Hi! Thanks 2 9KillerQueen9, Luchia Ladrona, Eevee Blossom and Hanaakari for reviewing! Your encouragement always makes my day : )

So I know a couple of you guys want some Arthur/Michelle interaction. I promise it'll come next chapter! What's in this chapter is a very important plot point you see that will lead up to the interaction of our main characters...

Let's Go!

Beauty In Darkness

Chapter 14

Michelle needed a plan and fast. But first she had to calm herself and process what she had found...

000

After tearing through the study like a frantic tornado, the girl's spirit companion had sensed dark magic. Sourcing the power to a decrepit cupboard, Michelle cracked it open to find a very heavy black leather book. As she tried to pick it up, the evil protective spell on the book activated; causing an electric shock to pierce her being.

Flying Mint Bunny then used his own good hearted powers to bypass the spell and heal Michelle. It was also the spirit that translated the language it was written in; Ivan's native tribal language known as Russian. Quite a few passages were insignificant wishes and hopes.

But it was a select few passages that drew Michelle the most. This is what it read;

Journal

I can't help but feel proud of my little sister today! The clever assassin finally succeeded in getting rid of King Kirkland once and for all! Natalya not only made sure he was dead, but brought back three pints of his blood too. One for each of us; me, Natalya and Katya. Once we all get an injection of each pint into each of us, the royal blood shall make us unaging!

But what of his two sons? Especially Arthur, since he was to assume the throne at eighteen. I may as well humor them for now! Both are far too young for the throne at ages three and four. I suppose I should take over, da?

Ivan Braginski

Michelle was livid. Was this what caused Arthur's darkness? She pictured a younger Arthur, smiling and playing with Alfred not knowing that his beloved father would never return. The thought made her blood run cold and freeze her like ice.

"There's more." The green spirit stated. He turned a few pages and told Michelle to read.

This passage was written a couple of weeks later. It read;

Journal

Well, I am king now! Katya is still rather upset; she knows nothing of the assassination. Best to keep it that way, I say and Natalya agrees.

Kirkland's two little boys have finally figured out that their father was not coming back. They both think that I was chosen to be the next, as said in their father's will. Alfred believed it almost instantly but Arthur still gives me very suspicious and cold looks. He's too smart for his own good, da? Never listens to a word I or Natalya says, that boy. Too rebellious...I shall have to fix that.

All three of us are ageless now. Katya believes this was in Kirkland's will also. I hate lying to her...

Ivan Braginski

Michelle twinged in distaste. How dare Ivan just take the throne? "It's a sacred thing and not just something to seize!" She whispered in quiet rage. Her thoughts drifted to Arthur, again; What did Ivan mean about fixing Arthur's rebelliousness?

"The next relevant passage is not till Arthur is about to turn seventeen." Flying Mint Bunny replied. He conjured up a wind that miraculously opened the journal to exactly the right page.

Journal

It shall be Arthur's time to take the throne soon. I would like to be in power longer though...

Anyway, the boy has the courage to argue with me, it seems. Says I take too much of the villagers' harvest. He has no knowledge of power, da? Without this, he could never be a good king.

His beloved brother Alfred has much more power; he always seems to master his magic so quickly. I can tell Arthur is jealous...but he still hates to get Alfred involved in kingdom affairs...still loves him dearly. Perhaps, I can use this to my advantage...?

Ivan Braginski

"Use this to his advantage?" The rebel leader pondered. Without a word this time, Flying Mint Bunny turned it to another passage. This passage was shortly after Arthur had turned eighteen.

Journal

Arthur, the little bastard, has seized power with the help of Alfred and the villagers. I am to be banished from the kingdom they decided. But I shall get my revenge.

I've placed a curse on Arthur a few days ago. The darkest demons shall spawn in his soul and take it over.

I have three days till my banishment. My sisters have chosen to leave the kingdom with me.

Ivan Braginski

"I remember this...when Arthur took power." Michelle muttered absently, lost in her memories of clashes and riots in her village. "Are the demons what I saw torturing Arthur? Torturing him from the inside?" The spirit nodded. Michelle's eyes flashed dangerously. So...it was Ivan who caused Arthur to be this way! Her hands shook with anger and fear and...regret. The rebels were after the wrong tyrant all along!

Flying Mint Bunny turned to the very last pages of the cursed book.

Journal

King Roderich has decided to interfere. He and his queen cast a counter spell to repel my curse. Now this means that as long as Alfred is with Arthur the demons cannot take over. Roderich and Elizaveta have also proclaimed that one day the Great Angel will rise. She will rise and love Arthur. As to make sure that such trouble and disorder in this Kingdom will not be repeated.

Well, I'll find a way to lure Alfred away. Then the demons can carry out my revenge for me! As for the Great Angel...such misguided folklore is not to be believed. Many people have claimed to be the Great Angel and all have been wrong.

I leave the kingdom now. Arthur is now king and his kingdom have welcomed him with open arms. I say to Arthur, enjoy it while you can da?

I'll have revenge. But it may take years.

Ivan Braginski

...

Sooo...how do you think Ivan got Alfred away? And if he's still out there, how will he seek revenge? What will Michelle do now?

And also, I need you guys opinion on something...

Do you think I should stay focused on this story for Hetalia? Or would I be able to upload a couple of plot bunnies in my head that won't go away? Although, If I write those, I can't promise that updates will be consistent for any of them. That's why I need your opinion. But I will never leave a fic unfinished, that much I DO PROMISE YOU! : )

Please review and tell me what you think!

xxrubyredrosesxx