CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The Beginning of the End: Part 2

Lovino hadn't even seen him coming. He was so distracted looking elsewhere that the attack was completely blindsided. He likely wouldn't of reacted at all if he didn't hear the gun, the revolver, clicked as it's safety was turned off, right before the first shot was fired. If it wasn't for that faint sound the bullet would of met it's mark and most likely killed him.

So the second he heard it he dashed to the side and turned around, aiming the gun in the direction of the sound as the first bullet zipped through the air. It missed him, probably from the shooter having to readjust that split second, before ducking away as Lovino fired his own set of rounds.

It quickly escalated to a full on firefight as the two shot back and forth at each other.

It was because of this distraction though, that he was unable to assist his teammates who were stuck in a room just down the hall, fighting desperately for their own lives.

The fights were set as stated, Alfred against Andrew, Ludwig against Viktor, and Kasper against Kuro.

They were, for the most part, set to be in the hands of the counterparts who had a majority of advantages in all of their fights. Of course this was assuming that they did everything right, which was less than possible.

Alfred was pumped, ready for his rematch that he had been promised and was now glad to receive. He knew it would go down differently this time, it had to. He only hoped he could keep control of himself throughout it to the very end, he just couldn't give in to the temptation... Though it always felt great when he did.

Kuro was focused explicitly on wounding Kasper to as much of an extent as he could, that way he couldn't intercept them later. Of course this would be hard and take plenty of energy, he assumed it would be worth it.

Ludwig was against the Russian that he hadn't encountered nor fought once since the arrival of the two-ps. He wasn't sure how the other intended to battle but he would only have to assume it was similar to Ivan who he had come to brawl with before.

Alfred started bouncing on the balls of his feet, getting his heart pumping and hoping that it would help numb the pain, even if it was only a small bit. Just as he had done before, Andrew discarded his hockey stick to the side and raised his fists. The other two had no intentions to drop their weapons however, and kept them at the ready.

Kuro's katana had been foolishly lost during the struggle and now he was left unarmed for the most part unless, of course, he could get a hold of Alfred's bat. By the likeliness of the American simply handing it over was dwindling by the second, and Kasper would probably stab him before he was even able to reach for the handle.

Ludwig was a tad nervous, but not enough for it to be visible. It had been so long since he even used a sabre, and this one was in a saddening condition. Being able to match this with the strength of any strikes made by Viktor, considering that he was equip with a thickly bladed shovel, would be a challenging task on it's own.

But at this point failure was not an option. Not that it ever was.

. . .

"Dammit!" Lovino spat as the sour, foul flavor of his own blood overpowered his taste buds and gave him a sickening feeling in his gut. The fight had somehow managed to go from a long ranged shoot out to a close ranged no-rules brawl. The quick and unexpected change had left Lovino off guard. Once he had pulled back his hand after firing about four shots in Leonardo's general direction, the last thing he had prepared for was a full on frontal assault with the back end of a revolver.

The whip coming solely from the side with the cold, unforgiving metal connected with his jaw and forced him down onto the ground. The impact and strength combined into the strike drew blood and created a small laceration on his lip.

Despite the small amount of damage the strike had actually caused, it still scared Lovino enough for him to drop his guard for the second time in a row and allowed Leonardo to land another hit in the same general vicinity.

However, a third was impossible to manage as Lovino kicked the other away and scrambled to his feet, barely keeping a solid grip on his own gun.

He raised the pistol and looked down the sight, changing the height of his aim as quickly as he could to make the possibility of any shot, even if it be only one, would hit. But his adjustment wasn't as quickly completed as he had hoped and before he knew it Leonardo was on top of him again, dominating their struggle almost instantaneously.

He shoved Lovino's hand to the side, the pistol going off with the impact and placing a quarter sized hole in the concrete wall next to them. A second fight began over the gun, Leonardo trying to disarm it while Lovino tried to do the exact opposite.

His life depended on the outcome of this fight!

Eventually the struggle led to Leonardo growing tired and resorting to pounding his counterpart's head into the ground. The blows were hard and violent, the brunette had not been expecting his counterpart to resort to such cowardly tactics.

One way or another it resulted in Lovino reverting in and out of consciousness for a succession of moments, his body numbing and the pistol being dropped overall. He could feel the blood pooling under his head once the onslaught momentarily stopped and he was allowed to catch his breath, trying to make the excruciating pain he was experiencing at that time seem a little less obvious.

Nonetheless Leonardo continued, and it then turned into a fight over his revolver as he slowly but surely moved the muzzle closer and closer to his victim's head, each inch he gained being more and more threatening. Lovino was very well helpless and the fight he put up was doing nothing more than prove that point.

He could feel the tears on the rims of his eyes as reality seemingly broke in and he quickly realized what his defeat would mean in the end. He would be forced out of this world and into another, his two-p being the only figment left of his existence. He had a chance of being remembered, but it wasn't enough to convince him that losing this fight was the only option.

He had to fight and he had to fight hard. He had to put aside all of his fears and focused on his main goal, rescuing his brother.

And there was no way in hell that he'd be able to do that in a whole 'nother dimension, that was for damn sure.

. . .

Luciano was busy on the other side of the building. He was barking orders at everyone, telling them where to go and what to do. The first part of his plan seemed to have worked.

It was a rather simple plan if anything, plant a fake key on Allan who would sit as a guard and trick the others into believing it would bring them to the place they wanted to enter, assuming that they didn't check the door first. Which, seemingly, they didn't and it lead to Allan being able to hold them back and alert the others of their arrival. It gave the rest just enough time to prepare themselves for a long battle that was sure to come.

And now they were fighting, the array of gunshots guaranteeing such.

It was time for the second, solo phase of his plan, get rid of the rat. Though there were multiple, he only cared to remove one. His first warning just didn't seem to be enough, so a second ought to prove his point. And in the case that it didn't, he would have no problem getting rid of the rest.

Luciano spun a single knife around his fingers, going back and forth in pattern as he moved about. He wasn't truly sure on where to find them, he had given them orders to stand guard at the back, on their own of course, but for all he knew they had gone out and escaped right from under his nose. In the case that they actually did he would send someone to find them, most likely claiming it to be a search party despite the fact that it would result in quite the opposite afterwards.

But for now he would simply assume that they remained at their post and that he would have minimal trouble finding them.

. . .

Kuro flinched as the knife dug into the wall just above his head and created a long, thin cut into the wallpaper that did nothing more than expose the concrete surface behind it.

He dashed out of the way as a second attack occurred in succession, Kasper trying desperately to catch the other man before he was able to once again get away.

But Kuro's agility posed superior even with his injuries and he was able to duck and dive out of the way of danger before the attacks even got close to hitting their marks. It was something that put Kasper in the position of being able to do nothing more than chase Kuro around, slicing the air after realizing that the other had once again bolted across the room.

He grunted in disgust and anger as he charged again, the attack almost blind as he knew it wouldn't pay off in the end. Unless he was able to slow down Kuro and his antics he wouldn't be able to do a damn thing!

And his opponent would make sure of it. Kuro knew that the second the German got his hands on him it would be all over. Close quarters combat was not what he wanted at this point, because the second Kasper was within close enough range he would grapple and then take Kuro to the ground, probably wrestling him into a submission move and inflicting massive waves of damage and pain on his already wounded body.

And if that were to happen he'd pass out within mere seconds.

Meanwhile Viktor and Ludwig were dueling. Ludwig knew from the moment that he saw his opponent that underestimating him would be a decision that would get his ass handed to him. So he didn't and instead took a cautious route to starting the fight.

He could tell that Viktor knew how to use just about every aspect of his shovel to fight. From the blunt end to the bladed tip, it was all there and all deadly in the hands of a skilled user. Which, in this case, was a certain Russian that was perfectly fine with getting his hands dirty, in any way, shape, or form.

Ludwig could only hope that his sabre would work to it's best abilities and match his own.

But when their fight started Viktor moved towards him sluggishly, seeming to have no rush to start attacking at all. Yet even with this thought in mind Ludwig still stood in a defensive position with the sword pointed towards his enemy. It was likely because of this small pre-battle preparation that kept him from getting knocked down with a single blow.

Viktor had suddenly charged Ludwig, his speed increasing within a single second as he raised his shovel to the side and swung it across. Ludwig reacted at the last second as he back stepped and hit the end of the shovel with his sabre, forcing it away from him and creating space between the two.

Both of them seemed stunned as they slid past each other, standing there for a moment first eying nothingness before turning towards each other. A single glimpse of eye contact sparked between the two and they turned to engage.

And that's how they got to where they were now.

Ludwig found himself forced to back peddle each time Viktor got close. He attacks were threatening in all ways and he had no intentions to get close enough for Viktor to land a hit. His plan for now was to allow the Russian to tire himself out, but it didn't look like that would be happening any time soon. He was outright relentless and gave little to no time between attacks for Ludwig to break; he was always back into the same cycle of advancing, countering, and retreating.

With that said the room for any attacks was thinning each time he took a step back. With the road he was going down it would only be so long until he was backed into a corner.

On the other side of the room Andrew and Alfred brawled. Just as they had done the first time the two bumped knuckles and jumped back, creating a bit of a distance between each other as they circled and looked for any openings. Andrew could tell by the glow in his eyes that Alfred was much more determined to win than he had been previously. He would be a bigger threat than he was the first time too, that he knew for sure.

But he was sure that one way or another, win or lose, he'd enjoy this fight. Alfred was a more than an exceptional opponent. Worthy nonetheless, he obviously had some heart and a good bit of pride that he wanted to protect. Those things not only showed in his personality but in his fighting ability.

And it was because of that that he only expected the best.

He could tell that Alfred's battle plan had changed from before. He attempted a lot of fakes which usually made Andrew raise or lower his guard, opening up other parts of his body for strikes. He landed one or two but for the most part the Canadian side stepped out of the way with a quick counter to stop any succession strikes.

Alfred couldn't help but point out that Andrew was more on the defensive than anything. He only attacked when countering but otherwise made no noticeable advancements whatsoever. He wasn't sure whether to be suspicious or relieved of this, but he refused to allow it get to his head either way.

He continued to focus on the content of the fight and did whatever his gut told him to do. Which for the most part was to get as many opening as he possibly could. Of course that was easier said than done, he was at least able to get a couple shots in while Andrew barely got one. One way or another he was determined and had no intentions of failure.

Not that anyone really do for that matter.

. . .

Lovino knew it was all over when the gun went off in close range. He didn't see where it had been aimed, he only felt the pain in his chest as the bullet tore through his flesh and bones, flying through a few ribs and puncturing the lung before coming out the other side.

He cried out as warm, salty tears streamed down the sides of his face. The grip he had on the gun was dropped as pain shot through his chest and all parts attached. He felt himself gag on blood as he coughed it up and nearly vomited. Some of it splattered on Leonardo jacket and shirt, he giving the other a look of disapproval.

"Tch" he muttered as he got to his feet, watching Lovino as he curled up into a ball on the ground.

"How worthless." He added afterwards, wiping some of the blood off with the back of his hand. He flicked his wrist and the crimson splattered in small drops on the wall. He also cleaned off the muzzle of his gun, noting that some of the blood had covered it and that it was not good for the metal. He glanced briefly at Lovino afterwards, seeing the other shriveled up in his current state of agony.

He smirked ever so slightly and replaced the one missing bullet in his gun before holding it with a single hand and aiming at Lovino.

The Italian turned his head a few inches, still crying as blood pooled next to him and the puddle merged with the one previously made from his head wound. Blood also flowed out of his mouth and down his chin as he still gagged and coughed continuously. He managed to squeeze 'bastard' in between coughs.

Leonardo was tempted to add to his torment; instead of taking the kill shot just taking out another organ or something similar. Cause him to cry and maybe even beg a bit more. Enjoy his agony while it lasted for however long.

Now he understood why Kuro enjoyed hurting his counterpart so much.

Either way he dropped the thought of taking any more time with Lovino's torture as he didn't want to stain his clothes anymore than he likely already had with that one close-ranged shot. And he doubted he had the time either way, with the seeming war going on behind him.

So he moved his trigger finger from outside to inside the guard. He glanced up and made eye contact with Lovino from behind his glasses.

They stared for a moment before Leonardo dropped the contact and focused back on his gun. Lovino spat up more blood, purposely trying to get some on Leonardo and any of his apparel, but falling short instead. He whispered a series of curses, barely audible to most people that weren't within a two feet radius. He shut his eyes tight, anticipating his end.

"Ci vediamo dall'altra parte... Lovino." Leonardo stated seconds before he moved to pull the trigger. But before he could something grabbed a firm hold of his wrist...

. . .

Kuro hadn't seen it coming. Not a second before or after. He had been so damn foolish, running around trying to avoid Kasper without even thinking of where he was heading. Without even looking a single time, not one glance, he had backed his stupid self right into a damn corner.

And Kasper knew it all along.

He watched and coordinated as needed. How he moved changed where Kuro went. And it all seemed to pay off.

Kuro had only felt the cold walls press against his back when his eyes widened as he realized what trap he had just blindly walked into. He had one of those "deer in headlights" moments as he froze in spot. Before he could react and move out of that confined section of the room Kasper had charged him, shoulder lowered as he plowed into Kuro's chest with all the force he could muster within the few seconds he had to build it up.

One way or another it seemed to be enough as Kuro cried out in pain and fell to his knees when Kasper gave him enough room to do so. Kuro struggled to deal with the pain as well as breathe from the blow.

He wasn't given much time to recover either way as Kasper grabbed him by the neck and forced him back into the corner, now at his feet. He used this advantage to the best of it and began to pound Kuro in the stomach and chest area as he landed hard, unforgiving strikes to his midsection.

Kuro was helpless in his current state and could only attempt flimsy blocks that didn't do much of anything.

It got to the point where he had to lean against the wall for support, but his legs slowly gave out as they slid across the floor with every strike. He ended up on the ground again and Kasper resulted to using the bottom of his boot to pound Kuro into the floor.

He eventually stopped after growing bored and stared down at Kuro. He gasped for air as he gripped his stomach, getting onto his hands and knees as he tried to recover. Kasper almost wanted to laugh in his face, but fought back the urge. He grabbed his knife again, kneeling down next to Kuro and meeting him eye-to-eye. He placed the jagged end of the blade against Kuro's jugular vein.

"I could kill you right now arschloch..." He began, taking the knife and placing it's sharpened tip under his jaw.

"But that would be too easy for you." He spat, jabbing the blade deep, drawing blood and earning a pained expression from Kuro, biting his lip to stop himself from extending his jaw onto the blade anymore.

But that didn't do much as Kasper grabbed the top of his head and forced him onto the knife anyway.

More blood drew as Kasper twisted the knife back and forth, expanding the cut even more and only adding to the misery. After a moment or so of that torment he finally pulled the knife away and pushed Kuro's head down onto the ground with the bottom of his boot, simply adding insult to injury.

"I'm going to enjoy this..."

. . .

Leonardo hadn't expected him, of all people, to stop him. He just didn't see it coming and it was because of his sudden appearance that Leonardo was unable to shoot his counterpart between the eyes.

"Put it down Leo." Sebastian ordered, having a near unbreakable grip on the Italian's wrist. His hand shook as he tried to break free, but it was a useless attempt and he gave up quickly. With a sigh of defeat he gave in.

"Fine." He started, clicking off the safety and handing the gun over to his superior.

"Thanks for ruining my fun." Leonardo muttered. Flipping the gun open, Sebastian let the rounds fall to the ground before closing it back up. The Spaniard ignored his remark and placed the empty gun into his hand. He then turned and looked down at Lovino who had stopped making noises for the most part, aside from occasional grunts and whimpers. He sighed.

"Luciano needs to see you." He started, gripping the bandage clothe he had brought along in case of finding injured, obviously it was worth the hassle of finding.

"He said to meet him in the front." Sebastian began tending to Lovino's wounds, removing the other's jacket and shirt, exposing the bullet wound and earning a confused look for Leonardo.

"Why are you helping him? Isn't he the enemy?!" The other nodded without looking up as he temporarily wrapped bandages around the wounded areas, stopping the bleeding as best he could.

"But Luciano wants him alive. So I'm doing what he asked. Just go meet up with your brother, I'll take care of him." He stated bluntly, lifting the Italian up off of the floor. Sebastian felt the body in his arms fall limb as Lovino fell into a state of unconciousness.

"...Understood."

Ci vediamo dall'altra parte = See you on the other side (Italian)

Arschloch = Asshole (German)

A/N: Guess who's back after nearly two months of death and despair. I finally got to working on Taken after missing a day of school and having no one to interact with. So I took my sorry ass and forced myself to write. Luckily I managed to get a spark of enthusiasm and went on a spree for a good while before it died down and I ended up resorting to blood and gore as a way to continue writing.

Oh joy.

Anyway things happened, more fight scenes of course. You can expect the final chapters to be mainly if not completely built up of fights. Because what's Taken without a knife being jabbed into your body in some way, shape or form? Not a two-p story of mine that's for damn sure. Either way, Kuro is getting his ass kicked and Lovino just learned the blunt definition of a near-death experience. Luckily someone swooped in and saved him before shit could hit the fan anymore than it already did.

Also Luciano's on the hunt now, and it's only so long until someone falls victim to his antics. But above all who will it be?

You may never know.