Tempus Vernum

***Warnings: Language, angst, violence, TROUBE AHEAD!

 

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

 

But no one keeps a secret

 

No one keeps a secret

 

Why when we do our darkest deeds

 

Do we tell?

 

They burn in our brains

 

Become a living hell- Pretty Little Liars Theme

 

Chapter 12

 

"Who is here to see me?" Roderich asked the guard from his throne.

 

"Francis Bonnefoy. He said you know his name."

 

Roderich's brows lifted in surprise. "I do know him…but why would he even be here?" He stroked his chin. "This is truly odd. Give me a few moments to ready the meeting room. I would like a private audience with him."

 

"Are you sure that is wise, your grace? He is a Dark Fairy…and an explorer as well."

 

"I'm well aware of who and what he is. He is not someone we have to fear." Roderich descended the steps. "Lead him to the first meeting room."

 

"Yes sir!"

 

'What business have you here, Francis?' Roderich wondered to himself while walking to the room. 'I doubt Arthur would have sent you of all fairies…hm.' Roderich dismissed the servants who were straightening out the room and ordered refreshments of fruit and wine to be brought in. Seeing someone as low as Francis (by HIS court standards) alone like this was suspicious to anyone who would happen to know about it. A commoner having a private audience with the king was almost unheard of. But Francis wasn't just any common Dark Fairy; he was the father of Prince Alfred and Matthew, and lover of King Arthur. Whatever he had to speak to him about had to be important.

 

"Your majesty? Francis Bonnefoy is here to see you now." Announced a guard.

 

"Send him in."

 

Francis entered the room, lowered his wings, and gave a humble bow. "Your highness, I come to you with all humility and peace." He gave a charming smile. "I'm pleased that we can speak alone."

 

"Yes. Please, sit. I have refreshments coming in shortly." He waited for Francis to sit before continuing. "Now, what is it that brings you here? Surely Arthur would not have sent you to do his personal business? And you're also very brave to set foot in my territory." He folded his hands on the table before him. "You may speak plainly."

 

"I wish to keep this meeting between us. I would like for anything that passes between us to stay in this room. And may I call you Roderich?"

 

"You may."

 

Francis began. "First of all, let me just say that…Arthur doesn't know that I am here." Roderich looked a little uneasy, but urged him to continue. "You know the rumors of Prince Alfred and Prince Matthew, correct?"

 

"Of course. Although, if we are speaking plainly here as two fairy males, then I will say that they are not rumors but fact."

 

The blonde gave a light smile. "You're correct. I cannot deny that. Yes, they are both my sons. All of Arthur's children, the ones who did not survive, were also mine. We have been together for all these decades."

 

Roderich gave a nod. "I am fully aware of that. All of this is no real secret, Francis. Your lover is just very good at hiding it."

 

"Yes, and with great reason as well. You know the Pure Bloods are a very old and dangerous group, on both our sides. Arthur has lived in fear of them ever since Alfred and Matthew were born. The Dark Fairy people have lost all hope of us defeating the Light Court and instead have turned their rage, anger, and frustration out on my family. What I am trying to say is that I would like for you to offer honorable and positive terms for Arthur to surrender his crown to you."

 

If Roderich had been drinking anything when he heard that then he would have spat it out in shock. Before he could answer, the door opened and a servant came in with the fruit and wine. The servant poured a goblet of wine for Francis and Roderich, offered them some fruit from the tray, and then left. Roderich took a long sip of the wine before giving a response. "Well, I must say, Francis, that those words were not at all what I was expecting. No wonder you came here of your own will. Arthur would have your head if he knew you were doing this."

 

"I know. It's hard for you to understand this, since you're not a father. Yet. But my family means everything to me and I don't see things getting any better. Soon Arthur will have to step down from his reign as king and the title will be given to Alfred. While I love Alfred…I say this is full confidence of you, he is not kingly material. Everyone knows it. Even Alfred himself doesn't want the real responsibility of ruling a kingdom. He wants the perks, but not all the other issues that come with it. Like most young fairy men. Many of the people are terrified of Arthur for he is a VERY different kind of Dark Fairy. But my boys…they're different. The Dark Fairy folk would do-" he shuddered "-would do horrible things to my boys if they ever got a hold of them. And if that happens…" Francis looked down woefully into his cup.

 

"I do understand, Francis. One thing I will say about Arthur is that he has tried very hard to keep his people happy and try to bring them up and out of the dark."

 

Francis nodded. "He has, but it is at his own personal expense. Arthur uses so much of his magic to keep the city looking normal underground. He even changes the morning to the night, and the seasons as well, just so his people can feel like they are living outside that cavern dome. It takes a toll on his health, and yet the people still hate him."

 

"King Arthur has done all he can, but he is fighting against people who do want the wealth and prosperity to come from him. They will want it from another source." He smirked. "And by 'source', I mean me."

 

"Yes. You have enough wealth, power, and force to help the Dark Fairies. They want to see an end to the Dark Court Royal race. Which, in my opinion, would be for the greater good." He took a sip of wine. "If we think about it, we have more similarities than differences. Us fairy folk, that is."

 

"True, however, I must think of my own people, too. It will take centuries for my people to openly accept Dark Fairies. We have been apart since the beginning of the world. The Dark Fairies will have to be ruled from THEIR kingdom, answerable only to me. So, if Alfred were to ascend the throne, he would be second in command. I would be the true king. That way," he smiled "I can aid young Alfred in ruling, protect your boys from the Pure Bloods, keep Gilbert married, and control the Dark Fairy population."

 

Francis bowed his head. "That would be ideal, yes."

 

"But," Roderich put up his finger. "There is still one little obstacle in all of this."

 

The blonde smiled. "You mean Arthur."

 

"Yes. Have you spoken to him about these ideas?"

 

"I have. I fear he is too full of pride with an ego the size of this castle…so it is hard for him to back down. I know it's easier for me to say all this because I wasn't a king for…however many number of centuries. Arthur was brought up for all this. Just like you."

 

Roderich plucked off a grape. "So, what you want from me is to reword your ideas into terms of peace, which in turn will give me control over the Dark Court? Is that correct?"

 

"Yes."

 

"This will make everything a whole lot easier if Arthur were to surrender, even for the reasons you have stated. I've been hearing stories about the system breaking down in that underground city."

 

Francis nodded. "The people are tired and poor, but they won't let Arthur help them. It seems as if for all this time they are just on a constant strike. I don't want this to continue, and I don't want it for my boys. Since they are not of full royal blood they can step down from the throne and live their own lives. What I really want, Roderich, and keep this between us; but I want Arthur to come sail away with me." He smiled dreamily. "I want him to be with me all the time. I want to wake up next to him every morning and sleep by his side every night. I want us to have a real family where I can be an active father. That is what I want, and it is what Arthur deserves. I know he wants to be normal; he's just finding it hard to give in."

 

Roderich wasn't touched by Francis' romantic dreams but he wasn't about to let this opportunity pass. He and Arthur had been enemies for far too long and the Dark Fairy's happiness was none of his concern. Francis had given him a huge insight on Arthur's mindset and the stability of the Dark Court. This could be the easiest way to obtain the other kingdom without the expense or casualties of war. And once he obtained the Dark Court, then he come move on to conquering the ancient fairy battlefield. He still had a few concerns about Alfred, though.

 

"Let me discuss this with my advisor, wife, and councilmen. It will be a great way to stop the battles. If the Dark Fairies hate Arthur as much as you say they do, then winning the people over will be easy. I think I already know the best way to word these terms. However, you have to help me talk to Arthur as well."

 

"I know. We actually fought about it the last time I saw him." He said sadly. "I try to tell him that all his efforts are proving useless, that the people don't want his help so why cater to them? He's sacrificing his own life and happiness for these fairies that hate him! I want him to have an escape from all this. The Dark Fairies want him to give up as well. They want to be a part of the Light Court."

 

"I'm sure they do, and I can benefit from them, and they from me. Everyone wins, wouldn't you say?" He smiled.

 

"Yes. Thank you for seeing me, Roderich. I'm glad we could come to terms on this.

 

"As am I."

 

"I think it is time to end all this bad blood between fairies." He gave a soft chuckle. "You know what's funny? Everything has changed ever since that human monk came to our courts. Things have just been…different. Arthur speaks highly of him."

 

"Yes, Ludwig is a great success and I must praise him as well. Yet we must strive for peace. I will have everything written up as soon as possible and Ludwig will deliver it for me. I will speak to no one of our meeting, I swear to you. I haven't told anyone about your sons, have I?"

 

Francis bowed his head. "You are too kind. Please, give my regards to the queen. I should be leaving before too many tongues start wagging of my presence."

 

Roderich stood up from his chair, as did Francis. "It's wonderful to have a rational Dark Fairy to speak to. Thank you, Francis."

 

"It wasn't easy…but I have to put my family first."

 

"Completely understandable and admirable. Would you like to be escorted out?"

 

He shook his head. "I think I can find my own way…and go unnoticed. And thanks again for your help. Let's hope it works out for the best."

 

Francis flew out of the meeting room and kept a low profile by staying near the ceiling, weaving in and out of the numerous flower garlands. A few times he had to descend to hide behind some furniture or other objects as people came by. Everything was going well as he flew up to the stone arches on the ceiling, that is, until he saw Ludwig coming his way. With a gasp, he wrapped his dark wings around himself and hid in the corner of a pillar until he passed. Even though he was up high, Francis did not want to take any chances of being seen, especially by Ludwig. Francis did not want word getting back to Arthur of his business here. But once Ludwig was out of sight, he flew down to continue to the exit. Then Sadiq was floating down the hall he had to turn at. Francis ducked behind a large stone statue of a unicorn until Sadiq passed with the other fairy he was speaking to. Once the coast was clear, Francis flew off again, making his turn down the hall.

 

Suddenly, a bright form appeared in front of him and the light blinded his vision. With a hiss Francis stopped in midair, shielding his eyes with his arms. Someone grabbed both his ankles to pull him down to the floor. He hit the marble with solid force and it stunned him for a moment.

 

"Well, well, well, look at what we've got here!" Said a male in a mocking tone. "It's a darkie in our court!"

 

"How did you weasel your way in here, darkie?"

 

Francis blinked his eyes to try and regain his vision while looking up into the faces of four Fairy Knights. "Please, I just had an audience with the king. I was just leaving. Go ask King Roderich if you don't believe me."

 

"You lie, filthy creature!" One knight kicked him in the ribs. "Get up!"

 

Francis struggled to stand but immediately reached for his sword, which he came to realize wasn't there. They had taken it from him before he could set foot on Light Court grounds. 'Oh no!' Gentlemen, please." He put his hands up. "I am a simple, common Dark Fairy who explores for a living. I mean you no harm or disrespect, so please, allow me to pass." When he tried to take a step forward, another knight stopped him.

 

"You're not going anywhere, darkie. I bet you're a Dark Court spy!"

 

"I'm not a spy! I wish to see the king! Now!"

 

Another spoke, "You don't give us commands!"

 

Francis made a quick decision to try and fly away, but when he did, the escape was blocked. He tried to force his way past the fairy but he was no match for their mystical armor. Soon the others had surrounded him as he tried to fight back with only his fists and feet. Why wasn't anyone coming to help him? Someone must have heard this commotion by now.

 

And then there was a sharp, brutal pain in his belly. The intense pain stunned him, along with the other knights surrounding him. Slowly, he peered down to see that a fairy crystal blade had pierced his skin, right under his ribcage. He'd been stabbed. With a choked gasp, he spit up blood that poured down his chin, making the other fairies leap away from him. Francis gripped the hilt, shrieked in pain, and yanked it out with a trail of blood following suit. The blade clattered to the floor, but Francis still remained standing, holding his midsection as the warm blood drenched his sleeves. 'Arthur…' He said his lover's name 'my boys…'

 

/

 

Arthur awoke from his slumber with a mighty gasp of pain, clutching at his heart while gasping for breath. His fairy heart ached terribly, as if it were being ripped apart inside of his chest. He got on his hands and knees while still clutching his heart. 'What's happening to me? Francis…?' The pain suddenly stopped, but a dull ache was still there.

 

/

 

"Filthy creature!"

 

His eyes nearly bugged out of his head when another blade sliced along his back, the immense pain bringing him to his knees. Francis could feel the life draining out of him. His vision was turning dark and his body was growing so very cold. 'This is where I die…'

 

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" Roderich screamed as he came running at the sound of the commotion and saw Francis' dying body. "Oh no…what have you done?"

 

Ludwig had just come around the corner to see what was happening…and nearly fainted at the sight. There was only one thought on his mind when he saw Francis' bleeding body sliding slowly to the floor. 'We're finished. Arthur will kill us all!'

 

"Sadiq!" Roderich shouted the fairy's name as he came flying over. "We have to preserve him! Hurry!"

 

"Right!"

 

Roderich and Sadiq placed their hands palm up in front of them to conjure numerous beams of bright lights. Ludwig watched in awe as the combined magic formed a large tunnel of glowing blue sparkles and bolts as it completely engulfed Francis. The tunnel of light was lifted in to the air while a base of what appeared to be ice or crystal began to form. Their teeth were grit tightly in pure concentration as the base grew higher and higher. Ludwig looked at the massive form where the beginning of boots started to appear. Ludwig's jaw dropped as he watched Francis's body slowly reveal itself in a large crystal case. But his body was a different color inside the pale crystal. The magic beam climbed higher again until it burst in a sonic wave that shook the entire castle and everyone in it.

 

Ludwig was finally able to see the finish product of the combined magic. All he could do was stare at the marvelous mountain before him. Francis' body was encased in light blue crystal, giving the appearance and shape of water waves. The fairy's form inside appeared to be solid white stone; Francis looked like a statue. His form was set in a way that looked as if he were letting his body just sink in water, with his once blonde hair all fanned out around him. The bright blue eyes were now the same color and texture as his stone body. The only color on him was a black spot where he had been stabbed. Ludwig couldn't fathom this. What in the world had happened? Why did they try to kill Francis? What was Francis doing here?

 

"Guards!" Roderich shouted. "Block these halls! Let no one enter!"

 

"Your majesty!" Ludwig trotted over to him. "What have you done to him? What is going on?" He looked back at the stone form. "Is he dead?"

 

"No." Roderich shook his head.

 

"We've only preserved his life by turning him to fairy stone and encasing him inside protective crystal." Sadiq told him.

 

"But…Arthur will be…" Ludwig found the next words hard to say. "Arthur will be heartbroken when he finds out."

 

Roderich glared at him. "He's not going to find out about this!"

 

"You can't not tell him about this!" Ludwig raised his voice at the king. "This is his LOVER!" He whispered harshly. "Arthur LOVES this fairy!"

 

"Which is why we can't tell him." Roderich cleared his throat. "Sadiq, see these Fairy Knights taken to Knight Vash and Knight Berwald! Tell them of what happened and that I want these knights PUNISHED!" Roderich placed his hand on Ludwig's back to lead him away from the sight of Francis. "This is for the best, Ludwig."

 

Ludwig glared at him. "How? How is this for the best? Those fairy knights, from what I can gather, MURDERED him! They murdered him only because he was a Dark Fairy! It was a hate crime!"

 

Roderich met his glare with equal force. "Yes. Yes it was a hate crime! It's not going unpunished! But, you are still very young and unwise in the ways of war. Let me tell you a few of the reasons why it is best to keep this little…mishap…under our hats. Just so you know, Francis was here on peaceful business for his family."

 

He nodded. "I'm listening."

 

"Arthur loves Francis. There is no doubt about that. However, I want to avoid a war that is based purely on a lover's revenge. You see, Ludwig, when a war is fought over love, the leaders are not thinking straight. They have only one thing on their mind; revenge. Passion and revenge. Arthur is a force to be reckoned with, but that is only when we are fairy to fairy. When a person fights for their love; or for their children, they become even more powerful. The drive to save their loved one is so strong that they are willing to risk everything for the chance to save their lovers. I rather fight a tactical war based on territory disputes and pride. The idea of having a frantic lover who's life-long mate has been nearly killed does not settle well with me. Someone like Arthur would show no mercy for anyone. He would throw caution to the wind and charge in head on without a care."

 

"So you're going to hide a frozen, dying man here in your castle while Arthur pines for him?" Ludwig was furious. "I can't believe this! Arthur has a right to know!"

 

Roderich grabbed his fist. "You're not going to tell him, though. Do you understand me? You will not say one word to Arthur until I find a way to smooth this over!" Roderich didn't want to tell Ludwig that having Francis here like this could also work to their advantage. It was a rotten thing to do, but it was necessary if he were going to obtain the Dark Court. He wouldn't attack Arthur right away but rather wait and see what the other fairy king does on his own.

 

Ludwig didn't know what to say back to him. He had just witnessed a death; a murder. If Roderich wanted those Fairy Knights punished then this must have happened without his knowledge. It was indeed a hate crime, and now Francis was frozen inside a crystal very much near death.

 

"What do you plan to do with Francis? You can't just keep him in that crystal forever!"

 

"It's what we're doing until I can think of something." Roderich answered. "There is no way Francis is going to survive once that magic is gone. Sadiq and I have merely frozen him in time, stopping all of his body's functions. We literally turned him into stone with the crystal helping to keep him safe. No one can break that crystal but us."

 

Ludwig glanced at it again, looking at Francis' form. "I just...but...w-won't Arthur know about Francis' death? Won't he feel it in his...fairy heart?"

 

Roderich wrinkled his nose. "That is probable. However, Francis is not really dead YET. He was near death, but now he is frozen, so Arthur shouldn't feel anything else. He'll know something is wrong."

 

"What do I say to Arthur if he asks about Francis? I don't think I can keep a straight face or lie properly about this."

 

"Just say you saw him flying off, and you called to him but he didn't hear you. Say he was heading in the direction of the ocean; that's where his ship is. And whatever comes after that, turn your fear of lying into simple worry. Now, if you'll excuse me...I must move this large thing somewhere secret." He sighed heavily. "This is such a mess!"

 

Ludwig couldn't bear to be in the hall any longer so he quickly retreated from the site. Poor Francis. He had been innocent in all of this; risking his life to come here and plead for peace to save his family. He didn't' want to keep it from Arthur, but what other choice did he have? His job as an envoy was to help maintain peace and order between the courts. Roderich had nothing to do with the murder, so there was no reason to bring his whole race into war. And what the Light King said about a 'lover's revenge' made sense. A war would prove nothing. It would only cause more bloodshed and hate; hate over something so minor as 'light wings and dark wings'. He had to take a break and rub the bridge of his nose just thinking of all the added stress he now carried. How would he feel if someone had killed Gilbert and tried to hide it from him?

 

'Gilbert.' He said the fairy's name. 'I should at least tell Gilbert of this. I can't keep holding in all these secrets and carrying so much stress. I'll go mad!' Being in the tenderness of Gilbert's arms was a welcoming thought, and one he wanted to get to right away. He had done his business here, now it was time to leave for the Dark Court and find Gilbert.

 

/

 

"Take me to the Dark Court border please." Ludwig told the carriage man that had been called for him. Just as he was entering the carriage, he heard the terrifying howl of Ivan echo through the air. "Ivan?" Ludwig turned away from the carriage, looking around for Ivan, whose howl was growing stronger. A fairy shouted that a 'dark beast' was coming, which could have only been Ivan. Ludwig turned to the sound of the fairy's voice to see the large phantom dog running towards him, red eyes beaming. Ludwig held his staff in front of him, unsure of what Ivan was planning to do, or why he was even here.

 

'Ludwig!' Ivan called his name and came to a sliding halt in front of him.

 

"What is it?"

 

Ivan was panting heavily. 'I've just come from your world! I have grave news…'

 

"Tell me." Ludwig wasn't sure just how much more he could handle today.

 

'Your monk friend, the elder one, is dying. I was there to warn him of his approaching death when another monk…saw me!'

 

Ludwig's eyes widened. "He's dying? I have to get back then!"

 

'Wait! You must listen first! There is a strange monk there right now! He can…he can see me…and he's not dying! He was looking right at me with this pale eyes-'

 

"Jasper." Ludwig hissed the monk's name. Shit. What the hell was he doing there? "Take me there!" He commanded Ivan.

 

'Get on!' Ludwig leapt onto Ivan's back and the phantom dog took off. 'This Monk Jasper…what is he?'

 

Ludwig gripped the thick black fur. "He is the highest ranking monk out of all the temples. All Master Monks must answer to him. He is a very strange and cruel man…shrouded in mystery. I know very little of him."

 

'I sense that he is not fully human! He can't be human…not if he can see my form without me knowing!'

 

He ducked under a low branch. "Not human in what way? Is he a fairy?" That would be ironic.

 

'I doubt very much so. He is something else altogether because other humans can see him! And he…warned me about something.'

 

Ludwig gulped. "What is this 'something'?"

 

Ivan jumped over a fallen tree as they were nearing the gateway to the human realm. 'That monk said that there will be bloodshed in this world, and that the earth is trembling…and the Green Mother is fearful of this.'

 

The image of Francis being murdered and the war that comes with it flashed in Ludwig's mind. Was it coincidence that Monk Jasper said those words to Ivan, and then Francis was murdered? Maybe the 'trembling earth' was Arthur declaring an all-out war to avenge his lover. And if Jasper could see Ivan…

 

"Once I'm there, I want you to go back and tell Gilbert of where I am! Tell him of what is happening, but tell no one else of this!" He twisted Ivan's fur and skin in his fists. "SWEAR IT!"

 

Ivan yelped and slid to a halt while nearly bucking Ludwig off of him. 'Never touch me like that again, human!'

 

Ludwig let go of the fur. "I apologize for that! I just…please, so much is going on in my head right now that I'm not thinking straight! Just get me to the human realm!"

 

Ivan snarled at him but continued to the gateway. 'I will only tell Gilbert…I promise.'

 

When they arrived at the gateway, Ludwig leapt off from Ivan's back and gripped his staff. "I need you to do one more thing for me, Ivan. If you can, tell Gilbert to come and visit me here as soon as possible."

 

'Why?' His black ears folded back with a tiny whimper.

 

"Because I fear things may become dangerous here in my world and…it may be hard for me to get back to the fairy realm." He stared at the gateway. "If my Master dies…then I must help to take care of things at the temple before I can return here. I fear that Monk Jasper may try and take over the temple and everyone in it. I must be ready to take him on." He looked back to Ivan. "Jasper is a very powerful monk, as you already know. I will need someone watching out for me from this world. Do you understand?"

 

Ivan stood on his hind legs, towering over Ludwig who craned his neck to see him. 'Do not bring Gilbert in to your world with someone like Monk Jasper, whom we know little about. If he can see me, then he may be able to see fairies…and it's not fair to Gilbert. It's too dangerous.'

 

Ludwig narrowed his brows. "Warn Gilbert of that then. But I will need someone in my world to help me get back to this one! I want that fairy to be Gilbert. Not you, not Alfred, but Gilbert. Understand?"

 

Ivan remained standing. 'I will not bring Gilbert into this!'

 

"Damn you!" Ludwig's patience was growing thin, and without thinking, he shoved the staff in Ivan's direction. The crystal ball at the end shone brightly as it neared Ivan's skin, forcing the phantom dog back onto all fours. Ivan backed away from the bright light, all the while snarling viciously at Ludwig. "I have had just about all I can take from you creatures! Do as I say or I swear this staff will burn you like it burned Alfred!" He shoved it at Ivan again, this time making him whimper and shy away. "I COMMAND YOU!"

 

Ivan's ears twisted back and the red light in his eyes seemed to dim. He lowered his head and tail, like a dog scolded, and turned from Ludwig. 'Gilbert would want to know.' Ivan said to himself.

 

Ludwig sighed. "Ivan…I apologize for lashing out at you. I have a lot on my mind right now and I took the frustration out on you."

 

'It's fine.' Ivan responded. 'I will tell Gilbert for you…and say nothing to no one else.'

 

"Thank you."

 

Ludwig turned to the gateway, took a deep breath, held it, and passed through to the other side. Immediately his legs gave out on him, but he managed to hold himself up with the staff…for only a second. The staff fell limp and Ludwig with it. He collapsed to the cold ground, which was now lightly covered in snow. Looking up, he saw the sky had become gray and the snow was falling. Winter had finally come. He clenched his heads to keep them warm while he waited to regain the feeling in his legs. Ludwig wished he was back in Gilbert's room right now snuggled under the covers and wrapped in a warm embrace. Gilbert's embrace. The imagery made him smile.

 

Eventually, Ludwig felt his legs tingle with blood flow and he could stand. He rolled up the limp staff and placed it in his belt pouch to conceal it. As he began his walk back to the temple, Ludwig wondered why Jasper was there and how the Master Monk could be dying. He hadn't been gone that long, and in the fairy world there was no time. But here, time seemed to be passing by a little faster than when he had first returned from the fairy realm. Ludwig was actually afraid of what he might find at the temple, or what was going to become of it now that the head monk was dead. When it came in to view, Ludwig noticed the black banners had been hung under the windows, a symbol of a dying monk. He rushed to the temple and entered through the back, which led to the kitchens. One of the cooks cried out a prayer when Ludwig entered.

 

"Monk Ludwig! Thank the heavens you're here!" He said with his hands folded in a prayer.

 

"Yes, I am here. What is happening?"

 

A cupbearer answered. "The Master Monk has fallen gravely ill! He is seeing things! He claims to have seen the black dog of death! And he is asking for you."

 

"For me?" Ludwig raised a brow. "Why me?"

 

"We don't know." Said another cook. "He just keeps shouting, 'Where is Ludwig! I want Ludwig'! He's losing it!"

 

Ludwig dashed out of the kitchen, through the halls, and up the steps leading to the Master Monk's floor. As he was climbing the stairs, another monk his age, named Derrick, stopped him. "Ludwig! You're here!"

 

"Yes. What is going on? I was told to get to the elder at once!"

 

Derrick nodded. "It's really bad. Monk Jasper is in there with him, as well as the second elder! He cries out for you."

 

"So I've been told. I have to see him now."

 

"No, wait!" Derrick grabbed him by the wrist. "I have something to tell you first!" The monk smiled. "You are his favorite…and I think he is going to make YOU the next head master monk here!"

 

Ludwig felt his jaw and stomach drop to his feet. "You aren't serious? I…I can't be chosen! You must be mistaken!" He pulled out of the man's hold and continued his way to the Master Monk's room. As he neared he could hear the monk calling out for him. It was the strangest thing. Why was the monk so intended on seeing him during his dying hours?

 

One monk exited the room with a bowl of lightly bloodied clothes. Once he saw Ludwig, he looked up and said a silent prayer. "You must hurry, Ludwig!" The monk whispered to him. "Monk Jasper is in there!"

 

Ludwig looked to the door. "Should I be worried that he is in there?"

 

"Ludwig…that monk…he frightens us! I swear, he is killing our master with just those pale eyes of his!"

 

He took a deep breath. "I'll handle it. How are the children?"

 

"They are scared of what will happen after our master dies. They don't want him to die…and neither do I."

 

Ludwig nodded. "I'll see them after this matter is taken care of. Tell them, if you can, that I'll be in to see them shortly."

 

"Yes."

 

Ludwig knocked on the door before entering, stepping inside the room that smelled of death. On the bed was his Master Monk, writhing in pain, drenched in sweat with the top covers speckled with blood. Beside the bed stood Monk Jasper and their second in charge.

 

"Well, look who's decided to grace us with his presence." Monk Jasper smiled in that eerie way of his.

 

"Ludwig? Ludwig has come?" The dying monk gasped from the bed.

 

"Yes, our Little Luddy is here to see you."

 

The second monk bowed to Ludwig. "Thank the stars you have come. He has been crying out for you."

 

Ludwig looked at the dying monk reaching a hand out for him. With sympathy, Ludwig ignored the other two monks and took the cold hand in his own. "I'm here now. What is it that you need of me, sir?"

 

The old monk gasped for breath as he tried to speak, but the words had escaped him. With the other shaky hand, he reached out towards the other elder to speak for him. "The master has named you, Ludwig, the next Master Monk of this temple."

 

Ludwig's eyes widened slowly. So it was true. "W-Why me?"

 

"Leave us." The monk gasped out. "Leave us!"

 

Monk Jasper bowed to Ludwig. "We shall return shortly. And let me be the first to say 'congratulations' on your new position, Little Luddy."

 

Ludwig looked to the High Monk. "Thank you, sir." He watched both monks leave, and waited until the door was securely shut. "Master…why me?" He whispered to the monk.

 

He took a gasp of breath before wheezing out the words. "Because you are like me."

 

"How am I like you?"

 

"We see fairies…we are…gifted with the…the sight to see the…the wonders that the Green…Green Mother has made." He squeezed Ludwig's hand. "You understand…so much, Little Luddy. You are wise…beyond your years. You are young…strong…proud and noble…righteous…virtuous…"

 

That last one was a lie.

 

"You can…can protect this temple from…from Monk Jasper!"

 

Ludwig let out a deep sigh. "What should I fear from Monk Jasper? Tell me, sir, if you can."

 

"Come closer…" Ludwig bent his ear to the man's face. "He has done…something…despicable."

 

"What has he done?" He was curious to know.

 

The monk gasped, and then said, "Check his…travel trunk…for the…the HORROR."

 

"What horror do you speak of?"

 

"I…saw it. It was gruesome…shameful…dishonorable!"

 

Ludwig tried to keep his patience. "What do you speak of? Tell me!"

 

The monk suddenly dropped his head to the pillow and sighed dreamily. "I wish I…could have seen him…one more time."

 

"See who?"

 

"My Winter Fairy…that white beauty…the sparkling snowflake…"

 

Ludwig swallowed hard, and whispered his next words. "Gilbert. His name is Gilbert. I've seen him…and I know him."

 

The monk's yellow-tinted eyes widened, nearly glazing over as he turned to Ludwig. "Do you? Tell me…what is he like?"

 

Ludwig thought he shouldn't speak of Gilbert any more than he had, but he couldn't resist sharing about his lover. If not for the dying monk then for his own comfort. "He is very warm despite being a Winter Fairy. Gilbert is strong…he's a fairy warrior. He's also very friendly…gentle…and kind." He felt himself smile as he pictured Gilbert's obnoxious grin. "He's beautiful on the inside too…he's just a little rough around the edges. You would have liked him…and he would have liked you."

 

The monk smiled with a sigh. "If you see him again…tell him of me?"

 

Ludwig nodded. "I will."

 

"Take care of…of this temple…and all who…inhabit it. Keep it safe from…from…from monk…Jas…" the dying monk could not finish his sentence. Ludwig held his hand until he saw the rising chest come to a stop. He hung his head, said a silent prayer for the monk's safe passage, and covered his body with the sheet. "Rest well, sir."

 

'Me? The next Master Monk? But…I'm an envoy for the Fairy World. I can't very well run this temple too?' He sighed heavily, covering his eyes with his hand. 'Why is all this happening to me? Why me? Why?'

 

"Ludwig?"

 

"Come in." Ludwig gathered himself quickly and stood stiff as a post. "Our Master has passed on."

 

The elder monk said a prayer, as did Monk Jasper. The High Monk turned to Ludwig with a smile, his pale eyes dancing with delight. "I'm honored to be in the presence of the new Master Monk. The Green Mother has recognized you as a worthy member of her holy court. You should feel honored."

 

"I do, sir." Ludwig bowed. "Although I feel I am unworthy of the job."

 

"Nonsense." Jasper chuckled. "You're well suited for this job." He moved closer to Ludwig, staring into his eyes. And then, he frowned. "Little Luddy…you are troubled."

 

"Whatever do you mean, sir?" He gulped.

 

"You carry many secrets. These secrets…they plague you."

 

Ludwig shook his head. "I know not of what you speak, sir. I have no secrets. None of which you don't already know."

 

"Oh, I think you hold a great many more."

 

The elder monk pushed between them. "Monk Jasper, please, leave him be. We have lost one of our own today. Let us give him a proper funeral first."

 

Ludwig could feel his blood run cold with each stare from those pale eyes. Jasper kept his gaze firmly set on him, as if the monk could see straight through his soul. When Jasper reached a hand out, Ludwig felt himself flinch but did not move away. The High Monk gently cupped his face in cold hands. What was he doing?

 

"Little Luddy…there is such power and strength within you. It is as if the Green Mother kissed your brow when you born to show favor."

 

Ludwig cleared his throat. "I am just a common man…born to a simple family. I am nothing special."

 

"Oh, how wrong you are." His grip tightened. "You hold more power than you know. You have the world in your palms! The Green Mother has favored you above all others!" Jasper pulled his hands away, appearing shocked at first, but then his lips curved into a smile. "I think you and I are going to become fast friends."

 

"Yes sir." Ludwig bowed. "I am honored that you think so highly of me."

 

"Allow me to tell the temple of his passing and hold a vigil. I'll let you two mourn in peace."

 

Ludwig waited for Jasper to leave the room before turning to the elder. "Where is Monk Jasper's room?"

 

"Right beside this one. It's the second biggest room in the temple." The monk knelt down beside the bed to say a prayer. "Will you join me?"

 

Ludwig shook his head. "I need to do something first. I have to see the children and tell them of what happened before Monk Jasper does." First he had to sneak into Jasper's room and find what the old monk was talking about. "I'll be back shortly. Take care of things here until I get back."

 

"Certainly."

 

Ludwig exited the room, looking around for signs of Jasper before moving down the hall to his room door. When he turned the knob he saw that it was locked and swore under his breath. He knew that Derrick carried a second ring of keys for each room since he was the general overseer of the sleeping quarters. Ludwig left the top floor to search the halls for Derrick. Derrick was always one of those people who always seemed to appear out of nowhere and invite himself into groupings, now Ludwig couldn't find him. What else could go wrong today? Finally, he spotted the young monk coming out from one of the guest rooms and flagged him down.

 

"Derrick!"

 

"Ludwig, there you are! I just heard the terrible news."

 

"Yes, but first, I need your keys! I have to look for something in Jasper's room."

 

Derrick raised a brown brow. "Does he know you have to go in his room?" Ludwig shifted his eyes, and Derrick caught on. "I don't call it 'snooping'," he grinned "just curiosity. Let's go!"

 

Ludwig followed after him to the room. Nothing said 'good judgment of management' by giving the most curious and nosey one the keys to every room. He hoped that whatever they found in that trunk, Derrick would be able to keep it a secret. Derrick found the correct key and unlocked the door, letting Ludwig enter first. He closed and locked it behind them from the inside. Ludwig saw the large travel trunk at the foot of the bed and knelt in front of it to begin undoing the buckles.

 

"What are you looking for?" Asked Derrick.

 

"Our Master said something about this trunk…something horrible that Monk Jasper has. Our old master had seen it."

 

"Oooh…I wouldn't be surprised if it was something creepy. That guy is…like he's a whole different kind of person! He's odd."

 

"He is." Ludwig looked through the trunk but wasn't finding anything suspicious. Upon reaching the bottom, he spotted a brown travel bag in the corner. He pulled it out and it felt heavy, so he undid the toggle and opened it. He let out a scream when he saw what was inside, dropped the back, and fell back on his rump.

 

"What is it?" Derrick grabbed the bag and looked inside. "Ludwig? There's nothing in here. Did you see a bug or something?"

 

Ludwig's chest was heavy. "Y-Yes…it was a spider!" He jumped up and took the bag from Derrick as he stared down at the tiny 'horror', his hands shaking. Derrick couldn't see magical, so the man didn't know that the bag contained a small skeleton. That was the only explanation there was. Ludwig slowly reached his hand inside to move the body with gentle ease, looking at its spine to see two bony nubs where wings would be. On the skull were two stubs that would grow into horns. Ludwig could conclude that this had to be a dark infant fairy; but how did Jasper end up with it and why? The bones were perfectly preserved. He had to take this back to the fairy realm with him. The whole situation had him feeling sick to his stomach.

 

"Ludwig? Are you okay?"

 

He closed the flap and retied the toggle. "Yes, I'm fine. Sorry…it's just…a lot has happened today. I'm taking this bag with me."

 

"Okay?"

 

"Please Derrick, don't tell anyone of this. I'll make you second in command here if you keep quiet."

 

Derrick grinned and held out his hand, which Ludwig shook. "Deal! My lips are sealed! I know you always hold true to your words!"

 

"Thank you!"

 

After they had left the room, Ludwig rushed to his where he could hide the stolen object until he returned to the fairy realm. He made sure the door was locked before opening the bag again to examine the skeleton closer. It was indeed a horror. Monk Jasper must be able to see magical beings, but how had he come upon a fairy baby? Was the baby left here in the human realm by its parents? Did Jasper know how to get to the fairy realm? Did someone GIVE HIM this baby? Ludwig thought the last one was the most probable. Jasper ranted about how much he hated fairies and magic, going so far as to punishing people who believed in them. Now that Ludwig found this infant body, he could conclude that the strange powers of Jasper was not given to him by the Green Mother as he claims, but rather from this fairy body.

 

Ludwig could believe that Jasper was capable of such a horrid crime. The thought of killing, or sacrificing, an innocent baby, human or fairy, was unforgivable. Looking down at the tiny body now, the feelings of dread and horror fled from him leaving only grief and sorrow for the lost life. Once again, he reached his hand down to poke the horn nub. He narrowed his eyes for a moment, and then they widened in fear as a thought had just occurred to him. It was an obscure thought but it might be true. Ludwig prayed that he was wrong, yet he thought back to the conversation he had with King Arthur in the garden. He remembered asking the king why his sons looked different. Arthur had stated that because he was unique, so were his boys; such as Matthew having a tail that other fairies don't. Alfred had horns like Arthur, but from all the Dark fairies he had seen, none of them had horns. Arthur had even stated that his parents got rid of his horns because he was too much of an 'oddity' already.

 

'No, that can't be true. There must be other Dark Fairies out there with horns. And yet I wonder…' Ludwig used two hands to turn the body over onto its front and looked at its lower back. The pelvic and tailbone were both smooth. "Good, no tail." He sighed in relief. Still, when he returned to the Dark Court, he would ask about Arthur's stillborn, just in case his thoughts weren't wrong. It was the horns that made him question just whom this fetus belong to. Oh how he hoped everything he thought about this baby was wrong. Hopefully someone in the Dark Court could enlighten him on just how Jasper could end up with a fairy baby like this. But whom could he ask? Arthur was out of the question. Francis was frozen. Gilbert probably didn't know. He couldn't bear to face Roderich at the moment. So who? That left only Sadiq or the fairy apothecary Kiku. 'Sadiq knows too much already and is tied closely with the Light Court. Kiku is a trusted friend of both Arthur and Francis…perhaps I'll ask him.'

 

There was a tapping at his window. He looked over his shoulder to see Gilbert smiling at him with the snow falling prettily around him. Ludwig felt all his troubles and stress melt away just from looking at his fairy lover. Gilbert waved him out with his hand, and Ludwig put up a finger to tell his lover he'd be out soon. Ludwig went over to the loose floorboard and tucked the bag away safely. He would have to tell Gilbert about what he found. There was no way he could leave the temple yet, not until he finished with his new duties. Once the floorboard was placed properly, Ludwig grabbed his cloak, threw it around his shoulders, and made his way outside. As usual, he took the back exit to not be seen. Stepping out into the cold air, Ludwig shivered as the snowflakes fell silently around him. He moved away from the temple, looking around for Gilbert while blinking the snowflakes from his eyes and lashes. The familiar sound of buzzing brought him to his fairy lover, who was glowing with a white aura.

 

"Ivan told me about what happened. I'm here now." Gilbert grinned. "I would hug you but it would be dangerous to do it here. Should we head back now?"

 

Ludwig shook his head. "I can't leave right now."

 

"Why not?"

 

"I have been chosen to be the next Master Monk of this temple."

 

"Really? Wow, congrats on that!"

 

Ludwig sighed. "I wish I was more excited about this. If I had not discovered your world or taken up that envoy job, I would be ecstatic." Gilbert scoffed at that. "Well, as ecstatic as I can be." Ludwig joked.

 

"Are you sure you don't want to come back now?" Gilbert cooed. "My bed is nice and warm."

 

"I would like nothing more, but I'm afraid I can't. Not now." He saw Gilbert's pout and he smiled. "I've been thinking about 'that' a lot since I've been away from you. We'll make up for lost time; I promise."

 

Gilbert buzzed his wings and twirled in the air, causing the snowflakes to spin with him. "I'll hold you to that! Oh, wait, I should say that I'm sorry about the death of your monk friend."

 

"It's alright. A lot has happened since I've left the Dark Court…and I will handle of it once I take care of things here. So can you go back to King Arthur and King Roderich and tell them that I have business here?"

 

Gilbert raised a brow. "I can, but what has happened? Anything I should know about?"

 

Ludwig was planning on telling Gilbert about the body and Monk Jasper, but suddenly thought better of it. He didn't want anything to get lost in translation, and Gilbert did have a big mouth. "It's…not important. I'll tell you all about it later, when I'm back in the fairy realm."

 

"So when do you expect to be back? I miss you already." Gilbert whined.

 

"Well, you'll just have to be patient."

 

Gilbert narrowed his eyes. "What if I don't want to be patient?"

 

Ludwig crossed his arms. "Don't think that you can just have your way all the time, Gilbert. I said you'll have to wait. I have a LOT of work to do." 'And that's not even a lie.'

 

"Is that so?" Gilbert landed on his feet in the snow and walked passed him.

 

Ludwig saw that Gilbert left no footprints in the snow as the fairy walked towards the gardening shed. His blue eyes trailed after the fairy, who kept sending him wanton glances over his shoulder. Ludwig felt a stirring in his loins, with his heart beginning to race and his face alight with a flush. How could he not follow after his lover? In a trance, Ludwig followed Gilbert into the garden shed. There was no lock on the door and no windows. Ludwig had to lean back against the door to keep it closed, in case any monks decided to come to the shed. There would be no reason to, but if someone saw him come in here then they might come looking for him. But the look of love and lust in Gilbert's pink eyes helped to clear his mind.

 

"I can tell you're under a lot of stress, Ludwig." Gilbert moved over to him and pressed his body against the other. "I can help you release some of that stress." He brought him into a kiss while letting his hand travel down to cup Ludwig's balls through the robes. Ludwig gasped in his mouth and pulled away, as well as moving Gilbert's hand.

 

"Not here. Anyone could come in."

 

"Ah, but no one will be able to see me. As far as they're concerned, you snuck in here for some extra warmth." Gilbert wrapped his arms around Ludwig's neck and forced the other into a deep kiss. Ludwig's strong arms encircled his waist, pressing their groins together and making them both share in a moan. Gilbert broke the kiss to press his forehead against his lover's. "How about a quickie? You know, a little bit of sex?" He winked.

 

Ludwig gulped. "It's too dangerous here. Especially with Monk Jasper staying in the temple."

 

"Is that the human Ivan told me about? The one that could see him?"

 

He nodded. "Yes, and he may be able to see you as well. It's best you leave, that way, I'll know that you are safe." In his mind flashed images of Francis being stabbed to death and of the baby's body in a bag under his floorboards. The images were enough to make his cock soften and give him the strength to push Gilbert away. "I'm sorry…but I can't do this now."

 

Gilbert searched his lover's face with concern, bringing a hand up to stroke Ludwig's check. "I feel everything that you do, Ludwig. In my fairy heart, I feel it; because we are connected. You seem scared…or worried."

 

Ludwig glanced to the side. "A lot has happened and…and I just want to know that you are safe. I don't want to lose you, Gilbert." He looked in to Gilbert's pink eyes, seeing his reflection in them. "I don't want you to lose ME."

 

White brows furrowed with concern. "Why would I lose you?"

 

Ludwig brought his hand up to stroke the pale cheek, and then cupped it gently. "Monk Jasper knows I carry secrets…many of them. You are one of my secrets…and he can see magical beings. If he knows I can see you…if he knows that I love you…then he may try to hurt us. And chances are, it will be me, not you."

 

Gilbert glared dangerously. "I'll kill that fucking human if he tries to do anything to you! I swear it, Ludwig! I'm not joking! I have no qualms about killing a human."

 

"Shh…don't speak like that. These are still sacred grounds. You have to understand that if this gets out about me…about us…I could very well be put to death."

 

Gilbert's eyes widened and he took a step back. "You humans are crazy. Not you, but your whole race! No one will touch you, not while I'm around! I won't have it! Where is this 'Monk Jasper'? I'll run him through with my sword right now!"

 

"SHH! Please, keep your voice down! You need to leave here. I didn't know things would be this dangerous here when I sent Ivan to fetch you. You need to go back, and quickly. Don't tell anyone of our meeting, nor anything about what you know. I will explain everything to King Arthur when I return."

 

"Ivan will be standing by to bring you back whenever you need him. But please, don't stay too long." Gilbert kissed his cheek. "I need to know that you are safe." Ludwig brought his lips into another kiss.

 

"I promise I'll return soon. I don't like being away from you." He placed his hand over Gilbert's heart, feeling the warmth and the steady beating. "This heart…it beats like this for me. It's the only strength I need."

 

Gilbert smiled warmly and brought the hand up to kiss his palm. "It will never beat for another. Ever."

 

Ludwig pulled Gilbert into an embrace, holding the fairy tightly against him. He closed his eyes, picture Monk Jasper getting a hold of Gilbert and doing him harm. The idea enraged him, and for the first time, Ludwig felt the urge to kill. If that monk touched his Gilbert in any way, the Green Mother's temple halls will run with blood. This feeling must be what Roderich was referring to; how a person can be blinded by rage and revenge that they lose all self-control. Ludwig vowed he would never kill another human, but that was before Gilbert. Before their coupling, before their bond, and before their love. He buried his nose in Gilbert's hair, letting out a content sigh. How could he burden Gilbert with all his secrets? He didn't want Gilbert suffering with him like that. Ludwig would keep the secrets to himself, and try to deal with them on his own. He didn't want Gilbert to be punished for what he knew.

 

"Ludwig? I can't breathe."

 

"Just let me hold you a little longer." Ludwig whispered back, loosening his hold just slightly. Gilbert was the only good thing in his life right now, and he wanted to cherish the fairy. Gilbert calmed him, and brought him peace. There was no other place he'd rather be in the entire world than in Gilbert's arms right now. 'Somehow I feel you will be the death of me.'

 

There was a knock on the garden shed door.

 

End Chapter 12 TBC

 

***Please, put down your torch and pitchforks. I WUV you! 3 ***