Treasure the Sun

A/N: This started out being loosely based on the video game and movie called Bayonetta. Then it became strongly influenced toward the end. It's a good game and movie, despite the boob and butt shots constantly in the way of good gameplay. I guess you could say Alfred is Bayonetta in this story but not really. In addition, I noticed similarities toward a book called T*Witches, a teen novel about twin witches separated as babies to be hidden from their evil uncle. The two twins have a sun and a moon as symbols on necklaces. I don't know if the book really influenced this but I thought I'd mention them. I don't own either (but then I don't own Hetalia either). I could keep going with this but if I did, it would be an actual story, not a short. Let me know if anyone is interested. I'll continue. Enjoy.

Warnings: none that I see :)

What a depressing place. Robes of all colors, yet the low light made them all seem darker and dull. Green eyes lighter than his robe flickered over the room, not caring for anyone he laid eyes on. He hated them all. Just as well that they kept their distance from him.

"I wouldn't want their filth on me." He muttered quietly to himself, "Disgusting."

"You're in a lovely mood as usual." Came a heavily accented voice.

It caused him to scowl. Even if he didn't say a word, he would have smelled that annoying scent of roses that always followed him. He glanced at the blue robed man out of the corner of his eye, not bothering to move. He still stood leaning against a pillar in the cathedral like room, arms crossed, as the other approached.

"Francis."

"Arthur."

He wanted it to end there. He loathed Francis. But he was never that lucky with this man. Francis chuckled, clearly reading the animosity already collecting around the other man. He came to stand next to Arthur, turning to look out over the crowd. He too crossed his arms. In the low candle light, Arthur could see the blond stubble still ever present on the man's chin, trimmed neatly. Francis's blue eyes stared out over the people in the room.

"Another meeting… yet another wasted day. I find myself wondering what the point is. It always ends in such an unattractive squabble." Francis said.

Arthur let out a "hmph", mouth becoming a thinner line. He began tapping his fingers on his arm. A signal that his patience was growing thinner. Francis found his mouth curling at the idea. He hadn't seen Arthur in such a long time. He honestly missed his short fuse.

"Then why attend at all, Frog? If it's such a waste of your time." Arthur said.

Francis chuckled. He shrugged, raising his hands somewhat in the gesture.

"The same reason as you, I suppose. It is the only way to hear any news and have a say in anything that goes on around here." He said.

This made Arthur let out a low laugh. A few feet away, a few robed people heard, turning their heads to see. They quickly moved further away, muttering between themselves. It made Arthur sneer. What right did they have to judge him? What right did any of them have to judge anyone?

"You know that it's been years since I've had a say in anything. It's a miracle I'm even allowed to step foot in this sacred hall. Actually it's a miracle no one's tried to take my head." Arthur said.

This made Francis frown. It had been the truth. It was disturbing how one decision was enough to cause the entire of their world to hate him. For what? Because of some rumor. Well, perhaps "rumor" was downplaying it. Prophecies were not meant to be taken lightly, even one so close to both of them. Yet Francis couldn't help his doubts. It all seemed so innocent. Nothing in this world of magic was innocent. If it ever was, it was no longer. Francis let out a forced chuckle.

"Yes, but I wouldn't worry. Your head is frightening enough while still attached." Francis said.

On the outside, Arthur seemed unresponsive to the insult. Inside… he wanted nothing more than to send a bolt of lightning into his direction. Fighting was frowned upon in this place. Very few times was it ever acceptable. Petty fights were not one of those times.

"Such a shame. They are fools to alienate one of the most powerful mages of our time." Francis said.

Startled, Arthur searched Francis's face for signs that he was being sarcastic. The man was sincere. Arthur's pale face flushed from the compliment. From this man to him, compliments were rare. They poked fun at each other. Ever since they were children, far from becoming apprentices and ever touching the magic inside them, they had been inseparable. Dare he say, even friends. They appeared to hate each other and had many fights. Arthur was Francis's rival and vice versa. They worked hard to become better at their craft, honing their skill to challenge the other. Francis had known Arthur's dream. Arthur had reluctantly told him a long time ago. Of being the strongest mage there ever was. To be strong and powerful, just as his mother had once been. Francis secretly wanted to help his friend achieve this. No one was more worthy of this, he had once mused. But he wouldn't give it to him easily. He too would work for it and they would push each other.

"How is Matthew?" Arthur said, breaking the long silence between them.

The chuckle Francis let out was genuine. He pushed his hood off, revealing blond hair tied back at the nape of his neck. He was a very handsome man… and the git knew it. One of the reasons Arthur had a hard time spending more than a few moments with him. He wasn't quite vain, per say. He was just one to use his naturally good looks with women, and sometimes men. All for the sake of "la amour", something he firmly believed in. at one time, he was so obsessed with finding true "la amour", he was nearly thrown out of the order because of his antics and ignoring his studies. Arthur on the other hand was fairly content with an almost hermit lifestyle. With the exception of Francis, he was fairly alone. Now however…

"Mon petit Mathieu… he grows more and more cute every day." Francis said, fondness clear in his voice, "It feels like only yesterday that he was so small I could carry him in one arm."

The French mage motioned with his arms, as expressive as ever. Arthur smiled a little. He began to relax as more and more witches and mages left the hall. The meeting was over and the time of socializing was coming to a close as they began their journeys home.

"They do grow up quickly." Arthur said.

Francis put a hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"And Alfred?" he inquired.

"A handful, as always. I don't remember having that kind of energy and recklessness when I was that young." Arthur said with a sigh.

Arthur's face softened even more as he thought about his young charge. He'd cared for the boy since he was barely a few months old. He'd never seen such a charming child. Yes, he was a handful and attracted more trouble than was healthy. But the child radiated happiness. Few things made this happiness fade and Arthur wished for this to last forever. Actually, he also wished Alfred would remain the cute child he was now, even if he had to constantly keep an eye out to prevent the child from gaining injury. From himself and others. Keep him from losing that childish innocence… and keep him from learning of how his life nearly ended before it truly began. How foolish his fellow mages and witches were. To attempt to kill a baby just because of a prophecy. He couldn't just let them do it, not when he had seen him held protectively in one arm of his mother, his brother in the other. His brother was silent, not one to easily cry. Alfred… he was wailing as upset babies did.

The air had crackled with magic as his mother, a Lunar witch, prepared to defend her child. Both were precious to her and she would sooner die than let anyone harm even one. She was not a witch to take lightly. Despite her young, beautiful appearance, she wasn't young. She was an experienced spell caster, one graced with great power. But that hadn't been enough. Not against a large group of just as experienced mages and witches, some Lunar but many from different element groups. She had been forced to surrender and was put on trial. Arthur had been there, sitting next to Francis. Arthur had finished his training and was a full-fledged mage. He kept to himself mostly back then, almost hermit in nature. He preferred to live far from others in his house in a forest. He didn't know what made him attend the trial. But he was glad he did.

The Lunar witch pleaded her case well and it helped that she was well liked, even before this. But it was hard to ignore what she had done. There was a strict rule. Lunar witches and Solaris mages were not allowed to fall in love. It was one of the few rules that did not allow two groups to be mixed. All other groups could, but not Lunar and Solaris. As if this hadn't been bad enough, they had children. Two boys, twins. The witch was willing to give up her life, just as her husband did, just for the council to let both boys live. The council wasn't against Alfred's brother, Matthew. The boy may have been born to a Lunar and Solaris, but they were willing to forgive if the parents were punished, usually by imprisonment. But not Alfred. Not because of the prophecy.

Arthur didn't know what possessed him to stand and call out. He'd never forget the sudden fear as everyone in the hall turned to look at him. Arthur somehow found his voice. The boy was an infant. He could do no harm. Even so, there was a history of prophecies being changed. With proper guidance, he could be shown the right path. But who would take on the cursed boy, they had said. Arthur hadn't hesitated.

"I will. I will raise the boy." He had said, voice loud and without wavering.

His mother had been furious. Tried to get him to change his mind. But from the moment Arthur held the infant, he couldn't change his mind even if he wanted to. He was hopelessly attached as was Alfred. The baby cried whenever Arthur put him down, as if afraid he was going to be abandoned. Arthur would spoil him for a long time. He'd hold him every chance he could and treat him as if he were flesh and blood. Arthur's attention snapped back to the present as he realized Francis had been speaking to him. He pretended to have heard every word, even though the other probably knew better. If he did, he didn't let on.

"Mathieu talks about Alfred often. He wishes to meet him so badly." Francis said.

Francis looked at Arthur expectantly. Arthur could easily tell the silent question. What about Alfred?

"You know that Alfred has a hard time keeping his mind on track. It darts around so quickly. One minute he thinks about food, the next it's "bunnies" before quickly travelling to trolls." Arthur said.

It was a little sad. Alfred did think about his brother, but talking about him was another matter. He'd start quickly chattering before something else catches his attention and he'd forget the boy even existed. Apparently though, according to Francis, this was a common occurrence with people. Matthew apparently had something about him that made him fade from people's attention. In the future, this may become a valuable feature.

"Soon." Arthur finished.

Truthfully though, Arthur wanted to keep Alfred hidden away in their wood. He didn't know if anyone would make an attempt on his life again. Fear caused everyone to act irrationally and he didn't want to risk it. He'd rather wait until Alfred could defend himself. Arthur could already sense his magic appearing inside him. He could begin training in a few years, young for an apprentice. But then again, so had Arthur. It made him swell with pride. Alfred would make a fine mage someday… if he just concentrated and stopped being so silly.

"I see." Francis said, though knowing full well of Arthur's fears.

Francis smiled and gave a small bow.

"Well, I must return home. Mathieu is waiting so patiently for his papa. Until next time, mon ami." He said.

Arthur watched the other mage leave. Then he stood up straight, uncrossing his arms. He should be going as well. Who knew what kind of trouble Alfred was getting into now? He'd left his trusted familiar with the boy, as always. But the small rabbit like fairy often got into as much trouble as Alfred did. Arthur stepped out of the ancient building and into the sunlight. It was a pleasant day here. Lazy clouds floating in the sky, hardly ever interrupting the sun's warm embrace of the land. Before him, just beyond the short wall, was the sea. This place wasn't so bad… he supposed. It was just the others that made it so depressing. Someday, he'd bring Alfred to this place. Maybe then things will be as he hoped for the boy.

Arthur held out a gloved hand, which begin to glow a slight green color with his magic. He drew a circle in the air with his arm, which formed a magic circle, green in color with bright runes and circles within. He touched the center with his index finger and the circle expanded larger than he was tall. With no hesitation, he casually walked through the circle, transporting himself away from the place. The location he found himself in on the other side was far different than where he had been. The sun was nowhere to be seen as rain streamed down from the heavens as if trying to drown him. It wasn't as warm as before, now humid from the summer storm. Trees surrounded him and the clearing he stood in. Instead of the sea, a small house was before him. Home.

Arthur smiled contently. It was good to be home. And it wasn't destroyed, he thought amused. Arthur walked up the pathway, large, flat and circular stones forming the walkway. He had barely made it halfway before the front door swung open with a bang and a small child ran out. The boy was dressed in a slightly dirty white long sleeved shirt, which looked more like a tunic as it was still too large on him, and brown trousers. Not the sort of thing to wear out in a rain storm. At least he was wearing shoes, for that Arthur was grateful. Arthur caught the blond haired boy as he leapt up at him, and quickly wrapped him in his cloak with him, holding him close to his chest.

"Big brother! Big Brother! You're home! It was scary! So scary! It was raining and then-then boom! There was thunder and-and it was scary! Please don't leave me alone again! Please! Please! Please! I'm just a kid! Monsters are gonna eat me if you leave again!" the child blabbered on.

Arthur couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out from his chest. The child was far too adorable. At one time this chatter annoyed him but he had grown used to it. He was also used to how much of a crybaby the boy could be. Though he couldn't help but feel a little annoyed with himself. Francis was able to get Matthew to readily call him "papa". So why had he insisted for most of the boy's childhood that he call him "big brother" instead of the "daddy" the boy had labeled him for the longest time? Sometimes there was a slip of the tongue here and there and he would say "daddy". Arthur hated himself for ruining it. He was so cute.

"Don't laugh! Don't laugh at me! You meanie! You left and took too long!" the boy pouted.

"I'm sorry, Alfred. I really am. But I'm home now. How can I make it up to you?" Arthur said.

Alfred didn't have to think about it at all. He knew exactly what he wanted. He pointed at the sky, leaning back until Arthur pulled him back into the safe confines of the enchanted robe. It was dry there and would remain so because of Arthur's enchantments.

"Make the rain go away!" Alfred said, his smile wide and tooth filled.

Arthur looked around. There were large puddles everywhere. He supposed it wouldn't hurt. Nature had already gotten the rain it needed. Perhaps more than it needed. Some of the grass looked drowned. Arthur raised his hand into the air, palm toward the sky first then his index finger pointing up. Closing his vibrant green eyes, he called out the needed words. Words that Alfred did not yet understand but still marveled at. He stared up at Arthur's hand as he drew another circle. This one had different runes and no circles within it. Suddenly the runes separated from the circle, forming chains that drifted up to the sky. Within moments the rain stopped and the clouds broke apart, leaving behind a blue sky. The sun greeted them with warmth, shining in Alfred's blue eyes.

"Wow! You're so cool big brother!" Alfred said in wonder.

Arthur really spoiled the boy. He couldn't always change the weather for him. The earth needed rain. But when he could, he would. Arthur had told him that rain was common in this land, but Alfred still didn't like it. It was a good thing, he supposed, that he was the child of a Wind witch and a Water mage. He could perform weather spells easily. Arthur pulled his hood off, showing messy blond hair and larger than normal eyebrows. Arthur then looked at the many spots of dirt on the child's clothing. Despite being caught, Alfred still looked proud of himself.

"Alfred, did you and Flying Mint Bunny behave yourselves while I was away?" Arthur said, slight scolding look on his face.

Alfred had grown immune to the scolding look it seemed. He was still grinning as he explained.

"Minty and me were hunting trolls! We found one!" Alfred said.

Arthur sighed.

"You mean "Minty and I were hunting trolls", Alfred." Arthur corrected.

Arthur was beginning to carry Alfred. Alfred had his arms locked around Arthur's neck, though he seemed to be trying to hang off of Arthur rather than be carried properly. He tried to kick his legs but Arthur quickly repositioned him into his arms, preventing his antics. Arthur ignored the whine that resulted.

"That's what I said! Wanna see!" Alfred shrieked.

Arthur froze. Slowly his mind put it together. Quickly Arthur walked around the small house to the garden in the back. He stopped, letting out a long breath as his brows shot upwards. He pursed his lips. He should have expected this. He really should have. The garden was covered in holes, some of his lesser important plants even uprooted and littered fairly far from their original spot. He was thankful his rarer and more important plants were virtually untouched, dirt covering their leaves, as they were vital potion ingredients.

"Alfred… There are no trolls in my garden. Remember? Trolls live in caves, like I told you." Arthur explained.

Alfred was still grinning.

"Nuh uh! I found one! Wanna see?" he said.

Before Arthur could ask, something moved under Alfred's baggy shirt. Then a small furry head popped up from the neck hole, resting tiny paws over the collar. The tiny pink nose wiggled as the beady eyes looked up at Arthur, long ears flat on its head. It was a rabbit. A small white rabbit.

"Alfred… that isn't a troll. It's a rabbit." Arthur said slowly.

Alfred's brows knit together in confusion.

"But… it's a troll. He said so." Alfred said.

Again, Arthur was tempted to laugh at Alfred's innocence. He somehow swallowed the laugh but still smiled brightly. He wished speaking with animals was one of his abilities, learned or natural. It wasn't and Alfred was too young to have the ability to do so, even if he was an early bloomer. There were only two creatures that could in the clearing: fairies and familiars.

"Alfred, where is Flying Mint Bunny?" Arthur inquired.

Alfred pointed toward the many holes in the garden. Slowly, earth began being spit out of one of the holes and out popped the mint green familiar's head. If the creature could smile, he would be beaming as he wiggled free of the tunnel he had dug. He shook dirt from his fur and wings. Then, spotting its master, it leapt into the air. It zipped to him, overjoyed to see its master once again.

"You came back! Welcome home, master!" came the sweet voice that only Arthur heard.

"Flying Mint Bunny, did you tell Alfred this was a troll?" Arthur said, motioning to the rabbit.

Reluctantly, as Alfred began to squirm from being held too long, Arthur put the boy down. Alfred was already staring longingly at the mud puddles. Flying Mint Bunny tilted its head.

"It isn't? But he said he was a troll!" Replied the familiar.

The familiar looked accusingly at the rabbit, who took the moment to clean its nose with its paws. Once the rabbit had finished, it raised its beady eyes to the familiar. Arthur had pinched the bridge of his nose but not in exasperation. No, his shoulders were shaking in the suppression of his laughter.

"What do you mean you're not a troll!" Flying Mint Bunny cried out.

Arthur couldn't help himself. He began laughing, making Alfred look up at him.

"You're not mad at me?" he said, hopefully.

Arthur wiped the tears of mirth from his eyes and took a breath, sighing happily. Though he put his hands on his hips, a smile was still present on his face. His brows came together.

"I am not happy with how you ruined much of my garden, Alfred. I had thought you trusted me to teach you." Arthur said.

Alfred's blue eyes went wide in panic. He shook his head. He did trust Arthur. Arthur was his best friend! His big brother. He hung on every word. He ate his terrible cooking without complaint despite how sometimes it made his belly ache. He did everything Arthur said, even wash behind his ears and put his toys away before climbing into bed when the elder said so. Arthur almost couldn't keep up his trick. He almost caved in to those large watery blue eyes. He distracted himself by pushing his robe so that it hung off his shoulders like a cape, exposing his clothes underneath. He wore a white shirt, like Alfred, but under a forest green vest decorated with gold thread forming flowers and other plants, and dark green pants tucked into black boots. He removed his black gloves, shoving them into a pocket.

"But if you don't, I suppose I won't bore you with lessons. I'll simply have to find someone else to teach the ways of magic as I have learned them." Arthur continued, closing his eyes.

Arthur felt Alfred grab hold of his dark green pant leg with his tiny fists. Arthur opened one eye to look down at the boy. Alfred was looking up at him in horror and pleading. Arthur fought to keep his face straight as tears pooled in those innocent eyes. It's for his own good, he thought. If Arthur didn't have it in him to punish the lad, he'd have to find another way of teaching him a lesson.

"No! I trust you! I trust you more than anybody! Please don't stop teaching me, big brother! I'll be good, I promise! I-I'll even stop being a crybaby! I won't ever cry again!" Alfred said.

Arthur's face softened and he picked up the boy. He held him close. If you stop crying, I will never be able to comfort you like this, he thought. Arthur pushed away the depressing thought as he rocked the boy.

"Hush now. I trust you just as you trust me. This mess is easily cleaned up but you must never do it again. Understand?" Arthur said.

Alfred nodded feverishly.

"I promise! I promise!" he nearly shrieked.

Arthur pat the boy's back. He smiled, showing the boy that he held to ill feeling for what he had done. Suddenly the white rabbit that had been enjoying its spot in Alfred's shirt wiggled free and jumped to the ground. Alfred's eyes went wide and he wiggled. Arthur's eyes rolled heavenward and he blew a strand of hair from his forehead. Some things would never change and as he told Francis, Alfred's mind would be constantly shifting, keeping him from being sad or on one topic for long.

"Bunny! Big brother, can I keep him? Please! He didn't mean anything with his trick. If he promises to be good too, can he stay?" Alfred said.

Arthur looked from the heavens to the rabbit. It sat there, obediently and unafraid, as if awaiting an answer. He looked to Alfred, who was giving him that look in which Arthur rarely could say no to. Curiously, Arthur had to inquire about the sudden urge to have the rabbit live with him. There were numerous fairies that flitted in and out and Flying Mint Bunny was a permanent fixture here. Was there need for a pet? This one seemed intelligent for a rabbit.

"Why do you want him to stay, Alfred?" Arthur asked.

Alfred fidgeted, suddenly nervous. It was an odd thing on the child who always showed such confidence among his recklessness. He looked up at Arthur through the fringe of his bangs.

"Well… I want him to be my familiar, like you and Minty. He was just a bunny too when you met him." Alfred said, reminding him.

That was true. Flying Mint Bunny was a fairy now but once upon a time the creature had been a simple brown rabbit, running around carefree in the forest. Arthur had found him when he was just a child, playing with fairies. He wasn't even sure what had attracted him first to the rabbit. He sat perfectly still, tempting him with sunflower seeds. Then the rabbit timidly approached, sniffing his hand with the twitching nose. They became fast friends and the rabbit would let no other touch him, let alone hold him like Arthur. When Arthur became an apprentice, the first spell he learned was creating a familiar from an ordinary animal. It was no surprise when the rabbit accepted him and became his familiar, form shifting into the mint green winged fairy he was today. He even spoke to Arthur, as all familiars did, and would live as long as Arthur would. This, in terms of mages, would be hundreds of years. Flying Mint Bunny was loyal and never left his side, no matter how many familiars Arthur had had in the past alongside him.

"I see. In that case, he is welcomed into our home. But mark my words, Alfred, he must behave himself. I will not tolerate tricks and certain… animal habits done to the rugs." Arthur said, "And you must be willing to care for him as well."

Arthur had barely finished his speech before Alfred latched onto him with a big and tight hug. The child was practically bouncing in his arms.

"Oh thank you big brother! Thank you! I promise! Hear that Bunny? You can stay!" Alfred said happily.

Arthur set Alfred back down on the ground. Alfred then picked up the rabbit; cradling him with gentleness he seldom saw the child show. Arthur put a hand on his hip, tilting his head as he watched the friendly exchange. It wouldn't be long anyway before he would begin teaching Alfred magic. He could already sense the trances of magic beginning to develop inside him. Within a year or two, if Alfred was anything like Arthur had been. He silently wondered what form the rabbit would take once Alfred learned and completed the familiar spell.

"All right, Alfred. Time to settle down. Go wash up and do not forget to clean up any other surprises you created while I was away. Flying Mint Bunny, go help him. I will come inside and inspect once I have finished repairing my garden. If there is the slightest mess, someone will not get supper tonight." Arthur said, though not truly meaning the threat of punishment.

Alfred nodded and took off for the house. Arthur sighed and looked up at the sky, shielding his eyes from the sun.

And the power of the sun shall burn all, leaving nothing but ash in his wake. A child born of Lunar and Solaris, the crossing point of light and dark, shall see the age of witches and mages to its end.

Arthur sighed, remembering that part of the prophecy. He could never see destruction in Alfred. He swore it wasn't the bond between them blinding him toward this conclusion. Destruction wasn't in Alfred's nature, not in the way the prophecy spoke. If anything, Alfred would be the one fighting the end of their age. Alfred had a fierce sense of right and wrong. He defended what he felt was right at all costs.

Arthur turned toward his ruined garden. Alfred wasn't destructive, he was just accident prone. He had meant well and hadn't thought much about his actions. Arthur began the spell, holding out his hand as he invoked the familiar words of repairing. Slowly the ground mended and the plants replanted themselves. He took a moment to survey his work. Perfect, if he did say so himself. He let himself linger a moment longer, if only to give Alfred a little more time. Surely by now he was at least in the bath. Arthur walked back to the house and entered. He took off his boots and hung his robe on the peg next to the back door. He'd fetch it later to be cleaned and hung back in the far back of his wardrobe.

Arthur made his way through the house, taking note that things had been hastily cleaned up. Some things weren't in their proper places but Alfred had tried his best to make things look as Arthur had left them. Arthur smiled, letting out a relieved sigh. Nothing important had been touched in Alfred's usual curiosity adventure. Arthur went over to the room in which their tub resided and entered. He found Alfred already in the bath water, bubbles already in as Arthur had taught Alfred. The boy's clothing was strewn across the floor, causing Arthur to scowl slightly. He picked them up and carefully piled them in the hamper. He turned to face the giggling boy. Alfred was grinning at him, holding a rather wet looking rabbit. Arthur let out a chuckle of his own. The rabbit was already loyal… but that didn't mean he looked happy to be so… drowned looking. He must really trust Alfred, Arthur though.

"Do you need some help washing, Alfred?" Arthur asked, walking over to the tub with wash rag in hand already.

Alfred often made it a point to remind Arthur that he was becoming a big boy. But he still liked it when Arthur doted upon him. Alfred nodded. It made Arthur feel warm inside, loving these treasured moments. Arthur rolled his sleeves up before dipping the cloth into the warm water. He began washing the child as Alfred continued to wash the rabbit. Arthur was gentle in his actions, having much practice in this parental activity. His actions slowed however as his eyes caught on the symbol on the youth's chest. It was a sun, made of waving golden lines, standing out even against Alfred's already tanning skin. The mark of the Solaris spell casters. It was on the middle of his chest, just below the hollow between his collar bones. No one else that was of Solaris had that mark on their body naturally as Alfred did. It was common practice to tattoo your clan's element sign on your body once you reached the status of witch or mage and it usually was on an arm, hand, leg or neck. Never on the chest, where your heart and soul resided. Such marks were heavily tied to your heart and soul, displaying your destiny like a brand. Matthew had one similar; he'd seen it when he'd first seen the infants. His had been an equally elegant mark, though silver and creating a crescent moon of the Lunar spell casters.

"Artie, are you okay?" Alfred said, employing his protector's other nickname.

Arthur smiled reassuringly. He had unknowingly let his mind wander.

"Of course, Alfred. I was just thinking." He said, finishing his washing of the youth's short hair.

Alfred plugged his nose and scrunched his eyes closed as Arthur washed out the suds from his hair. His protector helped wipe away any lingering suds to allow the boy to open his eyes again. Then the rabbit deemed it high time he left the bath, choosing to leap out and slide across the stone floor. Alfred laughed as Arthur attempted to catch the runaway rabbit, fluffy towel in hand. It was a few minutes before Arthur was able to catch the rabbit and dry it. Alfred laughed louder as he saw the rabbit reemerge from the warm cocoon, fur standing straight up and back feet wiggling as he tried to dislodge any remaining dampness from his large feet. Then it was Alfred's turn. Arthur helped him out of the tub and into a towel, drying him. The tub was emptied and Arthur carried Alfred out of the room toward the room they shared.

It was the second largest room in the house and perhaps that was for the best. Alfred had flat out refused the room Arthur had put together for him for when he was old enough to sleep on his own. Alfred would not sleep on his own. He would sleep with Arthur or not at all. That was his conditions. So Arthur put the small bed into the room, in his own corner behind a screen. Arthur didn't mind. Someday the boy would change his mind and when he did his room would be ready. Arthur took a step back as Alfred insisted he could dress himself. Arthur stood there, arms crossed as he waited, in case he was needed after all. A few times, he did have to correct Alfred in dressing, such as when he put a shirt on backwards. But those times were less and less frequent. Finally dressed, Alfred ran toward Arthur, arms spread in triumph.

"Ta da!" Alfred announced.

Arthur clapped.

"Wonderful job. You are so grown up." He said.

This made Alfred grin broader. Arthur paused, thinking. Perhaps…

"I have something for you, Alfred. I think you're ready now." He said.

Alfred jumped up and down in excitement.

"A present?!" he cried.

Arthur nodded. Something like that. Arthur picked Alfred up and walked from the bedroom to his study. Alfred always liked this room. He wasn't allowed inside unless Arthur was with him, as it contained many things that could be dangerous to a child. There were books on shelves lining the walls and rows of shelves in the far back of the largest room of the house. In one corner was a cauldron, a blackened pit below where it would be lit. A long counter was spread along two walls, various things littering it such as parchment, chalk, a distillery for potions, empty potion bottles and things Alfred couldn't even imagine the names of yet. Arthur set him down in his work chair and began searching.

Alfred kept himself glued to that chair. He obediently stayed despite his excitement. He wondered what it was. Luckily he didn't have to wait long as Arthur found the box he had been looking for. It was small and rectangular. Arthur opened it and turned it to show the child. Alfred's eyes lit up in excitement. He knew what they were. To an ordinary human, they wouldn't be exciting. They were glasses, but not just any glasses.

Alfred took the rectangular glasses out and put them on his face. The lenses were big on his eyes but he would grow into them. Alfred let out a wondrous gasp.

"I can see the fairies! Big brother I can see them!" Alfred said, eyes wide as he looked around the room.

Arthur himself didn't need magic glasses to see the fairies that usually inhabited his workspace. He had been gifted in the sight since he had been born. He too had a pair of glasses, however, as all spell casters had them. But his were different, as Alfred's would grow to be one day. Arthur put his index and middle finger to his temple, making his materialize on his face. It was a trick that usually amazed Alfred. Arthur's glasses looked more like a mask, made up of thin black wire, twisting into shapes that resembled his beloved plants. A spell caster's glasses could take on whatever shape, sometimes taking on symbols associated with their element or sometimes taking on a shape based on their personality. Alfred jumped out of the chair and into Arthur's arms.

"Wow! Just like yours, big brother! Thank you, big brother! Thank you!" Alfred said happily.

"I'm glad you like them, Alfred. I spent many hours working on them." Arthur said.

Alfred nodded. How could he not like them? He loved them! He couldn't wait to show Flying Mint Bunny and Bunny! And… And that boy he couldn't remember his name! His real brother.

"Come now, Alfred. It is getting late and little boys need their supper before bed." Arthur said.

Later that evening Arthur had tucked Alfred into his little bed. Bunny had already climbed into his new spot, setting into Alfred' arms and promptly going to sleep. Arthur couldn't help but simple at the image. Alfred was already asleep, very few things kept him from quickly succumbing to his fatigue in his young age. Arthur gently brushed some blond bangs from the boy's forehead before slipping the glasses from his face. He had been so excited; he forgot to take them off. Arthur knew the other would learn to take better care of them soon. For now, Arthur just folded them and placed them in the box, now resting on his bedside table.

Arthur watched Alfred for a moment longer. His little brother, almost like a son. There was nothing in this world more precious. Arthur would gladly destroy himself to keep the boy safe. Prophecy be damned. He'd change the world to keep him alive. With time, he hoped those fools will learn Alfred was not to be feared. Learn that they were letting some loosely translated text get to their heads. Ah, that was all in the future. Right now all that mattered was the now. Arthur kissed Alfred's forehead, whispering a goodnight. He straightened and was about to turn to prepare for bed himself. When a small, sleepy voice spoke.

"Night… daddy."

Arthur smiled warmly. It was a small slip up but all the same, Arthur's heart eagerly soaked up that warmth. He never wanted this to end. Never.

Translations:

Mon petit Mathieu = My little Matthew

Mathieu = Matthew

Mon ami = my friend

A/n: it's probably not important but when editing this I started thinking it might be confusing. Arthur and Francis weren't wearing their mask/glasses things at the beginning but at the meeting they would have. The meeting itself is kinda like the World Meetings in Hetalia but for Mages and Witches of their world (but there isn't any one single representation of the areas they are from). Everyone would have worn their mask/glasses things but I couldn't design one for Francis. My brain died because I wrote most of this in the wee hours of the morning when I couldn't sleep but was too sleepy to get up and do housework. So I guess you can assume that by the time the beginning of this short story starts, Arthur had already removed his mask/glasses thingy.