Translation notes:
Mon cher= My dear
Ton ami= Your friend
Verdammt= Damn it
Nonno= Grandpa
Il mio bambino= My baby
Ja= Yes
Vati= Dad
Bruder= Brother
Dummkopf= Idiot
Mutti= Mom
Nein= No

Chapter 7: Mistakes Were Made

Research has shown that there were many ways to improve sleeping. Sleep in a cool, dark, and quiet environment. Take a warm shower. Do not go to bed hungry or stuffed. Do not look at bright screens. Alfred managed to achieve the first three tips. Browsing his Facebook feed before bed was still a bad habit he had yet to break. Most of the time, however, he still managed to fall asleep quickly.

Tonight was different. Even if he did not stare at his phone an hour beforehand, his nerves and worries kept his eyes wide open.

"But other people will die if that familiar is still out there! Who knows, its next victim can be one of your fathers or Matthew! It might even be you. You were nearly killed by witches two times if it weren't for another magical boy!"

"You can use lots of magic and your Soul Gem would not be corrupted one bit. If you got into a fight with a magical boy like Ludwig, you can beat him with no struggle!"

"You might be a hero to people and magical boys alike if you defeat Ludwig to some degree."

The longer Alfred gazed up at the ceiling, the brighter and bluer his pitch-black surroundings became. His dark-colored bomber jacket hung over his seat, and his bookbag was underneath his desk. His body felt too hot with his blanket. Yet, without the blanket, Alfred felt too exposed to the imagined dangers lurking in the shadows.

Behind the door, footsteps quietly strolled down the hallway. The bed groaned as Alfred sat up in his bed. He tossed the sheets over and put his glasses on. Dad must be staying up again writing his novel. Maybe Alfred should speak to him about his dilemma.

To Alfred's surprise, Francis was seated at the dining table with a glass of wine.

"Oh, Alfred? You're still awake?" Francis asked.

"Can't sleep." Alfred sat down on the chair adjacent to Francis.

"You look worried about something. Care to share?"

"I want to help a friend." Alfred began. "He's having issues with this guy. I would help him because I don't like the guy either. However, even though I see and agree with my friend's views, he's also trying to make me do something I don't want to do."

Francis set his hand on the side of his head and nodded. His sympathetic look cued Alfred to continue.

"He told me that if I don't help him, I don't care about him or other people. But I know that I do care a lot. What do I do?"

"If he is going against your values, don't help him. You are not obligated to." Was Francis's straight answer. "Alfred, you are a strong-willed boy who is always eager to help others, especially your friends and family. However, you must also know how to set boundaries. Otherwise, the longer it goes, the more you will lose yourself. People will only continue to demand more from you. Do you understand, mon cher?"

"Yes, Papa. But, he's one of my closest friends. I don't want to lose him. He's going to get hurt if I don't do something."

"Sadly, you cannot save everyone, even if you care about them deeply. There are times when they can only save themselves. For example…" Francis paused. "…One of the biggest mistakes I've made in my youth was staying in unhappy, meaningless relationships. I thought that I could save them and turn them into a long-lasting marriage. Yet, I became so lost I could not realize when there was no longer any love until much later."

"Then how do I know when to save someone?"

"When you don't have to hide yourself from them. I'll give you a perfect example: your dad."

"Dad?"

"Oui."

"I still don't know how you guys got together in the first place." Alfred brought up. "You guys are complete opposites."

Francis smiled at the memory. "Your dad was a reoccurring customer back then. He always went to pick up lunch before running back to work. I didn't think much of him at first. I only knew him as the grumpy Englishman with thick brows who worked at a bookstore across the street."

"One day, I decided to explore his bookstore after closing. I was hoping to find a book on French cooking." Francis's smile widened as he chuckled and shook his head. "However, all I found were books with English recipes! I jested that no one brought these books because English cuisine was too bland. Today, your dad and I laugh at the joke whenever one of us speaks of it. Back then, however, your dad thought it was distasteful. He insisted that his homeland's food was perfect the way it was. I ended up buying one of these cookbooks just to prove him wrong."

"The strange thing was after learning how to make scones, I suddenly desired to learn more about English pastries. As I got help and recommendations from your dad, we eventually fell for each other."

"What does this have to do with not hiding yourself?" Alfred thought. Nevertheless, he was enjoying his papa's story.

"After our first few dates, I learned that your dad was not the most romantic person in the world. He did not like being touched or kissed, especially in public. Yet, I was still drawn to him. There was something about him that I did not find in my previous relationships. Being next to him made even the most mundane days and activities sufferable."

"Looking back, I was drawn to your father's honesty. He was straightforward. He knew what he wanted. At the same time, he also understood what I wanted. He was willing to listen to my reasoning and correct me or himself when necessary. To me, that shows confidence in himself, the confidence to be aware of himself and others."

"You are correct. Even today, we are complete opposites, and we still have our little disagreements now and then. However, what makes this marriage very precious to me is its authenticity. We know the difference between striving to improve our relationship and imposing idealistic expectations. We never had to completely conceal ourselves."

"But isn't getting better at something steps to reach perfection?"

"It is human nature to never be completely satisfied with ourselves and our lives, especially in this fast-paced, competitive world. However, remember that your life is for yourself, not for other people. Sometimes in order to be true to yourself, you must hurt others, including those you do care for the most."

"Isn't that being selfish?"

Francis chuckled. "That's why compromises exist! The people who love and care about you are the ones who will accept and help you. And I'll guarantee you'll be more than happy to negotiate with them."

"Alfred, ton ami is probably losing his way. Try to explain to him that you understand him. Reason with him so he can be guided back on his path."

"What if he does not listen?" Alfred asked, anticipating a painful yet honest answer.

Francis paused before answering, "Then he is left to rescue himself."

~.~.~

"hey feli, i wanna say that i understand your intentions to find and fight that familiar. but i still dont want ludwig to hurt you. hes very strong and can easily kill you. your heart is in the right place but just leave that familiar/witch to him. you can always save people by hunting witches in different parts of the city" -Sent at 10:46 am.

"are you still gonna go back there to find that familiar? i can tell dad that we wanted to study together. besides im not grounded anymore. i can come with you and if ludwig catches us i can defend you at least" -Send at 10:54 am.

"feli? are you mad at me? i know youre taking your magical boy duties very seriously. and you are a good one! but look after yourself please" -Sent at 2:11 pm.

"feli, you there? please be ok" -Sent at 3:28 pm.

"please respond" -Sent at 5:01 pm.

After shutting off his Nintendo Switch, Alfred checked his phone. It was 8:14 pm and still no reply from Feliciano. Maybe Feliciano did see the messages but was too caught up in homework and studying. Since he had Sunday mass to attend to tomorrow, he preferred completing his assignments the day before. Feliciano could also still be angry at Alfred, though knowing his placid personality, it was highly unlikely. In addition, he might be busy seeking and fighting witches, unless…

"Alfred!" Jumping at the voice, Alfred looked behind him.

Tony was outside on the windowsill again. "Feliciano's in trouble! Follow me!"

"What?! What happened to him?!"

"He's getting chased by Ludwig! Hurry! Follow me!"

"Damn it, Feli!" Putting on his bomber jacket and shoving his phone into his pocket, Alfred raced out of his room, heart racing wildly.

Arthur, who was seated at the dining table, looked up from his laptop when Alfred hurried through the hallway and turned towards the front door. Alfred? Where are you going? It's quite late."

Socks skidded on the hardwood floor. Alfred grabbed the kitchen counter to catch his balance. "A friend needs help quickly, Dad. I'll be back as soon as I can!"

"What kind of help?" Arthur rose a suspicious brow.

"Think, think, think quickly!" Panicked sweat formed on Alfred's back.

"A fight. He got into a fight and needs help." Alfred blurted as he slipped on his tennis shoes.

"A fight?"

"Yeah, he's hurt badly. He needs me now. Really!"

Giving Alfred one last curious look, Arthur said, "Don't make this fight worse than it is. Keep yourself safe."

The door slammed shut as he went back to his draught.

~.~.~

Cars roared beneath Feliciano's running feet. A powerful gust whipped his hair into his face. His legs aching in exhaustion, Feliciano came to an eventual stop. Cramps stung his sides as his shoulders rose and fell heavily with every loud pant. He should have listened to Alfred. He should have asked Alfred to tag along. Heck, he should have not returned to that neighborhood in the first place! He went under the naïve assumption that Ludwig would listen to his explanations this time.

"Oi! Come back here!" Ludwig's low voice shouted behind Feliciano.

Holding out his Soul Gem, Feliciano quickly turned around to face his pursuer. "I'm already out of your neighborhood! Stop chasing me!"

"I ordered you to never return!" Ludwig retorted, scowling at Feliciano. "You broke zat promise!"

"Maye if you actually protected people, I would've not gone back into your area! Why would Tony even offer his contract to a selfish person like you?!" Feliciano's faced paled. His hands were a second too late from muffling his mouth.

Ludwig's face turned red, dilated eyes ready to budge out of his sockets. "Are you assuming that my wish vas only for myself?"

Feliciano's terrified expression hardened into a glare. "I won't be surprised if it was!"

"You don't know anyzing about my past!"

"Well, did you wish to save someone's life? Someone who you love?"

Ludwig scoffed scornfully. "Vould you believe me if I said yes?"

"Feliciano!" Ludwig turned at the new voice.

Alfred kept his eyes on Ludwig as he ran around him. His panicked expression relaxed into a relieved look when he saw Feliciano unscratched. Riding on Alfred's shoulder, Tony lightly grasped his blond hair.

"Thank god you're ok, dude!" Alfred said before turning to Ludwig. "Dude, I'll take care of him. We'll leave you alone."

Ludwig stomped closer to Feliciano and Alfred. "Zee only way you two vill leave me alone is after vhen I teach you two a lesson!"

"Dude!" Alfred stood in front of Feliciano with his arms crossed. "We really will! Why are you so angry?"

"Because you two lied about staying out of my territory!"

"Your territory? Anyone can go into your neighborhood, bro!"

Ludwig snatched Alfred by his shirt and jerked him forward. Two pairs of fuming blue eyes glared at each other, showing no sign of backing down to each other. Feliciano helplessly watched Ludwig, his Soul Gem in his hand shimmering blue.

"Ludwig. Leave them be."

In his magical boy attire, Kiku coolly entered the scene.

"Didn't you mention zat you're make sure zey won't come back?" Ludwig pushed Alfred back as he turned to face Kiku.

"Leave them be. I'll take care of them." Was Kiku's only response.

Alfred's stomach anxiously turned at the Soul Gem clutched in Ludwig's hand.

"You vant to take take my vitches too, don't you?" Ludwig confronted.

"No."

Green light shone from the cracks in Ludwig's fist.

"I see now... You're using your friends. You're using zem to cut off my Grief Seed source! To bring me down!"

"I am not."

"I'll be villing to believe you after a vorthy battle. Do you accept zis challenge?"

Alfred shot Kiku an alarmed look. "Don't!" he mouthed. "He's too strong for you!"

"…Yes, I accept your challenge."

"Hmph. To the death!"

Both Ludwig and Kiku held out their Soul Gems. Their eyes peered up from the iridescent green or purple gemstone towards their opponent. Strategies from past battles were recalled. Tactics buzzed in their planning heads. Kiku was much smaller, but he previously demonstrated an unexplainable magic ability. Do not underestimate his size. Ludwig's longsword could be used to deflect attacks. However, it was also very heavy. Take advantage of his slower speed. The two were so focused, Alfred was able to sneak behind Ludwig without either of them noticing.

Arms grabbed Ludwig from behind. "Dudes, stop!" Alfred pulled Ludwig back as he wrestled him for his Soul Gem. "We can talk this out, can't we?!"

"Let GO!" Ludwig jerked forward.

"He's strong!" Alfred gasped. His arms wrapped tighter around Ludwig as he staggered backwards.

Alfred's back met another body. "AH!" Feliciano cried out. "NOO!"

From the corner of Alfred's eye, a tiny blue sparkle flew off the bridge.

"My Soul Gem!" Feliciano screamed panicky as he desperately scanned the highway below.

"What were you doing?!" Alfred shouted. "Why did you have it out?!"

"I was going to help Ki…" Feliciano's eyes went blank as his voice faltered.

"Feli?"

Feliciano shoulders slumped as he began to fall towards Alfred.

Alfred caught Feliciano, shocked at how limp and heavy he was. "Feli! What's wrong?! Hey! Say something! Wake up!" Feliciano's drooping arms swung as Alfred shook his body for a response.

"Alfred, what have you done?" Tony asked.

"What have I done?!" Alfred exclaimed. "I didn't do anything?"

"You just pushed Feliciano over the bridge! How could you do that to your best friend?"

"What are you talking about? This is Feliciano!" Alfred pointed.

"The hell is happening?!" Ludwig snarled. He grabbed a handful of Feliciano's hair and gave it a sharp tug.

"DON'T!" Alfred screamed. "STOP!"

Feliciano's only response were slightly parted lips and empty, cloudy eyes that sent Ludwig a shiver down his spine.

"He's dead!"

"Shit, shit! C'mon, Feli! Wake up! Wake up! Come back! Don't leave!" Alfred's wide eyes filled with tears as he continued to scream.

"The hell is this?!" Ludwig scowled at Tony.

"Feliciano's too far from his body." Tony explained. "He's over a one hundred meters away from it, so he lost control of it."

"Too far from his body? Vat are you talking about?" Ludwig grabbed Tony by his neck and lifted him up.

"Is there anything we can do to save him?!" Alfred asked, clutching Feliciano closely to his body.

"Save him? Alfred, this is not Feliciano. It's just an empty shell."

"Not Feliciano?!"

"Did you assume that magical boys and girls can fight witches with fragile human bodies? No. It's physically impossible." Tony explained. "Their Soul Gems are their real bodies. It's much easier to sustain and protect. When I recruit magical boys and girls, I take their soul from their human bodies and transform it into a Soul Gem."

"Verdammt…" Ludwig growled, tightening his grip on Tony's neck. Tony did not flinch one bit. "You turned us into zombies! Without telling us!"

"I don't understand why you're upset." Tony said apathetically. "It's a convenient accommodation. Stabbed in the stomach? Flung against a wall? Falling off a multi-storied building? No problem! Your magic will heal you up and you're back on your feet! The only thing you have to worry about is keeping your Soul Gem with you at all times and make sure it does not get damaged."

The highway continued to roar beneath the boys. Feliciano's body remained limp and lifeless. Distinct headlights reflected in Ludwig's shocked eyes.

"What the fuck?" Alfred only uttered.

"I don't understand." Tony continued. "Why are you humans so sensitive about everything? Why do you care about where your souls are in?"

Ludwig's fist shook, fighting the urge to throw Tony over the bridge.

"Mmmm…" Movement in his arms caught Alfred by surprise.

"Feli?! Feli! You're ok!" Alfred exhaled in relief. "Thank god…" he sighed.

Stirring, Feliciano blearily stood up. Alfred buried his face into Feliciano's shoulder and hugged him tighter. Noticing the cold, metallic feeling in his hand, Feliciano eyed his reflection in his Soul Gem's blue surface, before looking up at Kiku, who stood behind Alfred, hair disheveled, hands trembling, and cheeks flushed with exhaustion.

~.~.~

"You knew it along, did you?" Alfred asked Kiku.

The boy boys crossed the street. Red taillights parallel to their path zipped passed them. White headlights shone on the boys' legs.

"Yes." Kiku answered. He kept his face towards the path in front of him and Alfred.

"Why didn't you tell anyone?"

Kiku's brows arched slightly. "Is it worth telling if no one would believe me?"

"Man…" Alfred looked up at the tiny white sparkles in the black sky. "I thought Tony was for us, dude. Why would he do something like that? Taking people's souls like that…"

"It's because he, or it, does not understand emotions. Tony is an alien species foreign to human values. All it considers is a fair exchange in terms of logic. What only matters is someone turns into a magical boy in for making a wish."

"Still, it's pretty shitty." Alfred said. "He didn't tell Feliciano what he was going to do to his soul. Feliciano only wanted to save someone from dying. He's a hero who deserved more than this."

"No matter how great a person's sacrifice is, a hero is still worth less than a miracle." Kiku bluntly said. "Think about it. Even if Feliciano prayed with all his might, the person would never recover. Divine interference is a rarity. A miracle that desirable is worth the same or even much more than one person. You can say it is a life for a life. It is best to stop worrying about Feliciano."

Alfred halted in his path. "No. I'm not going to let my best friend fall like this."

Kiku looked back at the stubborn blond. His arching brows began to lower into a stern look. "He cannot be saved."

"But there's gotta be something I can do!" Alfred maintained.

"You cannot do anything!" Kiku's voice began to rise.

"What if I wished for Feliciano to be normal again?"

Kiku's hand twitched at Alfred's suggestion before he shouted an angry "NO!"

Alfred's eyes widened at the raven-haired boy's tone, a complete opposite to the mild-mannered, logical boy he saw him as.

A flash of regret shot in Kiku's dark eyes. "N-No…" He quietly repeated. Like if they had minds of their own, his hands clasped both of Alfred's larger hands, squeezing them tightly yet protectively. "Please be yourself…" Kiku mumbled as he began to blink his eyes furiously.

"Don't you see how many people already love you? Kiku continued, turning his gaze at his and Alfred's shoes. Alfred's heart ached at Kiku's words. His bewildered expression turned into a kind smile as his hands gradually relaxed at the warm touch. Alfred reciprocated Kiku's gesture with the same soft squeeze.

The gentle contact snapped Kiku back to reality. Face flushing red, he jerked his hands free from Alfred's. "I apologize for that." He said. His body tensed to maintain his composure.

"It's cool. Don't worry about it." Alfred replied calmly. Kiku's heart throbbed at his sincere smile. "I won't think of making a wish again."

"Never again. You saw how Tony is. It has devious intentions. Limit your contact with it." Kiku cautioned. "Do not throw away your humanity."

Alfred nodded. "Throwing away your humanity… Does that mean Feliciano isn't a human anymore?"

Kiku looked down. A sports car vroomed passed them, sending their hair flying into the cool air. Kiku barely flinched, though. "You can say that. He can never return to his old life now."

~.~.~

"Nonno?"

Dressed in his Sunday's finest, Julius looked up from his morning newspaper, surprised to see Feliciano still dressed in his pajamas. Feliciano groggily brushed hair from his dark-circled eyes. His face was a sickly pale, lacking his cheek's pink glow.

"Feliciano! Are you feeling well?" Julius worriedly asked.

"No…" Feliciano answered, his eyes dim. "I didn't sleep well last night… May I stay home for today? I don't think I can go to church with you…"

Julius rose from his seat and gave his grandson a pat on the head. "Stay home and get some rest, il mio bambino. Go back to your bedroom and sleep!"

"Thank you, Nonno." Feliciano gave Julius a weary smile before walking back up the stairs.

Once when he laid his head on the pillow, snuggled the bedcovers, and closed his eyes, Feliciano drifted into a dreamless sleep. When seemed to be shutting his eyes for a few seconds was actually a four-hour nap.

A hungry pang in the stomach jolted Feliciano awake. His stomach growled for nourishment as he changed out of his pajamas and dressed in a casual buttoned shirt and jeans. After buttoning his shirt, Feliciano looked at his ring's glistering sapphire gem.

"So…This is my real body now." He said to himself. "How can I face Nonno again? What would Gabriel think of me?"

Julius was nowhere to be seen in the kitchen or living room. He was probably out buying groceries for home and the restaurant. In the fridge, some spaghetti stored in plastic Tupperware caught Feliciano's eyes. While Feliciano loathed reheating food, he also did not recall seeing the spaghetti yesterday. Julius must have cooked and saved it for him today.

As he blew the steaming pasta strands looped around his fork and ate them, Feliciano wondered what he could do today. He did not get an opportunity to complete all his homework yesterday. However… Feliciano peered at the grandfather clock resting next to the doorway. It was only one in the afternoon.

"Maybe I can visit Gabriel!" Feliciano smiled at the thought.

"Visit who?" A telepathic German-accented voice asked.

Feliciano nearly choked on his food.

"YOU AGAIN?!"

"Ja, it's me."

Swallowing the last chunk of pasta and tomato sauce, Feliciano hurried to the windows and parted the blinds with his finger. To his disbelief, Ludwig stood outside his apartment, leaning against a lamppost.

"What do you want from me?"

"I zis vant to have a talk vith you."

"…You're not going to fight me, are you?"

"In zis broad daylight in front of all zese people? Nein. Besides, I'm in your neighborhood now."

After finishing washing the dishes, Feliciano finally left his apartment. As he emerged from the stairs, Ludwig acknowledged him with a slight nod while retaining his stern expression. Feliciano's Soul Gem flashed blue as Feliciano's reflex jolted him to jump.

"Didn't you hear? I'm not going to attack you!" Ludwig asserted.

"…" Feliciano could only look up at the taller, bulkier male.

"Didn't you mention zat you vanted to visit zis Gabriel?" Ludwig asked.

"…Yes." Feliciano managed to answer.

"Vhere is he?"

"…In the hospital." Feliciano wanted Ludwig to stop probing into his background.

"Hmmm…" Ludwig put on his thinking face. "You mentioned making a vish to save a life… Let me guess, Gabriel's the person you made your vish for, isn't he?"

Eyes narrowing defensively, Feliciano nodded without a word.

"Just as I suspected…" Ludwig murmured to himself. "Vell, vhat are ve vaiting for? Let's get a move on to zee hospital."

"Didn't you say you wanted to talk?" Feliciano asked.

"Ve can talk as ve valk. Come on."

Holding back a protest, Feliciano could only nod his head in hesitant agreement before following Ludwig. Though, given the abundant number of fellow pedestrians and cars, Ludwig would be unwise if he planned to battle him in the middle of the crowd.

"Do you regret making your vish, especially after learning about what zat alien did to us?" Ludwig suddenly asked.

"…No. Do you?" Feliciano responded.

Ludwig shrugged. "It is vhat it is. Actually, in zis dog-eat-dog world, having zese powers is useful. If you use zen for yourself, you're guaranteed to never be disappointed."

"He probably used his wish for himself… How selfish…" Feliciano said under his breath.

Ludwig's glaring blue eyes were as cold as ice. "I did not use my wish to benefit myself."

"Then why don't you use your powers for others?" Feliciano responded.

"Because I do not vant to get burned by zis damn system again."

Ludwig dug into his faded jean pocket and pulled out a silver necklace with a cross-shaped pendent. He handed the accessory to Feliciano to see. "Zis belonged to my vati." He began. "Vati was a man who was very devoted to his religious beliefs. He vas a person who vould immediately pray after reading about a tragedy so God could help zee people affected. As far as I could remember, he always told me and my bruder that God always watched over us, no matter what."

"As vell-intended he was, his mindset vas naïve. Vati vas also a hard worker who dreamed of owning a successful business. After saving enough money, he managed to start his own store. His business were among zee many competing against each other, yet he insisted zat zings would get better. God vill lead zee vay. However, he began to lose more money zan he earned. Before long, he vas in heavy debt and vas close to shutting his store."

"It got so bad, my family sometimes vent to bed on an empty stomach. Our 'friends' pitied us, but I did not vant zeir pity and their prayers. If zey felt sorry for us, why didn't zey actually help us?"

Ludwig's fist clutched at the memory. "I got pissed off. God vasn't zere. He vas never there. He vas only a bystander. The vorld does not stop for you, even if you did nothing wrong, even if you were suffering. When Tony showed up, I already knew my vish. For my family, I vished for Vati's business to thrive. I vanted to be the hero zat vas zere for zen."

A slight smile crooked Ludwig's lip. "It vorked. Everyone vent to Vati's store. His ethnic food even attracted people outside our neighborhood. My family never starved again. Being his generous self, Vati donated to zee less fortunate. And me, being a dummkopf, felt like a hero. I saved my family. I saved other people. While Vati brought in zee business, I'll hunt vitches in the background."

Ludwig's face fell into a solemn expression. "Zen one night, I became careless. Vati caught me pursuing a familiar. It didn't take long to figure vhat really caused his business to bloom."

"He lost it. All zat time, he believed zat zis miracle vas God's act and his own hard vork finally being recognized. He called me a vitch, a follower of the Devil. Ironic, isn't it? I was condemned as a vitch! After zat, Vati vent mad. He drank frequently and abused his family, including his own two sohns. One day, while me and my bruder vere at school, Vati killed Mutti and himself. My vish did save my family, but at vhat cost? Not considering Vati's ethics. It did not ensure a happy ending. From zat day on, I promised to only fight for myself. If I use it for myself, I vill not be disappointed again."

Looking at the cross-shaped pendent again, Feliciano's heart churned at the story behind it. He returned it to Ludwig. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because both of us made zee same vishes." Ludwig answered. "Ve made vishes for others. Zat should be it. Getting more from it is only to bring more misery. Ah, look. We're almost zere."

Across the red light was the hospital. As Ludwig stood by and kept his gaze on the traffic light, Feliciano's hand began to repeatedly press the traffic light button.

"Vhy are you doing zat?" Ludwig rose a brow, his mood becoming grouchier with every click. "It doesn't make it go faster."

"Well, I believe it does." Feliciano replied. "As long as I keep my faith, I can still use my magic for good. Whether it has something to do with Gabriel or not, I'll continue taking the opportunity to help this world one at a time. I refuse to have regrets."

The light turned green, cuing the two to cross.

"You're only setting yourself for disappointment." Ludwig warned. "Stop being so stubborn and naive."

"I have to. Magical boys can't be selfish." Feliciano countered. "We must continue to serve our duty no matter what."

Feliciano and Ludwig stopped near the hospital's entrance. Giving the most honest and sympathetic smile he could muster, Feliciano turned to Ludwig. "I won't invalidate the pain you went through." He began. "What happened is a tragedy. You did not deserve that to happen. Still, you still have your magic. Why don't you continue using it for good? The world always needs more heroes and goodness."

In the sky, the clouds drifted by, revealing the sun. Feliciano's eyes sparkled as an idea lit in his mind. "Why don't we start a magical boy alliance together?"

"Nein." Was Ludwig blunt answer. The larger male crossed his arms, not showing any response to the dejection in Feliciano's falling smile. "I vork alone only for myself. I vill not fall for zis silly alliance."

"…fine with me." Feliciano answered sadly.

"Now go." Ludwig pointed at the hospital's front doors. "Gabriel is vaiting for you."

Feliciano nodded. "Thank you for walking with me." he said before turning to enter the hospital.

Once when the sliding glass doors closed in front of Feliciano's thin figure, Ludwig began to walk back where he and Feliciano came from. Although the closest cars were a distinct block away halted by another stop light, Ludwig obeyed the red light in front of him.

With Ludwig's small push, the traffic light button beeped. Ludwig retracted his arm. His eyes turned towards the distant stalled vehicles again, still waiting for that light to turn green. Why did he suddenly feel so restless and so bored?

"Beep." The light button went again. "Beep."

"His name is Feliciano, right? Ja, zat's correct."

When was the last time Ludwig spoke to a fellow magical boy and learned their name? When was the last time Ludwig parted with a magical boy as acquaintances, rather than chasing him away? As Ludwig's index finger continued to press the traffic light button, much to his head's logical resistance, his heart could not help but soften at the pure and innocent smile given by Feliciano moments ago.

~.~.~

"Ding!" The elevator went as its doors open.

Feliciano's heartbeats grew faster as he approached Gabriel's room. There were no other voices, meaning that Gabriel was alone. Good, Feliciano could finally have some privacy with him. He could finally tell him his true feelings!

Stopping a few steps away from Gabriel's room, Feliciano combed his hair with his fingers. He brushed stray hair from his face. According to his phone's camera, his teeth had no residue of pasta and tomatoes.

"Gabriel? It's me—" Feliciano started to greet as he entered.

When he stepped into the room, Feliciano froze. His hands shakily rolled into numb fists. Uneasiness filled his twisting stomach. A tiny ring resonated in his ears.

The room was still draped entirely in white. The heart monitor still beeped. Gabriel's injuries were still wrapped, though his cuts were not as dark and the bandages were a fresh, clean white. However, there a familiar spark lacked in Gabriel puzzled gaze.

"…Gabriel?" Feliciano repeated, trying to hide his shaking voice. Outside, clouds rolled over the sun, turning the white room into a gloomy grey.

Gabriel rose a confused brow. "Who are you?"

Author's Notes: Question for y'all: In Hetalia fanfics, do people usually write a character's accents in their dialogue? The only accent I've been writing in this story is Ludwig's, and I was not too sure on how distracting it is.

The later chapters will feature more dialogue than descriptions, so I hope you guys like reading about characters speaking to each other!

I didn't want Ludwig's past to be a copy-and-paste of Kyoko's, so I had his father be both a religious devote and a business owner. The religious aspect implies how Ludwig lost faith in his beliefs and eventually the magical boy and girl system. I also wanted the competitive nature from owning businesses to suggest why Ludwig is so firm on keeping witches himself and not cooperating with other magical boys/girls.