I'm alive! I am sooooo sorry that it took so long to get this chapter out! But I became extremely busy with my first year of uni exams and moving out of halls and everything so I think that gives me an excuse...(not!) But here is the next chapter! I hope it is worth the wait!

Disclaimer: Again, Dani doesn't own Hetalia


Matthew sighed as the car pulled into Arthur's drive. Once Keith turned off the engine Matthew got out and stretched. "Am I glad that journey is over." He said as his back clicked. Keith and Leon got out the car and chuckled.

"At least you didn't have to travel as far as us Mattie." Keith said, stifling a yawn as he moved to the boot of the rented car and opened it so they could all remove their luggage.

Matthew smiled. "That's true. But I can't wait to see Dad. It will be good to spend some time with him for the next few days."

Leon nodded as he took his case out the boot. "I am really glad that Arthur offered to let us use his house for the party. I was worried that we would never get anywhere sorted in time."

Keith smiled. "And it also gives Dad the opportunity to spoil us like he did when we were kids." He got out the last of the luggage and led the way up to the front door.

Leon snickered. "As long as we don't have to eat his scones again! I heard that Ian is still getting over his last encounter with them."

Matthew laughed. "Don't let Dad hear you say that." He went up to the door and rang the doorbell. After a few minutes he rang it again. When there was still no response he looked at the others.

"Maybe he is out in the back garden?" Keith suggested, knocking on the front door. "Hey Dad! We are here! Going to let us in or make us stand out here till the cows come home?" He lowered his voice and turned to the others. "And I still don't get that saying of his!"

Leon went over to the front room window and looked in. "There are no signs of life in here." He said, a scowl starting to appear on his face.

Matthew spotted the mail and papers that were piled up just the other side of the door. "It looks like he hasn't picked up his mail in a few days." He looked down sadly. "It looks like he isn't here."

Keith frowned. "But he said he would be here to help with the party!"

Leon's face had fallen into its old stoic mask. "It's six days before Alfred's birthday. You know he always disappears around this time."

Keith shook his head. "No, you guys are having the party here, and he is planning to go to Alfred's! Dad wouldn't just disappear."

"He has let us down again." Leon said in a monotone voice. "He forgot about us because he is still obsessed over Alfred leaving."

Keith looked at Matthew who had fallen silent and was looking at the ground. "You don't believe that too do you Mattie?" Keith asked.

Matthew sighed and pulled out his phone. He dialled a number and waited. "Papa?...Oui, c'est moi...have you seen or spoken to Arthur since the World Meeting?...Non, he isn't here…Non, he hasn't contacted us either…oui…oui, merci Papa." He hung up.

Keith looked at him. "Well?"

"Papa said that the last time he heard from Arthur was three days ago, when he went for a meeting. Papa agrees that Arthur is probably avoiding everyone like he has done every other year." Matthew then looked at Leon. "Papa has offered to let us have the party at his house instead, and will contact everyone himself to inform them of the change in venue."

Leon nodded. "Sounds good to me." He glared at the house. "I should have known he would let us down like always." Matthew and Leon started back to the car to put their luggage away, but Keith stayed where he was. Leon turned to him. "You coming Keith?"

Keith shook his head. "Nah, I'm going to stay here for a bit. You never know, Dad might be in the forest with the Fae, and have lost track of time."

Leon just snorted. "Whatever. We are taking the car with us to France, so you will have to call a cab when you get bored of waiting for Arthur." He left Keith's luggage and climbed into the driver's seat. Matthew went over and hugged Keith, then got into the passenger seat. Leon started the car and the two drove off, leaving Keith alone.

Once they had driven out of sight, Keith turned back to the house, and went back to the front door. He picked up a rock and took off the key that was sellotaped there. Putting the rock down, Keith unlocked the door and went inside. "Dad?" He called out. "Dad, it's me Keith." The only answer Keith got was silence. He sighed and put down his suitcase, then picked up all the letters and papers from the mat. He took a look at the papers and saw that the earliest was dated from three days ago, the day that anyone had spoken to Arthur. On the front page was a picture of an American flag and fireworks, stating that there was to be a celebration in Hyde Park for the American Independence day. Keith sighed. Maybe they are right and Dad just couldn't handle it like normal. He thought as he put the papers and letters on the table. Then he saw how all the pictures were knocked over on the table. That's odd. Dad never leaves anything out of place. Even when he is drunk. Keith walked a little further into the house and saw Arthur's briefcase lying on the ground. Keith's frown deepened. Something is wrong here. Wait, I can't just jump to conclusions. Maybe Dad was just upset? Keith decided that he would go check the forest. He knew that when Arthur was upset and needed to forget things he would go into the forest and visit his Fae friends.

Keith went out the back door and across the well tended lawn to the forest. He smiled as he entered. Like Arthur, Keith loved going into the forest, it always seemed to have a soothing effect on him, making his worries melt away. But while he did smile, Keith couldn't let go of his worry over Arthur. He walked deeper into the forest until he reached the clearing he knew Arthur always went to when he visited the Fae; but the clearing was empty but for a few faeries. Keith frowned and went over to them, remembering how Arthur had taught him to always speak with the utmost politeness to the faeries. "Excuse me ladies," He said softly, causing the faeries to turn around. "Please pardon my intrusion, fair ones, but I have come to ask if you have possibly seen my father?"

The faeries laughed softly and one with long vivid red hair flew forward to hover in front of his face. Keith smiled at her, knowing her well, for she was 'his faerie' as he said when he was a child. "Keith! I haven't seen you in so long!" The red-head faerie said in a bell like voice.

"Oh do be quiet Rosetta!" Another faerie said, shaking her head. She turned to Keith. "We have not seen Arthur in several days, I am afraid. He was meant to visit us yesterday but never showed."

The faerie called Rosetta nodded. "It's true Keith. We were worried because Arthur has never broken his promises. But then Meli said that it could just be that he was busy with work, but I said that even when he was swamped he would always come and see us, even if it was only for a few minutes, but Meli wouldn't listen to me, so I said –"

Keith put a finger lightly against Rosetta's tiny lips silencing her. "I can see that you haven't changed Rosetta." He said giving a slight chuckle, then turned to the other faerie who had spoken. "So you haven't seen him? And have no idea where he could be?"

The faerie shook her head. "No, I am afraid not. Why? Has something happened?"

Keith sighed and shrugged. "I am afraid I don't know. Dad was meant to be here today, as me, Leon and Mattie were coming over to set up for Mattie and Leon's birthday tomorrow, but he isn't here. Apparently Francis heard from Dad three days ago but since then no one has heard anything."

The Rosetta and the other faerie frowned, then the other faerie spoke. "Isn't it Alfred's birthday in a few days?"

Keith nodded. "Yes it is, and before you say anything, Dad had decided to go to Al's birthday."

Rosetta frowned. "Well, I don't know how else we can help you Keith, I'm sorry."

Keith sighed. "That's alright, he may have gone to Uncle Alistair's or Rhys', so I will go ring them and check. But thank you for your help, fair ones."

Rosetta giggled. "Aw Keith! So formal! But please come and visit me soon, I have missed you." She flew over and hugged Keith's neck. Keith smiled and rested a hand lightly on her tiny back.

"Of course, Rosetta. But first I have to find Dad."

The other faerie nodded. "Of course. We wish you luck in finding him. Come Rosetta, we must get back, we promised to help Meribell."

Rosetta flew over to the other faerie. "Bye Keith." She waved and the two faeries flew off into the forest.

Keith watched them go, then turned and made his way out of the forest. He went back into the house, making sure to wipe the mud off his shoes first. He went over to Arthur's phone and picked it up, dialling Alistair's number. It rang for a few seconds before it was picked up.

"Arthur? Where the hell have you been laddie? Rhys is here and has been worried sick cause you never turned up for your meeting the other day!" Alistair's heavy Scottish accent came down the phone.

"Uncle Alistair, it isn't Dad, it's me Keith." He said.

"Keith? What are you doing at Arthur's?" Keith could hear the frown in Alistair's voice.

"Myself, Leon and Mattie were meant to be staying here with Dad, to set up for the party tomorrow." Keith reminded Alistair. "But when we got here there was no sign of Dad. I rang to ask if you knew where he was, but judging by your reaction you haven't heard from Dad either?"

"No. None of us have heard from him in a few days." Alistair said worry clear in his voice. "Have you spoken to the Fae."

Keith nodded. "Yes, I just went and spoke to Rosetta and another of the faeries. They haven't seen him either." As he spoke Keith was standing up the picture frames, and paused when he picked up one of Arthur and Alfred when Alfred was a young child. "You don't think he changed his mind about getting past what happened with Al do you?"

Keith heard Alistair sigh. "I don't know Keith. I know he said that he would move past it now, but it obviously still hurts him. Perhaps he did just want some time alone to sort out his feelings. How did Leon and Mata take the fact he wasn't there?"

Keith groaned. "Badly. Leon went all emotionless again and Mattie went quiet." He sighed. "Mattie rang Francis, and they are going to have the party over there instead. But I don't think they are going to forgive Dad this time if he really has run off because of Al."

"Hmm." Alistair hummed sadly. "Well, we will have to face that when it comes. But I'm sure Arthur will be back for their birthday tomorrow, and he sure as hell won't miss the World Meeting."

"I hope you are right Alistair." Keith said quietly. "But I can't help but have a bad feeling about this."

"Neither can I Keith. But I have to go get ready to go to France now it seems. So I will speak to you either tonight or tomorrow."

"Alright. See you later." Keith said before hanging up. He stood for a moment, before he sighed and picked up the phone again to dial for a taxi. Ten minutes later, Keith was about to leave the house, but picked up the newest paper from the pile. Something to read, he thought to himself as he locked the door and hide the spare key again. He got into the cab and settled down as he was driven to St Pancras so he could catch the Euro Star. Once he was booked in and on his train Keith opened the paper and began to read the news. It was only when the train was out of London and travelling through the countryside towards the coast, that Keith came across an article about a fatal car crash. "Poor sod." He muttered as he read it, then froze when he saw the victims name. Arthur Kirkland. Keith stared at it for a few minutes. "No," He murmured. "It can't be Dad. It has to be some other Arthur Kirkland." It was impossible for nations to die in car crashes. Right? Keith had never heard that happen. But then he couldn't remember any nation he knew getting into a car crash. Keith re-read the story and saw that it had happened three days before. The last time anyone had heard from Arthur. But he shook his head. "No, England would have started to fall apart by now." He muttered. "Dad is just in the Lakes or something, he will be at the party tomorrow, apologising to Leon and Mattie. He is fine." Keith threw the paper down onto the table and turned to stare out the window. But for the rest of the journey he couldn't fight down the thought, what if?


As soon as the car had stopped outside Francis' mansion, Matthew leapt out the car and into his Papa's arms. Leon got out slower, but it was clear that he was as upset about this as Matthew was. Francis wrapped his arms around Matthew and gave a smile at Leon. "Come mon petites, let's go inside." Leon went to go get the luggage but Francis stopped him. "The servants can get them. Come inside and let's talk."

Leon nodded and followed Francis and Matthew inside. They went into Francis' large living room and sat down. "Can I get either of you something to drink?" He asked lightly. Both of them shook their heads, so Francis sat down and looked at the two boys. He sighed. "Cheer up chers it is your birthdays tomorrow!"

Leon just looked at Francis, then looked away. Matthew sighed. "Oui, Papa, but it's just…" He trailed off and looked at the floor.

Francis let out a breath. "I know, Mattieu. Arthur let you down. But come," He gestured to the house. "You are still having the party, and everyone will turn up, and the birthday boys are not allowed to be sad!" He then smiled at them. "And no doubt Arthur will turn up and apologise and try to make it up to you. He probably lost track of time, that is all, oui."

Matthew nodded, but Leon's stoic mask did not drop. "Even if he does, I won't forgive him. He has let us down too often." He said in a monotone. Francis sighed and shook his head, but didn't say anything. Instead he stood and gestured to the two.

"Come, let me show you your rooms, then we can start setting everything up for the party." He said with a smile. The two boys nodded and followed Francis upstairs. While they were settling in, Francis pulled out his phone and sent yet another text to Arthur, demanding he answer and explain himself. But half an hour later, when the three nations started to get the house ready for the party the following day, there had still been no response. A few hours later Matthew's phone went off, and Francis hoped it would be Arthur, but it was Keith, asking if they could come and pick him up from the station. Francis sighed but then told Matthew to let Keith know they would be there in ten minutes. As the three of them piled into Francis' car and started off for the station Francis couldn't help but worry about Arthur. But he told himself that it was nothing, that Arthur was simply having some time to himself to prepare himself to forgive Alfred and had simply lost track of time, or forgotten that the boys were coming over. At least that was what Francis kept telling himself.

The next day the house was ready just in time for the first guests to arrive. Everyone greeted the birthday boys, but none mentioned the fact that the location had changed. Not even Feliciano, since Ludwig had drilled it into him on the way over to the party. Both Leon and Matthew seemed like nothing was the matter, talking to their friends and family, but those who knew them well knew that they were still upset. It was also clear that something was wrong with Keith. The usually boisterous nation was standing alone in a corner quietly, staring at the door. His brother and sister had gone over to him but he had just shrugged them off, saying he was okay. No one was sure what was up with him, but they guessed it had something to do with the way he would look at the door every time someone came in.

Jack and Paulette watched their brother for a while before they went over to join Rhys and Seamus. Rhys gave them a gentle smile. "Hello, you two. Enjoying yourselves?"

Paulette shrugged. Seamus smiled at her. "I saw Peter over by the food table. Why don't you go and make sure he, Levi and Dante don't get into too much mischief?" He said quietly like he didn't want anyone but her to hear. Paulette nodded and ran off to find her friends.

"Thanks," Jack said. "She was getting too worked up over Keith."

Seamus waved his hand. "It's fine. Don't like to see a young girl upset." He then sighed and looked over at Keith. "He won't tell you what is up?"

Jack shook his head. "No, he keeps saying he is fine. But I know there is something wrong with him."

Rhys shrugged. "If he won't say then we will never know. You can't force him to say what is wrong."

Jack sighed. "I know, but still I can't help but worry about him."

Over the other side of the room Francis was talking to Gilbert and Antonio. "So no one has heard from him in four days?" Antonio was asking.

Francis shook his head. "Non, I am hoping he will turn up today, or I think he may break all chances he has left with Leon and mon petite Matteiu."

"I'm sure he just lost track of time." Gilbert said, being unusually serious. "Maybe he drank too much; you know what he is like this time of year."

Francis looked over at Matthew and sighed. "But then again, he has never forgotten Matteiu's birthday. Even when he was in his deepest depression after Alfred left."

Antonio shrugged. "I don't know what to say amigo. Maybe he finally snapped and doesn't want to see anyone?"

Francis sighed. "Maybe, maybe not. All we can do is speculate until Arthur finally turns up and tells us where he has been."

Alfred bounded into the room and ran over to his brother. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO'!" he crowed at the top of his voice hugging Matthew tightly.

"Um, thanks Al." Matthew said quietly. "But do you think you could be a little quieter?"

Alfred grinned. "Sure thing bro'!" He shoved a gaudily wrapped box into Matthew's arms. "Open it!"

Matthew sighed. "Okay Al." He slowly unwrapped it to reveal a carved wooden box, decorated with engraved polar bears, moose and maple leaves. He looked up at Alfred. "Did you make this?" He asked, sounding shocked.

Alfred grinned wider. "No need to sound so shocked! I do have some talents other than being loud." He chuckled. "Arthur taught me how to do it, though I had to beg him to teach me how to do it." Matthew's smile had dropped at the mention of Arthur. Alfred frowned then a look of dawning crossed his face. "Sorry, bro. I didn't mean to upset you."

Matthew shrugged. "Not your fault Alfred. He told us that he had decided to get over what had happened back then, but obviously he couldn't. I just wish he would have followed through on his promise to Leon and myself."

Alfred pulled Matthew into a hug. "Dude, I am sure that he will be here. Just give him a chance. No doubt he got himself sidetracked and forgot what day it is. You know what an old man he is. Plus he had to now work out how to read his emails to find out where the party is. He will be here. You'll see!"

Matthew smiled slightly as he returned the hug. "Thank you Alfred, for the present and trying to cheer me up."

Alfred rubbed his back. "Any time bro." He pulled back and smiled at Matthew. "Now, get the frown off of your face, and let me see your smile. No one is allowed to be upset on their birthday, especially my brother." Matthew sighed and smiled back at Alfred. "Much better!" Alfred crowed, and slapped him on the back. "Now, go entertain your guests like the good little Canadian you are."

Matthew chuckled and pushed Alfred's head lightly. "Alright, Al. I made sure there were plenty of burgers so that you wouldn't go hungry." Alfred cheered and hugged Matthew quickly before running over to the food table. Matthew smiled as he watched his brother run off. Then he sighed and went over to put the box down with his other presents. He turned and looked around the room. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, but Matthew's eyes fell on Keith, who was still standing in the corner staring at the door. Matthew sighed and shook his head. Keith hadn't said a word since he had arrived in Paris, seeming too preoccupied with something. It was obviously something to do with Arthur, but Matthew didn't ask. He put the smile back on his face and went to join Leon in entertaining the guests.


Several days passed and it was day after Alfred's birthday. When Arthur hadn't turned up people had started talking, wondering where he was. But no one seemed to think it was out of the ordinary. But Keith was even more worried than before. He decided it was time to talk to someone about what he had found out about the car crash. He decided to go talk to Yao since he was an Ancient, so if anyone knew about what could harm or kill a Nation it would be Yao, so the following day Keith Nation-hopped from America to China to visit Yao. When he arrived Keith took a few calming breaths before he then knocked three times on Yao's door. From inside Keith could hear a cup being placed on the table and someone walking to the door. It slowly opened to show Yao, his hair down and flowing around his shoulders. Yao seemed surprised to see Keith standing at his front door and it showed in the tone of his voice when he spoke. "Keith, what can I do for you?"

Keith remembered his manners and bowed to Yao. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I wanted your help on something."

Yao raised an eyebrow then stood back to allow Keith to enter the house. Keith walked in and Yao directed him to the living room. Keith walked into the room and saw a raven haired man sitting in one of the armchairs. He paused as the man turned round and studied him with serene chocolate-brown eyes. Keith turned back to Yao. "I didn't realise you had a guest already, I can come back at some other time if you like."

Yao gave Keith a soft smile and gestured to the sofa. "Please, take a seat, you aren't interrupting us. Can I get you a drink?"

Keith shook his head. "No, thank you Yao, I am alright." He sat down on the sofa and looked at the black-haired man across from him. "Good morning Kiku." He said softly.

Kiku gave a gentle smile. "Konichiwa Keith."

Yao had sat back in his armchair and looked at Keith for a moment, waiting for Keith to start talking, but Keith was staring at his lap, fiddling with his fingers. After about five minutes of silence Yao decided to break it. "So Keith, what can I do for you today?"

Keith glanced up, then back down and took a deep breath. "I was wondering if you could tell me about what could harm or... or k-kill a nation."

Yao and Kiku exchanged a look, then Yao looked at the top of Keith's head. "Can I ask why you wish to know?"

"I'm just curious." Keith said quietly, still not looking up at the older nations.

Yao sighed. "Well there are many things that can harm a Nation, as you know from personal experience. But there are very few Nations that have died. As you know all of the Ancient's, except for myself, disappeared when they were no longer needed, or as with Germania and Rome their Empires broke down. But there have never been any Nation's that have been killed."

Keith glanced up briefly. "So a car crash couldn't have killed a Nation?"

Yao frowned. "Why would you ask that, Keith?" Keith just looked at his lap again. Yao got up and crouched down in front of Keith, laying a gentle hand on his knee. "Keith, is this about Arthur?" He asked softly. "You know he is alright."

Keith shook his head. "He isn't alright, I know it." He pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and gave it to Yao, then looked at his lap again.

Yao sat back on his heels and smoothed out the paper, reading it in silence. Kiku came over and read the article over Yao's shoulder. Yao was frowning as he got to the end and looked up at Keith. "When did you find this?"

"The day Matthew, Leon and I went to Dad's house." Keith whispered. "I didn't know whether it was true or not, so I didn't tell anyone cause I thought Dad would come to their party. When he didn't I told myself that he would come to Alfred's party, but he didn't again. That is when I decided to come talk to you."

Kiku straightened up as Yao got up. "We need to call an emergency World Meeting now." Yao told Kiku who nodded and pulled out his phone to make the calls.

Keith looked between the two. "What? Why do we need to call a World Meeting?" He asked slightly panicked.

Yao crouched down again and put his hand on his knee again. "Keith, even if the fire caused the damage it did, it would never have killed a Nation. And we would know if Arthur was dead as England would have fallen by now. So either Arthur was badly injured in the crash and is out in the forest needing our help, or something else has happened to Arthur and this is a distraction to cover up the fact Arthur is missing."

Keith was staring at Yao. "Oh God! You mean something bad could have happened to Arthur and we have done nothing! So if I had told someone about this earlier we could have found him?"

Yao gripped Keith's shoulders and looked him in the eye. "No, Keith this is not your fault. You couldn't have known. We all thought it was just Arthur's usual disappearance around this time. Do not blame yourself."

Kiku came back in. "As most people are still in America we are having the Meeting there. We need to leave now."

Yao nodded and took Keith's hand pulling him up. "Come on Keith, let's get over there. And remember it isn't your fault."

Keith nodded as he followed the older Nation's out the door, but he couldn't help but worry about what could have happened to Arthur.

When the three of them arrived at the meeting room, they were greeted with a cacophony of raised voices hitting them as they opened the door. Their fellow Nations were ranged around the room in groups arguing and yelling at each other, many not knowing why they had been held back in America for an emergency Meeting. As soon as Keith entered the room he caught sight of his brother and sister, and made his way straight over to them and pulled both of them into a hug. Jack and Paulette where confused but hugged their brother back just as tightly as he hugged them. Kiku had joined Ludwig and Feliciano and filled them in on why he had called the Meeting and filling them in on what he knew. Yao stood for a few minutes viewing the room, letting his eyes roam over the groups before they stopped on one group of green eyed, bushy eye-browed men who were standing close together looking extremely worried. Yao sighed and made his way over to them, thinking that it would be better if the Kirkland brothers were to find out privately first rather than hearing it announced to the world.

Alistair watched Yao warily as he approached the brother's, wondering why Yao had entered with Keith and was now making his way over to them. When Yao joined them all four brothers stared at him in silence waiting for him to talk first. Yao took a slow breath then looked at Alistair. "I may as well get straight to the point. I have reason to believe that Arthur is in serious trouble and needs our help."

All the brothers stared at Yao in shock for a few moments. "What the hell?" Alistair barked. "What do you mean? How could you know that? Explain yourself!" Alistair and Seamus were starting to bristle and their faces were darkening in anger.

Yao raised his hands. "Calm down Alistair. I don't mean that I have hurt Arthur. Keith came to see me today, asking about what can hurt Nations. It turns out that when he had gone to Arthur's house he had found an article in the paper about a car crash. It was your brother's car, and the authorities had pronounced Arthur dead as no remains were found."

Rhys was shaking his head. "No, if Arthur was...I would know, and England would have fallen. Arthur is alive, I can feel it."

Yao nodded slowly, having heard about the way the twin Nations could feel each other's presence in the world and sometimes even each other's emotions. And in the case of Feliciano and Lovino, who both represented the same country, they could even feel each other's pain if one was hurt. Yao looked back at the brothers. "I know, I told Keith that Arthur couldn't be dead as England has not fallen. But Arthur could have been involved in a car crash and be badly injured."

"Then what the hell are we doing having an emergency Meeting?" Seamus demanded. "We just need to get out there and search the forest for Arthur! That doesn't need the whole world!"

Yao sighed. "Perhaps not, but there is a lot of forest to search, and many of your fellow Nations are worried about Arthur. The four of you would take weeks to search every inch of that forest, but if we got everyone to help we could cover and find Arthur in a matter of days."

Rhys looked at his brothers. "Yao has a very good point there. We need all the help we can get."

Alistair looked at each of his brothers, who all nodded their agreement, then turned back to Yao. "Alright. We will go with your plan."

Yao inclined his head. "Thank you, I am sure that everyone will be willing to help out."

At that point Ludwig called the Meeting to order and everyone started to take their seats, many of them curious as to what the Meeting was about.

As Alfred listened to Yao explaining why they had called the Meeting and what he believed had happened to Arthur, he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. The fact that all this time Arthur could have been out in the forest alone and badly injured, whilst Alfred, the Hero, was having fun made him feel sick. Alfred mentally berated himself, knowing that when Arthur hadn't turned up at Matthew and Leon's party he should have realised something was wrong and gone to look for Arthur. Alfred glanced to his left at his brother, who was staring at Yao in shock. Alfred reached over and gripped Matthew's hand tightly. Matthew glanced at Alfred, who wrote a note on a scrap of paper and pushed it over to Matthew.

'It's okay bro, we will find him.'

Matthew studied the note then looked up at Alfred and nodded then wrote a message back.

'I know. But are you okay?'

Alfred read the note with a slight frown. Why is Mattie asking if I am okay? He quickly answered the note.

'Of course I am okay. It is Arthur we should be worrying about, not me.'

Matthew wrote quickly and passed the note back.

'I know how you feel about Arthur. Just know I am here if you need to talk.'

Alfred was really frowning now, completely confused. How I feel about Arthur? What does Mattie mean? Sure I am worried but that is cause Artie is my best friend. Alfred shook his head then squeezed Matthew's hand and whispered. "I know dude, but I am fine. The Hero will find Iggy and everything will be fine."


As Yao predicted all of the Nations agreed to help look for Arthur. The next day they all arrived in England and met at the spot where the crash had happened. They then split into groups and were given an area to search of the forest. Then the search for Arthur began in earnest.

After a week of searching, no sign of Arthur had been found. They widened the search to a larger area, but still no sign of Arthur. Many of the Nations were starting to get worried, nothing like this had ever happened before. By the end of the second week the Nations had search most of England, but had still found nothing. It was then that they all knew something was very wrong. It was then decided that they would all search their own countries for any sign of Arthur.

After two months of searching there was still no sign of Arthur anywhere. But they knew he was still alive as England still hadn't fallen. The four Kirkland brothers and Francis had been searching non-stop for Arthur, Nation-hopping around the world until they were exhausted. Gilbert and Antonio finally decided that Francis needed a break from searching when they turned up at his Paris apartment to find him passed out in his hallway from exhaustion. Gilbert had picked Francis up and carried him to his bed, tucking him in. Antonio had gone around the apartment tidying each room, which Francis had obviously ignored since the search had begun. When Francis finally woke up several hours later he tried to go back out to join the search again. But Gilbert had forced him back into his bed and sat on him, refusing to get off of him until he agreed to rest. Francis grudgingly agreed and let Antonio bring him a cup of coffee in bed. Once he had finished that Gilbert and Antonio made him eat a proper meal after he admitted that he had spent the last few weeks snacking. As the evening rolled around Antonio and Gilbert forced Francis into going out for a drink with them, trying to get him to relax for one night. They had to compromise, that if Francis came out with them, they would only go out for two hours and they would let Francis go back to the search the next day. Once that was agreed, they went out to a nearby bar for a few drinks.

After an hour Francis stood up. "I'm sorry, but this is wrong. Arthur is out there somewhere in trouble, and here we are having a drink like nothing is wrong! I am going home and going back out to search for him." He then turned and made his way to the exit.

Gilbert and Antonio looked at each other then got up and ran after Francis.

"Franny, don't be like that!" Gilbert called out as they caught up with him. "We aren't trying to make you act like nothing is wrong, but you need to take a break or you are going to make yourself ill!"

"I don't care! I have to find my brother!" Francis snapped at Gilbert.

Antonio lay a hand on Francis' shoulder. "We know amigo. We want to find Arthur just as much as you do. We are just worried about you. And if you make yourself ill, what help will you be to Arthur?"

Francis stopped and looked sheepishly up at Antonio. "You are right mon ami. I am sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I am just so worried about Arthur."

Gilbert squeezed Francis' shoulder lightly. "We understand, Franny. I tried to get Alistair to take a break the other day and he nearly took my head off. But you all need to rest, or you will be no help to Arthur at all."

Francis nodded slowly. "Oui, alright. I will rest. But once I am rested I am going out there to look for Arthur again."

Gilbert and Antonio smiled slightly. "We expected nothing less." Gilbert said. "I would be the same if it was West that was missing. Now come on, let's get you home."

Francis let them lead him back towards his apartment. But when they were halfway there, they were passing a dark ally way, when a hand shot out of the dark and grabbed Francis' leg. Francis yelped and tried to shake the hand off of his leg. But the hand gripped him tightly. Gilbert and Antonio turned around and then came over to help Francis out.

Gilbert grabbed the person's hand and tried to wrenched it off. "Let go!" He yelled at the person. He gave a massive pull and managed to get them off of Francis, who quickly backed away. But now the person was gripping onto Gilbert's arm. "Fucking let go creep!" Gilbert yelled trying to pull away. But all he managed to do was pull the person out of the shadows, on to the street. When they saw the person they all froze in shock. The man had his head down hiding his face behind long locks of grimy hair that had once been blond. He was wearing rags that barely covered anything, and his skin was covered in a criss-crossing pattern of scars and cuts, some shallow others obviously very deep. The hand that was gripping Gilbert's arm was missing two fingers and the other hand was missing the same amount plus one that was half grown back. The man was on his knees, but from the way he was gripping onto Gilbert's arm it was clear that he hardly had the strength to hold himself up.

Francis slowly stepped forward staring at the man on the ground in front of them. Francis opened his mouth but no sound came out. He tried again, but still nothing. On the third attempt Francis finally found his voice but it came out in no more than a whisper. "A-Arthur...is...is that y-you?"

At Francis' voice the man slowly raised his head, meeting Francis blue eyes with one eye of emerald green, the other eye covered by a grubby bandage, hidden slightly under bushy eyebrows. When the man had looked up Francis, Antonio and Gilbert had all gasped in shock, not because it was indeed Arthur in front of them or that his face was covered in cuts and bruises, but because Arthur's mouth was sewn shut, the skin around it completely healed so it looked like the thread was part of Arthur's face. Arthur stared up at his brother and two friends for a few moments then his eye rolled up into his head as he passed out, falling to the side, only to be caught by Gilbert before he hit the ground.


Please read and review. Reviews make me want to continue the story.

XD I bet you were all expecting me to do more of Iggy torture weren't you! Tough! You don't get it in this chapter. Or the next one! I am going to leave you guessing for a bit on what exactly happened to Iggy in those two months.

Also I have to explain this. My headcanon is that Australia, New Zealand and Canada all still have the Sight. This is because they didn't leave England until he was ready for them to leave, so of course they continued to believe in the Fae. And even after they left they continued to believe.

But yes. Next chapter is nearly half completed and I hope that now I am on my summer holiday I can get it finished, however I warn you now I am planning to get a job so I may take a while!

Human names (in order of appearance):

Ian - The Falklands

Paulette - Wy

Levi - Lardonia

Dante - Seborga

Yao - China

Lovino - South Italy