Chapter 16

Arthur stood before a man he knew. He stared, his eyes squinting as he tried to see, to get some form of clarification, because he knew he couldn't be seeing who he thought he was. He stepped forward, feeling air jet up from before him and looked down, finding himself on the edge of a cliff with fire below him. He looked up into the sky, finding the sky clearer than he'd ever witnessed.

"You're wrong." The man before him said, stepping forward so he was right at the side of the cliff. The look in his eyes was deadly. "You don't understand what happened. You don't understand what she did to me!" He yelled and Arthur stepped back, his eyes wide in sudden alarm. He stumbled back a few feet as he jumped across and grasped Arthur by the shoulders. Arthur stared into a face he hadn't seen in years.

"Father, why?" He asked, gasping, tears in the corners of his eyes as he realized from this close it was undeniable.

"You weren't the reason! You thought it was because of you but it wasn't!" The man's face twisted into horror, his eyes wide, the red of his hair highlighted by the flames that shone through the crevice behind. "I loved you! I loved her, but you were my life! Then to find out what she really was, what you really were, I had to end it! I had to kill her off! I had to free you from what she had planned!" The man sobbed and Arthur fought tooth and nail to stay quiet, to keep his own cries locked away.

"What did she have planned? I don't understand! Wasn't it a suicide? Wasn't it because of my magic?!" Arthur couldn't control his sobs through the sentence and lifted his hands, grasping to his father's arms.

"We killed each other, but it wasn't a suicide. I had never intended to leave you alone! I didn't realize until after, until I was gone, that it was too late. She worked her magic in you. She made you into what she had planned the whole time." The man looked over Arthur, his face dissolving into despair. Tears dripped from his chin and nose, his shoulders shook with his cries as soft blue eyes stared into his. "She had meant for you to be sacrificed. Infinite Onyx, they call it. It's only born when someone has so much hatred the magic of the world excuses them from death, and they live til the reason for their hatred is avenged." The man's grip on Arthur's shoulders lessened and Arthur lifted his hands to his eyes, a sobbing mess. "I'm so sorry. When a child is born to a certain type of witch, she can perform a ceremony to make a child a sacrifice. It can only be done on their eighth birthday. I tried to stop her. I really did, but she did the ceremony at midnight. I thought you had to be awake, so I wasn't able to kill her before she performed the ceremony."

"What does this mean?" Arthur asked, his eyes wide, tears dripping freely from his chin. The subtle breeze shifted, surrounding them in the smoke from the fires and blocking out the stars of the sky.

"To free the spirit in the dragon, you have to be sacrificed. Virginity and death. After that, the spirit will be set free, and everything will go back to the way it should be. I'm so sorry, Arthur." He cried out and Arthur felt the blood freeze in his veins.

The only way to get Ivan back into his own body and kill the dragon would be to go through with the sacrifice. "What if..." Arthur swallowed hard, reaching out and grasping his father's wrists, surprising the older man. "What if we're able to free him? What if we get the vengeance the dragon wants?"

"It's impossible. She's already dead." He frowned, his head tilted to the side. "I wanted you to live a long and happy life. I prayed every day maybe the dragon would never get near you, and here you are so close to him, and it's not even him. It's that bastard's-"

"Arthur?"

Arthur shot up from the bed, reaching out desperately trying to grab the man who had just been in his arms. He glanced over, feeling the tears dripping from his chin as Viktor stared with wide eyes. "You looked like you were having a nightmare." Viktor spoke softly, obvious worry in wide red eyes.

"It was prophetic again, but this time, instead of the future, I think I was taken beyond death." Arthur slumped to the bed, shaking violently. Arthur found himself quickly surrounded in warmth. "I saw my father." He cried. Viktor looked down, a little surprised, but didn't say much.

"You haven't really spoken about him." Viktor nearly whispered. "I think I heard you mention your parents died?"

"I thought they had commit suicide together because of my magic. I guess I was wrong. I think they battled to the death, and they both died. My mother did some sort of spell on me, to make me the sacrifice for the Infinite Onyx." Arthur looked up, seeing Viktor's eyes wide.

"That's why I was drawn to you in the village, then. Infinite Onyx is this dragon, the one I'm currently in." Viktor answered and Arthur nodded.

"Somehow, I already knew. Apparently I'm the only way to defeat it now. The spell has to be done on a child's eighth birthday, and that's when it was done. That's the day my parents died." Arthur whispered and Viktor held him close.

"We'll find another way. It won't matter if he's a dragon, or that he's in my body if we lock him in the dungeon, and you can stay safely at my side, alright?" Viktor hugged Arthur tightly and he nodded.

Arthur couldn't bear it. He knew Viktor wasn't happy in this body, and he knew now he had a way to work around it, to defeat the dragon.

He just had to get the courage to do two things first, one worse than the other, but the realization he felt he should jarred the words from his mouth. He knew they were true, and he knew there was no way to take them back, but he was oddly alright with it. As soft whimpers turned into steady sobs, Arthur gripped hard to Viktor, his head pressed hard to his chest. "I love you, Viktor."

"I love you." Viktor responded with a soft voice. Arthur felt the arms around him tighten, Viktor's hand softly running down his hair, neck and back, comforting him the best he could. "You don't know how happy you make me." Viktor whispered softly before kissing the top of Arthur's head. He wasn't sure why those words made Arthur's crying worsen.

They finally came downstairs about half an hour later, after Arthur had calmed down. The sun was starting to set, telling them the trip to the castle would have to wait for the next day. Yao was busy making dinner and Arthur sat at the table, his eyes shifting around the room. Matthew and Alfred were ranting happily about something. Alfred jumped up making huge arm motions and Arthur chuckled as he watched.

"Arthur!" Matthew smiled, seeing him for the first time. "Glad to see you're alright! So, where's your cloak and stuff?"

"I don't even know." Arthur admitted and Viktor leaned down.

"Your cloak is hung on the back of the bedroom door, and the staff is in the corner beside it." He whispered and Arthur looked over, giving him an appreciative glance and getting a soft pat on his back in reply.

"At least you have Vik looking out for ya." Alfred grinned, glancing over. "He's been running upstairs every few minutes to try and make sure you were comfortable. Your pillow probably shouldn't be fluffed that often." Alfred rolled his eyes and Viktor frowned, looking away with embarrassment reddening his cheeks.

"Thank you." Arthur smiled, letting out a soft chuckle at the slight smile that came to Viktor's face at realizing Arthur wasn't bothered by it.

"So, what we do now?" Yao asked, laying the food on the table and Arthur sighed.

"Tomorrow I'm going to the castle. Viktor and Alfred will be coming along as well, and we'll see about joining the military here. When we decide to invade Russia, they're going to help out." Arthur looked up and Yao stared, his eyes widening before his jaw dropped open.

"We're going to invade?" Matthew ran over, grasping to the back of Arthur's chair, leaning over his shoulder and Arthur leaned away, pressing hard into Viktor's arm in surprise at the sudden closeness. "Hey, you alright?" Matthew asked, seeing Arthur turn pale. Viktor grasped him softly and started petting his hair again, whispering comforting words while Arthur tried to remember how to breathe.

Arthur silently cursed himself. He didn't used to be this easy to startle. "Sorry." Arthur mumbled, patting Viktor to ask him to let him free, which he did. "I'm such a coward these days." Arthur leaned forward, his hand on his forehead.

"Nyet, you're very brave." Viktor looked at him. "That fight with the cloak earlier, that took balls."

Matthew laughed and sat in the seat beside him, softly laying a hand on his shoulder. "You're braver than you think."

"I hope you're wrong." Arthur mumbled, staring down at the table before him, his breath hitching as he remembered the dream. If he was brave enough...

He shook his head and tried to erase the thoughts from his mind. Now he needed to rest so that the next day he could try and wow the kings at the castle. Maybe he'd see if he could think of a spell to get his faeries here. The thought brought a pleasant smile to his face as Yao laid down the last of the plates and Alfred ran over, nearly tackling the small man, kissing the whole side of his face with a bright grin.

"Thank you! You know, before I got you, they were having me cook?" Alfred called out, pointing an accusing finger at Arthur and Viktor, who both stared in surprise.

"And they didn't die of indigestion? Aya, that's no good." Yao grumbled as Alfred turned back to him with wide eyes before bursting into laughter.

Arthur watched with a smile. It was amazing to him. For so many years he was alone. The only friends he had was an old man who was slipping him forbidden books and business, and a bunch of beings no one else could see. He had been so alone he wondered about his own sanity, and now here he was, surrounded by people laughing and smiling. His hands slowly inched up his chest, covering his heart as he pressed his head back to Viktor's side. "Thank you." He nearly whispered out and Viktor looked down, letting out a soft but inquisitive hum. "You may have stolen me from my home, but this, right here is the happiest I ever remember being." Arthur couldn't wipe the grin from his face as Viktor pulled him up to his lap, trying to figure out what had happened to make him cry.

"It's alright, dorogoy." Viktor softly mumbled by his ear and Arthur nodded.

"I know." He hugged Viktor tightly, looking up so that Viktor could see the bright smile on his face. It was easy to see the surprise that crossed Viktor's face, his eyes widened as his head softly tilted, looking over the softer features of Arthur's face, the pucker and little 'o' his lips pressed into before a bright smile lit him, his eyes squinting closed at seeing such happiness in Arthur's expression. Viktor was more surprised, with how shy Arthur was, to feel lips softly press against his.

Arthur didn't bother moving back to his own seat, sitting on Viktor's lap to eat, though Viktor wouldn't dare complain. Arthur joined into the conversations that were casually tossed around, smiling and chatting happily as the food was emptied and Alfred got the dishes.

Arthur had made a decision during dinner. Since he knew he'd end out sacrificing himself anyway, he decided for the little bit of time he had left, he'd let himself do something he'd never done before.

He decided to live.

He'd have fun, drink and be merry, and for the first time in his life, Arthur would let himself enjoy what was around him. He would show off and be proud. He would find a way to make what short time he had left actually mean something. He glanced up at Viktor with a grin.

It wasn't long til they were sloppily moving into the bedroom, unable to keep their lips from each other. Another round of whiskey and vodka had lead them somewhere beyond haze, and Viktor wouldn't complain. The one thing he'd said was he didn't want to do anything with Arthur til he could say he loved him.

Viktor had stolen the chamomile oil from the bathroom. It should help soothe any pain that was to follow the nights' festivities, and slid it to the bedside table before laying Arthur down and sliding off his shirt and pants, tossing them haphazardly across the room. He quickly tossed off his own clothes as well, joining the others in random places around the room. "Do you want me still, Arthur?" He asked, his breath coming in pants as his eyes roved over Arthur, laying with a soft smile and twinkling eyes.

"Yes!" Arthur moaned out, pressing his calves in the back of Viktor's thighs, making him still and swallow hard.

Viktor had to work him open, or he'd tear. He had to be kind, and take his time. He had to still his hands from just grasping him. How in the hell was Arthur being so seductive today?! Viktor swallowed again, shaking his head to try and free it from the grip of want and reached for the table, grasping the bottle. He dribbled it over his fingers before scooting back, nearly chuckling at Arthur's whimper. He leaned down close, laying on his stomach between thin legs before softly reaching up and pressing, softly working his finger around the circle of muscle before running his tongue up Arthur's length as his finger softly pressed in.

He heard Arthur's gasp and stilled, softly kissing and licking him to try and keep him distracted til the pain died off a little. He listened, hearing the soft breaths turn to pants as Viktor kept up his tactics before sliding the rest of his finger in. "Does it hurt?" Viktor looked up, seeing Arthur's eyes set on him, watching the actions Viktor took with his body.

"No." Arthur mumbled before Viktor smiled, leaning back down to start kissing and lapping at him, this time keeping his eyes up on the other as he started to move his finger. He noticed a slight wince before his body seemed to relax. Arthur reached down, softly running a hand over Viktor's hair.

Viktor kept a slow but steady pace for a minute before carefully withdrawing to push another finger into him. Arthur winced again, but quickly breathed out, his body relaxing again at the movements. "Keep going." Arthur whispered before letting out a soft whimper as the fingers started to move within him. Arthur's head rolled back, letting out a soft groan at the feeling, and Viktor couldn't help but smile, knowing he was purposefully avoiding the one bundle of nerves inside him that he would love.

Since Arthur didn't seem that bothered at the second finger, Viktor withdrew and made sure he had plenty of oil on his hand before wrapping his lips around Arthur, causing him to writhe on the bed, his fingers gripping to the sheet as Victor pushed in again. He felt the tension around him, almost crushing his fingers for a moment before Arthur remembered to breathe. Viktor rolled his tongue around him, causing Arthur to start relaxing a little easier. He had to admit, with how long it was taking Arthur to relax this time, he wondered if he'd be able to handle it before he felt a soft hand run through his hair and glanced up, seeing Arthur again gripped to the bed, his eyes clenched closed, his breath coming in short pants.

He was already close. Viktor smiled as he started scissoring his fingers, spreading Arthur wide on the inside, making sure he wouldn't feel as much pain, but slowed down with his mouth, trying to calm him a little. He took his time, giving a few minutes, seeing Arthur's head lull back, his mouth hanging open as he tried to breathe through the sensations that were quickly driving him to the brink, even though Viktor kept slowing, making it that much farther away.

Arthur let out a soft whimper, his eyes opening to look at Viktor as his hands pulled away, leaving him wanting. "Are you sure about this?" Viktor asked, watching as Arthur nodded, still panting, his hands clenching and relaxing against the bedsheets.

"Very." Arthur panted out, grasping the bottle of oil before Viktor could reach it and sat up, coating his hands in it before handing it to Viktor. "Put this away, love." He grinned as he leaned down, wrapping his fingers around Viktor.

"Can't..." Viktor winced, the sensation of Arthur's hands against him too strong for him to be able to properly respond through and he let out a soft moan, his head rolling to the side, his eyes softly watching Arthur before him. He tried to cork the bottle with shaking hands and eventually gave up, trying to reach over, to put the bottle on the table, but couldn't reach with Arthur so close before him. Viktor couldn't lean without hitting him, but he didn't dare break the magic of his fingers. "Arthur, please..." Viktor mumbled out and Arthur looked up, a slight smirk coming to his face as he released his length and laid back again, a pucker to his lip as his heels gently pressed against Viktor's back, making him groan again. He put the bottle down as quickly as he could, not even sure it landed upright before grasping Arthur by the hips and lifted him slightly, giving him a better angle.

He leaned down, giving Arthur a soft kiss as he pushed in.

Arthur immediately yanked himself back into the mattress, letting out a moan as he immediately came, the sensation just too much. Viktor felt too close as well and stilled, trying to catch his breath through the pulsing and twisting he could feel around himself. "Are you alright?" Viktor asked, panting and fighting to keep his voice steady.

"Oh, please, don't stop..." Arthur moaned out, his hands gripping Viktor's shoulders and dragged him down, kissing him as deeply as he was able.

Viktor moved his hands over Arthur's thin body, feeling the muscle beneath the skin as Arthur shifted. His hips starting to move, changing the angles as Viktor softly pushed. "Faster..." Arthur moaned out and Viktor kissed him softly.

"Are you sure?" He panted right into his mouth, their eyes locked on each others, though it was hard with Viktor still softly thrusting. "I don't want to hurt you."

Arthur grinned, wrapping his arms over Viktor's neck, giving him a brilliant smile, trying to hide the way he wanted to whine, to moan. "I won't be hurt by you. Trust me, love." Arthur grinned, the start of sweat breaking across his forehead as he felt like the inside of his body was heating up, getting ready to catch fire.

Viktor leaned up and softly ran his hands down Arthur, across his chest and sides, til they gripped hard on his hips and he started moving a bit faster, but quite a bit harder.

Arthur felt his back arch, seeing twinkling light in the corners of his vision as something in him was repetitively hit, bringing him right back up even though he'd so recently released. He didn't bother trying to control himself after that. His hips pushed back into each thrust as loud groans and whimpers filled the room. Arthur reached down his body, softly wrapping his fingers around himself.

The sight beneath Viktor was almost too much to stand. Somehow, in a very short period of time, Arthur had turned from an innocent boy to this sinful and seductive man, biting his lip, his eyes still locked on Viktor's as his hand slowly moved over himself.

Viktor panted, unable to take his eyes from the sight. Arthur was amazing to watch, the way his hips pivoted nonstop, how his hands, shaking from exertion and frenzy worked fast, running over his skin. He watched Viktor, the way the light in the room, from the sconces on the walls glistened from the sweat that clung to him. "God, you're amazing!" Arthur groaned out.

Viktor couldn't hear the words and not react. He nearly fell to his elbows, trying to make sure Arthur still had enough room for his hand between them as Viktor kissed him senseless. It seemed little more than wetness and tongues sliding over each other's mouths and skin, but right then it didn't matter.

The change in position shifted Viktor's hips so they hit harder against that one spot in Arthur, who whimpered as his free hand reached up, tossed across Viktor's neck as he tried to find some desperate way to kiss him harder. "I'm- It's- Oh god..." Arthur mumbled, unable to grasp a single thought long enough to let him say what he needed, but it didn't matter.

Arthur gasped harshly before letting out a soft yell. Viktor felt Arthur clench around him, again twisting and pulling, but this time he couldn't handle the pressure and let out his own yell as his head fell to Arthur's chest. He felt himself uncoil, like an explosion. Viktor kissed softly, feeling both of them throbbing with each other before Arthur started yelling again.

Viktor looked up, seeing Arthur staring at him in surprise as he reached down over his chest, panting and in obvious pain. Viktor sat up quickly to ask what was wrong when he noticed a light from just below Arthur's belly button, softly raising to the skin and Viktor looked down at it in surprise before looking up at Arthur.

"What is this?" He asked as the light shot forward, right into Viktor's chest.

He felt his whole body pull forward, as if caught in a catapult, launched forward and leaving the world behind.

Arthur sat up and stared, his whole body shaking at the sudden loss of sensation, as well as the understanding hitting him of what he'd just done.

Viktor was gone.

He'd sacrificed his virginity to the dragon.