Lost. Ch. 36
A/N: Wow! Thank you all for all the reviews! I really appreciate them all! My goal is to get to 300 reviews by the time the story ends. I'm so sorry for such a late reply, as usual. The end of the school year has been crazy. I've started volunteering with cats, I have an AP test and finals to study for, and I've been accepted into the National Honor Society, and along with all of that and some personal stuff, I haven't been able to write as much. I'll fix that, I promise!
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Dare me to jump off of this Jersey bridge
I bet you never had a Friday night like this
Keep it up keep it up let's raise our hands
I take a look up in the sky and I see red
Red for the cancer, red for the wealthy, Red for the drink that's mixed with suicide.
Everything red.
Please, won't you push me for the last time,
Let's scream until there's nothing left
So sick of playing, I don't want this anymore.
The thought of you is no fucking fun.
You want a martyr, I'll be one
Because enough's enough,
We're done.
You told me, "think about it" Well I did,
Now I don't wanna feel a thing anymore
I'm tired of begging for the things that I want,
I'm over sleeping like a dog on the floor.
The thing I think I love
Will surely bring me pain
Intoxication, paranoia, and a lot of fame
Three cheers for throwing up
Pubescent drama queen
You make me sick,
I make it worse by drinking late.
Until there's nothing left
So sick of playing, I don't want to anymore
The thought of you is no fucking fun
You want a martyr I'll be one
Because enough's enough we're done
You told me, "think about it", well I did
Now I don't wanna feel a thing anymore
I'm tired of begging for the things that I want
I'm over sleeping like a dog on the floor.
Imagine living like a king someday.
A single night without a ghost in the walls.
And if the bass shakes the earth underground.
We'll start a new revolution NOW!
(Alright here we go)
Hail Mary, forgive me
Blood for blood,
Hearts beating
Come at me,
Now this is war
Fuck with this new beat
Terror begins inside a bloodless vein
I was just a product of the street youth rage
Born in this world without a voice or say
Caught in the spokes with an abandoned brain
I know you well, but this ain't a game
Blow the smoke in a diamond shape
Dying is a gift so,
Close your eyes and rest in peace
You told me, "think about it", well I did
Now I don't wanna feel a thing anymore
I'm tired of begging for the things that I want
I'm over sleeping like a dog on the floor.
Imagine living like a king someday.
A single night without a ghost in the walls.
We are the shadows screaming take us now
We'd rather die than live to rust on the ground. Shit
King for a Day by Pierce the Veil
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Arthur had envisioned the final fight so many times, praying that it would come so this whole ordeal could just stop. However, of all the versions he had envisioned, he would have never guessed it would come to end like this.
Feliciano gave the order to fight, and he and his allies sprang forward, eager to fight for what they thought was revenge for their 'terrible' treatment. Each person on the other side had their own target in mind. Unfortunately, Arthur was targeted by not one, but two people. Peter and Matthew ran towards him. Arthur was not afraid. It was their last stand. This could make or break them. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he drew his sword from his sheath.
The rest of the world seemed to fade away. Everyone else disappeared except for Matthew and Peter, two of his closest family members. With Alfred dead, and Francis kidnapped, he was alone. But he knew he could get Francis back if he was ok, that is. He didn't want to think about anything bad happening to his Francis. He was all he had now, he needed Francis. Francis had been there for him when he needed someone. He had been there for him when he was all alone. He wanted to be there for Francis in return. He wanted to free the Frenchman who had filled the whole in his heart.
However, Matthew and Peter outnumbered Arthur two to one. There was no way that Arthur would win. They had improved their skills in the short amount of time they had been with Feliciano. Arthur frowned and welded his sword in preparation for the fight. Suddenly, a blur dashed in to Arthur's side, blocking Matthew's sword before it would strike Arthur. Arthur blinked in surprise, blocking Peter's sword.
Whipping his head to the side, his eyes widened as he saw Antonio who had come to his assistance, "Antonio!" he exclaimed in shock.
Antonio smiled at the Briton, "Need some help, amigo?" he asked, shoving Matthew back. Arthur smirked and pushed Peter back. Arthur smiled at him and focused on his fight with Peter.
Peter scowled at him, "Hey! That's not fair!" he exclaimed. Arthur frowned at him and shook his head.
"Peter, just stop this. You don't have to fight if you stop. The bad guys never win, and I don't want to see you get hurt." he frowned. He defended himself from another attack from Peter. He was surprised by the strength that the young boy welded. He didn't know someone his side could possess such strength.
"Never!" Peter scowled at him, "I'm happy here! I have someone who cares for me, who acknowledges me as a country!" he exclaimed, his eyes darkening with passion and anger, "Something you never did! Why would I go back to that when I have all I ever wanted here! You're just afraid that you'll lose! Face it! You've lost a majority on your team!"
Arthur could not help but wince at his words. It was true. They had lost so many team mates. Alfred, Ivan, Kiku, and now Gilbert. Not to mention how Francis was kidnapped. He couldn't deny that they were at a disadvantage and that they were underdogs.
Peter smirked, seeing how his words affected the older man. He aimed another attack, forcing the Brit to back up several steps. Arthur frowned. He couldn't let himself be beaten back by a boy half his size. He advanced forward, taking aim with the skill and swiftness of a pirate. His pirate days seem to rush forth, and as it did, so did his sword.
Peter struggle to keep his ground but he was forced to back up, or to receive several slashes to his arms. The boy whimpered in pain as the knife created a cut along his forearm. The boy might be strong physically, but he was still a boy and handled pain as a young boy would.
A smile graced Arthur's features for the first time in a while. He knew this could work in their favor. While the enemy had gotten stronger, they all had an Achilles heel. The key to defeating them was finding it. Peters Achilles heel may not be his heel, or his handle of pain, but there had to be something bigger.
After all, why had he gotten himself in this situation?
Peter's eyes darkened in anger. He refused to let the older man beat him. He might be shorter, younger, and not as skilled as the other, but he could win. He was confident of it, and he wasn't going to let himself give up. He was as stubborn as a bull and was determined to show Feliciano that he could count on the young boy.
Peter began to vigorously fight back. Fiercely striking back with his sword, the two locked themselves in a brutal battle. The adrenaline coursed through their blood. They barely knew that they were being hurt, for they did not feel the sting of the sword and the rain pelting down on them washed the blood away.
It was a fury of fighting all around. Arthur was only barely aware of the other fights. He could hear Ludwig pleading with Feliciano, and Feliciano arguing back. He could hear the sounds of the fights from the Baltic's with Austria, Hungary, China and Taiwan. He could hear the occasional comment from Matthew or Antonio talking smack.
Throughout the whole fight, the rain continued to pelt down on the nations. It had no mercy; not caring if some of them were cold and exhausted, trenching everyone in cold water.
Arthur tossed his hair, whipping water away from his face. Peter and Arthur's fight lulled. They both stood staring at each other, their chests sharply rising and falling as they sucked in air to relieve their lungs.
"You've gotten good, Peter." Arthur said, a hint of a smile, though not out of animosity. He had always thought the boy was helpless. Even though he had already fought a civil war, he had assumed that the boy was unable to fight or defend himself because of his small size and young age. However, the boy had proved him wrong. He was impressed.
Peter smirked, "And you're the same, old man." he said. His eyes darkened with anger, "Maybe you even got worse. What's wrong? Are you missing your precious Francis?"
Arthur froze at the mention of his name, though he kept his facial expression neutral. He didn't want Peter to see how much he missed the Frenchman or how much of a toll it was on him. However, despite his attempts Peter seemed to know.
"I tried to stop them." he said. "I didn't want them to do that to Francis. I didn't want them to do that to them." he taunted, smirking at the British man. Dread clutched Arthur's heart, making it hard for him to breathe.
"What did you do to him?" he asked, his voice just barely over a whisper. He watched as Peter's smile grew ever so slightly.
"I didn't do it." he smirked, "It was Feliciano. I can't tell you what happened to him, but if you live, and if Francis is still alive, you'll find out for yourself."
Arthur growled and flung himself at Peter, swinging his sword fiercely. "What did you do to him?!" he cried out, his tone irate. Emerald eyes darkened dangerously, and a frightened look came over Peter, but as soon as it was there, the look disappeared and was replaced by a look of mockery.
"What? You didn't think we'd let him live, did you? Everyone you love dies. It's entirely your fault. If it wasn't for you, they could be safe, and they could still be alive. You killed them. You hurt them. Alfred's dead, Francis may be following him soon." Peter smirked, easily blocking Arthur's blows.
Feliciano's voice rang through the air mid fight. "Help! Peter!" he cried out. Arthur was surprised by the fear in his voice. He hadn't heard the Italian cry out for help since the fight began. Both stopped and turned their head. Peter was obviously surprised as well for his body stiffened, ready to abandon his fight with Arthur to help his 'lover'.
However, neither was expecting to see what they did.
Ludwig had Feliciano pinned to the ground. His larger hips straddled the Italians, keeping him from getting up, and he had the Italians hands pinned above his head. Feliciano was looking at Peter, his eyes wide with shock. His mouth was drawn in a frown, and his body wiggled and desperately tried to get free from Ludwig's hold.
Arthur glanced at Peter. The young boy's eyes looked at him and darkened. He quickly looked away from the Italian and aimed a blow towards Arthur. Not expecting him to ignore the one he claimed was his lover, Arthur was able to just barely block the attack.
Arthur heard the Italian call out the names of his other 'allies', but to his surprise, and the Italian's dismay, none of them came to aid him. Arthur looked to Peter, "Aren't you going to help your 'lover'?" he asked.
Peter's eyes filled with hatred and anger and quickly shoved the British man away with his sword. Arthur stumbled back a few feet as Peter continued to press forward, attacking him mercilessly with his sword, "I don't care about him. He's a traitor!" he hissed.
Arthur hissed in pain as the sword sliced his skin. He looked up to the boy, desperately trying to defend himself as the boy released his anger on him, "He needs help." he simply stated. He wanted Peter to go to aid Feliciano. He could easily get him to surrender if his guard was down. Ludwig could handle Feliciano. Despite all the German had been through, he was still the strongest in the group.
"Why would I help him? I should have known! He never loved me! He always loved that…that…bastard! He said he hated him, but we all knew." Peter growled out, tears pricking in his eyes.
Arthur suddenly realized what had happened. He had found Peter's Achilles Heel, "You thought he actually loved you?" he asked, "Why would he love you? You're just a boy. He only pretended to love you because he needed someone, anyone, to fill the hole in his heart that Ludwig left." he said. Peter began to fumble, and Arthur was able to push him back. The boy shook his head, droplets of water falling from his hair.
"N-no!" he stammered, "H-he…he…" he trailed off. The truth sunk in, and suddenly he stopped. Arthur froze, watching him closely with his sword aimed at the young boy. Peter's shoulders slumped and his head tilted down, "You're right." he whispered. He dropped his sword into the mud. He held up his hands, looking defeated, "I surrender." he said. Arthur relaxed and lowered his sword. He moved forward to grab the boy when a sudden quietness filled the air.
Arthur frowned and turned. His eyes widened at the sight before him, and he felt his stomach churn, like he was about to throw up. "No…" he whispered. He couldn't believe it. Lovino stood in front of Ludwig protectively, his arms stretched apart. However, Feliciano's knife was embedded in his stomach. Ludwig, Feliciano, and Lovino's eyes were wide in shock as neither of them could figure out why Lovino had thrown himself in front of Ludwig.
"No!" Antonio cried out, abandoning his fight and sprinting forward. Arthur winced at the raw pain and fear in his voice. He knew the pain all too well; the pain of seeing ones loved one die. Arthur winced as he remembered Alfred's death as he remembered Francis being kidnapped. He looked to the man who had started it all, Feliciano Vargas. His emerald eyes darkened with anger.
He craved to get revenge for all the pain Feliciano caused him and his loved ones. While Feliciano was still distracted by his brother he charged towards him. Feliciano was unaware that he was about to be slammed into. However, before Arthur slammed into Feliciano, someone else intercepted and ran into Arthur. Arthur lost his balance and crashed to the ground.
Arthur quickly scrambled up, his body tensing up in anticipation for a fight. However, the man didn't make a move. Arthur's eyes widened as he came face to face with Ludwig.
"You will not hurt Feliciano." he growled, roughly shoving Arthur into the ground. Arthur glared up at him, his anger flaring.
"Why are you protecting him? He killed Alfred! He killed Kiku and Gilbert, and attempted to kill you!" Arthur snapped at him. "Let it go! He needs to pay for what he did!"
Ludwig's gaze was steady as he shook his head, "You will not hurt Feliciano." he repeated, "We're not like that. I'm tired of losing people! I'm tired of people getting hurt. No one else will be hurt, understood?" he snapped firmly.
Arthur's eyes narrowed as he glared at him. He nodded quietly, unhappy with having to listen to the German.
"Lovino, please," Antonio said to him desperately, holding the Italian in his arms, trying to shield him from the rain with his body. With one arm wrapped around him, he held Lovino's hand with his. "Stay with me. Please, I need you. I love you so much, Lovino, so much." His voice cracked with emotion. He rocked the Italian's body ever so slightly, leaned down close and kissed the Italians forehead.
Arthur frowned seeing the two. He glanced at Feliciano and was surprised by the look of horror as the Italian looked at his brother. He held up trembling hands and looked at them as if they were his own.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered, tears coursing down his cheek. He closed his eyes and shook his head as if he couldn't believe what had happened, as if he couldn't believe what he had done, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He cried, a sob escaping his lips. Ludwig stood up and approached the Italian quietly. He didn't know how stable he was, he didn't know what Feliciano would do, and he didn't want to take any chances.
"Feliciano, stop fighting. It's over now." he murmured quietly, "Just surrender and this will all be over. No one needs to get hurt anymore. You got your revenge."
Feliciano looked up. He looked so much like his old self, teary eyed and helpless. He shook his head, "No," he said. Ludwig tensed, ready for another fight. However, Feliciano made no motion towards him. "It's not over. I…I caused all of this." He whispered. He glanced down, his hands trembling. He pulled an object from his pocket and looked up, his gaze meeting Ludwig's eyes.
Ludwig's eyes widened, "Feliciano, no!" he exclaimed. He was too late though. The gun was aimed, and a loud boom filled the silence…