***Hi everyone! This is most likely my very last RusAme fic! It won't be long, maybe two or three chapters! It's just a little idea I thought of! Hope you enjoy it! Read and Review please!

***Warnings: Language, mild violence.

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

Summary: Enter a world you can only see in your dreams. When his brother, Matthew, is kidnapped by the Nightmares, Alfred, a Dream Soldier and a defender of good dreams, travels to the Nightmare World. But when he insults the Nightmare Sultan and is defeated, Alfred finds himself prisoner in the hands of Ivan, the Nightmare Warrior that stole his brother. Alfred must find a way to save his brother while trying to escape the dark allure and hidden suffering of his nightmare captor. Warlord Ivan never hurts an innocent, yet a stubborn Dream Soldier like Alfred tries his patience and defies him at every turn. However, Ivan finds himself drawn toward the light of Alfred's dream powers, an experience he longs to feel but has been denied because of his race. But not all apparitions are ever what they seem. Behind every dream or nightmare there is a hidden meaning and once found it can either soften the nightmare or harden the dream. There has never been such a thing as a union between a sweet dream and a nightmare until now.

Dream Weaver

Chapter 1

His horse stopped at the glowing purple cloud before them, shaking its head with a snort and stomping its blue hooves. The horse would go no further even at the demands of its rider. The purple cloud is the only entrance into the Nightmare Kingdom, a land of bad and terrifying dreams. It is forbidden for one of the Dream World to enter into such a horrid place, a land that likes to invade good dreams and turn them into something dark. Very few people from the Dream World had ever made it back from the Nightmare Kingdom alive.

But he would make it out of Nightmare Kingdom and live to tell the tell to his fellow Dream Soldiers.

Alfred abandoned his horse, giving the creature instructions to return to the Dream Kingdom and wait for him there. The horse turned and ran a few yards before leaping into the air and soaring away from sight. Alfred would rather enter the Nightmare Kingdom alone anyway. He was a Dream Soldier, sworn to protect good dreams and the Dream Weavers who spin them. His younger brother, Matthew, is a Dream Weaver- and had been taken from him during a battle.

'Alfred!' His brother reached out to him as a sinister Nightmare Warrior carried him away.

'Matthew!'

Alfred gripped his head, clenching his eyes shut as he tried to erase the memory from his head. He had failed not only his kingdom but his brother as well. The Nightmares are known for forcing Dream Weavers to create even darker, stronger dreams in which helps them to grow more powerful. If the Nightmare Kingdom becomes too powerful and overthrows the Dream World then the humans of Earth would suffer from endless bad dreams. All good dreams would be gone forever.

"I'm coming for you, Matthew!" he said through grit teeth. "I'll kill that bastard who took you from me! I'll bring you home safe! I swear it!"

With his dream blade in hand and golden helmet on his head, the determined soldier stepped through the purple cloud.

The Nightmare World was nothing like it is told. The land held a dark tone, with black and purple trees, gray grass, and an endless dark sky of stars. It did not have the terrifying image he had imagined. The air was different, though. Alfred could feel his lungs beginning to ache as he breathed in the darkened air. It is something he would have to get used to and something simple like a tight chest wouldn't hinder him from reaching his goal. He is a Dream Soldier and a recognized hero- the hero never gives up, no matter what.

So onward he walked through dark forests and dangerous bogs. He fought and defeated strange creatures; those that only a nightmare can conjure up. Time was lost to him as he continued on through the dark world until stumbling upon his destination: Nightmare Palace.

From the hilltop he could see the Nightmare Palace made of black rocks with golden onion domes on each tall tower. Though the palace itself looked evil, the land surrounding it, the royal city, did not seem evil or sinister in any way. Houses were average with yards and balconies. The roads were paved with purple or gold and the gardens, which surprised him the most, were lush and green just like in his world. He could see the colorful flowers from where he stood.

"Could this be the work of our Dream Weavers?" Alfred wondered out loud to himself. "Such color shouldn't be allowed in this dark place. Hmph." He spat on the ground. "I'll see these gardens burned to the ground if that's what it takes to defeat this world!"

He suddenly had an image of Mattie, his brother, holding an armful of blue flowers in the garden behind their home. Alfred never paid much attention to his little brother because, he admits, was too wrapped up in achieving his own goals. Matthew would go on to weave sweet dreams and he would fight to protect those good dreams. The privilege of a Dream Weaver is something one is born with, not achieved. But now that his brother had been taken from him, Alfred realized just how much he cared for and missed him. He knew how terrible the Nightmare Warriors could be, and his brother is too naive and gentle to be manhandled by barbarians. And Matthew is no where near a fighter like he is. No, Matthew would do whatever they command of him without an ounce of rebellion. Alfred dared not to think of 'other things' they could be doing to his little brother that did not involve weaving dreams.

"I'm coming for you, Mattie! I'll bring you home!"

When Alfred took a step forward an invisible force suddenly stopped him and sent a throbbing pain through his head. It struck his body like a rock, almost knocking him off his feet. He tossed his helmet off to grip his head while trying to hold in his cries of pains, letting out only small grunts through clenched teeth. He could feel his teeth start to bleed from biting down so hard. What is this pain? And why was it affecting him so?

Then an image came to him- a dark image- one of the Nightmare Warrior that came and took his brother. Whenever the Nightmare Warriors enter the Dream World, their features are completely black with only glowing saucers for eyes, a sinister way of hiding themselves from the light of good dreams. There is no mistaking the black armor and horned helmet of the Warrior. Alfred could now see the face of his brother's kidnapper, and the man wore no horned helmet. The horns were real. They stuck out from the forehead rather than the side and were thick, black in color, curving upwards to the sky. His face looked like any other man, with a big nose and purple eyes that seemed to reflect the starry sky above. Without the protection of the nightmares, the kidnapper hardly appeared frightening.

The moment he thought that, the image went away along with the pain. Panting for breath, Alfred looked at the palace again through narrowed eyes. "It takes more than a headache to stop me!" Picking up his helmet, he ran to the palace.

The nightmare city guards were eager to take him to the palace where he insisted to see the Nightmare King. He was corrected by the guards because they do not have a 'king' but a 'sultan'. It meant little to Alfred what their leader's name is. King or Sultan, he is the ruler of nightmares and dark dreams. As far as Alfred was concerned, the bastard didn't even have a name.

Ignoring the looks from nightmare creatures, people and monsters, Alfred followed the guards to the Sultan's courtroom, head held high and his hand on the hilt of his dream blade. The black doors opened and a calming smell, along with dull red lighting and chattering voices greeted him. This courtroom was unlike his back home. The floor was dark marble streaked with gold and red. Pillars of gold stood high and tall, appearing to disappear in the black void that served as a ceiling. The people around him were dressed in black, purple and gold, all fancy clothes that spoke of their titles as nobility. All stopped to look at him, a Dream Soldier, shining in white and gold walk across their floor.

Alfred looked only in front of him where the high dais sat the Sultan, along with a few other Nightmare Warriors, one being his brother's kidnapper. Alfred could only focus on the Sultan first, the leader of the Nightmare World, lounging upon a black throne in the shape of a clawed hand. The cushion in the palm was red while from the tips of the claws dangled large teardrop shaped rubies. The Sultan himself was clad from head to toe in black with a long red over tunic and mushroom shaped hat with a purple and gold plume. A shawl of purple covered his ears while a gold mask covered his eyes. Alfred wanted to point and laugh at the Sultan for he looked nothing like a frightening nightmare.

The Sultan blew some purple smoke from his hookah and asked, "What business do you have here, Dream Soldier?"

Alfred stood proud and answered, "I've come to rescue my brother!" he pointed to the kidnapper. "Your Nightmare Warrior took him from our home! I demand his return!"

The Sultan looked at the Nightmare Warrior standing beside him and laughed. "Did you hear that, Ivan?" he turned back to Alfred. "The little dream boy wants his brother back."

The Nightmare Warrior named Ivan only smiled at Alfred. "Ah, I'm terribly sorry, but I do not have him in my possession."

Alfred grit his teeth. "Where is he?"

"Yes, Ivan, do tell." The Sultan took another puff and blew out pink smoke this time. "What mischief have you caused now?"

"My dear Sultan," Ivan started with a bow. "His brother is a Dream Weaver, a very powerful one. He is safely kept with the others until he is called on." Ivan turned back to Alfred. "No harm has come to your brother, Dream Soldier. It's not in our nature to harm something that can only bring us power."

Alfred drew his sword quickly and pointed the blade at Ivan. "He is not yours to keep! Nightmare demon, I will fight you here and now for the return of my brother! When I win, you will return him to me!"

Ivan grinned. "May I, Sultan?"

"As much as I'd like to see the blood of a Dream Soldier spilled I do not wish it to be on my courtroom floor." Ivan pouted at him. "Come now, don't look so disappointed." His blew out some green smoke that took the shape of a snake. "One Dream Soldier running off at the mouth is not worth our precious time. Be gone, Dream Soldier."

The smoke snake curled around Alfred's neck and chest but he waved it away with his gloved hand. "You only want to send me away because you all fear me!" Alfred boasted with a swing of his sword.

"I beg your pardon?" The Sultan tilted his head slightly.

"Your Nightmare Warriors quiver at the sight of a Dream Soldier! I am a mighty warrior of the Dream World! I am well renowned and respected throughout the Land of Good Dreams!"

Ivan clapped his hands softly. "A splendid performance. Those who feel the need to boast about themselves only let their enemies see just how weak they are."

Alfred did not like being called 'weak', nor did he like being mocked, especially by a Nightmare Warrior. "I am no ordinary Dream Soldier! I am Alfred Jones, son of Dream Lords Francis and Arthur!" There were gasps and whispers from the crowd. "My fathers' names are known throughout this land! They have defeated many of the Nightmares, and I share in their power and might!" He held up his sword to the sky. "I ask you once again to return my brother to me or face the wrath of my heritage!"

Ivan and the Sultan exchanged looks.

The Sultan turned back to him and said, "I see the resemblance now. You look like your father, Francis, but have the stubborn pride of your father, Arthur. I know them well. However, the return of your brother is no concern of mine. That is an issue you must take up with my Nightmare Warlord, Ivan."

"What's wrong, Sultan?" Alfred asked with a smirk. "Afraid to fight me yourself?"

Ivan raised his pale brows at the sheer bold stupidity of the Dream Soldier.

The Sultan leaned forward in his throne just slightly. "What did you say, little boy?"

"I asked if you're afraid to fight me! Or are you just so old that you can no longer hear well? Sitting up there on your throne smoking and getting fat must really take all the energy out of you, huh?"

Ivan suddenly chuckled. "You humor us, Dream Soldier."

The Sultan slowly rose from his throne. "Are you challenging me?"

"I'm not afraid of you, nightmare scum!"

"Enough!" The Sultan shouted with a force that rumbled the entire room.

Alfred had to shield his eyes as the Sultan burst into a bright flash of light. When he looked again, the royal clothing and hat were gone, leaving only black pants and high boots. The Sultan was anything but fat, Alfred realized, and for a moment he feared he had made a very big mistake. The Nightmare Sultan had the muscular body of any powerful warrior, but when a long curved blade appeared in his hand, Alfred knew he had gotten himself into trouble again. But he wouldn't back down, not from a fight. He readied his sword.

His defeat came quickly in a blast of force from the Nightmare Sultan's curved sword. With on quick swing the force had sent his body spiraling through the air to slam into the wall. Alfred felt his entire body scream with throbbing pain but he dare not let himself cry out. All he could do was hide his face and contain his voice. The Nightmare Sultan rendered him helpless with just a single swing of a sword. Nightmare Warriors he could fight, but not the Nightmare Sultan himself. He was ashamed to admit defeat.

"Warlord Ivan," started the Sultan. "He is yours to do with as you please. It is a pleasure to know that I own both sons of my enemies." He smirked at Ivan. "Play nice, now."

"Thank you, Sultan." Ivan said with a bow. "I appreciate this gift."

"Take him from my sight." The Sultan commanded and returned to his throne.

Alfred tried to stand after he heard the Sultan's commands but the force that attacked him had drained all of his strength. He saw Warlord Ivan coming towards him. The vision blurred, grew black, and all he saw were shining purple eyes drawing nearer before he passed out.

'Help me, Alfred! Help me!'

'Matthew!' His little brother lay sleeping in a dome of white, the silver circlet of a Dream Weaver still adorning his head. The cream colored robes remained the same ones he wore on the day he was taken. 'Matthew! Where are you?'

'I don't know where I am! I can only call you from my heart! Find me, please!'

'MATTHEW!'

Alfred's eyes shot open, his heart beating in his chest and his body shivering with cold. He sat up in the strange room and looked around for any sign of his brother. Only a dark chamber greeted him. There was something heavy around his neck and he reached up to feel a collar resembling the shape of woven roots.

'A power limiter!' He realized. 'They've made me as helpless as a human!'

He noticed that he was in someone's bedchamber, probably that of Warlord Ivan. Everything is black, silver, or purple from floor to ceiling. A fire burned in the hearth and above him, just like the Sultan's courtroom, was the night sky- not a ceiling. Other than the power limiter, there were no chains on him so he could make a run for it.

Jumping from the bed, he ran to the chamber door, opened it, and hurried out only to reappear in the chamber again. 'What?' He went through the door again, then again, and then again before he realized a spell had been put on the room to keep him contained. Without his Dream World powers, he was unable to break the spell and free himself. 'Damn it!'

"How do you like your room, Lord Alfred?"

Blue eyes widened. "Ivan!" He looked around for him. "Show yourself, you coward!"

"Coward? I'm not the one who got his rump handed to him by Sultan Sadik."

Alfred grit his teeth and clenched his fists. "Come on! Show yourself so that I can punch you in that big fat nose of yours!"

"Do you really wish to confront me looking like that?"

Alfred noticed then that he was completely naked. Although embarrassed to be completely bare he could not show his fear to the enemy. "So what? I have the body of a man like any other! Do you fear me so much that you have to strip me bare? Are you trying to humiliate me?"

"Hardly."

Alfred noticed a dark, ghostly form pacing the center of the room. It had horns from the forehead and no feet. "Ivan! There you are, coward!" He held his breath as the ghostly form took a few steps forward and as it did, it slowly revealed Ivan's full form dressed in dark armor. Alfred showed no fear even though he felt it deep in his heart. He knew he was no match for a Nightmare Warlord while completely naked and branded with a power limiter.

"Good evening to you, little Lord Alfred."

"Cut the bullshit! Why am I here, Ivan? Where is my brother?"

Alfred stood his ground as Ivan approached and then stopped to stand dangerously close to him. To his surprise, Alfred found himself lost in those purple eyes filled with stars. His own blue eyes were a regular sky blue but he had nothing else in them, no stars or clouds or sparkles. He didn't want to admit it to himself but Ivan's nightmare eyes were beautiful. He could even see his reflection in them. How could a beast like a Nightmare Warrior have such beautiful eyes? Eyes with stars in them?

"Your brother is alive and well. No harm has come to him, as I've said. I've never hurt an innocent."

"Only kidnap them from their homes and families!" Alfred countered.

"I only do what I must. We do not have Dream Weavers here, only Nightmare Makers."

"Then why steal our Dream Weavers? They weave only good dreams! Why must you make them your prisoners? Just for power?"

Ivan turned away from him. "Our kind grows small. Humans barely dream anymore, sweet dreams or nightmares. They seem to have so many other things to occupy their minds that they sleep so deep where they cannot remember what they dream. Surely your kind has felt it too." Ivan turned to look at him once more. "Your kind is not disappearing rapidly like mine is, but you've noticed a drop in dreams too."

Alfred looked to the floor. He hated to admit it, but Ivan was right. Dreams were coming less frequent to humans, and without dreams, their worlds could disappear forever. "So that's why your kind began stealing our Dream Weavers?"

"Yes. If we can conjure stronger nightmares then the humans will fear us once more."

Alfred lifted his eyes to glare at the Warlord. "Why must humans have to fear the dark? Human life is already corrupted, filled with hardships and wars. Why would you want to keep them unhappy with nightmares? Sweet dreams will bring hope and happiness back to humans. Everyone deserves good dreams."

"Good dreams are not reality!" Ivan said sharply. "Nightmares speak of the subconscious fears that live inside all humans! It reminds them of just how powerless they are, but it helps to strengthen them in will; the will of survival. We learn from fear, not from happiness."

Looking into those starlight purple eyes, Alfred could see a world of sadness behind them. For a nightmare being so strong and powerful, he seemed to be a person suffering from his own demons. His own nightmares. But, that was impossible. How could something that gives nightmares possibly have them himself? True, little is known to the Dream World of exactly how the Nightmares operate when they aren't causing bad dreams and killing the defenders of good dreams. Yet something in those eyes spoke volumes and when Alfred felt it, it seemed to drain all of his happiness, all of his light.

'Perhaps,' he thought. 'Not all nightmares consists of monsters and darkness.'

Ivan cleared his throat. "This is my room, and yours as well." he stated clearly, quickly changing the subject. "We shall share dinner together."

"I will not eat with the likes of you!" Alfred felt his rage and hatred for the nightmares return.

"Then you may eat off the floor like a dog." Ivan threatened.

"With pleasure!"

And he did. Alfred ate his meal off of the floor by the bed while Ivan ate from the table and a plate. While he ate, Alfred studied Ivan's now unarmored body. The Nightmare Warlord was solid muscle, standing a good three inches over him. Ivan is big all around, Alfred noticed, and he grew jealous of the man's physique. While he himself had well-toned muscles his size was not even close to Ivan's. For the first time, Alfred felt small. Small and naked. He is powerless against this nightmare demon in his current condition. What else could he use to fight with when he had no magic, no weapons, and no armor? There was one way, but the hero would never stoop to THAT level.

"You blush, Lord Alfred." Ivan noticed that his voice startled the Dream Soldier. "Thinking happy thoughts, are we?" He mocked.

Alfred sneered at him. "None of your business, nightmare swine!"

Ivan glared at him. "I have been nothing but kind to you, Lord Alfred, but you are trying my patience."

"And I'm tired of looking at your face! It really is no wonder why no one likes nightmares! Everywhere your kind go they spread fear and depression. Say what you will about learning from fear, but fear leads to paranoia and depression, two things which can greatly hinder a human's psyche. At least with happiness they feel the motivation to do better, to go out and take risks, to make life better for themselves. That's why we Dream World inhabitants still flourish and your kind dwindles."

Ivan feared he would attack the helpless man for such an outburst so he quickly left the chambers without a word, leaving the spell in tact. He was hoping that this Dream Soldier would help to soothe the darkness in his aching heart, yet Alfred is proving to be nothing more than a troublesome brat. Ivan had to stop and lean against the wall for support as his chest swelled with his heart beating rapidly. Clutching at his chest he could feel the skin rising and falling beneath his hand. Leaning forward, he bit his bottom lip while his beating heart slipped from his chest and into his palm.

Looking upon the beating bulk of flesh in his hand, the once red and pink heart was now black. Such a condition as this is not one that Ivan could speak of. Nightmare Warriors whose hearts grow black and small are near death and likely to disappear. It is shameful for a Nightmare Warrior to die because of a blackened, broken heart. He had already lost two family members and three friends to shrunken hearts, only they were not warriors like him. They were simple nightmare fragments, the beings that support the Nightmare Warriors in conjuring nightmares. His three friends went first; their once trembling bodies were now floating amongst the stars. His eldest sister went first, and then his youngest sister followed shortly after. Now he was the last of his family line without any friends. So deep is his sorrow that his powers to conjure nightmares are dwindling...just like Alfred said. That was the word he used: dwindling.

"Damn you." He cursed at his heart. "I'm not through yet!" Holding in his roar of pain he forced the beating muscle back inside his chest, where it would remain, for a time.

"Oh, Ivan," it was Sultan Sadik. "I was just coming to look for you. How is little Lord Alfred?"

Ivan quickly gained his composure and turned to the Sultan. "He's willful. Very willful. But I will wear him down."

"Good." the Nightmare Sultan fixed his hat. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine. Why?"

Sadik shrugged his cloaked shoulders. "You just seem a little on edge. Is there anything you wish to speak about?"

"No, my Sultan." Ivan could tell that Sadik wasn't fully convinced judging by the slight scowl on that stubbly face.

"Hm." Sadik removed his mask to meet Ivan's eyes with his own. "Should Alfred and Matthew's fathers come waltzing in here with their armies I will expect you to remain here in the palace with both brothers under your watch. I'd rather you not venture into battle."

Ivan narrowed his pale brows. "But why not? I am your best warrior."

The Nightmare Sultan did not reply but put back on his mask and silently walked away, disappearing into a mist of purple smoke.

Ivan stared at the spot where Sadik was, curious to know just what the Sultan had been thinking when he said not to fight. Did he suspect? Did the Sultan know about his blackened heart? He suddenly grew very tired and weary. Not looking forward to speaking with Alfred this evening, Ivan had no choice but to return to his chambers and sleep.

Alfred sat in front of the fire, watching the flames dance and flicker while it heated his chilled skin. Although his mind was on Matthew he couldn't help but think about Ivan as well. This was a nightmare demon that had stolen his baby brother to use against them, the Dream World. Why should he be feeling any sympathy at all for the Nightmare Warlord?

'Those eyes.' Alfred said to himself. 'Those eyes hold so much sorrow and depression. It almost makes me want to cry.' But he is the hero. Heroes never cry.

'But they cry for others.' The words of his father, Arthur. 'It's not a sign of weakness but a sign of respect and humility. Feeling compassion or sympathy for others is a cherished gift, Alfred, and it is lacking in many Dream Soldiers, but not in you.'

"That was the only time I remember father speaking so nobly. He would also say that neither myself or Matthew were like him at all." 'Did I have no part in your creation!' Alfred remember his father often shouting. 'I do all the work and you both take after him!' Alfred could picture his papa, Francis, laughing at how angry Arthur can become. "But I am stubborn like you, father." Alfred said to the fire.

Just thinking about those happy times together had him greatly missing his life in the Dream World. He wished that they could all be together again. He wanted to hear his father, Arthur, scolding him for leaving and not saying where he was going or asking for help. Alfred even wished that he did not leave so swiftly without a word, for he left his parents to mourn the kidnapping of their youngest son alone. Alfred knew they must be very worried. But now that he was captured by the Nightmare Sultan there is no doubt a ransom had been sent to his parents. They should know by now that both he and Matthew are prisoners here.

"Matthew." Alfred whispered his name. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you...but I promise I'll find you."

'Alfred...' came a ghostly whisper from inside the room.

"Matthew?" Alfred stood up and looked around for signs of his brother.

'Alfred...' the ghostly voice was moaning now. 'Alfred...'

"Matthew! Where are you?" All around him, ghostly images of his brother appeared in every wall, column, picture, stone and even fire. The images kept flashing their dull, ghostly color of smoky gray. "Matthew!" The sights were almost haunting, frightening even. He jumped when a hand touched his shoulder. He spun around to see Ivan.

"It's your guilt." Ivan told him. "Your guilt is showing you these images of your brother because, in your heart and mind, you know you've failed to protect him."

Alfred shook his head in disbelief. "No. No! You're wrong! I tried to protect him!"

Ivan wasn't phased. "Guilt. You are feeling so much guilt that this land is feeding off of it. The power of the nightmares always feed on the biggest fears and insecurities of its inhabitants, dark or light."

"Where is my brother?" Alfred shouted at him. "I want to see him! Set him free and keep me if that is what you wish!"

Ivan smirked. "Ah, the hero's sacrifice to cover up his guilt. Face it, Alfred. You were too busy with yourself to notice that we have been targeting your little brother. Matthew knew. Oh yes, he knew something was amiss. He knew and he told you, but you didn't listen, did you?"

"Shut up!"

"If you had listened, then perhaps we wouldn't be here right now and Matthew wouldn't be conjuring nightmares." He was unprepared for the punch that met his jaw. There was the taste of blood in his mouth but the sudden violent strike became invigorating. Slowly, he turned to Alfred with a bloody smile. "You hit hard."

"Naked or not, slave or hero," Alfred formed a fighting stance. "I will fight you! Hand to hand combat!"

Ivan wiped the blood from his lips. "Very well. If I win, you share my bed. If you win, I lower myself to one knee and call you superior."

"Deal!" The idea of sleeping in bed with Ivan had a blush rushing to his cheeks but it left him little time to think when Ivan took a swing at him. "Ha ha! Missed!"

"This has only just begun!"

Alfred was strong, but in his current state, Ivan was stronger. Still, Alfred was able to hold his own, landing a few punches and kicks to Ivan's massive body while receiving some hard hits himself. He managed to flip Ivan over his shoulder at least once, which was a short lived victory because the Nightmare Warrior's foot kicked his legs out from under him. Then they started to roll along the floor in a frenzy of fists, wrestling to try and pin the other.

The brawl ended when Alfred's strength gave out on him and he was forced to let Ivan pin him to the floor. He was pinned on his belly with Ivan laying on top of him, holding his wrists down, and panting near his ear. The position was sexual but at the moment, Alfred figured he is the only one who noticed. The hot breath against his ear and neck proved to be a little stimulating. With another blush rushing to his cheeks, he had to hide his face from Ivan.

"I win." Ivan breathed into the shell of Alfred's ear. "You're very strong in your naked form even without your light powers. Impressive."

"So...you think you can trust me to sleep beside you? What's to stop me from killing you in your sleep?"

Ivan chuckled. "You wear a power limiter. There is nothing in this room that you can touch that won't shrivel up or turn to dust in your hands. Without your Dream World powers you cannot touch the weapons here."

"But I can still hit you with chair, or a plate."

Ivan found himself smiling. "Indeed, you can. But what good will that do? You'll be forever stuck in this chamber with no way out. Your brother will go on being a prisoner and everyone will forget about you. Isn't it easier to just give in?"

"I won't give in! Not to the likes of you!" He struggled to break free but Ivan's body was like a rock pinning him down.

"Don't be foolish, Alfred. You cannot defeat me in your condition, so why continue to fight me?"

"...I want to save my brother."

"You can't. He belongs to us now. You may be able to earn his return, but I will not hand him over to you, nor will the Nightmare Sultan." He got off of Alfred and they both stood up from the floor. "Accept this."

Alfred clenched his fists at his sides. "Just what do you want with me, Ivan? What purpose am I to you? You limit all my powers but still keep me in your room. Why? Do you just like the idea of owning a Dream Soldier as a slave? Do you boast to all your nightmare friends that you hold a Dream Soldier captive?"

Ivan stared into those hard blue eyes and said, "I simply want you. That's all you have to know."

"Want me? So I'm just a trophy to you? A prize?" He asked in outrage.

"Something like that." Ivan wanted desperately to reach his hand out and stroke the Dream Soldier's cheek. 'Just looking at you...makes me happy.' But he couldn't tell that to Alfred. "Come to bed now, Alfred."

Alfred looked at the bed and sneered. "A defender of good dreams and a destroyer of them laying in bed together? Who has ever heard of such a thing."

"It is what I'm asking of you, and I won the fight. A hero does not go back on his word."

"You're right. A hero doesn't!" Alfred stormed past him and got into bed, settling himself beneath the dark purple sheets. They were soft, very soft. He liked them.

Ivan smiled and stripped down to his pants, tucking his boots under the bed and climbing inside to join Alfred. The bed is just the right size for two people and Alfred's skin appeared to glow against the black silk sheets. Ivan found himself staring at Alfred, feeling the joy and happiness within him warm his aching heart. Alfred's blue eyes were still regarding him with distrust, disdain, and hate, but in time, Ivan hoped, those eyes would soften for him.

Alfred was looking at Ivan's eyes as well, fixated on those little silver stars in the purple. So much sadness. So much hurt. There can be sadness inside of beauty. But laying beside Ivan like this, Alfred found, was not so bad. He could be lying in a dungeon somewhere, void of light and life. Here he was nestled comfortably in a cozy bed without any wandering hands. The thought of Ivan taking advantage of him suddenly chilled his thoughts for if the Nightmare Warlord wanted to take him, he could. A hero having to give up his male virginity to an enemy? The very idea was not only insulting but degrading as well. He wouldn't be able to defend himself in the situation.

"I don't wish you harm, Alfred." Ivan assured him. "Do not continue to try my patience." Alfred didn't answer him. "Goodnight, Alfred."

Alfred turned onto his back to face away from Ivan and stare up at the night sky ceiling. Suddenly, the room grew very dark and only sparkles of bright stars danced above him. Alfred felt his breath catch in his throat at the beautiful sight. Everything around the bed is now a night sky with clouds and stars.

"Is this your magic?" Alfred asked in a whisper.

"It is. This is how I prefer to sleep." Ivan answered. "The stars help me to sleep. It makes me feel like I am not alone." Ivan realized what he said and became embarrassed.

Alfred looked at him mild surprise. "Alone?"

"It's nothing." He rolled over to give Alfred his back. "Sleep now. There is no sun here, only stars and the moon. When you see the dark sky turn a bright purple, it is time to wake up. Goodnight." He received no response from the other but he was too exhausted to press the matter and fell asleep.

Alfred continued to stare at Ivan's naked back for a long while. 'Alone. He said he felt alone.' Pondering this word, he turned his attention back to the night sky around him. 'Ivan looks at me the same way papa looks at father.' he blushed. 'Papa's face is always full adoration when he looks at father, even if they are fighting, or father is yelling.' Alfred returned his gaze to Ivan's back. 'Why does he look at me like that? He doesn't know me at all...so how can he...like me?'

In the silent, starry darkness, Alfred began to wonder if he should allow himself to befriend Ivan. In his current state, there is nothing he can do to help himself so he has to turn his attention to his captor. Since Ivan looks at him the way papa looks at father, then he may have to not only earn the nightmares' trust but get him to...he hated to think this...fall in love. Love makes people do crazy things, and if Ivan already cared for him, then he has an opportunity to save his brother. If he can win Ivan, then he can win his brother as well as their freedom.

'That's a dirty trick, though.' He thought to himself. 'Playing on Ivan's loneliness and lying to him to achieve my goal.' Alfred looked back at the nightmare beside him. 'But there's no other way.' he slapped his hands to his face. 'Ugh! This is so annoying!'

That following 'morning', Alfred woke up to find himself alone in the large bed with a tray of food waiting on Ivan's side. He lifted himself to look around for signs of the Nightmare Warlord but found he was alone. The food smelled delicious, and it wasn't placed on the floor this time. Unable to help the grin spreading across his face, he picked up the plate of breakfast food and started to eat.

Ivan was pleased that Alfred did not notice him in the room, which meant that the power limiter is still working. He took on the form of a ghost, choosing to stand across the room where he can stare at Alfred unnoticed. It is very odd, Ivan pondered, that he should feel so much happiness just by watching a person from the Dream World. It seemed unnatural to him. Both brothers awakened the long forgotten feeling of joy within in. He never thought something like this was possible. Ivan wondered if he should start collecting Dream Soldiers and people of the Dream World to keep as a personal collection. But that would be too barbaric, even for him. His eldest sister would disapprove. However, he did have Alfred, and unlike Matthew, this brother is strong.

'If only he can recognize feelings for me...then perhaps I can save myself from disappearing.'

When he saw that Alfred had finished his meal he decided to appear in the room. "Good morning, Alfred."

"Oh. Hey." Alfred was slightly startled by his sudden appearance. "Thanks for the breakfast."

Ivan gave a nod. "You're welcome. No snarky remarks about it?"

Alfred showed him the empty plate. "Does it look like I didn't approve?"

That made him laugh. "I suppose not."

"You know, you should smile more often like that." Alfred told him.

"I do smile."

Alfred shook his head. "Not like that. All you nightmares appear so unhappy. Is that just the way you all are?"

"I cannot speak for every nightmare inhabitant." Ivan answered.

"Hey, I'm curious. Do you have any family? Any friends?"

Ivan looked at him curiously. "Why do you suddenly want to know so much?"

Alfred shrugged his shoulders. "Why not? I mean, I'm stuck here with you and I'm alone most of the time so...I guess I'm craving conversation. I have been known to talk and babble a lot. But I don't know anything about you and you know nothing about me and since I'm your prisoner, I might as well get to know you. You know, just as a thing."

"A 'thing'?" Ivan raised a brow. "I don't understand."

"Don't worry about it. Just answer my questions." He smiled. "I'll listen."

Ivan considered denying Alfred the answers he sought but the Dream Soldier is smiling at him. A friendly, happy, compassionate smile. He felt joy once more. "I no longer have parents. They're both gone. I had two sisters, one older and one younger. Both are no longer with me either. I had friends...three of them, but they perished as well."

"Wow." Alfred's brows went up. "That's rough. You don't have any family left? No one at all?"

"That's right."

"Hm. No wonder you're mean and cruel. Now I understand why your eyes are so unhappy all the time."

"My eyes?"

"Yes, your eyes. When I look into them, I see-" he paused in his speech.

Ivan walked over to the bed, removed the tray, and sat beside him. "What do you see?"

Alfred stared into those starlight purple eyes once more. "Sadness. Sorrow. Loneliness. Depression. Hurt. They give you away."

"And you can see all this in just my eyes?"

"Yes. But when you look at me, they seem to change."

Ivan leaned in a bit closer. "How so?"

Alfred leaned back. "You're doing it right now. You...you look at me...like my papa looks at my father." What possessed him to say that to Ivan? It was as if those eyes forced him to speak the truth!

"Do I seem mean and cruel to you now?"

"No. But I do pity you, and I feel sorry for you." Alfred's brows furrowed sadly. "And I shouldn't...because you took my brother from me. You've killed my people. You give people bad dreams and destroy their good ones...and yet in your eyes...gah! I'm speaking like a girl!" he quickly turned away from Ivan. "Stop looking at me!" He crossed his arms defiantly. "Take your horns and go...scratch them against a tree!"

Ivan stared at him, silent for a moment, but then began to laugh. It was a hard belly laugh that nearly had him falling to the floor. It had been too long since he had last laughed like this.

"Are you insane?" Alfred asked.

"No! You just...I found your insult hilarious. It wasn't even that funny," he wiped away a tear. "And still I laughed."

"Well, you're weird."

Ivan stood from the bed then. "If you promise to behave, I will allow you to accompany me to the Nightmare Feast this evening."

"Do I come as a prisoner or as myself?"

"You are still my prisoner." Ivan answered. "Rest up today, for the evening will be long." He turned to leave but Alfred's voice stopped him.

"Wait! You never answered anything I said!"

Ivan turned to him and silently waited.

"Why do you stare at me that way? Why do I first see sadness in your eyes, and then joy?"

Silent for a moment, Ivan turned away from him and said, "It makes me happy to look at you." And with that said, he left.

Alfred sat on the bed, stunned, staring at the spot where Ivan just was. 'I make him happy? He just looks at me and he is 'happy'?' he started to blush. 'What is WRONG with me?' he pounded his fists on the bed. 'The hero shouldn't feel sympathy for the enemy! Ivan is my enemy! I cannot forget that. But I still have to earn his trust. I have to play the friend and the fool to him if I want to win. Maybe even...make him fall in love with me.'

But is it fair to pretend to love someone you do not share feelings for? Alfred doubted in his heart that he could love a nightmare. All nightmares were evil. Dark, cruel, and cold. And yet Ivan was so different. The Nightmare Warlord had him wondering if his people had the nightmares all wrong. Could that be it? Could that be the truth?

'A hero must always be aware and alert. He must observe, quietly, and make mental notes of what he sees or hears.'

Alfred allowed himself to enter on Ivan's arm, dressed in a long red tunic and black pants with slippers. As he crossed the courtroom floor, the other nightmares all stared at him, some with glowing eyes, others with disgust, and even a few with lust. Although the looks were a tad bit unnerving now that he was not in armor, Alfred continued to hold his head high. Prisoner or slave, he is still a lord and will conduct himself as such.

The dais had a large table set upon it with a black tablecloth and spiked-back chairs. The Nightmare Sultan sat in his claw throne, dressed the same as before but with a purple mask this time. The smoke he blew from his hookah remained a rainbow of colors and took the forms of various animals. When they climbed the dais, Ivan sat next to the Nightmare Sultan while Alfred had to stand. He wanted to sit as well because he is still a lord but he promised Ivan he would behave and he had to win Ivan's trust. This is just a minor humiliation he would have to endure for a little while.

"Alfred, would you like some wine?" Ivan asked him.

"Eh, I'm not really keen on the stuff. Have anything else?"

Ivan shook his head and sipped his own wine. "I'm afraid not."

"Then I'll take some wine anyway." A little bit of alcohol would help him remain calm. A goblet of wine floated over to him and he took it with a bit of caution. Maybe it was better not to ask how it got to him. The wine was good, he thought, and drank a little more of it.

Throughout the feast, Alfred was allowed to eat (standing up) and watched the performances with amazement. First there was a magician of some kind that could perform tricks with smoke and animals. Next was a group of dancers, all women, who could make even the most celibate monk have a wet dream. And then came the conjuring of small nightmares to act as a play. Alfred watched different monsters and ghosts interact with one another, performing tricks and spells of their own. There was nothing terrifying about the images before him, making him wonder if the nightmares saw only beauty in their work and not horror.

"Do you like what you see?" Ivan asked him.

"I'll admit, it's not at all what I thought it would be. But then again, I am a soldier so nothing really frightens me."

"It's not supposed to be frightening, Alfred. This is a performance. It's meant to be art."

"Yeah, I can see that. If I were allowed my powers I could conjure up some sweet dreams for everyone to see."

One of the illusion animals came towards him, a rabbit, hopping through the air. Alfred watched as it approached him, an opaque form that fully resembled the animal it represented. However, he was unprepared for the rabbit to suddenly take off its head and bowed to him, as if it were taking off a hat in a polite manner. Alfred could even hear the rabbit say, 'good day', before putting its head back on and hopping off.

"Now, was that scary?" Ivan asked with amusement."

Alfred rolled his eyes. "Not scary, but that doesn't mean it wasn't weird. What are you trying to prove, anyway?"

"We're simply showing you some of the many things we can do. Later, I will take you for a walk in our gardens."

"Sounds like fun."

True to his word, Ivan brought Alfred to the palace gardens. They walked along the golden stone paths with Ivan pointing out the names of flowers. Alfred didn't mind flowers but they were more his brother's thing. Matthew loved flowers. Ivan seemed to enjoy them as well.

"Ivan, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why are there such things as flowers and gardens here? When I think of a world with bad dreams, I do not picture beauty. Your land is not pretty like ours, not by a long shot! But it isn't terribly dull."

Ivan smiled. "Just because we give bad dreams does not mean we live in a world full of horror. Yes, we have many dark themes here for that is simply our way. It's the way it has always been. Man and magic have created us since the dawn of time. We are the things that scare them, but that doesn't mean we as nightmares have to feel the same way. We have our own lives and culture, the same as your world."

Alfred nodded. "I get what you're saying. I'm just surprised at how...different this world is from what I've been told." He looked at Ivan. "You are still a kidnapper, though."

"I only do what I must." Ivan reminded him. "Your brother is going to help keep us strong."

"You could have just asked."

Ivan chuckled. "Would you or your fathers have said 'yes'?" When Alfred didn't answer, Ivan nodded. "I thought so." They walked in silence for a bit longer and then he said, "You are being awfully obedient, Alfred. Any particular reason?"

Alfred looked up at him. "Well, I'm making the best out of my situation. Besides, I see a part of you that…" he stopped talking.

"That what?"

Looking into those starlight eyes again, Alfred found himself repeating what he said the night before. "Is very lonely. Looking at you fills me with...well...it makes me feel sad as well. As if I'm sympathizing with you, or I'm feeling what you're feeling."

Ivan smiled slightly. "Like I said when I look at you, I feel joy."

Alfred's eyes widened. "You don't think…" he pushed away from him. "No! That's too weird! I'm a hero! I only feel sorry for you! We don't...we don't feel what the other is feeling! I've had enough of this!" The moment he tried to walk away Ivan's hand shot out and grabbed his arm.

"You feel something for me!" Ivan said. "I see it in your eyes! I saw it just now!"

"Let me go!" Alfred ripped his arm away but Ivan grabbed it once again.

"No! I will not let you go! You fill me with joy! Joy and warmth! I haven't felt such happiness since I lost my family and friends! Having you with me makes me happy!"

Alfred pulled away again. "You can't keep me prisoner because of that! Just because looking at me makes you happy? What are you going to do? Have me turned into a statue? I'm not a prize or a trophy for you to adore! I'm a person! A man! I'm a hero!" He gasped slightly when Ivan pulled him into his arms like a lover. Alfred tried to push away but Ivan's iron grip held fast and tight. Now he was dangerously close to those starlight purple eyes and dark lips.

"If you're a hero, then save me."

"Save yo-" Ivan's lips met his in a kiss.

End Chapter 1 TBC