Moon Stalkers Chapter 14

Good Night Arthur

Arthur.

Arthur, wake up.

Be aware.

Arthur, where are you?

Arthur, stay in the van.

I can't lose you.

Don't leave

I love you…

Bright green eyes snapped open before fluttering and a low groan came from deep within the blonde's chest. He wearily raised a hand to cover his eyes before blinking again, shifting so the sunlight wasn't directly on his eyes. Arthur breathed softly as his eyes slowly scanned the roof of the room he was in. Arthur paused, surprised he didn't see the familiar canopy in his and Alfred's room.

He groaned and held his head as he remembered what had happened. He was thankful he wasn't dead, but he wasn't happy either. Honestly, considering what had happened the past few weeks, it seemed far more likely that Ivan would torture him and make him regret being alive before he finally got to die. At least he had that to look forward to.

Minutes passed as Arthur thought, but as he heard the door open his train of thought was broken. Sharp green eyes snapped to the right, where the noise was, and was met with a meek-looking boy who bore an awful resemblance to Alfred. This got Arthur going for he sat up quickly, head spinning from the suddenness. "Alfred?" He said, voice rough and cracked, making Arthur realize how dry his throat was.

The man in the doorway smiled softly and shook his head. "Sorry, I believe you are mistaken. I'm Matthew." He said, voice much softer than Alfred's own. This man, Matthew, also had an odd shade for his eye color, somewhat blue and purple. Arthur dismissed it and sighed, plopping on the bed.

"So, Matthew is it, why am I still alive?" He asked, closing his eyes again.

The other shuffled closer, but a sharp glare from Arthur stopped him. "Ivan doesn't want to kill you. Had you been any other human, nothing would have happened." Arthur went to interrupt him, but Matthew continued on. "It's because Alfred loves you that you have been a target. That is really the only reason."

Arthur sighed and rolled over. "So what does that imply then?"

"It means Ivan will do whatever he can to hurt Alfred, and with you as a median and leverage, it is likely you will end up hurt as well."

"Why are you telling me this?"

The other gave a wry grin. "Why not?"

Arthur gave some low chuckle, dry of any amusement. "Fair enough Matthew." Then he stopped and lips went strait. "Two more questions, if you will allow me?" The other made and encouraging gesture while leaning against the door. "How long have I been here?"

"About 3 days, Ivan hit you pretty hard."

Arthur nodded and rubbed his head a bit. "When do I get to eat?"

Matthew laughed briefly. "Now, if you want." He said, showing him a plate of food which consisted of chicken and peas.

Arthur sighed and sat up, a bit sore from not moving for three days. "Thank you then." He said, accepting the warm plate.

In a moment, the other was gone and Arthur was left in the room.

**Time Skip**

Arthur spent his time thinking of a way to get out. By listening to footsteps and how long they lasted he estimated he was on the end of a short hall with led to a long hall. Nobody was actively guarding him, but he was checked on every twenty minutes, but he was sure there were other checks everywhere to ensure he wouldn't escape. Arthur grinned to himself. They didn't expect him to be very smart it appeared, for by the time his night meal arrived, he was ready to escape.

He had spent the day carefully plying the leg off a chair, planning to use it more like a bat than anything else. He tensed as he heard footsteps approach his door and pushed the leg back under the chair. This time it wasn't Matthew but a grunt who merely handed him food before leaving.

Arthur relaxed and about three minutes after he heard the guard leave, he slipped out the door, which was unlocked, and slipped down the hall. Impressed with what he had gotten right, he kept his steps light and breathing level when he turned again, met with a staircase and more halls. Arthur took a deep breath and ran down.

He had no idea how big this whole place was or where an exit was. So he crept quietly, checking all corners before walking down the hall. At some point the whole area got dark through the halls, showing it was in the center of the castle. Arthur made mental notes of all the turns, quickly getting frustrated as he couldn't even leave the center.

Finally, he made a breakthrough and ended up at a window. He ran forward, not caring about noise and his heart sank. He was at least seven flights up. He probably wouldn't survive the fall if he jumped, and even if he did he wouldn't be able to move and would get caught again. He hissed in irritation before the back of his neck prickled and he spun around to see bright eyes staring at him in amusement.

"You know, you are far smarter than he gave you credit for." The voice said, eyes turning red. Arthur tensed, but waited. As the other lunged, Arthur swung the leg to hit him in the neck. The other coughed roughly and Arthur took the time to run down the hall, nearly exclaiming as he saw a descending staircase. Without a single thought, he ran down the steps. The steps curved and he shouted as he ran into iron arms and an unrelenting grip. "But not smart enough." Then he was being carried up the stairs to a room back near his.

Arthur growled as he was deposited in a chair, snarling the whole way. A disgruntled noise made it way out of his throat as he was gracelessly dropped into a chair and he glared at the man who had placed him there. The other merely blew a sarcastic kiss and walked off, closing the door and locking it.

The short blonde paced in the room, which had a large rather luxurious desk in the center of an otherwise bland and stone room. He had an inkling whose room this was, and he wasn't happy with his deduction. Sadly, this room had no windows or even a good source of light other than the nearly burnt out wick of a candle on the desk. Bright green eyes stared at the burning wick, deep in thought as heavy footsteps approached the door.

(Alfred 3rd person)

I should have stopped him… A dark blonde thought broodingly, his eyes furrowed as he stared out the window. Suddenly a heavy hand fell on his shoulder accompanied by an odd laugh. "To busy thinking to hear me, huh?" Antonio said, a small smile in his face, any more would impair his healing. Lovino hung on his shoulder, brows furrowed in annoyance but his eyes showered genuine worry.

Alfred gave a sheepish smile in return and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry guys, been thinking about…" He paused and sighed, looking down as the couple shared a look before Antonio lifted Alfred up gently.

"Mi Amigo, why don't you go and visit the others? I'm sure Eli or Kao would love some company." The Spaniard suggested with a soft and sad smile. "Besides, worrying doesn't do any good, best to recover." He said before sitting back on the bed and, with a devious grin, pulling the smaller Italian into his lap. "

"Bastard! Let me go!" he cried out as Alfred stood and left the room, leaving the couple.

The man wandered around the small, but most certainly luxurious, hospital, deciding who to visit. He ended up visiting Elizabeth first, seeing how she was leaving soon. They talked idly for a short time before she too shoed Alfred away for brooding. This was repeated with all his injured friends, all who showed genuine concern in their eyes.

"Go visit Kiku and Heracles." A soft and familiar voice chimed from behind. Alfred turned around swiftly, looking startled before sighing.

"Hello Belle, nice to see you." He said, raising an eyebrow.

"Hello Alfred." She replied sharply, her thin lips pulled up into a smile.

"So why do you want me to visit them?" He asked her, curiously. A smirk developed on the lips and green eyes glimmered in knowledge.

"You will find out once you get there. Now go Alfred." She said before walking past him without another word.

The Vampire king stood there, an odd expression on his face before he turned around to exit the hospital. Alfred made a leisurely stroll to the house, still stuck in his thoughts and ignoring a light burn in the back of his throat.

As he arrived at the house, he raised a hand to knock, but the door swung open before he could even knock. Dark brown eyes stared up at him from under black hair. "Ohaio, Alfred." Kiku said before opening the door fully. "Come in."

Alfred stared at the other briefly before he sighed and walked in, depositing himself on the couch. "Hello Kiku. Is Heracles here?" He asked, blue eyes meeting brown ones.

"Yes, he is in the kitchen." The other answered just as the other rounded the corner, a Greek pasta in his hand as he handed it to Kiku.

"Good afternoon Alfred." He greeted as both of them sat side by side on the couch. Alfred's heart constricted in hurt and he pushed it away.

"Good afternoon Heracles. So Belle asked me to come and see you." He said, smiling softly.

The pair exchanged a look. "You seriously need to stop moping and thinking so hard Alfred. It isn't helping you and it most certainly won't help Arthur." The brunette stated, expression flat as he spoke.

Alfred bristled irritably and went to speak, but Kiku quickly cut him off. "Listen Alfred. You have hardly healed from the fight, you haven't been eating adequately to even start healing, and you are brooding and not thinking clearly. Arthur wouldn't want this and by doing it, you can't help him." His voice was harsh.

Alfred paused and the words died in his throat and he sighed again. The blondes eyes watered a bit and he clenched his fist. "I can't stop worrying. What if he is dead already… What if Ivan hurt him?" He asked, sounding small and meek for the first time in a long time.

"What if he is okay and is waiting for you? Is it fair to make him wait longer?" Heracles asked, eyes filled with concern.

Alfred glanced up, biting his lips. "There are too many 'What ifs' Alfred, the only way to know is to get better and contribute to finding Ivan." Kiku said. Blue eyes glanced over to him.

"But-"

"Do you want to save him or not?" Kiku asked, his voice angry now. "I thought you loved him? That you would do anything for him?"

Blue eyes glowed a deep red and Alfred's stance shifted. "How dare you doubt that? I love him more than any other human or vampire I have met." He practically hissed.

"Then stop your temper tantrum and grow up Alfred. He needs you to save him and you aren't stepping up to even try and save him. Start drinking blood, quit brooding, and get your ass into gear." The black haired boy snapped.

The whole room was silent and tense, Alfred tensing up and Heracles preparing to jump between if needed. Finally the blonde relaxed and let his shoulders drop. "You're right." He finally said, looking up and his blue eyes filled with a new light. "I gotta go, need to feed and help out like you said." Alfred stood up and started to walk to the door, glancing back and smiling at the other. "Thanks, somehow you still know how to get me to see logic. Thank you Kiku." He said before departing, ready to actually try and save Arthur.

(3rd person Ivan)

Ivan sighed as he returned to the castle he had been hiding at. He watched with mild interest as two newborns slowly pulled a young girl apart, a bit surprised with the technique of pulling the top layer of her skin off before biting directly into her veins. The girl with curly brown hair screamed and sobbed in pain, bright blue eyes staring at him for help. He merely grinned and closed the door, a loud sob being cut off by a gurgle.

He then resumed walking to his office before being stopped by a more senior member of his group. "What is it?" He said, voice showing he was in no mood to play around or hear stories.

"Arthur tried to escape, nearly made it too." The man said.

Ivan's eyes twinkled in surprise and mirth. "Did he now?" Ivan asked.

"Yes." The other replied quickly.

Ivan grinned and hummed. "Well then, where did you put him?" He asked.

"Your office."

"Well then, I believe I have decided what to do with our intelligent little problem…" He grinned as he walked towards his office. "Let's see just how bright this little sunshine is, after night falls."

(Alfred POV, 1st person)

"Alfred!" a sharp voice called. My head snapped up and I glanced over. It had been three days since the battle and two days since I had that talk with Kiku.

"Yes Francis?" I asked, standing up and walking over quickly, sensing it was important.

"We found Matthew." He said, looking surprised and relieved.

"What! Where?"

"With Ivan." He answered.

My blood chilled and my eyes narrowed. "Ivan?" I asked, believing he had been kidnapped too.

"He left to help us… to be a spy. He just contacted me…" Francis explained quickly. I stayed silent, prompting him to speak more. "He told me where Arthur is."

My eyes brightened. "Where." This was not a question.

"An abandoned castle off the coast of Scotland." I hummed and nodded.

"Do you want to come?"

"No." he answered. "I will stay here and keep order. Take anybody you can, feed a lot on the way… I have a bad feeling from how panicked Matthew sounded." He said. In moments I was gone, minutes later I had my team, and before an hour passed we were on an airship traveling to the castle.

Arthur… I'm coming.

(Arthur 3rd person)

I glanced up as heavy steps stopped outside the door, my eyes staring up apprehensively and muscles tensing as the lock was undone. The door opened and closed, revealing Ivan.

My skin crawled and I shrank into the chair I was in, my face revealing anger and slight fear.

"Hello Arthur Kirkland." Ivan said, smirking at me and simply standing at the doorway. I didn't say anything and a frown covered his face. "Oh, don't be that way Arthur." He said and sauntered towards me, my body tensing and gritting my teeth.

A sharp cry ripped free from my throat as my hair was pulled roughly. "Hello!" I yelped quickly and rubbed my hair as he let me go.

"You are far smarter than I gave you credit for, I hardly expected you to get so far in escaping." His violet eyes gleamed in the dark room, the candle almost burnt out. "You were almost there, perhaps another minute or so, you would have made it out the building." He taunted.

My jaw clenched and hand flexed. "Cut the crap, why am I here Ivan? Why haven't you killed me yet? Hell, why did I even wake up?" I asked, my voice rough.

His eyes glimmered in amusement while his lips pulled into a frown. "Would you have rather I kill you?" Suddenly hands were around my throat, gripping tightly as my eyes went wide and my arms went up to scratch at him. "If so, I can…. But I won't." He then pulled away.

I coughed harshly and glared at him, rubbing my neck. "Then why?"

Ivan walked around the room, his gait like a bear but his eyes sharp and amused like a stalking cat who was just waiting for their prey to die. I shivered and watched him cautiously. "I've been thinking about what I should do to you. About what I can do to hurt Alfred the most." He said.

My skin prickled and my breath caught before I swallowed roughly. "H-Have you decided?" I stuttered.

The larger man smirked and started to slowly walk again. "Well, I was thinking about merely killing you and mounting your head on a pike before sending it to Alfred, sending him fingers at a time…" I shuddered at the description. "However, after hearing about your escape, I had an even better idea." He stood by the desk now, my eyes flickering to the candle only minutes away from going out.

"Tell me, Arthur, did Alfred ever tell you what my two gifts were?" He asked. I shook my head, petrified. "Well one you should know by now is that I can dream walk." He said, teeth flashing in the flickering light "Nothing in the dreams were real, by the way." He added, making my teeth grit again. "The second one is much more fun though…"

He was right behind me now. "When I change a human into a vampire, I can alter their memories. This is how all my newborns are loyal to me." My blood went cold at the implications. "I make it seem like I saved their life so they will be loyal to me." His hand touched my throat.

"I've decided to change you Arthur Kirkland, and make it seem like I save you from that horrible king Alfred." He hissed in my ear. "You will be the one to kill him since he cannot kill you."

I stood quickly and ran to the door, but shouted as I was pushed to the wall, my shoulder dislocating ta the impact. Bright red eyes gleamed above my face in malicious satisfaction. "This will be fun." He murmured in my ear before biting me as the flame from the candle went out, leaving the room went dark. Moments later I gave a loud scream, thrashing and trying to push Ivan away. My green eyes glimmered in pain and tears fell down my cheeks as I screamed my throat raw.

I started to get dizzier as he drained more and more of my blood. Ivan finally pulled away, my own blood dripping off his chin as he bit his own wrist open, the darker blood dripping on the floor. He plied my mouth open, myself too weak to open it myself, and pressed his wrist to mine. "Good night Arthur Kirkland." He said as my eyes shut and in moments I was passed out, only held up by a firm all too large hand on my waist and the wrist in my mouth.

Hey, so guess who is alive. Sorry bout the lack of any updates, been busy. I got accepted to culinary school and have spent since then trying to get the money to go. Well, here is the chapter. I hope to finish this story soon and will definitely try to push the next chapter out before too long. Hope you like this chapter guys!