The 8th of May was getting closer, and Ludwig was still passing in and out of conscious. Obviously the effects of his people continuously dying from diseases were having an effect on him. Alfred was staying by his side for most of this period of time disallowing the other Allies to visit the Germanic nation. It was obvious that the others like Francis and Arthur would want to exact their own revenge like the Russian had. Alfred knew the others would get him eventually, but he wanted Ludwig to at least be able to defend himself when this happened.

But the inevitability of the official surrender came around and Alfred had to do his best to keep Ludwig awake long enough to sign the right documents and to make his plea.

"Come on Luddy, rise and shine!" Alfred did his best to sound his usual happy-go-lucky self, but because even with the treatments and bandages Ludwig still looked like death it was hard to sound cheerful.

Alfred pulled Ludwig into the chair next to the bed, and to Alfred's and Ludwig's embracement, dressed the German nation into his spare military uniform.

"Oh… thanks I guess… But why did you have to dress me in this dreadful outfit? You know I hate this version. I hate looking like I belong to that dead Bastard and his 'special army'."
"I know, I know. I'm just following orders ya know? So do you think you can walk to the English territories of do I have to carry you again?"
"I- I'm perfectly able to walk alone thanks very much! It's only next door for goodness sake." Germany hurriedly tried to stand up, only to fall painful down on the floor. Hissing with pain he managed to gather himself together and steadily stand back up, clutching almost painfully to Alfred's arm, as if he could pass on the agony of re-opening his wounds.

"Ah shit man! Should we change your jacket?"
"Nein. Just leave it Alfred. It's not like I have anything else to change into that isn't ruined right?"
"I guess…"

The two made slow progress to get to the English and French house. Ludwig was doing his best to look stern even with his wound still bleeding through his jacket. He tried his best to hold himself strong, ignoring his pained legs. However, even if it was just over a mile to the others, the two nations saw so much death and destruction within Berlin. They saw the women of the capital, and the remaining men pulling out children both dead and alive. There were American, English, and a few French and Russian soldiers standing around watching for any signs of rebellion. But they just stood there doing nothing to help the wounded.

When they eventually made it Ludwig stopped just ahead of Alfred suddenly, causing the other to crash into him.

"Uh! Watch it Luddy! I could off knocked you over! …What's up man? You look like a sheet."
"Wh-what would I say to them Alfred? It would sound stupid to say 'I'm sorry for being a dummkopt for the last six years'? I- I just don't know what to do anymore. The only thing I get is war, and now its over I don't know how to act."

At this Alfred sighed and patted his shoulder.
"You worry way too much Luddy! Just go with the flow and stay quiet. I'll protect you, because I'm the hero right?"

He was just about to reply, when the door suddenly flew open caused by an angry Brit throwing out an almost naked Francis.
"You would of thought that with your injuries you couldn't muster the strength to attempt to strip me you bloody frog! Alfred and that bloody kraut are coming soon so at least make yourself decent! You know what a prude Alfred is!"
"Iggy~~! Don't call me a prude! It's just you Europeans that love being naked all the time! And I thought I told you to not give everyone horrible nicknames." Alfred pouted,
"Says the wanker calling me Iggy! Is Arthur or Mr. Kirkland if you don't mind!"
"Now, now mon cheri, there's no need for such violence! Just embrace l'amour!" Francis then decided this was the opportunity to leap on Arthur and randomly produced several roses to hand to the furiously blushing Brit.
"I thought. I told you. To get decent!" Said Brit then threw a few dozen punches at Francis until he leapt away.

This battle continued for a few minutes until they noticed Ludwig standing back ear the shadows. As soon as the loud duo realised they were in the presence of their once enemy, they helped each other up as if even looking at the German made their aches and pains re-awaken. They looked intensely at the pale man and sighed simultaneously, and shared a saddened look between them.

"Come on kraut. It's time for the meeting. Alfred, get him ready. We'll start gathering everyone else together"
Alfred came up behind Ludwig and as gently as possible put a pair of handcuffs, gave him some words of encouragements and took him upstairs to a small dirty room. The room help a small desk with six chairs. One was a large leather piece behind the desk where Alfred's boss sat. Surrounding the desk where 5 basic chairs where Francis, Arthur and Ivan sat. Alfred then sat at the end of the row leaving Ludwig to sit between him and the Russian.

Ludwig gave a vague attempt to read the document but his French and Russian where very basic and while he could speak English fluently his reading of the language was poor. But from what he understood he paled considerably and started shaking in anger.

"What? You can't do this! Everything is going under Soviet control! Goodness knows what he will do, the man is insane!" He yelped and looked into smiling purple eyes.
"Comrade Germany~~ You know better than to question such orders, da? Besides you're in no position to defy against the Allies. Now just sign the documents so we can all go home again."

Ivan seemed to grow larger then life and a distressing dark aura appeared around him. Everyone in the room fell silent and the fear for the other nations intensified. Ludwig began to shrink down, his previous anger lost and he cowered as far away from the Russian as he pulled out his fausets pipe threateningly. The silence continued for a few moments until a shaky Frenchman piped up.

"Germany, just sign the God damn papers. Haven't you caused enough damage than to start another battle, non? We're your witnesses for today so just get it over with."

Ludwig stared at the sheet for a few more moments until he caved and slowly signed the sheets four times for each countries version. He then gathered any dignity he had left and asked to be excused and wait in the corridor.

… … … … … … … …