Chapter 7;

A Strong-Heart and a Good-Mind

A/N: I do not own Hetalia or the 39 Clues. All characters belong to their original owners.


Alfred opened his blue eyes, the sunlight shining in on him. His mind was very groggy and not fully awake. In fact, it was quite numb compared to the last few hours before he fell unconscious. Considering the circumstance, he wouldn't have been surprised if he had ended up in a coma or even wounded up dead, but whatever state he was in, there was a likely chance that he could be reawakened once more.

Wait. What usually woke him up?

Alfred would've said a more reasonable answer, such as an alarm clock or a ringing cell phone, but neither seemed right. Actually, Alfred wondered if people woke him up instead of doing the job himself. Yes, that seemed more accurate.

Wait. Who woke him up the majority of the time?

Certainly not himself, for he knew he hasn't grown the responsibility to take on such a task. Maybe a spouse of some sort. No, then again, he hasn't had any recalling memories of getting married. So, maybe a roommate? Not right. He's not in a college, let alone a boarding school. His parents? Nah, can't be right. He doesn't have a mother or father, and if he did, he doubt he would be living with them (But he does suspect there was a slim chance of the happening). It has to be a sibling, or at least, someone he considered brother/sister. Ah, yes. That was correct.

Wait. Was it a brother or a sister?

Alfred suddenly thought of a brother, not that he didn't want a sister, mind you, but he could never remember a girl waking him up. As a matter of fact, the only thing he could ever recall was a slender, blonde man dressed in green, with eyes that were compared to emeralds to see which shone brighter. He was young; at the age of 23, Alfred knew. A brother then, Alfred thought.

Wait. Who was the man dressed in green?

Who was the twin with the goggles?

Who was the man with ice, cold eyes?

Who was the man that was extremely tall?

Who was the man with the ponytail?

Who was the man in the white uniform?

Who was the blonde man in bright, passionate colors?

And, most importantly, who was the man with the curl on the side of his head, smiling and laughing like it was a good time? Who were these people? How did he know them? Where did he live? Where was he born? What was he doing before he got here? Where was he? Why was he here? Was he drunk, or was he dying?

As Alfred thought question upon question, another layer of confusion went on top of his anxiety. Each and every thought, whirled in his brain as answers became asked questions, and then asked questions became his answers. Until, he reached a question that stopped all activity in his mind. It was the one and most important out of all the questions that he asked himself.

Who was he?


Ludwig was the first to wake up.

His mind was a little woozy, but beyond that, the blonde man was fine.

Lying right next to him, huddled up in a ball, was Alfred. He seemed to be deep in slumber and Ludwig figured he wouldn't be awake in the next 2 hours unless he hit him upside the head. Ludwig had considered this, but thought it was better to leave him sleeping. Not that he would find him annoying if he was awake, but just so Alfred could have strength to escape. If they were going to need it, that is. Ludwig sat up and looked at his surroundings.

They were both in a blank, white room. It was probably sterile by the looks of it. There were no windows, and there seemed to be a lack of doors. On the far side of the room, in a tiny enclosed corner, was a black camera trained specifically on him and the sleeping American. On the other side, two lumps were moving restlessly next to the wall. Ludwig gawked at the figures sleeping.

It was Matthew and Cuba.

There was another camera on the wall, seemingly farther away. Ludwig began to notice that there was a long, rectangle of glass that took up the whole wall. Alfred and he were both separated from Matthew and Cuba by a thick barrier of invisible glass. There would be no point to speak to them now. They look as if they were dead, he thought. Suddenly, he found himself staring at their forms, before he pushed the disturbing thought away. Slowly, he tried to stand up.

His legs were wobbly, but he managed to keep his balance. Suddenly, the blood came to them and his legs began to regain their normal strength. Ludwig gazed at his body. His normal green WW2 military uniform was replaced by a stretchy white material that covered his body head to toe. It was like a cover-all, only brighter and cleaner than what the electricians wear. His gloves were missing, and since the suit covered him fully, he had no shoes or socks on him. He felt the familiar fall of his bed hair which implies that his slicked back blonde hair was now messy. He sighed. Even though it bugged him, it allowed it to be as it was. Nobody is seeing him right now, besides whoever is watching from the cameras, but he figured that they had seen him sleeping, which was a lot more embarrassing than his messy blonde locks.

Feeling bored, Ludwig walked around the room, putting his hand against the wall. Though it might appear as if it was to balance him, he was actually feeling for a hidden door, or a switch that might open up to Cuba's and Matthew's side. He checked every nook and cranny of each wall, even the glass one, and failed to find anything. Ludwig gazed at the camera and shook his head ever so slightly. His sloppy blonde hair began to move with his head, feeling the hairs brush his skin. It annoyed him so. It annoyed him more than the worst thing Feliciano could ever say or do during training. All of a sudden, he felt that bite of worry. His best friend, not to mention his ally, is stuck with two kids: One is easy-going, the other completely stubborn. Plus, he has two more kids to worry about: The Kabras. Then, there's the problem with Gilbert being drunk. Vash and Lilli, who are both shaken up, would need to go see a nurse to make sure they're not hurt. Kiku could help, but Ludwig wonders how much he can put up with Feli's whining.

Then again, I have my own problem to worry about, he thought. He heard some mumbling behind him and turned his icy eyes on Alfred. The American was still asleep, so it wasn't him stirring, but Ludwig could pick up the faintest question mumbling from Alfred's mouth. It startled him. He whispered, "No. I don't have just one problem, but two."

"Alfred, how could you forget?"


Kiku gave a sigh.

Feliciano had returned with not just the Cahills, but with the Kabras as well. The two groups of children were both icy in their presence with one another, but Kiku knew once they were left alone, their silence wouldn't hold much longer. He had sent Vash, Lilli, and Gilbert to the car, insisting that they should leave as soon as possible. He gave them the keys to Ludwig's car, the one they drove to the restaurant in, and in trade, gave him the keys to Alfred's bus. Alfred didn't own a car of his own, for fear of Feliciano getting his hands on it and driving it into the Hudson River in New York. So, he rented a cheap, outdated bus from a college student that enrolled in Harvard. The American wasn't very happy, but he managed to fix it up to the point where it was pleasurable to ride. It wasn't a complete luxury, but it certainly made you comfortable on long car trips.

He knew the Kabras would complain about it, insisting that they get a better ride, but knowing the Cahills, they would find it just fine. The mission was to make sure the Cahills arrived safely in Berlin, not make sure the Kabras receive the best care. In other words, this wasn't about Ian or Natalie. They were just there to be back-up, in case the Cahills fall into trouble. Kiku also wanted to get out of here without suspicion, especially if the police department was dispatched. Alfred didn't give the permission, which was expected since he keeps forgetting, but Kiku really didn't mind. If a country were to do something bad and unjust, he rather sees them in custody than roaming the streets. It only seemed fair.

Feliciano, noticing the icy air around the children, turned to Kiku and asked him a question. "So, did you call Arthur?" he asked. Kiku gave a nod. "Yes, and he should be giving direct orders to the others. But…" he trailed off. Feli gazed at him with knowing eyes. "Yeah?" he asked anyway. "I feel like I have done nothing at all. That this was just effort wasted. Without either Ludwig or Alfred, the plans…they'll crumble." Kiku went on. Feli put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Kiku. Everything will be alright. Knowing Artie, he won't give up easily, especially when it involves Alfred. The two would deny it, but it's true. They still have a brotherly bond that can't be shaken off, even if they both try very hard." He murmured.

This made Kiku smile. "Yes, I know. Arthur still wakes Alfred up in the mornings by calling him. It may seem like a way to annoy each other in their eyes, but the truth lies in their past: They're brothers and they care for the other deeply, even if it is well hidden." He replied. Feliciano gave him a smile back and chuckled a little. "Ve~! Do you remember the one time? When Arthur was concerned for Alfred's unhealthy eating habits? Then, Alfred went on a Japanese diet? You were about to give him some undercooked sushi before Artie stepped in and took you aside. I was coming around the corner when I heard Artie's lecture. Your face was about as red as sauce on pasta!" He nearly laughed out. Kiku felt the smile on his face expand. "Ah, yes! I do remember that time. He tried so hard to cover it up, but I know Mr. Kirkland was actually trying to make sure his little brother didn't get sick. Do you remember the other one? When you and Ludwig were out camping in the desert in Africa? I've been told the story a thousand times. It never gets old." He went on. Feliciano gave another bright smile.

"Uh-huh! Artie got a star stuck in his head when Ludwig made too many wishes on it. Alfred was laughing the whole time, but when Artie had to go to the hospital to get it checked on, Alfred was the one idling in the waiting room for him to come out! He kept insisting that he was just there to receive orders from Artie, but everyone knows that he was there for his own reasons. I believe he was just checking on his older brother, to see if he was alright, you know?" Feli kept on going. Kiku nearly burst out laughing. He tried to hide back his laughter and some of it managed to come out, but he also managed to keep it under control. After a minute or so, Kiku came to his calm face. "Alright, enough of this conversation. We must get out of this town. I'll drive. Please, if you could Feliciano, lead the children to the bus." Kiku ordered.

Feli smiled. "Aye, aye, Commander!" he shouted, saluting to him at the same time. Turning around, Feliciano grabbed Amy's and Dan's arms and started dragging them through the parking lot again. Ian and Natalie followed behind more calmly, but they both had this disgusted look to their faces, as if they weren't pleased by the Italian's erratic behavior. Usually, everyone he met was entertained by this fact of Feli. He gave another sigh.

"This is going to be a long night." He stated before joining them.


Ian felt cold.

Not to mention, disgusted.

Not by the bus, even though it was completely messy and old, nor by the mysterious strangers, though the Italian could learn some manners and the Asian man could be a bit more social. He was disgusted by the fact he and his sister both ran into the Cahills in the restaurant. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't have triggered a nasty revolt against the two of them, and he could tell that they too felt this way, but these circumstances weren't the normal. If they were to meet there, sure he would've been fine with it, but when you are tricked into a dead-end and you happen to meet your adversaries from a life-changing clue hunt, he was bound to be nasty. It wasn't really Dan's or Amy's fault, it was just that he had a long day, and he could tell the Cahills feel the same. Then again, they may feel like they don't know him. Just that he was a stranger in expensive clothing and had a thick, British accent. Ian sort of felt the same way about them.

When they had entered the café, he didn't recognized them, but the eyes foretold their identity, that same jaded green he would be familiar with in all of his life. They were both impulsive and they both show it in their eyes. Their hatred made you chill to the bone if you look at them directly, and their anger was like the burning flames that took their parents' lives. You could get burn if you don't watch your step. But the moments when they are happy, or loved, their eyes told another side of them. Ian remembered the way Amy would look at him in Japan, during their brief alliance in the clue hunt. It was a sight he couldn't forget, but one he regretted ever remembering. Every time he looks at Amy, she shielded away or gaze at him with that faraway look, like she was thousands miles away, and was falling. Someone needed to go and catch her, but the distance is too great. One day, her fall would stop, and she would come crashing down, head first and then gone forever. Amy would never be Amy ever again. Ian feels helpless in that situation, and somewhat guilty. It couldn't be helped. He's not used to running so far, and whenever he does run, there is no progress made. He suddenly wish he could have Hamilton's feet for just a few moments, just to run as fast as he could and save Amy from falling. Even so, there was nothing to be done.

Dan, on the other hand, was a different matter. Instead of falling, he seems to be floating, higher and higher every time Ian or Natalie looked his way. The look he used to give Ian during the hunt was also memorable. Unlike Amy's flashy warm gaze, Dan had that cool, glassy look in his eyes. Amy's were always filled with a surge of courage, but Dan's…Dan's eyes seem to glow. They seem to glow with the fiercest determination Ian has ever seen. It was something he secretly admired about Dan. Despite Dan's rather unfocused personality, he was always so determined about something, and he always had his mind set on it. Ian never really kept his own mind on something unless it was extremely drastic. Even then, he wouldn't give much thought into it. Amy's fiery, courageous gaze and Dan's cool, determined glances made something that wasn't familiar with Ian or Natalie. They weren't Kabras, that's for sure, but they were…well…Cahills.

That was also the main reason he hated them in the Hunt or before it, because he envied those traits. He brags about the Kabra wealth ever since he met them, but really, why did he do that? Was he trying to reassure himself that he was better than they were? Was he trying to impress them with something they don't have, like with him and their strengths? Or, was he trying to make them envious of him instead? Ian doesn't really know, but he wants to find out. He would need to shuffle through his feelings first, and sift them until he finds the major clues. If all he had was a shovel and a sift, that was all he needed to use to find what he is looking for in his soul, or perhaps, his heart. If he finds out, maybe he can stop Amy from falling, or he could stop Dan from floating away. If he stopped Dan, and brought him back to cruel reality, he would have more of a chance to catch Amy. That was one more thing he envied: Their ability to go on when things are horrible.

Ian suddenly felt a little jostle from the bus. Apparently, no one thought of installing shock absorbers on the thing. Natalie was right beside him, but she was fast asleep. He was a little surprised. He thought he would never hear the end of it from Natalie about the horrid bus. Well, I'll admit it's not that bad, I guess, he thought, but he would never say it aloud. Instead of Natalie, he might never hear the end of it from Dan. The sad thing is, he wouldn't mind getting a jibe from the boy, even if it was horrible. Actually, he wanted to know if there was a Dan still on Earth, and if it was possible to get all of him back. Even so, he could tell from the jaded green gaze that Dan was all in outer-space, floating around the stars, getting higher and higher up. Before long, Dan would be whisked away from their grasp forever, and he would only remain amongst a black sky of no return. Ian finds himself guilty and helpless in this situation too. He can't go that high, and if he were, he'll never find a way back down ever again. If there was some way to reach Dan, he would grab on to it. Amy's rescue must be real, and the only way to stop her from falling, was to get Dan back down and stop the fall himself. For a moment, Ian wonders how fast and how long Dan can run before getting an asthma attack. It also seems impossible as well.

Ian sighed. "So, what are you two wankers doing with these two foreigners?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood on the bus. There was a long, awkward silence following his question, but Dan cleared his throat and apparently, was trying to make an effort to be pleasurable. I'm guessing for Amy's sake, he thought. After Dan cleared his throat, he answered, "Well, Amy and I kind of stumbled on them in Attleboro. They pretty much insisted that they take us along on some kind of trip, but they decided to stop at a restaurant to get something to eat. I didn't mind because I kind of like them, though I'm not so sure about big sis." Ian felt a twinge of annoyance. He could tell that Dan wasn't telling him the full story, and he could tell Amy wasn't in the mood to talk or correct Dan. Despite this, he didn't show it. In fact, he smiled at him. "Oh, that makes sense. Do you know them?" he went on.

He noticed Dan's shoulders tensing. Ian also noticed the quick look he gave his sister, but Amy didn't notice and was too busy looking out the window to know what was being exchanged between Dan and Ian. "Well, no, I guess not. They knew who we were, but we didn't know the three of them at all-." Dan covered his mouth. Ian cocked his head. "The three of them?"

"Okay, there were originally three, but the other one disappeared."

"When and where?"

"At that café before we saw you. Did you see a blonde, blue-eyed man with a German accent? 'Cause that would be him."

Ian thought a little.

"Well, I did see a blonde, blue-eyed American. He was with several others."

"Oh, but that could be him, if he wasn't talking to you."

"This one was, and he had glasses."

"Oh, okay then. I guess that wasn't him."

Suddenly, the Italian who forgot to introduce himself interrupted their conversation.

"Ve~! Sounds like Alfred were there as well! What a coincidence!" he cried.

Dan scratched his head a little. "Um, okay. Who's Alfred, again?" he asked. The Italian automatically dove right in. "He's the UN representative for the US. I know him! We're atmosphere-reading partners, if you know what I mean. I also work with him, too!" he went on. Suddenly, he gave a surprise look, and then shut his mouth tightly. Ian noticed Amy perk up in the corner of his eye. As soon as she had perked, she swiveled around and pointed an accused finger at him.

"I know who you are now! Your name was familiar, but I had trouble remembering where I heard it from. You're Feliciano Vargas, the representative for Northern Italy in the UN. When you mentioned working with Alfred, I realized that it was you the whole time. I'm guessing that was Ludwig Beilshmidt that disappeared in the café. The one whose driving is Honda Kiku, I bet." Amy boasted. Dan looked at Feliciano, whose head was hanging, and he asked him, "Northern Italy? Who's Southern Italy, then?" "My older brother, Lovino Vargas. The reason why there are two representatives is because Southern Italy was governed by Spain, while Northern Italy was governed by the Holy Roman Empire. They made a point that Italy, despite many years of unification, was still acting like they were two different countries. So, they had two representatives for Italy; one for the North, and the other for the South." Feliciano explained.

Amy nodded. "Ludwig was trying to talk to Alfred in there. I know they set a rendezvous there." She went on. Dan looked at Amy wide-eyed. "They did? And, you knew? How come you didn't tell me!" he cried. Amy gave a sad face. "I couldn't. Ludwig was giving me the 'Tell and you die' look. It almost looked exactly like yours." She replied. Dan gave a sigh and sat down. He gave a look at Feliciano who was practically crawling to the passenger seat next to the driver.

"I guess, trust no one isn't just related to the Cahills."


FINALLY! CHAPTER 7 IS UP! YES! I FEEL SO SUCCESSFUL AND PRUSSIA! SO PRUSSIA, THAT I NEED TO THE USE OF CAPS LOCK! ALFRED JUST GOT A MILD CASE OF AMNESIA, LUDWIG IS TRYING TO FIND AN ESCAPE AND FAILING, KIKU AND FELICIANO SHARE MEMORIES ABOUT THE BROTHERLY BOND OF ARTHUR AND ALFRED, AND IAN IS FINALLY STATING HIS REASONS ABOUT WHY HE HATES DAN AND AMY! NO, I AM NOT A SUPPORTER FOR USUK. I JUST THINK THAT THE BOND BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM IS JUST CUTE, WHICH IS RESEMBLING THAT OF BROTHER AND BROTHER!

NEXT CHAPTER: TRAVELING WITH SOMEONE WHO'S FORGETFUL!

POLICY REMINDER: TWO REVIEWS FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!

EXCUSE ME AS I FIND SOMETHING BAD FOR ME TO EAT! SOME SALT WOULD BE NICE! :D!