(Oh my goodness guys! I can't believe it has been like three years since I have updated I am so sorry! I have no excuse. I GRADUATED COLLEGE SINCE MY LAST UPDATE! I HAVE TWO Associate degrees and I recently got engaged to my longtime girlfriend and we are getting married next June on our tenth anniversary! I also got a very good steady job and I move into my first apartment on May 19th! I am very excited. Also, I plan to move this story over to AO3 so that more people can have access to this since this forum is not used as much. Eventually I will go through the old chapters and correct them but for now I am just going to focus on finishing the story so you guys are not left in the dark. Just bear with me! Since you guys have waited so long I am posting everything I have ready over the next few days.)

Arthur gathers up his team, which included Francis, Alfred, and Matthew, to discuss their strategies. They gather around him and start to discuss their best formations. Eventually people start to get hungry again and Francis makes a quick call to have more food delivered before returning to his group.

"Alright, I think we should try to figure out who will be the hardest to take out based on security. I know for a fact that my Prime Minister is going to have increased security. What about your guys' leaders?" Arthur asked.

Francis shake his head thoughtfully. "Non. I don't think so. Just the normal security measures."

Alfred smirks. "Mine has a bunker that can resist nuclear attacks!"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "This isn't a contest, Alfred. We're trying to come up with a strategy of who to take out first and how." He said. Matthew listened to them quietly. He knew his boss wasn't nearly as guarded as the others, so didn't think it was necessary to bring it up.

Alfred frowns. "I want trying to contest or whatever. I was serious. If he gets wind that someone is trying to murder him he will be moved into a bunker with over 1,000 guards over three years of supplies and is nuclear radiation safe."

"Then perhaps we should go after him first before he gets the chance to prepare for us." Arthur suggested, looking to the others for input.

Francis nods thoughtfully. Alfred frowns. He still doesn't like the idea. After all he isn't quite sure that his vice president is clean as well. What if they both need to be taken out? Actually. There is a possibility that his entire cabnit is corrupt. He turns and quietly voices this thought to Matthew wanting his input before saying anything.

Matthew bit his lower lip in thought. "Well...maybe we should sneak in and see who all knows? Look for papers and emails from the other world leaders to see how many know?" He suggested lightly.

Alfred frowns. "I don't think they would be that careless. In my country important shit is never written only said. There won't be any written record. And no audio either."

"Then maybe we should play it safe and eliminate them all? I don't know, Al..." Matthew said softly.

Alfred snorts a little. "My chain of command is very long. And they are spread all around the country to prevent the assassination of them all."

"Then maybe just the top few? I doubt the plans would be spread around too many people. Too much risk for it to be leaked." Matthew suggested.

Alfred nods still frowning. "But the others aren't familiar with the others in my chain of command. They won't know what to look for. This really sucks."

"Then explain it. That's the whole point of the planning process." Matthew said. Alfred frowns before turning back to Arthur and Francis giving them a quick rundown of his and Mattie's conversation.

Arthur listened to Alfred, nodding. "I agree. It might be best to start at the top and take the top few out. We'll have to be very thorough when searching for any documents. Even if your leaders are very careful, there has to be some correspondence between them and at least the Italian Prime Minister.'

Al looks confused. "Why the Italian prime minister?"

"According to the letters Allistor and Lukas found in my Prime Minister's office, he seems to be one of the ones who started this whole plot." Arthur replied.

"Oh. I suppose it would make since. After all Feli Is the least likely to notice something like this. But wouldn't Romano have noticed?"

Arthur shrugged, a saddened frown on his face at the thought of the Italian. "We never got the chance to ask..." He said lightly.

"Oh. Right. I forgot sorry." Alfred mutters sheepishly turning to look at Antonio who is still busy over maps and other things.

"Alright, so, we'll start with Alfred's President. I say that unless we find evidence that the corruption goes deeper, we go as far along the chain of command as Secretary of State." Arthur suggested.

Alfred frowns. "Which group will be doing it? We won't cuz I'm in this one."

"We still will, you'll just be focusing on finding the information while we take out your leaders." Arthur said, indicating himself, Francis, and Matthew.

"Oh." Alfred says quietly. "So we are also doing y'all's?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes. We'll have the best access to our leader's offices."

Lukas frowns but nods. He isn't looking forward to this at all. His country will be in shambles by the end of it. Meanwhile Lukas stares at his own group before going back over to Arthur. "Who are we targeting? Our leaders are already dead."

"I was hoping you guys would help Antonio and Feliciano out by taking out their bosses, and then assist in searching for Lovino." Arthur replied.

Lukas nods. "Alright. We can do that." He says before going back to tell his group. Arthur sighed softly, rubbing his brow tiredly. Francis smiles at his lover gently pulling him into his arms. "You should take a nap lover."

Arthur nodded lightly. "Probably..."

"You can sleep I will protect you."

Arthur nodded, slowly standing up. "Thank you."

Francis stands to follow him not willing i let him be left alone. Arthur walked over to the bed he had used before, laying down with a tired sigh. Francis sits beside him and holds his hand running his fingers over it. He sings softly in French.

Arthur smiled gently, closing his eyes to get some rest.

Once Lukas finished briefing his teammates who all nod he goes over to check on Matthias an Eskil. He leans over his shoulder peering at the screen. Mathias was comparing two castles, his brain going back to his Viking days and defense strategies, making sure the castle layouts were defendable.

Lukas points at one. "I think this one will be better." He says softly not wanting to startle him.

Mathias glanced back at him, then nodded. "Ja, that's the one I was liking more, too."

"Alright then. We will set you up there." Mathias nodded, shutting the laptop.

Lukas marks the coordinates of the castle and then goes to take care of the arriving good as Francis is not in the room. Mathias stood, following Lukas. "Anything I can do to help?"

Lukas is examining the food and picks up a piece deciding that Francis' method was the best he pops in into his mouth chewing slowly shaking his head at Matthias. Mathias held in a sigh, nodding. Not that he'd say it, but the feeling of helplessness from when he had amnesia was creeping up on him.

Lukas waits for a moment before pronouncing the food safe. He turns to Matthias. "Now you can help. We need all this set up on the table hopefully not chaotically." Mathias nodded, quietly starting to carry the food over to a table and trying to set it up in an organized manner. Eventually they got it all set up and Lukas sits in a chair wearily. He was exhausted. And he was sure Matthias was as well. And they had a long day tomorrow as well.

Mathias got Lukas and himself some food, sitting down beside him with a faint smile. Lukas gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks." Eskil comes over and sits between them with his own plate. Mathias smiled, ruffling up Eskil's hair a bit. Eskil smiles at him sleepily. Lukas looks at him curiously. He needs to talk to Matthias about adopting the child legally...

"We'll head to bed after we eat, okay?" Mathias smiled at Eskil, rubbing his back.

Eskil nods and smiles. "Yeah. It sure has been exciting recently hasn't it?" Lukas just watches silently slowly giving a small smile. He loves them both more than the worlds

Mathias chuckled. "I think 'exciting' would be an understatement." He grinned. Eskil chuckles a little and eventually manages to start a conversation. Mathias chatted with him while he ate. When they finished, he stood up and smiled. "Ready for bed, buddy?"

Eskil nodded and stood stretching a little giving a yawn. Lukas stands as well and starts to lead them to their bed area. Mathias set his hand on Eskil's shoulder, leading the boy to the sleeping area. The lay down Eskil in his bed and Lukas crawls into a separate one and waits for Matthias.

Mathias tucked Eskil in, whispering a soft goodnight before going over to the bed Lukas laid in, crawling in beside him with a weary sigh.

Lukas wrapped his arms around him and softly smiles at him. "Hey. What are we going to do about Eskil?"

"What do you mean?" Mathias asked, holding him close.

"Are we adopting him legally?" Lukas asks his mouth whispering directly into his ear so Eskil doesn't overhear them.

"We can try, but we'd have to make some fake documents for ourselves first. We can't exactly tell an adoption agency the truth, ja?" Mathias whispered back.

Lukas nods and then looks at him suspiciously. "I am legally registered in my country. You have to be to get a license. My government takes care of that. You should as well."

"I know, but our governments are in a bit of a disarray. I don't want Eskil being associated with my government, which my 'current identification' lists me as a politician." Mathias explained.

"I see. Well we would actually have to do it in Sweden wouldn't we? And we need his information. Like his last name. And his medical records.

Mathias nodded. "Ja...that could be complicated..."

"Maybe we could do a DNA test to find all I that out?"

"But if he was raised in that plant, he might not actually have legal records." Mathias pointed out.

Lukas frowns. "Your right. But we could at least find his birth parents. And if he was raised in that plant that means they have been there for 15 years. That's not good for us."

Mathias nodded. "I'll try to look up his information while you guys all save the day tomorrow."

Lukas frowns. "Yeah. You promise you will be safe right? And stay by Eskil. If you have another attack I need to know you will be ok."

Mathias smiled softly, kissing his forehead. "I'll be safe, I promise."

Lukas relaxed and hugging him close. "Good."

"Get some sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow." Mathias said, rubbing his back. Lukas gave him a smile before curling up into his chest and falling asleep. Mathias held him close, soon falling asleep as well.

Morning comes with Lukas back in the hallway on guard duty and Francis organizing breakfast. Ludwig had gotten up to help Francis, feeling a bit restless and needing to move around. Gilbert continues to sleep not waking when Ludwig moves. Francis smiles and accepts his help though he is tender than usual. He is not looking forward to the day's events. Lukas watches silently. Ludwig helped Francis without a word, clearly lost in thought about what he had to do today. He knew what it was like to have a crazed boss, but he never thought he'd have a boss that willingly planned to betray their own country. He was not looking forward to killing his boss. Slowly the countries wake up and make their way to the main room. Everyone is silent and subdued the anxiety almost tangible.

When Arthur got up, he went over to Francis, gently taking hold of his hand. "You ready for this...?" He asked softly.

"Non. Not really. But I must prevail anyway yes?" Francis says softly squeezing his hand. "You?"

Arthur smiled faintly with a nod. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be." He replied. Francis gives him another weary smile pulling him to the table to eat Arthur followed Francis to the table, sitting down and getting some breakfast

Gilbert prances over to Ludwig and throws himself around his neck dramatically once he had awoken. Ludwig wrapped an arm around Gilbert when he jumped on him. "Are you alright?" He asked, a worried frown on his face. .

"I'm fine just missed you." Gilbert says into his neck taking a deep breath. Ludwig nodded lightly, hugging Gilbert close and kissed his temple.

Everyone exchanges good mornings and the subdued mood is even shared by the children. Gilbert leans against Ludwig contentedly while Lukas makes his way over to Arthur. "Is the main base ready for Matthias and the kids?"

Arthur nodded. "I'll probably go with them to ensure the wards are set up properly." He replied. Ludwig led Gilbert over to one of the tables to eat.

"I will as well. Neither of us can expend too much magic that is vitally important for the day." Lukas says. Gilbert follows compliantly. He knows this is difficult for Ludwig and is trying to comfort him. After all it doesn't bother him. He has done this before. So he throws all his attention into helping his bruder.

Arthur nodded in agreement. "I agree. That and it would be best if I'm not alone after leaving them there. I am not exactly at my full strength at the moment." He replied. Ludwig quietly ate, a thoughtful frown on his face.

"Excellent. Just let me know when you are ready to go and I will get them. Oh and if there are any known ghosts let me know so I can warn Matthias." Lukas requests as Gilbert snuggled next to Ludwig wandering if he should pretend to be very ill so Ludwig will stay and not go on the mission so he doesn't have to worry about it. He sighs knowing that that probably won't work. And would just get gilbert himself removed from the mission

"There aren't any that I'm aware of, but I personally have not been to that castle in years." Arthur replied. Ludwig finished up his meal, letting out a heavy sigh as he stood to deal with his dishes.

"Excellent. Just let me know ok?" Lukas says before turning and making his way back over to his family giving them a small greeting. Gilbert stood following him silently and sending a worried glance over at Antonio.

Arthur nodded. Ludwig cleaned up, looking over at Antonio. "There has to be something we can do to help find him..." Ludwig said softly.

Gilbert shrugged. "He has it all under control. If we help he will worry that he missed important information. It's better to just let him be for now. But we can start our own search."

"I think we should start our own. This process is taking too long." Ludwig said.

"Alright. But what contacts do you know that Antonio doesn't already have? What is your plan?" Planning. Planning always helped Ludwig calm down in the past. It will help keep his mind off more depressing matters.

Ludwig bit his lower lip in thought, brows furrowed together. "I don't know...I don't even know where to start looking aside from busting into his boss' work and demanding to know where they took him."

"I don't think that will work. After today he will be dead and we aren't going anywhere near Italy."

Ludwig let out a frustrated sigh, clenching his fists to keep himself from punching a wall. "There has to be something we can do!"

Gilbert frowns. "Tur mit lied. I don't know what we can do." He says softly and turns to hold him again.

Ludwig let out another sigh, wrapping his arms around him and held him close. "I didn't mean to yell..."

"It's alright. We are all stressed." He mutters soothingly.

"I just...I had promised Feli I would make sure Antonio und Romano got here safely...when I couldn't find them in the ocean..." Ludwig trailed off, letting out a dejected sigh.

"I know. And we will find him don't worry ok?" gilbert says gently feeling a little twinge of jealousy when Ludwig mentions Feli.

"But how are we going to find him? Feliciano and Antonio's mafia ties can't even find him. We have no idea where to even begin."

"I don't know lieben. But we will manage don't worry."

"I can't help but worry, bruder. That's the problem. I will worry until he is here und safe."

Gilbert chuckles darkly "ja I know. I guess I just don't understand why. After all you don't like him. And he doesn't like you. It's beyond me why you are so worried about him."

"He's my best friend's bruder. Francis doesn't like me much, but if something happened to me und you couldn't find me, wouldn't he help you find me just because he cares about you? I made a promise to Feliciano, und I am still intent on keeping that promise."

"I see. That makes sense. He would help me. He may hinder me more than help but he would do his best." gilbert says softly.

"Exactly. Besides, Feliciano isn't the only one missing Romano. One of your best friends is, too."

"Ja. So I would be involved anyway. I'm proud of you." Gilbert says softly snuggling his neck.

Ludwig blinked. "Proud of me...? Why?" He asked.

Gilbert shakes his head. "Nothing just forget it ok?" He hides his smile in Ludwig's neck giving it a quick kiss before breaking away to go socialize with their group. Gilbert was proud because Ludwig was one of the youngest nations, besides the micro-nations of course, but in essence he was actually younger than America and was still a child. Ludwig had already been through so much, one of the reasons that Ludwig didn't receive too much hostility any more was simply because of how young he was. And yet Ludwig had already reasoned out so much of the world. And that's why gilbert was proud. But he wouldn't say anything because Ludwig never did like being reminded that he was technically a child.

Ludwig sighed softly, following him so he wasn't just standing on his own. Gilbert sat in between Switzerland and Austria and pulled both men in immediately to a conversation regarding the best weapons for the day.

"My trunk is full of weapons. What are you looking for?" Vash said simply, Roderich sitting silently and listening. He wasn't thrilled with the idea of assassinating their bosses. He figured he'd let the 'soldiers' do most of the dirty work.

Gilbert grins widely at Vash. "Good old you! I knew you would have what we need!" He grins and starts going over the list for what they will need. He ignores Roderich assuming that he won't be much help and that they will do most of the work. Specifically him and Vash as they have the most experience assassinating people. Back in the day Vash had been a mercenary after all, before he went all "no war stay off my land".

Vash looked over the list Gilbert made, mentally noting which ones he had in his car, which were about 90% of them. He always came prepared, especially if an emergency meeting is called. It never ends well. Gilbert turned back to give Ludwig a reassuring glance and Lukas glances over at Arthur to see if he is ready yet.

Ludwig nodded lightly back at him, smiling faintly. "Come on, let's go look over the gear to make sure we've got what we need. I can go home and get more, if necessary." Vash said, standing up.

Arthur gave Francis a quick kiss, saying he'd be back soon, then went over to Lukas. "Ready when you are."

Lukas nodded and stood on a chair to get everyone's attention, once he had it he announced, "Ok everyone! We separate in thirty minutes! Arthur and I are going to establish our home base. Be ready!"

"Come on, we better review the gear quickly then." Vash said, hurrying out of the room to go to his car. Arthur stood next to Lukas while Mathias was gathering up the children, carrying Seychelles since she was still hurt.

Francis ran up to kiss Sey on the cheek telling her to be good. Lukas climbed down and grabbed all of his family that was going pulling the close waiting for Arthur. Francis stepped back and Feliciano and Christian step forward as well as they are not in a group for Feli is not a fighter and Christian is young. Gil quickly followed Vash. Lukas and Arthur teleport the group to the castle Arthur then helped get everyone inside so he could set the wards.

Vash headed outside, pulling out a handgun as he walked to his car, looking around warily. Stopping next to his car, Vash turned to face Gilbert, a solemn expression on his face. "I'm sorry, Gilbert. It wasn't supposed to be like this..." He said, aiming the pistol at him. "I don't want to do this, but I don't have a choice..." He muttered, then pulled the trigger, shooting Gilbert in the leg and shoulder, places he knew wouldn't kill him, just incapacitate him. He then got into his car, speeding away.

Gilbert shrieked in pain before pulling out his cell phone and calling Ludwig.

Ludwig picked up his phone. "Hallo?"

"Need help." gilbert hisses as he pulls himself inside the building

Ludwig frowned deeply, standing from his seat. "Where are you?" He asked. Last he saw, he had left with Vash for something.

"Downstairs. Hurry." Gilbert hisses in pain trying to haul himself to the elevator and dropping the phone in pain. Sure Gilbert had been through worse but that didn't ease the pain.

Ludwig shoved the phone in his pocket and ran down the stairs, not even bothering to wait for the elevator. Spotting Gilbert on the floor, he ran over to him, his eyes wide in panic, kneeling down beside him and started putting pressure on the gunshot wound in the shoulder, since it seemed to bleed more. "What happened!?"

"Hurry back to the room. Vash is against us. They will be warned we need to leave immediately. Vash will fly back to his home. We need to shoot him down."

Ludwig stared at him, not believing what he was hearing. Why would Vash be against them? Wasn't his boss trying to kill him, too? He quickly shook his head to clear his thoughts, picking Gilbert up and running him up the stairs, shouting for Kiku's help when he entered the room, since he was the only person who was really good with first aid without Arthur or Lukas' magic to help. Kiku ran forward looking alarmed and started to wrap the wounds. Soon Antonio and Francis gather around chatting worriedly. Gilbert continued to talk about Vash trying to stand.

"Lay still, Bruder. I'll take care of Vash." Ludwig said, looking over at Francis and Antonio. "I need a copilot."

Antonio looks at Francis, who sighs and brushes a kiss across Gilbert's cheeks and lips encouragingly before turning to Ludwig. "I will do it." Gilbert hisses in pain clenching his teeth. Before Ludwig can stand Gilbert pulls him down and kisses him roughly

Ludwig's cheeks turned red when he was pulled into the kiss, not used to their affection being public. But he didn't resist, quickly getting over the awkwardness and kissed him back.

Gilbert held him in the kiss for a while before pushing him away. "Go get him." Francis shakes his head smiling and Antonio turns away to give them privacy. Poor Kiku on the other hand looks alarmed at the western affection passed so openly between the males but continues to work.

Ludwig smiled faintly, nodding. "Ich will." He said, then stood up and motioned for Francis to follow him, hurrying out of the building to go to his car, not wanting to waste any time. Ludwig lead Francis out to his car, then sped off for the airport to use his plane once again. When they got there, he got Francis in the plane, did the flight check-list, and then took off towards Switzerland, hoping to catch up to Vash before he could land. Once they arrive they quickly get into the plane and Francis quickly goes down the flight list to get everything done. They get up into the air both searching the sky with radar and their own eyes. After a while a dot appears on the radar and they follow it. They see multiple commercial flights but then,

"Is that Vash's plane?" Ludwig asked, pointing at a small plane similar to his own not far ahead of them.

"Yes. It appears to be." Francis says softly.

Francis prepares the weapons so Ludwig can fire when ready. When they get close enough, Ludwig gives control over to Francis, then opened fire on Vash's plane. Francis makes sure to bring them in to the most opportune area. They make a hit and the plane swerves but keeps flying. A few moments later it drops altitude and return gunfire starts. Ludwig cursed, continuing to fire at the plane, aiming strictly at the engines. Some gunfire grazes the wings and they lose balance Francis curses and performs a move that only experts can execute and it puts them right in the path for the engines giving them the shot they need. The other plane splutters for a moment before going down. With Vash's plane going down, Ludwig took over flying again, following the plane down to land.

Francis lets him and warns. "This is Vash. He is sure to have many weapons be prepared."

"I am well aware of this, aber I need to know why the hell he would betray us like this. It isn't like him." Ludwig said, landing the plane close to the crash site. "You're welcome to stay in the plane if you're too scared."

Francis bristles. "I am not afraid! I am making sure you are prepared! Do you really think I would let you go alone child?"

Ludwig rolled his eyes. "I'm not a child anymore." He said flatly, drawing his handgun before carefully making his way towards the crash site.

Francis rolled his eyes. "I helped raise you. You are a child to me. Come now. Let me go first." He pulls his own elegantly carved gun plenty of amo in his pocket. "We should have brought Matheu."

Ludwig just sighed and shook his head, following along with his gun ready. At the crash site, the plane was broken in half and mangled, the front end engulfed in flames. Vash had managed to get out of the wreckage, although with some pretty bad injuries. He had a deep gash on the left side of his head, blood flowing down the side of his face and soaking his hair. His left arm looked broken in several places, including at his elbow where a piece of bone stuck out, blood dripping down his arm as it hung limply at his side. It also looked like he messed up his right knee, some blood spotting his pant leg and was unable to bed his knee as he tried to limp away from the burning wreckage.

Francis just walks forward his gun trained on the other man. He watched him trying to get away and it isn't long before Francis catches up stepping in front of him gun pointing at Vash's face and says pleasantly "Where are you going? We just want to talk."

Ludwig stayed behind Vash, his gun aimed at the back of his head. Vash stopped in his tracks, panting heavily as he held onto his left side with his good hand, some blood seeping through his fingers. "I-If you're going t-to sh-shoot me, th-then d-do it..." He ground out past gritted teeth, clearly in a world of pain.

Francis glances at Ludwig before giving Vash a wicked smile. "How interesting. But we aren't killing you. We need you to tell is why you betrayed us. And why you left poor poor Lilli behind. She is frantic with worry over you! We just had to bring her along. But we told her to stay in the plane. Didn't want her to see us shoot her big brother if it came to that."

"I-I had no o-other ch-choice! M-My boss rigged a p-plant under Bern t-to have a m-meltdown b-by midnight tonight, a-and if I didn't kill a-at least one o-of you b-by then, he'd k-kill thousands o-of my people! B-But I couldn't d-do it! I-I couldn't kill Gilbert...I-I was hoping I-I could g-get back a-and try to stop it, b-but...w-well...l-look at me...I-I can't do anything l-like this..." Vash said with a hollow laugh. "S-So just sh-shoot me...i-if I'm dead, m-maybe my boss w-will just c-call o-off the meltdown..."

Francis looked to Ludwig silently asking if he believed this story. He kept his gun pointed at Vash. As he waited for Ludwig's response he snarled at Vash. "I just can't believe you would choose gilbert who you helped to raise."

Ludwig bit his lower lip, not sure what to think about his story. He wanted to believe him, but was still having trouble swallowing all of this. "B-Because I thought i-if I could inc-capacitate him, h-he wouldn't go a-and d-do something stupid l-like he a-always does...I-I didn't want Ludwig t-to lose him t-to his own s-stupid rash b-behavior...H-He wasn't in any c-condition to go a-after anyone's boss a-after what happened these l-last few days..." Vash explained with a weary sigh, slumping down to his knees with a pained hiss, unable to keep standing. "I-If you don't b-believe me, j-just shoot me...I-I already e-explained myself..."

Francis gave a dark chuckle. "Right. Well he is likely to do something rash and stupid anyway. You probably just made him do it faster." He mutters. "Get up." He pulled him to his feet taking any weapon he has and pushing him towards the plane. He glance at Ludwig. If he said no he would shoot him dead on the spot. After all he didn't particularly believe him but he didn't want to be the one to make the decision, and it was Ludwig's lover who had been shot, and they were using Ludwig's plane.

Vash cringed when he was pulled to his feet, not resisting Francis' search. He stumbled when pushed, barely managing to keep himself from falling flat on his face. Ludwig gave Francis a nod, following him. He wanted the others to hear Vash's story and see if the others believed him.

Francis wasn't really worried about that and continued to push him. He loaded him in the plane roughly tying him up. Before going up and joining Ludwig in the cockpit.

Vash did whatever Francis told him, managing to bite back a cry of pain when he tied him up. While Francis tied up Vash, Ludwig started up the plane, taking off once Francis was buckled in. "Do you think he's telling the truth...?" He asked softly.

"It is a possibility. I'm not sure though. But if he had wanted to kill Gilbert then he would have. Before you were born Vash was a for hire mercenary. Actually taught Gilbert how to kill." Francis says quietly

Ludwig nodded. "I know...which is why I think I believe him. He probably could've killed us all in our sleep last night if he really wanted to..." He said, sighing heavily. "Und if he is telling the truth, we need to take out that plant before it wipes out his entire country..."

"Your right. But we need to get him back to the place first. And check on Gilbert."

Ludwig nodded in agreement. "Hopefully Arthur is back und tended to Gilbert. Vash looks like he'll need a lot of help, too."

"Yeah." Francis says softly as he pull them back into flight mode. "Check and ready."

Ludwig fell silent. He eventually landed the plane, helping get Vash into his car, then started driving them back towards the conference building. Francis sat in the seat watching Vash carefully.

Gilbert watched him leave knowing that he probably won't see him again. His immune system is almost completely gone and he won't be able to heal from these wounds. He sighs and as soon as he is gone he pushes Kiku away and uses his magic to numb the wounds. He then gathers magic to quickly teleport and kill the bosses of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. Pulling his pistol he teleported directly to Switzerland and made his way to the heads office not wanting to shoot innocents but would if it got his job done. Gilbert kicks down the office door and gunfire breaks out in the room. Gilbert gets shoot again in the hip before he takes out the soldiers. He then quickly shoots the leader and attempts to teleport back. He freaks when it doesn't work and sends a distress call to Ivan

. Ivan picked up his phone. "Da?"

"I'm in Switzerland can you come get me?" gilbert forced out roughly.

"Da, I can get you. I vill be zere soon." Ivan said, standing up and simply walking out of the building. Ivan was actually rather used to the Prussians odd actions, he had seen him teleport away but no worries, he knew that the little bird would always fly back home. Just not the right home. Contrary to popular belief Gilbert and Ivan had managed to maintain a good relationship and Gilbert often visited Ivan so the other wasn't so lonely, which led to gilbert being comfortable enough to call Ivan for help.

"Danke." He says softly before slumping to the floor and putting a locking spell on the door. He feels exhausted and he is starting to feel his wounds again as well. Ivan got outside, then used his own magic to teleport outside the building Gilbert was in, pulling out a pistol and looking around for him. Gilbert sat in the heads office listening to the people trying to get in and sending out a steady magical pulse.

Ivan followed the feeling, coming up to the door and knocking. "Gilbert? Are you in zere?" He asked.

"Ja." Gilbert called out softly. "It's a simple charm. Just break it." He said his breath starting to go ragged.

Ivan quickly broke the spell and entered, picking up Gilbert. "Let's get you home, da?" He said, then teleported back to the building.

Lukas and the others arrive at the castle. Eskil looks at it with wide eyes and Peter cheers running up the stairs to explore. Lukas turns to Arthur and starts to set the wards. Mathias helps everyone inside, Arthur helping Lukas set up the wards. Lukas works on the wards as safetely and quickly as he can.

"Alright, I think that'll do it." Arthur said once they finished.

"Good." Lukas turns to say goodbye to Matthias and Eskil throws himself at him an hugs him tightly. Shocked Lukas tenses up before wrapping his arms around the boy and looking to Matthias for help.

Mathias walks over with a smile, carefully pulling Eskil back. "Come on, buddy, Lukas has to go save the world." He said with a light grin.

Eskil backs up and rubs at his eyes. "Yeah. Just come back home soon?" He says in Danish. He then retreats to where Peter is sitting in the garden.

Peter just yells out. "You better come home jerk!"

Lukas turns to Matthias and hesitates. "I will come get you soon ok?"

Mathias smiled gently, doing his best to hide his worry. "Good. Don't take too long."

Lukas hesitates another second before leaning up and kissing him briefly and then turning to Arthur grabbing his Han as the teleport back to the room. Mathias sighed, then went to go see if he could keep the kids busy. The children are easily amused searching the castle happily.

"Nyet!" Gilbert says violently using Russian to get his point across once he has realized that they are in the UN building. "We need to go to Germany! Than Austria!"

Ivan shook his head. "You are in no condition to fight." He said simply, taking him back over to Kiku once they returned.

Lukas and Arthur arrive back not knowing anything has happened. The room is restless and Kiku is covered in blood and there are stains on the carpet pooling around gilbert. Arthur stared at the scene in shock before rushing over to help tend to Gilbert. Lukas is shocked as well and it isn't long before he makes his way over to help as well calling Emil over to tell him what exactly happened.

"Nien!" Gilbert continues to call turning and struggling underneath Kiku's arms. "Ivan!" When Arthur makes his way over he turns away before starting to cough violently.

Arthur quickly placed a sleeping spell on Gilbert to get him to stop struggling, then started healing up his wounds, as well as pouring healing energy into his lungs to keep him from getting a full blown attack.

Gilbert fell off to sleep but not after looking at Arthur as if Arthur had kicked his dog. Or severely betrayed him.

Arthur sighed heavily, turning to Kiku. "What the devil happened to him?" He asked. Kiku explained the situation hesitating slightly before telling him that Francis had gone with Ludwig. Arthur couldn't believe what he was hearing. Vash, of all people, betrayed them? He just couldn't believe the one neutral country would do something like that. Meanwhile Gilbert's body attempts to heal itself but even with Arthur's help he isn't making much progress. Antonio cradles his head in his lap whispering encouraging words. He is also holding his main cell checking constantly for news of Romano. Many groups have already left to do there jobs. Arthur continued trying to pour magic into the Prussian to heal his internal injuries. He couldn't stand the thought of the man dying. Too many people cared about him to give up.

Antonio continued to cradle him wishing there was something he could do to help him. Though Gilbert's body was still unresponsive his mind wasn't. And he contacted Ivan one more time knowing he was the only one who could finish his job for him. He wouldn't let them send Ludwig in with Roderich for back up. Oh no. So he sent his magic and projected his spirit out to Ivan.

'You are in no condition to fight. Do you really vant to die? How do you think zat vould make Ludwig feel? Do you vant him to lose you? You need to rest. I vill help Ludwig and Roderich. Don't you worry.' Ivan told him in his mind.

Gilbert mentally rolled his eyes at the other man. "No. And being here in spirit burns my magic not my body. I need you to take care of Austria and Germany. But you don't know the defense systems so I need to tell you or show you."

'I am more zan capable of taking care of myself, da? You should not drain your magic, eizer. It vill slow your recovery down. Just rest. Your brozer iz very vorried about you. Just stay here vith him. I vill have no problem dealing vith zere bosses.' Ivan told him.

Gilbert scowled at him. "You had better. You owe me."

Ivan then quietly left to deal with the bosses, purposely using the commotion to slip out unnoticed.

Francis carries Vash into the building glad that they had ended up sending Lilli to the castle with the other children. It wouldn't do for her to see her brother near death.

Ludwig helped bring Vash up the stairs, calling Kiku over to help. He didn't want to completely heal Vash's wounds until they figured out the truth, but they needed to get the bleeding stopped before he died.

Kiku hurried over to them and started to bandage the wounds using little bits of magic to heal them enough do he would wake when they needed him to. He didn't know enough healing magic to do anything else. Francis went over to Arthur sitting beside him worriedly. He looked over gilbert. "Where did the third wound come from? There where only two when we left! Ludwig come here child!"

Ludwig frowned deeply, hurrying over and knelt down beside Gilbert, taking his hand in his, eyes full of worry. "What happened to him? How did he get shot again?" He demanded, his anger starting to boil over. Kiku rushes over and quickly explains to Ludwig what happened.

Ludwig glowered at Gilbert. "Dummkopf! Why would you do something like that?!" He snapped, but then gently rested his head against his chest, clamping his eyes shut. " Bitte...Nicht sterben...Ich brauche dich..." He whispered to him. Gilbert's magic calmed down now that it wasn't being used and his spirit returned to his body. He doesn't hear what his bruder says and falls back under the sleeping spell which Arthur set.

Arthur stood up after a bit, sighing heavily. "He should be fine with some rest." He said, patting Ludwig's shoulder, then headed over to where Francis and Vash were. "So, care to explain exactly what's going on?" He asked Francis. Briefly Francis explains the situation making sure he doesn't move far enough away to let Vash escape if he awakes and is so inclined to.

"So he claims his boss made him do it? Well, does he have any evidence? We should check his phone." Arthur suggested.

Francis shook his head "I tried to get ahold of it earlier. It wasn't on him."

"Perhaps we can hack into his email?" Arthur suggested.

Francis shrugs. "I don't know anything about his account and his computer isn't here."

"There's got to be some way to verify his story...I don't want to just kill him, especially if he was telling the truth." Arthur said lightly.

"Neither do I. But we do not have a way to prove it. Unless maybe you know some sort of spell to figure out the truth?"

From where gilbert is there is a low moan and he slowly wakes up Ludwig sat up, gently stroking Gilbert's hair. "Bruder? Can you hear me?"

Gilbert blinks at him. "Ja. Did you get the fucker?" he slowly slurs out.

Ludwig nodded. "He's hurt pretty badly. He claims his boss threatened to murder thousands of his people with a nuclear meltdown if he didn't kill one of us, aber he said he couldn't bring himself to kill you, so he just wounded you in hopes it would force you to sit out of the fighting..." He explained.

Gilbert pulls himself into a standing position and stalks over to where vash is laying. He sits on the floor beside him and slaps him across the face shrieking "Wake the fuck up!"

.