*Outside of Illuminated Dreams*
"Well, they fail so far," Ludwig took note. Alfred laughs as he took a sip of his coffee as he watches the replay.
"When they wake up, they would wonder why their heads and face is in pain." Alfred comment.
*Back to Illuminated Dreams*
(England P.O.V)
I woke up with a blindfold over my face. Of course, it would be that Matthias and his... Is that Antonio? I heard voices that talking about what to do with us. I have a feeling we will die right away. Not to forget, it hasn't been like an hour or a day! I felt someone pushes me ruffly at my side.
"What do we do with this Arthur then?" The voice sounds like Tim.
"We could pass him over to Taisto and Bernard. They could get the truth out of them easily," Said the voice that sounds like Antonio.
"Torcher is not always the answers," Said the one who sounds like Matthias. I can hear someone walking over to me and remove my blindfold. I should've closed my eyes so I would act out like I'm asleep. But this Matthias' eyes were marron than ocean blue. He stares into my eyes for a while and played a little bit with the hem of the fold. It was a while until he spoke clear out to his friends.
"Wake up the other one," He told them. One of them brought out a bucket of water and slashes it at Gilbert's face. Gilbert woke up as he started to cuss out in German. The Dutch remove the fold on Gilbert and the marron eyed man started to speak again, "Now that you're both awake, we can get into business,"
"I agree and the first thing I do to you kicks you in the face," I told him.
"Not possible because your legs are also tied and if you can do that, I dare you too," He told me, "Not to forget about an introduction, the name is Markell. The other two is Alejandro and Kyan," Markell added. I only glared at him as Gilbert looks at me.
"What's going on?" He asked. I was quiet for a long moment as Markell pulled out a switchblade. He started to flip it as he looks at my eyes. Like it was precious to him... wait-!
"Hold him down," He told them. Both Alejandro and Kyan walk over to hold me down. I started to freak out as Gilbert was trying to get out of his knot chair. I scream when I saw Markell ready to pull my eyes out with his knife. While I scream, I seem to faint.
*Meanwhile in Oslo, Norway*
(Norway P.O.V)
I woke up with a sudden fright. Looking around the area, I was home in my bed. I lay back down as I remember that I was with Kiku at the hill where we were watching the sun setting. He must've carried me back home and Berwald must've carried me to bed. I felt a kick and I rub it softly.
"Did something woke your nape up?" I asked my unborn. It kicked a little and I was getting hungry. Right when I was about to get out of my bed, the door open. I saw Allistor walking in with Cian. Both talking about something I don't know, but Cian looked over at me and brought my snack over to me.
"Did ya slept well?" Cian asked. I nod a little as I started to munch on the food they brought. I wonder when did they arrive?
"When did you guys came over?" I asked.
"Bout an hour ago," Allistor replied back. I hum back and bite on the grape. Right when I could eat in peace, I hear that child voice coming through the hallways.
"UNCLE IRE AND SCOT!" The boy yelled, "Elias is being mean to me again!" Cian scoops up Peter in his arms and they both walk out of the room. Seems like a bonding moment is about to come between the two. I just munch on the snack as I heard Allistor talking to me.
"You didn't wake up suddenly, did ya?" He asked.
"Nei," I replied back softly. Allistor pat my shoulders as he smiled at me.
"I know you're worried for Arthur. We all are, not to forget we are also worry for Gilbert," Allistor replied back in a way that he's both concerns for his brother and Gilbert, and showing that I'm not alone. I thanked him for assuring me and bringing me something to eat. He left as he told me to catch some rest and I did. But I feel like Arthur is endangered just by having a motherly feeling. I rub my stomach as the baby kicked.
"Miss your daddy?" I asked. It shyly kicks and it made me chuckled. Ever since these mood swings came in my pregnancy, I'm not happy one bit! I scare Arthur more than a few times with these and these just make me so god damn emotional! Just two more months of this and it will be all worth it. As most pregnant females (or males now that I know countries can get pregnant) would put it.
*Back to Illuminated Dreams*
(Prussia P.O.V)
I saw Arthur fainted and I panic when I saw Markell put away the knife and the trio laugh. They laugh as I try to get out of these knots. Speaking of knots, they're not very tight. Whoever did these sucked tying me up to a chair. I was stuck at damn Ivan place for about a year just to finished him off, and they were better! Not that I prefer that or anything...
"That has to be the best thing I ever did today!" Markell laughs. He does remind me of Matthias a little but there is no way that Matthias would do this to ANY of us!
"What about this one?" Alejandro asked with no emotion.
"Right you," Kyan said as he walks over to me and pokes my face (Drep!XD). He smells like mints than what Tim would smell. What the fuck am I saying?! I'm already engaged by Kiku! I can't go back with the smell of mint, cause he can sniff me out like a bloodhound! If that's possible or not. Kyan pop a mint in his mouth and poke my face again, "I say... we take one of his eyes!"
"Nein, nein, nein, nein, nein, nein, and nein!" I told them.
"He's right," Markell told them, "And we are not going to do anything to him nor his friend. They can leave if they trade something with us and we trade them with information and weapons to arm themselves with." Shit... I don't know what to trade- oh! I know now! But I hope that in reality has my ring still. And no, we haven't got married yet, but this is something I won from West in a bet!
"Okay," I started, "I will trade for my ring if you three help us,"
"Done," Markell said as he pulls out his knife again. He walks over to the chair and cuts it off. Before he could he glare at one of the guys, "I thought I told you to tie this good, Alejandro!" He raises his voice.
"Must've been scared that we were about to take this guy eyes out. Even though we weren't," Alejandro spoke softly on the last part. Markell rolled his eyes and cut off the ropes. I remove the ring and gave it to Markell. He fields with it and tosses it over to Kyan. He then went over to Arthur and remove the ropes and told Alejandro to get the weapons. I was just watching as Kyan puts in his pocket and lean back on the broken down wall. Markell went over to me and sat across. from where I'm sitting.
"So," I started, "What should we need to know?"
"For starters," Markell started, "You need to stay clear on certain territories. Territories have certain symbols that look like a country flag. Best if you stay away from the Black Triangle, Honda's Bodyguards, and the Deal with Dumbasses (10). They don't go very easy and they will try to kill you at any cost. We are known as the Traders Market. If you need something from us, got to trade your most valuable piece. As a ring, necklace, earring, anything you value the most got to trade it. I only know a few good people that could help you out such as Lutz. Cool guy for any help." Alejandro walks back in with four guns and two holsters. He passes them to me and I took them gratefully. Placing them on me, Markell also told me that he can give us his bike for traveling. I thank him for that and I had to wake up Arthur so we can leave.
I explain Arthur about what Markell told me and gave him two guns and the holster. Right now we both plan to find a place where we can stay for the night, because Kyan told us that the place they're living was something that we can not stay, and we both train hand to hand combat. It has been a long time since I learn how to do something like.
-Time Skip-
(England's P.O.V)
I watch the stars up in the sky. Thinking about what day it must be right now or what year. I know it felt like hours but it could've been three days or a month. It's strange when you realize that this may look real but it's not. Gilbert and I were practicing our hand to hand if we ever ran out of ammo. Thankfully, Alejandro gave us two extra in case we ran out. So we plan to ration out our limits. Use it own if someone is getting away from us about 20 meters or 15 feet, but not if they aren't close to us like about 10 meters or 6 feet. I closed my eyes and have the ease of sleep come over to me... But I don't feel tired after what it felt like ten minutes.
"... Gilbert," I asked, "Are you awake?"
"Ja," He replied back. I nod a little and closed my eyes. But sleep can come to me. I heard Gilbert mumble about something.
"What was that, lad?" I asked. It was a moment of silence, only the fire made the noise. But I heard Gilbert started to speak.
"... Kiku and I were going to get married," He spoke out.
I only gave out a small smile for him, "Congratulations,"
"But..." He started to stutter, "I'm not sure if I could forget what I've done to him."
"What did you do now?" I asked him loud enough as he spat back.
"Nothing! It's just... how can he still love me after I killed him back then?! I know it doesn't sound awesome for a couple to do that but... I still see that whenever I start thinking about the past. I do love him and he loves me back... but I wonder why can he still love me." I sigh and lean my head to the right. Seeing Gilbert look up at the sky and not sure what to say after that. I know how he feels like that.
"... I think I can understand," I spoke, "When Alfred was little, he loved me to death. He was a part of my colony and I loved him as a son. But when he wants his independent, I didn't think he was ready. I refuse so many time and he made a little tea party in Boston(11). My boss was so furious and it later became a war between Alfred and me. I could still remember that day when he gains his independents and then later I lost my colonies one by one. I think I started to understand when I saw him at our first world meeting. He just wants to learn how to do things on his own without my help. But still, don't understand how can he and I forgive each other so easy like that..." I heard Gilbert giggle as I glare at him.
"I'm sorry but did you use to have a thing for him back then?" He asks with the hint of laughter. I glared coldly at him.
"I never had, but I've only liked him as a friend and a brother!" I spoke coldly.
"So," Gilbert started as he leans up to me, "New topic: How did you try not to break when Antiono told that he is in love with both Bella and Lovino?"
"Oh please, new topic!" I lean up and told him. Not want to explain this to him and I hope that damn Alfred and Ludwig aren't watching this and sharing this with Lukas. It will be the end of me, like how Ecbert and Alla(12) died! Wait! What if Lukas Blood Eagle me?! I can't believe this is coming out of my thoughts but oh dear God! Don't let that happen to me!
"Okay, okay!" Gilbert laughs, "New topic for the Tusendere," I growl at him as he laughs. I still wonder why I hang out with the most idiotic of all of my years! Though to be fair, Matthias knows his battle strategies and it can be scary sometimes when I see him like that. So we talked all night and somehow we both past out due to sharing stories about our past and some others. Sometimes talking to someone else that isn't family related makes me feel so open to others for some reason. I don't know why but it does.
*Outside of Illuminated Dreams*
(Kiku P.O.V)
I woke up to the sound of a thump from the hallways. Getting out of bed, and knowing it's morning, I saw Emil holding Lukas. The calm Norwegian man was in pain. I feel panics coming from the inside and out.
"Is the baby coming?" I asked as calmly as I can.
"No, it's false contraction," Lukas spoke out as he breathes in and out.
"Hard to believe that," Emil spoke after, "But we should go to the hospital just in case," Lukas shakes his head and closed his eyes tightly. I went over to Lukas to help him up. Emil also did help out as we both lift Lukas up. After Lukas false contraction pass, we went downstairs. I said that I'll be making breakfast but Lukas told me that I've done so much for him and I'm a get for him. Though it already has been three days since Gilbert and Arthur left. Already, the family that I've with is kinda making me uncomfortable. Not that I don't mind but I do have my limits on others. Space limits likely.
After breakfast, Tino, Emil, and Lukas went to Lukas' last appointment. He asked if I could come with and gladly went with them. I do need to get out of the house and look around the country more. Tino drove as Lukas is in the front seat. Emil and I are both in the back as Tino drove. We arrived after an hour later and waited for the doctor to come in. Lukas lay on the bed and was holding Emil's hand. I was standing next to Tino and we're close to the bed where Lukas is laying. The doctor came in and said hello to us. Lukas pulled up his shirt to his mid-chest and the doctor place the wand over his stomach after placing the gel over.
"Everything seems good," The doctor spoke, "The baby is looking fine and the same with you. And I will see you next time when you're in labor, Mister Kirkland-Bondevik," Lukas noted and we left to get ourselves something to eat.
After eating over at a small cafe that Lukas' knows, we went home. Emil passed out in the back with Tino, since Emil was having a great day with his older brother and Tino was already getting tired. I insist on driving home and Tino was okay with it, as long I don't damage the call. Trust me, I dealt worse with Feliciano on the wheel so I know how to drive safely and not going about 500 miles per hour. Also, I think the two act more pregnant, even though neither are pregnant than Lukas. Lukas, yes he can have crazy hormones because he never showed his emotions, and I don't have a problem with that because I don't tend to show emotion unless it's something good or not. Lukas leans over at the window and looks out. I started to wonder if he's getting worried about something.
"Is something wrong, Lukas-san?" I asked. He didn't reply. I feel like he's hiding something but I should not get under his problems. But I'm getting a little worry about him.
"..."
"..."
"... Is it me or..." Lukas started to speak but a hint of jealousy is peaking out from him, "... Do England and Prussia tend to hang out like if they were a couple?" I now start to feel that jealousy, but I don't want to go crazy like Feliks. Plus Lukas never use their nation's names unless it's serious
"Strangely, hai, I do feel like they do things a lot together when we are busy with something," I could see Lukas smirking a little. Do I want to know or... Lukas then smiled at me as I start to wonder why is he smiling. Please tell me those are hormones!
"How did you and Gilbert started to date?" He asked. That... is something I never thought about. Yes, I love him but the past... now, this is just making me smile now.
"It was back at World Academy prom," I started, "Three days before prom starts and I had no date. I was just going to spend my day in my room but... I was asked by Gilbert-san when he saw me walking in the hallways alone. He just went up to me and asked me out. I didn't believe him but I did say yes. I later found something to wear and I was meet by the white-haired Prussian. He was being sweet and kind to me the entire time and I had a feeling that I would be pranked but... it never happens the entire night." I started to think about that night. The lights were dim blue, the music was sweet and melody, and Gilbert holding me was something I keep remembering. His hands held me as if he was truly into me. And he is... He is still into me if he asked me to marry him.
Lukas smiled as we came up to the house. Waking up both Tino and Emil were easy because they were hearing everything that we were both talking about. I went upstairs after tell them that I'll be taking a nap. I fell asleep and dream about that night. It was something I will remember...
*Inside of Illuminated Dreams*
(Third Person View)
Both Gilbert and Arthur woke up. They remade the fire so Arthur could have his tea. They were also given food and water (and maybe a few beers and a box of tea bags) from Kyan which Markell and Alejandro didn't seem to notices. They only sell out weapons and pieces of information, not food and water. They're mean, but Kyan seemed to help out to others. Anyway, Arthur was sipping on his tea and Gilbert was leaning back on the bike. Waiting patiently for Arthur to finish but Arthur seems to take his time out on his tea.
"You do know that we are both somewhat curse by having strange dreams about getting our lungs out of our backs and vomiting out blood?" Gilbert asked and pointed out.
"Yes I know," Arthur replied back, "But I need at least have my tea before we start doing things and it's a gentlemen thing,"
No wonder why Arthur keeps getting attack by Ludwig and Feliciano back at WWII, Gilbert thought to himself. Arthur finished about what felt like hours ago, and they started to ride out.
They both keep out signs that may have a territory that say who's who. But by the look of this, it's almost like no one is around. They started to find certain shells on the ground. They look like snipers shells and soon they found shotguns shells. This place was just strange. The two were having a break and drinking some water that they are rationing out when suddenly gunfire was heard. Arthur and Gilbert were dead quiet when they listen to how many shots were taken and such. They both agree that they should move out, not want to be caught or anything.
More hours of driving and they started to run out of gas.
"Shit!" Arthur said as they got themselves in some random place. Gilbert sigh as he pulls his hair back. Looking around the area, there was a small broken down church.
"Maybe we can go over there and see if they got any fuel," Gilbert suggested. Arthur looks over and saw the building. Looks kinda shady... maybe too shady.
"Guess like we have no choice," Arthur spoke after a few minutes later. He pulls out the small sack, which had their ammo in there, and pass one to Gilbert. Gilbert took one and they went over to the church. Looking around the place it was quiet... way quiet.
"... Arthur," Gilbert spoke.
"I know," Arthur replied in a matter of seconds. They both pulled out their guns and looked around the area.
"Remember," Arthur remind Gilbert, "do not use your gun unless they are within 20 feet from us," Gilbert nod and the scope out the area. Arthur went to the left side of the building and Gilbert went to the right. They made one mistake... not to get separated to each other.
Gilbert was looking around the small room he came in. He put his gun down and looked around. Seeing fuel for their bike and Gilbert smirked. Before he could reach over to the fuel cans, his eyes caught something. A photograph... Walking over he picked it up and looked at the black and white picture. It was a picture of a couple. The first one was short and had short hair and with a small smile that crept his face. He held something in his arms, which was hard to see what's in it. The taller one had a happy grin on his face as he looks down at the thing in the shorters mans arms. Gilbert turns the picture over as if it could give him any clue or something. When he did... he had tears rolling down from his eyes.
Arthur stops looking around and lost Gilbert already, "I knew I should've followed after him," Arthur said as he sat down on the bench. He sighs out loud and leans back. This might be a perfect timing to rest a little. Right when Arthur closed his eyes, he started to hear the doors open. Opening them, he saw someone walking down and people on the benches. He saw Lukas walking down with their mother, Eisele, was walking down with him as Rachel, the UK's mother Britain, was standing next to Arthur over at the bench. The real Arthur was sitting as he watches this whole wedding. It was something he and Lukas both remember well. Things change when he saw next was the date that he and Lukas went on together. Both enjoying themselves and dancing together. This was the time that Arthur was given the news that Lukas' pregnant. How happy Arthur and Lukas was. But then things got dark... way darker.
Arthur shakes his head as he just saw what just happen. Lukas died along with the baby. He started to go crazy and started to do bad things. Then a gunshot was fired to Arthur's head. What is going on here?!
"...I should find Gilbert." He stated. Arthur got up and went to the right of the wing. He got in there as he notices that Gilbert was on the ground. Never did Arthur ever recall hearing Gilbert crying... this is something he never thought he would see.
"Gil?" He asked. Gilbert stops as he turns around and wiped his eyes. He also his something behind his back.
"Hey, I found the cans for the bike," Gilbert said in a somewhat shaken voice. Arthur says his puffy red eyes and didn't buy it. Walking over to the cans, they were all filled. Strange. Arthur turn around as he looks over at Gilbert, "How do we know this isn't a trap?" He asked.
"I didn't give any thoughts on that," Gilbert spoke. Arthur tried to peek behind Gilbert's back. Want to know what's he hiding.
"Should we take them?" Arthur asked.
"I have a feeling we shouldn't," Gilbert said, "While I was in here I was looking around. I even saw something that caught my eyes," Gilbert pulled out a little flag that was somewhat familiar to Arthur on one part. The flag had 55 stars and it was blood red. The stars seem to represent something. The only nations that Arthur knows are both... Yao and Alfred.
"We should go," Arthur told him, but something touches his neck.
"Da," Said a rough Russian voice, "Because you shouldn't have come here," Arthur did a roundhouse kick to the Russian male and drag Gilbert. The duo ran as Gilbert started to hear gunshots. Ducking down, he turns and saw a man that looks like Yao but with a captain hat and a long blood red silk Chineses dress shirt, with long black dress pants and a white bandage wrapped around his legs. He smirks and pulled out a long blade knife. He throws it over at Gilbert and Arthur, which the duo moved away from the thrown.
"What the hell is going on?!" Gilbert yelled.
"How should I know?!" Arthur yells back. They ran until something hit their face. Arthur groans as he felt someone step on top of him. Looking up, he saw... Alfred? But wasn't he- that's right, this is just a dream. He kicks the looking Alfred guy and picks up Gilbert. Gilbert was struggling to stand up but that's when they heard a gunshot. All happen in slow motion... The gun was fired by the American and the bullet hit Arthur.
*Outside of Illuminated Dreams*
Both Ludwig and Alfred just witness what just happen they both shouted for Arthur's nation name. Alfred stops watching as he ran out of the room, but Ludwig grabs onto the American wrist.
"The hell are you doing!?" Alfred yelled at the German.
"We are not supposed to go in there!" Ludwig replied.
"But that's like my caretaker in there!" Alfred said.
"I know but we're not supposed to go in there unless it's important," Alfred ignore Ludwig but he felt something injected him. Alfred saw Ludwig injected a syringe into his arm. How... how was that possible?
"Lud..." Alfred passed out as Ludwig remove the syringe from Alfred.
"I'm sorry," Ludwig told him, "But I don't want to take any risk for you to go inside of that room." Ludwig went back to the monitor and saw Arthur health stable. He started to go over his wounded part which was at his side. Going over the things he remembers when Alfred was gone, he started to turn on the mic and started to speak over in German.