They went to sleep in the guest rooms pondering those questions but as it turned out finding the answers was the least of their worries, for the very next day, around 8 o'clock in the morning a call came through – from Germany. Everyone huddled around Denmark, who wielded the phone put on speaker.

"I'm sorry for not informing you earlier but I thought I've dealt with it. Let me explain everything to you." Ludwig said and so all the story came out.

How the neonazis, whom Ludwig and Gilbert are working hard to get rid of, decided it was a necessity to punish those who had helped Jews during World War II and started with their northern neighbour – Denmark, who had shipped all his Jews to Sweden to save their lives, as soon as he could.

How all their attempts made from anywhere on German territory were nipped in the bud and Germany had thought that, as no more came, that would be it. But then he heard about the dam bursting on Greenland.

"I didn't want to believe it but I went back to that case and followed the new trail I found. I should've known they would go that way, after all you know how the saying goes – like father like son. They made a deal with someone in Russia." Ludwig explained and his chagrin was palpable.

Colourful curses rang around the spacious kitchen in Denmark's house. Things just got infinitely more complicated and dangerous.

"I'm really sorry" Germany continued "and I assure you that should you need anything Gilbert and I will do anything in our power to help."

"Thank you, Ludwig." Denmark said, all ferociously protective leader, nothing of his happy-go-lucky attitude to be found in him now. The transformation was complete and astounding. "One more thing though, if you would."

"Anything."

"You said they made a deal with someone in Russia. You don't know who that is?" he asked. Norway blinked, shocked. He missed that in Germany's explanations, more focused on what the involvement of a Russian. However Mattias was right. They, as Nations, had the highest level of clearance and mere mortal people could hide nothing from a Nation seeking answers.

"I don't. The person's identity is classified and I could not breach the files without causing an alarm." Ludwig explained.

"I understand." Denmark said. "Now, your brother-"

"Knows everything I do. You're right, it would be safer to consult with him from now on. You know where-"

"I know" Denmark interrupted Germany. "Thank you for your help."

"It was the least I could do. Goodbye now, Mattias." Germany said and ended the call.

Silence descended on the Nordic Five as each of them mulled over the information Ludwig provided. Denmark sat in his chair, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the wooden surface of his table, with a frown on his face, obviously deep in his thoughts. It was only when Finland muttered 'Dammit, I hate that bastard!' that he somewhat came back to himself.

"What do we do now?" Tino asked seriously. This was not a matter to be taken lightly any more, especially by him, who had had a rather... unpleasant past regarding Russia. What was more, if Russia decided to be hostile towards anybody, Sweden and Finland were only now considering joining NATO, not a part of it's structures.

Denmark turned towards him and pierced him with his searching gaze. He found only determination and loyalty, so he nodded his head. "This may well become dangerous." he said formally. "If any one of you doesn't think they can afford such a risk I want to know. You can leave now and there will be no hard feelings."

This question Denmark had always asked all his men before a raid. None ever left him, knowing that whatever happened to them their loved ones would be taken care of because their leader was good and just. This time, too, no one moved, and the same determination and loyalty that Denmark found in Finland, was written all over their faces, along with their protectiveness of him.

"Very well." Mattias bowed his head, for a second overwhelmed. He then steeled himself and formulated their plan of action.

/txtbreak/

Hi! I promised faster updates and so here I am, yay! Sorry for the shortness of this one but the story didn't want to be written this way, it insisted for the narration to go back to Canada for a sec. :)

Thanks for reading and reviewing, guys!