Rewritten: 7/20/2015

CHAPTER FOUR
A New Discovery

It didn't take long for them to jump into action.

If Feliciano's white flag told them anything, it's that he was in trouble. Big trouble, and that they had every reason to be concerned. It seemed like they couldn't pile into the car fast enough before they made their way back to the World Meeting building.

There wasn't a lot of evidence to go by. A letter, a picture, a flag and a crime scene that was little more than spilled groceries and a dent. Investigation was necessary, but time was passing fast. By the time they made it back to the World Building (then deemed the Base of Operations) most were tired and ready to go home. A majority left, leaving only a handful of people to carry the night shift and try to come up with some answers.

The skeleton crew consisted of Ludwig, Kiku, Yao, Ivan, Antonio, and Lovino (who, by the way, was only there because Antonio was his ride home. Since Antonio wasn't leaving, neither was he).

When everyone settled in and the evidence was put down, theories started being thrown about. Some things were pretty clear: it was obvious that this was a kidnapping. It was obvious that the man who delivered the letter and picture had something to do with it. Unfortunately, it wasn't much to go off of, but it was all they had.

Groups were divided up and people focused on their tasks. Yao and Ivan was struck researching on the computer, trying to find any information on the mysterious man purely based off of Ludwig's description. It wasn't hard, basically picture Alfred with red hair and sunglasses. What was hard was finding viable information. Really, anything from a picture to a police report would help.

Kiku's was trying to decipher the letter. It was obvious these words were meant to be unscrambled, they fit no place for a two-hundred mile radius. If the culprits were further away, well, they sure traveled fast. So far he had figured the second word out: "palace." It worked best compared to the other possibilities, but didn't narrow the search very much. There were dozens of places around the area with "Palace" somewhere in the name or description. Going around to every single one was risky. Easily they could tip off the kidnappers and give them a chance to flee. Or it could waste time, and time was of the essence. Not to mention that breaking down doors and beating up anyone who had a thing to say about it wouldn't get them anywhere aside from thrown into a jail cell.

Antonio was analyzing the letter and picture, trying to find anything that could be hidden. Some secret message, a sign even. Anything that could help.

Lovino was doing just about nothing. The other roles were taken up, and he was having a hard time finding a purpose. If anything he wandered and tried to find ways to help, just like Ludwig.

Once the investigating really kicked off, the room became eerily quiet. It sent a chill down Ludwig's spine. Aside from the murmurs between Yao and Ivan, and the rub of a pencil against paper, there were no other sounds. The duo were reading an article, Antonio was scanning the picture intently, Lovino sat with his head in his hands, and Kiku paused - deep in thought. Ludwig wasn't sure whether or not he should say anything, maybe walk around a bit just to keep things moving. They were all under a lot of pressure here, ushering them to take a break wouldn't hurt.

But the silence was broken quickly, and everyone was drawn away from their work.

"Aiyah! We found something!" Yao yelled from across the room. Instantly, everyone was only their feet and surrounding the computer. The sight drew relief and uneasiness.

On the screen was a clear picture of the man Ludwig had seen earlier, he could confirm. Just as expected his appearance was nearly identical to Alfred's, with a few tweaks here and there. The resemblance was uncanny.

His skin was tan, his hair was a dark brown, eyes red. The image was above a group of paragraphs that Yao was eager to read.

People gave them some room.

"Buen tabajo..." Antonio muttered, rubbing his eyes. "Ludwig, call Arthur. He might have something to do with this. And while you're at it, get Alfred too. It wouldn't hurt." Ludwig nodded, already pulling out his cellphone. "Everyone, get back to work," Antonio exclaimed, though it wasn't necessary. "Lovi, you're with me!"

Lovino stormed off after the Spaniard as he went back to his seat, muttering a note of annoyance.

Ludwig was too busy to listen to him complain, rather focusing on his contact list. He scrolled through and questioned where the numbers had gone, before he realized he didn't know the Brit's and had deleted Alfred's a while back. With an unhappy shake of his head, he glanced around the room.

It took him a moment of pondering before he decided that Kiku was the best to ask for the numbers. At least then he wouldn't have to worry about explaining himself. "Hey, Kiku, do you have Arthur and Alfred's numbers?"

"Hm? Oh, yes. One moment, Ludwig-san."

Kiku was quick to find the numbers. Ludwig thanked him, then immediately dialed Arthur's.

One ring...

Two rings...

Three-

The line picked up. On the other end there was a yawn, followed by a drowsy tone in a thick British accent. "Uhm... hello?"

"Guten morgen, Arthur." Ludwig suddenly regretted not checking the time beforehand. "Sorry to bother you, but we found something important while we were investigating. We need you to come down and take a look."

"You do realize what time it is, right?"

"Yes... but we think your input could be helpful."

A sigh. "Of course you do... Fine. If you insist I will be there soon." Ludwig thanked him, and then hung up only to follow up with the next number.

The phone picked up halfway through the first ring, and a voice (energetic as ever) greeted him.

"Hey! What's up? Did you guys find anything? Did you figure something out? Do you know what the letter is supposed to say?"

Ludwig sat there for a moment, just to let the questions flow. Once the American finally shut up he spoke. "Yes, we found... something. We need you to get down here as soon as possible and help out. Do you mind-"

"Of course not! I'm on my way! Hero, out!" Ludwig barely registered that the call was over when the dial tone buzzed in his ear. He sighed and shook his head.

Someone had quite taken the power nap.

A/N: This chapter is 168 shorter than the original, and was grueling to write. I remember hating writing this one, as well as the next one. But do not fret: it's short but I plan to upload the next one today as well! Stay tuned for more content.

Also I'm crying because my problematic fav doesn't show up until chapter six. The struggle is so real ;-;

Buen Tabajo (Spanish) = Good Job

Guten Morgen (German) Good Morning