A.N. Hello again! I have returned! I'm going to try and get some momentum in this chapter so I can get this story MOVING! Quick shout out to my little brother who turned 12! And now, ONWARDS!

Disclaimer: I do not and will not ever in my puny mortal life own Hetalia!

Lovino cursed under his breath as Feli kept talking. The older boy had lost track of how long they had been walking but knew that the two were somewhere near the Hearts and Diamonds border. Feliciano chattered animatedly about nothing in particular and Lovino had to bite his tongue to keep from snapping at the 12-year-old.

Lovino was tired, having stayed up each night to keep watch while Feli slept in case someone stumbled upon them. The older brother was irritable on a good day, but being sleep deprived, hungry, and constantly on guard made things worse. Grumbling, Lovino muttered to Feli, "I wish you weren't a Jack."

The younger brother's head snapped up, his eyes filled with confusion.

"What does that mean?" Feli asked simply and Lovino felt all the hatred he felt for their situation rise as he snapped, "It means that if you weren't a Jack things would be easier to deal with! I wouldn't have to drag your hide through all hell and creation! I wouldn't have to listen to your annoying talking almost all the time, and I wouldn't have to worry about you!"

Feliciano shrank back some and mumbled an apology which Lovino ignored. He didn't mean all that, all he meant was that if Feliciano weren't a Jack the younger brother wouldn't be in this predicament. Sighing, Lovino pushed forward and Feli followed, albeit much quieter than before.

The two brothers went on for a while and stopped for the night. Lovino was about to apologize to Feli for snapping at him earlier when a crunching noise approached them. Bolting upright Lovino shoved Feliciano behind himself and glared at the approaching figure.

"Well, it seems I'm not the only one still alive." The boy said somewhat snottily. He stood, arms crossed, a look of superiority plastered on his face as he asked Lovino, "Aren't you going to let me join you?"

Lovino didn't stop glaring at the brunette but moved aside, letting him into the brother's small camp. The stranger was a bit taller than Lovino with dark brown hair styled back and purple eyes. In addition, he had eyeglasses. 'Must be a noble' Lovino thought, looking the boy up and down.

"My name is Roderich. Thank you for letting me join you." Roderich said bluntly, showing the two his Jack mark and sat down next to Feli. Lovino didn't trust this guy too much, even if he was a Jack, and simply nodded muttering, "I'm Lovino, he's Feliciano."

Roderich nodded looking both brothers over and settled on talking with Feli about random topics. Lovino rolled his eyes at the two as they conversed about the stupidest things while he threw some provisions to Feliciano and Roderich. "Hurry up Feli. I want you asleep soon."

Feli quieted and nodded while Roderich cleared his throat. "Do you two have a watch system? If not I would be more than happy to take the first watch."

"Yeah, no thanks. I can do it on my own without your help." Lovino said harshly when Feli joined the conversation. "Big brother doesn't warm up to new people very well, but I like you! I'm sure Lovi will be happy to let you take watch!" Feli announced, and Roderich smiled while Lovino grumbled.

The Ace ignored the two Jacks for the rest of the time they were eating. Night fell and Feli had fallen asleep. Roderich had stayed sitting and motioned for Lovino to lie down.

"I am true to my word. I will keep watch," Roderich said, and Lovino grumbled.

"What exactly is your word worth?" Lovino asked.

Roderich pushed his glasses up. "My word is worth my life. I have sworn to survive no matter the cost. If I say that I will keep watch for a few hours I will stay true to my word."

Lovino wanted to protest but the idea of a few hours of sleep sounded amazing. Laying down Lovino let himself relax for the first time in a few days. Sleep overtook the Ace in a matter of seconds.

-LINEBREAK-

Matthew walked slightly behind Yao, who had been quietly thinking. Matthew bit his lip as they walked trying to come up with a way to contribute. Matthew himself didn't have any talents or anything he was particularly good at. The only thing he hoped he could be talented at was magic and he had no idea how to use it.

In frustration, Matthew kicked a rock before turning to Yao and asking, "Do you know how to use magic?"

The brunette shook his head saying, "I never learned it. I know there are types of magic like illusion and such but I don't know exactly how to use it."

Matthew nodded and kept walking and thinking. Matthew knew a bit more than Yao did in terms of magic types but that was all.

Sighing the blond forgot to look up and he bumped into Yao who had stopped. "What's goin on?" Matthew asked and Yao held a hand up to quiet him.

"People. They're coming hurry!" Yao said pushing Matthew to a tree and started climbing. In the tree, Matthew saw that there were in fact people, three of them, armed with knives and bows. The three talked to each other openly loud enough for Matthew and Yao to hear them.

"This is too easy. Hunt Jacks and Aces and bring 'em in for cash?" one with a scar across his eyes asked and another laughed. "Yeah! Dead or alive! Either way we get some easy money."

The three kept walking and talking while Matthew bit his thumbnail in thought when Yao tapped his shoulder and pointed down whispering, "I have an idea."

Matthew grinned. "Me too."

A.N. I'm having too much fun writing this. Please review! Tell me what you think about the chapter! Until next time! - Retso