronger than me. I hated you for it. I used to look at you in your cradle as you slept, wishing you were never born. I couldn't have hated anything more." He saw how confused and upset Ludwig looked. "But one day, you smiled and laughed at me. You reached out for me, needing my care and love. I couldn't hate you after that. Mother and father didn't just fall in love with you, I did as well. It was my duty as a big brother to always protect you and keep you safe. I'm not going to change all that now. We ride into battle together tomorrow."
"Will you not reconsider? This feeling I have-"
"Means nothing." Gilbert brought his brother in to a hug. "You don't have to be scared when big brother is here. I will always keep you safe. What kind of big brother would I be if I let harm come to you?"
"You promise everything will be alright?"
"I promise." He wouldn't let Ludwig see his tears.
End Extra 1
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