It's been a while, too many things to do and absolutely no time to do it in. There will be errors in the grammar and probably more but I wanted to post this chapter or it'd just get delayed again.

Song: Don't Speak
Artist: No Doubt


It looks as though you're letting go
And if it's real Well I don't want to know

Don't speak


"You always knew it would come to this, there's no choice, none."

"Don't be an arse! Get off your high horse already and start thinking rationally."

Alfred huffed, folding his arms and glaring, "he was here! Watching us! Probably trying to get to you, he was inside the fucking castle and I have no idea how he did it. Do you know how crazy it is I can't figure it out!"

"Oh for God sake, would you get down from there."

"From where?"

"The air Jones! You are floating in the air and it's irritating me to no end." Scooting back against the pillows and headboard Arthur pointed to the bed, "get down already."

Settling onto the bed Alfred stood in a pose too hyped to do anything else. "I searched everywhere, he was there and then not, he's haunting me. He knows about you!"

Trying to swat Alfred off the sheets Arthur frowned, "how would he know anything. I'm not even sure it was Ivan, I was happily asleep before you gave a bloody war cry and shoved me out of bed. I know I've already asked but...are you sure it wasn't just a bad dream? You've been having them for a while now."

"Vampires don't dream," Alfred shot back, flopping down to sit with the Briton. "Arthur I swear he was here..." trailing off he fell into thought. Not wanting to divulged what else had happened. Not entirely confident anything had. "Is this all the candles we have, it's too dark I don't like it."

"And here I thought you chaps were rather fond of the dark," Arthur teased lightly, sighing slowly as the American remained ill at ease. "Alfred it's only a storm, you must have seen much worse. Just because the little luxuries this castle has have been knocked out doesn't mean it is Ivan's doing, or that he is here."

This is a natural storm, that's totally true but he was here, the window wasn't covered and lightning filled the room and I saw him. How else would the drapes open? And close no less!"

"I'm too tired for this," Arthur admitted, rubbing his eyes in effort. "I'm sure it was just a dream or thought."

"No,I need to tell the others, it's not safe."

"It's almost dawn, we are not all going to evacuate now based on something you vaguely think might have happened." Trying to take a kinder tone Arthur sighed, "even if he was here he's not now you said so yourself."

"You don't believe me," Alfred stated, having the urge to touch Arthur to sooth himself. Sensing it Arthur gave Alfred's hand a small squeeze, smiling slightly, "I believe that you believe it and that's fine but for now let it go, we'll talk about it tomorrow. I'll even let you hold me...if that will settle you."

Biting his lip the vampire declined, "no Arthur I just can't. I need to talk to Francis..."

"Because he knows all the answers," Arthur drawled sarcastically, lying back down and pulling the sheets about himself. Deliberately facing away. "Do what you want, I'm going back to sleep."

"Not alone our not!"

Before Arthur make sense of the words Alfred was pulling him up and out of the bed, straight out through the door and down the hallway. "What are you doing? I'm not properly dressed!"

Casting his eyes down Alfred resisted the urge to laugh as Arthur stumbled besides him, tugging down a long loose shirt over modest and short undergarments. "That doesn't matter, they won't care."

"They?"

"Well you don't want to see Francis now."

Tripping again Arthur tugged at the vampire to slow down, "would you just stop acting like a mad man!"

"I'm not," Alfred breathed, coming to a sharp stop in front of a door. Fury flushing his face Arthur found himself staring at it also, startling as the American knocked loudly. A string of high pitched cursing spewed from the other side and Arthur put his palm to his face, "please no."

The door opened and Lovino Vargas scowled darkly, spitting the words, "what do you want?"

Shoving Arthur into the Italian Alfred then pushed them both in the room, "it's not safe to be alone," he started, "stay together and Arthur if anything happens call my name and I'll come." With that said he moved out the room in a flash and shut the door behind him.

"What the fuck was that about?" Lovino asked, moving about in the darkness with ease.

"Alfred's having a moment, it'll pass. Um...I can't see."

"So?" The Italian bit back, "I want to sleep so shut up!"

"We can find him some candles!" Came a cheery voice, causing Arthur to turn full circle confused.

"You shut up too! Both of you idiots intruding on me like this! I like being alone what the fuck did I do to deserve this?"

Arthur just had to ask, "you sleep together?" Little lights flickered on and Feliciano stood smiling kindly offering a glowing candle. "I love sleeping with my brother!"

"In a non sexual way!" Lovino screamed, slapping his forehead in exasperation. "Sleep I need to fucking sleep!"

Feliciano nodded, slipping back into the bed next to his brother. Scooting to the side he gestured for Arthur to join them. "You can sleep with us."

"No he can't," Lovino spat.

"I don't want to!" Arthur retorted crossly, feeling the burn of embarrassment on his face. Thinking that he should have been worried, that sleeping next to two vampires was dangerous. But it was of no issue, he'd grown far to used to the two. Only embarrassment and principal caused him to reject the offer. Instead scanning and finding a suitable lavishly long sofa, pointing at it he lowered his voice, "is it alright if I just sleep there? I wouldn't impose but I don't want another drama display from Alfred. I'm too tired to care now."

"It's fine, blow out the damn candles already!"

"Right," moving to the sofa Arthur settled, watching the candle light dim and then die. Hearing a soft fall of feet barely having any weight, the distinct brush of heavy fabric on him. A kind whisper close to his ear, "so you don't get cold."

"Thanks."

...

"Okay...I was in bed...with Arthur-"

"Always a good start," Francis mused openly, smirking and folding his hands together eagerly, "do tell details."

"I'm not talking sex" Alfred snapped, rolling his eyes and looking about the room again. Grateful for Francis's fondness for light, that the shadows were few and far. No possibility Ivan was in the same room listening and watching.

"That's ashame cause zats the only thing I want to hear."

"This is serious," Alfred hissed, "I saw him Francis, I saw Ivan in the dark, in my room. He was above us at the side of the bed and he reached out for Arthur."

The Frenchman adsorbed the information with a sensible calm, "it sounds like a dream," he admitted. Sitting back in the chair and relaxing into thought. "How would he get in here to do that? Why would he do that at all?"

"To piss me off," Alfred said, slamming his hands onto his knees leaning forward, "he was right there, reminding me. He always was a crazy commie bastard, he controlled everything, he destroyed everything I loved and he wants to do it again." Glancing at his friend gravely Alfred sighed, "I have put you all in danger because I wanted friends...with all of you I have been happy and then Arthur came along and everything got even better. I do love him you know...as much much as a mortal man can love, perhaps even more."

Francis nodded, smiling kindly, "I know."

"But that's the problem," Alfred whispered, leaning closer, "he is in danger, much more than you know...than you can ever know but Francis I could not bare it if something happened to Arthur, that he would suffer at the hands of my maker. I am terrified, I have never won against Ivan but it's only been me before. He'd go for Arthur, he'd do it for fun. I can see it all, I shouldn't say it but I feel it! It's tearing me apart picturing it, I know what Ivan would do, I've seen it in the past and I was part of it. The things I did...those things can't happen to Arthur."

"I ave never seen you so miserable Alfred, such thing's won't happen."

Francis startled slightly as the American immortal took his hands suddenly, holding tight. "Make me a promise, please swear to me that if I fail you will do what you can to keep him safe."

"You do not ave to ask zat of me, I find him most amusing. Should the danger arrive I will watch over him as best I can."

"Thanks...I just need to know he has someone watching out for him other than me."

Francis smiled, giving the younger vampire a reassuring pat, "ah he as more alliance behind im than you think."

...

Arthur awoke early, still tiered and stiff. Sensing somehow that it was still the day he moved quietly out of the room he was sharing with the sleeping Vargas brothers. making his way back slowly Arthur resented how cold the stone floor was, cursing Alfred for not letting him have his boots or better clothing. Reaching the room Arthur took not care to be quiet, thoroughly annoyed and expecting to see the immortal blond. Instead everything was left as it had been and a simple white papered note sat on the bed.

Arthur,

By the time you read this I will be long gone. There wasn't any time and I couldn't stand to wake you and make you so unhappy again. But I did kiss you goodbye so don't make the face that you always make, the one that you're doing now. I have to do this and I hope you can understand why in time. I want us to be free, fearless again with the world. People usually finish these things romantic right? Well I am always and only yours, now and forever.

- Alfred

Arthur sat perfectly still, re reading the note again, repeating parts aloud for clarification. Finally he put it down, brushing it away, off the bed. "Alfred...your really are an idiot."

...

"Where might I find this Ivan fellow?" Arthur asked calmly, having stormed into Francis's quarters, fixing his eyes coldly upon the Frenchman straight after. "I know Alfred talked to you last night, whatever he said I don't care I just want to find him. I must go to him and smack some sense into his thick head."

"He is already with his master," Francis spoke, urging Arthur to sit across from him. "It is his battle, if he can't do it none of us can."

"But why alone?" Arthur demanded, squaring up to where Francis was sitting, staring down with fierce green eyes. "Why must he do it alone? We should help him! Ivan is a master an ancient one you all tell me so! Alfred cannot fight him without support."

Francis faltered, reaching out gently and getting slapped back, "why are you so afraid to help him? You are his friends! Don't you care about him at all? Well fuck you! I love him, you don't. Tell me where he has gone!"

"You love him?"

"Yes I love him," Arthur repeated slower, glowering, "but it's not about that, I have to help him."

"Then stay away," Francis said, casting his eyes away from the Briton. "He dose not want you there, he wants you here."

"I don't care what he wants he'll get himself killed!"

"You'll get him killed," Francis corrected standing to fast for Arthur to catch. "You are his weakness and you cannot protect yourself against such force."

"That isn't true, I can fight. Just because I am not a vampire dose not render me useless in such matters."

Shacking his head Francis became annoyed, reaching out again and getting denied, "I do not say such things to urt you Arthur, you would get in the way as would we. It is personal to Alfred,you have never been made by another, if you had you would understand and not tolerate such talk. If Alfred needs us we will know and we will go to him only then do not be rash, stupidity will get you killed and it'll kill Alfred in turn, so don't do it."

Arthur didn't think, shuddering violently before striking out and punching the vampire hard across the cheek. "Excuses!"

Francis hissed, touching his cheek and turning his fantastic eyes on the Briton again, moving quickly and enclosing the smaller blond in his arms. Holding fast as Arthur resisted, cursing quietly before scoffing, "stop it frog I do not need a hug! I don't do fucking hugs."

Shoving awkwardly again at the Frenchman Arthur strained back, " I have to go to him. God only knows what might have happened..."

Resisting the lure of pulsing blood Francis sighed, lifting his head higher to better resist temptation. "I know it is ard for you."

"Well I don't understand it, why would he seek out a maker he cannot stand? That he has never beaten in battle. Nothing good can come of this, I know it. He could already be-"

"Don't think such things, I would know. Ah cher...are you close to crying? Cause if you cry in my arms I might not let you leave me tonight."

...

Alfred had found the place, Ivan always resided in similar locations. Often ruined and aristocratic, abandoned long ago. Pushing past the iron gates Alfred stopped himself from laughing, looking the place over, the mansion at the end of a dark courtyard. The scenery old and stark, the stuff of old world nightmares. The tree's were tall, twisting towards the sky and bare, the courtyard forgotten, broken statues of angels gathered in the middle, dancing around a fountain where water once freely flowed.

Coming to a stop before the door Alfred let his eyes sweep the building, wanting to declare himself in some wild manner like had done in so my times before. Flushed full of life and laughing loud enough to wake the dead. Letting the moment and memories pass by he continued on inside with casual resolve. Without fail the door creaked opened, an invite from within and without hesitation Alfred walked the rooms silently until meting his maker.

"You've returned to me?" Stepping away from the large rotten framed windows Ivan smiled, his colourless lips sharp and his eyes cruel.

"Na you know I haven't, you know why I am here. I won't let you haunt me, are you trying to drive me out of my mind like so many others? Because it's easy, because it's fun for you."

Ivan said nothing, titling his head slightly in a mock innocence. "The past is gone," Alfred started, "so stop trying to make it live again. I feel nothing for you, no attachment or loyalty, how could I? You feel nothing for the ones you create, the others you surround yourself with. We only tolerated each other, I because I knew nothing else and you because my thirst for blood was of great amusement. But that soon ended, I went half way round the world to be free. And you know all this as if it is written in a book so lets skip a few chapters and reach the last page."

"You have become better with your words," the Russian mused, folding his arms effortlessly behind his back. "Did your Englishman teach you that? The one who slays vampires, the one who you took back with you." Smiling again Ivan closed the distance, having the height advantage. "He still lives, after such a time, is he special? I thought you would have had your fun." Leaning close Ivan continued lightly, "I have seen him, what was it like? Did you take him over and over? Did he fight you? Challenge you? Dose he want to escape you as you wanted to escape me?"

"Shut up, you know nothing."

"I know you, I made you."

"Well you shouldn't have," Alfred retorted gravely, glaring into the depths of his makers eyes, finding nothing, "don't talk about Arthur, he is with me of his own free will."

The Russian laughed, "a slave."

"My equal actually. Now enough talk, lets finish it. Once and for all this time."

...

Arthur sat alone, despite Francis insistence he stay he had fiercely declined. Wondering before back and forth between his chambers and the Americans. Finally he had resolved to stay in Alfred's room, finding a happier familiarity but no peace.

Falling face down into the pillow he drew in the scent, a mixture un named fine fragrance that had eluded Arthur from the start, "bloody hell Alfred, all this time you've always been close and now I can't feel you at all. Where in the world are you?"

The stretch of a week had passed by, without word or knowledge of Alfred or anything happening at all. Arthur determined not to go mad spent his time engrossed in books and learning about the castle. Venturing out among the overgrown grounds by day, worshipping the sun and the comforting warmth it gave to him alone. Retiring inside when it would set below the skyline, settling himself to wander the halls, exploring the fortress with cautious care.

The night was young again and Arthur paid it no mind as he finished up in the kitchen. His frequent insistences leading to it being wondrously stocked with all kinds of ingredients, spices, meats and tea. Whilst trying to discover the mystery of who had gotten it all Arthur offered to pay getting told it was no consequence and a simple pleasure. Of course Francis gave himself away, hinting that Feliciano had gone and gotten everything in market places far and wide.

Heading back to his room Arthur took the longer route, confident in the narrow and large passageways winding around the levels. Only pausing as a slither of light came from the ballroom which was usually unused. Hearing the faint chime of sweet immortal voices he slipped closer to the door, utterly intrigued.

"It has been too long, something must have gone wrong."

Arthur frowned, figuring out the gist of the conversation immediately, confirming old suspicions. That there was unrest, talks, large discussions were taking place within the castle, the inhabitants all gathered together in the great ballroom illuminated by a roaring fire they did not need. Lavishing there like sculpted muses amassed in one fantastic painting. Nearly scoffing at the very thought Arthur pressed himself against the wall, pushing aside the chill of the stones. Determined to hear what was said even if he hadn't been invited.

"Perhaps he has left us for them, he came to us under such a circumstance. I do not think he would not do it again."

Arthur's green eyes flickered to the stern speaker, the owner incredibly refined, the one who had played the piano long ago when his great escape had been attempted. But now the vampire held a reserved posture, a sensible but unfeeling expression. "He has betrayed us, it's as simple as that."

"No I do not think that is right, Alfred san would not do that."

Again Arthur reconsigned the speaker, a soft voice, belonging to the Asian vampire who still seemed all too aloof to the Briton. "He has too much here," he insisted gently, "give him time he will come back to us."

The group seemed to consider the situation silently, all regarding each other with a mostly cool confidence. Only a few looking uncertain or concerned, the Vargas brothers sporting both. Arthur strained to hear others, some speaking on a much more confidential level, pondering the issue privately.

Only when ice blue eyes moved his way did Arthur stiffen, moving back from view, holding air deeply within his lungs. When no commotion was made he slowly peeked at the gathering again, caught in a silent stare. The German, the non vampire, perfectly stoic and indifferent. Debating whether to enter or leave Arthur stared on as the other turned away, focusing back on the debate and showing himself as no threat to the Britons eavesdropping. Grateful Arthur listened in again.

"You remember what he was like don't you? The perfect brute, none of us hear could handle him alone."

"That was long ago Roderick, past transgressions have no weight hear." A lithe blond man stared down the musician with easy green eyes, narrow in nature but in no way unpleasant. Pushing back his shoulder length blond hair he folded his arms looking away to the fire. "You are too quick to pass judgement on an ally."

"And you are too slow," the Austrian countered crossly, "if he has joined with them then it is only a matter of time before they come here. If we make no plan they will wipe us out, they outnumber us, they hold every advantage."

Hesitating a moment Feliciano slowly rose his hand, fidgeting nervously before offering a thought. "It has been a century or so since the last attack maybe they might not want to fight any more. Maybe they accept us and will leave us alone."

Murmurs rose out amongst the immortals, a dull hum of disagreement rising.

"A-And I'm sure Alfred has not joined them, he is too nice now. He is our friend and he loves Arthur."

"The vampire hunter? The one who not so long go was dragged through these halls kicking and screaming against Alfred Jones. I think not, he is the same as us but made by a monster, he is a vampire that holds little loyalty to anything." Casting a deliberate look to the younger Vargas Roderick smiled smugly, "and to claim he loves a mortal at all is most absurd, another phase, most of us have experienced it and it dose not last. Truly nothing holds him to us."

"What do you bloody know?"

The words he left his lips before he'd realised it, resigning himself to the spotlight Arthur stepped through the doorway, staring down the great gathering.

"Alfred loves his life here, I know that and if you knew him at all you'd know it to. He has many flaws, God knows I know them well as do all of you but to hold it against him now when he's not here is shameful. There no evidence either way so stop spouting prejudge and believe in the best."

"You dare talk to us in such a way," Roderick asked, pushing the glasses up the bridge of his nose in an irritated habit.

"Yes I do, I can't because I'm mortal? What real difference dose it make here? These matters concern me just as much as it dose you."

"He has betrayed us and he has abandoned you here, his interest in you whatever it was has past, his allegiance with us has ended. He goes to his maker and master."

"To defeat him!" Arthur snapped, "he left word assuring that. If you want to talk then make plans to fight for the final time together. But you won't do that, none of you show interest in it. Content with doing nothing all these years. Happy to haunt this place and only use words as weapons, you're vampires! Supposedly scared of nothing, creatures of divine darkness concerned over ideas, why do you hide here? Like children in storm, there is no wonder in how you live, no romance. It's laughable, this pre natural paradise is nothing, lingering here learning nothing new, well the world moves on, let this castle crumble and ruin about you but don't talk ill of the one vampire amongst you who is actually doing something! It might not be perfect, it might not be planned but it's something. So shut the hell up!"

Glancing around slowly Arthur drew in a long breath, calming himself and feeling entirely out of place. Sharp stares and hints of fangs bringing the Briton to sense, pointing over his shoulder he gestured to the door, "don't worry, I'll leave, I'll do it alone if I have to. But should you want to take charge of your fate join me tomorrow, when the sun sets. I go to fight for a life worth living, the right to be free."

...

After gathering his possessions Arthur paced about the room, restless. Sick to his stomach of waiting for each and every dawn. Desperate for word or sight of the American. How some others sympathised, or that the fact most stayed overly clear of him altogether if they knew of him at all before the great speech. Any kind sentiments felt forced and Arthur had ceased to seek the limited company available. It all bothered him, clouding his mind with distinct unhappiness. The silence soon dragged and when it did his confidence wavered, he could rationalise no longer.

Just waiting around for Alfred's return was something Arthur pictured himself doing. Sleep had become almost impossible every so often drifting in dreary dreams and waking too soon and tired to feel befit. Settling on the bed he had shared with Alfred Arthur tried to find peace, giving in to sheer exhaustion in the early hours.

It wasn't long before Arthur awoke without knowing why. Vaguely aware of disturbance though no sound was to be heard. Figuring it was one of the many inhabitants of the castle passing by he ignored it, fully prepare to fake sleep should any familiar immortals enter. But nothing happened, or as it appeared yet vaguely Arthur caught the sense suddenly that someone was in the room. Someone he could not confidently place, the Vargas were always too brash and loud and Francis would have had to touch. Sitting up slowly Arthur stared out into the dark, mapping out objects and places, trying to force a better power of perception. Nothing made itself known and his heart began to quicken, settling his hands in his lap Arthur called out in a hopeful tone, "Alfred? Is that you?"

'Let it be you for if it isn't...'

A minute passed and Arthur felt a slow chill working through his body, keenly aware he was been watched and not being able to locate from whom or where. Steadying his nerve and pushing aside dread Arthur mused, "so it's you, the one who made Alfred. Are you only going to watch me or might we talk like civilised beings?" Debating whether to reach for a candle Arthur leant across slowly, feeling for the candle stick holder, "won't you talk to me?" Fumbling around to light the wick Arthur cursed quietly, gasping out as the wick burst into a small flame, as did all the assorted candles in the room.

"Vampires can't do magic. It is a trick."

Stepping forward into the soft illuminating light Ivan smiled thinly, "da it's a trick, I can make fire should I choose it."

Staring at the Russian Arthur watched in entrancement as shadows danced around the room, flickering on the immortal form. "Vampires can't do that," he insisted steadily.

"None that you have ever met, they are all so young. I have slain more fledging and wandering vampires than you. Not in your lifetime could you accomplish a fraction of what I have."

"So you come here to insult me?" Arthur asked evenly, straining his eyes against the limited light. "Instead I'd like to inquired about Alfred." Stopping himself from flat out accusing the master Arthur drew breath and waited, willing his unsettled heart to slow. "Where is he?"

"You worry for him?" Ivan asked, titling his head to the side with a childlike air.

"Why wouldn't I? Don't belittle me for such a thing. I care for him more then you ever have."

The Russian mused, moving his long limbs in a manner that was un natural. Stepping soundlessly to the wall he rested against it, his body and expression the furthest from human that Arthur had ever bore witness to. Finally he spoke, violate eyes shading, "I can see why he likes you. The reasons you amuse him as you amuse me."

"Where is he? What have you done for him to not be here in person!"

"And you are bold," Ivan laughed.

"Answer me! You are not my master I will speak to you as I see fit!"

"I could be, if you want it ask. Ask me for the gift."

"Anything from you would be a curse. Where is Alfred? Why has he not come back?"

"He has, to watch you to wish you well."

"What do you mean?" Arthur asked, "are you saying that he has been here lately without waking me? I don't believe it that makes no sense. Tell me where he is, why he won't show himself. Don't look at me so passively! Tell me what I want to know. I am not afraid of you." The candles around the room flickered wickedly, as if some invisible force suffocated each flame momentarily, the room grew cold. "More tricks."

The flames surrounding them extinguished simultaneously, Arthur let loose a laugh. "Alfred has already done things to freeze my heart in terror, this is nothing!"

Arthur started as hands much larger than he could imagine caught his face as if it was love. Holding him there with a naturalness that the Briton did not like. "I am not afraid," he said again, clicking his tongue in confidence, darkness devouring his tone."Tell me where Alfred is or take me to him."

Fingertips closed his eyes and Arthur sighed, sensing the inevitable swoon, the fanciful flight of senses and the surrender of consciousness. "What have you done?"


It took me a while to write this, it's really just the build up.
Remember to review, lets get over the hundred mark!