Chapter 4;

A Little Liverwurst and A Little Crazy

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I do not own Hetalia or the 39 Clues. Everything belongs to their original owners...

Vash gazed at the large building in front of him, a clash of smells coming from inside. He recognized the smell of sausage and cheese fondue. The smell of chocolate and sugar came pouring out of one of its windows, making his mouth water and his stomach growl. But, he wasn't here to relish the smell of German meals, nor was he here to eat it. He was here for a different reason.

Project: Before Sunrise.

The very name of Alfred's and his creation rang in his ears. They took everything they knew and made a plan of it, but neither had actually foreseen when and where they would use it for it was only there to settle a certain dispute: Cahills and the family-that-shall-not-be-named. Despite this, they had everything covered, every possible worst-case scenario solved and made. If things didn't go their way, they would find another plan to be put into action. Sadly, since they had forgotten about it until the World Summit, they had forgotten the majority of the extra plans along with it. They could only hope that things went according to plan. If they didn't, they'll just have to wait and see what becomes of it. Alfred, on the other hand, didn't want to take that risk. Today, ever since he sent out the Axis on their mission, he's been worried sick and fraught with the worst thoughts possible. Vash couldn't blame him for taking precautions. The whole world hangs in the balance. If they miss a step or something went wrong, the world could topple over the wrong side and spin out of control. This was the only way to keep it from falling on the bad side. If things go well, the world will drop gracefully on the good side and everything will be back to the way it was before. Before then, though, he would have to rely on every country in the world, not that he never did before. But, in this game, a team player is the one thing for survival.

Vash gazed at his companions: Alfred, Lilli, and Gilbert. He gave a small growl. Why did they have to bring that Germanic idiot with them? He knew nothing of the world besides himself when he was still a country, and he knew even less about it once he no longer was one. Alfred insisted it was to keep good spirits, but Vash just believed that Alfred wanted to bring someone, who could make Ludwig lose. Vash doubted any of that will happen.

Lilli on the other hand, was his idea. Once Vash saw that Alfred brought along Gilbert, he persisted that he brings along Lilli. Alfred agreed, saying it was fair and that it wouldn't change the mission plan. Lilli didn't hesitate to come along when Vash asked her to. He knew she wouldn't have said no in the first place, but he wanted to make sure that she actually wanted to go.

"The Berlin Café?" Gilbert read off the sign in the front. He snickered. "What kind of name is that, Alffie? Why don't you call it the Prussian Diner? Sounds much more awesome to me." Gilbert bragged and teased. "Because you don't exist anymore, Gil? Yeah, that was the reason I called in your brother instead of you to name it. Besides, this is the only German-themed café I could make with Ludwig's permission. I can't ask you for it. Ludwig's your representative of the Germanic countries. He's the big boss, he makes the decision. So, I suggest you stop with your teasing." Alfred answered back. "And, don't call me Alffie!" he added with a snap. Gilbert, Vash, and Lilli both stepped back away from Alfred. This wasn't like him. The Project, Vash thought, It managed to get to Alfred as well as me.

Silently, Vash approached the door, keeping himself calm and confident. It was rare for a country to mingle with people besides their own in fun engagement, so it was pretty exciting to meet another culture different from the one they were used to. But, this was important and enemies could be lurking about in the shadows. If they caught even the slightest bit of unusual interaction, they'll immediately know who they were targeting. Vash couldn't take that risk, especially with Lilli in the roster and Alfred on high nerves. He was less concerned whether Gilbert will be targeted or not.

Once he opened the door, the smell of alcohol, liverwurst, cheese, chocolate, sugar, and all that good stuff poured in his nostrils, making him hungrier than he actually was. He stopped a moment in the doorway. Something caught his attention just a few minutes ago when he was walking in.

The people inside.

None of them appeared to be American, which he was expecting. Instead, they were all from a different country in Europe, including France, England, Norway, Russia, and Poland. It seemed strange to him for the time being. That's when he saw the boy and girl.

They both had fair skin and silky black hair, and he could tell they came from the U.K. The girl appeared to be 11 years of age, but she dressed like a fashion designer. Vash has no knowledge of designers, since he had no care for looks, so he couldn't tell what brand she got it from, but it appeared to be an expensive red blouse with a medium, black skirt that went to the knees. She wore a bright, white cardigan to go with them and appeared to be in short heels.

The boy on the other hand, was 14 years of age, and as far as Vash could tell, he was wearing a red sweater with black jeans and shoes. The only accessory he had was a white scarf around his neck, but it didn't appear to be cold or hot inside the restaurant. There was something oddly familiar about them, but Vash couldn't put his finger on it…

Alfred bumped him on the shoulder to get his attention. Vash looked at him with a knowing expression. Something was about to happen in this place, especially since they were here. When Lilli walked in, she gave a surprised gasp, then tried to cover up her face when a group of nearby French girls gave a funny look. Gilbert noticed them too, but instead of gasping, or looking surprised, he whispered fiercely, "They're here, like you said! Now, what?" Vash and Alfred both turned around to look at him and said in unison, "We wait for Ludwig."

Ludwig felt so pressured right now.

He was stuck in the middle of bad American traffic.

He got a fuming 14-year-old in the front passenger seat.

He's got a sleeping 11-year-old and Italian in the back with an emotionless Japanese man.

And, he had to get to a rendezvous with a certain American.

Judging the traffic speed, he'll get there by tomorrow night.

Great and I have a cat scratching the inside of my car to add to the list, he thought miserably. He watched the silver Egyptian Mau scratch the door with a frustrated mrrp. "Does that cat have to go outside?" he asked the fuming 14-year-old, AKA Amy Cahill. She looked at him, and then huffed, but she didn't respond. He gave a frustrated sigh. All he could hear was Feliciano's and Dan's soft breathing that suggested they were both asleep. It was amazing, you know? Feliciano managed to get Dan's trust when Ludwig was out of the car. In fact, the two of them had started a discussion of food during the middle of the trip! Afterwards, they both acted like they were lifelong friends, asking questions about school and life. Amy was going to be harder to befriend. Ludwig couldn't blame her for that, no matter how hard he tried.

Amy had to deal with a lot of heart break, especially during the Hunt with Ian Kabra. Trust was another problem she had. Every time a person wants to help them, she automatically gave them a thing to play with: Her mind. She has given trust to Alistair, Jonah, Ian, and multiple other Cahills in the Hunt, each and every one torturing her thoughts and ideas, causing a rift between sure and certain. Even now, it still lingers, after all those months of sewing the rift back together. Afterwards, she put up a protective shield around herself against those she don't know and doesn't trust. It had often shown in the last reports of the Cahills, especially during Christmas when the Cahills were all together in the mansion. She had become defensive and rather stubborn in the past month or so. Amy was different. Oh so very different…

After a few more minutes in traffic, Ludwig began to feel impatient. Then, he finally snapped after a ten more minutes of the line. "This is stupid! Why am I here in dumb American traffic when I should be eating? I have enough of this!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. Amy lost that frosty look in her face when he shouted. "C-C-Calm d-d-d-down, L-Ludwig! It's tr-tr-traffic, it happens everywhere in A-A-America!" she stuttered out. Ludwig didn't hear her as he shouted on about how this was stupid and he shouldn't be here. Amy and Kiku were both amazed that Feli and Dan didn't wake up. That's when Ludwig shouted, "Screw this! I'm leaving this damn line!" Ludwig did the unthinkable.

He drove right off the road.

Kiku felt so terrified right now.

Ludwig drove off the road, which is illegal.

Amy and Dan are both screaming their heads off.

Feliciano is freaking out, shouting they're going to die.

Alfred is probably pissed at them now.

And, Kiku was scared of car accidents.

"We're going to die! We're going to die!" Feliciano yelled in the backseat, over Dan's screaming. Amy was shouting, "This is crazy! What are you doing?" Kiku, himself, couldn't tell what was going on. Probably because he had his eyes closed the whole time, but he certainly felt the bumps and jostles that suggested they were going down a hill. He could also hear all the screaming and shouting and panicking over Ludwig's decision to drive right off the road to the town. At some point, Kiku thought he heard himself screaming as well, but he wasn't sure if he got it confused with Dan's or Amy's. I am going to die! I am going to die! I am going to die!, he thought over and over again in his head. His fear was almost gripping him until he suddenly felt the descent smoothed and the noise died down.

Kiku opened one brown eye.

They were on a road in the town safe and sound.

He opened both his eyes and sighed a breath of relief. For a few moments, the car was engulfed with silence, no one saying a word. After 20 minutes of this, Amy said in a high-pitched voice, "Never do that again." Ludwig gave a smile and huffed. In his German accent, he said, "We will do anything to get anywhere, even if that means taking a risk or two. I think you would understand that concept, now would you?" Amy sighed and shook her head. Soon, she started looking out the window, but Kiku could tell she was shocked and was thinking very little of what Ludwig had said.

Dan seemed ecstatic. "Dude, do that again! That was so awesome! Next time I'm in traffic, that's the thing I'll do! I'll drive right off the road without a single thought in fury! Yeah!" Dan shouted with total excitement. Kiku shook his head with a small smile. It was nice to know that Dan had started trusting them, especially Feliciano. The Italian gave the boy a big grin. "You know, Italians would drive off the road for pasta no matter what! It's so crazy; it's almost a new trend from where I'm from!" Feli announced. Dan laughed. "Really? You were saying we were going to die! That doesn't sound like a new trend to me!"

"Well, that's because I never did it. It's too scary."

"So, you guys actually drive off the roads just for pasta?"

"Yes, though it's scary, it's actually kind of fun to watch. You could come over sometime and see it for yourself!"

"Oh, heck yes! I wouldn't miss it for the world! I would totally love to see you guys crash into trees and a bunch of other stuff."

Kiku smiled at the silly conversation the two of them were having. He knew Italians wouldn't actually drive off roads like Ludwig for food, but he figured Feli was making fun of himself because he couldn't drive. Ludwig seemed to also enjoy the insane conversation, because the next thing he said made a difference:

"Next stop, The Berlin Café!"

Lol, yes I have finally updated! A little short again, but you know I'm not very good at action parts. Yes, Ludwig drived off the road. Crazy Germans! Anyway, I mentioned two people in here. Guess who? :) Mwahahahaha!

Next Chapter: Caught With Cobras and Flying With Eagles!