***Okay, welcome to another one-shot that is really a two part fic! This is CreamPuffBunny bringing you a RusPrus Dark Romance! So here is part one of 'Thunder Snow'. This story will only be two parts long. It's a fairly lengthy part. Anyway, I hope you all like it! Read and review please!
***Warning: Language, dark themes, yaoi, violence, humor
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
***Summary: Caught by the dark legion he is sworn to defeat, Gilbert finds himself locked up in a dungeon of the enemy. The dark mages and necromancers refer to him as the 'Chosen One' or 'One Born All In White', the key to awaken their dark gods. Gilbert meets a strange man in the dungeons named Ivan who cares for him. The man called Ivan is born from 'magic', covered heavily in tribal tattoos and holds a secret mystery of his own. Gilbert forms a bond with the monster of a man in order to escape from sacrifice. But Ivan is dutiful, loyal, and frightened to leave the only world he's ever known, even if it is one of hardship. It is Ivan's job to carry out all the ritual sacrifices on Gilbert. Can Gilbert persuade Ivan to escape with him and save them both? Or will Gilbert end up being sacrificed to the dark gods?
Thunder Snow
Gilbert sat in his assigned seat at the circular table filled with his other brothers-in-arms as they listened to their latest mission. They were the White Warriors, defenders of the faith and of all whom follow. Gilbert was one of the elites to be going on this quest; to find the lair of the Necromancers. Once the location was found the Holy Order would send their full army to attack, ultimately destroying the dark ones. A location had been mentioned, so they were going over the maps for it. But the maps were the easy part. It was the horrifying stories behind the Necromancers that had his skin crawling.
"Not only do they summon the dead from their graves," started their chief. "But we have learned of their dark and disgusting culture. They are not men like us! Far from it. We have come to learn that they actually breed their own fighters and followers! The Necromancers and Dark Mages use their magic to not only kidnap good women but also impregnate them with demonic seed. With their magic, the fetus grows quickly and is born within minutes of impregnation! They have been doing this for many years! Raising mindless, demonic offspring with no feeling of human kindness or love. Such absent feelings make our enemies extremely dangerous. They have nothing to live for; nothing to die for, and they fight only for their masters. It is hard to kill a man who has nothing to lose. Your mission, men, is to find this lair so that we may march forth and destroy it!"
Gilbert would see it done.
Halfway on the road with his band of brothers, Gilbert thought about what their leader had said about the Necromancers and their breeding techniques. They have been raising an army of mindless and fearless soldiers? Somehow Gilbert just couldn't believe that. He couldn't believe that humans had no feelings, that they were only mindless killers. Gilbert always had a hard time believing in dark magic. It just never made any real sense to him. To have people who can summon the dead? To breed women quickly, rip the babies from their wombs, and raise the offspring to be killers? It just didn't make sense.
He was torn from his thoughts when a raid came upon his band of brothers. They couldn't fight what was already dead. Ghosts of the dead swarmed them, distracting their swords while people in black hooded cloaks ambushed them. Gilbert fought with all his might but was knocked from his horse, which was spooked by a ghost. He barely had time to stand when a cloaked figure came over to him. There was a terrible pain in his head, and then after that only darkness.
The next time he opened his eyes there was nothing but stone walls and candles around him. No longer was he in the forest but in a dungeon of some kind. The first thing he noticed was the smell, the second the chill of the room, and the third that he was chained. His wrists and ankles were in shackles attached to iron loops in the stone walls. Not only was he chained but completely naked as well. Startled, he quickly reached around to his backside, feeling his entrance to see if someone had taken advantage of his unconscious state. He let out a sigh of relief to find that it was untouched. But why was he naked then? Gilbert narrowed his eyes as he looked around the dungeon cell. If whomever captured him thought that he wouldn't run away because of nudity should he escape, then they were mistaken. However, the bigger question is where was he? Ghosts and men in black attacked them as they neared the lair of the Necromancers. That must be where he is now!
'Damn it, they caught me! How could I have been so careless?' It wasn't him or his men but the ghosts. Their swords were useless against servants of the dead! Ghosts had no flesh or bones to cut away. Their hearts had stopped beating, leaving their souls to escape the body. How could a living human fight the dead? If he hadn't encountered them first hand he still wouldn't believe in dark magic. But these chains were no lie. 'What are they going to do to me?' The door to his cell opened, startling him slightly. Holding his breath and sitting tall in the chains, he awaited his captor with all the glory and pride of White Warrior.
In stepped a large beastly man wearing only black pants tattered at the calves. His body was littered in black tattoos of swirls and thorns. In the dimly lit room Gilbert thought they were vines but as the man drew nearer he could see their true design. The man was built like a fighter, strong broad shoulders and chest, solid stomach, thick arms with firm muscles. Truly a beast of a man. And yet, when Gilbert lifted his eyes to the man's face, he saw nothing of a demonic monster but rather a mask of sadness and sorrow. Instantly, Gilbert's defenses dropped.
"Who are you?" Gilbert asked the man. "Do you have a name?"
"Ivan."
"Hello Ivan, I'm Gilbert." The man called Ivan looked confused. "What's wrong?" Ivan didn't answer. "Alright, if you don't want to talk on a polite basis then may I ask where I am? What is this place? And who is in charge? Are you permitted to answer?"
"I'm only here to look after you." Ivan answered. "I'm no one special. I can't answer your questions."
Gilbert could tell that this man was frightened to speak of what he knows. So he tried a different tactic. "Tell me, Ivan, are you a slave here?"
Ivan shook his head, looking childlike and innocent. "No. I am a child of the Necromancer."
"A child? You don't look like a child to me." The man may very well be a simpleton, so it would be best to speak to him like one.
"We children of the Necromancer are born from blood magic. I serve, breath and live only for the Necromancers. They are my family. They are my masters. I honor them."
'Brainwashed.' Gilbert thought immediately. 'He must be one of the warriors his chief had mentioned, the ones that are grown fully in their mother's womb within minutes and then birthed. Ivan had the build of a warrior but he certainly didn't act like a mindless killer. "I honor my master as well." Gilbert said proudly, standing up and letting Ivan see his nakedness. "If you are to serve me while I am your master's prisoner, then I request some simple clothing."
"The master wants you like this."
The truth be told, it was Ivan who had stripped Gilbert naked the first night the defender was brought in. Ivan always did as he was told like a good boy. He was such a good boy that the Masters allowed him a great honor; to care for those who are to be sacrificed. It was said in the Dark Legend that any child of the Necromancer who tends to and cares for the sacrifice would be granted a special place in the afterlife where the Dark Arts could not call them. It would be a chance for freedom, and that was something that Ivan wanted more than anything. It was a lonely life living in the dungeons with nothing but sacrificial meat to keep you company. But when this Gilbert was brought in and thrown at him, Ivan found himself instantly attracted to the man.
Ivan had carried him in his arms to the cell all the while staring at the angelic face that remained asleep. This man was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen in all his time living in the dungeons. Skin as pale as cream and hair like white spun silk. Never had he seen anyone like him! Ivan first brought him to the preparation room where he laid the beautiful man on the stone table. He had to light all the red candles before proceeding with the ritual. The man lay helplessly on the stone table, head to the side, arms by his sides, looking like a small piece of vanilla tart. Ivan began to strip him, carefully, and slowly to reveal more of the creamy white skin. While he was fed well here, most of his meals consisted of basic meat and honey milk, which looked just like the color of the man's skin in the candlelight. The candles shone along the white body with a creamy glow. The shine intensified once he was completely naked on the table, and Ivan felt an unfamiliar stirring in his groin. He had to reach his hand down to the front of his pants and rub at the slight bulge there, finding stimulating delight with the simple touch. But this beautiful being was not for him to touch. This man was to be sacrificed to the Dark God. But Ivan just saw him, as so pretty that he had to run his hand over the pale cheek, which was soft to the touch. He suddenly felt an overwhelming need to properly care for this man.
"Wants me to be naked? What for? What are his plans?" Ivan only shook his head. "Hey! Answer me, you!" He raised his tone but it didn't do any good for Ivan only looked upset. Gilbert lowered his voice. "You aren't allowed to answer my questions, are you?" Ivan shook his head. "You can talk, you know." Gilbert shifted in the chains. "Listen closely. I am a high-ranking official. You are a servant. That makes ME your superior as well. And as your superior I demand that you speak plainly and without hesitation!" If this man was a simpleton then Gilbert could manipulate him.
Ivan put a finger to his lip nervously, giving Gilbert an uneasy look. "I don't think prisoners are allowed to give orders…even to me."
'He's not a simpleton. He just lacks basic communication skills. This guy is probably so isolated from others that he doesn't know how to properly interact with them.' Gilbert smirked. 'If I can make friends with this guy, I can soon earn his trust and then maybe I can find a way to get out of here.' "I'm sorry if I made you feel uneasy, Ivan."
"That's okay. I brought you food." Ivan took from his pocket a stick of dried meat and smiled at him. "It's beef. The masters want you to eat glop and pottage, but I saved this for you instead." He held it out to Gilbert. "Do you want it?"
Gilbert's stomach growled. He was very hungry yet his mind was telling him to be cautious of the meat offered. "You take a bite first. I want to make sure it's not tainted with anything that will hurt me." Ivan understood him. He watched the large man take a bite and smile as he chewed.
"It's good! Very yummy! Now you eat."
Gilbert took the meat from the large tattooed hand and bit into it. The salty, meaty taste reminded him of just how hungry he was so he finished it with vigor. "Is that all I'm allowed to have?"
Ivan nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. You're not the boss so it's not your fault. May I ask something about you? What's with all the tattoos? Do they mean something?"
"Ah, they mean a lot of things." He pointed to a tattoo of thorns on his arm. The thorn design was all over his body. "These thorns show that I am a child of the Necromancers." He pointed to some that looked like ivy on his chest. "This kind shows that I belong in this realm." He pointed to some dots. "This means I was born during the snow." He touched his face where there were heavy black stripes that looked like a tiger's print. "And these show that I am a very special child. Do you want to know why?" Gilbert gave a nod. "I was born during a very bad snowstorm. There was thunder and lightening during this storm, something so rare that the Necromancers see me as a good omen! I was taken from my mother's womb and carried right out into the storm to be given my blessing. In my patrol, I am called Thunder Snow because of it."
Gilbert was quite interested in Ivan's story, which only further stroked his curiosity to this strange dark culture. He had never heard of 'thunder snow', but nature worked in so many odd ways that he wouldn't pass it off as plausible. So Ivan was someone special. "Do you fight at all, Ivan? What do the masters make you do here?"
Ivan smiled. "I take care of the prisoners. Sometimes I fight, but mainly I remain here in the dungeons to keep the prisoners alive and well. This way, the prisoner is healthy and strong for when the time comes for the sacrifice."
Gilbert's pink eyes widened. "The what? Sacrifice? What sacrifice?"
"When you will be offered to the Dark Gods in exchange for the masters' eternal life. I help to prepare the prisoners for sacrifice as well. The Necromancers have already offered the souls of your men to the Dark Gods." Ivan gave him a sincere look. "I'm sorry for the loss of your men."
The word 'sacrifice' would not leave his head. Gilbert had heard of these sacrifices but he never believed them to be true. He heard of people sacrificing animals to please the gods, but never humans! And his men have all been sacrificed? So he was the last one left? Why were they keeping him alive then? When was he going to die? The thought of being sacrificed as a way of death frightened him more than any fight or battle he could ever face. All the more reason to befriend Ivan. But how can he win the friendship of this brainwashed man? There was one way, the sensual way, as his brother-in-arms often called it when a woman seduced a man to get what she wanted. As White Warriors they weren't always allowed to lay with women, and least of all other men. But Ivan was a brainwashed man who may easily be persuaded if done correctly. Winning a man's heart through lust is the best way to earn their trust. But it would only work if Ivan were able to 'feel' those types of sensuality. It was worth a try.
"You have pretty big muscles." Gilbert said with a smirk and reached out to squeeze a bicep. "Why do they keep a guy like you down here playing nursemaid? I bet you could go a lot further with your life if you were fighting, or something like that." Already his touch had a profound affect on the man. He could tell right away. Ivan was blushing, which meant that he was feeling something, but the next question was does he know what the feeling is? This sort of technique was not something he approved of. Gilbert always liked to get what he wants and would do whatever it took to achieve that goal. Right now he had nothing useful on him; no weapons, no armor, and certainly couldn't talk his way out of this. So he had to use what he had on his person, and that was his body. He wouldn't just give his innocence away to anyone! Seduction and gentle words could be just as effective. "You're very handsome, Ivan. I bet you're a hit with the ladies!"
Ivan was blushing at Gilbert's touch and words. The man had a special look about him in the candlelight that had his heart racing. Gilbert was just so beautiful. Could a human man be this pretty? "I…I think you are a very beautiful, Gilbert. A very pretty man. I've never seen one so pretty before."
'Hook, line, and sinker!' Gilbert said to himself with a smirk. 'Damn I'm good!' "You think I'm pretty? I haven't been called pretty before. Drop-dead gorgeous? Yes, but never 'pretty'."
"Well, I think you are very pretty." Ivan reached a hand out, silently asking permission to touch his face. He was thrilled and giddy when Gilbert nodded for him to do so. Gently he cupped the right cheek, letting his eyes move all over Gilbert's face to take in every feature. "I bet your blood is very pretty too."
Gilbert had to bite his tongue to keep from saying anything harsh. His first instinct was to spit in Ivan's eye but since there is 'blood' involved it was best to not anger the source. "Why are you asking about my blood?"
"The masters like to drain blood sometimes, especially from certain types of special people, like you."
"What do they do with the blood?"
"Sometimes they store it away. Other times they use it for blood magic when they are casting spells. I don't know all of their rituals though. I do all the bloodletting and some other stuff associated with it."
Gilbert pulled away from him. "You're going to drain my blood then?"
"Not all of it! Only a little bit at a time." He smiled. "Sometimes blood is more important than the sacrifice itself." The sound of a bell tolling echoed softly in the cell around them. "I have to go." Ivan said and stood up. "The Masters are summoning us."
"For what?" Gilbert asked quickly.
Ivan shrugged his shoulders. "Could be anything. But I'll be back later to bring you food and drink, okay? Bye!"
Gilbert raised a white brow and shook his head at the man as he left the cell. What kind of man was Ivan anyway? He wasn't a simpleton because he could make eye contact, can hold a conversation and spoke very well. That meant he was at least educated in both reading and writing. And Ivan was born 'rare', the same as he. They thought he had been blessed by the gods, so naturally his parents urged him to join the White Warriors, which he was glad he did. Gilbert felt that he belonged there, upholding the faith and helping others less fortunate than him. Yet none of that was due to his coloring, contrary to popular belief. That was just the kind of person he was. He can find a way to wrap Ivan around his little finger easily. He already had his foot in the door! If he could win Ivan over, then maybe the bulky man won't drain him of his blood. The thought of bloodletting for anything but medical use made him queasy.
A little while later the door opened and Gilbert thought it would be Ivan again with his food. Instead it was a strange man in long red robes. His head was cloaked while on his face there was a mask, a black mask, which covered their entire face. Gilbert knew that it was one of the Necromancers. He stiffed his back and sat up proudly, showing that he did not fear them nor was he ashamed of his naked body.
"Gilbert of the White Warriors, yes?" Asked the Necromancer.
"I don't know. Your men caught me. What do you think?"
"How charming. You're a smart-mouth." The Necromancer spoke with a slow, deep voice. "But it doesn't matter. You are the one we have been waiting for. You are the Chosen One!"
Gilbert shifted in his chain. "I'm not the Chosen One! I believe in nothing of your dark arts or your dark gods!"
"It doesn't matter. You are the Chosen One. You are the One Born All In White- the purest color there is on this dirty earth in which we live and breathe. It is told to us in prophesy that the One Born All In White will awaken the dark gods, allowing them to descend to this earth and purify it in their image! We will become immortal, my fellow mages and I!"
"You're a lunatic!" Gilbert insulted. "None of my gods would ever let that happen! Your darkness will never touch this good earth so long as I live and breathe in it!" He said harshly, gritting his teeth and tugged at his chains.
The Necromancer laughed. "Foolish boy! I can promise you that when your body is ready to be offered, your gods will not come to protect you! They will let you die because they do not exist!"
"I bet yours don't either then!" Gilbert countered back. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see which one is right!"
"I guess we shall. But before all that, I have a few questions for you, One Born All In White."
"Address me as Sir Gilbert or I will have nothing to say to you." With the face mask covering everything Gilbert couldn't read the Necromancer's expressions, so he didn't know if the man was angry or not.
"Oh, I think you can accommodate." From his hands sparked silver lightening that brought forth a long black whip.
Gilbert stared at it.
"You will answer my questions." He snapped the whip on the ground.
Ivan had all of his medicines prepared and placed on a wooden tray in my tiny chambers. The Master came to him, saying that Gilbert was out cold and needed medical attention from the whipping. Ivan had seen the aftermath of his Masters when they took to torturing a prisoner. He could only hope that they were not too terrible on Gilbert! Carrying the tray he hurried to Gilbert's cell as fast as he could. Gilbert was placed in a different cell right now, a 'purification' cell, as the Masters called it, where they put surviving prisoners to get better. Ivan had tended many prisoners there.
When he entered the purification cell he could see that Gilbert was strapped to the table on his belly. His ankles were strapped at the base of the stone table while his wrists were secured under the top but folded underneath. Ivan held his breath as he saw the horrid state Gilbert was in. His Master had gone too far; Gilbert must have done something to warrant this terrible beating! He placed the tray down and went up to Gilbert's unconscious form, looking at all the whip lashes and welts. The most were on his back while others lay bright red on his buttocks and thighs. Ivan grit his teeth. How could anyone maim Gilbert's perfect white skin in such a manner? Gilbert's skin was so thin and fair that even after all the lashes healed they would leave pink scars. Still, they would do nothing to render him ugly, far from it. But the wounds needed medical attention or they would get infected.
Gilbert hissed himself awake when something was stinging at the wounds on his back. He found that he couldn't move, which wasn't a surprise. He cocked his head painfully to look all around and spotted Ivan beside him. "Ivan? What are you doing?"
"I'm cleaning your wounds." Ivan replied. "Before they become infected."
Gilbert groaned as a hot cloth stung a particularly deep gash. "How bad are they?"
"If I had gotten here too late they could have killed you."
"Then thank you for being on time."
Ivan chuckled. "This is no time to joke, Gilbert. The Master did some terrible work on you. What did you do to make him so angry?"
"I was myself, which always gets me into trouble." He groaned again.
"I'm sorry. I'm doing my best not to hurt you but I'm afraid it can't be helped. One or two of these will need basic stitches."
Gilbert grumbled. "I've had stitches before. Where am I? This isn't the same place as before- ow!"
"Sorry! No, it's a different place. This room is where some of your bloodletting will take place."
"Oh. Good." He frowned through the pain of cleaning. "I didn't give in, you know. He asked me questions, your master, and I refused to answer. That's why I'm all torn up like this. But you…you have such gentle hands for one so fucking big!"
Ivan blushed prettily. "I do my best. Just rest right now while I finish up."
Ivan waited for Gilbert to look away before he smeared some blood onto his fingertip. Silently licking his lips, Ivan tasted Gilbert's blood on his tongue. It was metallic tasting but very sweet, like an old wine. He closed his eyes to savor the taste. Not only was Gilbert beautiful but also his blood was just as pretty and tasted much more divine.
"Hey, Ivan? Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"No one…does anything sexual to the prisoners, do they?"
Ivan moved around the table to look at Gilbert and gave a nod. "Yes, but only for ritual purposes. Both men and women are taken sexually before they are sacrificed. But only if they are a virgin."
"So I'm going to be sacrificed you said. That means they will rape me first and then kill me? What is the purpose?"
Ivan shrugged his shoulders. "That's just the way it's always been. The Masters keep their dark secrets to themselves." Ivan had forgotten about the sex part of the ritual. He felt a wave of possessiveness sweep over him at the thought of the Necromancer taking Gilbert's innocence. "Are you a virgin, Gilbert?"
"Pfft. No! I've been with men before!"
Ivan smiled in amusement. "Then why are you so worried about them raping you on the table?"
"But…but that doesn't count! That's not what I meant! I was just stating the obvious! Ignorant jackass!" Gilbert saw the look of hurt on Ivan's face again, feeling like he had just scolded a small child for being naïve. Ivan only knew of this world and nothing else. His views and morals on something like sex was probably very limited. "It's still rape whether I'm a virgin or not." And he was a virgin. When he was a young buck he chased the eager girls and had some fun with them, but it was only because of his age. He was a grown man now so he could view things differently. His mission was always the most important.
"You still have a long way to go before they are ready to sacrifice you."
Gilbert rolled his eyes. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
Ivan looked at him. "I would think so?" They were both startled by the door opening. Ivan saw that is was his master, one of the Necromancers, who entered into the room. He quickly fell to one knee and lowered his head.
Gilbert twisted his neck to try and see the door. Ivan was kneeling, so it must be a 'master'. Craning his neck more, he saw that it was the Necromancer from before, or maybe a different one? They were all masked and cloaked, it seemed.
"Ivan." It was the same Necromancer that took the whip to Gilbert's back. Gilbert recognized the voice. "You have spent a very long time here." The Necromancer appeared before Ivan and ignoring Gilbert. Gilbert watched them silently. "You are late for another appointment."
"I'm sorry, master." Ivan whispered, keeping his eyes on the floor. "I lost track of time."
The Necromancer slowly shook his head. "Shame, shame, shame, Ivan. You know it makes me very angry when you don't listen or follow the rules." He was speaking to Ivan in a soft voice, like an adult scolding a child who didn't understand. Gilbert watched as the Necromancer lifted his boot, placed it atop Ivan's head and forced it to the floor. Ivan let him do it without a sound or a plea. "You must be punished."
Gilbert pulled in his chains when Ivan started to scream in pain. He saw all of the tattoos on Ivan's body lighting up and burning. "Stop it!" He shouted to the Necromancer. "Stop it! You're hurting him!"
"Oh?" The Necromancer walked over to him while Ivan still writhed on the floor. "Even in your binds you are a still a champion of justice? Well, I guess that is what we can expect from the One Born All In White."
"I kept him here talking!" Gilbert defended the pained man on the floor. "It's my fault he was late! Let him go and stop this! Since when are necromancers and dark mages low-down bullies?" The Necromancer stopped his assault on Ivan.
"You speak as if you know us."
"I know that you pride yourselves in being of higher faith, strength, and intelligence than the average human like me! Since when do your kind fall to the acts of primitive humans?"
The Necromancer chuckled. "But our dear sweet Ivan isn't a human, nor is he a necromancer or a mage. He is a beast creature with no past, present, or future. He is simply a tool we will use in the great uprising when our armies of the monsters and the dead walk this earth and destroy your race forever!"
"Fucking nut-cases! That's what you are!" Gilbert pulled in the chains again. "I'm not your Chosen One! I only hope that my ghost is watching the looks on your faces when your prophecy doesn't come true! You'll learn that all this time you've been spewing shit!"
"Silence your tongue, little lamb! Ivan! Stand up!" The Necromancer demanded. Ivan did so, his tattoos no longer glowing. "Get the ritual knife and the bowl. We will do some bloodletting this fine day." Gilbert's eyes widened a bit but he didn't show a sign of fear or speak a word. He watched as Ivan quickly did as he was told like an obedient dog. "But not just anyone can bleed you, good knight!" The Necromancer placed both hands in his long bell sleeves. "To bleed you one must be just as rare and special, like our dear Ivan here. Thunder Snow Ivan, born during a snowstorm full of thunder and lightening. A sign from the Dark Gods!"
Ivan returned with the knife and bowl. He looked towards Gilbert and their eyes met.
"Our dear Ivan will bleed you. He will paint my face in the sweet, sweet blood he draws from you. The more blood of yours that I consume, the greater my powers will grow! Ivan! Bleed him!"
Ivan moved to do as told without a word. He looked at Gilbert again, seeing the man looking confused, hurt, and slightly fearful. Ivan hoped he could read his expression of, 'I'm sorry' before using the black wavy blade to slice a thin cut along Gilbert's forearm. The white beauty hissed slightly at the pain and they both watched the blood run down his white arm and drip into the bowl. Ivan smelled the sweet metallic liquid, remembering back to earlier when he tasted some of the blood. The bowl was quickly filling up with the need to gulp it all down like a fine soup. When it was filled he handed it to his master before taking bandages from his pocket to seal the wound.
The Necromancer held the bowl above his head and gave a cackling laugh. "Excellent! So much power lies within this small bowl of red life!"
"Fuck you, looney." Gilbert hissed at the Necromancer. "I hope you choke on it!"
"Oh, keep talking, good knight! I will make Ivan bleed you more if I must. You will do as I say, right Ivan?" Ivan nodded. "See? He's such a good boy. So dutiful. He is a special monster."
Gilbert watched the bandage being tied. "He is not a monster."
"He is. He was born as a monster and he will remain a monster, forever in my service to destroy the human race. Thunder Snow Ivan will mate you and break you in the name of our Dark Lords!"
Wild pink eyes glared at Ivan.
"He won't fuck like a normal human, little lamb." The Necromancer chuckled. "He is a monster, a beast, with primitive instincts. He will do whatever I say without question. Ivan will rip your insides to shreds and break your hips with his own as you experience your first ecstasy of pleasurable pain before the knife finds your heart."
"We'll just have to see about that." Gilbert challenged.
"I'm done hearing you talk." Gilbert suddenly felt his whole body become numb when the Necromancer placed some sort of spell on him. "Ivan, take him back to his cell and feed him." With that he left.
Ivan undid the chains and lifted Gilbert in his arms. "I'm sorry." He said again and brought the other back to the holding cell, placing him in chains again. He left to get some food, sneaking in more dried meat and milk. When he entered again, Gilbert was sitting up. The spell had worn off. "I hope you're not in too much pain. I brought you extra food."
"Good, I'm starving." And he was. "I'm in pain, yes, but it's tolerable now. You're good at healing." He took the food offered to him on the wooden plate. First he gulped the milk and then tore into the dried meat.
"You're not mad at me for cutting you?"
"No, not at all. You were doing what you were told. Although I don't understand how someone as big and strong as you can't stand up for yourself? You could snap that Necromancer in half!"
Ivan shook his head. "He's my Master. He raised me."
"He's cruel to you. Do they treat all of your kind here the same way he does you? Stepping on your head and causing you pain?"
"No. I'm actually one of the lucky ones who does not suffer as badly as the others. That's only because I was born special."
Gilbert ate more of the meat. "Then what do they do to the others?"
"Terrible things. I'd rather not say."
"Ivan, look at me." Ivan did so. "Come closer." Ivan crawled over to him so they were nearly nose to nose. "I'm starting to think you're playing dumb with me. The way you talk proves that you are educated, at least somewhat. I think you know a lot more than what you are letting on. So my question to you is, why are you, an intelligent being, so scared of these men?"
Ivan's purple eyes suddenly grew serious but he smiled. "Do you read minds, Gilbert?"
"Nope. I'm just good at reading people." He grinned.
"But I am not a person."
"Yes you are. You look weird and were born in an odd manner, but you are still human. Those Necromancers are still human. I am human. My priests back home are human! Do not let them call you a monster or a beast, because you aren't one. Now, tell me about the others. The others like you."
Ivan sat himself directly in front of Gilbert, speaking softly. "They keep the ones like me starving and in fear all the time. They damage their emotions, thoughts, and feelings right after they are born. The others know nothing but the underground lair where they are kept. As little children they are tortured and beaten with magic. The masters make them fight for food and water. They are being trained like animals to fight with a starving animal's instinct, to hunt and kill. The Necromancers want to keep them angry and stupid so that they are relentless on the battlefield. Most can barely talk, they only grunt or groan."
Gilbert shook his head. "That's terrible. These Necromancers have to be stopped. Those people deserve to be free. What about the women? What do they do when girls are born?"
"Oh, girls are never born. The magic won't allow it. Only boys are born."
"So there are no women here at all? Other than the women they steal?"
"Correct."
Gilbert shook his head again. "This is disgusting." He looked at Ivan. "Why don't we leave this place, you and me?"
"Leave?" Ivan shook his head. "I can't leave here. They will find me!"
"But you'll be safe with me! You know how to help the others like you! You can tell my army everything you know and then we can destroy this place and free them all! You don't have to live like this! None of you do!"
Ivan looked away from him. He had always wanted to be free but was too frightened to try and escape.
"Please, Ivan. Come with me. Help me escape and come with me! I promise you'll be safe!"
"I would have no where to go."
"You will come live with me."
Ivan shook his head. "No one will want me living among them. Look at me, Gilbert. I'm a monster. I look like one. People will fear me."
Gilbert glared. "Not if I am by your side." It was time to change things up a bit. He moved closer to the larger man and placed his white palm above Ivan's heart. "I feel a heartbeat, just like mine. You're not a monster." He took Ivan's large hand and placed it on his own heart. "See? They beat the same." Gilbert let his features soften while keeping his eyes locked with Ivan's. "Even our bodies are the same. I'll show you." He smirked softly as he let his hands rub Ivan's chest, brushing his palms over hard nipples then pointing the fingertips down to wriggle over the stomach muscles. He could feel Ivan's body start to tremble beneath his touch. It was working. "Now, let's see just how big of a man you are." White hands slipped beneath the hem to search for the manhood he knew would be there. Gilbert's eyes widened when he found it, already rock hard and thick. Suddenly, the words from the Necromancer came back to him. 'He really can break my hips and shatter the rest of me with this thing!' Gilbert pulled his hands out only to have one caught in Ivan's vice-like grip.
"Finish what you've started." Ivan commanded softly.
"No, I can't. It's not proper." Maybe he could use this to his advantage. "I only meant to show you that you were a human man like me. I meant nothing sexual to come of it."
"And yet I will be the one mating you soon."
"Yes…but not here." He made himself smile at Ivan. "You can mate me in my home! We can be alone then, just you and me, two free men enjoying the company of another." He was able to slip his hand out of Ivan's grasp.
Ivan tilted his head. "Gilbert…you really want to mate with me? Just as…two men?"
Gilbert knew he was getting himself into some deep trouble but he would worry about that later, after his escape. "Well…I am a virgin so I would want my first time to be special. In a soft bed in my house with you taking your time. Not like here, where you would have to rape me."
"Yes, that's right." Ivan agreed. "I don't want to harm you, Gilbert. You're so pretty."
"Yeah, I am. And you're so very handsome. Just think of it, Ivan." He took Ivan's face into his hands. "Being free of pain from these men. Knowing gentle caresses and touches like mine." He stroked Ivan's face. "Free to lay in the sunshine all day, eat what you want, whenever you want."
Ivan smiled. "What about mating you? I want to mate you terribly, Gilbert. I want to mate you now."
"We humans don't call it mating. We are human, you and I. Remember? We call it 'making love'."
"Making love? Making love." He repeated a second time. "I want to make love to you now."
Gilbert shook his head. "No, not here. This is too dark of a place and someone will hear. No, I want us to be in my room, in my soft bed, alone," he wrapped his arms around Ivan's neck. "Where we can take our time exploring one another's bodies and learning what the other likes." He suddenly didn't like the look in Ivan's eyes.
"We can wait to make love, but we don't have to wait to find out what makes us feel good."
Gilbert was suddenly pushed on his back where the pain from the slashes made him cry out. He gasped when his hips were lifted in the air, his shoulders and head the only part remaining on the floor. Looking up at Ivan in the dim lighting he did look like a monster. For a moment, Gilbert seriously thought Ivan was going to eat him. Instead, Ivan opened up his mouth and took his limp member inside, swallowing deep. Gilbert's eyes crossed in the sudden pleasure of the rough sucking. He brought his hands to his mouth to stifle his cries. Ivan was sucking him to hardness, able to feel his tip in the back of Ivan's throat. This was his first time experimenting with something so sexual. He whimpered into his hands. Ivan just wouldn't stop sucking him, and then when he felt something pressing against his hole Gilbert nearly let out a scream of shock. There was nothing to save his dignity in this strange position. His leg was resting on Ivan's shoulder while the other one was held up by strong hands, as if he weighed nothing. Ivan's other hand was busy wiggling a finger inside of him. Gilbert could only bite his bottom lip, clench his eyes shut, and hold back the sounds that threatened to escape. The second finger hurt, but only for a moment before the digits started thrusting with that hot mouth still sucking him. He felt the build up of orgasm in his lower belly, but what sent him over the brink was the hard thrust of fingers striking a spot deep within him that did let his voice escape from bleeding lips. It was a strangled, gasping cry as he exploded into Ivan's mouth, feeling the other man sucking him dry and swallowing all of it.
Ivan pulled his mouth free, licked his lips, and gave a sigh of content. He removed his fingers as well to gently lower Gilbert back to the floor. Looking down at the blushing man still panting with afterglow, Ivan decided to tease his would-be-mate a little further. Spreading those white legs once again he lowered his groin to press against Gilbert's entrance and balls. He saw those pink eyes shoot open with a fearful expression plainly written on the blushing face. "I'm not going to go any further." Ivan assured him. "But you did like what I did just now, yes?"
Gilbert was too embarrassed to speak so he just nodded his head.
"You let me be the first to do that, I can tell. Don't worry," he pressed their noses together. "I won't let anyone else do anything of the sort to you. Only me. And don't ever tell the Necromancers or else they'll be mad."
"I…I won't." He said, still panting. "Hey…how did you…know to do all that? What you did…to me?"
Ivan smiled softly. "Everyone needs a little bit of mystery to them." He kissed Gilbert's forehead. "I have to go. I'll be back soon."
Now alone, Gilbert was able to collect his thoughts and analyze the sexual encounter he had just experienced. That was good. Very good. It almost felt as if something inside of him was complete, like he had a hole that was just filled- figuratively speaking. While sex was allowed in his order, it was still frowned upon because sex and love can make a man weak. Gilbert's sole purpose was to his faith and his people, not to lust. Yet now he had experienced a taste of it, and not with a woman but with another man. A few drunken tavern nights had his hands down wenches tops but nothing more than that. Okay, maybe a pretty one sitting on his lap from time to time, but nothing ever went further. Stumbling home drunk was always a better option. And then to be woken up by a nun whacking him with her broom, scaring him out of bed. Gilbert had to smirk at the memory that has happened to him so many times. Nothing hurt like the swing of a broom from an elderly nun. Being in these chains now he realized how much he missed that. It really was amazing the things one would miss when they didn't have it anymore.
But what to do about Ivan? Ivan was smitten with him, so part of his plan had worked. The next part was to escape from this place and to do it he would need Ivan's help. Now more than ever he wanted Ivan to come back with him. Not just for physical reasons but for the main purpose of gaining insight on the Necromancers. Once they were both free then they could discuss if their relationship was to go further. Ivan would be a great lover to have just by judging the skills of the act before. Not that he had anything to go on dealing with another man, but for him to ejaculate like that…well…you only lived once. And Ivan's cock was big for a human male, as far as he knew. He was aware of the hate and fear Ivan would receive while living in his world with the tattoos and the odd size of him. Gilbert knew he would have to constantly stand up for Ivan in the human world, something he was prepared for.
'Alright Gilbert, time to stop thinking about muscles and start on getting yourself out of this hellhole.'
Ivan sat under the table where the mages and Necromancers were having their dinner. Being under the table was a sign of submissiveness, like that of a dog. However, Ivan wasn't under the table simply for scraps and bones but rather to massage the disgusting feet on the head master. The masters went on about their business, talking about the uprising, the dark gods, and the One Born All In White. His Gilbert. He hoped that his feelings would keep from expressing themselves as Gilbert was mentioned. Ivan wasn't expecting his name to be uttered, though.
"My dear, sweet Ivan," The head Necromancer called to him. "Come out from there. We wish to speak with you."
Ivan obeyed, coming out from the table and standing beside the master to view the table of mages and necromancers. All of them were fully masked, as always, so Ivan never had a face to put to their names.
"Tell us, Ivan, what have you witnessed about our Chosen One? The others are eager to know."
Ivan folded his arms behind his back as he spoke. "The White Warrior Gilbert is very stubborn and strong. He is…unlike any human I have ever heard tales of. I believe he truly does live up to his title as One Born All In White." The men whispered to one another.
"And Ivan, how do you feel about this man in your charge?"
Ivan was a bit confused by the question. Was this a trick? Did they suspect something? He would have to answer carefully. "Like I said before, he is unlike any human I've met or heard of. He will not give in easily."
The head master pushed his food around the plate with a fork. "What about how he looks? Do you find him attractive? You will be mating with him, don't forget."
"I will do as my masters command of me."
"Don't go falling in love with him now!" Laughed the head master. "He is the gateway to other worlds! His blood will be drained and his bones burned to open up the portal to the next world so that we may welcome our gods. Always remember, dear Ivan, that lust, pain, pleasure, and hatred all go together." Ivan remained silent but gave a nod of acknowledgment.
"Head Necromancer!" Interrupted a dark mage. "Will we be present for this mighty sacrifice?"
"Yes! All of you, my brothers, will be here when the time has come!"
Another spoke up in a sensual voice. "What about the fucking part?" The mage balanced a fork on his finger. "Nothing would please me more than seeing a White Warrior of the light gods fucked by one of our very own monsters? How deliciously taboo!"
Ivan clenched his fists behind his back.
"I shall have to think on it. In fact, there is another monster I have in mind to possibly mate with our White Warrior." Ivan turned sharply to gaze upon the mask. "Yes, I do have another. We all seem to forget the monster we have who was born during the frightful windstorm. Remember him?"
"The storm that broke the dam, you mean?" Asked another.
"Precisely. He too, was born during a rare time. The dark gods like to settle thing with combat." The head Necromancer turned to Ivan. "You will fight the other in order to mate with our Chosen One. If you fail, you will leave the arena while the other mates with him. Should you win, then I expect a VERY good show for myself and my brothers." Ivan took a deep breath and held it.
"Let's place some money on this fight!" Said another dark mage. "I put my money on Ivan!" While the bets were being placed, Ivan was summoned over by the head master.
"My dear, sweet Ivan," He stroked Ivan's cheek. "I have no doubt that you will win." The master whispered. "When you win and mate with our Chosen One, don't break him too much, okay?"
"I will try not to, master."
"Good, because we are expecting a good public mating, and I know you are well qualified for the job. You know how to fight, you know how to kill, you know how to crush another's skull with your bare hands."
Ivan whispered back, "I don't know how willing I will be to take the Chosen One who will not want me near him in that manner." This was inevitable and there was nothing that could be done about it. Ivan had seen this only once or twice in his lifetime and knew how it ended. The last thing he wanted to do was rape Gilbert.
"Oh, don't worry about that, my dear sweet Ivan. We will make sure his body is willing and ready to go. We still need him alive and well, you know."
Perfect. Everything had worked out as he hoped. The Necromancer would put a lust spell on Gilbert to make him wanton and horny. In turn, the smell of Gilbert's lust would heighten his need to fight, win, and mate. Ivan knew he was being treated more like an animal than a person. But even then, could he really take Gilbert in that manner while being watched? What worried him the most was his own lust for Gilbert and losing control when he smelled arousal. This had never happened to him before. Ivan would see where this fight and mating took him. After that, he would see about helping Gilbert escape.
'This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous! It's stupid!' Gilbert said to himself as his bound body was placed at the back of an arena. They wheeled him out on a cold steel slab where his wrists were chained and hung from two posts. His legs were free, of course, but that was only so the victor of this animalistic fight could 'mate' him. Gilbert hoped it was Ivan who would win and not the other. To his surprise and relief it was a very small crowd consisted of only the dark mages and necromancers. Still naked, Gilbert tried to hide his genitals by keeping his knees together on the platform. He made sure to glare at each one of them. When the head Necromancer rose from his seat, Gilbert started to feel nervous, wondering what the man had in store for him. Hopefully he would just be talking to the others. Hiding his fear with a glare, Gilbert kept his gaze focused on the Necromancer.
"Welcome, my brothers! We are in for a fine spectacle today! As you can see, our Chosen One is cleaned up and looking breathtaking, but I think he may need a little bit of help." The others laughed sinisterly, which only heightened Gilbert's fears of the unknown. "Our monsters are vicious, it is true, but with such strength in them, wouldn't it be nice to see their fierceness intensify tenfold?" The others all agreed. "Well then," he held his claw-like hands out to Gilbert. "Let's get started."
Gilbert watched him intently. At first, nothing was happening except for the Necromancer wiggling long boney fingers at him. For a second he wanted to point at the man and laugh loudly at his failure, but then something unexpected happened. There was a warmth building up in his lower belly that quickly traveled to his groin. Immediately he gave a rapid shudder, feeling his groin begin to swell with arousal. The Necromancer must have put a spell on him! He had to bite his tongue to keep from moaning out loud, squeezing his thighs together in hopes of getting some relief, but to his dismay, nothing helped. Now all masked faces were looking at him; an ocean of white masks painted with black or red markings and each one with a grin. They were mocking him. The ache in his groin demanded compensation for its hardness, which also fogged his mind with images of Ivan. Imagining Ivan looming over him with his own swollen erection only made his lust grow stronger. His brain was telling him he wanted, no, needed to be mated. Damn that necromancer! 'That man would find himself impaled on my sword!' Gilbert swore.
"Look at how he writhes in wanton desire! Once our monsters see and smell him, only one will come out of this alive."
Gilbert's eyes widened at those words through the pleasure. If Ivan were to lose and be killed then all hope for him was gone. 'I'll bite my tongue and kill myself before that other one has a chance to rape me! He can fuck my dead corpse!'
"Bring out our monsters!"
Ivan heard the call and that was his cue to exit into the arena. All was silent when he stepped out onto the gray sand. At the far end of the arena, presented to all, was a still naked Gilbert flushed with lust. Ivan immediately sensed the arousal in the air, like an animal during its rutting season. Ivan felt his adrenaline begin to strengthen and grow, spreading throughout his body while keeping his gaze focused on the writhing male bound in chains. Gilbert's legs were free, unbound, easy to spread and mate. Ivan wanted him.
From the ceiling came his opponent, another 'special' male the same as he. The monster was big and tall like him but Ivan knew he could beat him. The other smelt Gilbert as well, which just wouldn't do. Ivan cracked his knuckles. The other turned to him, yellow eyes wide and glaring. They circled each other, sizing the other up like ravenous wolves. The other was the first to attack, which was foolish. Ivan blocked him with his fists, clutching the other's hands in his own as they pushed back and forth. Ivan flipped the other onto his back, landing a swift kick to the monster's jaw. Behind him he heard Gilbert let out a lustful moan. Ivan knew then that he was going to win, no matter what the cost, and this monster before him wouldn't have a skull left to his corpse. With a roar he forced the other to his feet, giving a couple of hard punches to the face and gut. The other did, however, fight back in a lustful rage, striking Ivan in the chest, shoulder, and face.
Gilbert watched through lust clouded eyes as the two men battled one another for the sake of his virginity. In some ways, Gilbert wanted to laugh at the stupidity of it but the desire to be fucked was stronger than the urge to laugh. He watched Ivan only, following the moves of the large man as he made easy work of the other. Ivan was so strong! Those big hands that pummeled the other man could soon be caressing his body. He could hear the words repeating in his head, 'Ivan can break your hips' or 'he'll break you in half', and Gilbert could believe it after watching this fight. However, that fear no longer held him back. Instead, Gilbert's body yearned to feel Ivan's powerful form mating with him. His body ached to feel something inside of it, and he wanted that 'something' to be Ivan's manhood. Surprising himself, Gilbert let himself hang loosely in the chains with his legs slightly spread, hoping the position would end the fight sooner.
It worked for Ivan. He suddenly wreaked havoc on the other, first breaking the knee and arm, rendering the other useless. Then, Ivan covered the man's body in punches, knocking the breath from his opponent. But he didn't stop there. Ivan grabbed the other's head, dragged the limp body to the arena wall, and continuously smashed the head until the skull was completely shattered. The masters were silent. Ivan grinned darkly, holding up both hands to show the blood that stained them. Now his focus was on Gilbert's writhing, naked body, chained and spread open for him. He was able to claim his prize now, his mate, his soon-to-be lover. Ignoring the masters, Ivan walked over to Gilbert while lowering his pants to tuck the hem under his balls. Already he was aroused, fully hard and thick, perfectly set for mating.
Gilbert had to turn away from the brutality of Ivan's attack on the other. Opening his eyes again he saw that the man's head was completely smashed. Now Ivan was storming over to him, his body covered in blood with a rock solid erection. Gilbert's body was still bursting with unsatisfied lust yearning to be filled. While he felt fear the need to feel Ivan inside of him was greater. And to his amazement, he smiled tenderly at Ivan's form as he approached. The promise of orgasm was well underway! Damn that necromancer's spell!
But to his shock and confusion, Ivan only stared at him for a few moments before stuffing himself back into his pants. Gilbert let out a tiny whine of frustration. What was Ivan doing?
Ivan turned to face the dark members, still covered in blood and his arousal tightening his pants. He could smell Gilbert's lust, knew the man was ready and willing, but he did not want to carry out the mating. Not now. Little did the dark court know just how advanced his thinking process was, he could hide it well. Showing this part of him to the masters now was taking a large risk on his life. It was worth the risk, though, to see Gilbert free of those chains. He did not want to take Gilbert's body in front of these men, nor did he want the other to be under the influence of a lust spell. What Ivan wanted was for Gilbert to be naturally lustful for him. But it was still very tempting. Very, very tempting.
"Masters…I cannot mate the Chosen One here." Ivan spoke plainly and clearly.
"And why not?" The head master asked. "He is eager for you."
Ivan glanced at Gilbert's writhing body, feeling his palms grow sweaty and his mouth run dry. "I only do this for your sakes. As well as the for the dark gods."
"Explain yourself." Demanded another.
"The Chosen One is too rare and special to be treated as a common prisoner. His body should be sacrificed naturally, without the aid or use of magic. That will please the dark gods, and they will be proud of all of you when they return."
One turned to the Necromancer. "The Chosen One should really be untouched. He should remain pure to heighten the power of the sacrifice. Perhaps Thunder Snow Ivan has a point here."
The Necromancer cleared his throat. "It really makes no difference to the dark gods." He stated.
"But it may be better for us." Spoke another.
"Yes." Agreed one more. "We've had our fun and sport today. Perhaps we should discuss this further. After all," He pointed to Gilbert. "Such a rare occasion to have the Chosen One of legend, the One Born All In White, right here in our grasp! The symbol of purity and spirituality! We should keep him just a little bit longer." Everyone seemed to agree.
Ivan breathed a tiny sigh of relief. "The dark gods will thank you all."
"Damn it all!" Gilbert cursed through his teeth as he made himself cum for the fourth time until the spell finally wore off.
Collapsing onto the stone floor he was grateful for the cold on his fading erection, which helped to speed the process. After it had fully worn off he fell into an exhausted sleep and woke up not knowing how long had passed. Sitting up he felt his bones crack a tad with a bit of a cramp in his left arm. It felt like he had just woken up from one hell of a hangover. Smacking his lips, he had to peel the tongue off the roof of his mouth, craving water more than freedom. He'd give anything for a large pitcher of cool water.
"What's happened?" He muttered to himself, feeling a bit of a painful tingling on his penis. Gilbert clicked his tongue in annoyance while noticing the pink raw skin on his member from too hard a stroking. Those four orgasms took a long while to reach so it wasn't a mystery as to why his penis was dried out. It was pinker than normal. "But at least I still have my man-cherry." He found himself cocking a smirk.
The door opened to reveal Ivan carrying in a tray of food and drink. Gilbert already began salivating for the pitcher. "You're finally awake." Ivan smiled. "It's been two days that you've been out!"
"Less talk. Give me that pitcher!" He nearly ripped it from Ivan's hand and forced it to his mouth, ignoring the slight pain when his front teeth banged the rim. Loudly he slurped and gulped the water, feeling its cool waves sooth the dryness in his mouth. He let out a heavy breath once the pitcher was empty. "Oh, thank the gods! I would have given my left ball for this a moment ago!"
Ivan laughed. "Why the left one?"
"I'm right handed. So my right ball must also be strong. You know, left hand is a bit useless. Left ball hold less 'little soldiers', know what I mean?" Ivan blinked at him. "Sperm?" Ivan titled his head. "Tadpoles in your cum that- oh, never mind! It means nothing. Food please."
"You're silly!" Ivan handed him the bowl of salted meats.
"Hey Ivan, tell me something." He tore into a slab of jerky. "Why didn't you mate me? You don't really believe that shit about the dark gods, do you?"
Ivan shook his head. "I do believe in the dark gods, but what I said that day was…how would you say it? Talking out of my ass?"
Gilbert snorted. "So what was the real reason then?"
"I want your first time to be special." Ivan clapped his hands together. "And I want my first REAL mating to be special too! I want us to be in private where I can make you my mate without anyone watching."
"That's a little hard to do here, Ivan." Gilbert swallowed some meat and then gave a frown. Ivan put a finger to his lips and smiled. "What's that look for?"
"Gilbert, I'm going to get you out of here. I've been working on a plan since you've sleeping."
"Seriously?" Gilbert's eyes widened.
Ivan nodded. "Mmhm! You leave tonight."
"Just me? What about you? I want you to come with me!"
"I can't come. Not right now, but I promise to meet up with you at a later time. Not too late…but I will need some time." He said softly. "I need to get you to safety first." From the front of his pants he pulled out a folded paper. Gilbert raised a brow at the choice of hiding spot. It was a map. Ivan unfolded it to place in front of Gilbert. "This is the map of your kingdom."
"It is." Gilbert looked it over, pointing to his home. "That is my manor. I live there in the summer. I spend most of my time in the dorms here," He tapped the picture of a cross. "With the White Warriors."
Ivan looked at the spot on the map. "Where do you want me to meet you? Which place?"
"I will be safer with my brothers at the chapel barracks."
"Then that is where I will meet you." Ivan leaned in to nuzzle Gilbert's cheek. "Then we can go to your real home, yes? There we can mate."
"Sure." Gilbert actually nuzzled back. "I really thank you for helping me escape from here, Ivan. I'll be indebted to you for the rest of my life."
"Just promise me you will mate with no other, man or monster, or female."
Gilbert crossed his heart. "I promise you. Now when do we leave?"
"Tonight at high moon, when the masters go into their congregation room to pray to the dark gods. They go in to a heavy trance, barely know anything that is going on outside. I will come and get you, so be ready. I will also bring you some spare clothes."
Gilbert grabbed Ivan by his ears and brought their lips into a kiss.
Come high moon, Gilbert was ready and waiting to go. As promised, Ivan entered the cell, carrying a pile of clothes and cloaked with a black hood. He unlocked the chains, which Gilbert took a moment to rub the sore skin before dressing quickly. Ivan held up the glowing lantern with a finger to his lips. Gilbert nodded and followed him out, taking Ivan's hand to let himself be led. To him, the rest of the lair looked nothing more like a cave. No wonder they had a hard time finding this place! The escape was fairly easily, having only been noticed by a shadow guard once. This was the first time Gilbert was seeing them but he trusted Ivan to know what he was doing.
"This is the back exit." Ivan handed the lantern to Gilbert while he reached up to the ceiling door set within a mound of dirt. Twisting a large iron handle the heavy wooden door fell open inward, nearly knocking Ivan in the head. Gilbert had to shield his eyes from the sudden bright light of the moon. He was lucky that it was a full moon! More light to literally light his way back home. "I'll lift you up."
Gilbert first made Ivan look at him, pressing his body lightly against the larger one. He had to tilt his head upward just an inch or two to meet Ivan's purple gaze. "Thank you again, Thunder Snow Ivan, for helping me to escape. I promise I will wait for you. But how long should I wait before coming after you with an army of thousand at my back?" Ivan gave him that innocent, child like smile.
"Don't worry, I promise I will come to you. But to ease your conscience? After a month."
"Very well, then I eagerly await your arrival. I will tell no one of our plans to 'mate', but I will let them know I had help on the inside. That way, no one will kill you when you arrive at the door."
"Alright. Just be careful out there, Gilbert. I've never been outside this lair, but from what I've read and heard, it can be a dangerous place too! Take care on your journey home." They shared a deep kiss before Ivan lifted him up and out.
Gilbert looked back down at Ivan's slightly smaller form, covered in darkness, save for the faint glow of the lantern. "What is your plan to tell the dark mages?"
"Let me worry about that! You just go! Hurry now!"
Gilbert gave him a grin and a wave of thanks. Turning away he rushed into the forest, following the north star above to lead him in the right direction home. He would keep his promise to Ivan. 'I promise you, Ivan, that I will stop those dark masters from doing their terrible deeds! I will free all of your kind! I will see each dark mage and necromancer burned for their actions! Their reign of terror, prisoners, and ghosts will end!'
Little did he know that hundreds of glowing red eyes were lurking in the dark forest around him as he ran.
End Part 1 To Be Continued in Part 2