Thanks to Holo, Zaaze, Olivia Kirkland, Atzuyi, Eurazba, Mehloveshorror, PorcelanaRota, EllaAwkward, Adorable Reader and ScandinavianTrash for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 34

Jason smiled when he finally managed to heal the plant. And that was around the time when Vlad decided to return.

Vlad was a little surprised when he saw the plant before he smiled, stepping into the room.

"Good job," Vlad said. "What are your thoughts about this?"

"It's cool," Jason said. "So… What was that just now?"

Vlad's face darkened, and Jason had a feeling that he shouldn't have asked that.

"Was it the demons?" Jason asked.

"Da," Vlad said. "They're trying to break through the barrier. And they've decided to start with a disturbing method. But… Don't worry about it. As long as none of you go outside, you should be fine."

Jason had a bad feeling about this, and he had the feeling that Vlad was aware of it. Which was why he decided that, for now, he would leave it be.

…

Nora joined up with Alice, and they both looked at the pile of dead birds, which had been ignited in order to purge the negative energy that had accompanied them.

"How far do you think they're willing to go?" Alice asked.

"With Ivan, there is no such thing as 'too far'," Nora said. "Look at all the things that he had done to Vlad. And knowing Ivan, he would try to think of new, creative ways to torture him."

"And those angels of war dare to say that we angels of life are weak and pathetic. Vlad is the proof that we're stronger than they are."

"True. But remember that even the strongest wall would one day crumble. And Vlad's got so many cracks already. I fear that it will take only one more crack before he collapses."

Alice sighed.

"And we already know what that crack will be," Alice said.

…

Feliciano was the one accompanying Hans in the art room this time. Since they were both angels of art, it made sense. Feliciano also sensed that there was something bothering the younger boy, and he was trying to get the other's mind off of it.

"Ve, that looks so pretty."

Hans jumped slightly, and he turned to see Feliciano staring at his canvas.

"D-danke," Hans said. "Um, can I see what you've been working on?"

"Ve, of course."

Hans went over towards Feliciano's canvas and his jaw dropped at the sight.

"Wow," Hans said. "That looks so pretty."

"Really? This is only the base paint. I still need to shade, blend, balance…"

Hans started to zone out. He wanted to believe that Feliciano's skill was only because he was older. He wasn't inferior to Feliciano, was he?

As his thoughts continued to drift, he thought he heard a song being played. It sounded like the songs his father used to play for him when he was still very small. Where was that music coming from?

"That song," Hans said.

Felciano stopped, cocking his head.

"Ve, what song?" Feliciano asked.

"Can't you hear it?"

Feliciano looked at the other in confusion, and he blinked when he saw the other's eyes glazing over. Hans turned towards the door and started walking.

Instinctively, though, Feliciano knew that something was wrong, and he threw his arms around Hans's body, stopping all movement.

"Where are you going?" Feliciano asked, looking into the other's eyes.

Hans didn't react, and his eyes remained blank. Feliciano started to panic.

"Hera!" he shouted. "Hera, come help!"

Feliciano didn't have to wait long before Heracles came running in, looking alert and worried.

"What's going on?" Heracles asked.

"Ve, something's wrong with him," Feliciano said.

Heracles crouched down next to Hans, and when he saw the other's eyes he swore. He placed his hand on Hans's forehead, and Feliciano's eyes widened when Hans became completely limp in his arms.

"Let's get him to his room," Heracles said, taking Hans from Feliciano and started walking.

Feliciano trailed after Heracles, questions burning in his mind. He saw Vlad poke his head out from the study, and Heracles turned to him.

"Get Alexandru," Heracles said. "He would want to know about this."

Vlad nodded, before he disappeared into the room. Feliciano looked towards Heracles as they started descending the stairs.

"What's going on?" Feliciano asked.

"It's better if I tell you with Alexandru around," Heracles said.

Feliciano felt his concern grow, but he was also relieved to know that Heracles had no intention of keeping him in the dark. He would explain what happened, and they could help Hans.

Because judging by Heracles's actions, something had indeed happened.

A while later Heracles was laying Hans on his bed, and not long after that Alexandru and Vlad came running in. Alexandru looked towards his heartwing with concern.

"What happened?" Alexandru asked.

"He was in a trance," Heracles said, before he turned his attention to Feliciano. "Feli, did he say anything before he got like this?"

"S-si," Feliciano said. "Something about a song?"

"You said that you ran into Raivis," Vlad said, turning to Alexandru. "Do you think he could have done something?"

"It's a possibility," Alexandru said.

"Ve, what's going on?" Feliciano asked.

"The demons had tried to lure Hans," Heracles explained. "Raivis must have dug in Hans's mind to see what would attract him. Since Roderich is an angel of music, it's possible that Raivis used that to get Hans's attention, and once he became aware of it the spell had been cast."

"But, I didn't hear anything."

"That's because it was specifically directed towards Hans," Vlad said. "Raivis had seen him in close proximity. And there's no telling for how long he had been following during your flight, Alex."

"I know," Alexandru said dejectedly. "If they get him, it's going to be all my fault."

"But why?" Feliciano asked. "Why do they want the bambino?"

"Many reasons," Heracles said. "They could do it to get to Vlad, because Vlad is training you all and because Vlad has a soft spot for you. Another is because he's Alexandru's heartwing, and there isn't a better opportunity to make an angel fall. They could also want Hans to join their army."

"I wouldn't exactly call what Ivan has an 'army'," Vlad deadpanned.

"It's not just Ivan, remember?" Alexandru said.

Feliciano shuddered. The possibilities that could happen…

Feliciano looked towards Heracles in concern. He was Heracles's heartwing, so did it mean that they would use him to get to Heracles?

As though sensing his thoughts, Heracles turned his attention to Feliciano and gave a small smile.

"You have nothing to worry about," Heracles said. "I won't allow them to get anywhere near you. I won't let anything happen to you."

"But it's a good thing that you were with him," Vlad said. "If he was alone… Chances are, he would already be in their clutches."

Feliciano shuddered again.

"What are we going to do now?" Feliciano asked.

"We wait for Hans to wake up," Vlad said. "That's the only way we could see how strong the spell is. And whether or not he's still under the influence."

"We should look at the other Nephilim," Heracles said.

"Da. I know."

"Let's hope they didn't do that to someone else yet," Alexandru said, "or we might be too late."

…

Outside, Raivis suddenly collapsed to the ground, a look of annoyance on his face. Toris and Eduard looked over towards him in worry.

"They figured it out?" Toris asked.

"Yeah," Raivis said. "It's sooner than I expected."

"At least we know they're paranoid," Eduard said. "Mr Ivan should be happy."

Toris stared at the house, narrowing his eyes.

"What are the odds of you getting the one that cast the protective spells?" Toris asked.

"I need to make eye contact with him before that could happen," Raivis said.

"And… Vlad's heartwing?" Eduard asked.

"Same."

The three of them shuddered, and they knew that their master had returned.

"Aw, no progress?" Ivan said.

"S-sorry," Raivis said. "I-I need t-to m-make eye c-contact w-with one of them t-to g-get them. I-I t-tried w-with the one that s-saw m-me, b-but…"

"They managed to catch on," Eduard said.

"Aw, that's too bad," Ivan said. "So, little Raivis, why don't you try to get another one of them to look at you?"

"S-sir?"

"You can fly there, can you not? Tap on the windows… Get their attention…"

"B-but, the angels…"

"Are afraid. They are not a threat. So they should pose no problem."

"B-but…"

"Raivis…" Ivan said darkly. "Are you trying to disobey me?"

"N-no. I'll… I'll get r-right on it."

Ivan smiled, patting Raivis on the head.

"Good boy," Ivan said. "Do not disappoint me."

And with that Ivan disappeared again, leaving his three servants alone.

"We'll offer a distraction, if you want," Toris offered. "To keep away the angels until you've completed Mr Ivan's orders."

Raivis sighed in resignation.

"I'm not going to get out of this one, am I?" Raivis asked.

"Since when have we ever been able to get out of any of them?" Eduard asked.

"Fair point," Toris said.

…

Henri went to join Marcello in one of the lounge rooms. The Italian smiled, before inviting the other to sit across from him. Henri gladly accepted.

Since they were around the same age, Henri had befriended Marcello and Jason. They tried to draw Lili closer to them as well, but Vash didn't trust them anywhere near his sister. Because, obviously, three teenaged boys with a girl could only spell trouble.

"Where's Jason?" Henri asked.

"He just went to the bathroom," Marcello said. "So, have you been to see Vlad yet?"

"Not yet," Henri sighed. "I'm kind of afraid, you know?"

"Si. It makes it feel like we're really in danger. I mean, angel powers are cool and all, but… A part of me misses my normal life, you know?"

"Ever since the Outbreak, I don't think any of us could say that we've had a 'normal life'."

Marcello sighed.

"I guess you're right," Marcello said. "Especially Lovino."

"What's this about Lovi?" Jason asked, stepping into the room.

"We're just discussing our general lack of a normal life since the Outbreak," Marcello explained.

"Oh. Yeah."

Jason plopped down on the couch next to Marcello, and Henri smiled wryly. It was obvious to him that he was still the outcast. Jason and Marcello were childhood friends. Henri couldn't hope to be included on the same level as them.

The sunlight dimmed slightly, though they assumed that it was just a cloud passing in front of the sun. However, they all jumped when something crashed against the window, not hard enough to break it, but enough to startle them. Instinctively, they all turned to the window.

Only to wish they hadn't.

Hovering outside of the window was a boy just slightly younger than them in appearance. What scared them, though, was the fact that the other had large black bat-like wings.

A demon.

The demon winced a little, looking at each of the teens in turn before be smirked. Each of the Nephilim felt their fear growing. And then, before they knew it, the demon flew away.

Out of concern the three of them went towards the window, but the demon was already gone.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Henri said.

…

Raivis returned to their meeting place, and he waited patiently for the other two to arrive. He didn't have to wait long. Toris and Eduard returned, with Toris looking just a little smug.

"Angels of life," Toris said. "They say they don't like fighting, but then they put up a fairly decent fight."

"You are aware that they only picked up the skill because angels of war like how you used to keep challenging them and calling them out on it and generally just bullied them, right?" Eduard said.

Toris shrugged, before turning towards Raivis.

"Were you successful?" Toris asked.

The temperature dropped, and they knew that Ivan had returned.

"I want to know too," Ivan said, smiling widely.

"I managed to get three of them," Raivis said. "Now, it's all a matter of luring them out."

"Aw, only three?"

"One of them appears to be an angel of wealth. His brother worked as a vampire hunter before Vlad told them about their true natures. Another one is an angel of the garden. One of his brothers is an angel of war, while the other is a guardian angel. The guardian angel is the heartwing of Fletcher. And the last one is an angel of love. He is the heartwing of Jack. One of his brothers is an angel of art, and is the heartwing of Heracles. His other brother…" Raivis chuckled. "An angel of life, and Vlad's heartwing."

Ivan's smile widened.

"That is a good start," Ivan said. "Those three will give us access to several of the others. Including our most important one. But, what about the one that cast the spells?"

"I-I didn't see him," Raivis said, eyes wide.

"Pity. But Alice and Nora will be on their guard, after your distraction. We will wait a while. And then we can use the siren march, da?"

"The siren march?" Toris asked. "Have you found someone that can do it?"

Ivan smiled, stepping aside and revealing the figures standing a ways behind him. The trio had been focused on Ivan, so they didn't notice the group behind him. But now they could see clearly.

"Vampires?" Toris asked.

"Former vampires," Ivan corrected. "They were slain in battle. I asked around, and these all have a connection with our dear Nephilim. And Vlad."

"Who exactly are they?" Eduard asked.

"Emil of the Nordic Five, now Four. Leon, Yong Soo and Kasem from the Dragon Clan. Francis and Antonio of the Bad Touch Trio. And Alistair and William of the Kirkland brothers. William is the master of the siren march."

The vampires weren't reacting to their surroundings. They were still in a daze from having been slain, sent to purgatory and then having their consciousness pulled out from purgatory. It would be a while still before they could be useful.

But Ivan was patient. He could wait.

"Will any of the others be useful?" Eduard asked.

"The Bad Touch Trio will," Raivis said. "After all, they've had their fair share in torturing and traumatising Vlad's heartwing."

"Have you learned his name?" Ivan asked.

"Lovino."

At the mention of the name, Antonio and Francis lifted their heads. Some of the fog cleared from their eyes, and slowly they started to smirk.

…

Jason, Henri and Marcello ran upstairs, searching for Vlad. They needed to tell him about their encounter with the demon.

Vlad wasn't in the study, nor was he in his room. And in Lovino's room…

"Fratello?" Marcello said, blinking in confusion. "Is that a… bird?"

Lovino glanced annoyed at his brother, before turning back to the newborn bird chirping away in its makeshift nest.

"Si," Lovino said. "It was my exercise from Vlad."

"Taking care of a bird?"

"No. The bird died in its egg. I had to bring it back to life. And let it hatch."

The three's eyes widened.

"That's so cool," Marcello said.

Lovino huffed, before fixing his youngest brother with a level glare.

"What are you running around for?" Lovino asked.

"We're looking for Vlad," Jason said.

"He's probably downstairs with Feliciano and the others. The kid passed out or something."

"Downstairs," Henri said. "Got it."

As they turned to leave, Lovino stopped them.

"Why the hell are you looking for Vlad, anyway?" Lovino asked.

…

Hans groaned, before opening his eyes. He saw that he was in his room, but something about the situation felt wrong.

"Good, you're awake," Vlad said, and Hans turned to look at him. "What can you remember?"

Hans frowned, trying to get his thoughts in order.

"I remember talking to Feli," Hans said. "After that… What happened?"

Vlad sighed, and Hans took the opportunity to look around, seeing that he and Vlad weren't alone. In the corner sat Alexandru, looking dejected.

"Alex?" Hans said. "What's wrong?"

Alex looked up, and Hans could see that the other looked torn.

"I'm sorry," Alexandru whispered.

Hans was caught off-guard.

"Why?" he asked.

"Remember that demon you met yesterday?" Vlad asked. "Well, he left a little present, in the form of a hypnotic spell that will work at a later stage when the user calls upon the person. When casting it, the user gains access to the victim's thoughts and memories. And he knows what would be the most appealing to the victim. Feliciano said you mentioned a song?"

Hans frowned in confusion, before he shook his head. Vlad sighed.

"Alright then," Vlad said. "Did Roderich spend any time with you when you were growing up?"

"Ja," Hans said. "When I was very small, he would stay with me and my Mutti every day. When I was around five, he would come every week. Then, when my Mutti died when I was seven, he would always stay with me. Every day, he would play on the piano and have me sitting next to him. Then came the vampires, and he wouldn't be able to come for days, sometimes even a whole week. The music made it feel like he was there."

"I see. You miss him, don't you?"

Hans nodded his head, closing his eyes.

"I can ask Roddy to come," Alexandru said. "Then maybe you can forgive me."

Hans cocked his head to the side.

"Why do I need to forgive you?" Hans asked.

"For… For letting that demon do that to you," Alexandru said. "I should have seen it sooner."

"I'm not mad."

Before anyone could say anything else, Lovino, Marcello, Jason and Henri burst into the room.

"We've got a situation," Lovino said.

The three younger teens explained about their encounter with the demon, and Vlad's eyes widened.

"Raivis," Vlad whispered. "Stay here. I'll go look for him. Heracles?"

Heracles nodded, going towards the group of teens. Vlad went over to the large window, opening it and summoning his wings.

"Vlad!" Lovino exclaimed. "Your wing!"

Vlad paused, turning to look at Lovino, before first looking towards his left wing. After seeing nothing wrong, he turned his attention to the right wing.

And gasped at the sight.

On the very tip was a single white feather.

So, Hans is the youngest, and I can just imagine that some of the more affectionate people, like Feliciano, would refer to him as the baby.

The siren's march was first referenced in Chapter 5, when Arthur was trying to get Vlad to come outside. He stated that William was particularly good at it. And in chapter 29 Heracles said how many of the vampires died. Now you know who died. As for how they're there… think Miguel.

I was originally going to have Ivan making a deal with the still-living vampires, but decided to get him to use the dead ones instead, since they wouldn't need an invitation to go inside.