Archive of Our Own

The past few months had been hard for Richtofen.

Edward would writhe in his sleeping cot every night. It wasn’t like he wanted to, but his body’s weakness grew in these days. Hunger made men frantic, and with the world falling apart, Edward was so very hungry. Doctor Richtofen wasn’t unhealthy, he was anything but unhealthy, he was fine! Fine, in the sense he was eating his rations. He would eat each crushed can of soup, each portion of baked beans, and every single thin slice of bread. It was not enough to satiate him, however.

“Would you quit shuffling around like a rat, Richtofen,” the voice belonged to his unfortunate ally, Nikolai. Unforeseen, as well, as he held onto the bed covers tight. There were no excuses he could manage for his behaviour, so he stayed silent. He bit his lip.

“Apologies, Nikolai,” it sounded so hollow from his lips, but he meant it so genuinely. His pale skin would feel so painfully thin, and if Richtofen thought about it, he could feel how his cheeks jutted from his face. He looked so very withered. In the darkness, nobody could see that, however, they could only feel how his body trembled in constant frigid nature.

“If you were sorry, you would quit it, Kraut,” Dempsey chimed in, a quick elbow going into his back from the American who laid beside him. Richtofen groaned as the contact was registered, curling in on himself. His legs would shiver, his hands would tremor, and Richtofen could feel himself slipping.

“American is right. Is it like Germans not to be warm?” Nikolai would huff. From Richtofen’s view, he could see how the broad man leaned up from his cot in front of Richtofen, and really, Richtofen couldn’t put up with this anymore.

“Fine, if you are so irritated by my sleep, I shall leave to do night watch. Goodnight,” the doctor would get up from the cot with his legs struggling to carry his weight as soon as he was upright, stumbling and using his cot for balance. Richtofen would feel his blood rush through his ears, ringing and blocking out all the noise as he could see the way Dempsey and Nikolai rolled over to look at him. Without their usual expression of irritation, they both looked at him in shock, disgust, or fear. He couldn’t place it, but Richtofen was quick to walk out of the room with purpose, grabbing a pistol to bring with him.

“Richtofen wait,” the request fell on deaf ears. Literally. Richtofen couldn’t even hear who said it as he ran off. Before he knew it, he was outside of their little sleeping room and staring out into the cold night. He did not shiver from the cold as the snow fell, he only gripped onto the railing of the stairs with great strength, breathing heavily. He peered up through the sweat that dripped from his forehead down his face to see the clocktower; where his allies all slept.

Richtofen looked at his chest where the empty blood vials lay calmly, clipped to his leather strap on his torso. He considered using the summoning key selfishly to pop to when his future self was supposed to give them blood vials, and pop one of the two open to drink until he was full, drinking until this horrible feeling would ease, but he could not. It would keep him and his allies alive if he kept them, forever. The consumption of them would only give him temporary relief. Then, the doctor would sigh, holding his breath, then exhaling it again into the cold air so that he could see that he was alive.

Now that he thought about it, he could go ahead and drink his own blood. For what he knew, his body in this universe was not like him. Despite how long his body had been dead for, it would benefit him to have something rather than nothing. Yes, that was the solution! How could he be so blind? Without a second thought, the German dashed off to find his corpse down by the teleporter, rushing to get to his corpse and consume. 

It did not take long. It was so short in fact, he didn’t think of locking the door. He was starved, needing the blood that would fill his body with life. The corpse below him was pale, but still full of blood. Richtofen would flip over the body onto its stomach, then, look at the way the blood had settled in the body. It all settled in his double’s back, where the blood flow had stopped. He lifted the body up by its shoulders, leaving its head to hang loose. Without much hesitation, Richtofen would open his mouth, lips folding and adjusting over his gums, allowing for his canine teeth to be free to extend out in long points, until they were like needles at the tip. He did not lean down in a slow, calculated motion, instead lunging for his own throat and biting.

Cold, could describe the sensation, as the wound opened and the blood gushed out from the force he bit down, it was cold. Similar to the zombies, which had made Richtofen sick the only time he fed from them, the blood was thick, where the oxygen had long since stopped flowing through the blood, it was dark red and cold. He groaned with relief, and strain, as he took his first swallow. It was not a pleasurable taste, nothing like a living being’s purity, but it was enough that Richtofen felt primal and hungry. The doctor bit down harder, till his canines almost met, and sucked hard. He sucked, and swallowed, gulping down the deep red gift that was his own genius. Finally, he would be able to rest easy now, be full, be him! Richtofen would take a shaken gasp of air, then continue drinking best he could, slowly growing aware of how he was doing this. He held his body to his chest so his neck could lurch down only slightly to bite down, his hands gripping violently to his torso, and with his legs crossed. His double’s body was smaller than his, presumably from malnutrition in the past, perhaps, but still had enough blood to feed Richtofen for a majority of his remaining journey.

With a couple, hurried gulps, until all Richtofen gained was drops of nothing, he let the body collapse to the ground. Richtofen would breathe in deeply, then exhale with relief. Filled. He was filled for now. He let his jaws hang open, exasperated gasping and breathing from his lips, until he had enough energy to close his lips and lick his teeth clean. He rubbed the blood that had gone to his face off quickly, then licked it. The German would now get up from his seat on the ground, dusting off his pants, and see the world around him. The blood in his ears no longer rushed with urgency. His body no longer trembled with weakness. Richtofen was grand, perfect, and right as he should be.

Richtofen would clean himself up, kicking his now dried up double to the side. Maybe if his allies found the corpse again in their adventure, they’d assume some sort of decomposition, not that their Doctor had drunk up all its fluids. He laughed at the thought under his breath, then peered up to the doorway, seeing a shadow of an ally approaching the door. Now for the excuses.

“Now why did you follow me and not get your precious sleep? Your concern touches me,” The smile he offers is wide, and now so genuine as he feels his body functioning as it should. The first one to peer their head through the doorway is Takeo, presumably having run here with great speed, concern written all across his face.

“The others told me you looked ill,” Takeo would mumble, adjusting his hastily tied hair. Clearly, he had woken up from a light nap. The asian sword master would walk over towards Richtofen, going on his toes with an arm up to feel at Richtofen’s face. Richtofen didn’t fight it, “you have no temperature. You are frigid.”

“Yes, yes, Takeo, I do not get sick. I am a doctor,” Richtofen smiles fondly towards Takeo, peering down at the shorter male. Takeo’s deep brown eyes trace over Richtofen’s face for a moment, then do not question any further.

“Dempsey said your eyes were… unusual,” Takeo’s pause let it slip that Dempsey definitely had worded it some other way. Richtofen would tilt his head to the side.

“Why, whatever could he have meant by that? Surely he isn’t only just noticing their dual colours,” Richtofen would laugh lightly, pointing to his blue left eye. Takeo, though presumably humoured by the way he exhaled, kept serious, continuing to fuss on Richtofen.

“Your eyes were red, according to him. Nikolai also said you looked… like a zombie. They were very serious,” Takeo dips his head, then it comes to Richtofen’s attention that the warrior had brought restraints with him. Richtofen swallowed harshly, but nodded in understanding, laughing nervously. Takeo’s hands continued to adjust Richtofen’s clothing now that he was calmed, his perfectionist behaviour coming into play. This was of course, until Takeo lifted Richtofen’s wrist and pressed his thumb to the pale skin to seek a pulse. Richtofen would pull away hurriedly, shaking his head as he shook his hand out.

“Please, don’t worry Takeo. Those two are sleep deprived, as I’m sure you and I are. How about we go rest? Please,” Richtofen would feign a long yawn, closing his eyes and looking away from Takeo. There was a tension in the air for a moment longer than Richtofen would like, then, Takeo shook his head, sighing.

“If that is what you think, doctor,” Takeo would then walk away from the teleporter, leaving Richtofen to stand there dumbly for a minute, till his body caught up with his brain and began walking. Side by side with Takeo as he walked, he took notes of small things on the shorter male. Presumably, he had run out of the building worried he’d have to kill their doctor, from how much firearm and restraint he had on hand. Richtofen shivered uncomfortably at the thought. The way Takeo shivered with the cold, quickly made Richtofen acutely aware of how cold it actually was outside. He hadn’t noticed before, in his running fit, but his cheeks, with the little bits of life in him, grew red and stung.

“Your concern is appreciated, Takeo. For you to go through this without much preparation. You are… very honoured,” Edward would watch Takeo continue walking, without much acknowledgement to his voice, but he could see the pride raise Takeo’s shoulders.

“You are welcome, Richtofen,” a simple response without much with it, Edward simply sighed. He couldn’t be picky with how his allies were. Stepping up the stairs behind Takeo, he would peer up to the doorway to their shelter to see it open with a very concerned American and Russian, very much awake. Once they caught sight of Richtofen, they exchanged nervous glances, but with Takeo unscathed, they soon reverted to their hardened expressions.

“What the fuck, Richtofen? Going out there alone like a dick,” Dempsey was quick to start his insults, but Richtofen’s tired body simply walked by him into the building behind Takeo, slipping off his boots. The ignorance tickled the American enough to slam the door when he closed it behind them.

“Doctor Richtofen, at least give an explanation for the red eyes! You looked like one of those damned bodies,” Nikolai snarled as he too walked towards Richtofen to get a good look at him. With everyone crowding around him, Richtofen groaned, looking down at both Takeo and Nikolai, but having to see eye to eye with Dempsey as he was interrogated. 

“My friends, you are not well rested! It may be a simple hallucination you had from 115 exposure,” Richtofen gave nervous smiles to each one of his allies, especially Dempsey who leaned up in his face and gripped his shoulders.

“Exposure doesn’t do what the fuck it did to you. We know what we saw. If we both had the same delusion at the same time, it must’ve been real,” Dempsey’s voice was hoarse, and if Richtofen had a choice, he would push the American away to have a break from his unclean breath. However, the Doctor sniffled with his running nose, and tensed his face.

“Have you ever heard of the dancing plague in France? It is a very real case of delusion at the same time, Dempsey,” Richtofen’s deflections, as faint as they were, only irritated Dempsey more. The American tightened his grip, only for Takeo to clear his throat as a warning. None of them wanted to see the calm man yelling.

“We both saw you, Richtofen. The events from before you left, and we saw you, are what concern me. Why shake, then leave looking like a Zombie?” Nikolai would scrunch his face into an odd expression, his hands wafting through the air to prove a point. Takeo’s expression did not shift, only his eyes glanced at Richtofen to find the lies.

It was easier to lie to them when only one was in his face.

“I don’t have to explain to you that I am cold, and that being cold can make your skin pale, and therefore, I am justified,” the lies were getting rather shit, even for Richtofen’s standards, as the three all looked to each other in a silent judgement of ‘what’ or ‘why’. Dempsey was the first to turn back to face Richtofen, his hands letting go of the German’s shoulders to cross his arms. Silently, Edward took an eager breath of air to fix the raw stench of American breath.

“Alright then, Doc, if that’s all normal,” Dempsey looked Richtofen up and down for a moment. If it wasn’t a life or death situation for Richtofen’s secret, he would make a joke of the man undressing him with his eyes. Not the time, not the place. Dempsey sniffed, “why does your breath smell like fucking blood?”

“We eat meat, Dempsey,” Richtofen quickly snapped back.

“We haven’t had meat for weeks. Unless you’re hogging it,” Dempsey replied.

“Why did you smell my breath?” Richtofen rolls his eyes now.
“Because you were right in my fucking face!” Dempsey grunted, spinning on his heel to look away from Richtofen, then punch a wall. His fist quickly began to bleed as the impact of rock cracked from the force. There was no pained scream, only an angered one as he brought his hand to his mouth to suckle the pain out. If Richtofen had the chance, he’d laugh.

“See what you did, German? Now the American is bleeding,” Nikolai would state the obvious, leaving Richtofen to let out an annoyed groan. The scent of the blood from Dempsey didn’t help with Richtofen’s interrogation either, the thought overtaking him to just bare down his teeth at the idea of freshness. Thankfully, Takeo, in his infinite worry for his team, wandered off to the medicine kit they had pieced together throughout the adventures, pulling out the bandages. He’d grab some water, pour it over the wounds, and quickly bandage it. Richtofen could only thank Takeo with a nod.

“It is not my fault that Dempsey is a dummkopf ,” Richtofen hums, shifting his gaze from Dempsey and Takeo to be glaring down at Nikolai, whom’s face did not shift. The Doctor would simply sigh, flicking his hand dismissively, “Are we quite done now with this interrogation? I would enjoy mein schlafen right about now.”

“This is not over, Richtofen, we will bring this up later,” Nikolai would turn away now, not hesitating to walk over to Dempsey to check the wounds that now were covered with fresh pale bandage. Another glance at Takeo gave Richtofen all the answers he needed for how tomorrow’s fight should go; horribly.

Horribly, they did.

Hoards weren’t anything different. Richtofen would run in circles in a large space, gathering those hungered beasts, and with well aimed spray, knock off all their heads in one motion. It wasn’t too pleasurable, like it had originally been. Sometimes, the sharpest knives go dull as quickly as they are perfected. Crawlers would dance at his shins, the zombies would swing in endless rhythms to his chest, and every now and then a master of the groove would get a swipe at his head. 

In the meantime, Richtofen could only pray, his teammates were following his instructions to create… whatever it was the Kronorium wanted to allow a Dempsey Popsicle to fly down to them. As he ran in circles, it all became mush in his brain.

“Ay Ricky, are you having fun down there?” Dempsey’s smug voice was graining from above on the stone walls, leaving Richtofen to sigh as he shot at the zombie’s heads to knock them down. A quick knife to another’s throat, and he turned around to see Dempsey effortlessly watching him train these zombies. None even flooded to him. 

“ Ja! I am having a wunderbar time, Dempsey! Truly,” Richtofen would yell the sarcastic reply loud and clear for Dempsey to hear, tripping over a Crawler to then get back up and keep running. Richtofen kept his head down and focussed as he held his gun tight, then sprayed again to get more undead off his tail. 

“Well you keep on with it then Doc, Takeo’s almost done with his fuckin bow and arrow,” the American then left again, only for Richtofen to yell with all his might.

“You have a bow! You bastard, come help me! Dempsey! Dempsey,” Richtofen would screech till his throat hurt, running in another circle with a twist of a monkey bomb. He wound it up tight, then threw it. Edward’s legs would carry themselves quickly to get some distance to reload, but nobody came to help him. Another groan, “ Du Arschloch, Dempsey!”

Nobody came. Edward would groan once his dear monkey friend would explode, leaving him left with the hoard and a spray of the snow. The growling group of brainless undead would turn their attention back to Edward, even as some lost their legs. Holding on tight to his gun, he’d go back to spraying. 

While Richtofen was used to having to distract zombies, it didn’t mean he wasn’t running out of mental energy, not only that, his bullets were running thin. They kept coming, as they always did, with no signs of stopping. His cries for assistance were met with nothing, for his allies were presumably too far away. The dance was growing in intensity as he followed the moves to the natural fear of death’s grasp. A jump over a crawling half body, a twist out of a swiping attack, a dash out of the way of a charge.

The rhythm was growing too fast. A spin, a twirl, a leap, a shot to the head, a knife to the chest, a grenade to the ground that didn’t do much besides increase his need to move. The Doctor would’ve made a great dancer, as he continued on his toes and swayed out of the way. Richtofen held his breath if he had the chance, beginning to swipe as well as his bullets began to dry out.

Finally, Edward was cornered on this deathly dance floor, his nimble mind ran for him to possibilities. his back was pressed against the wall of the protective stone holding on for dear life as he reloaded with his last bit of ammo, shooting what he could until he was entirely empty. The stairs on his left weren’t practical, and this wall was so smooth and tall that he pressed his back to it, that only the undead would manage to scale it.

There was a moment where Edward thought to himself, he would die.

That thought was stupid, of course, as he threw his gun at a zombie to keep distance. The fear melts, twisting into adrenaline, then he jumps, inhumanely high from his corner, hooking his arm onto the edge, scrambling with his legs. His nails, not brittle, would dig into the stone, hooking in and keeping himself tight to the wall. The undead would try chasing after him of course, grabbing at his legs. The Doctor would kick.

“ Nien! That is my favourite leg--though I do need both of them,” he’d laugh through the stress, eventually unclipping his final grenade and letting it drop. The hiss of the fuse was faint, but as Richtofen pulled his body up, he heard the explosion. He felt the force of which his legs were hit, but also the force that the zombie on his leg detached with a squeal.

There was a moment of relief where he laughed. He laughed and laughed until his lungs were spent, to which he kept on letting out strained gasps and giggles. He made it, clearly, as he heard below nothing but crawling, dragging messes that could not jump to get him. There was only one sound that left him uncertain; confident running towards him. Richtofen would perk his head up, swallowing in his dry mouth. The last thing Richtofen remembered was a blunt hit to the back of his neck, knocking him out cold. 

Wherever he woke up, it was cold, very, very cold. His clothes were wet on his back, sending constant shivers in the snowy weather to his spine. It wasn’t like Richtofen was unfamiliar with being cold, he always was, but… as he opened his eyes, he heard arguing once the ringing of his ears subsided.

“You killed the Doctor! Now how are we supposed to get out of here? Hm? Ideas, Dempsey,” it took a moment for Edward to recognize the voice, but once he did, it was Nikolai. Richtofen took a shaken breath and shuffled his body weakly, but his midsection was tied to… something. He squinted a little harder.

“I hit him on the damn head, he is not dead,” Dempsey’s voice carried as many angry grunts as humanly possible, but enough eyerolls that it was a deflection. Maybe they really thought he was dead? But how? He was clearly alive. Richtofen shuffled again and felt his groggy body start pulling its weight again.

“Takeo! Tell him what you told me,” Nikolai’s voice rang out in an echo. There was only slight hesitation from the Warrior, and as Richtofen opened his eyes, he could see that he was tied to a chair.

“Richtofen’s pulse was not there, meaning,” Takeo began to speak, only for Richtofen to begin laughing. The doctor’s laugh was dry, sad, and tired, but he peered up to see the horrified glances of his teammates. Save for Dempsey’s own justification being served to him. Takeo rushed over without another word to the other group members, hands gripping onto Richtofen’s arms, looking him over, assessing him. The disbelief of the warrior’s expression carried to his brown eyes in a way Richtofen wasn’t expecting; tears. Edward wouldn’t point it out, especially as Takeo’s voice stayed strong, “You are alive!”

“Of course I am,” Richtofen smiles fondly to the Japanese warrior, reaching his arms for some sort of push away to get some space, but Takeo would continue worrying.

“See? Kraut is still kicking, right? So, no harm done,” Dempsey would keep his gaze upon Nikolai for an apology, or at least an admittance that he was right, but none came. Only a growl from Nikolai.

“I thought you said Doctor Richtofen had no pulse, Takeo,” Nikolai would grip his jacket sleeves tight as his hands moved to fists.

“He did not,” Takeo reminds, then, as Richtofen has let down his guard… Takeo’s thumb pressed to his wrist. There was a moment of study across Takeo’s face, then his fingers moved to Richtofen’s neck to feel for the pulse. There remained to be none. He moved himself to get a listen for the Doctor’s heart, but Richtofen pushed him away again. Richtofen refused to look at his team after that, looking away in shame. Takeo didn’t verbally say it, but his face said it all; horror.

“See? I’m telling you, the Doctor is one of them freak bags! I saw it with my own damn eyes, and you and I both saw him that night,” Dempsey’s reasons became background noise to Takeo’s nervous hand movements across Richtofen’s body, until he was pulled away by another force.

Nikolai’s force.

“Get talking, Richtofen, or we will get a bullet in your head,” Nikolai’s voice was firm, and as he leaned into the doctor’s face, he could see nothing but pure anger in that blue gaze. Richtofen would nervously shuffle, scrunching his face to try and look away. Nikolai wouldn’t budge, however.

“I do not have to explain myself,” Richtofen would snap, only for the cold metal of a gun barrel to press against his forehead now.

“Talk, Kraut, tell us why we shouldn’t dispose of you like one of them,” Dempsey’s gun, that’s what it was. Richtofen felt overwhelmed, with all the panic flowing through his body making him squirm.

“I am your Doctor! I know what is going on! Would you really risk all of that because of your paranoia?” Richtofen would tilt his head, trying harder to wriggle his way out from under all this pressure. His body would ache under the metal of the gun, and as he tried his hardest to pull away, Dempsey would press the barrel tighter to his skull. Not to mention, the grip from Nikolai and those deep blue eyes would focus on him. Richtofen would sweat, uncomfortably cold even for himself as he wormed his way out of this situation, but it was no use.

“Tell us what the fuck is going on,” Dempsey’s voice wasn’t even angry as he spoke this time, instead riddled with grief. 

“I can’t, Dempsey,” Richtofen would wheeze, pulling at the ropes at his abdomen until Takeo held his wrists behind his back. Nikolai would pull away eventually, leaving Richtofen room to scan his surroundings. Dempsey stood far away with his gun pressed against Richtofen’s head. Those deep blue eyes had nothing but pure guilt, regret, and concern in them. Nikolai was pulling away to scratch his beard, as he often did when plagued with thinking. He did not have a weapon, he only had himself. Takeo’s grip behind him was tight but careful.

It was at that point that Richtofen recognized the gun at his head wasn’t loaded. None of the words were loaded either, there was nothing but concern for his well being. These were his teammates. The silence was loud, and as Richtofen felt his ears begin to ring, the wind was the only sound of comfort. Then, he swallowed his pride.

“I will tell you this, I did not ask for this life, but with it, I’m protecting you all. All of you,” Edward’s voice was hoarse, and yet he could see all three of his teammates perk to listen. Takeo’s grip did not loosen on his arms, Dempsey’s gun continued to press, and Nikolai continued to glare. Despite it, he continued, “While I am not human, I am not a zombie either, and that should comfort you.”

“Would you quit being vague and tell us bluntly?” Dempsey’s voice was strained.

“Why does it worry you still?” Richtofen would raise his eyebrow, wriggling again in the chair to get comfortable. This interrogation was getting more irritating. Nikolai and Dempsey would suddenly look at each other, nod, and peer down to Takeo, who would let out a long sigh. Richtofen could feel the roughness as the warrior began to tie him to the chair more firmly, with no escape.

“To prove that shit, we’re gonna leave you here for a few days. If you’re still not snapping your teeth at our brains, we’ll let you out,” Dempsey would sniffle, now loading his gun in front of Richtofen to point it at him again. Richtofen flinched, “if you are, there’s not going to be a pretty sight.”

“This is barbaric,” Takeo would murmur, standing up once his knots were tightly tied. He’d shuffle onto his feet and sigh, “but it must be done.”

“You need me! You can’t just tie me up and leave, they’ll surely eat me alive,” Richtofen would jerk in his prison chair, pulling with his arms to escape, but there was nothing he could do against the rope. It dug into his skin uncomfortably so.

“We’ll take turns then. You tell us what we need to do, we’ll get someone to watch you,” Nikolai would reply in his usual cold tone, but once he turned back to face Richtofen, there was slight pity. Only slight. The rest of it was pure distaste.

“I’ll watch over him first then. I have already acquired my bow,” Takeo would sigh, getting himself ready to protect, only for Dempsey to cut in.
“We’ll sleep first. Richtofen will be the perfect alarm,” the American would laugh quietly, then begin walking away, out of Richtofen’s line of sight, but from what he could hear, he was going upstairs. Nikolai moved to follow, leaving Richtofen with Takeo, who would stand to attention effortlessly.

It was going to be a long few days…

The first day was simple. Takeo would ask if the doctor was okay, and Richtofen would answer in short affirmations. Takeo was his favourite for watching him, for it was only when he wanted to know something about Richtofen that Takeo would say anything. Though, it was harder when Richtofen was bored of the silence and tried speaking himself. There were few things he knew about the Warrior personally.

“So, Takeo,” Richtofen’s voice was dry and awkward, “do you enjoy your bow and arrow? It’s the red one,” Richtofen would squint at the bow, scrunching up his face to attempt to study it. All he knew was that the sigils etched within were not a human language. That was about all he had going for him, however.

“It is burning like my spirit. I enjoy its warmth under my palms as I shoot each beast,” Takeo’s response wasn’t exactly unsuspected, but the idea of warmth was. Richtofen would hum a small noise of acknowledgement, pondering to himself how to continue talking.

“Ah, you like it because it’s cold outside? I understand,” Richtofen would smile weakly as his palms gripped onto the rope that held them. The rope was warm from his constant shuffling and friction. His hands were still frigid however.

“...Not entirely, Richtofen. I enjoy it for the protection from the snow, yes, but there isn’t anything quite like food from home,” Takeo would turn around to face the doctor, who nodded along. Takeo would trace a finger down the bow, “I enjoyed the noodle bowls at festivals that we held. They were so warm, and smelt of the wood they were cooked upon. This reminds me of those times,” as Takeo spoke, he trailed his palms down the wood a little longer, then perked back up to get eye contact with Richtofen.

“I see,” Edward didn’t exactly know how to respond, but Takeo seemingly wanted to continue the conversation now. The Warrior would pull aside another chair, watching any of the doors, then sit down.

“Do you think of your own home, Richtofen? To go back,” Takeo would murmur, fiddling with one of the many arrows he had on hand. Richtofen didn’t respond right away, considering the many things from home he missed. He brushed his hands over the rope that bound them one more time, before letting loose and leaning back.

“Of course I do, Takeo. I fight for another day that all of us may go home,” the answer was lame, but Richtofen liked it. It was the truth; he wanted them to go home. He didn’t really know what he wanted to go home to; however, without Maxis, he didn’t have much to go home for.

“Well,” Takeo would clear his throat and pull up a bottle of water to his lips, sipping, then sighing. He’d turn to get eye contact back with Richtofen, “anything specific you want to go back to, I mean?”

The question was direct, and it made Richtofen squirm. However, in such a casual conversation, he should have been comfortable. All that he really talked about with his allies, especially Takeo, were strategies and solutions, never the past. There wasn’t much Richtofen really wanted to go back to, if he thought about it. Maxis and his work was his entire life, and he never would get either back as far as he was aware. No matter the universe, he would die. He gave a weak laugh in response.

“I’m not too sure, Takeo. Perhaps, if I thought hard enough, I’d be happy to go back to being a child, or even in college,” Richtofen would sigh, tilting his head back to avoid those deep brown eyes that could see each and every inch of his uncomfortable exterior. He stared at the roof instead, listening to the groans of the undead in the distance, the cold blow of the wind, anything to distract himself from opening up. Yet, it felt right to open up. It felt like he needed to, if he really did get shot by the end of this. He smiled, “I wouldn’t mind perhaps pursuing a different major, outside of scientific ones. Perhaps a veterinarian instead, so I could get bit with Rabies instead of other illnesses.”

“That is… not what I expected to hear from you, Richtofen,” Takeo hummed softly, scooching his chair closer now as he took a shot at a stray zombie. The flames that licked up his arm from the shot would be warm, drawing Richtofen back into the world. The warmth was pleasant, and the scent of a campfire was so lovely, Richtofen almost wished he could get out and feel the heat from the shot. He felt so cold. Instead, he would cough awkwardly.

“Well, it beats getting bitten by these creatures. A dog would at least be cute, and easier to put down, or cure,” Richtofen would laugh lightly, shaking his head, then flicking his hair out of his line of sight. Takeo would be looking at him concerned, but smiled back once he saw Richtofen’s happiness.

“Yes, that would be nicer,” Takeo would hum, setting his bow on his lap as he sat there, adjusting his hair tie. There was only a moment of hesitation from Takeo, before he spoke again. A cough, “I am sorry to ask you, but I worry that you may grow ill. Are you sure that you are not a zombie like them?”

“I can assure you, Takeo. I have been what I have been since college. I am not a threat,” another lame answer, vague enough that Takeo would pull a face of distaste, but enough that the conversation was over. 

“ そうですか？ Well, alright then,” Takeo sighed, and got back up from the chair, and that was the sign that the conversation was over. Richtofen would sigh, leaning his head to the side, and considering going to sleep as he closed his eyes. Tomorrow was another day.

The second day was harder. Richtofen didn’t realise it earlier, but dead man blood would not fill him for a week, it would fill him for a few days at most. He needed to last at least five days before he could feed again. Day three since he’d drank till his double’s body was dry however, and he was already feverish. Nikolai was watching him today, the Russian distant as he held his new bow and arrow. Richtofen could see the way the electricity ran up and down Nikolai’s arms, a constant buzz that the Russian didn’t seem uncomfortable by. Richtofen would turn away. He’d wanted that damn bow. Regardless, he sat there and itched at his skin with little movements, shivering with the constant cold feeling of his body, not to mention the irritating weakness he felt. 

“You shake again, German,” Nikolai kept his cool and calm tone as he stood at attention, bow constantly pulled back and ready to shoot if a zombie dared enter the doorways. He would move those dark blue eyes to peer at Richtofen, who tried to stop trembling as soon as it was pointed out. His back became stiffened to hide his chills, Richtofen would lean himself forwards with a light frown.

“Very observant, Nikolai,” Richtofen grunted sarcastically, another shiver going down his spine. There were too many hours in this day for him to count, as time seemed to slip by as he slipped in and out of consciousness throughout the entire time, just to avoid being spoken to. Nikolai didn’t seem to mind in the times Richtofen did open his eyes, though he didn’t seem to notice half of the time. It wasn’t until the doctor began to feel immensely ill that he was upset.

“Why do you whine now, Richtofen,” Nikolai would turn his head around, loosening his pull on the bow and arrow he held. Its shocks would pulse up Nikolai’s fingers, and Richtofen could only wonder if it was able to shock his heart to death. Paranoia, sure, but still a valid thought. He groaned quietly as he shuffled in his chair.

“It is none of your business Nikolai,” Richtofen would quickly reply, peering up between his wet strands of hair. A drip of sweat tried escaping into his eye, but was caught by his eyebrow. He’d shake his head to get it off. The Russian stared for a little bit, before putting his arrow into its quiver and approached Richtofen.

“It is. Even if you are a beast, you are a part of my comrades for now, Doctor,” Nikolai would sigh, pulling out a small towel from his bag and wiping Richtofen’s face with it, a kind gesture that if it weren’t for Richtofen’s urge to pull back for self dignity, he would have leaned into. The loss of sweat on his face was appreciated.

“...That.. That is very sweet of you to say, Nikolai. So sweet, I don’t believe it’s true,” Richtofen would laugh briefly, before continuing to be in a cold sweat, shivering. Nikolai would sigh, clearly holding in frustration, but he wouldn’t verbalise it to the German doctor. Said doctor would lower his head away from eye contact again and grit his teeth, breathing sharply between them. He could feel how they lengthened as he did so, fangs unsheathing themselves like the weapons they were. Richtofen licked them, and his lips, before groaning.

“You sound ill, Richtofen,” Nikolai’s voice was so nearby, and Richtofen could hear how slight fear peaked in the Russian’s heartbeat. He shivered again at the recognition he did not look well. He probably looked frail, disgusting, and progressively not human. He peered up again to Nikolai, who frowned. His hand went to press against Richtofen’s forehead, who then pulled away, breathing heavily.

“Do not touch my forehead, or anything for that matter,” Richtofen would mumble under his breath, biting his lip. He could taste the metal of his own blood, but it wasn’t the right taste. It didn’t have any oxygen in it, dripping a dark and undead black. He licked it again, leaving nothing to drip away. 

“...Your eyes,” Nikolai would whisper, so soft as he lifted Richtofen’s head by the chin and studied him. Richtofen could only imagine what it would be like to be shot before, but now? Now that fear became so real, it hurt. Nikolai would squint his eyes to slits, deep blue practically invisible. Richtofen flinched as he watched Nikolai pull his hand away with a scoff.

“What, Nikolai? What is so wrong with mien eyes,” the question didn’t get a reply right away, and as Nikolai turned to look away from Richtofen, he could only wonder if they glowed once more. He trembled, this time not just from hunger, but from genuine fear. His green eye would twitch, while his blue one refused to close for the fear it would miss the loading of a gun. After a few beats of Nikolai’s heart, and the pulse of Richtofen’s headache, there was a sigh.

“They glow red, like a setting sun,” Nikolai would reply softly, “I know now that I am not crazy for what I had seen that night.”

“... Ja , so you shall keep your promise and kill me? Joy,” Richtofen could keep up the strong act all he wanted, but his stress grew. He clenched his shaking fists that were tied to his back.

“No, I do not see you grabbing for my skull, I see you as desperate animal,” Nikolai would roll his eyes visually, and Richtofen couldn’t help but breathe out of his nose to hold off a laugh. 

“I appreciate that Nikolai,” sarcasm dripped from Edward’s tone, but how he felt such relief at having another chance to be alive. He’d bite his tongue quietly and look away again, sighing. He heard Nikolai sit down on the chair that Takeo had previously pulled aside the previous day, and as he looked up he saw something new. Genuine care.

“You ate your rations yesterday,” Nikolai would start, awkward in voice, but strong in his heart as usual. He’d sigh, leaning back in the chair with a creak, “yet you act starved. I never understood, but now I do. You aren’t fed by what we eat.”

“...No, I am not,” wherever this was going, Richtofen was only drawn in by the idea he could get something to eat. His hands trembled all the way up to his arms with the thought, and he was sure Nikolai saw his interest by the way he cringed.

“I want to know what you are, Richtofen. For the better of the team,” Nikolai sighed, settling a hand on Richtofen’s shoulder. It took every fibre of Edward’s being not to whip around and bite.

“If I tell you, you’d certainly know how to kill me for good. That is not something I strive to let you have,” Richtofen would sigh softly. His eyes, presumably crimson, focussed on Nikolai’s expression for a little while, but nothing that he could see was malice.

“...I suppose we will have to see how you are tomorrow then, Richtofen.”

The next day was a living hell for the German. He felt each and every fabric on his body, caked to him with sweat, burning him up yet he felt so cold. Each movement of his body would only irritate him more, and with all his strength he kept ripping and tearing at his restraints when nobody looked. Richtofen would say he looked like a rabid animal, but really, as he kept fighting with the chair, he eventually recognized he looked like a child. With this realisation, he noticed how tears of frustration caked his face with the sweat. Embarrassed, he had stopped squirming and instead focussed on breathing.

When the American Marine walked in on him meditating like this, he didn’t bat an eye. Richtofen would open his eyes, tracing over Dempsey in slightly less humane ways, and instead thinking of where the most substance would come from. He was pretty sure Dempsey noticed.

“Jesus, I know I’m attractive but what’s with the staring? Richtofen,” Dempsey’s voice would perk Richtofen back up from his trance, to which he nodded in silent affirmation that he heard. Dempsey’s heart thudded like a drum in Richtofen’s ear, “you’re getting worse, Doc. Nikolai mentioned the eye thing again but you’re looking… like shit,” Dempsey’s swallow of nervousness made Richtofen wriggle more.

“ Ja, Dempsey, Kranke love to be told the obvious,” Edward would murmur, his voice hoarse and dry. Dempsey’s heartbeat would fluctuate in a way the doctor noticed. Nervousness, fear. He could pick up on these things so much better on his allies when they looked at him. He would not blame them, really.

“What does ‘ Kranke’ mean again?” Dempsey’s dumb expression shifted back to confidence, so fake that Richtofen wished he could tear it apart with his teeth and-- god. He needed to focus, hold out a little longer! One more entire day, and he would be free to walk among them again.

“Patient! It means patient, like a sick person,” Richtofen would laugh awkwardly, shaking sweat from his hair and looking back at his feet, tied to the chair. He felt another rub from the rope as he tried to get comfortable and hissed. 

“So you’re sick? Like, vomit sick or fever,” Dempsey’s voice carried too much for Richtofen to read into, only the rushing of his blood could tell the doctor that there was genuine concern. Of course there was! Richtofen was their doctor, their only trained surgeon and they knew that! Of course they were worried for his safety. Richtofen would peer up to see Dempsey close with his bow and arrow on his back. He was leaning forwards to look at Richtofen.

“Doesn’t matter. Back up please, your breath stinks,” Richtofen would murmur, squinting his eyes thin. The American would hesitate, then oblige. The relief was immediate to Richtofen as he let his head hang low. He sighed, “ Danke, Dempsey. Now, what are Nikolai and Takeo doing today? I didn’t give them instructions today,” Edward would smile politely, only to frown once Dempsey awkwardly scratched his neck.

“Doing yesterday’s duties. We messed up a couple times, me and Tak’. Turns out our eyesight is shit and we couldn’t get the symbols right,” Dempsey would laugh it off, but Richtofen only groaned. If he wasn’t tied up right now as a prisoner, they’d already be done! Probably. Dempsey picked up on the irritation and grunted, “don’t get your panties in a twist! We’ve been getting you a bow and arrow.”

Now that piqued Edward’s interest. He’d peer back up to meet Dempsey’s light blue gaze and held eye contact. Dempsey’s uncomfortable expression was disregarded this time. Richtofen would shuffle again in his seat with a grumble, but then smile politely.

“Ah,” Richtofen tilted his head with the question, “Which one do I get then?” Dempsey would laugh heartily, lifting up his dark and brooding bow.

“Well if I got this one, there’s only one left for you Doc,” Dempsey hummed, putting his hand on his hip once he put his bow back on his back. Richtofen would groan annoyedly.

“You all have the audacity to imprison me,” Richtofen sighs, hanging his head low. He could see how the floor was covered with blood and he salivated at the thought. He’d clear his throat to continue talking, “and then you give me the bow I explicitly asked not to have. Danke. ”

“Hey, I told Nikolai that you wouldn’t be happy, but he didn’t want that howling one either,” Dempsey shrugged, though sighing disappointedly. Richtofen could hear the way his heart pounded now, so powerful and strong to pump that blood through his veins. His ears rang, deafening until the roar of his instincts ground away at his humanity. He held his head down to stare at the floor and whined.

“Dempsey, when I tell you what I am about to tell you, I expect you to shoot me,” Richtofen suddenly said, hurriedly. He’d grip his restraints tightly with his fists, moaning in discomfort as his body shivered. This was horrible. Dempsey’s response of fear only made Richtofen’s teeth unsheathe, “I am going to break this chair in a minute.”

“You just said you’re sick, you felt weak Nikolai said, and Takeo said you were tired,” Dempsey rolled his eyes. Richtofen would heave, leaning his head back up.

“If I wasn’t kidding I would be much angrier if you shot me,” Richtofen laughed awkwardly, beginning to slur his words as he spoke against his lengthened fangs. The sound of Dempsey moving his feet was a comfort, and as Richtofen looked back up to see his ally, he could count each inch that Dempsey stepped back with.

“I don’t understand why though,” Dempsey mumbled, pushing his blonde hair back, then pulled his bow string tight with an arrow loaded. Richtofen could see how the darkness licked up the marine’s arms like the flames and electricity had before. The doctor could also tell as the blood rushed.

“...I’m hungry, Dempsey,” Edward would sigh, “and you unfortunately are one of the only sources I have left. So, shoot me,” He would sigh, licking his teeth and letting his mouth hang loose. With his slacked jaw, he recognized how fear was all around him--and it unfortunately smelt enticing to his Vampire self. Dempsey hesitated. Why did he hesitate?

One swift motion, and Richtofen heard the wood of the chair that he had been abusing for days snap with one rough pull. His speed would be fast enough that he himself felt like vomiting, and it really was just a blur. Dempsey in the next minute Richtofen could see had missed his shot for the heart and hit Richtofen’s leg. Whilst the pain made him howl, the doctor ripped it out and lunged for Dempsey. It wasn’t a struggle to pin down the Marine to the cold floor below, Richtofen gripping onto his wrists so tight, his knuckles turned white.

“Richtofen! Get off of me you fucking freak! Doc! Nikolai,” the American’s cries were unheard by Richtofen as he leaned down to his neck and sniffed. Dempsey tensed, and the terror was drowning Richtofen’s senses. He opened his mouth to bite, but then Richtofen had his chance to hesitate, heaving heavily and forcing himself to clench his teeth so he couldn’t chomp down. He grit his teeth so tight his fangs bit into his lip, and he whined.

“I don’t want to do this Dempsey,” Richtofen would whisper, “Please don’t miss this time damn you,” He trembled with the weakness of hunger, yet his body held on with the strength of more than one man. Dempsey’s strong body would continue struggling, gripping his hands into fists and struggling to move his legs to kick Richtofen off.

“Get off me then! Nikolai! Damn it Nikolai, get over here! It’s Richtofen,” Dempsey kept screaming at the top of his lungs, and it made Richtofen’s ears hurt. It also made his chest hurt as he heard emotions he didn’t enjoy hearing from Dempsey. Not like this. Richtofen continued hesitating best he could, holding himself off from Dempsey’s neck.

There wasn’t much more time that Richtofen was looking down at Dempsey like that, because he was being pounced on by a Russian soldier in the next minute. Richtofen’s body hit the cold floor, a makeshift gag in his mouth once they had gotten Nikolai’s body off from crushing him. Richtofen was dazed, and if he kept his eyes open, he could swear his body was leaving this world from the bright light. The smells, they assaulted him. 

…Fear. Horror. Terror. Anger. Concern. Worry. Each scent was distinct enough that he could tell them apart, because working as a doctor taught him certain smells. None of them were smells of death. Something else was reeking however, something unfamiliar. Richtofen closed his eyes again, and listened, but he couldn’t hear over his head ringing like a church bell. Nothing really made sense as he tasted metal and ash in his mouth, and his fangs curled around the item. They could see him for who he was now. The beast.

Takeo would sigh once his hands were done looking over Dempsey, the only thing wrong with him being the shock of being taken down so easily. There was nothing else Takeo could do for his ego besides tell him it was fine, which progressively lost its effect, and the Japanese Captain noticed that he stopped listening and kept ranting after a while. Just for extra measure, Takeo simply stuck a bandaid on a small scab and gave a light embrace.

Once that was dealt with… Takeo turned his attention over to Nikolai, who had dealt with Richtofen. The Russian bear was using his superior body weight to hold the doctor down to the ground. Richtofen’s eyes were closed, but they still glowed under the shelter of his eyelids. Takeo frowned.

“I do not understand, friend Nikolai. What could have gone so wrong?” Takeo would frown, getting up to his feet and helping the taller Dempsey to his feet. Nikolai didn’t give any information from his lips, besides a shake of his head. The American however was all too happy to continue his rant.

“Richtofen broke the chair all by himself after talking to me about how weak he felt! Then, he has the audacity to lunge at me,” Dempsey would point at the German on the floor, who seemed unaware that the conversation was happening. Nikolai rolled his eyes and checked over Richtofen, all while still sitting on his legs and holding his arms down. Dempsey scoffed, “Doctor Richtofen must’ve been really off his rockers, because he told me that I was one of his only food sources left!”

“We already know he is not one of us, Dempsey,” Nikolai would grunt, tone unreadable for either conscious party as he traced his hands over Richtofen’s face and quickly pushed some hair out of the way. Dempsey and Takeo gazed over the way the elongated fangs hung out of his mouth around the makeshift gag, which was just a very large gun clip.

“His teeth are like a snake’s,” Takeo would mumble, getting Dempsey to nod in agreement. The American would shuffle over to the chair that each guard had been using over these few days, and sat himself down.

“Well, he wasn’t biting you,” Nikolai hummed, tilting his head as he continued to look Richtofen over for any evil. He found none, besides the eyes that continued glowing crimson. He’d shuffle down on Richtofen’s legs and press his head to the German’s chest, “absolutely no heartbeat however. Certainly some sort of undead.”

“Does… Does that mean we actually have to kill the fucker? No way,” Dempsey would perk up, crossing his arms and biting his tongue. The three had discussed it several times that week; what if they did have to kill Richtofen? What would they do then? Who would they follow?
“No. If you’re not dead, or hurt,” Nikolai would cross his arms and get up from sitting on Richtofen’s legs. The man squirmed and curled into a ball, but didn’t get up. Nikolai would wince as he stepped away towards Takeo’s side, looking down at Richtofen pitifully.

“...We do not even know what Richtofen is. He has not told us,” Takeo’s voice was calm and collected as he reached into a bag he carried, pulling out a flask of water to sip upon. Nikolai would grab onto the same flask and sip at it after. There was only a moment of silence, only until Richtofen would pipe up this time, gun clip pulled from his own mouth and dripping with spit.

“ Ich bin ein Vampir, ” Richtofen would sigh exhaustedly, rolling his head to the side. His eyes would open for real this time, the glow faint, but there. There was a moment of recognition from Dempsey, but silence for Richtofen to continue, “I have been since I was a student.”

“...And you couldn’t have told us this sooner? I thought… We thought you’d be a braindead zombie,” Dempsey murmured, frowning. There was emotion in his voice, hard to read again, but clearly upset. He sighed, “I didn’t know you just hated mirrors.”

“Wait, what is Vampir? What’s the meaning,” Nikolai chimed in, crossing his arms tight. His face read irritated anger, but the confusion rang in his voice. Takeo would hum affirmation for needing the definition, to which Richtofen was happy to offer.

“Blood sucking creatures. Often confused to be allergic to garlic,” Richtofen hummed, sighing as he put the gun clip back in his mouth, groaning as he bit down. He’d peer up to catch Dempsey’s gaze in apology. There was a moment of thought between Takeo and Nikolai, until the two nodded. Takeo would lean up straight, clearing his throat.

“Nikolai and I… understand,” Takeo would slick his hair back, and sighed, leaning into Nikolai’s shoulder quietly.

“If you’re a Vampire, then you need to suck on someone’s neck,” Dempsey would grumble, scratching his neck anxiously at the very thought. Knowing that if Richtofen wanted to, he could have chowed down. There was a snort of amusement from Nikolai, to which Dempsey sighed, “not like that, Nikolai,” then awkwardly cleared his throat. Richtofen would bite down on the gun clip in his mouth and shake his head, pulling it out to begin speaking.

“I wouldn’t want to do that to you, as my friends,” Edward would murmur, sticking his tongue out with a long exhale. He’d grip onto himself and shiver again, rolling away to face away.

“Well, is it contagious? This Vampir sickness,” Nikolai inquired. Richtofen would shake his head, trembling as he leaned up and put the clip aside.

“It is not a sickness if I do not wish to spread it,” Richtofen would mumble, beginning to feel the world spin as he got himself up and leaned against the wall. His eyes would trace over his friends, as he had put them now, his humanity taking in each trait. Oh, how he enjoyed days where they had simply sat at the campfire.

“So you’re starving yourself,” Dempsey would grunt, his conclusion firm. Takeo and Nikolai would glance to the American, then back to Richtofen, who squirmed under the gaze. Dempsey would uncross his arms and sigh, stretching his arms above his head with a yawn. He’d then begin to approach Richtofen.

“I am fine, Dempsey, I’m fine. I promise you! I’m fine,” Richtofen would laugh nervously, his voice being lost between suddenly faster breathing. He clenched his jaw tight, and watched Dempsey close as he was now in front of him and leaning down.

“If you don’t kill me, or turn me to a freak, I’m letting you do this once,” The American’s ice blue gaze striked Richtofen, and it was then he noticed the scent of fear went away. To replace it was still worry and concern, but he recognized the final piece of the puzzle. Genuine care. Dempsey’s eyes carried compassion, and Richtofen let his jaw go slack, observing the marine nudge his head to the side, where the pity bandaid laid. Richtofen shook his head and grabbed Dempsey’s arm, his non-dominant one, and leaned down.

Then, it was easy to bite down on Dempsey’s wrist. He could feel the pull back of surprise, a natural response, but he held on strong with his teeth. It was impossible to hold off any longer from the display of care he was given, and he suckled. Blood, alive and fresh as it entered his mouth. Richtofen sighed in genuine relief. The world around him faded away with its problems too, and he swallowed.

After the first swallow, the rest came easy, filling his body with life. There was a moment where Richtofen realised he would possibly sip away Dempsey’s life too, so then, he unlatched. He licked the crimson liquid from his teeth with a relieved sigh, and as he peered back up to meet his allies eyes.

He truly felt loved and taken care of.

The past few weeks were hard for Richtofen. It was hard for all of them. Going through time and space to save the universe and their souls, it was hard. However, it was easier now that he was closer with his teammates. Sure, maybe literally having your mouth on them for survival was weird at first, but they adjusted just fine. Their mission was still remaining, and therefore, they needed Richtofen to survive for now too.

Every week, Richtofen would feed, and his allies, though hesitant, slowly grew used to the feeling of having fangs in their wrists. It was to the point that Takeo would sometimes fill in for Nikolai or Dempsey if they especially weren’t feeling it, or that Dempsey would make a big scene of it to make sure everything was good for Richtofen’s taste, or as of now, Nikolai made sure that everything was comfortable, and casual. The movement from each man he was surviving with was touching.

“Richtofen,” Nikolai was sitting in the chair in front of Richtofen, waiting expectantly. His sleeves of his shirt were pulled up over his elbows, with his jacket put aside and set on a hook. The routine was simple. Richtofen would sigh, nodding his head politely to the Russian.

“Nikolai! Sorry, I was thinking,” Richtofen laughed softly to himself, slicking his hair back with his hand, then to the side. Nikolai himself simply blinked his deep blue eyes slowly, then dipped his head. Richtofen was aware that these travelling sessions were tough on the body, and he could see in Nikolai’s eyes that he was tired. 

“You are fine. I was worried something bothered you?” Nikolai would tilt his head to the side, earning a dragged out sigh from Richtofen. The German would unsheathe his fangs from their hiding and simply bite into Nikolai’s arm, giving light suctions. Nikolai would hiss in discomfort, flinching, but held his ground. Richtofen gave a comforting squeeze to the Russian’s hand. He didn’t need much to drink, just enough to keep going. He suckled until he couldn’t be bothered anymore, and quickly pulled himself off of Nikolai. A bandage was slapped on after.

“...No, of course not. I am simply thinking of what the future will bring us,” Richtofen would smile, short and sweet. He let go of Nikolai’s hand with one more soothing stroke to the skin, standing up straight and letting go. The Russian sat in the chair with a slight woozy look.

“You still stress over things that are for later,” Nikolai hummed, pulling his sleeves back over his arms and then crossing them. Richtofen snorted in amusement, pulling aside a chair to sit down by Nikolai.

“I have to, Nikolai. It is for the best. Once we are done here, we will find out what later is,” there weren't answers to be given to Nikolai quite yet. Richtofen’s smile was faint, even as he sat in the chair. Nikolai would squint his eyes suspiciously, but sighed.

“I know that after we go get your package in the next dimension, we will be harvesting my soul. Later, concerning my soul later,” Nikolai would frown and hold his breath. Richtofen nodded quietly, leaning forwards in his chair as he wiped around his mouth for any blood.

“Yes, we will have to visit my lab before we can do that, but… We will have to go to a dimension with your soul. I am so very sorry, Nikolai,” Edward would catch Nikolai’s eyes and keep contact with them, reaching his hand forwards to pat Nikolai’s knee. A soft smile took his face over, “I want what is best for you, even if you don’t believe it. When we get out of my lab, we will fetch your soul, and go to Agartha.”

“...Fine,” Nikolai grunted, uncrossing his arms and letting his hand lay over Richtofen’s a moment. Then, without much else to say, he got up to his feet with a stumble and walked out of the room. There was only a silent wave goodbye as he pulled his coat over his broad shoulders, then left.

“Bye Nikolai,” Richtofen would sigh, leaving the cold room to be his only comfort. Feeling loved in small amounts was good. It kept him sane, ready for the next journey. He looked over the summoning key in his palm, the golden ball of universal destruction pulsing in his hand.

By tomorrow, they would go to Alcatraz, and come right back out.

Just as the Kronorium wanted.