Chapter One
Feliciano P.O.V.
Lately I've been having these weird dreams. It's about me when I was younger. Or...I think it's me. I have no memories about my childhood. It all changed when I was 10. There's always this other boy with me... I can't remember his name or face.
Roderich and Elizaveta found me in an alleyway all by myself on their way home with some friends. They took me to the hospital and had me hospitalized. The doctors took some of my blood and took tests but none came back with helpful clues about who I am.
They found out I was bleeding from the back and found two cuts. Now they're just scars that I don't even know how I got them. The doctors believed someone abused me so they stabbed me on the back. One doctor believed someone pulled something out of my back. But that wasn't a clue.
The only clue was my earring. It's a silver cross with a white gem on the center. In the back it said Feliciano and that's what I was named. After that, I was taken to the orphanage since the results didn't help on my background, they decided to put me in the orphanage. Hoping that my real family would find me.
"Yo Feli! You excited for winter break! We can finally sleep late again!" I look up and my best friend, Alfred.
We met on the first day of middle school. We were both tardy on the first day and stayed at detention after school. It was fun. Alfred and I snuck around and explored the school. I was glad the teacher was asleep but the stressing part was the security guard. He kept looking around and chasing us. When detention was over, we ran as quickly as we can before security saw us!
Soon we left to have ice cream and became friends!
Exploring was fun so it became our thing. Alfred and I became known as Unique Pair. Kiku was the one who made it up. He said it's not everyday guys like us find each other.
Kiku Honda. Kiku was the awkward type and didn't really socialize with others. He always saw through me when others couldn't. He always gets concern when I'm in a sad mood. He's also an investigator plus sketcher. He works with Ludwig on cases and mysteries.
Anyway~
Alfred and I are always on the go. Since we met, we've been going places and solving mysteries. Scary to normal. And we always have something to do after school and during weekends, including breaks. Because of our curiosity and adventurous minds, we always get into situations. Like getting trapped and chased. It's getting to the point where I'm the one getting kidnapped! Not really, it just happened once. That was the last time we did exploring which was 4 days ago. Alfred rescued me 2 days later, along with cops, investigators, detectives, and a doctor. Basically those who rescued me were all my friends. Father now hates Alfred and forbids him from stepping foot in the orphanage. Everyone else scolded us and don't want us adventuring again!
Of course...
"Let me guess, you want to go adventuring?" I ask. Alfred nods happily. "I'd love to but Father is afraid I'll disappear without trace."
"Is he that mad at me!? Come on! I saved you!" He said.
"I told him that but he has enough of me wasting my time on adventuring. We're already seniors and it's time to focus on our future. I can't disagree with him on that."
"Mattie told me the same thing. He said 'It's time to stop this! You're all grown up and it's time to focus on education! After winter break, we'll only have a couple months left! So start focusing on what you want to be!' He's right but he didn't have to be negative about it!"
"So what do you want to be?"
"Duh! An investigator! I can explore and do things like we're doing now! What about you? Are you going to become one as well?" I just stay silent and move my head down. "Feli?"
I want to be one but it's not my wish or desire. I only do it because it's fun and we make people happy. But I can't because of my eyes and cowardliness. My eyes may not work and stuff...and I have good senses...but there's one thing I always wanted to be. Something that has been in my heart ever since I found out this talent. "I-"
The sound of a phone cuts me off. "Dude, I think that's your phone."
I dig my phone out of my bag and look at the screen. "Its a message!"
"From who?"
"Ludwig." I read the message out loud, "I've been told you have to go home after school. Be sure to stay indoors and don't sneak away with Alfred!"
Ludwig Beilschmidt. At first, it wasn't easy to get him to open up more. But I slowly made Ludwig change into a more approachable person. He's one of my best friends and one if the first people I first met after I was out in the orphanage. Every time Alfred and I are close to bring trapped, he'll rescue us along with Kiku. He's a detective working under Arthur and he was also one of my friends who rescued me.
"So...are you going to listen?" Alfred asks. I just give a small smile. Alfred smirks, knowing my answer. "Let's go before Mattie finds out!"
"Too late." We flinch and turn to the doorway. Matthew was standing there, his arms crossed.
Matthew is the older brother of Alfred. They are often mistaken for twins because of major resemblance. They're half-brothers but not full blood or twins. Their father was married to Matthew's mother but he fell in love with her sister, who's Alfred's mother. The sisters happened to be twins so that's why the boys look like. Even though Matthew was born in July 1st while Alfred was born in the 4th. In a way they're cousins yet siblings. It's confusing yet complicated but the boys don't really care. They act like siblings and don't hold grudges.
"Arthur knew you were gonna leave no matter what, so I got out of class early." Matthew said in his soft voice.
Arthur Kirkland. I usually have cooking lessons with Arthur since everyone was afraid to teach him. Not that I feel bad or pity, I'm just doing him and everyone else a huge favor! So far his cooking improved a little. It looks less burnt and only gives you stomach aches. Before his cooking sent you to the hospital... When Alfred and I get in trouble for solving a criminal case, we'll sit around Arthur's office and wait for our parents. Oh yeah...I forgot to mention Arthur is the chief. Anyway Alfred would always fall asleep and I'll have a conversation with Arthur. I give him advice for personal stuff. He was also one of my friends who came to my rescue.
"Come on! It's winter break! Let me go before we visit our relatives!" Alfred whined.
Relatives...that word always catches me off guard. Since I'm an orphan, I don't know if I have any relatives. The children and nuns always watched over us and gave us lots of love. But when I look around the shopping markets, I always see a happy family. Sometimes I wonder if I ever had that...
I smile at Alfred. "Now, now Alfred! You have to go! They are your family after all! Don't make them think you're too good for them!" I said.
Alfred gives me a worried expression. "Okay then...but if you need a hero to talk to, just call me!" He said.
"And me." Matthew said.
These two are my most reliable friends when it comes to family. "Si!" I said.
They hesitantly walk out the door.
I just pack my belongings and leave the room. I said goodbye and have a good break to my friends and classmates.
For some reason, I always find myself looking to my right or back. Like I'm waiting for someone. Probably nothing.
So the walk to the orphanage was kinda boring and cold. Since it's winter, the weather gets colder. I'm surprise it hasn't snowed yet.
When was the last time I thought like this? Usually I'm with Alfred at this time. I got use to this whole adventuring thing without realizing it.
Oh! I'm at the orphanage!
Okay!
I take a couple steps while counting. When I reach to 15, I stop. Why do I count? It's became a habit of mine every time I come back. Plus that's how many steps it takes to the angel statue. When I was able to see the statue, I thought it looked like the ones from the stories when I was being hospitalized. The angel was so beautiful.
One of the nuns came from behind. She was one of the few who saw my back with the scars. She gave me a smile and told me there's always a reason for those scars.
She believed I had wings but were torn off by a terrible person. This person was probably envious or hated me. She believed I was an angel! In my heart, I believed her. But sometimes I wonder if she just said that to make me feel special. She was sweet and kind. She thought me how to cook, clean, sew, and self-defense.
Now that I'm older, I help out the place. I'm surrounded by children everyday and I watch over them like I'm their older brother. One time a nun told me I'll make a woman happy and become a great father. I wonder if that's true.
"Feliciano! There you are!" Sister Marie! I smile at her.
"Ciao Sorella! Is there something for me to do?" I said.
She said, "We 10 tomatoes short for the pasta. Would you mind buy some?"
"Si! I'd love to!" Pasta is my favorite after all!
"Here's the money! And here's a raincoat! By the looks it might rain. Be careful on the way!"
"Si!" I out on the raincoat, take the money, and walk away. "I'll be back in 20 minutes!"
"I know you will!"
I love the Sisters. They gave me so much comfort when I never got along with kids my age.
By the time I reach the market, I bought the tomatoes and walk back to the orphanage.
Suddenly, I felt a tap of water touch me. "Ve?" The repeated again. "It's raining!" I run to shelter and stay out. "How am I going to get back now? Maybe I'll call Sorella?"
"Now we have the Bad Touch Trio here with us today!" Said the man in the TV. Oh? I turn to the TV store and listen. "We have Francis, Antonio, and Gilbert!"
"Bonjour!"
"Bola!"
"Hallo!" Gilbert pouts. "Why was I last!? The awesome me should always be first!"
"Oh...uh...sorry?" Said the man. I couldn't help but giggle. "Is there a shout out you'd like to say? Anyone in particular?"
"We want to say 'Stay strong Feliciano! We'll be seeing you soon!'" Francis said.
"Wait for us!" Antonio said.
"I hope you make your delicious dish! Your cooking is always the best!" Gilbert said.
These guys...they're always trying to find ways to cheer me up. I guess Roderich told them about what happened.
These three are like my older brothers. They were there on the day Roderich and Elizaveta found me.
"Ve~ They're so kind!" I turn to my right and find nobody.
Ah...I did it again. What's with me today?
Just as I take a step forward, I see a little boy leaned up against the wall. His hat covered his face and his coat was soaked. I quickly run to him and crouch down next to him.
"Little boy? Are you hurt?" I ask as I reach to him. His hand grabs me by the wrist like a reflex. His green eyes stared at my eyes.
His serious face softens and softens his grip. "F-Feliciano?"
...
Eh?
Normal P.O.V.
Alfred whistled while waiting outside for his brother. It took them 3 hours just to get ready! Not that he was complaining... He prefer to stay home and adventure with Feliciano.
"You're still here?" A British accent said.
Without looking up, Aflred said, "Sup Artie. Come to tell me to behave?"
"Exactly. Where's your car?"
"My old man has it. He put it in the storage unit yesterday. Won't give it to me till next year."
"Serves you right! We all even warned you!"
"Yeah, yeah. Stop making my day worse and go to work."
"I'll have you know, I'm on break. I came over to ask if you need any assistance."
"Nah! We're good dude! We just finished!"
"Hello Arthur." Matthew said as he walks up to the two.
Arthur smiles. "Hello Matthew. Are you excited to see your family for the break?" He said.
"Not really. Our family isn't the nicest but they understand us."
"I'll say." Alfred mumbled. "How many minutes till break is over?"
"15, why?" Arthur questioned.
"Just to kill time. Looks like none of us want to go, but we ain't got a choice."
"I suppose." Arthur's phone rings. "Hang on a minute. Work is calling." He answers. "Kirkland speaking. Anything to report?" His eyes widened. "What?"
The brothers exchange glances.
They all went to the police station and found their friends there.
"What's going on?" Alfred asks. He looks around. Usually Feliciano would be in the room. "Where's Feli?"
"That's the thing. Feliciano is missing." Arthur said. "Everyone thought he was with you or at least ran away to see you."
"What? I was at home this whole time! Mattie was with me because he knows I'll sneak away!" Matthew nods.
"I tried explaining to the nun but she kept yelling on the way here." Arthur said. "Sounds like they all love Feliciano and would blame his friend first."
"Did you try calling them?" Matthew asks.
Ludwig nods. "He doesn't answer. We all tried but we can't reach him."
Kiku's phone goes off. He answers. "Hai?" He said. "Kon'nichiwa Yao." He pauses. "Feli-kun is at the hospital?"
Alfred wastes no hesitation and runs out.
"Wait! Alfred!" Matthew runs after him. Soon one by one follow.
"I'll see you there..." Kiku said and hangs up his phone. Then he runs out the room.
Alfred slams the doors of the hospital. He finds Feliciano sitting on the chair and runs to him.
"Feli!" He called out.
Feli lifts his head and stands up. Alfred notices nothing was wrong with him, but he was soaked.
"Ciao Alfred!" Feli said.
Matthew catches up. "Feliciano! Are you okay? What happened?" He asks worriedly.
"I'm fine! Nothing's wrong with me!"
"Then why are you in the hospital?" Ludiwg asks.
Causing the brothers to flinch. They didn't notice the others caught up so quickly.
"Well..." Feli didn't know where to start.
...
Flashback
Feli was shocked. The little boy begins to tear up and his eyes close. His arm falls back down and his breathing became heavy.
Feli panicked and touched his forehead. "I have to get him to the hospital! But I don't have a ride!" He said to himself. "The Sisters will probably do something but they're already busy! And the hospital is far!" Then he realized the boy's earring.
It resembled his except it's a bronze color with a green gem. Behind it said Romeo.
He remembered the boy saying his name. It bugged him and he couldn't get it out of his head. So he takes off his raincoat and puts it around the boy.
"Looks like we're doing it the hard way! Hang in there!" He takes a deep breath. "Yao will help you, Romeo."
He picks up the small boy and wraps him around the raincoat. Then he begins to run.
He ran for a good 2 hours. By the time he made it to the hospital, he was out of breath. Luckily Yao was there at the right time. Feli explained to him the situation and asked about helping Romeo.
Romeo was taken out of his arms, but he clung onto Feli. So he had to follow.
It took an hour just to get free. When Feli tried to call Sister Marie, he realized his phone was soaked.
He was screwed either way, he asked Yao to call Kiku to inform everyone, including the Sisters, that he was alright. But when Yao called and came back, he had an apologetic expression.
...
"Thank goodness you're alright. The Sisters were in panic mode when they called us." Kiku said.
Feli nods.
"When will you discharge him?" Feli asks.
"Tomorrow morning. Be sure to pick him up so he can have questioning." Yao answered.
"Si." Feli looks over to Ludwig. "Can you call the sisters that I'll be over Alfred's house? I'll be back tomorrow."
"Ja. But no promises they'll yell." He said while taking his phone out.
Feli walks over to Alfred and smiles. "Do you have spare clothes I can borrow?"
"Y-Yeah... You spending the night?" Alfred asks.
"Ve~ Something like that!"
Feli, Alfred, Matthew, and Arthur get into the car. Arthur stayed at Alfred's house for a while and Feli took a shower, changed clothes, and asked Arthur for a lift to the hospital. Feli returned to the hospital and stayed in the room Romeo's in.
His name kept repeating over his mind. The earring also bugged him.
'Just who is this boy?' Feli wonders.