This is my writing blog, where I post multichapters or oneshots, and fufill any requests you give me. For progress, follow my snapchat: worldwidecake. Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/worldwidecupcake
Writing to you as my 7 month old daughter tries to smash my keyboard…yes, she can stand now, I’m proud but it’s all a little bit more difficult.
Anyways,
it’s concerning my continuing to post my stories here. I love tumblr and I still use my personal account, but for me, especially with a child, it’s become more difficult and time consuming to post them here. So I decided altogether to stop.
I shall continue to update and have first chapters for two new stories coming up soon.
If you’re still interested in my stories, I’ll be posting them solely on AO3 now.
Here’s the link just incase:
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
I think 2 of my stories had been updated that I haven’t posted here.
Hope you still continue to enjoy them and don’t mind this change.
Ludwig is the product of a centuries old curse that transforms him into a dangerous werewolf. His only chance for a cure is with Feliciano, heir to the Society of Romulus and Remus, a group of hunters who hunt on the supernatural.
Yes, I know, it has taken a long time…as per usual as it had been. I have some news though, ones that will definitely change how I update from now on. So for the last months, I’ve actually been pregnant. It is a wanted baby, so yes, I’m very happy and excited about it. It’s scheduled to come this weekend and although I’ve had contractions and everything, I haven’t broken water and the contractions are still too far apart, but we’ll see if it’s ready and I’m ready for it. Does this mean I will stop writing? Hell na’, this kid will have to embarrassingly tell people its mom writes fanfiction. But with the baby coming soon, it does mean I will have …way more less time to write than what I have had lately. I haven't been able to lately as much because my boyfriend and I moved in together and were still organizing and preparing the apartment for us and the baby. But not to fear! Updates will come….as long as it takes them…either way, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Warning, there is NSFW
Chapter 16
Breakfast was brought to their room, yet another perk Ludwig was not used to and refused to partake in like some snobby tourist, deciding he could enjoy the time for some extra hours of sleep. Feliciano on the other hand…was used to this. Ludwig wasn’t able to continue in his rest hearing all the clanks of plates, cups and then Feliciano’s delight at whatever was presented. He groaned and sighed, accepting that it was time to wake up and see what the fuss was all about. He washed himself and got himself ready, presentable, something casual. Of course, if they were not hunting and especially if they were somewhere so public, they were not to wear their uniforms. Ludwig had to admit it was quite the relief to go through this part quicker, just a black shirt, black jeans…that was it. He proceeded to cross the hall over to Feliciano, praying and hoping he had some sort of piece of clothing on. At least he did, although just some shorts and a shirt that he must have hastily picked from his luggage just to answer to the server with some decency. He met him currently stuffing his face with a chocolate croissant, the brown cream all over his face, caught frozen and surprised at seeing Ludwig just come in like that. He swallowed, grabbed a napkin to clean himself and sat as appropriate as he should.
“Buon giorno,” he wished.
“Morgen,” Ludwig took a seat on the table he sat, relieved that there was still some food for him to take. He helped himself and Feliciano continued to eat, although calm, silent, somehow awkward.
What was so different this morning? They sometimes shared breakfasts just like these in the Society, way before they even started getting friendly with each other. Was it the new surroundings? The fact that it was just the both of them? Ludwig just decided by keeping to their usual and telling him his plan for the day.
“All right, since we're well up, that means we can already start. Yesterday afternoon I noticed that there were a lot of people in the city. When is the festa della sensa again?”
“This weekend, Saturday and Sunday.”
“Which means that we’ll have a hard time looking for them. Do you think they know about the festivities?”
“Mamma told me they love human festivals, especially ones that have to do with the sea. They try to see them when they can. I’m sure some groups will be willing to come. Mamma told me they learn to hide well so they can manage to be present.”
“So you really think we might see some?”
Feliciano nodded positively, “I’m sure of it! We just have to be attentive and careful.”
“Then let’s go ahead and start looking. There might be some who are inspecting the area or preparing it for others before they come for the festivities. Any ideas of particular places they could come here?”
Feliciano eagerly raised his arm, “I know just the spots.”
There was an excitement and smile to him that Ludwig already suspected was full of plans…that had nothing to do with mermaids.
And he was correct.
The day was used as a sightseeings tour for Feliciano. They went to all the main public places, large aggravating crowds pressing against one another, the only time of peace when Feliciano dragged them inside museums and churches. Yes, gorgeous, spectacular…but no clear vision to the canals for anything suspicious.
He had to admit…a lot of these places he hadn't been given the chance to visit, so indeed it was an opportunity to relax and witness such majestical art, proof of the riches the once Venetian Empire owned. Feliciano surprisingly knew a lot of these paintings, a lot of the history, as if he had painted or lived everything himself. Ludwig found himself intrigued, listening faithfully, even asking questions…only driving them further and further away for the intended purpose of the day.
Feliciano didn't mind the money he had to pay for food…grandpa’s money of course, only wanting to eat the best and Ludwig had to admit that he did exquisitely.
After a rather…enjoyed day, they spent the last of the evening by a dock watching as all the gondolas, boats and ferries passed them by in a scene and calm that Ludwig found utter perfection. He could breathe, relax…and still see if he could spot any mermaids…someone had to do something about the research. Feliciano was surprisingly silent and it was in his curiosity that he finally turned to see what he was doing. He had a black leather sketchbook opened, a pristine pencil in his grasp, lining and shading with meticalation. He was trying to do this exact view, beautiful, wonderful, Ludwig was left in obvious awe at how to perfection Feliciano had made the scene.
“That’s incredible,” he complimented, inching closer to have a better view of it.
Feliciano perked up only slightly, not minding it at all. “Oh!” He looked down to it unimpressed. “Thank you! I just had to do it, especially now with this really great lighting!” He smiled.
“I didn’t know you could draw.”
“I just barely have any time in the Society, but I do love doing it! I wish I could dedicate more time to it. To be honest…I just want to be a painter…” he then offered the sketchbook to Ludwig, acceptance in looking through, for him to witness all kinds of pieces that left him with new awe for each page.
There were a variety of different things that showcased how well Feliciano could draw anything that was offered for him. From flowers, buildings, items, imaginative creatures, animals, wondrous wolves and…people to anatomy perfection. He managed to find some sketches of himself…indeed during lessons, early, back when Feliciano still did not know about his transformations. He couldn't find it in him to scold…these were spectacular, taking his image in such likeliness that it was like staring at a mirror of the past.
“How did you learn to do all of this?”
“Well, I was trapped in a villa with nothing much to do but help my mother with her paintings. I saw her and just…did everything after her,” he shrugged like it was nothing.
He went through a couple more pages….thinking if he should commission something from him to keep for after he leaves. A little token to remember him by…somehow that saddened him a lot.
He took a sudden deep breath that was surprising to Feliciano. He gave him back his sketchbook, careful and treating it truly like a treasure or prize.
“You have an amazing talent, please keep working on it.”
Feliciano smiled back at him that heartstopping way that he was finding harder and harder to hide the blush from.
“I haven't seen anything,” Ludwig reminded.
“Neither did I.”
Ludwig wondered if he truly gave an effort, but let it pass with a sigh. “Then let’s head back to the hotel and call it a day.”
“The waiter this morning told me they would bring us pesto pasta tonight!” He was clearly excited, which gave him the jump to come up to him. “And for dessert, there’s chocolate-” the side of his eye caught something, a droplet, a movement, swift and picking up with a sense that was from a hidden part of himself that was the hunter. He turned completely to it, but all he saw was a new ripple in the water. Perhaps sudden movement from a boat, a fish or…
“Chocolate what?” Ludwig suddenly asked, bringing Feliciano back to what he had been doing.
“Uh…” Should he tell him? But there was nothing.. “Chocolate pudding! …I think…” he decided to simply follow Ludwig back to the hotel and not think about what could have been any longer.
The dinner was great, the chocolate pudding a treat that they did well to enjoy on the balcony facing the canal. Calm, beautiful, peaceful, only chatter interrupted, talks of far off places Ludwig had visited, the most annoying people in the Society and should they change that very old sign in the main square of the Society den. Laughs, enjoyment, Feliciano was in one of those moments where all he wanted to do was lay his head against his chest. The table did a good divide to halt such temptations. They saw as the sky darkened into night, and yet conversation continued in such a delightful way that Ludwig kept pushing what was supposed to be his own curfew. By the time he took a quick glance at his watch, the lateness was indeed much more than what he had expected, he realized that he had to cut this wonderful time short.
“We should be heading to bed.”
Feliciano showed his disappointment. “Do we really have to?”
“Yes. Tomorrow is another day that we have to use. We might be luckier and find something once were of better sorts.” He stood, bringing with him plates and glasses to put back in the cart for a waiter to pick up.
Feliciano pouted but had to sigh and settle with the routine of the night.
It hadn’t been that late, but enough for Ludwig to think that Feliciano should be dead asleep by then. He was still awake reading some reports on his phone, things that were going on in the Society and perhaps his next mission for when he returned. He was well tucked in bed, gel cleaned off, showered, sleeping tank top and pants on. Perhaps some more messages to read and then the phone would be off for the night. He was just in what he decided would be the last message when he received the visit.
Feliciano’s hair was already a mess from whatever sleep he had just taken, only an open white shirt and his bright red underwear…clear in the darkness.
“What is it?” Ludwig asked, not as perturbed as he thought he would be.
“Um…” Feliciano fidgeted with his hands, unsure of what to do with them to word what he wanted to say, this impulse and want that he just couldn't hold back in his room any longer. “Can I sleep with you?”
“Sure.”
Where did that come from? Why did he answer so readily to…such a question. Did either of them understand what they just asked and agreed to? Part of Ludwig thought it was innocent, perhaps he was scared, perhaps he was used to sleeping with his brother or grandfather or mother or something. But then there was the other way it could be interpreted… and if it was that…why? Why did he just…let him? He hadn’t remembered drinking anything alcoholic for dinner…was he poisoned? Hypnotized. Something must have gone wrong! He couldn’t just…he couldn’t just…Feliciano was already moving towards the bed, elated, confident…and now that Ludwig thought about it, he doubted he could fall asleep knowing he had…him…laying next to him. Those legs, that body, those arms, his hair, his eyes…all…maybe Feliciano would keep his space, a breath of relief as he locked his phone for the night. He didn’t have to worry about that, he smiled knowing he could just- that was too close. Feliciano practically glued to his side, taking his arm and already cuddling as if he was one of the pillows that laid under their heads. He already sighed and made himself comfortable as if he was next to any other…not his own…teacher. Ludwig twitched and tried to think of a way to deal with this. Yes, deal with this, he couldn’t just lay there and let him…do this to him.
“Feliciano…what are you doing?” He managed to ask.
“Laying next to you,” said with an obvious tone that he didn’t know how to reply to.
“Um…” he gripped his hands, turned to the other side, not wanting to continue to be captivated, still trying to find words, excuses. “Yo-you…you shouldnt be laying next to me like that.”
Feliciano turned pensive and Ludwig had given a mental cheer in getting him to finally understand.
“Is this better perhaps?” He swiftly turned his entire body until both his legs were on either side of him, this time all over him.
No…this was much worse and he had to- he suddenly sat up, having Feliciano well comfortable and tight on his lap. He didn’t know what impulse made him bring his hands to his waist, grounding him more into his sitting, into a connection of their groins that was not making the situation any better. They both reddened at the realization, obvious to both, a lock of their eyes, faces close to take every glimpse, every crevice of their structures, every breath felt, time frozen to them, the wind, the waters of the canal, all nothing compared to this moment.
“I…I…” what was he to say? What was he to do? Every careful, planned out idea was lost in some abyss in favor of the moment, of having Feliciano like…he had to be honest…dreamed of having him. On him, gazing like no one else mattered, king in their minds, intimate, close.
Their lips were there, plump and calling, the moonlight that came through making them shine that more and neither could resist it any longer.
Slow, serene as the city, they came close until their lips touched in innocent magic, soft and calm, a quick departure with hazed visions, trying to realize if it had been a dream or not.
No…it wasn't, yet the moment was as beautiful as it had been one.
Without caring of dreams, responsibilities, what they were, who they were, their lips crashed yet again, this time with ignited passion. They mended and let themselves taste and smack. Feliciano tightened the grasp of his arms around Ludwig, and Ludwig let his hand take a raising caress from the swoop of his hips, to his neck, until he could grab those curls to himself, harshened to make the kiss more intense, to pull Feliciano much more to him, grinding then, not being able to resist the quick other hand that went to take his rear. The moan Feliciano shared was of the most delightful, one that made him lick and bite for more, Feliciano gripping along with the harshness of nails. He found that the more enticing. Ludwig began to mark on his neck, the part of him that was territorial, that wanted all that body only for himself, twisting them until it was Feliciano who laid below him. He caged him and Feliciano did not mind it at all. He quickly brought them back to the glue of their lips, continuing their mend and moans and nothing seemed to break it this time. They kept it locked even as Feliciano released himself of the blouse, as Ludwig practically ripped apart those shorts, as Feliciano removed his own shirt, Ludwig having to help him with the removal of his own shorts.
Naked, every inch of their bodies against one another, Ludwig between him in a sudden freeze…wanting to gaze at Feliciano in all his wonderful bareness. The moonlight only showcased him as a gift, a bestowing that for a moment he wondered how he managed to deserve. He gazed down at him and ogled at softness, voluptuousness, skin in some areas beautifully plump, others thin and accenting him as a descendant of gods. All while Feliciano tried not to let himself faint at the utter power, muscle and strength all across him. Ludwig was powerful…and Feliciano wanted all of it, he was desperate, and not wanting more silence, brought his arms around him again and pulled him back to the feast of their lips, of fingers traversing, of their skin exploring more of each other through grinds and pushes. They hardened and they both rolled their eyes at the luck and perfection in their groins.
They wanted more, they wanted a peak. Neither bothered to think that they absolutely had no experience. It was somehow as if the moment had given them the knowledge, the light guiding, and Ludwig knew enough to check one of the drawers for any lube. They were lucky. It was a small bottle at the very back side along with some condoms. Ludwig wanted to be quick with them…before they brought back any sort of sense when he was riding on an absolute high of Feliciano. He instantly went to prepping him with his fingers, leaning over his mouth to hear those mewls clear, to know where to move, avoid hurting him and gaze to the heaven his face was. Something he must be doing right with the way Feliciano heightens, grips and begs for more in the shine of his eyes.
That’s it! He knows he’s ready.
He hovers over him as he prepares himself, as he dares his mind to think…but it seemed the wild part of his werewolf took over, for as he looked down at Feliciano, still in want and expecting, there was no way he could find something to deny this any longer. Careful, he managed to begin his initial plunge, already rolling his eyes at this great warmth, and Feliciano moaned, accepting it with great pleasure, just perfect, just wonderful. They remained in that freeze, just living that amazing first height, first wave of ecstasy, feeling levitated and forever lost to the world. They gazed into their eyes and for a moment…it was like magic, amazing and perfect, diving for another kiss as Ludwig began the first of his thrusts. Here they shouted, it intensified more with their continuous gazes and lock of lips, beginning a slow rhythm that was beautiful and comforting.
As Ludwig got more confident in the hold, he thrashed, he forced himself much harder, louder getting Feliciano’s shouts.
For a moment he feared they could be heard out into the canals, quickly gazing as if the very water could catch him and tell the news for the whole society to hear, but another shout from Feliciano brought him back to this delicacy, this wonder…and he just had to continue, an award for himself to enjoy and not wonder about anything else.
Another splendorous sunshine welcomed him the next morning. The chirp of the birds was somehow more splendid, the heat not as piercing and overall he just felt a new refresh along with the new day. Ludwig woke with an internal smile…that was rare. He was not bothered by the bright light, the shouts of tourists and gondoliers coming in from the opened window or the breeze that seemed to help him breathe, to awaken, stir and enjoy this new warmth in his bed.
Warmth…he was naked…he caught the scent of another, of…his eyes widened in shock, and there before him was Feliciano in his same state, still fast asleep. The way his hair fell on his face was spectacular, and with the added sun, it shone like a halo…beautiful and…oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Ludwig suddenly sat up, horrified despite, the memory of last night filling and reminding, proof still in the very union of the bed they shared. He began to pull his hair, turning about hoping that this was just still…some really nice dream and when he awoke…he’d be alone and Feliciano would be in his own room. But the longer he stared, at Feliciano’s body only half covered…gorgeous still, the more real it was becoming, the sensations alive through his body, his breaths seeming to beg for more of that body. And no! No! No more, he couldn't let this keep going, he had to somehow…disinfect his whole body from this, pretend it didn't happen, that it was just- moans, movements, Feliciano was awakening. He panicked, shouted and even fell off the bed. It was just the shake to have Feliciano completely sitting up.
“Lu-Ludwig, are you all right?” He asked, seeming not at all bothered….about anything but simply that Ludwig was not on the bed anymore.
Ludwig sat up, messed and with piercing eyes, clearly shocked and disturbed. Feliciano instantly panicked and tried to come closer, reaching his arm to try and help. Ludwig, instead, threw a pillow at it and stood, picking his underwear from somewhere on the floor and putting them on.
“We-we…were late!” He tried to excuse, rushing to the bathroom, closing the door and creating quite a ruckus in the room that only brought more confusion to Feliciano. He sighed and thought to simply join him, but it was in that moment that he felt a sudden cramp…right by his waist and towards…he instead smiled at it. He blushed, and as if he was in crowded streets, he covered his redness, yet his grin escaped through it, almost like a full blown laugh that could be heard throughout if it wasn’t for the water running from Ludwig’s shower.
They did that…they did that last night…and it had been amazing, euphoric, a heightening that Feliciano had not been intending to witness. But he went through it, took all that passion and desire and well…as his grin became one of seduction and pleasure, he couldn’t wait for another chance.
He gazed to the bathroom door hoping for another retreat into Ludwig’s arms.
No…they did have to hurry.
Feliciano went to his own bathroom to prepare, with a jump expecting much from the day.
Ludwig is an archeologist who gets a big assignment of researching a recently discovered statue. As he is doing his usual inspection with his touches against the stone, he ends up breaking part of a curse that turns the statue human.
Feliciano was cursed long ago, why and how he does not know, continuing to suffer transformations from stone to skin. Ludwig intends to fix this and find answers. Together they will traverse Europe looking for clues, stories and even an adventure that would help them solve the mystery and break the full curse before it’s too late.
Chapter 7
Unlike how most of them reacted, Francis only stayed still. They expected a quick shout, a fall, a panic… Francis ended up getting along smoothly with Feliciano.
Those moments Feliciano was granted life, they spent it together, chatting and spending time as if they were very old friends.
After the discovery, he was swift to hear what they all had to say, not a moment tiring or panicking, only asking questions, needing a handkerchief to rub off the sweat gained and water to drink and…spray at himself. He hadn’t woken up, so he accepted the fact that this insanity was actually happening.
The first thing he wanted to say was his trust that it would all remain hidden and that they could count on his help for the continuation of their journey.
The good thing about having one of the main organizers know the secret of the Angel of Venice was that now everything could be tightened, new displays could be brought, curtains, visitor entrance better controlled, and more they counted on Francis’s presence as one of the watching members.
Feliciano was given more comforts, food of dreams, a new array of wardrobe, new paint materials, his own hotel room (He still always ended in Ludwig’s room), and a magnificent tour of Paris with a native that did well to explain the history, the beauty and art in every single corner.
In one part, Ludwig scorned and infuriated whenever the Frenchman put a hand on Feliciano’s waist, his gazes ongoing, flirting along like he was but another conquest he was trying to fulfill. In another, it was great Feliciano was opening, making new friends, exploring a new city, shining beautifully in his new clothes and more chances of being a human of their times. Francis had gone as far as getting him his first cellphone, Feliciano quick to glue himself, learning fast its uses and exciting himself with all the things he found.
Those days were bliss, Paris making it more that coat of pink that made them forgetful of everything else. But this night was meant to be their last. It was the one with the biggest crowd, the finest, as well as the one they had to keep their eyes most attentive on, worried over another threat, or Keron presenting himself again.
It was now late, all had gone through the exhibition, a last presentation by Francis and some words by Ludwig done. By now, all were in the halls busy with drinks, snacks and chatter. Music played, people were distracted in gorgeous dresses and perfectly fitted suits to really pay attention to what occurred behind the now closed doors of the exhibition. Ludwig had let the red curtain before the statue fall, as precaution for if anyone entered, as currently the statue was alive, sitting in his own case, a blanket wrapped around him as he swiped through the photos of his sketchbook on his new phone.
“This is outstanding! And you drew absolutely all of them?” Francis questioned as he sat beside him, an arm behind and leaning too close, Ludwig thought. He tried to hide his grimace as he paced behind them, pretending to be focused on removing items. Everything was supposed to be cleared so the hall would be ready for the next exhibition.
“Yes, but I still don’t remember doing all of them. There’s still so much we have to find out, so much we still don’t know.”
“You poor thing,” Francis let a hand caress at the side of his face for comfort. Feliciano didn’t mind it, smiling and letting himself lean. “I only wish there was more I could do to help.”
“You’ve done more than enough, I have to admit,” Ludwig said.
“Just a silly exhibition! Not any answers.”
“Well, we did find out we might have a mad treasure hunter on our trail.”
“I can assure you I will not let that man get any close to Feliciano,” Francis promised.
“So will I.”
Francis had never seen Ludwig more determined, standing strong and proud and well…dare he say, handsome even. He was surely not the only one thinking so, for he noticed the wonder, the stars in Feliciano’s eyes as he gazed onward to surely his shining knight. He stopped any tapping on his phone, it was like Francis was gone, his entire being breathing and living only for the other that went organizing about. In that moment…Francis realized something…raising a finger to hide the smirk that risked growing larger, making it obvious to the two who still continued to ignore him.
“Aaahhh, it’s like a fairytale!” Francis still let moan out, enchanted as if it was a beautiful drama played out before him in a theater.
“What are you going on about?” Ludwig was back to getting easily annoyed by him.
“This!” Francis extended his arms to the both of them, “an adventure that could come only from the words of my belle mémé.”
Ludwig feared he would soon burst into tears.
“Whose belle mémé?” Yet Feliciano wondered curiously.
“My grandmother! Always went on with stories of princesses being saved by princes, or female warriors fighting against dragons, cats that spoke to children, or…German Kings falling for Italian painters.”
“That last one was oddly specific…” Ludwig couldn’t help but notice.
“Because it is perfect for our fairy tale right here!” Francis hoped he had introduced with wonder.
“Get to the point!” Ludwig angered.
Francis was insulted at such a barbaric response. What kept him afloat was the assuring smile Feliciano gave him, truly eager and with eyes and ears open for the tale.
“Fine! There’s this story, of the many my sweet grandmother would tell me, about a German King who ruled with the iron first of his kind. Unmerciful, ruthless, pure dark evil and ferocity that kept little me crying every time my mémé mentioned it,” he moaned as if he was going through that childish pain again. “But, after all, he was a King, and he had to keep some sense of diplomacy. His kingdom had been looking for a trustworthy trade route from one of the duchies in the north of Italy, and so, to prove their worth to the merchants of the time, they offered their castle as a stead for anyone that was making route upwards through the continent, promising loyalty and protection from any kind of threat. The Italians of the time felt confident in the King’s wrath and power, and so accepted. The very first group they received were painters from Florence, a master with his five apprentices.”
Feliciano’s eyes suddenly widened, for something had reached him, he suddenly had a memory of chatter…with five others…something about how the passage through the alps had been difficult…but that soon they would be comfortable.
“All were excellent masters, all had art that intrigued and fascinated the King, but one, a mere youth of eighteen, had proven to be the master of his heart.” Francis bellowed, leaving silence…as if expecting applause. Ludwig remained as unperturbed, if anything he got more annoyed when Francis added this completely unnecessary theatrics.
“Francis…please just focus on the rest of the story.”
“Ugh,” Francis annoyed but continued, “anyways, one of the apprentices caught his eye, for, as my mémé would say, he had been divine, gorgeous, the most angelic of all creatures the King had ever seen. I wondered many times if it had been love at first sight. But the King also loved him for his whim, his joy present at the harshest, his knowledge, deep as any he would read in his books, and an energy that could rival the sun.”
To Ludwig…it was as if he was describing…he laid his eyes on Feliciano…who he then noticed was lost, distant…yet the words brought a pain that began to grow with each grip he gave to the seat he took.
“And the apprentice? He had taken a glimpse to the kindness, the comfort and warmth of someone who many had seen as cold and evil. Their minds were of the same intelligence, of the same understanding, one that connected and brought forward the apprentice to the king’s clutches of desire…”
Ludwig found it hard to pay attention as Francis went on with short stories of strolls through forests and castle halls, his worry lay fully on Feliciano, whose shakes turned stronger, his eyes the more lost…placing himself…remembering.
“-the group went on with its journey…but the apprentice and the king could not stand to separate without knowing if they will see each other again. They promised contact with letters. Mémé told me the king sent the apprentice poems upon poems confessing all the show of his devotion and the apprentice replied with the same ardiant love.”
Feliciano put his hands to his chest, as if forcing his heart to remember a name…just a name, the push so much it looked painful.
When Ludwig and Feliciano thought they could have more answers, more stories, more romance, Frances sighed just as broken, “but alas, the ending is one of tragedy.”
And they both looked up with that disappointment that always came at the words, but Francis was surprised to see how deep the hurt rang in their eyes.
“They met one last time as the apprentices came from a trip further north to then return to Italy. They had promised to meet again afterwards, saying goodbye gleefully with that hope. The king had a place ready for him in his court, and the apprentice surely counted and worked well the coming year to manage it…but suddenly, he had disappeared.”
Too familiar, it connected too well. Feliciano had inched closer, a show of begging for more words to this story than just that bitter ending, more reveal, a change that wasn’t what had happened.
“Many versions of the story say he died out of a sudden sickness, others that he had been murdered in jealous rage or that he had drowned himself, perhaps in the misery of not seeing his beloved.”.
“And the king?” Ludwig questioned.
“Went crazy with the heartbreak. He died himself that very year.”
No…no…no…Feliciano shook and…tears fell down his cheeks. Ludwig couldn’t take it, he reached for him, offering a hand, an embrace, one that Feliciano accepted even if the pain that took him was too much to bring his arms around his large figure.
“What…what is wrong?” It was now that Francis noticed Feliciano’s state. Neither could answer, especially as Feliciano began to breathe heavily.
“I know this…I know this…” he managed to utter in between sobs.
“It’s okay, I’m here, I will listen, tell me what you can,” Ludwig comforted with a concentrated warm embrace. All that mattered to him that instant was him, keeping those tears, purging what he could so he could be at ease, smiling and heartfelt as he had learned he truly was. Ludwig didn’t understand how seeing Feliciano like this was like feeling this exact sting, hoping he could eradicate it all with a tighter embrace.
“His name was Ludwig…his name was Ludwig too…and he…meant the world to me.”
“Are you telling me Feliciano is the very apprentice from my Mémé’s stories?” Francis still paced hard, trying to understand it, sweating at the coincidence, at the chance. It was a feeling that was mutual across the whole group as they sat in their break room. Feliciano had turned and was placed in a special storage for now.
“Feliciano only reacts strongly like that when he starts getting memories. The memories he got this time was of this…Ludwig, king, guy…” some didn’t miss the way Ludwig said the name of the king with scorn and anger. “He told me everything later... I can assure you it’s him.”
Francis had to sit down to let it continue to settle.
“That explains why he can speak German,” Roderich raised his eyes.
“That’s sweet, he did it for love,” Laura dreamed and Ludwig groaned.
“It was useful. He had been staying in that king’s court for months.”
“This can help us. We can find out more. Francis, in your grandmother’s stories, did she ever mention what court it was?” Tim directed his question to him, Francis sitting, holding tight to a handkerchief to deal yet with the news.
“Sadly no, she never gave me any specifications. She didn’t even say the king’s or apprentice’s name.” And that’s when he suddenly remembered, releasing his tightness on the handkerchief, analyzing it before he uttered. “She did mention a town sometimes.”
“Where?” Ludwig stood in demand for that answer.
“Heidelberg.” He was sure.
“And that’s where we're heading next!” Ludwig already decided, with a turn as if to leave that very moment back to Germany.
“And what exactly are we going to look for there?” Roderich stopped him before he went any further.
“For this King. There has to be information about him there. In turn we find out if there’s something about Feliciano. Maybe he can even get more memories by being there.” He refused to look at anyone in the face, afraid of what they would assume with his expression.
“And…do you actually want to know?...Do you want him to remember King Ludwig?” Laura dared to ask, sensing what Ludwig hid in himself.
There was a silence that gave enough answer.
“Yes…yes,” he answered, “it’s important for Feliciano. And now we have to hurry. Whatever is going on, we have to find out before Khaos does.”
How noble to put Feliciano above his own feelings. They all shared grins in knowing their next destination.
“Come on, let’s go.”
It was a spectacular sunny day, the kind that had Tim, Feliciano and Ludwig wearing short sleeves, Francis and Laura wearing their most expensive sunglasses…and Roderich wearing shorts. They looked like yet another of the tour groups vagabonding around the castle, fanning themselves with pamphlets and maps and staring on expecting some kind of performance from the ruins they saw. Feliciano did walk by with experience. Even though he couldn’t really remember everything to great detail, somehow he just knew where to stand, where to go, ignoring all maps…which in turn had him wandering to places that were now marked off from tourists or were not there any longer.
Feliciano presented to be both ecstatic, cheerful on the beauty, on the day, but there was a sting in knowing that it had changed, that it was not the place he had been to before. He had finally returned…but his King had long been gone and it left him with a melancholy that pained Ludwig to see. When he stared at the castle, he did so with anger, as if blaming it for all the hurt it was causing on Feliciano.
“Ludwig, no matter how much you glare at these walls, it’s not going to do anything about your devious hatred for the king,” Francis had to comment.
Ludwig groaned, “I’m not-” he didn’t want to bother. “What are you even doing here?” He directed his glare instead to the newly added person to their ventures.
Francis scoffed, “I will not leave Feliciano alone to your lust!” It was hard for Ludwig to see him as a protective figure when he was waving his hand on himself trying to find some fresh air to this heat.
“Is that…really all your concerns?” Like he would ever.
“I am also the director of the museum that the statue currently belongs to. As such, it is just my responsibility as yours to take care of it and make sure that we get to the bottom of this research venture.” He then took a look at Feliciano, chatting on with Laura happily, both taking grips to the rails that separated them from the old moat. “…I also just have a sweet spot for him…I want to make sure he’s well…as do you,” he winked. Ludwig blushed and turned away, back to the mission.
“Are we really here just to stare at old walls?” Tim already complained.
“No. Roderich and I made an appointment with the archives here, as well as the basement with other old items. We’re hoping to find something there.” Ludwig leaned on the rails, trying to imagine a distant past in this ground. Kings and Queens, servants and knights…Feliciano in his past, a gorgeous smile on his face as he ran towards his King. He could imagine an embrace, a kiss intense with passion. He looked away from it, deciding on settling his gaze on the green grass below him.
“Take Feliciano around. Bring him inside the castle. See if you can get him to remember something. Pay attention to my schedule and when he could transform. Roderich, Let’s go.” He motioned to Roderich, and the both of them left in the direction to the offices. Ludwig didn’t spare anything to Feliciano, who was left hurt, staring behind him as if calling yet for even a glance. But Ludwig was gone with no answer. Laura could tell well the hurt in Feliciano’s expression, placing her hand with his in comfort.
“Come, let’s see what we can find!” And just like that, Laura lifted Feliciano’s spirit, both hurrying like the children they sometimes passed. With the same smiles, Tim and Francis followed.
Ludwig and Roderich entered the castle, down old halls, passing old cellars and whatever old empty rooms with meanings that were forever lost. It was at the deepest part where the archive and offices lay. They showed their identifications and papers and were left in without another word. A secretary led them to the specific collection they asked, which was that of Feliciano’s Ludwig.
The King had lived a relatively short life, left no heirs or a large collection of items to fill up entire halls. He had a younger sister who the lineage continued with. The only items on him were all located in a distant corner…just a small collection of documents, books and small items like an old dark cape, jewelry and some pens. The secretary left them to themselves…she didn’t expect them to do much with what was left there.
“Is this really it?” Ludwig questioned.
Roderich looked to the next collection just in case, “seems like it.”
Ludwig groaned, “what can we possibly find here?” He harshly took a seat on a nearby chair, taking the first book he made contact with, landing it on the desk to start reading. To his misfortune, it was only a group of letters written to different royals across middle Europe. There was only tedious trade and politics he cared nothing for. Roderich had settled on taking a book holding different letters written to this King by the very people of the town. Hopefully any of them will mention something.
“Calm down. You know this kind of thing is never easy.” Roderich took his own seat and calmed, proving his own patience. “Something is clearly troubling you.”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Really? Then what was on that letter you so harshly put away?”
Ludwig wasn’t concentrating, letting every single one pass on like nothing. He pouted and focused his attention then on actually reading, deciding to ignore whatever Roderich wanted him to talk about.
“It’s Feliciano.”
“No, it’s not.”
“You’re jealous.”
“I’m not. Why would I be jealous over a guy that lived almost four hundred years ago?”
Roderich shrugged, “it pains you to know that Feliciano already had someone he cared about in that way…perhaps a way you wanted to be cared for by him. So finding out more about this King Ludwig will only show more of the kind of relationship they used to share…and you would just be aching.”
Ludwig groaned, holding himself from slamming the book he had hard against the desk. This was ancient and he could get fined by the archives…and it did have historical worth. “Would everyone stop assuming that I have feelings for Feliciano? Haven’t I already talked about how weird it is?”
“Oh, come on Ludwig, it doesn’t really matter.” Roderich found nothing of worth there and went over to the next book.
“Not when it can distract me from the mission at hand here.” Ludwig pointed to the area they were in, all the books they were going through.
“The mission is Feliciano. All our attention is going to him. If you happen to care a lot more for him…then, shouldn’t that help us?” Roderich questioned.
It was at this moment that Ludwig took out a chest from the shelves, well preserved despite its years. He opened it with ease, no lock holding it. “But that kind of attention insinuates-” he read Feliciano Valenti in the very first stack of letters. Ludwig went for it as quickly as he would for the very man, tracing the name, trying to tell himself it was real and he had read it. It wasn’t the only, many other letters joined in the same writing, some bigger, some smaller, some with small packages.
“Roderich, look!” He brought the chest to him, already handing a pile to his cousin. He was careful and delicate with them, his eyes widening at the name, looking over to Ludwig with relief that they had found something. He was quick to open the first letter…it was a poem, describing the beauty of the sea, then changing to the canals of Venice, to them compare it all to Feliciano, love devotion and beauty that had Roderich gasping with emotion. Ludwig gripped his hands to not act on the first aggressive impulse. They quickly went on to the next one, this time another poem, the pain and ache of letting go clear. It was surely sent around the first time Feliciano left the castle. Another poem was of anger, jealous rage that crucified whoever man the King had been talking about here. They were both surprised at the amount of jealous poems, the utter violence in his hatred that even had them shaking centuries later.
“There’s a lot of these poems,” Roderich realized, holding on to a whole pile of them.
Ludwig then began going through a whole new pack of them…only to realize, “these are not the King’s.” It was not his style, these romances much more simpler, nothing compared to what surely the King had felt. He had his proof when at the end of these poems, a variety of different names were signed…and all were dedicated to Feliciano.
“What is going on here?” Roderich was shocked and confused.
“I have no idea…but we have to show these to Feliciano.”
Ludwig is the product of a centuries old curse that transforms him into a dangerous werewolf. His only chance for a cure is with Feliciano, heir to the Society of Romulus and Remus, a group of hunters who hunt on the supernatural.
Chapter 15
And thus officially their schedule worked as so. Feliciano would pop into Ludwig’s library as if it was his own place, get comfortable, put his feet up…sometimes even take a nap in there…sometimes even when there was nothing to learn, nothing to practice on the terrace. Feliciano would come just for breaks, read, look through his collection, always something taking his interest and filling the day with questions to Ludwig. And Ludwig was not disturbed at all. He would greet him…lately in a kiss of cheeks that…he was still getting used to, recommending him books or items, no problem at all as he answered all his questions, chattering on either until dinner or late in the night.
Every morning, as Feliciano would wake up, the first thing to excite him was seeing his teacher, rushing to meet him…lately even arriving early to his classes…even when they were supervised ones. In these last few days…Feliciano found himself letting his gaze linger a little too much on Ludwig. His eyes followed him even as he caught just glimpses perhaps from the dining hall or when he was at one of his grandfather’s offices, staring down at his trail through the glasses as he made his way throughout the Society on whatever business he was attending to. He was beginning to find his tallness and robust body somehow protective and warming…dreaming of being drenched in those arms. His eyes intense, being capable of holding him in concentration. He dreamed of staring into them always, connected and lost forever to their depths. When his grandfather insisted his time on other things, Feliciano was angry and pouting the entire time wondering when he could go back to Ludwig, back to their space, their chats and whatever their time could omit.
Feliciano was beginning to get used to Ludwig’s transformations, sometimes even knowing when they were to come by seeing certain twitches. He had shown him the chamber with the charms that helped to contain it, he even saw it in the works one night where Ludwig couldn't go outside as quickly. But of course, this was not the common answer and there were times that Feliciano watched as Ludwig had no other choice but to bring his transformation to the far forest surrounding the base. He had lately taken to waiting for him by the gates, early or late as it could be, desperate and more than anything wanting to see him walking back, albeit tired and wasted, like he had just come out mauled by yet another pack of werewolves. Luckily, till now, they hadn't met another like the ones that had attacked Feliciano last time. And well…Ludwig was beginning to expect Feliciano there everytime he returned, an embrace, a welcome, a hold of hands that was kind of like a married couple. He was starting to get used to him in a way that he always wanted, someone always there no matter how he would arrive. Days he wasn’t there he felt empty, looking through every corner hoping Feliciano would pop out to surprise him. Even when he was just sitting in his library going through a book, Ludwig just wanted to hold his hand all the time, wanted to kiss those curls, wanted to hold his delicateness for himself and never let him leave this haven they have created.
Neither still wanted to address what exactly this sudden want meant. Whatever feelings they danced around and avoided as they would turn their heads away when they caught longing gazes.
There was this route through the surrounding forest of the society, safe, usually taken by many to relax or enjoy the fauna in the area. It was a lovely day, warm, perfect for the stroll Feliciano insisted they took.
“You know, your grandfather has been really impressed with your progress lately,” Ludwig wanted to mention, with a smile and of course pride, shown in the way he walked beside Feliciano.
And that was another thing, these compliments, simple, the expected from a teacher, but having Feliciano faltering, blushing and without words to say. “I mean…it’s pretty much the same we did before.” Nothing left an impression on him.
“Yet, they are so much more detailed, descriptive and knowledgeable…I can tell heavily that you actually care about what you’re being taught this time.”
“I kind of still don’t to be honest.”
Ludwig chuckled, “still, what’s so different this time?”
“Because I’m trying to help you. I really want to get rid of this curse and I want to do it the best way I can.”
“I admit you’re well reaching that…we might even get the curse broken earlier.” And Feliciano smiled high, this the best of the words he had heard. “And since we have time to spare…you’ve been cleared to make your first field assignment.”
Feliciano almost stopped the entire track. “Really? I thought I would only be allowed once I reached the next level.”
“Your grandfather has decided to make an exception, as a reward for your progress. He also says it might help you to go through the next level quicker.”
Feliciano scoffed, “as if I’m staying that long to do that.”
Ludwig has taken to chuckling when Feliciano mentions their plan of leaving as soon as the curse is broken.
“So what is the plan for this field assignment?” There was a jump in his voice, excitement, to fly as they reached the ending of this route. It was at a cliff, a spectacular view of a valley, the sky blue, shining upon it like a jewel they had just found as a reward for their walk.
Ludwig shrugged, “it’s all your pick. You decide the location, what exactly you want to hunt or research, even who you go with.”
“I thought you would automatically go with me…being my tutor and all.”
“Although I do have to guide you through the process, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to choose me as your partner. You could decide to go with your brother, or Gilbert, or Elizabeta, even Keron if you so wished.”
Feliciano grimaced with disgust at the mention of that name. He was slightly insulted that Ludwig would even suggest him.
“What? He’s an astounding hunter, one of the best in the Society, even your grandfather praises him.”
“But also exceptionally rude, disrespectful and even…disgusting.”
“Disgusting?”
“I don’t like the way he just plays around with people’s feelings. Taking whoever he wants without a care of how he hurts other people.”
The way Feliciano hurt, Ludwig thought, “um…have you…?”
Feliciano jumped in embarrassment, “no, no, of course not! He did ask me out once.”
For some reason, Ludwig got extremely irked about that, trying to hide it in a simple twitch.
“I denied it…and he got really angry.”
“Did he do anything to you?” He got protective.
“No. He just glared at me for a bit.”
“Has he tried anything else afterwards?”
“I think he wants to ask again, but I avoid him at every chance I get.”
Ludwig smiled and didn’t bother worrying about it longer.
“But…can I just choose you for the field mission?” He shyly asked.
Ludwig had to grip his own hands to avoid having a blush spread over. “Are you sure? I can be…pretty strict…and it is a trip you should enjoy.”
“Sometimes, but it’s not bad. I know I will have a lot of fun with you.” Feliciano gleamed at him with that smile and Ludwig was harshening the grip.
“It will be just the two of us. We might have to share a room and stick with one another for the entire thing.”
Feliciano shrugged, “I don’t mind. I want you.”
And at that phrase, he dared stare into Ludwig’s eyes, the blond caught in his lock, not daring to turn away from such a beautiful and even…seductive shine.
They both broke it apart before this creeping warmth tried to take them over again.
Ludwig cleared his throat, “then um…we should go back and start preparing for it.”
Feliciano went himself to tell his grandfather he had chosen Ludwig for the field assignment. He was surprised at first, having been expecting he would send him with Lovino. He didn’t mind though, thinking it a great opportunity actually…but when he talked about rooming…he mentioned he would get them separate rooms. Feliciano found it odd, but guessed it as a perk of being the grandson. Now it was a matter of choosing where and what exactly would they be researching or looking for. For that, Ludwig had welcomed him one day to the library with a whole stack of books, scrolls and pamphlets of recommendations and suggestions, the slam against the table rather startling for the smaller.
“All right, so,” he very professionally took out a notepad with a pen, surely having filled to the brim with all kinds of ideas. “I recommend we stay somewhere close to the Society, preferably not out of Europe. Places that I can suggest, Brussels, Prague, Geneva, Bath, Edinburgh-” he went on, the cities flying past Feliciano’s head as he reached for one of the many books in the stack…wanting to get his own idea. “-Verona, Bucharest, Bremen, Rome, Sevilla-”
“Can we go to Venice?” Feliciano interrupted.
It was the only time Ludwig had released his gaze from the notepad to actually look at him.
“Venice?”
“Yeah, is it possible?” Feliciano already seemed so sure.
“Why specifically?”
With the pause, Ludwig assumed Feliciano didn’t really have a reason that pertained to what this was actually supposed to be.
“I want to uh…” he looked around the room for some kind of idea, not really hiding it from Ludwig. “Research how close mermaids can get to human society,” he suddenly turned to Ludwig excitedly.
Ludwig clicked his tongue, trying to wonder how researching mermaids…and going to Venice…had anything to do with what they had been studying. His grandfather would surely be thinking the same thing.
“I repeat myself…why?”
And here Feliciano held onto his uniform, bit his tongue and looked around the room just as a scolded child. “I really…want to go to Venice.” He sounded nervous about it and Ludwig sighed not understanding it.
“Feliciano, you can really choose wherever you want to go. If it’s Venice, we can make it Venice, just know that it will be difficult convincing your grandfather about it…especially if there’s a personal reason on why you want to go.” He caught him. “Really…why do you want to go to Venice?”
It took a while for him to answer, looking around the room, surely for some other excuse that wasn’t the truth, but in the end, Feliciano knew he had to answer truthfully, taking a deep breath and just coming clean. “I’ve never been there,” he started, a surprise to Ludwig.
“I thought you were born there.”
“I was, but I was only there for a couple of months as a newborn before my parents decided we had to go into hiding in Tuscany. I haven’t been allowed to return since.”
Of course…sometimes he forgot that aspect of Feliciano’s life. Coming to the Society was probably the very first time he was allowed outside of the villa he had been living in since.
“...and soon it’s going to be Festa della Sensa and I…really want to go for that…” it was quite charming…how he asked, trying to hide the sure spark of excitement he felt for this.
Ludwig couldn’t refuse, couldn’t withstand. He sighed, “fine, we’ll do just that then.”
Feliciano wanted to shrill with happiness, hands together and moving back and forward, holding himself from jumping to the ceiling. Ludwig found it endearing.
“But why for mermaids?” It still seemed out of nowhere.
“It’s the only available excuse my grandfather could believe…without expecting much work. Mama loves them and spent a lot of time in the Society working with them and I think my grandfather would assume I did it because of her.”
“Hm,” Ludwig realized he was right.
“You honestly thought I would do something with werewolves?”
“To be honest, yes.”
Feliciano chuckled, coming…too close, raising a finger under his chin forcing the stare between one another that came. “I have enough with you, caro.” A smirk and like a spell it froze Ludwig in his place. Feliciano turned around and then took some chair to sit, legs raised, quickly getting himself into an artbook…as if nothing. Ludwig was still stuck, wide eyed, red and trying to decipher what just happened.
Did Feliciano…just flirt with him? Had he dared?...And had he embarrassed himself horribly by not giving any kind of reply. Could he even? With Feliciano…there were so many signs, warnings practically blaring at him not to dare.
Augusto Valenti’s grandson, one of the heirs to the Society, the man in charge of breaking his curse, five years difference…he was his teacher for god’s sake.
No, no, no, no, no, no, he turned around and forced himself to focus on whatever preparations he needed to work on and not be swayed by the smirk on his student or the wonderfully lean of his legs.
They were really daring by going on this trip alone.
Augusto had accepted their request.
A date and accommodations had been placed and Feliciano was eagerly counting down. An excitement he showed and shared to Kiku and Mathew, having just finished packing and eager to leave that instant.
“-we’re supposed to be writing a report on mermaids, but we won’t be doing much of that. We’re going to see the city and enjoy the festival and maybe take a gondola ride or we rent a boat and maybe we can even go to Murano-”
“That all sounds…pretty romantic,” Kiku smirked.
“What do you mean?”
“I have to agree with Kiku on this. Sounds like the perfect getaway for you and your handsome…werewolf thing,” Mathew teased.
Feliciano blushed, turning away, “no, no, it’s not like that at all! It’s-it’s…just a research trip…” but he sounded like he himself was doubting it.
“You sure? I mean, you’ve been spending an awful lot of time with him, your relationship has improved to the point that you rarely come to specifically visit us,” Kiku leaned.
“And we’ve seen the way you both are between one another when you’re here…absolutely taken and like nothing else exists.”
Feliciano was blushing so hard he couldn’t even answer, puffing and trying to word something with his arms and hands. “It’s…It’s…”
The other two began to laugh.
“It’s nothing! It’s nothing! Nothing is going to happen!”
“The two of you alone in Venice? I’m definitely expecting something to happen!”
Feliciano had no way to defend himself, he settled with rolling his eyes and stomping away from the terrace.
It was early, usual hours Ludwig was already awake for but the rest of the Society surely remained in their slumber. He knew it was hours that Feliciano was groggy for and he was expecting him to come to the meeting point dragged and ready to fall asleep on the ground if he felt like it. To his surprise, he came practically skipping, his grandfather by his side sharing the same smile, eager, only a meager rolled suitcase for the adventure. Their car ride still hasn't arrived, but Ludwig knew that any minute now it would come rolling expecting instant boarding.
“Ah, I see everyone is ready then!” Augusto seemed as excited as if he was coming along. Ludwig nodded and couldn’t escape the smile to see Feliciano so bubbly and expecting. For a moment, Augusto’s smile soured at this, only to be interrupted by the headlights that came.
There came a member, leaving the car right by them, handing over the keys to Ludwig before they settled off elsewhere after this specific morning duty.
Feliciano shrilled, “ciao, Nonno! Ti voglio bene!”
“Write or call if absolutely anything! Take care, caro.” They held and kissed cheeks adoringly. Feliciano then hurried for the passenger seat, still with so much energy and jumpiness Ludwig thought he would tip the car over with it.
“Please watch over him, protect him at whatever cost.”
“Will do, sir.” There was no doubt about that.
“And Ludwig, please,” here he held to his arm, tight, an intense glare directed straight at him, one Ludwig failed to escape from. “Control yourself.” Nothing more. He let go and gave the space for Ludwig to join Feliciano in the car.
Feliciano put on his headphones and played some music, leaning into his seat to surely nap the sleep he couldn't this morning. Ludwig let him, settling on some public radio, good to keep strengthening his Italian or just hear news about what was going on.
As they made their way, one meant to be only two hours, Ludwig focused on what Augusto had last told him.
Control yourself.
He was trying to decipher what exactly he meant by it. Either it was about his werewolf transformations, maybe the money he was given, maybe not do too much frivolous things in Venice, or maybe…that’s when turned to Feliciano…sound asleep, turned towards him, soft curls falling on his face in a perfect frame, his pink lips seeming to shine and call, peaceful, a body calm and serene. His eyes lingered too long on him…he dared gaze down his body and he bit his lips at the images that suddenly came to his mind.
No!
He turned his head back on the road, forbidding himself from looking at him again.
Get it together! Control yourself! Nothing was going to happen…nothing was going to happen!
The morning was beautiful, barely any presence at such an early hour. They left the car parked at the harbor, taking a ferry that left them right by St. Mark square. Already Feliciano’s eyes glued to everything, barely moving as he tried to take it all in, trying to believe that it was all real, that it was there, the heat on him and the sights as if belonging to him.
This was not Ludwig’s first time here, one of the many times being when he came looking for Feliciano five years ago. Although yes, Venice was beautiful and always a pleasure to visit, it did not hold that enchantment from long ago.
He looked at his watch and then the email with all the information concerning where they were going to stay and realized they could check in at this time. Perfect. The name was ‘Al Ponte Antico’, not familiar, but he didn’t think it would be that hard to find.
“Feliciano, we have to-” he instantly panicked when he didn’t find him right by his side. “Feliciano!” He instantly called, spinning like a mad man looking for any trace of him. He took a breath of relief when he saw him just staring at a kiosk selling flimsy carnival masks for tourists. Sure, they looked beautiful, enough to have Feliciano staring, but they weren’t exactly the real thing. He reminded himself to actually take him to a place where they actually make and sell authentic ones…but not right now.
“Come on,” he settled by grabbing his arm and pulling him down the square, Feliciano awning and going on with splendor and majesty. Through small alleyways, bridges that went over picturesque canals, colored beautiful buildings and restaurants that begged him to come inside.
He didn't seem to understand yet how pricey these could be.
To Ludwig’s surprise, they spotted the Ponte di Realto…and their hotel was right by it. Feliciano only got more excited while Ludwig had to take constant double takes to make sure that they were getting close. Augusto had never sent him to stay so close to a national monument…usually he would stay at the mainland or some far off corner no one bothered coming to. When he saw the entrance to the hotel, Feliciano running in eagerness, he stayed behind making sure that he saw the address and name as it was written in the email.
This looked…much more fancier than the usual. He came in, looking reluctant, letting Feliciano explore the lobby while he went to the desk. His name was recognized in the system…he was handed everything without issue…he stayed some extra minutes only waiting for them to say that there was something wrong…but that never came.
Yes…they were actually staying in this place. He was slightly terrified to see their room.
He signaled Feliciano to come along with him, going up a pristine set of stairs, their room one of the top ones, secluded. Ludwig opened the door to their assigned room, already a hall of riches and art that had Feliciano shouting and running inside to take it to better detail, Ludwig was still stuck as if something was blocking him from entering. He took hesitant steps inside, worried that any would break apart the finery and years of this floor.
The hall divided two rooms, both with canopy beds of old. Ludwig wondered if he would dare touch that…if he would even sleep in it. It was a decent size, with the typical Venetian flower print on the walls and vases. There were statues and an old mahogany table, wine was already offered and then from the light Ludwig spotted a balcony. He went over, impressed at its largeness and the magnificent view to the grand canal. He heard rushing steps, Feliciano suddenly by his side, eyes widened more than they had been.
He gasped, “you have this view! I’m jealous!” Feliciano went ahead and took one of the seats there.
Ludwig wanted to mention that they could just switch rooms if he wanted, but this was all too much to take at the moment and settled instead with taking a seat along him, relaxing and…thinking.
This was the first time he was giving his own room when it came to doing a mission with other people. There was once where he had to share a single room with three people…being a gentleman and deciding to take the couch. It hadn't been comfortable but he really didn’t want to disturb anyone…especially not knowing when he could transform.
Rooms were never this elaborate…this luxurious…and private. Why was this time so- he only had to look beside him to see the answer clearly.
Of course…amato caro nipotino.
He sighed and just settled with…the holiday this would surely be.
A series of video diaries by Isabella Beilschmidt for her baby brother, Friedrich, where she details and explains the lives of their hectic family.
Video 6.2
They talked about it at the next dinner. Aldrich didn’t really understand anything, Isabella was trying to, but the eldest? They jumped, they celebrated, already going on with surely the adventures they expected of Paris and Vienna. They left their dinner to instantly start packing, wondering all the things they would need and what they should leave behind. Ludwig had to go up there to tell them that they weren’t leaving for months and that for now they should be focusing on their dinner and finishing their school year in Switzerland. Feliciano had to remind Ludwig that they hadn’t even called Francis or Roderich and Elizabeta with their decision. They called two days from then, on speaker for all to take part. It had practically been a party, with all that dancing, screaming and heavy chats on plans that already began to take off. Feliciano and Ludwig had begun with filling all the necessary paperwork, while over in France and Austria, the respective parties dealt with the inscriptions that came easier than they had expected. Before they knew it, they were officially in the system and the train tickets with their date of departure were bought. The kids’ excitement was contagious, and Ludwig and Feliciano joined in, counting the days and spending them going on shopping sprees, getting them clothes, games and even new equipment as luggage or pencil sets.
Ludwig and Feliciano had thought it would last…but it turned so heavy and hurtful the day they stood at the St. Moritz station. They were all together, even Isabella and Aldrich joining in that goodbye. The three eldest had their own luggage, something simple to get settled with and they could carry on their trip alone. Everything else, Ludwig and Feliciano would send later on.
“Here are your tickets printed. Keep it with you during the entire trip. I marked well the transfers the three of you have to do. Pay attention and constantly make sure you’re on the right train. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Ludwig gave them each a map with names, numbers and heavy marks to be sure they noticed.
“You’ll travel together to Chur and then separate. Heinrich, Alessandro, you go on to Sargans and from there to Vienna, Roderich and Elizabeta will be there to pick you up. Analiese, you go on to Zurich, and from there to Paris Gare De Lyon, Francis will be there for you,” Feliciano explained, the same demand as Ludwig pointing to the places while Ludwig kept on the lookout for the train that was to come in minutes.
“In the phones we gave you, you have all the numbers you need. If anything happens, don’t be afraid to call.” The three took the moment to take out their small flip phones, nothing too excessive, just something for better connection and emergencies.
“Ooohhh, look Heinrich! We’ll be in Germany for a bit!” Alessandro pointed to the point of the track where in fact they would be for some minutes.
“And I’m going to Zurich all alone!” Analiese jumped and proclaimed as if it was a vacation.
“Remember! Pay attention!” Ludwig recalled with a glare, one the three did well to nod to and obey.
“Be careful and stay away from anything suspicious,” Feliciano went on.
“Again, call us for anything, absolutely anything!” Ludwig repeated.
“Look at the screens twenty times if you have to!”
“Don’t go to suspicious corners just to get gummy bears!”
“Try to stay together at least until you have to separate in Chur.”
“Don’t cause too much of a ruckus either!”
“But also relax and enjoy the ride!”
“Watch your tickets!”
“And-”
“Vatti! Papa! Stop! Please! We get it!” Alessandro shouted, getting a headache, along with his brother and sister over these many commands.
“We’ll be alright. We have the map here, and your numbers…and we can read…” Heinrich wanted to assure.
“I’ll call you in the next stop if anything,” Analiese added.
“Oh, that would be wonderful,” Feliciano sighed, letting one hand caress his girl’s hair, looking at her and leaving that glow, that excitement for something new, implanted well in his mind, reminding him of what this would be worth.
The distant vibrations began, Ludwig could spot a small light coming from the distance…and he knew it was theirs…it was their time for goodbye.
Feliciano wanted to bring all three tight to him, but they instead jumped and shouted, taking hold of their luggage ready to dash inside as soon as it halted. And soon enough it was there, screeching, doors opening, passengers coming down and others boarding. The three smiled between one another and quickly headed to make their entrance. Ludwig and Feliciano were about to help them with putting up their luggage…but they actually did well by themselves, all their bags well inside…now waiting for their owners. In their ecstatic…the parents thought they would just go on, down the corridor, their seat and away…Analiese and Alessandro checked the surroundings, wanting to understand everything…only Heinrich was still standing on the ground, for once taking notice of what exactly was happening.
He was leaving…truly alone…to another country…a new school…only his twin brother with him. He wouldn’t see his parents…his younger sisters and brother…for a long time. Alessandro and Analiese came to the same realization…not daring to continue forward down the hall, in their place halted as if time was not ticking, wondering if this was the correct train…if this was even the right thing to do.
No…this was a whole new experience, a whole new world to see, big, offering and making the future oh so much brighter.
As Heinrich turned back to his parents, gripping and trying to breathe in whatever wanted to crumble…he realized he only wished they could all come together. But…their paths were set to course elsewhere…and they all had to settle forward, no matter separations and borders. Heinrich ran back and stumbled forward in both his parents’ embraces, Ludwig and Feliciano taking him well in, tight, warm and shining home…He was reminded they always had a place to come back and a family to always belong to.
Alessandro joined afterwards, Analiese followed right behind and they huddled all together, the moment in the station singular to them, tearful but kept and ever more loving. They would have happily stayed in what seemed like forever in this join…but bells rang and they were reminded of their waiting train.
“Go! Hurry!” Ludwig had to insist, coughing away whatever break in his tone, hoping that his children wouldn’t see the tears that gathered in the dimness of this day.
And they settled off, the doors closing right as they passed and were in the comfort of the train. They took seats by the window where they could still see their parents and youngest siblings, all waving, large enough to take whatever space they were in. The train began its march forward and yet they still waved, they still kept a hold if even not by touch, far into when the train was away, Ludwig, Feliciano, having to take Isabella and Aldrich with them to continue on their waves even down the station, remaining until the train was gone, into the distance to join the mountains, a pathway across the Swiss alps and away from home.
Ludwig and Feliciano remained, their eyes frozen on those mountains as if they could still see the three of them waving their goodbye. Isabella and Aldrich grew impatient, letting go and beginning jumps and races in the station, shouts and laughter that was enough to bring Ludwig and Feliciano back to St. Moritz.
“Vatti! Papa! Look how fast I can run! Look how fast!” And with a rumble from his own mouth, Aldrich dashed to the other end of the station in impressiveness that had Ludwig and Feliciano awing and clapping, using this to rid of tears and frowns.
“I bet I can go faster!” And Isabella ran herself to join her little brother, reaching him in perfect time, up and down, up and down, in fits of laughter that Ludwig and Feliciano couldn’t help but join in.
“You know, I feel like having something sweet now,” Feliciano smirked.
“Hmm…how about…some chocolate?” Ludwig smirked back with a knowing gaze, both the children stopping their game to look up with great gleam on their big blue eyes.
“What do you say? How about a visit to Hanselmann?”
“Yes!” They both shouted, jumping down the stairs.
Ludwig and Feliciano chuckled, following behind.
“Come, hurry!” Aldrich shouted.
“You can’t be so slow now! Chocolate! Chocolate! We’re getting chocolate!” Isabella shouted, a loud echo joining her, and so Ludwig and Feliciano ended up in their race.
Despite the coffee, cake and chocolate break, the excitement of having linguine with pesto planned for dinner…when they arrived home, the first thing Feliciano did was break down, in what he thought a mess, Ludwig taking him and assuring him as long as he needed to in his arms. Luckily, Isabella and Aldrich had hurried to play, getting boxes of puzzles to begin arranging.
“We can finally play with the Toy Story puzzle without having Heinrich stopping us!” Aldrich shouted with his sister’s excitement, the box quickly emptied, the sound enough to hide more of Feliciano’s whimpers.
Yes, the three of them called when they arrived in Chur, messages to let them know of each station they stopped at, and another call to let them know that they had arrived in Vienna and Paris respectively. They had met with Roderich, Elizabeta and Francis, and as the days passed, they dealt with settling, getting to know their new surroundings, new people and new schedules. Sure, they’d let their parents know of every little detail, but sometimes it was hard to know how they truly felt.
As the weeks continued, what had been everyday calls turned into bi-weekly ones, school matters and other activities taking the full of their time. Feliciano had become too attached to his phone the last few days…every ring or vibration desperately hoping it was a call, a message with many words or excitement or wanting him to hurry to the computer for a web call. When it was not…Feliciano fell into a dejection that grayed him for the rest of the day. It was not the constant tears anymore…but Ludwig didn’t know which was worse. His heavy dependence to the point that he couldn’t do absolutely anything else, or his extensive wallowing and tears as he dealt with the emptiness of not having his eldest children in the house. Ludwig tried what he could to get him back to painting, to learning a new language, fixing Aldrich’s stuffed animals or helping Isabella make some new dance. He tried to hide it to his youngest, he would laugh and play with them, but a reminder always came that soured him for the rest of the day.
Ludwig decided one day it was time to rightfully talk about this, to really understand and move on. He decided so one night after dinner, Isabella busy with trying to finish a Lego castle while Aldrich was well tucked into his bed, sleeping. He had time, he knew he would have Feliciano’s full attention.
It was the height of autumn, chilly in these heights. No matter how much fresh air Feliciano wanted, he had to settle with an inner windowsill, wrapped with a blanket and a steaming hot cup of chocolate in his hands. He was trying to catch the stars between the clouds when Ludwig joined him, taking a seat, his own freshly prepared cup of hot chocolate in his hands.
“They said it’s going to be raining all of next week,” Feliciano said sadly.
“Eh, it would be good for Isabella. She can finally wear those boots you last bought her and she can jump in all the puddles she wants,” he rolled his eyes, already dreading the cleaning he would have to do in the front entrance as well as the boots and clothes that were sure to get muddy.
Feliciano chuckled, as Ludwig intended, smiling at the beautiful brightness of his mate. “Who do you think taught her to do that?” Ludwig gave a smirk.
“Oh no, don’t put the blame on me! It was Alessandro who did! He was the one constantly wanting to head out at the first drizzle! The rest saw him do it and just followed his lead.” Feliciano found himself looking at a particular part in the garden, knowing it was one of the many places Alessandro would skip about in a pour.
“And in turn, who did Alessandro learn it from?”
Oh, of course Ludwig was not letting him escape from this one.
“It was a boring rainy day and I was trying to get the twins to have some fun!”
“And by jumping in your own puddles as a grown adult, you established a whole tradition to mark all five of our children.” Ludwig made it sound like it was an accomplishment to be praised. It made Feliciano smile the brightest since their elder three left. “Lord knows if Alessandro is thinking about this too. Roderich will surely send us a message complaining about it tomorrow afternoon.”
“Dirtying the Moschino boots,” Feliciano teased.
“Those damn things cost us a hundred francs! I wouldn’t let him step back in the house!”
“Oh, amore, no! What I would give to have Alessandro back in the house!”
“Fine…we’ll put him under house arrest.”
“No! No…not that either! They shouldn’t be cooped up in here like a prison either!”
“Exactly! Which is why they’re in Vienna and Paris living the dream of many.”
And at that moment Feliciano already saw the mission Ludwig had placed for this conversation. He came down from the sudden rush, meeting that idea, facing it and denying it as he always did.
“When you were their age…I remember you had those same wishes…going off to some…big city away from your family-”
“With you,” Feliciano recalled as he turned to him with a promising smile.
Ludwig shared in it with the hint of a blush, both taking it as a sign to scooch close, to lean and cuddle with one another in one of these moments of rare peace. “-with me.”
“We aren’t nothing like them…” Feliciano recalled with a pout.
“And we're learning to not do the things they did. We’re giving our children choices, we’re giving them the chance to be whatever they want to be without having to think of…titles or family members-”
“They don’t have to depend on us to make themselves their own future.” And Ludwig was more than glad to see that he worded it. “I still…I still miss them so much,” he admitted.
“I do too…and so do Isabella and Aldrich.”
Feliciano chuckled, “it’s hard to tell. All I see is them enjoying the space and the extra things they have. Not to mention more attention from us.”
“And isn’t that great for them?”
Feliciano smiled, “yeah…now I actually know all the names of Aldrich’s stuffed animals…and that Isabella can sing beautifully. I know Aldrich likes his Nutella bread with banana pieces formed in a face, and that Isabella…is questioning the structure of breakfast and why it’s working against humanity.” They both shouted their laughs as they were reminded of that particular discussion a couple of mornings back. It was that instant that they heard hurried steps, suddenly having a seven year old jump upon their lap, finding her own comfort between them like they were but another cushion on the windowsill. The parents didn’t mind, they easily made her a place. Feliciano held her tight against him, a kiss on her head while Ludwig played with strands of her waved hair.
“That was so loud! I couldn’t concentrate anymore! What were you guys talking about?”
“You and your refusal to have breakfast.”
“Because it’s all a conspiracy!”
“Do you even know what that word means?” Ludwig questioned, now trying to finish the last bits of his chocolate.
“Not really, but I heard uncle Gilbert say it once and it sounded fancy.”
Both parents rolled their eyes but enjoyed a night with just one child, relaxed and quiet as it could be.
It was one night after they had gone out with Isabella and Aldrich to do a hike, small that they could both handle, but challenging enough so they wouldn’t be bored and they could learn from. This was Switzerland after all, at some point they had to learn how to face these immense mountains. They woke up and had a very early breakfast, lunch as a picnic with a majestic view and had dinner at a restaurant in the town center. By the time they returned home, even Isabella had to be tucked in to sleep, both exhausted but shining with the joy of the day. It was the glow that made Feliciano settle with a new wish…one Ludwig had no problem with doing his part to grant.
It seemed they would never tire of having children in the house.
It was spring break and of course the eldest used it to return.
How they missed these greens, these hills taller than whatever buildings they had seen in the cities they had gotten used to, the flowers, the quaintness and simplicity that was still their home, one they had dearly missed. Sure, they had spent Christmas there, but any month apart was sure to give them the same sense of fault.
“Papa! Vatti!” Alessandro shouted with new heights, the first to run off from the van, uncaring to everything he left behind.
“Alessandro! Come back here and wear your scarf! It’s still too cold!” Elizabeta shouted after him, the last few months losing whatever patience she had before for the twins.
Roderich scoffed, “let him! He’ll learn his lesson when he catches the flu!” He had joined in his wife’s intolerance. At least Heinrich had stayed to help. For him it was enough that they were at least in front of the house.
Alessandro didn’t bother. The front door was open, he crashed right in, the echo surely to ring all across the house.
“Alessandro!” He heard his father’s heavy scolding, surely coming down the stairs, heavy steps trying to reach him. Alessandro didn’t know if he should trust that tone to be a greeting. He settled on finding his omega father, running down the first hall he saw, passing a bewildered Aldrich, practically pushing Isabella as she was just heading out of the kitchen.
“Papa!” He shouted as he made his entrance to the kitchen, arms open ready for a much needed embrace.
“Alessandro!” His omega father sounded happy, ecstatic. Feliciano was just drying his hands, quickly going through the cloth to turn and greet one of his eldest.
How he had missed him, how he wanted him in his arms…but the boy suddenly stood, frozen, all that energy gone as soon as his eyes met the new bump on his father’s stomach.
“What?” Feliciano questioned, not seeming to understand the realization his son was making.
“…ma che cazzo!”
Feliciano gasped, “Alessandro!”
“I swear, he did not learn this from-” Elizabeta caught up to offer some sort of apology…but when she noticed…she shrieked and went to embrace Feliciano instead, both jumping and smiling.
“What’s going on?” And here Analise arrived, dressed in perfection for the season…for a mere ten year old. Her uncle Francis was beside her in the same sense of style, both of them left as stupefied as the elder brother. Francis joined in the celebration, while Analiese joined her older brother in stupefaction.
“Let me guess…Papa is pregnant again, isn’t he?” Heinrich didn’t have to be in the room…by now he could just feel when a new sibling was coming. When he reached them and saw he was clearly right, he only shrugged and waited for everyone to calm down before he very maturely gave his own congratulations. Alessandro and Analiese on the other hand were left without words to say for pretty much the whole day.
The day had cleared, warm and nice, the sun shining directly on their house as if it only existed for them. Giovanna for some reason thought it was perfect to run and race. She had placed her starting line and finish line, going back and forth, ending every single time with exaggerated jumps to exclaim her victory. It was the shouts that brought everybody outside. Ludwig made them some ice tea, Feliciano cut some fruits and they picnicked on the terrace, chatting, snacking and just enjoying the warmth of the day, relaxed. Friedrich had just woken, drinking a bottle of milk Ludwig gave him. Giovanna kept on in her race, to everyone’s surprise, not showing a moment of weakness.
“I bet I could beat you!” Alessandro offered to finally join her, standing in all his usual cocky self. He showed off the muscle he had, stretching in preparation, jumping to show how tall, how prepared his legs were from all the football playing. He wanted to make it clear to his little sister who would be the winner…hoping already she wouldn’t feel so bad about it. Giovanna didn’t seem to care, she smiled and jumped, only excited to know that she was actually going against someone.
“I wouldn’t underestimate her if I were you,” Heinrich commented, still comfortable in his seat in the shadow under the terrace.
Alessandro scoffed, “please.” He took a clear gaze to the girl, smaller, innocent, fragile. But Heinrich pointed to her energy. Alessandro didn’t think it was enough.
“All right, so, on your marks,” Heinrich shouted…in no way was he moving from his seat.
The rules were clear, the entire family was watching in excitement, Isabella was taping the damn thing.
“Get set…”
Both the runners prepared themselves.
“Go!”
And they headed off.
They all began to shout, some for Alessandro, some for Giovanna, all throughout as they made their spin on their slope.
These climbs were something Alessandro was not doing as often as he had done as a kid, while Giovanna was in the prime of using them daily. She knew them well, where to jump, where to hurry, where to slow down. She knew very well how to use it to her advantage, until she was advancing before her eldest brother, reaching the end of their determined finish line as a champion, her arms raised in victory as the family applauded and cheered. Alessandro ended up exhausted and out of breath, accepting defeat and giving only but a thumbs up as congratulation to his sister. The camera shook as Isabella laughed, quite enjoying the state her brother was in. She then switched the camera to Giovanna, smug and proud, Ludwig taking her in his arms to rain her with kisses, much to the girl’s delight, clapping and giving him as much as she could herself. They went back to their snack pots afterwards, seeming done for the day.
“Next race,” Heinrich began in between bites, “Vatti and Papa.”
“Ooohhh!” They all instantly went, some like Aldrich and Giovanna standing on the sofas, jumping and excited as if it was to happen that instant.
While they discussed, Ludwig and Feliciano let themselves to think and wonder. “Kinder, I don’t think we can do that. After all, your papa must be tired already,” Ludwig said out of true concern…it just didn’t sit well with Feliciano, who began an intense glare.
“Tired?” He questioned.
“Mmmmm!” The rest of the kids mumbled stuffed still with fruit.
“I’m not tired! I’m ready to go across this whole valley if we were to do it,” Feliciano practically shouted in an insult.
“Could you really?” Ludwig dared question.
All gasped along with Feliciano.
“Are you just going to accept this, Papa?” Alessandro said.
That moment Feliciano stood, sleeves up, already stretching his legs before he walked over the decided starting area. All the kids jumped excitedly around him.
Ludwig groaned, dropping everything on his plate. “Analiese, hold Friedrich.” The girl didn’t deny, smiling as she took a caring hold of her youngest brother. He then stood up and made his own physical preparations, joining Feliciano at that starting line. The kids feasted around them, some for their Vatti, some for their Papa, both parents seeming ignorant, only focused on seriously proving better than the other.
Isabella’s camera rolled as they started, as they dashed down the field, down the mountain, in the end making their own route, much more complicated than any of them could make. Sadly, much to Isabella’s disappointment, that camera’s battery went out just as both parents were coming side to side to the finishing line.
Ludwig is the product of a centuries old curse that transforms him into a dangerous werewolf. His only chance for a cure is with Feliciano, heir to the Society of Romulus and Remus, a group of hunters who hunt on the supernatural.
Hey look...a chapter for this story after...I don’t want to think about it...Anyways! Hope you enjoy! I could write more but I feel extremely sick right now.
Chapter 14
The morning that came was a gorgeous one, this new day’s rays missing themselves between the trees, creating such a lovely light with greens that it didn’t bother the two figures still joyous in their sleep. Adoring smiles on both their faces, comfortable and serene even if lost in these woods, rocks and branches under them. Well…Feliciano could still depend on a surface, one of skin, strong, that he could keep his hold to and drift in this wonderful dream. Ludwig was in the same state, breathing softly and enjoying this relaxation, from the softness he kept on his hold, the form of his hair, his breaths moving along with his as their bodies kept together. When Ludwig began to awake, he thought it all still a delightful dream, where he smiled, where he leaned more with Feliciano, his hand daring for that spread of his soft curls. It was just the touch to bring Feliciano alight, spreading and chuckling, reaching more into it…into his hold. When Feliciano opened his eyes, bronze and beautiful in this breeze that came, staring with a gaze that was so real that Ludwig realized…wait, this was no dream. He suddenly sat, startling Feliciano to join him as well. Ludwig began breathing heavily, patting himself to realize he was naked, his clothes long ripped in whatever part of the forest he ran through. Yes, he ran, he remembered running and chasing trying to find…and Feliciano was there, looking up to him, a soothing whistle with arms trying to ground him, to gaze only at him and slowly come to terms with what just happened.
“Ludwig…Ludwig…do you know where you are and why you’re here?”
It took him a while to regain, to gather, each memory widening more his eyes, pain with the realization that…Feliciano saw everything…Feliciano knew.
“The test…you…you trespassed the territory…everyone went frantic…I turned frantic…your grandfather wouldn’t let me go to look for you…but I still did because I wanted to…protect you…I wanted…to make sure you were safe,” he let himself admit, beginning to ease at the simple knowledge that Feliciano was here… all right, perfectly well even.
“And…to do that…you turned?”
Ludwig’s breath hitched once again, fear as if the monster was before him. “You…you…you saw? No…you couldn’t have…you shouldn’t have…you weren’t supposed to know!” He began to shake and move away.
“Ludwig, Ludwig! No, no, it’s all right, it’s completely all right…in fact, you…saved me last night.”
He slowly fell at ease, even if there was shaking and his breath was still comin out hard. “What…what do you mean I saved you?”
“You did! I was…chased by a whole gang of werewolves. One was about ready to take me, but then you came as…as…”
“A monster?”
“A werewolf and you…attacked them and had them running off…it was…it was incredible!”
Ludwig never expected to hear such compliments for his other form…especially from Feliciano. But he couldn’t accept it, he was still trembling, slowly letting the memories ease so he could understand Feliciano’s story better. “I…I didn’t do anything to you…did I?” He recalled being vicious, angry and the predator he was truly meant to be.
Feliciano shook his head…smiling even, “Ludwig, I already told you…you saved me…well you were about to-”
“What?! Feliciano, please, let me know if I did something so I can try to show my apologies or receive the proper punishment!”
“Ludwig! Listen to me!” He raised his hand, the wolf mark free and present. “My mark started glowing, you saw it and you…changed suddenly. You turned gentle, kind, your eyes changed and I just…knew it was you…” he blushed and Ludwig was still trembling to show his own.
Once he shook himself enough from the glow of those last words, he addressed a concern, “…I really…didn’t do anything to you?”
“You started cuddling me and you even let me pet you and hug you.”
Now he really turned red, turning away, his next words stuttering. “Feliciano…” he sighed, not believing he was actually talking to him about this, “…when I turn…I don’t usually act like that.”
Feliciano shone in surprise, unbelieving. “But you were the sweetest! Really cute even!” Feliciano was bold to say, glowing and excited as if he was talking about a mere puppy. Ludwig wanted to bury himself underground so Feliciano wouldn’t witness such redness on his very pale skin…naked even, clearer to see.
“No one would ever say something like that about my transformation…no one has ever done…what you just did…” Ludwig realized, impression deep, Feliciano not understanding, thinking all his doing a simplicity or something of nature that was to be expected.
Truly Feliciano was the destined one to end this curse if he could already accomplish a mere taming with only a glow of his hand and his care, and none of the spells told in the enchantment. He didn’t notice it had been silent and calm until Feliciano spoke, “Ludwig…how…how did this happen to you? What…what are you and why are you here…here in the society?” It was an awakening back to their surroundings, their place, the actions done and the memories of only a day before. Ludwig grimaced and hated how exposed he was….figuratively and physically, wishing he could hide it all the same way he raised his legs and wrapped his arms around himself.
“Feliciano, it’s a long story and I don’t think this is the right place for it.”
“I’m willing to listen for as long as needed, Ludwig.” He neared, already understanding well expressed in all his being. “And…where is the right place?”
Ludwig sighed and looked on to a route that he knew was the pathway back…away from the escape Ludwig now knew Feliciano tried to do. “Back in the society.”
With the way Feliciano fell, Ludwig knew it was still a place he wanted to avoid, looking the other direction, forward still to an offered freedom.
“I…know you don’t want to be there, that it’s difficult and what awaits you there might make the experience more horrible…” definitely not the hanging that could have Feliciano coming back with him…but he did have to warn him, did have to prepare him for the atmosphere that awaited. “But right now…there’s something I need from you, and you have to help me fulfill it. Once you do…I promise you that I will help you leave the society.”
Feliciano brightened as if a simpler exit was made, joyous in a way Ludwig did not expect that moment.
“But before anything…we have to go back.”
There were still obstacles on the way, jumps and falls Feliciano still had to go through to pass, but it seemed that Ludwig was offering a help that could make it easier, could make that path that continued on much brighter and safer. With a sigh, a lean that showed enough acceptance, Feliciano stood, offering a hand for Ludwig to take so they could come into standing. Feliciano offered his jacket and other clothes he had packed to have Ludwig dressed with some sense of dignity…even with how tight fitting it was. Together, they made their choice, their promise, by going back.
“-ninety men, Feliciano! Ninety men went out there to look for you!” It had been these heavy shouts since Feliciano was ushered into his grandfather’s office. “Do you understand how worried I was? How worried everyone in this society was? Not only did you put yourself in danger, but every single one of these ninety men!”
Ludwig, who also stood in the room, now dressed well in his own uniform, shivered himself for Feliciano, feeling the burn of the words even from his distance.
“You are indeed severely lucky that Ludwig, despite my orders,” he spared a glare, “went, found you and even saved you from a hoard of hungry werewolves!” That last part he shouted in such anger that even the guards outside the doors were gritting their teeth. “Once again, Ludwig, I thank you deeply for saving my grandson.”
“I…uh…uh…was fulfilling my service,” he bowed, too induced from the fear Augusto reigned on the room.
“Don’t you dare think I could so easily forget that you still disobeyed me.” He was not easing his expression, one Ludwig crumbled more into…and Feliciano despised it.
“Nonno, he saved me. He shouldn’t be given any kind of-”
“You are not one to tell me how I should act when it comes to the discipline of the rules I had placed in this society.” The deepest of his harshness was reserved to his grandson, fierce and puncturing as he returned his gaze to him. “You will both answer to them as necessary and punishment will come as you deserve.” The silence he left was a test, to watch if they remained in its field. No other rustle was given and so Augusto sighed, in it finding permission to continue. “Ludwig, I apologize, but I must remove you from the missions in Polynesia. You are also evicted from using the weapons and charms of the third level armory for the next month.” Ludwig bowed in acceptance…not as discontented as he thought he would be.
“And as for you,” and he turned to his grandson, a gaze that could put whole armies to shame. Feliciano trembled, legs quivering and Ludwig feared he would fall to the ground in some sort of beg for mercy. “You remain at your beginner level. And instead of waiting six months for the next test, you will wait an entire year! That means you fall behind, you have less advantages and you don’t go on like the rest to access new magic, weapons or even field training!” Feliciano flinched at each word as if it was lighting bursting into the room. “It all means you remain longer under my responsibility and command in this society, something I know you’re trying hard to run away from…as you did yesterday. It’s the only way I can try to show you the seriousness you have to take this…whether you like it or not, you have to be part of the family upholding. I have told you many times it is marked on your body and it runs in your blood. I cannot let you decide for yourself until you have learned all and gone through every level. Then you can make your place afterwards. ” Feliciano nodded, trying hard to hold back tears.
Augusto finally took a seat, his anger dissipating enough to show his calm and composure, his tone friendly as he addressed Ludwig, even with the exhaustion in his eyes. “Ludwig, would you be willing to continue teaching Feliciano?”
“I made a promise, sir. I will get Feliciano through every level if necessary.” There was never a doubt on that. Feliciano had to bite down a surviving smile.
“Very well…but I have to take precautions. From now on and until I find it appropriate, your lessons will be monitored by a third person in the room.” They grimaced, but nodded, as part of the lashes from this punishment.
Augusto sighed, “you are dismissed.”
They hurried out in a fray, like scared animals, the office plundered in a sudden silence that Augusto was suspicious of. There was something in the air that changed, something he was curious to find out…but he let it be, not feeling it…threatening. He went back to working, relaxing and calming over the last day of panic over his grandson. He was safe now, and that’s what mattered.
Ludwig and Feliciano ran the halls as if they were being chased, far, distant, in some hidden corner away from everything. Somehow, Feliciano ended up leading them to the balcony with the statues. Kiku and Mathew momentarily sight to see Feliciano back, safe and well, but didn’t dare continue with greetings and questions as they noticed he came with his teacher. They stayed in their statue form, yet with ears alive and eyes curious as to their reasoning here.
“I’m so…I’m so sorry that they had to take those things from you,” Feliciano instantly apologized after he calmed his breath from the run and constraint of his grandfather’s office.
“Feliciano, it’s really all right, I can manage with that. It’s just some weapons and not going to Polynesia. I’m actually more concerned about your own punishment.”
And Feliciano drained, a grayness to him that was not meant, was not supposed to be dragging him so. It had Ludwig strengthening in his stand as if to guard him.
“I’m just…I just…I feel like I disappointed you. You really wanted me to pass this test…you had so much hope and you truly believed in me, but I…I’m really sorry, Ludwig, I just…I just really wanted to get out and at the first opportunity I had, I took it and I just…without thinking of what it would mean to you. I was selfish.” He continued to tremble and tears gathered in his eyes. And Ludwig…for the longest moment didn’t know how to answer, instead feeling blame himself for causing Feliciano to worry.
He sighed, “it was selfish of me to bring you back.” Feliciano was surprised by this answer, stopping all motion and even the flow of his tears. “I know you don’t want to belong here, I know this is not the path you want to take, and believe me…if things were different, I would have helped you…I would have even let you escape.”
Memories arose of Ludwig’s transformation, the glow of the mark that ceased all, the night they shared cuddled in the depths of the forest.
“If things were different?” Feliciano was starting to address. “What do you mean by that?"
Ludwig turned with such wide eyes to him that Feliciano could see clearly the beast within…and yet this time…he wasn’t afraid. He looked straight at it, as if challenging to attack, to do its worst…it wouldn’t win.
“Feliciano…we both know what you saw…you know what I can turn into now…” Ludwig began, still so shy, so careful, while Feliciano stood the straightest, ready for the entire tale. He sighed, knowing that standing like this, still heaving and trying to catch their breath was not the best way to speak. With a wise lead, Feliciano took Ludwig’s hand, igniting yet again a fire that Ludwig was always startled from whenever Feliciano instigated it. He took them to a place they could sit, by the steps, the weather nice and cool, the air fresh, the view of the mountains, forests and valleys. Their breaths had settled, they were as tamed as the wind that blew, Ludwig began.
“A…long time ago…back when…Germany wasn’t even Germany yet, one of my great grandfathers was of nobility. He was rude…and mean and devious. He took what he wanted when he wanted, no thanks or apologies. On a trip to Italy, his carriage had run over a young girl’s wolf dog…killing it. The girl had demanded some sort of apology or payment. But my grandfather did not care…he went on like nothing.” A rustling, the wind intense, a sudden interruption by nature, welcomed.
Ludwig went on, “Feliciano, that little girl was a Valenti.”
And Feliciano’s eyes widened, finding the first connection, fearing the continuation of this story, but he still demanded to know. He wanted this answer.
“In her anger and power, she cursed my grandfather with this transformation. Not only he…but she cursed his entire lineage to suffer the same fate. Unlike other…werewolves…” he was finding it hard admitting that word to Feliciano, but he didn’t budge, he remained just as attentive. “-we don’t change because of nature…I have just as high chances of transforming during daylight…we change due to our emotions…or just when the curse decides to act. As any other…we lose sense, consciousness…it’s very hard to take control of that side…we turn vicious, hungry and won’t do anything else but attack and kill…” A large fault lay heavy on him, graying more the bag under his eyes and defining more his stress lines.
“Does…the same thing happen to Gilbert?”
Ludwig nodded. “Everyone in my family goes through the same thing.”
“How can you live like this? How is it possible? Have you tried to find any help? Is there…is there any way to fix this?” His mother had mentioned once that it was possible depending on the case, and Feliciano held on to it right now, desperately wanting a chance for Ludwig.
“…there actually is…”
Feliciano came closer, more than ever demanding to hear this.
“When…the girl had put the curse on my grandfather…she said… Only the 13th of her line can do it… with the Venetian mark, the Bronze stare, the Eros curl, the blood of the land of beauty, and the giving of the truest love…”
Feliciano recognized all those spells…then remembered how intense Ludwig had been with him learning them. The anger, the fretting and insistence…as if he was running on a time frame. Feliciano rose, coming to a quick idea, “it’s talking about me.” He knew he didn’t need that nod Ludwig gave, but it gave more of an assurance, more of a calling for him to fulfill. “I can…I can free you of this curse?” He was having a hard time believing that he could…just a Valenti who was trying hard to avoid the calling of a hunter…he was not even the best one…he tried to run away from it, tried to disappear it completely from his life and now…he had this responsibility of freeing an entire family from a generational werewolf curse.
“Yes…you’re the only one who can,” Ludwig assured, scared, expecting Feliciano to deny it all as part of his refusal to be a hunter. He didn’t expect this extensive silence, Feliciano giving these deep thoughts as if he was suddenly given a big mission he had to fulfill no matter what. It…was, yet…the chance for a refusal could still be present.
“How much time do I have?” He suddenly asked.
Ludwig arose and woke as if from a long nap, “I really don’t know…the curse only mentions that you’re the only one that can do it. If something happens to you then it means it can never be broken. I had planned for you to learn all the spells by the end of the year, but with you having failed the examination, it might take us a little longer.”
“How does the result of my examination influence how I should continue to work on breaking this curse?”
“It limits access to the rest of the spells. You’re only supposed to do them if you’re at certain levels in the society.”
The look Feliciano got now was comical, doubting it all as if it was a command by his grandfather he could just move aside…even after the harsh scolding he just received. “Who says we have to abide by the rules of the society?”
Ludwig was astounded…this was something he did not expect Feliciano to consider at all. “What do you-”
“You know the spells don’t you? And you still have access to them even if I don’t?” Ludwig nodded. “Can’t you just show them to me? Sneak them into our lesson! In fact, we don’t have to do our normal teachings anymore! Just teach me the spells and everything you need to get the curse broken! If we do everything right, we can still manage to get you free by the end of the year!” Feliciano smiled and excited loudly.
It was…indeed easier and much direct to what he wanted. “Feliciano, your grandfather will still expect reports, proof of what you have done, not to mention that we will have a third person in the room from now on.”
“You still keep all my past works with you right?”
“Yes, but wouldn’t-”
“We’ll just change them a bit so it looks like we recently worked on them again. We can act like we're working on them when the third person is there. And when we can, we can come here!” Feliciano presented the balcony yard. “Not many know of this place, I don’t think even my grandfather. It will be the perfect hiding spot to practice what we need.” He thought it all simply presented, yet Ludwig continued to sit skeptical.
“And…that’s it…we’ll work together to get my curse broken?” He had never thought he could get Feliciano to cooperate with this simply.
“Yes!” Feliciano shouted, but he quickly deflated when he realized there was…something he could get from this. A payment…an escape. “But only if…uh…” he hesitated, thinking it too much to ask.
“Tell me, what is it?” Ludwig on the other hand insisted.
“You help me leave the Society after I free you of the curse.” He was shy to admit that, but Ludwig didn’t mind it at all, he actually found it reasonable, not being so surprised that this would be Feliciano’s request.
He offered his hand to Feliciano, not at all hesitating or doubting. “I can do that.”
Feliciano gazed with intense questions at the hand, as if the action was a rare feat, something he didn’t know how to properly respond to.
“If you free me from the curse by the end of the year, I will definitely make sure you are out of the society, and not just that, I will make sure you are comfortable wherever you decide to make your home afterwards. I promise you that.” An intensity in his serious expression that startled Feliciano.
Once again, here shone a definite exit, one to be achieved, worked on…but it was there. He could finally escape, he could be free, and all he had to do was break this curse.
He smiled, he shook that hand confidently, knowing more than anything that he would make it possible.
“Infaorbital” Feliciano shouted.
“Very good,” Ludwig moved the pointer he held to the next point of this anatomical presentation.
“Jugular Notch!”
“Sehr gut!”
“Brachial Plexus. Ulnar Nerve. Femoral Nerve.”
“And that is it!” To showcase that, Ludwig put the pointer down.
Lovino clapped his hands, slow and with a dull expression, not at all impressed. “You’re finally done and I can now be relieved of this.” He instantly stood, remembering to take the notes with him, as proof to his grandfather of what was given in this lesson. “I have to admit, you did a better job at this than the last time, Feliciano,” Lovino pointed at least, earning a proud smile from his younger brother. “According to the planning, tomorrow is once again a history of the society lesson, which most likely means Gilbert will be the one to come and support it.” Not the first time, both teacher and student shrugged and wouldn't mind…they knew how to work this. “Okay, we're done here, vai via adesso! Do whatever you want!” Lovino was ready to turn, wanting a cup of coffee.
“Oh, Lovi! We have some time to check that new cafe that opened! We can go together!” Feliciano excited, already grabbing him by the arm meaning to take him instantly.
“I want to go to Francis’s like always!” Lovino fought.
“But come on! It’s something new and exciting!”
“It’s only coffee!” And yet he let himself be led away, barely noticing the last wink Feliciano sent to Ludwig before he was left alone in the room.
That very night, when they knew no suspicious would arise as they would both make their exits and sneak down the halls, they met at the terrace. Feliciano would smile with excitement, and slowly Ludwig was welcoming him more and more with a smile that Feliciano was starting to find adoring. And here, they would have separate time to learn what they really needed, practice and master.
“Now, the Eros Curl spell is…quite particular.” Here Ludwig took out a scroll, ancient, surely from the times of Rome with the latin scriptures and designs. “It only works if the holder has curly hair.” Feliciano made them bounce that instant in a way that Ludwig had to hide from chuckling at. “If you get it to work, it will result in glowing hair and then you will be able to read the thoughts and feelings of any living being in your vicinity.”
“And that’s really it?” Feliciano thought it simple.
“Yes, that would be its only purpose, the problem is, that much like the bronze starre, it requires a lot of focus, plus instead of focusing that energy on a center, you have to try and focus it all on your head and then keep it there for as long as you want the spell to last. Any mistake can lead to an awful headache…or a loss of consciousness.” Ludwig quickly noticed the panic in Feliciano’s eyes. “You’re skilled, Feliciano. I doubt that will happen. But we do have to practice and engage in rather harsh routines so we're sure.”
Ludwig liked this determination Feliciano showed, combative and ready. He much preferred him now in these secret lessons than before.
And for days on they would meet exactly like so, in the dark of night or late in the evening, silent, hiding as they made their way. Other than progress as Feliciano tried to improve in the current spell he was working on or practicing well the old ones, there was also progress on their relationship and the way they addressed one another.
“How often do you usually turn?” Feliciano asked him one night.
Ludwig was busy gathering everything into a bag, for some reason Feliciano had stayed, humming some song, laying down against a statue as comfortable as if he was in his own room.
“Why are you asking?” Ludwig stopped completely what he was doing.
Feliciano shrugged, not really looking at him, focused on the stem of an old leaf he grabbed from the ground, “just curious.”
“Why would it be something you'd be curious about?”
“To be honest, even since I found out, all I’ve been thinking about is how it works, what it’s like and how it affects you…and if there’s more I can do than just trying to break the curse.”
Ludwig humed in appreciation, deciding on taking a seat beside him, thinking it a good idea to just sit in the same tranquility his student was in. “I turn perhaps-” he let himself wonder an estimation, “twice a week.”
“Twice a week?” He let the leaf fall, turning his complete attention to Ludwig now. “That’s more often than I thought. Where do you usually go when it happens?”
Ludwig sighed, “either I take a run in the forest or I lock myself up in a special enchanted room that tries to stop the transformation.”
“You really have a room like that?” Feliciano had gotten too close, a little too much for Ludwig to know what to do with.
“Yes, it’s a special space infused with charms that try to contain it. A lot of the time it works, but if I use it too often, I could get used to the charm to the point I can grow an immunity to it.”
“And…there’s really nothing else you can use?”
“I don’t really have a lot of options.”
Feliciano slumped and sighed as if it was his own problem. “But…have you tried to find other options?”
Ludwig smiled, as a way to hide how much he wanted to laugh. “I’ve spent my lifetime doing exactly that, Feliciano.”
He sighed, “I guess it has to be hard when you don’t have all the resources so easily available.”
Ludwig perked up at that, slightly insulted. “Do you understand when I say…I’ve spent a lifetime?”
Feliciano looked lost.
“Come, I must show you.”
Feliciano didn’t question and simply followed his lead. Kiku and Mathew made their chuckles evident to him as he made his exit.
“This is what an effort of a lifetime looks like.”
There were a lot of things Feliciano was not expecting today. He was not expecting to be permitted entrance into his teacher’s room, as organized and precise as he imagined it to be. He was not expecting to be led to a back, a small hallway that he had to squish himself into, all until they reached a secluded door, quite rich and beautiful Feliciano had to admit. Ludwig picked up a key from his pocket and opened and now Feliciano could truly witness a lifetime.
How Ludwig could sneak his own private library in this society was some sort of feat that he believed he deserved a medal for. It was large, the walls being the stone of the cave, Feliciano recognizing the lights being that of charms, lighting the room in just the perfect beauty that made Feliciano truly admire how well Ludwig had organized everything. All the shelves were stuffed with books, some piled elegantly on the ground, some on tables or other fine objects Ludwig placed. It was truly a spectacle of a room that made him think that it was one of the many his grandfather had commissioned from the finest architect in the country. He was struck in his place, taking in every detail, every artistic stroke in this build.
“You…did all of this?”
Ludwig looked through books unimpressed. He had been in this room often enough to not really find the grandeur in it. “Yeah. I was running out of space as I gained more. My collection is not one that I would be very fond of sharing with the rest of the Society. Some of these books are in favor of protecting werewolves…which will definitely get me kicked out. So I decided to just make my own…secret one.” He looked around…for once proud.
“How long did it take you to do this?” Feliciano was truly wondered as he dared to come in closer, suddenly seeing a table filled with beautifully designed maps that took his interest to come and look through.
“It was slow. I started the moment I got this room and realized that there wasn't enough space here. So…five years maybe.”
“This…this is incredible!” Ludwig didn’t expect Feliciano to like it so much, to see this shine in his eyes, for his touches to partake in the exploration and he really didn’t mind how he traced, touched, took out and in with knowledge as if it belonged to him as well.
“Thank you,” Ludwig managed to say after the schock passed.
“And you said you have books that are in favor of werewolves, right?” He tried to look between the shelves for anything on this specifically.
“Um…why would you be interested in something like that? You’re in part training to hunt them down without any excuse or mercy.”
“Ludwig…you know more than anyone that I have no interest in that.”
“Of course…yet, to in turn…help them? Why would you want to?”
“Because I want to help you and…well…I never really…wanted to hurt them…” he caressed the wolf in his mark soothingly, like a loving pet.
“Never wanted to hurt them? Feliciano, you’ve seen these things yourself. They’re dangerous, uncontrollable, they have to be killed on the spot. They were even the beginning threat that started this whole society.”
“So you think that’s the approach I should have done with you when I first found you.” Feliciano was angry, insulted that Ludwig would dare think he would kill so easily without thinking like that. “I understand some are dangerous…that some can’t even be saved, but I would prefer not to mindlessly kill…especially when I know there’s a way to save them…like you.”
And Ludwig was perplexed…never…in his years here, did he ever think he would hear such words…especially from a Valenti.
Feliciano gazed back into his hand, “I tamed you…you saved me…I…want to know if I can continue to do that…if I could do it to save others like your family.”
Ludwig was too stunned to respond, blown by this amount of kindness, of understanding…all that he had never seen addressed to what he was before.
Ludwig sighed, “well, here you’ll find everything that might help you with that.” It was like an official welcome.
“Really?”
“Yes. If you want, from now on, we can meet here instead, leaving the balcony for when we really need to practice the magical or physical things.”
“So…can I just…come in whenever I want.”
“...sure.”
Feliciano squealed in glee, already taking a chair and making himself comfortable.
Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.
Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59 I Chapter 60I Chapter 61 I Chapter 62 I Chapter 63 I Chapter 64 I Chapter 65 I Chapter 66 I Chapter 67 I Chapter 68 I Chapter 69 I Chapter 70 I Chapter 71 I Chapter 72 I Chapter 73 I Chapter 74 I Chapter 75 I Chapter 76 I Chapter 77 I Chapter 78 I Chapter 79 I Chapter 80I Chapter 81
Chapter 82
20 years later…
„-and it was so!“ The light of the sun outside today made the golden paint shine brighter as Feliciano raised the brush high in the air, finalizing the story. “Kiku, Ludwig and I returned from the heavens! I got what I wanted, and that was staying in our world to fulfill the rest of my reign, being able to stay and stand in front of all of you today,” He practically danced as he faced the large group of children, mouths and eyes wide with the purest attention. “The Great Turn began, and I was able to help the rest of the Kings, Queens and Jacks in bringing change and new advancements, the ones that help us live as we do today.” He walked across to the large canvas. Ginormous, taking the whole wall of this room. The children’s eyes followed him at every instance. “With determination, and of course, magic, our world was restored to peace and beauty. Seven months later and the eldest princes were born. My life was finally everything I wanted.” He twirled as he focused again on this part of the painting. He was trying to finish the last details to the crowns he had drawn on the then young infant princes, Heinrich and Alessandro. It was only a small speck in the largeness of this painting, showing a feast from Nineteen years ago. It had celebrated a year after Khaos’s defeat. All the kingdoms had agreed to make it a holiday, a day to relieve once again the victory they had felt, to tell the story, the history of their world as it truly was and let it ring on for generations to come. Today specifically marked the twenty years, and Feliciano was in a deep hurry to finish this painting, one that had taken him eight months of work. It was only these two crowns on the depiction of his eldest sons, and even with a large group of loud and curious children behind him, he was determined to have it done.
“And that’s really it?” One child asked, in her tone, calling for more.
Feliciano tried hard to not chuckle at the disappointment they all shared. “What more could I tell?”
“I expected more dragons in this,” one boy…Prince Ethan, complained…as expected from Alfred’s youngest son.
“I did mention your father rode one in the war, Ethan.”
“But everyone should have been riding a dragon!”
“Wasn’t a St. Mark enough?”
“No…a dragon.” The children laughed, Feliciano joining before rolling his eyes and focusing on the painting again.
“Well I think Pookie had to be the most elegant stead to fight against Khaos,” another girl boasted, said little St. Mark cuddled in her arms, the little girl happily petting the creature, who purred at the touches and the compliment.
“He was indeed,” Feliciano smiled, giving himself the little break to send it to the St. Mark.
Then, a certain little girl…one who had no reason to raise her hand to speak, shaking, so much energy in her simple seat, practically screaming for her father’s attention. She definitely learned that from Ludwig…Feliciano rolled his eyes and reminded himself to speak about that to him later. “Yes, Giovanna, amore?” He allowed his youngest daughter to speak.
Her laugh and eyes were big, praised in just being chosen to speak. “Why did Vatti never tell us you refused his marriage proposal the first time?” There was real curiosity, but chuckles spread and Feliciano tried hard not to share in the same laughter.
“Well, after everything, he gets extremely embarrassed about it. After all, he’s your father and he doesn’t want to look…like…uh…”
“Like an idiot?” One kid suggested.
Feliciano glared, “no…he just…wants you to think the best of him.”
Giovanna, shyly, had to admit, “he was kind of an idiot though.”
And this time there was no one that could hide from the laugh.
Perhaps this was not the best time for Ludwig to come in. “And what are we talking about here?” He tried to come in with intimidation and power…but it was difficult when he held a baby, the young one with his mouth on a toy, drooling and surely droplets falling to the rich capes and fabrics he was adorned with.
All the children gasped. “Prince Friedrich! Prince Friedrich!” Like a swarm they came to their King, cooing and hoping for some kind of touch at the new prince. Ludwig, even after having seven children of his own, seemed overwhelmed by this large number of preschoolers surrounding him like predators. There was no crevice he could escape through, resulting in holding his son high to avoid him getting lost in the ordeal. Little Friedrich went on munching and didn’t seem at all bothered by this attention.
“All right, all right, settle down, give his majesty some space.” They did, although their wonder still lay on Friedrich. The only one who remained close was Giovanna, embracing her father’s legs in welcome, looking up to him with a bright blue beg. “Can I hold him, Vatti? Can I hold him now?”
Ludwig gazed over to Feliciano for a decision. His queen nodded and so he sighed and settled with leaving the boy in his sister’s arms. The kids did well to still leave the space, although they asked on and waited for some kind of attention from the prince, Ludwig admitting that Giovanna did well to hold her little brother and protect him. He moved over to his husband confident, a kiss, an embrace, with the ever present fire, and luckily the kids were too distracted to really see any of it. In a release, with smirks and clear intentions in their eyes, Ludwig’s eyes fell on the fresh golden paint still on Feliciano’s brush.
“You’re still working on it? The servants will be coming up any minute to pick it up and place it for the exhibition,” Ludwig worried.
“And they will have a finished piece!” Feliciano pointed to the very last detail he was missing, the crowns on their eldest sons, finished with splendor in gold and finalizing it all in a perfect picture.
Ludwig awed, moving back to take the full design.
It was a large crowd, from all four kingdoms and every single kind of province. Flags, instruments, shields and uniforms were showcased in clear and bountiful colors, across every space, balcony and roofs, a parade coming from the castle only bringing and heightening the crowds. At the very front were all kinds of heightened soldiers, the other Kings and Queens. Ludwig had suggested Feliciano drew himself at the very center, for he was the hero that had granted them that.
By now, Feliciano, in his continuing reign, granted all kinds of successes to his people. A network of communication was established, tubes, messengers and animals working at better speeds and structures to bring messages quicker, granting a more united speech with all the kingdoms. Feliciano had made and signed treaties of trade, that all shall be educated, now with technologies shared and created, granting them all kinds of advances they had never thought possible. Blimps and other flying contraptions placed them at equal level to the St. Marks or dragons or phoenixes that flew in the skies. Better routes were placed, bridges that were marvels and new landmarks that towered and rivaled the ancient ones. Feliciano had also suggested tools and ways to better the agriculture, the fauna, all now in strengths and beauties that Ludwig had never remembered seeing in such a way until Feliciano’s reign. He had made his mark to be forever told in their history. He had brought back the tale of Augusta, for the streets to be decorated in her image again and her feats recognized. With his combination to the story, many were already calling him Feliciano the Greatest, much to his incredible dislike.
Yet despite all of this, Feliciano painted himself to the side, holding Alessandro, with Ludwig to his other side holding Heinrich. One wouldn’t know they were the royals of Hearts if it wasn’t pointed out or they didn’t know them already. He sighed…accepting whatever reason Feliciano had for it.
Next was to point out how young they had been here…both twenty one years old…innocence even if all they had gone through, smoothened…surely less hair. Feliciano still looked young despite being in his forties. Yes he had his wrinkles, his scars, but his smile still somehow made them shine. He only had a bit of stubble on him now. He tried to shave often, many times shaming the hair on his face. The one on his head, though, had grown longer, many times, as now, deciding to tie it back in a small ponytail to keep it from falling on his face when he worked. Ludwig had suggested many times to cut it, but Feliciano always glared and berated him for even suggesting it.
Ludwig was one to talk…he had let himself the beard that now covered his face completely, more white than blond. Feliciano told him constantly that one day he would have more hair on his beard than on his head…for in the past years it had begun to lessen, Ludwig having to try all kinds of products in the hopes he didn’t end up bald. He was terrified, but nevertheless Feliciano always made clear that he would love him no matter what.
“Magnificent,” Ludwig complimented, when he knew he had seen all in the painting.
Feliciano smiled and came much closer to him, leaning his head on his shoulder, enjoying this peace while the children were still distracted with their youngest son.
There was a knock at the door, gentle, soothing, yet excited, the couple already knowing who it was.
“Nonna!” Giovanna shouted, of course bringing along her brother. The little boy instantly brought his hands up, wanting Renata’s attention and hold. The now grandmother of nine children, had no problem with taking and cooing the youngest of all…and hopefully the last. She kissed him and let Giovanna caress around her leg, her attention then falling on her son and son-in-law.
“Feliciano, amore, the servants are here to pick up the painting. I also just received a telegram from Heinrich and Alessandro. They shall be entering Berlin in an hour.”
All the Beilschmidt-Valenti got clearly excited, equal smiles between all.
“What are we here for then? Come, let’s go!” Feliciano shouted and clapped, wanting to hurry everyone out in an instant. He had a deep need to see his eldest after they had been away for half a year fulfilling their tour of the kingdoms.
What was once the journey that the King and Queen of Hearts had to make to get all the Validity spheres, was now a tourist route that many dared to follow. It was now a new tradition that every member of their family had to make it at least once in their lifetimes.
All the children joined in that excitement as they all, including Giovanna, made their way out in shouts, running down the stairs in a way that had Ludwig and Feliciano going behind in worries any of them could trip. At least they knew Friedrich was safe in Renata’s arms, the infant laughing in her arms and refusing to depart from the embrace.
It was a long route from the very top of the castle, passing by servants finishing the last decorative touches for the festivities, waving to the King and Queen, the littlest princess and prince, before they hurried, yet already everything was such a splendor that the children didn’t bother. Soon enough they were away from eye sight, Ludwig signaling some of the guards to head off and keep an extra watch. It was here that Friedrich became unsettled, kicking and cries coming that had Feliciano hurrying to his mother’s side to figure out what could be the problem now.
“Hungry.” The two proclaimed.
“Lunch was merely an hour ago. Friedrich ate more than enough,” Ludwig knew, he had been the one to feed him.
“Ludwig, this boy is clearly a Valenti. With an insatiable stomach, thinking of nothing but food,” Renata said proudly.
Ludwig groaned, knowing well they had to go back to the kitchen and prepare something new for the young prince.
“You two go ahead. I’m sure you have to hurry the others as well. I’ll bring him good and ready for the ceremony.”
“Grazie, mamma,” Feliciano sighed in relief, Ludwig even more.
She hurried away, both parents waving to the boy who only but mildly waved back…he was now more focused on his grandmother. But now came the issue of getting the other three ready. They knew Giovanna would eventually meet them…
There were shouts, clangs and rushing steps, known laughter echoing down this hall.
“Come, quick, hurry!” One girl shouted.
“They can’t catch us now!”
And they both knew this voice well.
Ludwig had already raised his arm, just as two ten year olds crashed into it, surely taking the winding staircase that came to meet them just now as an escape. Both were wearing toy armors, carrying wooden shields and swords, surprised and stunned at the two people they had hoped they wouldn’t meet.
Yes, the best they could adorn children for in their play…and yet metal pots on their heads as helmets.
“And who have we angered today?” Feliciano accused, already knowing.
“Nobody!” Alissa had shouted before Aldrich could, but the young boy was trembling, avoiding eyes, biting his lips.
“Really?” Ludwig looked deeper at his son and he just couldn’t take it any longer.
“We took Mrs. Caden’s pudding pots!” He blurted out as if it was squished out of him.
“Aldrich!” The girl shouted, annoyed and now revealed.
“They were the perfect pots to use for our game! We were going to bring them back. We promised!”
The parents were finding it hard to believe.
Alissa and Aldrich pouted, victims in misery, somehow innocent and only blamed. Ludwig and Feliciano couldn’t resist long enough. It was a holiday after all.
Ludwig let his arm fall down, granting instant freedom and pass to continue whatever game they were in the middle of. They shouted and laughed, making a run for it before it was interrupted again.
“And Aldrich, remember, you are expected at the ceremony. You do know your brothers are coming back, right?” Feliciano reminded. “I suggest you finish and start getting ready.”
They could feel both the children rolling their eyes and plotting some way they could escape from this.
“You heard your Papa,” Ludwig made clear.
Aldrich sighed and nodded before he decided on hurrying down the halls with his friend.
“Hm, they remind me of someone,” Feliciano hinted with a grin.
“We couldn’t have been that misbehaving!” And Feliciano wondered if he had forgotten it all, laughing and taking his hand to continue their walk across the castle.
“Let them be children, let him have his friend. If I recall, Aldrich is at the age our families decided we would be engaged.”
“Um…should we…?” He pointed to the direction they had taken.
“We promised we wouldn’t interfere at all,” Feliciano reminded. “Let them decide on their own.”
They continue with their overall mission.
Friedrich, Giovanna, Aldrich…now where could that girl be? They passed by her room hoping to find her, their eldest daughter, and as expected, she was…the only one who was actually getting ready for the festivities.
The girl had inherited beauty well, a grace and splendor that was true of a princess. She was the only one that used the full services of the servants, letting them pamper her, present her with all kinds of dresses, jewelry and make up to decorate her skin as majestically as possible. Ludwig and Feliciano had a hard time wondering from where she had gotten like this. At least they knew they were in the last steps, spraying perfumes and fixing any wrinkles in the dress she had chosen. Red with glitter of gold, the sparkle matching well with the makeup and golden band tying up her brown curled hair.
“Bella, cara,” Feliciano had to compliment her.
She perked up from whatever lulling she kept in her head as they finished. She instantly stood up with a shrill going over to her father, surely begging to show him. “Papa, papa! What do you think?” She twirled and showed its show of light, the parents knowing well it was sure to grab attention and longing looks. Ludwig was liking it less the older she got, while Feliciano on the other hand, “Signora Vera has really outdone herself this time! You look like a jewel!” And he kissed her head with a powerful intent that could be heard all across the room.
“I know! I know! This one has to be my favorite! Oh, please tell me the preparations are done! I want to head out!” Like it was a show she wanted to play and be the main role of.
“That’s just what we came here for,” Ludwig said.
She squealed and already made her way out of the room…well not before leaving a last kiss on the cheek for Ludwig. “I’ll be waiting!” She waved and made her way serene and ready.
Now it was only Isabella.
Ludwig groaned and Feliciano asked for patience.
They went to her room where there was no sign. She had left it orderly and precise…but no hint of a fast preparation. They checked all the places she could have found some last minute enjoyment. The libraries, the training grounds, even at the guard quarters…but still nothing. They resorted to checking the kitchen, any of the studies she sometimes took to writing.
The clock was ticking, already servants were beginning to expect them to get ready. They were minutes away from the welcoming. The parents groaned and gave up, hoping desperately she would somehow meet them at the balcony. Ludwig and Feliciano hurried to the ceremonial suites of the day, red with whites and golds, jewels raining, their kingdom crowns resting well on the top of their heads. Hand in hand they hurried how they could down the halls, without messing too much of these imperial wears, the most extravagant, perfect for how the day was to be celebrated.
Pookie met up with them, cuddling his small form against Feliciano’s cheek before he landed on the ground and took his large form, deserving of it. It was as this that he had helped them vanquish Khaos twenty years ago.
Soon they heard the roar, the gathering of so many people coming to celebrate. Augustino peeked his head from down the hall, waving to his uncles to hurry. He was just as quickly shoved back, surely his father insisting he stayed in his place for the introduction.
The light of the day poured into the hall they turned, splendid, with blue and then the colors of the decorations of this hall to compliment. They noticed Gilbert, Antonio, Lovino, Augustino, just at their length now, people getting used to calling him more ‘Augusto’ than little Augustino. Clara was the only small one here, her wave so sweet as she noticed her uncles’ welcome. Feliciano gave them a quick wave before they had to move past them, over to their parents, Renata who held Friedrich now in long ceremonial robes. His attention quickly turned to his parents’, fretful in his grandmother’s hold as he raised his arms in begs to be held by either of them. Feliciano offered to take him, instant smiles between them, identical, along with the same bounce of their brown curls. It was in this moment that they heard the rushing steps of Aldrich and Giovanna, reaching and even pulling at both their parents to let them know they were there. They stuck to Ludwig’s side, while Ludwig enjoyed caressing their blond hair as he then motioned them all to keep their way forward.
Kiku, Mariana and Analiese were already waiting at the balcony, the girls eager for their parents' words to begin it all.
The six of them reached the balcony, the air festive, the crowds were loud and expecting, shouts mended into a symphony that was like the spirit of the city come to life. It all looked so gorgeously beautiful from up here. And yet…as Ludwig and Feliciano looked about…no sign of Isabella.
They couldn’t be any later, the crowds were slowly silencing for their speech. They had to start now, with Isabella there or not.
With the hands Ludwig and Feliciano held together, and with a sign to Kiku, they raised it out for another wave of cheers, for flowers to fly and sparks to surely alight all the four kingdoms.
Between the multitudes they tried to find the royal families. Sure enough, Alfred, Arthur and Yao were there. With them the three princes and Yao’s own young child, who they had decided would be more a fit to the Spade Kingdom than the Club Kingdom, where his father was from…King of Clubs actually. Ivan was with Elizabeta and Roderich, their teenage son with them. Then the Diamond royals were all there, no heirs to show from either three, but yet beautiful and spectacular on their own, Lily especially towering. There was also Kandake with her people, much more numerous than they would have been twenty years ago. Now they had lands, flags and cultures to showcase between all the ones present in the crowds. She herself had started her own family, with another woman who was there holding the youngest of three. Ludwig and Feliciano hoped they had noticed the greet specifically sent their way.
The silence settled, everyone was waiting. They had to start. Feliciano took his breath and made his position, ready to be loud, for his voice to echo across all the city…this needed some residue power of when he had actually been Ace.
“My people! Spades, Clubs, Diamonds and Hearts!” And each group shouted and celebrated at their mentioning. “Jabbar, Artem, Maiara and Augusta are surely smiling at all us from the heavens. Proud and believing. Twenty years after and we are standing as the perfect image that they kept in their minds long ago in the realms of the first heaven.” Feliciano practically sang, leading an orchestra, Ludwig thought, smiling as he then stood forward and continued himself.
“Twenty years and we can still sleep in peace and security, all thanks to the men and women that fought and sacrificed everything on this day, for all to be standing here in glory.”
Kiku continued, “We spare now our silence for all the people that made their passing, that we miss and wish…could be with us in this celebration…yet we smile knowing that they are in the glory of the heavens, waiting on their return to our world.”
With the loud bang of a drum, it was called and all bowed, each giving their thoughts to that particular person. Feliciano remembered Feliks, Aaron, Sam and Timoteo, as he always did when this moment came. He hoped they were happy in the heavens, that they would be promised a great return to a new life. Their families, that he knew where in the plentitude, he had gotten to know and help, wishing he could give his condolences, his warmth, but in this moment, all he could do was join in their miss and hope that there was a connection that let them know they were not alone and that the future still remained bright.
The time passed and just as this new bang of the drums, did the feast and happiness begin again. It was at this moment that Ludwig and Feliciano came to a heavy realization…the person who was supposed to take an important role in the next part of the speech…the reason why they had been so adamant in looking for her…still wasn't there. Everyone in the balcony instantly faltered as the silence continued, looking about them, as if she was simply hiding and meant to come with a big entrance…and she was only late. But the parents knew her…Isabella wasn’t that kind of person.
“What do we do?” Ludwig whispered. Feliciano only stuttered, now praying to the Aces that his daughter would just pop out in some theatrical event, all part of some excellent plan that would crown the day. But no…that’s not something she would do either.
He sighed, and gazed on to Ludwig, his eyes already saying that perhaps they should just continue on their own. Ludwig grimaced and Feliciano prepared himself to stand in whatever defense Isabella called for when Ludwig decided to give her one of his harsh speeches. Just when Feliciano was ready to utter the next words, there was a sudden commotion, pushes and exclamations followed by commands of “Move!” in a harsh tone that both parents instantly recognized. They widened and turned behind them hoping to finally see her…and she wasn't there. Where was it coming from? They looked all around them. Kiku tapped on their shoulders, pointing up above…where another smaller balcony was located. He whispered to them: “The guards just told us she sneaked up there.”
What was that girl trying to do? The parents had to practically hang from the rail to be able to look up. Friedrich laughed and wobbled his hands to one of his eldest sisters, being able to finally see her.
She wore the dress they had insisted on, long, the red fabric breezing with this tall wind magnificently. With the sun and the gold on it, she shone like another of the jewels on the castle…although Ludwig had something against the way she just… perked her leg up on the rail, revealing her leg like this to the entire kingdom.
“Uh…Cara?” Feliciano shyly called her.
“We are proof of success,” Isabella decided to continue, loud and echoing. The parents were startled at first, but silenced and let her continue. The girl spread her arms, “we are proof that it should go on, that we are to be recipients in their call…no matter what it is.” There was a shake in that last part of her words. “We will shine on! We will give, travel, work, unite, play, create, paint, sing, be brave, powerful, trusting and above all, love.” The relief in that last word made Feliciano smile. He was teaching her well. “We are Hearts, we are this new world and let us celebrate in freedom and chance!” And she made the crowds feast and excite, in chants and belief as if they were setting off to battle yet again.
Kiku, Ludwig and Feliciano really hoped not! One big war in their lifetime was enough and it wasn’t something they wished for their children or grandchildren or anyone else that would come after them.
“Your majesties, she is not done yet,” one guard informed them.
What? Her speech was already fantastic, there wasn't a need for more. But Isabella didn’t hesitate to show that she had magic herself.
No…no, no, no, no, no!
That fire in her veins, that pulse, that call…Feliciano and Isabella could almost hear Augusta chuckling in some distance.
“Oh no…” Feliciano worded…defeated. Ludwig groaned, but just…let it happen.
There was a blow, a large array of sparks that blew all the way to the skies, in shining reds and golds that came down as a sort of gift. It was beautiful and spectacular, Isabella the lighthouse to shine it across her kingdom. It intensified the emotions all throughout…and it was all at the cost of an early power activation.
“What’s going on?” Ludwig growled between his teeth at Analiese. The girl smiled and stood with that carefreeness that was much like her Italian father, but not even Feliciano could stand with that ease currently.
She at least answered, “Oh, I thought you had already noticed.” As if it was obvious.
“What is going on?” Ludwig demanded more harshly.
Analiese groaned but knew well to answer this time. “It’s part of a bet we have going on.”
“A bet! What could you possibly be betting on?”
“Who inherited the power of Augusta.”
Started as young children, the influence of hearing her stories constantly…along with how their father was some great hero that saved all four kingdoms while he was bearing Heinrich and Alessandro with a power that they knew was inheritable.
“Before you blame me, it was Alessandro that started it…but it was Heinrich’s idea when he noticed that their activation was not like yours or Vatti’s.” The way she smiled, confident, completely unfazed…it meant she was involved.
“Analiese…did you go through an early power activation too?” Feliciano glared. And for once she hesitated, shaking, her ethereal look revolving her back to the young teenager she still was.
“Heinrich said mine wasn’t like yours either,” she thought if she included her older brother, the fault and punishment would be more spread about and she wouldn't be the only one to deal with it.
“Very well done I must admit, dear,” Mariana giggled next to her, knowing full well there wouldn’t be an easy exit for her friend.
Both parents groaned. “Do any of you understand how dangerous this is?” Ludwig angered.
“We’ve managed,” she meekly tried to defend.
“No! No! This is something that neither of you should treat like a game! It’s something we have to be involved in to help. You don’t understand how hard the consequences can be. I suffered many burns and had to deal with a welling of pain that was too much to bear sometimes.” He went on, leaving only Analiese to deal with this, three of her younger siblings still wide eyed and with sparkles in their eyes at what Isabella created…but also thinking…can we do this too? Feliciano sighed in desperation. They did not need to involve the younger ones either. They had to arrange something to talk about it to all of them before any unnecessary power activations.
Isabella came to join them, confident in her steps, smiling and surely mocking how Analiese was the one receiving the harsh beration.
“And you, Fräulein,” Ludwig turned to her ready to start.
“Look! Look! It’s the blimp!” Aldrich suddenly shouted, pointing to the distance.
“It’s Alessandro and Heinrich!” Giovanna joined with utter glee, the parents worried she would jump off from the balcony to hurry to them. Of course they had to follow their gaze…it had been months since they had last seen their twins and the excitement was above whatever they were scolding their kids for.
The blimp was large, red of course, with ribbons, flags and shields of the Hearts Kingdom, its shadow large enough to cover whole blocks in the city. Of course the crowds shouted and moved at its coming proximity, especially when they finally noticed where exactly the princes were located.
Heinrich was safely inside the gondola, waving through the clear glass, beside the captain, surely learning how it worked. Both parents were surprised he wasn't driving the thing himself. Alessandro on the other hand…was not safe inside…he was in fact outside, right on the envelope, the only thing keeping him from falling to the far ground was his hold on one of the many decorating ribbons. Yet he laughed, he shouted and screamed their welcome, waving to his parents with utter glee, surely with infinite stories to tell that would fill their conversations for the next weeks.
Ludwig and Feliciano couldn't bother for anything else, they smiled to themselves, waving and wanting nothing more than to already hold both in their arms. Ludwig wrapped an arm around Isabella, bringing her close, the girl cuddling well on his side. Feliciano did the same with Analiese, landing a kiss on the top of her head. The girls grinned between one another over the clear that formed for now.
There would be time for everything else, let them celebrate, let them enjoy, let them be in their now, in their family.
Feliciano took a glimpse of one of the sparks Isabella had created, one glinting from a corner of the castle, remaining still. He gazed strongly at it, because in that simple spark, he could already see a lot.
Of course, certo…Isabella inherited Augusta’s power. He chuckled. Sure, he had three more kids that needed to go through a power activation as well…but in that simplicity he already knew.
This was going to be interesting.
Isabella will one day harbor the power well, with years of practice and training, a master that would be known well across the four kingdoms. And one day she will meet an engineer, a girl from the Spanish province, a girl to drive her head as insane as it had driven Ludwig and Feliciano in love. A romance will bloom, with energy and beauty. From it, a family, a granddaughter named Dorotea, with a mark of Kingship to announce who will be next after Ludwig. Of course she will be raised in the castle, of course the grandparents will be there every step of the way, with the same love they showed their children and the rest of their grandkids.
Then there will be another baby girl in the German province named Gwendoline, born with the Queen mark, and she will arrive shy, scared of every fine decoration, hesitant of her every step and unbelieving of any potential when the Queen before her was Feliciano the Great. And Feliciano will be reminded of himself at her age when he entered those very doors, with the same doubts, unbeknown of all that was to come.
He will smile, bring the girl in the warmest hug he could give and assure her that she will be great.
Yes, I know I’m updating so late, but I have been busy with many things and-OH MY FUCKING GOD I FINISHED IT! I FINISHED IT!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
Oh boy, obligatory goodbye message for this story.
Oh dear, how do I start?
I first posted this story back in 2016. That was almost 6 years ago. I remember I was still in college, with still a year and a half to go…I was still in Puerto Rico, I hadn't even gone to Europe the first time yet. FATKOH was just an idea that laid well in my head for a while and I began it as a hobby and a way to explore and make the adventures I wanted to live through my writing and my dears Ludwig and Feliciano here.
And now looking back…this story was with me through so many things… I wrote chapters of this story in the craziest settings.
From the halls and libraries of the University of Puerto Rico, my own home in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. This story was on my mind the very first time I went to Europe, alive in every city I went to, the trip fueling ideas and later new dreams. This story was with me when my father left the island for a better job to support us…but then it wasn’t enough and we had to go to our grandparents. I then wrote chapters in the hills of Comerio, Puerto Rico. This story was with me when hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, a devastation that destroyed the island…and then later my family. This story was an escape through my parent’s divorce. I remember using all the charge I could get on my laptop to specifically write chapters for this story. It was for these three months of living without electricity, of having to scrape for food and I still remember a tearful day where I didn’t know how my grandmother and I were going to tell our family we couldn’t find water to drink. And then I went to Germany. I wrote chapters in a cute little German village in Hessen. And then in Iceland, in a lonely valley where in the nights the Northern Lights would shine. In Between writing chapters and papers, I finished my bachelors. I wrote chapters in a small town in Piemonte, Italy, surrounded by wine and hazelnut fields, as well as constant lovely views of the alps. I wrote chapters in Madrid, Spain. Then in Orlando, Florida, all while waiting for the right papers to bring me to the life changing chance of coming to Berlin, Germany. I lived with a German family, with the two most adorable twins that easily became my life and were the inspiration for a lot of the children in these stories. This story helped me get relief when I had to leave them, when I moved to the center of the city, when I realized I made my dream of living and working in a big city in Europe. That was more than a year ago. I wrote chapters in several places of the city and now, I wrote the very last sentence in my Prussian boyfriend’s (He’s German, but he has Prussian heritage, so sssshhhhhhh!!!) apartment in Moabit, Berlin.
This story stuck with me for so much and was there to witness all kinds of things. I really…can’t believe it’s here, finished after 6 years. I was determined to come here, but I have to admit there were several points I thought this wouldn't happen at all.
This story is a feat I’m proud of.
I want to thank every single reader, from the ones that stuck from the very beginning, to those who left half way, to those who picked it up from random, recent readers, I don’t care, I thank you deeply for coming along, for making my days with your comments, to know that I could bring joy, an escape and a trip that was as magical as it was to me. I love your kudos, your bookmarks, the art was spectacular and anything you can give to this story, I treasure and take well care of it.
I’m tearing up as I write this. This was so much, and I’m just so happy.
So now, officially Feliciano and the King of Hearts has its ‘The End’ and I say farewell with all the love, hugs, kisses I could give it.
I might return to edit some small detailed descriptions, especially the fantastical version of Berlin, since I want to add and fix to show more of the actual city (I’ve been living here soon four years, I have to give this one some more accurate grace), but the story will always remain the same.
I might take forever, I am indeed busy with many things, but the rest of my stories need some more attention. I guess I can focus more on the Society of Romulus and Remus now. BUT UPDATES SHALL COME! Even if they take…years…BUT THERE’RE COMING!
Once again, thank you so much for absolutely everything.
Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.
Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59 I Chapter 60I Chapter 61 I Chapter 62 I Chapter 63 I Chapter 64 I Chapter 65 I Chapter 66 I Chapter 67 I Chapter 68 I Chapter 69 I Chapter 70 I Chapter 71 I Chapter 72 I Chapter 73 I Chapter 74 I Chapter 75 I Chapter 76 I Chapter 77 I Chapter 78 I Chapter 79 I Chapter 80
Look! A chapter! HOOZA! SO DARN CLOSE OMG! Yes, like always, I apologize for taking so long, tons of things, as usual. I hope the chapter makes do for it…I guess. Enjoy!
Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.
Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59 I Chapter 60I Chapter 61 I Chapter 62 I Chapter 63 I Chapter 64 I Chapter 65 I Chapter 66 I Chapter 67 I Chapter 68 I Chapter 69 I Chapter 70 I Chapter 71 I Chapter 72 I Chapter 73 I Chapter 74 I Chapter 75 I Chapter 76 I Chapter 77 I Chapter 78 I Chapter 79 I Chapter 80
Look! A chapter! HOOZA! SO DARN CLOSE OMG! Yes, like always, I apologize for taking so long, tons of things, as usual. I hope the chapter makes do for it...I guess. Enjoy!
Chapter 81
And celebration rang, with shouts and applauses, the swing of flags and surviving weapons decorating the field in wonderful splendor. Some jumped, danced, complete strangers embraced one another or even kissed in the passion of lovers. Roderich and Francis couldn’t help but to cry, Elizabeta, Lili and Vash embracing them…not long before they joined in the same tears. Alfred took as many as he could in for the largest group hug he intended to make, much to Arthur’s distaste of being squeezed between many of his people. As Yao was trying to find his escape, he bumped into Ivan, who proceeded to take him into a large embrace, the very one the Spadian Jack was trying to avoid. Yet as Ivan took his lip…he didn’t find himself minding any longer. He wrapped his arms around the Clubian King’s neck and let himself that beautiful bliss.
The three Heartian royals stood alone in this sudden feast. Feliciano had already commanded that none were to come close, and so they yet remained in their field were Khaos’s last traces had been, still in the same silence that had welcomed them when Khaos was at last officially defeated.
“What are we waiting for?” Kiku asked, because indeed that was what it felt like they were doing, especially with Feliciano looking on as if…expecting someone to come.
“Is this about that one thing you asked us to protect? That Khaos had?” Feliciano nodded to Ludwig, taking steps forward, right towards this sun rise. Ludwig and Kiku stayed behind and watched, giving Feliciano some space to breathe and focus.
“…he’s here,” he whispered after the silence he wanted was reached.
It wasn’t a message for Ludwig, for Kiku, for anybody there.
“…he’s here…I know he’s here…” he whispered on, a hand reaching so it could focus on one spot.
The wind that blew now was different, the energy that came ancient, along with the magic and form that even to Ludwig and Kiku, felt as the arise of a person. And there, in a sudden flash, there was a red ball of fire, fitting along with the sun, potent and shinning to them like another burning star.
Feliciano sighed, smiled…and even began to cry. “He’s here…He’s here…” he still repeated.
Something suddenly changed in the air, like an earthquake…but nothing shook, nothing trembled, magic and energy just rained, at first, invisible, like a force that brought everyone to silence as their eyes came to the Heartian royals, to the center of what was occurring. Then there was flashes of light, golden and glittering, blowing and seeming to scream into the skies. Feliciano was engulfed in it, in fact, from him it turned larger, a calming fire blazing, arising into the skies, taking the whole field, in beautiful reds and golds that the Heartian Queen helped to make tall, letting his halo, his marks, his wings, shine on up. It was a storm that reminded them of when Khaos had first turned, but this…although powerful and indeed fearsome at first, it was gentle, caring, a beauty that instead of turning away all, it brought and made them aw in a combine admiration. A form became evident, gigantic and towering, with flowers, jewels and silk to cover…her…in grace. From the rains of this colorful and royal feast, she came, showing herself in all her pure form. She was as high as Khaos had been, looking down to all her people with deep fondness in large ruby eyes. Ah, she was gorgeous. Her curled hair fell down to her knees, crowned with a large golden pillar halo that matched well with the specks of gold in her long red dress, tainted like stars, like constellations. Her skin was marked in long lines of vines and symbols, identical to the ones Feliciano held. They also shared a set of wings, although hers were with a hint of rose, much larger, surely to extend to the next mountains if she spread them open. And then the structure of her face, her smile…Feliciano, Lovino, Renata and all the rest of the Valenti knew she was family. For a moment, they were reminded of Augusto and understood then why he had the perfect namesake. Even as she stood gigantically over them, especially when she kneeled, her reach to the ground soft like wind, none were intimidated, all smiled and welcomed the presence of an Ace.
“…Nonna Augusta,” Feliciano greeted her so meekly once the release was completed.
She looked to him with deep fondness, kneeling and bringing her head much closer to his. Ludwig and Kiku were startled slightly back at being right before a large face like this, if even so beautiful.
“Feliciano…” and she smiled with a ring that surely brought music to the whole valley, “l’hai fatto.” He shook at the realization once again…completed and fulfilled. “A mission that I set upon a thousand years ago, one in which the state of your world and mine was held at a delicate balance. I harbored power through my family, generation by generation, until it was with you that the next alignment found itself with. It was much to put that responsibility on only you, so young and still so new to a ruling of a kingdom. Yet, it was by your hand that it was done. With a belief and effort that I was proud to witness, see it grow and now…I watch as it shines.” Feliciano blushed, so intense that he wanted to hide it, not being able to continue his stare with his great grandmother.
“Of course, I also owe congratulations and compliments to the King and Jack.” Ludwig and Kiku startled, more so when this great Ace bowed to them. “Your own growth, I paid attention to, and it is worthy of your position.” And they couldn’t answer, as nervous and blushing as Feliciano. “And the others…” she turned to meet their gazes in the crowd, their knees shaking and eyes widened as if taking blame. She couldn’t help the chuckle. “Brave you have been, courageous and a great loyalty shown to your kingdom. Your respective Ace I know is just as proud.” They wanted to faint from the honor. Even Alfred was left speechless and without a high comment to say.
“And your people, who without every piece of help they could give…we would not stand victorious here now. I thank you all. You have brought to this world a peace that has never been, new and promising. Darkness has disappeared and now light will always be prominent.” Shy cheers and applauses spread, part of the crowds wanted to remain respectful, as presentable as possible for an Ace. Augusta partly rolled her eyes at it, Feliciano giggled at such a human presentation. It was just the ring that brought her giant gaze back to him again.
“You have freed me from your vessel. No doubt you learned it in the Eternal Reserved.” Feliciano nodded sheepishly, worried that perhaps it was something she had not wished. “Why so?” She asked and for a moment Feliciano forgot every single language he knew. He needed a moment to bring his words back, leaving a silence that left everyone else with tension.
“I know…you would want to meet him again in person…” was all he could utter.
Ah…of course.
Her expression suddenly changed to something so unsure and weak, a pain that had been there for thousands of years presented. She then turned to the small ball of fire that Feliciano had brought only minutes ago. It looked so insignificant and small to all, yet for her, who reached and engulfed it in the palm of her hand with care, love deep in her eyes, making her flourish the more, it was a worth higher than any gold. She smiled, with a hint of a lake forming in her eyes, standing once again to bring this light closer to her heart. There, between folds of satin, lay the most prominent and beautiful of all the designs on her body. Feliciano could recognize it as the most ancient Heart symbol and the light fitted perfectly to its art.
“Romulus…Romulus…” she prayed his name in relief, caressing it as if he was fully there.
He was…he was truly there.
Ludwig and Kiku exchanged glances with wide eyes and mouths.
“You have to thank Ludwig and the Beilschmidts,” and he turned to his husband with such pride, like he was the one that did the magic. Ludwig startled and for a moment didn’t understand his part in it. “They carried his soul along, for just the time that you passed through my lineage. It was corrupted…and you saw how Khaos used it for his own purpose.” A dark memory that brought gruesome shivers to Ludwig. He turned his attention to Augusta’s light and suddenly it was gone. “But he learned to control it, to fight against it…and together we purified it…united it with another part Khaos still held and he is now…with you.” Feliciano was joyous, and he knew his great grandmother more so, letting the light bounce and letting herself laugh. Truly a wonder.
“Oh, Feliciano. I could give you the whole world for doing all of this…and in fact.” There was indeed a reward that was to be given, and released or not, she would make do Feliciano received it. She extended her large arm long, closed her eyes, and called forward a strong magic, potent and surely meant to break apart the very line that divided their world from others. It was the kind of power that not even Feliciano knew or didn’t think he would ever reach enough to master. This was portal opening, Augusta with an ease creating a large window enough to give her enormous frame passage. Other than just an opening, the edges were decorated and strengthened with beautifully carved pillars, pots and statues that rained on magic and light, with flowers vines of red and gold that bloomed before their eyes and seemed to dance at the welcome of their Ace. Inside its frame was just light, reflecting and glimmering in pinks wonderfully. What was on the other side, they couldn’t see, but it awaited them patiently, yet the three royals were hesitant, as if a bar was still being held in front of them.
Augusta smiled at them, “come.” A barefoot went easily in, just as the waters and dives Feliciano remembered from the Interludes. She let her whole body go in its taking, with her dress, hair, wings and halo. A single hand gave a final wave to all her people and she was gone, only leaving behind the light of the portal. Kiku, Ludwig and Feliciano were yet frozen…but Feliciano was the one to take a deep breath and dared to be the first to take a step. It was just like the interludes…there was nothing to fear. It was the example and leadership Ludwig and Kiku followed, matching along together to be granted passage as a single force.
Feliciano recognized this feeling of going between, the feel as if water purifying you into a new world, while Kiku and Ludwig were startled at this wonderment, almost tripping in their welcome. With the change of the portal, Ludwig and Kiku were granted their very own form. Both with reddish and golden marks, wings, Ludwig’s a darker red while Kiku’s were almost orange. They shone with strong halos, of fire, heavy surely if it was back in their own world…but here it was as light as another strand in their hair. Their clothes turned into richness and beauty as the very ones Augusta had shown herself in, to the style of their province, making clear their origins, the three making quite a trio as they stood above a stage that put them to look below to what this world was.
They were left breathless, almost fainting at the colors, the sound of the creatures that roamed freely and confident, palaces and palaces, piling up, shinning with the rarest of crystals and forms, with water, routes, trees and flowers cascading down to different floating islands. Clouds and mist seemed to grant them this flight, this place in between the folds of the universe, perfect like heaven.
“What…what…” Kiku tried to word but was still too taken to really continue what he meant to ask.
“What is this place?” Ludwig somehow managed to reach.
“The heavens,” And Augusta appeared beside them, not gigantic, but matching with their own statures, yet still decorated as beautifully. She placed comforting and welcoming hands on their shoulders, leading them, with the way she practically flew forward, telling them to follow her. She easily went over the precipice, with each step creating a path of golden bricks, shaped with clouds and shine, a hint of pink to them that the three royals couldn’t resist their own step towards.
They passed well-turned spirits and souls, riding happily on the backs of dragons, phoenixes or St. Marks, each animal decorated just as gorgeously as their human counterparts. They spotted trees and flowers that they had never seen before, overflowing from roofs, some even floating, in the control of those who wanted to make them fly or make them sprinkle the air.
Feliciano had to try and remember every detail, every portrait, every scene painted on walls, the capture of statues, or nature in vases, bricks, sidewalks, glasses and crystals reflecting more whatever shine decided to present itself as they walked on.
The deeper they went, the more came to gather, shouting, congratulating, in an array of different languages, some their own but as it was spoken two hundred years ago. From their wear, their marks, their wings or halos, they saw people from a span of many years, Feliciano recognizing many of their clothes from old paintings.
Augusta continued to lead them through this celebration, floating them through the streets, the golds, between arches of sapphire, pillars in diamonds and green vines coming alive through every wall. Even as the songs and shouts were directed at them, the three royals, taken still by what they saw, couldn’t raise their hands, couldn’t utter a word, their eyes still occupied taking every detail, every movement, every color. Augusta kept leading them through crevices and wondrous corners, until she could expose them to surely the four largest palaces in the realm.
Nothing in their world could compare to their tallness, their majesty, shine and as Augusta laid them back on the ground, right before the road that could lead to her red and golden one, the three royals felt unworthy to step on such a pavement. They were left no other choice as Augusta blew away with ease the road for them she had created, bringing them to the center of this feast, to the loudest of all the cheers, and also the very center of their universe. They noticed then three beings come, one in blue, the other green, and one in yellow. Even as they stood in their same stature, the Heartians could feel nothing but power and magic from them, almighty and way above whatever reaches they could reach even when they were right there. They knew they were the other Aces. Artem, Maiara and Jabbar. They came to meet their fellow sister…who they hadn’t seen like this in surely centuries. In an act that was utterly human, they all came into an embrace, together, in an union that Feliciano swore he could see their entire world shine in. Augusta let herself go to introduce forward the royals chosen for her own kingdom, the three surely shaking and with eyes of enchantment…but also panic. They bowed, as low to the ground, kneeled and hands extended as they were taught in the very rare case they were in front of all four Aces.
“No need, stand.” Artem commanded, and quick, like they had been scolded, they stood, precise and orderly. “No such greetings are needed.”
“It is us that should bow,” Maiara reminded as she started, the rest of the three following in her lead, their thanks large as their knees reached the ground and their hands came to them in reverence.
They wanted to say something…wanted to tell them that it was not necessary…they didn’t deserve this, shown as if Aces themselves. Despite everything, they were still only human, not beings that created this entirety. Yet…it was an honor…one that strained their words and their actions, embarrassingly only standing there agape…it was only Feliciano who began to cry, having to put his arms to himself to try and keep his feelings under some kind of control. “Oh, please, please stop! Stand!” He in the end had to shout at them. And all four rose up with smiles and laughter.
“You have saved your world,” Jabbar continued.
“And through it, our own, here in the Heavens,” Augusta spread her arms to show it, even to the souls that celebrated and cheered from their heights, in their celestial homes and days. Truly beauty, a jewel, shinning eternally in colors that now Feliciano really hoped he could remember to sketch it all to his memory.
“As well as the Interludes, the very passage and line that balances all our worlds. If it wasn’t for your actions…all of it could have been gone,” Artem continued. “It still stands, by your efforts.”
Maiara then chuckled, “with the use of wisdom, your power, the trust you placed not only on one another, but your people had on you.”
“And above all, love being the driving force that stood against all. Ludwig, Feliciano, your love truly defeated Khaos,” Augusta resonated some words Augusto had said himself. Ludwig and Feliciano blushed, turning towards one another wanting more than ever to kiss and hug each other in that very love that won this war. Oh, if Augusto…that reminded Feliciano. He turned and looked towards whatever floating islands, to whatever rush of people…hoping to find those familiar curls he himself inherited.
“Feliciano!” Came that known shout.
Just like that, Feliciano was almost on the ground from the force his grandfather greeted him in, his embrace just the same, with celebration and pride that just had to be showcased even before the Aces. Of course, Kiku and Ludwig couldn’t be left out from it. Once Augusto made the space, he took both the King and Jack to the same embrace, laughing and practically dancing in circles.
How they have missed these joyous little feasts between themselves, loud and happiness glowing for all to witness.
“I’m so proud, so proud for all of you. You have done amazing!” He shouted, going as far as to even kiss Ludwig and Kiku, both left dumbfounded at such an action, but they smiled at it and took it as but another way to shout celebration. Feliciano hanged himself over him, laughing and letting himself be that child that long ago used to do just that. In heaven, before the Aces, it didn’t matter. He would let everyone know how much he loved and how dear was his grandfather to him.
But his grandfather wasn’t alone, with him came tailing a whole group, wearing all similar wears of reds and golds, a symbol that they all shared, proof of being Heartian, Italian, and more specifically, Valenti.
“Oh! Vieni! Vieni! You have to meet your family!” He pulled Feliciano and the rest to this large crowd, all with the famous Valenti curls, from blondes to brunettes, even an occasional red-head. From distinct and strong facial features, to the simple ones like his own. Some were very tall, others beautifully plum, some, whether men or women, had short hair above their ears, others had none, or some had it falling down their back. It was all to the styles of the times they were born into. Feliciano was shy to meet them, even if indeed they were all family, but it was unexpected, it was too much…yet he didn’t mind giving his greetings, hugging even some he had heard much about, going on with random chats as if they had known each other all their lives. The Aces didn’t mind this, they let Feliciano this reunion with his family…it would be good persuasion with what they were about to offer.
“Feliciano,” Augusta called him forward, open arms, and Feliciano rushed to it, not at all hesitating in the hold he took of her hands. Warm, comforting and like home. Augusta shook them and suddenly she found herself nervous to say what she wanted. But a turn to the Aces, a nod, an approval, and of course, a hurry and excitement, and Augusta turned to her great grandson determined.
“Feliciano, what you have done, is deserving of an award.”
“Nonna, really, you don’t-”
“Amore, please let me…I promised this and it is something you must come along and take.” A deep breath, a silence suddenly coming, no one daring to disturb the words of an Ace. It was quite eerie how the entire heavens just fell silent for this. “As I have told, as I prophesied and the other Aces and I have made ready for centuries…in the hopes that Khaos was indeed defeated…” she breathed, she prepared, “Feliciano…you must come to live with me in the heavens now and become…” she turned, pulling him them closer to the road that will lead to her palace, all of a sudden presenting itself with more shine. “The new Ace of Hearts.”
Suddenly, angels came, marching like an army, only to decorate the road, raising flags upon flags to decorate in welcome, surely for a pathway they wanted the Heartian Queen to take. Some played drums and trumpets, added then with the cheer of the crowds, already celebrating as if Feliciano had already passed the palace gates…making it officially his new home. Then, a creature, a St. Mark walked towards him, having journeyed from the Heartian Ace palace. This one was large, majestic, decorated with more jewels, with armors that could go against meteors and surely with a roar that could cause earthquakes in his world. It was Fabius, Augusta’s own St. Mark like Pookie was to Feliciano. The lion, now small, cowered on Feliciano’s shoulder, intimidated by this one…even if it was his father. The St. Mark bowed to Feliciano and the Queen did so back, the creature seeming to smile and shine along with the celebration, moving aside for when Feliciano came forward. Augusta cuddled herself towards him and the Lion, no matter how godly, leaned towards her in the same devotion.
Ludwig and Kiku on the other hand, stilled, the news only downcasting them, not even the feast around them enough to bring them back into light. Ludwig…tried hard to hide how already he was breaking apart inside, defeated…like he had already lost Feliciano over a precipice he would never reach for him again.
He knew…he knew this would happen…he knew this would come…if what they wanted occurred…this was to be the next step, the finality that settled everything and made an ending to this story. It’s one of the reasons he had tried to keep him apart after the eight year gap, why he refused to accept his feelings as well as Feliciano’s, refusing any kind of advance so Feliciano could accept it all as he deserved.
He had wanted this not to hurt, he sometimes liked to daydream that he would applaud and only wave Feliciano some sort of goodbye that will settle well for an eternity. He would turn and march on with a smile on his face. But here now…he couldn’t move, couldn’t say a word but shake and try to hold down the tears that surely wanted to burst and reveal the moment of weakness this was. Kiku must have noticed…he must be feeling the same way, and they gazed between one another in a moment of understanding and trying to reach some comfort.
“Should we…?” Kiku surely questioned if there was a way to stop this, to place themselves as a hold to what this future could be. Ludwig, with a deep breath, looked away, ready as if to leave that instant away from the heavens. Suddenly it didn’t hold the same charm anymore.
“No…this is…this is…the greatest award that could be given. Glory that Hearts, our world, neither we can ever match with,” he sighed, still trying to make himself believe those words. “We will congratulate him…and leave.” And Ludwig, without even looking at Kiku, could just feel his utter refusal, but in part he did have to agree with those words, instead, hiding to himself whatever he meant to say, what he meant to act.
“He’ll…he’ll make a great Ace…at least we’ll know were under right guidance…and the balance of the universe is in good hands.” This was goodbye and there was not more to be done.
As Ludwig tried to take a last grasp of his husband between the still celebrating multitudes…he only wished he could properly say goodbye…hold him and kiss him one last time before anything…but by the looks of it…it didn’t seem likely. He sighed and accepted that whatever glimpses he could get would be the last he would have of him.
Yes…to Feliciano…this was all glorious. The floating islands, the wonderful colors, the magic, the richness of these palaces and castles, of the roars of the people around him. Yes…it was an eternal celebration that would keep him mighty for eons. He thought about how he still possessed the hand of creation, looking down to his hands as if already he could see everything he could bring alive…whole new worlds, cosmos and universes extending far beyond this one. Yet in that expanse…he spotted clearly the bearing gems. Two identical ones on each side of his hands…both shinning like their own sun, lighting and bringing life to a world…he had promised someone he would help create. It was in that moment he turned to Ludwig…who refused to meet his eyes, yet he saw sorrow in them that Feliciano shared in, suddenly the colors and music greying and lifeless to him. Those around him easily saw how his smile disappeared, and the shine in his eyes was gone. They silenced at such display, giving him space, thought, and the Aces could show their question as to why he know saddened when he was at the center of such an opportunity. Feliciano was scared to utter these words, here at the mercy of the Aces…but he had to insist, had to make them understand.
“And…if I don’t want to?” He placed the idea, one that surprised all, not thinking that it would be something that Feliciano would dare consider when what they would give they thought would be above whatever Hearts had.
“Feliciano, these are the heavens, a position as an Ace, with riches and everything you want at your fingertips. Why would there be a reason to deny?” Augusta tried to persuade.
“Who’s going to take care of my children?”
Augusta widened as if she was just finding out…when in reality…she had completely forgotten about that detail, having to reconsider, organize, with a glance to the other Aces and they quickly came to another decision.
“They shall be born here and stay with you.”
“Away from their father? From their grandparents…their family…their home. Leave everything behind as if it was all nothing…”
A long silence before Jabbar dared speak, “Are you truly only speaking about the children? Or is this about yourself?” With how Feliciano widened, it made sure that Jabbar hit straight to what the Queen felt.
“Yes…it’s also what I feel.” Here he turned to his Jack and King, a large smile that showed true to a promise. “This…this place is beautiful. A dream, a wonder, this chance…rare…perhaps I would be the only one for centuries to come that will be granted something like this…yet…” he began to walk towards his friend, his husband, no one around him daring to intrude his sure and set path. “Hearts…the world…mean so much to me. Enough it is my heaven, my place. It is home.” Now he stood right in front of them, his words now for them to hear. “When I was born…you saw someone in me that could save the world…but you also gave me a position, you gave me a duty as the Queen of Hearts.” Close yet to his Jack and King, he turned to face the Aces again. “Many times…I doubted it…I had wished and prayed that it wouldn’t be my destiny…I even tried to run away from it once…but now I see that it is my place, it is my calling…it will be wrong of me to turn away from it now…” He grasped one hand of Kiku, another of Ludwig’s. “My reign is still so young…there is still so much I can do in Hearts, so much I can help the whole world with, so much I should be there for. Nonna Augusta…you’re back again…the position is for you as the universe intends.” He hoped they understood, he hoped he wasn’t creating an offence, wasn’t disrespecting. But as Kiku and Ludwig grasped their own hold on their Queen’s hand…Feliciano smiled and suddenly stood higher, understanding then…there was no need to worry for any spite of gods. He knew then that they were in no position to react such a way against them, especially after saving their worlds.
His next words had a confidence as tough as the pillars and gold the buildings here were made of. “I want to stay in Hearts. I want to stay with my people. I want to stay with my Jack…and I want to stay with my husband.” The devotion, the utter love these two exchanged, made all the four Aces realize that they were naïve to think that Feliciano would chose a life away from this man. “I know my place…and it is with my family.”
To his surprise, the Aces smiled between one another, a new energy spread…and it wasn’t bad or punishing. Augusto began to chuckle, the rest of the Valenti there joining him, with laughs that shared joy across all the souls present.
“Very well then…you will stay to finish your reign in Hearts,” Artem spoke in decision.
“When it is done, and you have lived your life as any Queen, you will be welcomed here,” Maiara continued.
“The same shall await you then, and Ludwig, Kiku and every important member in your life shall all have a safe assurance of an afterlife here,” Jabbar said.
“Till then, we will await you. Now, we wish you farewell, a wondrous life to give to the world and to your family,” Augusta wished, coming over to give an embrace that to Feliciano was just like those of his family. He enjoyed from this warmth, wrapping his own arms around her as echoes of new celebration began to ring. In this hold, Feliciano released magic that had been weighted on him since birth…the hand of creation. In a wonderful swirl of platinum and gold, it was transferred back to Augusta. She splendored more in its shine as it placed her back as creator and superior goddess. When it was finished, she welcomed in the rest of the Valenti, and Feliciano enjoyed the most from his grandfather, surely to be the last for a long time. He had his chance to give his own to his grandmother, Helena, who he had never had the chance to meet in his world…he saw a lot of her in Lovino…and suddenly he already missed him and his nephew.
“Go and live,” his grandfather wished, and with those words, Feliciano had to tearfully let go of them, turning to then place them with Ludwig, who grasped Feliciano…relieved beyond however he had felt before. Without a care on who stared, where he was…he spun Feliciano to have him in front, hands adjusted on his waist, to pull him into a kiss, strong, magical, these forms giving it a touch that made sparks surely glow all around them. When they released and looked into their eyes…Feliciano truly saw that he had made the right decision. Ludwig raised his hands and let his fingers caress on the jewels…excited and hoping for a bright future with a new family just for them.
Any threats were away…Ludwig could now celebrate the coming of his own children…and that he was to return to Berlin with Feliciano.
Augusta smiled and opened her arms to create a portal, this one small, just the space for all three of the Hearts royals to make their passing back home. Kiku waved his goodbye before he rushed through. Ludwig and Feliciano refused to let go of their hands, determined to pass together. Ludwig had begun his engulfing, but Feliciano spared a last glance back…
The last he saw was celebration still ringing, chorus surely sang and orchestras played, the Aces watching them leave dutifully and then beside Augusta…the light, the one Feliciano had saved from the cage of Khaos, as well as with power from Ludwig…it began to grow, large enough until it was a figure as Augusta. It began to clear, it began to come alive…and for the first time Feliciano had seen what his great grandfather Romulus actually looked like.
Dark hair in silk waves, the same that was on his beard, but despite it, Feliciano could see a long and strong face, handsome, it slightly reminded him of Lovino. Green eyes, likes leaves and grass, a stature, a smile, a last gratitude to his own grandson before he turned to his long missed wife. They held to each other with all the strength needed for centuries. What more they would do, Feliciano didn’t see, he had passed through, everything beginning to erase in bright light.
He left behind the heavens to return home.
- o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o
In 18th century Valencia, Spain, thrives the legend of the Red Mask, a character with stories of bravery and heroism that have enchanted Lovino Valenti since he was a young child. On a new business deal, his family moves from Naples and Lovino finds himself wishing for adventure and action away from his duties in this new Spanish city. He is given that chance when he joins a group of masked heroes that fall under the command of the famed Red Mask. He grows a close and fiery relationship with the masked man of his tales and dreams, and without knowing his identity, he lets himself be swayed by his seduction, trust and daringness, to passions surely forbidden when he doesn’t even know his actual name or who he really is.
Wow, what a surprise, posting a new story…and it’s not gerita! (There will be gerita though, of course!) Yes! Hello! This is my true entrance into the spamano world! A pairing that is easily one of my favorites in the fandom. I always write about it to the side of my stories, but now they get the chance to shine in their own. This story in my mind has been quite exciting and I can’t wait to for you to join me in this new adventure as I write and put it up. Part of it was actually writing in Spain and my experience there helped to fuel it. Despite it being set so in the past, let me say that once again, the research I did was little and many things can be very inaccurate. If it offends or annoys you, I am extremely sorry. I am willing to listen and change, so please message if I can fix something to better represent the times.
This story will be slightly different in the aspect that there will be some more darker themes. Hopefully they won’t be too intense. I still like to keep things light and bright. I will give the appropriate warnings in the notes before each chapter.
Speaking of warnings, this story has a draft page where pretty much two or three more chapters are done. I have this rule that once this document reaches 20k words, I start posting. Once it’s all posted, the story will have to go on a hiatus until I fill it up to 20k again. In the past, stories done in this form, I would have an exact schedule as to when I would post, but since I am extremely busy and sometimes just editing might take me several weeks, I cannot assure a specific time to post. I will simply post once I finish editing the next coming chapters. I apologize already for the time it will take. But be assured! I will post! I will write and edit when I can and the chapters will come EVENTUALLY!
As for the length of this story…I’m estimating perhaps 70-80k, but we’ll see as the story goes along. Yes, it will be deliciously long.
As for the beginning, I will be posting prologues that detail the backstory of how ‘The Red Mask’ started, so no, sadly, no delicious spamano interaction…for now ;)
Warning that there is mention of rape in this chapter.
I found myself in the need of starting to read this fic, since the moment that I read that it was placed in Valencia.
But I never expected it to start in Zamora! For context, I’m Valencian, but most part of my family is from a village in Zamora. So when I read the trip they made it brought back maaany memories of all the summers passing by Villalpando, Medina del Campo, Benavente…. Those are places that I know very well, I’ve been there a million times, every summer. But not only that, you also picked to write it in my favourite century!
It’s amazing, so far I only read the first part of the prologue, but I already love it. Btw, a sketch of how I picture Joaquina ⬆️. I look forward to read the rest of the fic 🥺 (PD: Excuse my English please)
OH MY LORD THIS IS ABSOLUTELY LOVELY!!!!!!!! GORGEOUS!!! MY LORD!!!!
And lord mercy, I’m so glad to have done that right. I tried my best at finding these places and I’m just so glad you could recognize them, especially being Spanish.
Dios mio, espera, dejame llorar. En serio, muchas, muchas gracis por tus palabras y tu increible dibujo!
Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.
Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59 I Chapter 60I Chapter 61 I Chapter 62 I Chapter 63 I Chapter 64 I Chapter 65 I Chapter 66 I Chapter 67 I Chapter 68 I Chapter 69 I Chapter 70 I Chapter 71 I Chapter 72 I Chapter 73 I Chapter 74 I Chapter 75 I Chapter 76 I Chapter 77 I Chapter 78 I Chapter 79
Yes, yes, yes! I know, it’s extremely late! But you have to understand that I am going through A HELL LOT right now. I am working on an important qualification here in Berlin, so basically studying, plus working, plus German classes, and my school will force me into a volunteer program soon…so that’s more time out from writing. None the less, it does not mean that I will abandon any projects, just know that it could take some time. I wrote this chapter in three different locations since I was moving a lot these last few months :’D Another reason why it took so long. As always, all I ask for is patience, updates will come, I am determined to finish this, especially when we are so close!
But oh boy…chapter 80…sometimes I never thought this story would get so far…but here it is! Enjoy!
Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.
Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59 I Chapter 60I Chapter 61 I Chapter 62 I Chapter 63 I Chapter 64 I Chapter 65 I Chapter 66 I Chapter 67 I Chapter 68 I Chapter 69 I Chapter 70 I Chapter 71 I Chapter 72 I Chapter 73 I Chapter 74 I Chapter 75 I Chapter 76 I Chapter 77 I Chapter 78 I Chapter 79
Yes, yes, yes! I know, it's extremely late! But you have to understand that I am going through A HELL LOT right now. I am working on an important qualification here in Berlin, so basically studying, plus working, plus German classes, and my school will force me into a volunteer program soon...so that’s more time out from writing. None the less, it does not mean that I will abandon any projects, just know that it could take some time. I wrote this chapter in three different locations since I was moving a lot these last few months :’D Another reason why it took so long. As always, all I ask for is patience, updates will come, I am determined to finish this, especially when we are so close!
But oh boy...chapter 80...sometimes I never thought this story would get so far...but here it is! Enjoy!
Chapter 80
All Ludwig needed was a simple day of resting and healing. Afterwards, he was heading out of his ward, tall, strong, fixing his hair and buttoning his jacket as the regular business of the day. Feliciano hadn’t stopped crying, constantly asking those around to remind him again that he was indeed…alive. He waited before the room, ready for the embrace that came, tight and loving as the one they had shared before the castle when Ludwig turned back. They would have stayed in this bliss forever, if it wasn’t for an annoyed cough and the applaud and giddiness of a child. Yet in their sway, they turned to spot Lovino, who shone with a gracious smile despite, the very one Augustino alighted the hall with as he was held at the hip.
“Reminder that there is still another 900 meter tall monster rampaging across Spades, soon to make entrance into Diamonds and well…we should be doing something about that.” He spoke the words with such normality as if he was talking about what he had for breakfast that morning.
“Where are we to meet?”
“The usual place, doofuses,” rolling his eyes and moving away. Augustino waved and the couple smiled at him as promise that they would follow.
They departed, but keeping yet a hold of their hands as they now met a hurried pace with the rest of those who quickened in the halls with the continuing business.
“All right, were back at this. What has happened?” Ludwig asked with the serious intent he wanted to stay dedicated to despite where he just came from.
Truly like he had never been gone.
Feliciano couldn’t help the sudden smile, the tightening of his hold, before he had to breathe it all out and bring forward the seriousness this matter still meant. “The Club kingdom is utterly destroyed, as well as much of the Southern Hearts and Spades kingdom. Khaos took the west to the Spades kingdom, while Destro went on to the east to the Hearts kingdom.” Feliciano was determined to keep this entity separate from Ludwig. “Many of the refugees are here in Hearts under our protection or in Diamonds under their crown.”
“What are we to do about the lost territories?”
“I have a plan that I prefer to discuss in the meeting with everybody.”
“Where is Khaos now and what is he doing?”
“The last messengers arrived this morning saying that Alfred is preparing himself to defend his capital. Arthur and Yao might leave to join depending on what we decide to do now.”
“And what are we deciding now?” Ludwig asked just as they arrived before the current meeting room.
“They’re waiting on us for that,” Feliciano said just as he pushed upon the doors to make their entrance. And to Ludwig’s big wonder, they all stood with brightening smile like stars, glimmering more with whistles and applauses, many with grins that Feliciano hadn’t seen in a while. Ludwig blushed and held ever tighter to Feliciano, showing a prideful smile that told Feliciano enough about how he was there and how it made him more than joyful.
“Enough of this! We have to act immediately!” Louis shouted, forcing guards to push the King and Queen in and slam the doors behind them, a sort of alarm that brought them back to the stage of it all.
“I’ll be honest…I never thought I would one day say this, but, Ludwig, Feliciano, we move at your command. What do we do?” Roderich stood, ready and surely with calls to initialize the use of his power.
Many in the room already adorned armors and shined with weapons, ready to head out that instant to act on a battle they believed now was truly for victory. And Feliciano thought it perfect and with a shared glance to Ludwig, he knew it was the same sentiment.
Feliciano took a deep breath, taking and leaving his hold with Ludwig’s hand to place them on the table, the simple gesture commanding and confident. Ludwig was rather startled at seeing it, but he was more than content, letting his husband take it all as he wished, trusting and knowing that all the power was in his hands.
“We are taking everything back. Elizabeta, Arthur, Lili!” All three turned simultaneously. “You are heading back to your kingdoms and you are going to restore everything.”
“Excuse me?” Elizabeta questioned, almost insulted.
“I don’t think you’ve read the recent reports, but they’re poisoned lands with nothing we can do to change it,” Arthur cleared with hurt.
“But we can change it!” Feliciano determined, a height in his voice that seemed like it had echoed all across the castle. He stood up yet again, starting simply with a breath, a meet in his magic to reach, to call. He glowed with marks, powerful and all felt inclined to bow. Yet they didn’t, frozen by the wonder.
Feliciano didn’t begin to glow in red, to their surprise, he glowed in green, completely taking him until a different voice called from his mouth. “Elizabeta Héderváry and Roderich Edelstein.” Potent and god-like. Both the Queen and Jack trembled at such a force. “My chosen. Come forward and you shall receive my blessing.”
This was not Feliciano…and Elizabeta and Roderich shook as they moved forward. Despite, they felt a great presence in this being, a refresh in their body that alighted and cleaned them of all kind of turmoil that had inhabited them for months. The closer they came, the more at ease they felt, with bravery to stand straight and unafraid before whoever currently took Feliciano’s body. Feliciano raised his palms to them, Roderich and Elizabeta knew by instinct to show their own palms, feeling a spike in their magic unlike anything. Not even the magic they felt in their crowning ceremony felt like this.
They were given a new source of energy, an unthinkable power that was not at all of their world…but had created it. It was then that the voice seemed to introduce itself with the power, making clear its name as all was left in their hands. With it, they were given knowledge of its use, like it had been a part of them from always.
When Feliciano moved back, they exhaled, at peace, smiling, the couple exchanging glances with enough understanding that was ready to act that instant. They gazed back to any Clubian soldiers in the room, and with a silent command, the soldiers knew to mobilize, all the Clubians in the room marching off, leaving the other inhabitants of the meeting lost and perplexed.
Feliciano reverted back to normal, lights dimming and standing with only his usual childish smile like he had been exchanging some innocent secret of youth. Ludwig still did not understand what was going on, but joined in that smile, still believing and trusting. But quickly he alighted again, this time in blue, a new voice, this of a woman, a call to Arthur and Yao that had them following as they had seen the Clubian royals. And there, as they went through their own exchange, did they understand their mission, the plan and how the future looked brighter. Like Roderich and Elizabeta, they nodded with a glance and all the Spadians left. Lili and Vash took their same responsibility as Feliciano alighted in yellow, taking their action like the rest with a simple leave.
Those who were left in the meeting room were yet dumbfounded.
“Uh…excuse me, but…what do we do?” Kiku brought to question.
“The same as everyone else. First, we heal our kingdoms, we rid of the poison, we bring our people back to their homes and to their normal lives, to their crops, their art, their families, their everyday lives that kept peace. We gather our surviving soldiers and at my command, we head and face Khaos.”
Simple, straightforward and leaving everyone without a dare to question further.
“Amore…how exactly do we do that?” Renata still found it unthinkable, to bring back their lands as they were before.
“Don’t worry. Remember, I have the hand of creation…also Nonna is going to help us,” with a comforting smile that twisted then to a powerful grin, with a sway and jump that was just…not Feliciano. His eyes turned to a crimson red, the purest form of their kingdom color, presenting clear who it was that spoke now.
“Nice to see you back, Ludwig dearie.” A woman’s voice, with a care that was familiar and belonging. Ludwig bowed, knowing who he was addressing and knowing well to show his respects. But she was gone in just the same twist, having Feliciano back to lead.
“Follow me, we act now.”
They were all out of the room that instant.
As commanded, they all took their trip to the poisoned lands of their respective kingdom. All had blackened, anything that once stood grounded down to the floor in a stench that wanted to rip at the pristine silks and metals of the royals’ dresses. Ellizabeta walked these lands with a head held up high, as if it was the garden it had been before. She was barefooted…but they shined in protection, everything under not giving her a cut or a bruise. The soldiers behind her were aghast, yet they dared to follow behind in wonder, their own armors shinning beautifully under whatever shine Elizabeta and Roderich gave them.
Elizabeta stopped to breathe it all…and she smiled, peace in her expression even as they stood before the most deteriorated her kingdom had been. To make things more confusing to the soldiers, Roderich took her side with the same ease, grasping her hand and smiling at her with bright confidence. They both gazed forward, closing their eyes and they began to glow in a rare transparency of colors, not green as they had expected.
Something expulsed from them as they breathed, the light around them spread, slow, gentile, but living and rapid. The soldiers grew in wonder as they saw that ground that the light reflected began to rumble with life, purifying the dirt and letting actual brown healthy earth appear. Such mundanity made some of them already laugh. But the excitement did not stop there , for in that earth, little sprouts of green, with small leaves, began to grow in an impressive rapidness, coating more and more until the land under them was as green as it was before.
To the soldiers, who had thought all their land lost without a way of returning, it was worth of celebration, some shouting, whistling or jumping. It was the perseverance that made Elizabeta and Roderich’s smiles grow wider. They shared a wink, which already made an agree, and so they breathed in much more, letting that light grow and grow, more of their nation green appearing in their land, bringing with them trees, stone…perhaps a twist of new that Roderich and Elizabeta created from their inner creativity.
A new flower, a new route, a new curve to old streams.
In Diamonds, Lili stood at the long shores of her kingdom. The sea had darkened, coating the shores in its misery, away from the beautiful golden it had kept for so long. Sure, her kingdom had not been destroyed as the others, but the royals knew well to fix and protect what they could.
She had been instructed…by Jabbar…Ace of Diamonds. She felt him still in the power that flowed in her blood, still teaching and lecturing every move, how each point of energy was supposed to be flowed and how to release it all to the image he made in her mind. Yes…she would create it, she would call for it.
She wrapped her arms around herself, with her breath, the winds around her became stronger, the waves began to pulse along with her heart and she opened her eyes. Like a breath, she could control how they moved, how they shone, beginning to give them back, slowly, their natural blue.
In Spades, Yao could finally get the ground to still, to stop the shakes it had taken, letting the crumble finally halt. Arthur stopped the storms, for the first time bringing this part of the kingdom the natural light of sun.
It was done simple, as easily as a snap or a step.
Arthur and Yao had put their hands upon the ground and in their spread, they brought back the deep blues of the tiles that had been there. One by one they came back, growing just like the dirt, the flowers and grass that laid between them, up to the trees, the houses that had been there, even whole mountains began to wake back to color. Yao intensified that spread, wanting to cover the whole valley. Arthur aided him, adding to the push that could extend to all the crevices, to every single wall, well and plaza that had made it once splendor.
None of the royals could only keep it to their place. They had to move, spread, fly in the process if they had to. Elizabeta swinging through thicket of vines, with each pull bringing back ancient large trees that covered well beneath them in green life. Lili skipped by the shores as she brought back its gold, adding shells and shine that made it all the more pristine. Arthur enjoyed shooting from the tall perks of mountains, running it all like an orchestra under his command. Feliciano, created music, he brought all the canvases he had ever made to life with the brush of his hand, mind and even his dancing steps as it stabled the ground, bringing back their famous pillars, architecture, sun kissed homes, their vines, their abundance of fruit and the colors that made Feliciano’s smile grow the more in its everlasting sunshine.
It was starting to look just like home again.
Ivan at one point had shed tears of relief, kneeling down to the ground to embrace the ground, with the greens he had never known he would have missed so much. Francis could now intensify the kingdom’s defense, a beautiful diamond wall shinning well, keeping the peace and life behind him. He let himself tower tall, like he himself was a shield that would be impenetrable to whatever Khaos would throw. Khaos wouldn’t stand a chance anymore, Francis smirked to himself. Alfred, atop one of the kingdom army dragons, actually cried as he began to lead people back to their homes. Many shouted in celebration, but others still paced with panic, those especially that currently still ran away from the threat of Khaos still in their lands, but now they actually seek refuge in their own kingdom, by a powerful king, queen and jack that healed their home with surely the help of Aces. It was just a miracle how the power, the control, seemed to move the very ground to their bidding.
Many families returned to their homes to find it standing just the way they had left it. Many wept, finding it hard to believe that everything was there…back.
And Ludwig, Ludwig rode on confidently on the back of a St. Mark, staring up to his husband, his beautiful, cheerful and powerful, daring, incredible husband, as he himself called upon vines and trees to arise from the ground, taller or just in their same glory with nothing to make different.
Finally, finally, Feliciano had let the harp free, letting it take its large length, only to play, from the melody, whole new colors coming, bringing back a symphony of red that all sang along with. The air arose with freshness that all wanted to doze with, lay in its rest, confident that they would be safe. Feliciano heard as laughter, cheers, celebration, joined this new music he made, and he would smile down to Ludwig, glad for the shine in his blue eyes and just the hope and restoration in the views between them.
Now this…was a world they could proudly show their children one day.
But as the royals of the four kingdoms completed their healing, they met at a point where the darkness was at its strongest, where a fury continued to rage and roars still echoed across all their near distances.
Khaos was still alive, still destroying, and they had all met where it was time to face him…and end him.
They had taken camp, proudly the flags and shields of all four kingdoms shinning together in the small rotunda where they all watched as he ravaged on in his inferno. All the soldiers that were in charge of holding him for now had been evacuated, only a powerful shield, with the help of all four kings, over Khaos’s sky as he slashed and scream without a single consciousness of intelligence. They wondered if he had seen how they led the remaining soldiers away, if he knew how powerful they were, how they have healed the world behind him, that Ludwig was back and Feliciano possessed the power of the alignment along with so much more.
His immense figure didn’t seem so powerful anymore. Kiku raised his hands and could squash him between the pinching of his fingers.
As if it was as simple as that, Feliciano couldn’t help the chuckle.
“What’s our strategy now?” Elizabeta asked with serious intent, a large and heavy sword in her hands that was utterly eager to begin cuts and slashes.
Feliciano sighed, in that deep breath bringing with him seriousness, shinning so much more mature than any had expected. There was a new amber in his eyes that made him so much older and braver, almost exactly like the images they had been taught to believe of Romulus.
“We take each a direction, you know what you have that is powerful, use it, at all the forces you can call on, weakling him, acting before any throw he can give. Now, whatever he attacks us with, is nothing.”
Another screech that had them all turning, yet they listened on. For once, with Khaos acting his vengeance behind them, they were not afraid.
“Diamonds, North, Spades, West, Clubs, South and Hearts, East. You have already been granted protection from the alignment power I will use. Do not be weary of it. No matter what happens, I won’t let anything happen to any of you.” Sure and a decree that was high. Feliciano didn’t have to say it for the rest to already know it.
Pookie, who had taken his large form, stood ready by Feliciano, with a stance that instantly reminded Feliciano on the grand images they made of his great grandparents riding these very creatures. He petted him lovingly, trying to see, to believe that he could make his own images worthy of being painted on the ceiling of churches.
“So…do we just start?” Vash was suddenly hesitant, after that show of strength, he started to shake.
“Scared?” Roderich teased even as he himself began to tremble, all slowly noticing it as well.
“I thought we were done with that,” Yao scolded.
“I’ve seen everything fail, everything crash down right before we believed, we had hoped and thought we could make a change… what if this is but another of that?” Vash went on.
The silence he brought made all explore these very words, a falling to them away from the power of gods they currently possessed.
“I…I fear the same things,” Ivan…the tallest and biggest of all, the one who they had though would smile his vengeance as he bloodied Khaos…trembled and kept a heavy grip on his staff.
“We haven’t even begun,” Ludwig tried to make them realize.
“The most important battle is yet to take place,” Lili joined her cousin.
“What will make this one stand out?” Alfred wondered.
“It will be the last,” Francis assured.
“I’m tired of having lasts,” Arthur complained.
“Francis is right though,” Feliciano interrupted, mighty and high to get them all to stop, to leave a silence to listen. “It will be the last…” he was sure this time, taking steps forward, all parting to give him a space they felt was too heavenly to touch. “Hear me…” he called out…not just to the royals, but all, absolutely all that were there. “…Hear me…hear me all this very instant!” He commanded with a piercing anger that left some trembling by Feliciano instead. “It is not only Kings, Queens and Jacks that stand here today! Look behind you!” He spread his arms to the still surving armies under them. “You have the entire might of all four kingdoms here! And do you want them to see this…scared and disgraceful leaders with nothing but the armors they created? No!” Shouted like he had been insulted. “No! They see what all our kingdoms represent. Power, Wisdom, Trust…and love…” Feliciano took this opportunity to gaze to all, their attention well taken, the words being well planted. “They will see what these very stances give, power granted and given by the Aces! They will see us fight, they will see us bring Khaos to his knees and then for sure our world will see that we are not a force to be fooled with!” Feliciano saw as the ground seemed to be raised under them, just with the strong belief in their eyes, standing tall to surely meet the fiery eyes of Khaos.
“The Aces have chosen us…we are the ones destined to make this battle, to make this war…and here, as it will be written about us…will we end this all.” With intent to kill, to finish. There was now no more space to doubt, to hold it, they all stood ready for that very finish. “My Clubians…My Spadians…My Diamonds…My Heartians…remember…we do this for glory.”
A sudden shrill, and yet no one flinched.
Some raised their weapons high.
“For honor,” Ludwig was relaxed, but just as potent as his husband.
“For riches!” Abasi shouted high somewhere in the crowd, getting many to join in his shout.
“For the gods!” Antonio bellowed from the perch of his animal, with him hundreds to join in flight.
“Yes…this…this is it,” Francis raised, along with the magnitude of this crowd that made him feel like the earth of the entire world was to trample over their foe now.
“The Aces are here! They are at our side!” Roderich knew as he joined in the array around him.
“For Clubs!” All the greens shouted as they made their movement to take their south, their colors and flags high.
“For Spades!” Arthur and Yao led to their west.
“Let’s bring this motherfucker down!” Alfred just had to add as he joined the flight with the dragons of their infantry.
“For Diamonds!” Lili, raising a hand full of bright and dangerous magic. To the surprise of many, she was the one that gave that loud shout that pushed the forces of her kingdom to the north.
Ludwig, Feliciano and Kiku stood yet, wondered like children over all the action that decorated even the skies. Khaos’s darkness was nothing compared to the festiveness of their colors as it began to tear about the void. Even so small, the Heartian royals felt taller than everything.
“For Hearts?” Kiku raised magic, Ludwig raised his sword, looking both to Feliciano for his own decree.
Feliciano breathed in and when his breath escaped, he turned with glowing marks, a golden halo coronated him, wings released, eyes a deep red, power beginning to ooze from him, and his two companions smiled as if they had always knew this as him.
“For Hearts!” And he raised the harp, growing large to the desired length and comfort of a bow, Pookie leaning ready for his seating and thus Feliciano took that perch, motioning for Kiku and Ludwig to join him as well. To Pookie, especially in this form, their weigh was nothing. He just as easily sprinted high, to join the rest of the force that created the population of both the earth and sky.
Feliciano lead them in their direction to the east, coming close to Khaos, who stood in his place surely wondering over all these pests that suddenly came, surrounding him well.
“Kiku…” Feliciano reminded and the jack of Hearts knew. He bowed in promise and suddenly took a jump out of the flying lion, landing elegantly on the perch of a red glass he created. He extended his arms full of magic, raining it down in a cleansing shower that began to deteriorate the swinging arms and pillars of darkness. Many Heartians came to his aid in intensifying it.
In each direction, the Jacks did the same, riding much of these dangerous arms that could make this more difficult. Before, just riding of one was a feat that had already killed many of their people. But now…many were rid in easy seconds, people glowing in happiness as there direction was clearer. Those in the ground could run or gallop on their animals free and without a single threat above them. Now, as these dark ribbons weakened, it was much easier to rid with the ease of their weapons or even their fists.
“Ludwig…” Feliciano called his husband’s attention back, who had been starring at their already beginning success proud.
Despite the wings, the halo, this new glow of marks, ethereal in gold truly like the grace of an Ace, Ludwig looked on to him like his adoring Feliciano, the friend he had since childhood and now his husband who was expectant to bring their first pair of children.
Ludwig nodded, although hesitant as he gathered slight bits of darkness from his power. It was the one thing that had ruined all, but Feliciano had gathered information from the eternal reserve that could help. Now, Ludwig was to test it for the first time. They had no time and place to practice. Yet Feliciano believed and Ludwig…didn’t feel it control him, overtake him. It was his free to do as he pleased. Yes…he could do this. He smiled and made his preparation to do his own jump, but not before leaning towards Feliciano and the Queen of Hearts let himself a freeing of his hands to take Ludwig to his embrace. Their lips came for one deep kiss, one magical and igniting. Ludwig felt himself lift from it, a power that helped him fall and take just the right aim even as he fell midair. He had it locked, just as the other King and Queens did their own. In a powerful slash, all their attacks met and crashed upon the shield that Khaos had been using the entire war. They had never known he had one, but now it was no matter, for they easily took it down. Khaos surely felt it for he stilled and looked upon himself as if he had been exposed. He was, clear, and already Feliciano knew the aim and where he needed to land it.
“Take me there,” he told Pookie, and the St. Mark nodded and hurried in his flight, a swirl all around the great beast that granted Feliciano the best view to watch all the horror. He smiled to know how much less darkness there was, spotting the natural blues and greens underneath that was beauty of Spades. Suddenly he felt a burning, intense even with his own Ace protection. In his distraction, he hadn’t noticed how Khaos came right to his presence, his monstrous eyes and mouth a pool that with ease he could fall into. Feliciano wouldn’t dare, and at Khaos’s sudden roar, he didn’t even flinch, he only sent him his own wrath with his stare, before pulling on Pookie’s large mane and flying them away from the throws Khaos tried to swing at Feliciano. He made his slides, with the help of the wind he called, Pookie’s speed and just how small they were, easy to find crevices to make their escape.
As Feliciano reached a good top with a good position, he raised his arms high, his fingertips glowing in light, in power that called and brought from all around as it met and Feliciano let it all rain at Khaos. He screeched horribly in pain, meteors and stars coming continuous. Khaos tried to smash some away, some successful in being thrown at Feliciano’s direction, but Pookie and him, went under or around them well.
That’s when Feliciano began to worry over his St. Mark, already parts of his fur burning from the attacks. “Pookie, let me deal with this now,” he told him and of course the animal refused. Feliciano sighed, expecting this kind of loyalty, but then it gave him an idea, knowing he could trust it. “Go get Ludwig! Bring him to me!” Pookie understood and flew in that direction, Feliciano letting himself fall in a backward flip, a graceful one that let him play momentarily with the wind, the float, the freedom, before his wings caught them and lifted him up. He copied what he had seen Pookie do, the action coming easy, naturally like it had always been a part of him. He couldn’t help his grin as he went forward with his route, charging something powerful in his hands, growing in an intricate and beautiful symbol that alighted with him well. Khaos saw it that instant and went quick for his aim. He bounced against it, the symbol Feliciano made growing at just his size, with a sharpness and cling that resonated across the whole land. His immense figure fell, and the soldiers underneath feared the worst, but Feliciano spread a shield above them, quick as he made his flight. He had to be quicker as Khaos tried to stand again, not caring over the people he would step on as he raised.
Feliciano continued with the lightning shields, intricate and beautiful, but this time Khaos was strong enough to stand against each shock, despite his roars of pain, intensifying as surely the stings got stronger. Feliciano abandoned the shield tactic and began to swing them as disks. Sometimes they were excellent and worked well to burn and tear apart at the target, other times, Khaos still swung on and Feliciano had to tactically avoid, under, over, breathing heavily as he quickened and forced to deal with the speed. For the first time, he took the harp, he prepared four arrows from the gold of his magic, powerful and with ease. He aimed and fired, the piercing one of deep lightning that alighted the sky like part of a storm. Some soldiers had to be moved away for caution as Feliciano intensified, as he kicked on with earthquakes in his force, fired arrows that made this storm bigger, called wind, power and light that exploded in burns that some couldn’t even look at, having to ground and stop whatever they have been doing.
To their success, more of Khaos broke, with crumbles and pieces literally falling, revealing a weak white that some could easily use to bring more damage.
Khaos was heaving, leaning, having to hold to the ground to give himself some stability.
“He’s weakening!” Gilbert shouted, his tone and call one that could extend across the plain, some celebrating to it, but it made Khaos huff, a smoke coming out that poisoned once again. He used it to give him leverage, having to heave more and more until his weakening figure could hide in its grey. Feliciano was succumbed under it as well, but with his power, it was nothing. It didn’t sicken him or blinded him, but he couldn’t see all that well in this dusk. He could still keep his flight as he tried to strengthen his vision.
“Feliciano!” Came the call of his husband, his armor teared, cuts and his hair a mess, but to Feliciano he shined beautifully and with perfection. He dared to stand on Pookie as the St. Mark brought them close together. Ludwig showed hurry and preparation, a leaning towards him that didn’t care over the precipice under him.
“What do I have to do?” He already offered and Feliciano knew that whatever it was, he would fulfill instantaneous.
“I need you with me.” He offered his hands and Ludwig took them and let himself fall into his float, hold and security of staying midair in the midst of this blinding smoke.
Pookie followed behind as Feliciano rushed them trying to find any sign of the main body. “The blackness works like another shield. It also must be what helps him to get power. All we have to do now is finish getting rid of it and not give him the chance to regenerate. Once it’s crumbled, I can give a finishing blow that will end it all.”
They had a clear ending spoken, possible and sure. Ludwig nodded between all, finding no hardness even as the monster moved and awakened again, roaring and trying to swing at them between the now dimming smoke.
“Any ideas as to how exactly were going to do that?”
“With your help. With the dark magic inside you.”
Ludwig sighed but found it indeed the best idea.
“We have to get close.”
“All for you, liebe.” And there was no fear as they plunged closer, enough that they could touch or even walk upon, for it was slowly losing its burn and hurt. Feliciano had to let Ludwig go, using force and power to run across the body while Feliciano continued his flight, sending slashes, ribbons and symbols intense enough to crack. Ludwig gripped hard upon the body, identifying, taking and putting himself into the magic to disrupt, to break apart with ease. Khaos, noticing Ludwig’s presence, tried to once again tame him, spreading through his veins in darkness, but Ludwig learned well to fight against it, using his exercises from childhood to push back, ever stronger, with burn and shocking pain that had Khaos reverting back, disgusted and without any intention to try again. Ludwig smiled to himself when he noticed, finding himself the winner in this specific battle. His grin only grew larger when no matter how he dug, how he broke apart pieces of black with mere force, Khaos did nothing, only dealt with whatever state this caused as his main target became Feliciano.
As Ludwig plunged his own darkness into Khaos, even at the top reaches Feliciano flew upon, he could feel his magic working, tapping, using it and adding it to his own purpose. He enlarged the harp and placed one of its ends against the body. He changed it to the fierceness of a knife and let it carve aggravatingly as he flew on. Khaos roared and swung his arms and his whole body to try and rid of him as if he was a mere fly. Whatever reaches, Feliciano managed, even as he continued to move the harp across, cracking and disturbing. He would swing back with whatever part of him wasn’t focusing on flight or holding to the harp, with splashes like waves that extended across the valley in a beautiful gold that reigned to the rest of the soldiers in a wonderment that somehow took away horror from this. Or other times, in a large impress from the tiny figure Feliciano still presented himself as, he would punch with power, a force that shook the earth and pushed Khaos away in a tremble that some thought would blow up the monster finally. To their dismay, Khaos yet continued, if even slowed, if even as this cracking began to reach him all, breaking him and not seeming as intimidating as he had been the entire war.
As Feliciano tried to finish a last carving spin around the back of his neck, in his focus, he didn’t notice how Khaos shook, how he reached and swatted him away like an insect. He broke from his flight, falling down and landing harshly on the ground in a bang that made some think it had been a meteor.
“Feliciano!” Ludwig called from the standing he still took on Khaos, stopping his own work to make sure that his husband had survived.
Of course he did, only groaning as he tried to find his own sitting once again.
Once the dust settled and Ludwig could spot him, he sighed in relief, just in the distraction Khaos needed at him to plunge, Ludwig tripping not being able to keep his footing, falling but luckily taking a grasp that kept him hanging. Khaos continued his roars and swings hoping to have him, yet Ludwig always managed a holding that kept him still attached. He refused to let himself fall, not when they were so close…so close to finally ending it all. To make it work, he had to keep his place on Khaos’s body.
Feliciano felt his husbands’ distress, even as he arranged himself, bones, even the ones in the wings he currently possessed, cracking fearsome, symbols on his skin changing, working to get him back to the powerful Ace outlook. Quick he managed to stand, to stretch and roll until he was standing as proud and even menacing. He could feel his love in danger, lightening up a fury that charged within him, angering, angering and angering until he released it in a powerful swing of fire, grabbing, taking all of Khaos and slamming him hard against the ground in a thrust that shook the entire valley. All his people that fought had to lay down in reverence.
They had done their purpose…now it was Feliciano’s turn to make the last front.
Dark shards spread across, more white was seen, Khaos was finding it ever harder to stand, to make again his shield of darkness. In whatever attempt he could still manage, he tried to take Ludwig in his clutches. He thought he could threaten, he thought he could still have an upper hand by putting him at risk, but Feliciano didn’t let him, and neither did Ludwig as he bit, as he released and continued on with his own attack, leaving Khaos, even in his immense form, helpless.
Feliciano ran or sometimes flew as the obstacles came, all across the expanse, like a field all for himself to enjoy from and play in. He could already imagine taking this very field free from evil, beautiful Spadian flowers spreading, safe enough for even children to play. Feliciano was reminded of his own childhood with Ludwig doing the same things on the sunny hills of Italy that he had lived. He could imagine their own children laughing and running as they themselves had once.
For them, for that future, he practically shouted to himself as he continued his shredding all across the body, with ease avoiding fumes of darkness or whatever minuscule attack Khaos tried to send on him.
It was becoming less and less as Ludwig dealt with cutting off the parts that created attacks. Khaos couldn’t stand any longer, he could only manage a sitting by the time Feliciano reached the back of his neck. He didn’t even notice he was there. It was enough for Feliciano to take his harp and finish the last of the carving.
It was time.
Khaos swung at him weakly, Feliciano could avoid it with ease. All of the darkness in his body began to fall, more white appearing to the point that one could confuse him as a symbol of Pisa instead.
“Everyone move away!” He had called with Ace potency in his tone, all shaking as they obeyed, other royals mobilizing a quick escape from the area. Yet of all, Kiku was the only who stayed in his place, his gaze locked up on his Queen despite how he stood by the immensity of Khaos’s fallen hip. He could easily be caught in any wail Khaos tried, yet Kiku found it unfair to run away, especially when his King and Queen were still in this fray. He didn’t follow the crowds, he went the opposite direction, trying to meet Ludwig or Feliciano.
“Kiku! Kiku!” He heard Abasi shout after him, but he didn’t answer, in opposite, he moved faster. He began to reach places that had been emptied, or untouched because they were the most dangerous areas that were left for Feliciano to deal with, and he could tell, as he cough and began to feel stings even with the shields Feliciano had placed on them.
“Ludwig…Feliciano! Ludwig! Feliciano!” He called hoping to reach them. No one…everything was empty and desolate even with Khaos roaring and shaking still. He leaned in failure, in loneliness, thinking that everything will end like this for him in a desperate reach to be with his friends in this moment of need.
Something was coming near, warm, friendly, already a smile he could feel on his back. “Kiku!” Came that excitement that he knew well from his Queen. He smiled and fell into Feliciano’s arms as he swept him off with his speed and flight across the immensity. Despite how the marks glowed on his skin like rubies, the impotent halo, the red wine in his eyes and the great wings…Kiku saw Feliciano true, as any other day in the castle before everything.
“Feliciano, listen, I will not be moving away with the rest. You have to let me help you, and I won’t take any-”
“Ah, good! I actually need you right now.”
Kiku held himself for a moment in embarrassment. “What is it?” He instead went straight to his duty.
“First, we have to pick up Ludwig.” And finally his figure appeared in the distance, a debonair smile as he raised his hand in knowing, no fear at all despite actually standing on Khaos. Feliciano caught him just as some dimming darkness bubbled and exploded in their leave. The remains blended into white with the rest of the ruin Khaos was becoming.
Feliciano, with simple ease, carried both his King and Jack over the last of the terrain, using the ending elevation to raise him up and start escalating high in the air.
“This is it. I’ll be aiming him with the largest power in my possession. It’s one Augusta told me about, using the harp.” He suddenly stopped as he avoided a throw of darkness that Khaos tried to make.
As they continued, he was forced into a sweep that was not the best to be carrying Ludwig and Kiku in. He whistled and in no time came Pookie, offering a stead that Feliciano placed them all in perfect accord. The winged lion didn’t mind at all, he actually purred at knowing the aid he gave, continuing the heights Feliciano intended while successfully avoiding whatever Khaos managed in his last attempts.
“Then…it will finally be over?” Ludwig desperately hoped.
“Not quite. Khaos still possesses something important and we have to take it away before we destroy him.”
Kiku and Ludwig didn’t bother to question what. They just nodded and trusted whatever Feliciano planned. There was no time to hesitate or change especially when they were upon the final horizon.
Feliciano, to be ready, began a calling, a raise of magic from all across the globe, meeting upon him to create wonderful pillars of light, far, large, slowly encaging the area for what his Ace power planned.
“With me, you have to aim, and with me you have to fire a serene Teresa.”
It was a high protective spell to act against large threats. It was mostly used by guards or sorcerers that worked with fire or other sudden emergencies, to protect those they found in wreckages or trying to get out people that were stuck while fires, earthquakes or tsunamis rampaged. Simple, yet with the force they now had, it would be a shield perfect to protect exactly what Feliciano needed. Ludwig and Kiku already began to thread the spell in their palms as Feliciano made Pookie take a pause…finding just the right place. They turned to Khaos’s direction, and despite how he was weakening, his being was still an inferno that they felt coming close to burn them completely.
They weren’t bothered.
Ludwig and Kiku already took their aim as they gathered the magic needed, Ludwig including even some dark magic that could be of great use. Feliciano finally let his harp extend in size, just as these far off pillars shined more, moving at the raise of his arms like giant arrows that worked alone in their own bows of air. Their citizens trembled at their immensity, scared if they would even get out of this attack, if the shields Feliciano had placed on them would work. This seemed too large for them to even witness. And then they lowered, setting their target, the harp burning along with the formation that Feliciano created, his being glowing more in its fire and with his own gold. A gorgeous deep red arrow was formed, engraved with vines of gold that seemed to breathe to Ludwig and Kiku. They almost lost their focus because of it.
It was ready, the aim was set, just as Khaos erupted and tried to reach, tried to swat away Feliciano in his very last attempt. Feliciano only smiled, an intense glow in his eyes as he let go and fired, the arrow, along with the large ones all around him, aiming true at a center that obliterated, blew and exploded. Ludwig and Kiku joined in their own attack, embracing a center where surely laid what Feliciano wanted protected. Although their citizens were blinded in this immense show of power and light, the three Heartian royals saw as clearly as if they were in the purest of waters. Feliciano swam them through it with ease, using his power to protect them as they traversed this fire. His wings grew as extra shield, the gems and marks on his body glowing more to let them survive.
“Is he gone? Is he really gone?” Kiku had to question in the mist.
“Wait…” Feliciano told just as a shrill went throughout, chilling and horrifying, Ludwig and Kiku had to cover their ears from it and only Feliciano went through with it, having to maintain their safe within. He let his arms dance in a particular way that called creation, bringing to him any darkness and purifying it in gold and colors, flying off like petals to join the flourishing of this new field.
He continued this cleanse as he made Pookie ride them throughout, a downward glide that to Ludwig and Kiku seemed like hours. The closer they reached the ground, the more it cleared around them, the more natural blue sky they saw, the more they could breathe, their smile grew and they were confident that no harm as Khaos would ever come again.
Pookie landed on the ground, Ludwig and Kiku taking their descend with ease, walking now in the start of green grass, the dirt there with only but specks of darkness. Feliciano followed afterwards, still calling with him the remnants, spread across above them in damaged strings that they could think were just strange dark clouds. Feliciano called them all to him, piece by piece making each part disappear in glowing wind, the shrills getting lower and lower until they were only but a squeak in the palm of Feliciano’s hands.
Now, as everything around them cleared to the usual rushes of this field, the last bits of darkness were but the ones that swam around the small call, the small wave Feliciano kept of a single hand. Whatever last shout Khaos tried to make, it came out like a child’s cry. He tried to whip, but even if it did reach skin, it did nothing, not even redden or create the slightest cut. Ludwig and Kiku stared on stupefied, finding it hard to believe that what was left of Khaos was just these tiny specks that Feliciano kept twirling around.
“And…” a turn down, “…you are…” up, another spin, only but dust left… “…gone.”
And there was no more darkness, everything disappeared entirely. Now surrounding them was the natural blow of wind, cleaning the field and bringing the aroma of flowers that was meant.
It was silent, it was peaceful, Feliciano smiled in welcome to this new era, proper with this new sun that came.
Lovino writes a series of blog entries on the relationship between Germany and Italy as he deals with a move to Hamburg, his brother’s wedding, and his budding romance (which he denies) to the infuriating Gilbert Beilschmidt.
Lovino writes a series of blog entries on the relationship between Germany and Italy as he deals with a move to Hamburg, his brother’s wedding, and his budding romance (which he denies) to the infuriating Gilbert Beilschmidt.
Chapter 9
It was a Friday Lovino had taken to work from home, calmed with coffee, typing away in a serene air…one he had tried to get himself on, avoiding the notification for a reminder of an event he was invited to, the dinner were Feliciano said he was finally going to talk about what’s going on. It was supposed to be tomorrow and all he could feel was anguish and worry, expecting the worst words to come then. And when they say it…what could he do? What could he say? What could he convince them to do? His thoughts were interrupted by a call…Gilbert’s name in a splendid of color to him. Despite the bubbling pink feelings, he took the call quick and harsh, hiding whatever immense of feelings. “Pronto?”
“So, Ludwig just admitted to me that he’s starting a new business.”
“A whole new business!” Lovino practically shouted.
“I couldn’t get anything else out of him. He told me he’ll say more at the dinner tomorrow.”
Lovino groaned, “I don’t like this, I don’t like this at all.”
“He mentioned that he’s worried about what we’re going to think.”
“That’s because it surely has to be something horrible! Ugh, does my brother even understand what he’s getting himself into?” He started swinging a pen, ready to aim in his anger.
“Well, what can we do about it? The wedding is in a month! No matter what they decided on, everything is well on its way and there’s nothing we can do to change that!”
“Yes…yes! We have to!”
“Lovino, I’m just as worried as you are, but we can’t make them realize-”
“That’s what we’ll do! Make them realize!”
“Realize what?”
“How everything is a bad idea, how they should re-think this entire thing and deal with something safer…something that might get them to stay here even,” Lovino stood and paced trying to get his thoughts to kindle.
“What can we possibly get short notice?”
And Lovino stopped, Gilbert understanding with the silence that he didn’t have a single clue. It continued, Gilbert being able to hear the furious tap of the pen Lovino held.
“What if we…what if we talk to our families today?” Gilbert suggested. “Let them know part of what’s going on. Maybe then, when Ludwig and Feliciano come, they’ll have ideas and we can be like this…team! With enough force, we can change their minds!” Gilbert alighted, with bright hope that already promised his little brother still in Germany.
“That’s…that’s brilliant!”
Gilbert startled…not expecting such a positive reaction from him. The energy he glowed with…oh…he was blushing, hand shaking, close to running to him and witnessing it all right before him. “You-you…you think so?” He tried to sound his usual dashing grin, yet it came out crocked and he was now beginning to sweat.
You know what…maybe staying home was a better idea.
“Yes! It’s perfect!” A quick glance to the clock, only three p.m., enough time, Lovino thought. “But we have to start now! I’ll talk to my grandfather and parents.” In his haste, not really being conscious of what he was doing, he threw a loving kiss that made Gilbert swear he was going to faint. “Good luck and see you tomorrow,” those last words were uttered in deep seduction and Gilbert couldn’t take it. Lovino hung up, not giving the chance for Gilbert to say a proper goodbye…not that he could at the moment. He fell straight to the couch, keeping his eyes wide to tell himself that this wasn’t a dream.
Oh no…he had it bad, so bad…he could hear his brother laughing in some corner of his mind.
He couldn’t stand up, he was stuck in his own bliss, with nothing on his mind but Lovino and wanting the next day to come. Oh there was that shirt he could wear! The one his mother always told him to, but he never did thinking it made him look as pompous as his cousin Roderich. Oh wait, his mother! He had to start calling them.
It was a splendid night, slightly cold, but still a perfect atmosphere that to Ludwig and Feliciano was even romantic. How they wished they could have saved it only for themselves, with the restaurant’s dim lighting, one of the private corners they knew Augusto can easily place for them. Instead, it was one of the big tables that was waiting for them, they were late, and from what they could see out the window, the ones missing.
“I’m sure they’ll be happy,” Feliciano confided.
Ludwig sighed though, still so anxious. He took Feliciano’s hand, a tight grasp, raising to kiss. “Have I told you that my biggest fear is losing you…and that I love you deeper than anything else I could,” he said like it was a goodbye.
Feliciano giggled, “everything is going to be fine.” He raised a hand to caress dearly at the side of his face.
A sudden outburst of Augusto flailing his arms upwards, shouting in demand brought Feliciano back to the sight of the restaurant. “I think we should be heading inside,” and he went forward.
“Right behind you,” Ludwig let himself sway in the dumbfounded love, a hand on Feliciano’s back as support as he followed right behind him.
“-my son is more than capable enough!” Reinhardt’s shout was their welcome.
“Then he would have been given more! Not left stranded to his luck!” Augusto shouted back.
“It was bankruptcy.” Aldrich joined.
“And even so, Ludwig can put up a company in a matter of months, while Feliciano will most likely stay in his same position for years on end.”
It hurt Feliciano to hear this from Reinhardt, a sudden scared grasp given to Ludwig.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this was all part of a scheme to get Ludwig to do everything, while Feliciano can just lay in the house without a worry to spare!” Monika gave in.
“My son has honor! He wouldn’t submit to this!” Vincenzo defended.
“He’s the one who’ll be paying for everything after all! From the looks of it, I guess it will be Ludwig staying at home expecting Feliciano to do absolutely everything!” Renata shouted the loudest, insulted.
“Let him! Ludwig will in the end overwork himself more!” Reinhard continued.
“My son will not be a servant!” Vincenzo proclaimed.
Neither couldn’t take it, Feliciano coughing to bring their attention, so all could see they were there, holding to each other tightly, wide eyed at such accusations. “What…what is going on?” Feliciano managed to ask even with the tremble.
“How long were you expecting to hide this from us?” Augusto demanded as he turned to them.
No greetings, no peace, blazing anger that wanted words of explanation before anything else.
“Sir, what do you mean?” Ludwig tried to be civil.
“Oh, don’t act dumb! We know your sick plan to run off without a coin on your backs! You expect Feliciano to do your biding while you go off and party in Santo Domingo!” Vincenzo accused loudly.
“What?...No! I wouldn’t do something like that!” Ludwig turned to the defensive.
“But you are going to!” Augusto joined.
“No! I’m not! Why would you even-”
“Don’t go shouting just at Ludwig! You haven’t addressed Feliciano’s complot to go off with Ludwig’s money when the opportunity presents itself!” Monika pointed.
“No! No! No! I would never!” Feliciano tried to even with their shouts, but they came out meek, especially as he kept his tight hold on Ludwig’s arm, now clearly afraid.
“Look! There must have been some misunderstanding. The table is ready, we can sit down and talk about this,” Ludwig pointed in the hopes they could hurry.
“Oh, Ludwig! There’s no need to defend him! You can go outright and say what is really going on!” Louis, with everyone else, seemed to block a pathway that could lead them to the table…and to some sense.
“I can, if you just let me explain!”
“Why should you? Let Feliciano do his own talking!” Augusto shouted, coming close, ready to take Feliciano to his side if he had to.
“I…I…” Feliciano was trembling now.
“He can’t even defend himself!”
“Caught him red handed!” Monika blamed.
“But I didn’t do anything!”
“You’re only making him nervous!” Renata tried to calm.
“Because it’s all exactly what he’s planning!”
“He’s not planning anything!”
“Well…technically we are…”
“So there is a plan!”
“But it’s not what you think!”
“I knew something was off with Ludwig, knew it the moment they announced they were getting married!” Vincenzo shouted on.
“Misusing of my boy’s innocence! He wants nothing but to taint him and leave him for the next offering body!” Augusto dramatized. “Feliciano, this is no way to give your virginity!”
“Nonno…I’m not a virgin.”
For some reason…those words…that brought deep flushes to the couple was the only thing that managed to bring final silence.
“…you’re not…? When…when did this happen? Who?” Augusto was truly shocked and devastated.
“Uh…” Ludwig tried to word.
“Ludwig, we don’t have to tell them anything…” Feliciano held him.
“So you won’t!” Aldrich angered.
“You’re not even letting us!”
“What excuse can you give us to defend this crazed plot?”
“It’s not a crazed plot! If you would only listen!”
“Well we don’t have to listen! We know enough! And let me say that I do not approve of it at all!” Reinhardt declared.
“Feliciano!” And here Vincenzo pulled his son back to them. “We really don’t think you should go through with the marriage! Not when Ludwig can abuse you! I’m sorry, but I must withdraw my blessing!” Vincenzo told all, standing strong in his decree.
“Papa, please! Let us explain!” Feliciano insisted, trying to let go of the harsh grip his family had on him.
“Don’t do this! You haven’t given us the chance to talk!” Ludwig tried to defend, tried to get Feliciano back, but his family brought him back with their own strong grip.
“Ludwig, it’s not worth it! I have to agree with Vincenzo, but I cannot permit such a marriage to occur. I will refuse to participate in it!” Louis said.
“Then fine! I don’t want you to participate in it!” Ludwig managed loosening, harshly moving away from them. “I will marry Feliciano even if this all some plot to take my money away!” He shouted his clarity.
“You’re willing to go through with this just so that could be the end point!” Louis shouted at him, Ludwig reaching an exasperation that was just agreeing so he could get them all to stop.
“Yes! Okay! Fine! Let Feliciano take my money, let him be a lazy ass, let him disappoint me and make a fool of himself!”
And Feliciano joined his family in the insult and disappointment. While they continued crying out, Feliciano tried not to tear at the harshness of such words. Whether they were real or not, the fact that they were a thought shone in screams along with the rest, proved enough of actuality to him.
“Feliciano, let’s just go,” and Ludwig held out his hand expecting it all nothing, no other effort or defend. He wanted to go ignorant to what happened. Feliciano angered and wanted to slap the hand away…but at the same time…he did not want to be chocked by the hold his father gave him or how the rest hovered above him like vicious animals. It seemed that he would only have an escape with Ludwig…and there was something in that idea that settled very wrongly. He briskly let his hand free, glaring at his family and deciding to get away for now, having to take the grasp of Ludwig’s hand.
“After he said all that…you’re still willing to go with him.”
Feliciano flared but tried to keep his anger away from Ludwig or his family. “He’s already taking money from me anyways, so let him be a stuck up, let him betray me and leave me alone in another country,” he spat with fury, the grip of his hand not loving, but suffocating and wanting to hurt.
Ludwig was wide eyed at the answer, fearful and broken, and Feliciano could only look away not explaining anything…as Ludwig did. Grasped still with a deadly hold, they decided on leaving, not looking back, the only sound the echo of Ludwig’s car as it drove down the street, sealing their decision for both families to take witness.
Gilbert and Lovino had not seen what happened, blissfully unaware as they spent their time in Lovino’s apartment, talking and laughing before they had to come down and show another face to the family.
“Rugrats! Of all things!”
“I didn’t want to watch some damn Regular Show!”
They fought even if with smiles and gentility, the only ounce of happiness to arrive to the somberness of what the restaurant had become. No one spoke with one another, and less they were going to sit together in this heaviness. To their surprise, Gilbert and Lovino were the only ones bringing that cheery atmosphere this dinner should have been. Yet they halted and stared in wondering, their mere gazes asking what was wrong.
“Ludwig and Feliciano left,” Monika answered.
“Already? We haven’t even started to eat!” Gilbert was incredulous.
“I…don’t think were going to eat tonight, Gilbert,” Augusto glared, a new blame for any of the Beilschmidts now.
“Ah, come on, Nonno! The cooks were going to make me a pesto pizza!” For once, Lovino was clearly disappointed.
“I’ll…go and stop them from making anything then.” And without another word, the old man turned and made his way inside the kitchen. The rest, without a single glance to meet themselves, began picking their things and one by one each left their own direction without leaving a word of explanation.
“What’s up with them?” Gilbert wondered.
Lovino shrugged, “maybe not hungry. But fuck, my pesto pizza! I was so excited!” Lovino went back to angering.
“Ah, come on, we can just go somewhere else to have it!”
“No! Nu-uh! I don’t trust anywhere else out of nonno’s restaurant. There’s a lot of fakes out there.”
“Then why not make it yourself?”
Lovino was ready to fight it, but stopped when it began to sound quite appetizing. “Ugh! It’s too late to make a pizza now!” He sadly realized.
Gilbert shrugged, “how about tomorrow then? I can come over and you can really show me how it’s done!”
“Great! How about you arrive for lunch and spend the whole day?”
Such excitement, such a good glow.
“Awesome…so…do we make it a date then?” Gilbert dared along with a smirk, a lean and a blush in his cheeks and eyes that Lovino had to look away from before he succumbed to showing himself an utter fool to those gazes.
“Yeah…fine, it’s a date…” he tried hard to pout it…but instead there came a smile that Gilbert didn’t fail to miss.
“So…be at your place by two. You’ll have everything else and I’ll…bring some beer,” he let himself twirl one of Lovino’s curls, what the other thought easing and nice.
“Nothing too shitty, please.”
“Only the best!” They chuckled and began moving away, ever so slow as they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. Gilbert tried to make his exit backwards, not letting anything break the view he had of Lovino. He let himself indulge in it, smiling and waving. He used one hand to try and find the exit, but he couldn’t control his legs from bumping, tumbling and almost bringing the entire table to the ground.
“Careful!” Lovino scolded, but so gently and sweetly that Gilbert was still enamored.
“Haha, yeah, yeah…yes! I…I can do things…I can walk!”
What an adorable doofus.
“I’ll…see you tomorrow!”
“At two!”
“At two!” Gilbert promised and was off, leaving Lovino with the brightest smile in the ruins of what had just occurred.
The car ride was silent. When they arrived to Ludwig’s apartment, it was also silent. Feliciano didn’t spare a word as he went into the guest room and shut himself inside. Ludwig didn’t bother to fight him about it, he went to his own room and tried to get some sleep. He tried to not be persuaded by the empty spot beside him…the spot where he expected his sun rays to be in, where his arms will embrace it, let his own scent engulf him until he was spread himself with the sun. He turned the other way and tried hard to ignore it…he could sleep without it…he could…-by five a.m. he was already on the table, typing away on his laptop. His eyes were grey, lost on the screen, forcing himself to work, to calculate and write no matter how the anguish weight him into his seating. It was around eight that Feliciano woke…far too early for him. He was just as grey and drained, not bothering for a cup of coffee, a wash, he just took a seating in a near stool, to breathe and lost in thoughts that Ludwig couldn’t read. He forced himself to only be on his laptop, letting this silence continue to reign.
…Their mornings were never like this.
“Ludwig…” Feliciano started to speak, doubtful and fearing, “…do you really think going to Santo Domingo like this is a good idea?”
Ludwig didn’t answer so quickly, didn’t even look at him, Feliciano wondering if he had purposely ignored it…only the more reason for him to anger.
“Everything is already planned…we’ve bought everything we need, the wedding is in a couple of weeks…let’s just…go with it as it should,” he did answer, but he didn’t gaze at anything else.
“I don’t want to just…go with it!”
“Isn’t that something you’re always telling me to do…go with it!”
“Yeah, but…not like this, not after what you said last night.”
Ludwig rolled his eyes, “there was a lot of pressure…”
“So in a lot of pressure you decide to call me a thief, a lazy ass, a disappointment and a fool!”
“I didn’t exactly say those things and you know I didn’t mean it!”
“I heard it, Ludwig! You insinuated them, you thought them, you readily said everything right before your family and mine!” True pain was presented well on Feliciano now.
“You called me a stuck up, a cheater and disloyal.”
“I didn’t-”
“You did! I heard you…and right before my family and yours!” He finally raised his eyes to him, staring and hurtful, Feliciano shaking and hating that this gaze was now brought upon him.
“I…I was hurt by what you said.”
“You didn’t think I was hurt too.” More an edge was added to his tone, a cut that silenced Feliciano, twirling his fingers, looking away as he settled with this new pain.
“I really…I really didn’t mean them.”
“I didn’t mean mine either. Just forget about it…we said what our families wanted to hear and got them off our backs. We can go on.”
“By making each other go against our own families? Ludwig, despite everything, I still care for my family and I want them to keep being a part of my life…yours too.”
“We don’t need them, Feliciano. We have ourselves.”
“But-”
“Do you really want to keep people who said all those things about us?”
“Because we couldn’t explain! They didn’t know any better!”
“And this is how they respond when faced with uncertainty?”
Their voices got higher with each accusation.
“We just…we just had to keep trying. We had to fight and defend one another…” Feliciano was never one to keep himself, Ludwig knew his emotions had to always be displayed. No secrets, no hiding, his eyes reddened and already the first tears began to fall down his cheeks. He thought him beautiful still, but it scorched that they were being caused by him, while all he did was stay seated, trying to keep his eyes away, afraid to face sadness from one he always made sure to make bright.
“Why…why didn’t you stand up for me?...Why didn’t you defend? Why didn’t you try to prove them wrong?”
And yet Ludwig couldn’t face it, couldn’t let himself show how this was shredding him as well, not wanting to show his own weakness when he was too stubborn to keep his strength in the discussion.
“Feliciano…there was no need…” was somehow the only thing he could say.
“No need…no need…” he hiccupped in a heave he couldn’t withstand, those words a heavy marked realization that made him surer of a pathway he had to take. It stung when his hands reached for the ring that had been worn faithfully since the day Ludwig presented it to him in a wonderful proposal. He lunged himself with a terrible cry, knowing what he had to do, what he deserved and should stand strong for, Ludwig crumbling, wishing he could force himself to take Feliciano, but is own despair kept him seated.
The ring began to get removed in what they heard themselves a shriek, released along with a void that sucked whatever light was always present between them.
“Then I guess there’s no need for me to wear this anymore.” And it was placed on the coffee table as a token to be forgotten. “No need for a wedding…no need for us.” Feliciano didn’t bother with another glance, he picked a bag he had made and left. No other goodbye, no beautiful trace. He was gone as swiftly as a ghost, yet with a haunting that kept Ludwig stunned, the pain like the heaviest shot, the weight like a swarm of animals were on top of him, the cage the most restricting he had been in. He heaved, lost on how his movements worked…how to look, how to stand.
In this mess, in this ever clashing of emotions seeming to rampage all across Ludwig’s body, he exploded by throwing his own laptop to the ground, uncaring of pieces and what its memory of work held.
Nothing…it was all nothing…he had nothing anymore.
He pushed his hands into his eyes, ignoring the pain in favor of trying to dam the tears that already began to swarm, but in the end, in a release of breath that made him heavier, he let them coat his face how they wanted, redden him and already paint him a mess after only minutes of being left by Feliciano.
There was no perseveration to move on with his day…it seemed like it wasn’t there anymore, like there was nothing to live for and make it his.
He let himself sink in that position, determined to stay and dig himself ever deeper.
AaAaaAa pls make a prompt for like a capitalia Au qwq I dunno I’ve been looking for fanfics where GerIta be happily married with two kids Like Berlin and Rome qwq
I mean, I have a story where Lud and Feli have 7 kids happily, and some are actually based on cities...but I don’t have that kind of cannon idea though :( Perhaps I can do something. There’s a lot going on on my side right now and don’t know if I have the time to answer a request like this...but your getting my head working and we’ll see.
Ludwig is an archeologist who gets a big assignment of researching a recently discovered statue. As he is doing his usual inspection with his touches against the stone, he ends up breaking part of a curse that turns the statue human.
Feliciano was cursed long ago, why and how he does not know, continuing to suffer transformations from stone to skin. Ludwig intends to fix this and find answers. Together they will traverse Europe looking for clues, stories and even an adventure that would help them solve the mystery and break the full curse before it’s too late.
I yet live!!! I know it’s not a FATKOH update but I just had some time for this one and went with it. Sorry for taking so long. Many…many…many things. The last few months have been a roller coaster of incidents, but after the worry of almost being homeless, I finally found a place to live for long term. Things are sure and secure and I am very happy now. So I post this and you can all share in the very happiness…if the chapter is to your liking of course, which I wish. Enjoy!
Chapter 6
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