How the hell did he pass out, Alfred?!

I did as you said. I showed him the past.

Head throbbing, Arthur suddenly became aware of his surroundings, though he refused to open his eyes. Instantly, memories flooded through his mind, a great, terrifying deluge he had forgotten in his sleep. His heartbeat escalated, fingers gripping sheets beneath him until someone's hand touched his.

"Arthur," Alfred called softly. "Arthur, you're hurting yourself."

Realizing he'd drawn blood from his own lip, Arthur forced himself to open his eyes, though he didn't want to see the truth. The instant blue eyes met green, Arthur knew it hadn't been a dream. His heart broke as Alfred's hand gripped his and the King smiled, regretfully and anxiously.

He wanted to slap Alfred's hand away and draw it closer at the same time. He wanted to scream at Alfred for betraying him but wanted to cry in his arms, wanted to be held, wanted to comfort and be comforted. Arthur tasted the blood on his tongue, biting his lip harshly: it was the only way to restrain an outburst.

Alfred, as if realizing finally that everything was different now, released Arthur's hand and looked down with sorrowful eyes. Neither spoke until he murmured, voice wavering, "You passed out. It scared me."

Arthur must have fallen the same way he'd fallen when he'd been killed by Alfred's weapons in the past. The image had probably terrified Alfred, to see his Queen falling to the ground the same way England had. At a loss for words, Arthur swallowed and looked away, unsure if he was devastated or furious or both.

The door opened and Yao tentatively stepped in with a soft expression. "Alfred, you've tended to him for hours. Get some rest."

Alfred nodded weakly, glanced at Arthur, who wouldn't look him in the eye, and left. Yao sighed out and sat on the side of the bed, gazing at the Queen. For a while, they sat in silence.

"I am sure Alfred wants you to know everything," Yao began quietly. "He probably intended to tell you this before you passed out." Arthur remained silent, staring out the window, eyes starting to burn threateningly. "As the Queen, you..." Yao trailed off weakly. "You must protect your Kingdom. Remember when I told you that the relationship between the monarchy was platonic? That is because the Queen... the Queen, to replenish the land its magic, must sacrifice herself. She... she is what keeps the land itself alive."

Arthur's eyes met his, and promptly, he burst into tears. A hand covered his mouth, eyes squeezing shut as sobs sent tremors through his entire body, shoulders shaking. Yao said nothing, gripping his hand, a wordless apology. To Arthur, dying for his Kingdom was not the thing that made his emotions flare up. It was the fact that Alfred had hidden not only his past but his future as well. It was the fact that Arthur knew Alfred stood right outside that door, just as devastated, as he heard everything that was said in the room he'd just left.

As the King had told his Jack, after all, the walls in the palace were thin.

—

Though it would take time to heal, Alfred, Arthur, and Yao had to act as if nothing had happened. After all, work was to be done, and with Hearts finally arriving the next day, everyone was busy preparing the palace for their arrival. To Arthur's relief, he barely ran into Alfred once, giving him time to gather his thoughts.

Francis, although he noticed a change in Arthur's demeanor, said nothing aside from a questioning look in private. However, Arthur suspected he knew more than he let on, especially when he clasped Arthur's shoulder comfortingly and followed him around throughout most of the day with preparations. It was a welcome distraction, having someone who made Arthur laugh.

Yet, the sun eventually fell, and Arthur retreated to his quarters nervously. Luckily, Alfred wasn't inside waiting. Closing the door behind him and stepping out of his boots, Arthur walked into the dark room, bare feet against the cold marble floor, peering out the balcony window at the lights of the capital city below. Perhaps, he thought, it would have been better if I'd stayed miserable down there.

Arthur, drawing the grey curtain halfway, slid off his coat and unbuttoned his flannel shirt. It slipped off his arms and to the floor, leaving his chest exposed as he rummaged through the drawers for one of Alfred's large shirts. The door opened again, light flooding into the room in sections- Arthur froze, head turning softly to Alfred. He stepped in and closed the door, leaving them alone in the shadowed room.

Flushing, Arthur held one of Alfred's grey shirts close to his chest, hoping that it covered at least some of his bare chest. Alfred walked closer, their eyes meeting, unsure and yearning all at once.

"Perhaps I should stop trying to protect you," Alfred softly laughed, using dry humor to break the tension. "It doesn't seem to work in my favor, yeah?"

Arthur looked away, trying and failing not to be awkward and mess things up more. Alfred's face fell, much like it had previously, but he didn't give up. "I know you are angry," he said quietly. "I know things will be different now. All I ask for is your forgiveness."

Affection wouldn't die out in a day's events. Smiling softly, Arthur tried to reason that the Alfred then was nothing like the Alfred now, and murmured, "I hold nothing against you, my King."

Alfred smiled, too, but wanly, as if he knew he'd lost something important. As they settled into bed, Arthur faced away from him, and didn't seek out the embrace he'd grown so used to. Everything reverted back to square one. Though Arthur still felt betrayed, he started to feel empty without Alfred, as well.

—

The castle was a mad-house moments before Hearts arrived. Of all days, the nobles had chosen today to riot behind the gates of the palace, shaking the black metal bars ferociously, shouting and yelling wildly for Ivan's death. Alfred upped security around the castle, but he seemed out of it- books and documents were scattered everywhere across the palace, having been unknowingly left behind by a frazzled, tired King.

Arthur sent a messenger to the docks in order to let the incoming monarchy of Hearts know they would be late to pick them up. As he tried to quickly organize Alfred's workspace, a stray document fluttered to the ground. Huffing in frustration, Arthur bent over and picked it up, shuffling it with the others when his eyes caught Ivan's name.

Making sure the door was still closed, Arthur quickly skimmed over the letter, a demand from the nobility that Ivan be killed. Eyes widening, Arthur realized it had been in Alfred's stack of petitions to be approved.

A knock on the door jolted Arthur. Swiftly he hid the paper under the stack, pretending to finish sorting Alfred's desk as the King walked in.

"All organized?" He asked distantly. Arthur nodded, glancing at Alfred. The King touched his shoulder- Arthur involuntarily flinched away.

Alfred withdrew his hand with a pained expression, opening his mouth to say something, perhaps apologize, when Francis walked in. He eyed the two suspiciously, announcing, "Hearts has arrived at the docks. Yao left to retrieve them."

Swallowing, Arthur walked away from Alfred and to Francis, accompanying him out of the room. Wordlessly, they walked through the halls- Arthur could tell Francis itched to speak his mind. "What?"

"What?" Francis echoed, trying to look nonchalant.

"You obviously have something to say to me. Spit it out."

Francis stepped in front of him. "Something has changed. The Arthur who danced with Alfred days ago is not the Arthur whom stands before me."

Disdainfully, Arthur sniffed and looked away. "Is that all? I have business to attend to-"

The King of Diamonds cut him off by gripping his hand and holding it up in front of both of them. He pointed to the golden ring on Arthur's finger. "You are obviously in love with him."

Flushing, Arthur ripped his hand away and brushed by Francis, hissing, "Mind your own business." Francis whirled around and grabbed his wrist, tugging him back. They glared at each other, but broke apart as a servant timidly spoke, "Yao has returned with the monarchy of Hearts."

Brushing off his coat, Arthur walked after the servant, leaving Francis staring after him with eyes narrowed. As he approached the castle doors, Arthur halted, glancing down at his fingers. The golden band glinted- the memories of that night, the night Alfred had danced with him, proposed to him, came back to the Queen. Arthur bit his lip, glaring at the ring, urging himself to take it off.

He couldn't. For some reason, he couldn't.

—

At last, the three remaining Kingdoms gathered together, discussing the fate of Clubs in Spades' conference room. Alfred coughed and began speaking from his seat between Yao and Arthur. "We have much to decide. What topic do we agree to start on?"

Rigidly, Ludwig shifted. The monarchy of Hearts looked exceedingly uncomfortable. "How will we split Clubs?"

"Should we even cut you a deal?" Yao spoke up, glaring at the other King. "You abandoned us."

"He was protecting his Kingdom," Feliciano growled.

Alfred tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully. Glancing to Yao and Arthur, he said, "Spades has already come to agreement on how we want the land divided. Half of the land will go to King Francis, including the capital city. Hearts will take the strip of land touching their border, stopping within the 5 mile radius of the capital city. Spades will take the far west."

Kiku and Feliciano stared at their King uncertainly. Ludwig, straight-faced, replied, "We supported you in the first battle. Give us at least 10 percent of the west."

"5 percent is as high as we'll go," Arthur shot back.

Ludwig remained silent, closing his eyes. Eventually, he nodded. "Fine. And what is to happen of Ivan?"

Everyone quieted as the King of Clubs' fate was addressed. Arthur saw Alfred's gaze darken. "You have seen how he has affected my Kingdom. What do you think is fit?"

Shrugging, Ludwig crossed his arms across his chest. "The way Hearts sees it, there are only two options. One, he rots in prison. Two, he is executed."

Yao visibly stiffened. Though Arthur had felt hatred toward Ivan before, now that he knew the truth... was Ivan truly deserving of execution?

"Then, we take a vote. We will start with Francis and end with Arthur."

Arthur's heart sped up as his name was said, but all eyes turned to Francis. The King of Diamonds sighed out and crossed his legs, brow scrunching together as he thought. "Imprisonment."

Kiku was next, eyes downward as he murmured, "Execution."

"Execution," Ludwig echoed, and Feliciano after him. It was three verse one.

Yao ran a nervous hand through his long hair, eyes catching Arthur's. The Queen tried to look as encouraging as possible in the tense situation. "Imprisonment."

The tide would turn with Alfred's vote. With baited breath, everyone anticipated the King's decision. He tapped his fingers against the wood desk, eyes unfocused.

He knows that Ivan does not deserve this. He will choose imprisonment.

"Execution."

Furiously, Yao's seat screeched against the marble floor as he stood, fists hitting the table. Shocked, Arthur's eyes widened, staring at Alfred in horror. Francis leaned back in his seat, tilting his head as the Jack hissed out, "You know he doesn't deserve death! How could you kill him twice?! You're sick!"

The monarchy of Hearts looked bewildered. Alfred refused to look at Yao, replying, "This is not the past. He tried to kill all of us. You must remember that neither Arthur nor I even remembered the past- Ivan acted unreasonably." Before Yao could speak, Alfred turned to Arthur, blue eyes searching green. "What is your vote, my Queen?"

Gritting his teeth, Arthur spoke, "If we kill Ivan, we are no better than he." It didn't matter. He was outvoted three to four. Arthur looked away, Francis's hand touching his comfortingly. "Imprisonment."

"Then we have reached a decision," Ludwig started, still confused concerning Yao's words. "What time will the execution take place?"

Alfred paused, eyes emotionless. "Tomorrow morning."

Yao, enraged, stormed out of the room, door slamming behind him. Alfred dissolved the meeting and stood- Arthur, furious, strode up to him, gripping his arm as soon as they exited the room. "How could you?"

Clenching his jaw, Alfred hissed, "What happened in the past will stay there." His eyes darted to the right, then back to Arthur.

"You're hiding something," Arthur whispered, stunned, shaking his head slowly. "Again, you'd lie to me?"

Alfred's hands grabbed his shoulders, holding him firmly. "I'm not going to kill him. I'm trying to fix everything," he fiercely claimed, eyes glinting. "Things must happen this way. You must trust me, Arthur. Do you trust me?"

The words confused and frustrated Arthur exceedingly. "Just... just tell me, Alfred! Tell me what you're doing!" He pleaded quietly. "Because I feel like you're betraying me over and over and if-"

An infuriated snarl interrupted him- turning, Arthur was pushed out of the way by Alfred as Yao assertively shoved the King backwards. "Fixing everything? Now you claim you won't kill him?! What type of sick game is this to you?!" Yao screeched, striding forward to shove Alfred again, but this time, Arthur stepped in front of Alfred, protecting his King. Yao stared at him in shock.

"He's..." Arthur glanced back at the King, eyes searching his. "He is our King. We must trust him."

—

At dawn, the execution was held at the sporting arena in the capital city. People, commoners and nobles alike, filed into the seats, all cheering and whooping in excitement- there was nothing more thrilling than an execution. Carriages carrying royals and aristocrats to the event extended down the road in a long line. Commoners crowded around the base level, peering above heads just to see the prisoner. To Arthur, it was sickening. He wondered, if he were still a commoner, would he have also attended this execution?

In the stands protruded a box meant only for the monarchy: Arthur gripped his throne, rigid in his seat, crown heavy and uncomfortable on his head. Alfred sat in the middle, calm and regal, watching the arena closely, as if looking for someone. Yao, on the King's other side, caught Arthur's eyes- he looked fearful and anxious, a mirror image of the Queen.

A stone door opened at the far end of the arena. Ivan was finally led out into the enormous arena, shackled, feet kicking up dust as he was forced to stand in the center. The noise rose significantly as the people screeched in excitement, a deafening and horrendous sound that made Arthur's heart race. A soft sound of distress tore from Yao's throat as he leaned forward in his seat, eyes wide as Ivan looked up to the monarch's box.

A man's voice boomed through the arena, speaking of the reasons for Ivan's execution. Arthur began to panic, looking to Alfred and asking, "Why aren't you doing anything?"

Alfred stared straight ahead, eyes narrowed. "Wait."

Wild, excited screaming echoed throughout the arena as the man finished. Soldiers, all holding guns, advanced forward, marching across the dirt toward Ivan, who didn't even flinch in this terror. Yao glanced agitatedly at Alfred and cried out, "Do something!"

The King didn't reply. Arthur, stomach churning in dread, watched the scene unfold before him with unbelieving eyes. People in the crowds started to stomp their feet savagely, drums to a death march. Yao, terrified, bolted up and ran to the edge of the box, grasping the ledge, his voice lost in the wildness of the people as he cried out for Ivan.

The soldiers raised their guns, pointed at a single figure, refusing to cower before them. The general of the soldiers, in the front stands, raised his hand high, a signal to ready their weapons. The pounding of feet against stone became louder, wilder- Arthur, eyes wide with horror, shouted above the noise, "Alfred!"

Gunshots rang out, but at the same time, something jumped into the arena, and the second it touched the ground, shockwaves exploded outward. Dirt was kicked up, forming a cloud that swept through the entire arena, blowing back the people who cried out in alarm. Arthur gripped his seat and closed his eyes as the dust forcefully hit his face- as it settled, he ran to the ledge of the box, leaning over it beside Yao in shock.

A low, frightened murmur was now the only noise that left the crowd. The dust cloud cleared- protecting Ivan was a forcefield, transparent, and in front of him knelt a very familiar shrouded figure. Mouth opening, Arthur whispered, "Gilbert?"

The forcefield flickered away. Gilbert stood, swept off his hood, and stared up at the box. "It would seem I came just in time... King."

Yao's hands trembled, eyes wide. "You... you summoned the Joker?" Arthur grabbed his forearm, steadying him, and both turned to Alfred, eyes wide.

The King strode forward, head held high. "You told me he only came in time of strife between monarchies," he murmured, smiling softly, placing a strong hand on Yao's shoulder. "So, I had no other choice."

"What?" Arthur asked, confused. "What is the Joker?"

"He... He has the knowledge to fix everything," Yao whispered, staring at Alfred reverently. "The Joker came to Ivan and I long ago, claiming that we could forget out past if the right person destroyed the core. Like Alfred said, he only appears in time of strife."

It finally stuck Arthur- everything made sense. Alfred was trying to fix his mistakes- he was going to destroy the core, and everyone's memory of the past would be destroyed with it. The only way he could do that was to summon the Joker for help. He voted for execution to create tension between the monarchy- it was the only way the Joker would appear.

Arthur regarded his King carefully as their eyes met. The man was truly brilliant under pressure. Alfred smiled, ushering his monarchy to follow him down to the arena ground. Arthur trailed close behind him, still in shock. He was lying to protect us all. His eyebrows suddenly furrowed in confusion. But... I ran into Gilbert in the town. He was here before Alfred even summoned him. Could he have known he would be needed soon?

They finally stepped foot into the arena, facing the Joker, who stood beside Ivan. "So," Gilbert started. "You've caused this ruckus and almost killed a man for my attention. I must say," he chuckled, "I'm flattered."

Alfred didn't look amused, but calmly replied, "You told Ivan that only one person could destroy the tube. I need your help in finding that one."

The crowd still watched and murmured in confusion- while none could hear Alfred's low voice, speculations arose as to why Ivan had not been killed and who this mysterious newcomer was. Gilbert eyed Alfred, then cleared his throat. "I'll say this once and only once, so listen closely. The man you seek to destroy the core will be uncovered only at the Initiative. Travel there, and you'll have your wish. You'll forget the past. All of the past."

And like that, Gilbert held his hand up to the sky, and disappeared.

—

Quickly, Ivan was led by the arm into the monarch's carriage. The people, still confused, spread rumors of Ivan's failed execution: in other words, public opinion regarding the Monarchy of Spades dropped significantly. What the mobs would do, Arthur didn't know, and he didn't want to stick around to find out.

The second the castle doors closed behind them, the monarchy of Hearts, led by a furious Ludwig, stormed up to them. Alfred protectively stood in front of his monarchy and Ivan, glaring down at the other King despite Ludwig's superior height. "What is the meaning of this? We had a deal!"

Yao, gripping Ivan's arm, growled, "So did we, until you broke it. Now we're even, King."

Ludwig would have said more if Alfred hadn't pushed past him, leading his monarchy into his study and locking the door. Arthur's eyes adjusted to the darkness slowly, watching Alfred as he neared, voice dropping low in pitch. "What is the Initiative Gilbert spoke of?"

Ivan's violet eyes glinted in the shadowed room. "It's a factory."

"A factory where?" Arthur asked, an urgent whisper.

"In Diamonds."

The familiar voice that chimed in made everyone jump, eyes wide. Francis snorted, sitting at Alfred's desk in the corner of the room, feet propped up on the wood. Alfred growled, "What the hell are you doing in here?"

"You think I am stupid, King Alfred?" Blue eyes shining with calm rage, Francis lifted up the glowing core he'd found in Alfred's study into sight. He stood, golden cape dragging behind him, eyes narrowed and dark. Arthur swallowed quietly, a hand drifting to the pistol hidden at his side, fingers hovering above the metal just in case. Every step Francis took echoed through the room, ominous. "Did you think you could hide the core forever?"

A pin could be heard dropping in the room. Arthur sucked in his breath- Francis had discovered the past, too.

"Francis-" Alfred began, cut off by the sound of several revolvers clicking.

Francis pointed his pistol at Alfred, but promptly, Arthur stood in front of his King, pointing his revolver back at Francis. Yao's eyes widened, standing close to Ivan, who watched with a surprised expression.

"You'll have to go through me to get to him," Arthur spoke softly, green eyes flickering challengingly.

Francis, infuriated, hissed, "He killed you! He killed all of us! How could you side with him?"

Arthur glanced back at a wide-eyed Alfred. "I made mistakes in that life, too," he murmured quietly. "As the British Empire." Turning his gaze to Francis, the Queen continued, "Come with us, Francis."

"To the Initiative?" Francis echoed, finally lowering his pistol. "Why are you going there?"

Coughing, Alfred broke in, "Someone there can destroy the core. We'll forget the past."

Eyes flickered back and forth. Francis warily regarded the others in the dim room, breathing in slowly as he nodded. "Fine."

—

Spades was in crisis. Everyone- nobles and commoners alike- screamed for justice, rattling the bars of the castle gates, demanding Ivan's death, demanding an explanation of what had happened in the arena.

Promptly, Hearts left, furious at the monarchy of Spades. As Arthur watched their carriage depart, spring breeze brushing his hair to the side, a hand touched his shoulder. Glancing up, Arthur's eyes met the scarlet of Gilbert, grey, worn hood drawn over his head. "What are you doing here?" Arthur asked, tilting his head.

"I've come to say good luck," he replied, smiling.

The wind gusted against the two figures, two cloaks purple and grey blowing out. Two pairs of eyes focused on the carriage that continued down the path, down the green hills toward the city of Spades, toward the docks. "He was your brother, wasn't he?" Arthur murmured, glancing up at Gilbert.

Gilbert hummed, his smile soft. "Ludwig- how is he?"

"Angry."

Bright laughter rang through the air. "He always was." Glancing down at the Queen, the Joker observed, "You haven't asked me why I gave you the flag, but you must be wondering."

"Well, I haven't the slightest idea," Arthur admitted. "But I'm starting to think you bumped into me on purpose."

"I knew Spades would need me soon. But none of you were ready for me to reveal myself, nor ready to hear my message." Amused Gilbert looked as he huffed, "So, I became the catalyst."

"I see," Arthur mused quietly.

Gilbert paused, then touched Arthur's shoulder again, comforting. "I know you fear the future. But the people you know, and the people you see here-" he gestured down at the capital city- "will live on, in the next life and the next- a never ending universe for us all. No matter what we remember, what we forget, Arthur, we all will be together- always. Do you understand?"

The deeper meaning behind his words gave Arthur hope. "I think so."

Neither spoke after that, continuing to look out at the peaceful morning sky.

—

It rained extensively after Gilbert left. The monarchy of Spades, Francis, and Ivan prepared to depart for the Initiative, long, dull cloaks thrown over their shoulders and hoods drawn above their heads. The advisors had been coaxed into watching the castle: Alfred had lied that they were headed to Clubs to check over the boarders.

They stepped out into the night, rain pelting heavily down. Boots splashed in deep puddles swelling in the cement roads as five figures trod into the stables. Yao pulled his hood lower, golden eyes flickering as a large hand gently grabbed his wrist, turning him around. Ivan gazed down at him, eyes fearful yet warm. "I do not know what awaits us," he explained softly. "So let me make up for lost time."

Ivan leant forward, eyes half-lidded, searching Yao's. Their breath mingled together as Yao touched the side of his face, closing his eyes for one simple moment.

They set out into the night for the Kingdom of Diamonds. Crossing the channel that separated the two Kingdoms, the five monarchs entered once again into Francis's territory, covertly following the King into his woods, where he quietly said the Initiative was rumored to exist. It had been an old factory, responsible for mining coal and iron ore- Francis warned of the deep holes in the ground. The Initiative was dangerous and had been abandoned for more than 50 years, before Francis had even ascended to the throne.

Dawn broke beyond the trees as the group rested for an hour. Light streamed through the holes in the trees, illuminating the make-shift campsite, making the green glow a soft gold, eerie and beautiful.

Ivan, Yao, and Francis all huddled together, sleeping- someone snored obnoxiously, but it barely miffed Arthur, too focused on Alfred, resting close to his back. For the first time in roughly a week, an arm tentatively wound around Arthur's waist.

This time, Arthur didn't flinch away. Biting his lip and exhaling sharply, overcome with emotion, he touched Alfred's hand and turned, burying his face in the chest of a surprised Alfred. Looming over them was the past, ugly and haunting, but Arthur started to realize that what was done was done- playing the victim wouldn't help anything. Ignoring and hurting Alfred because he himself hurt was childish and would solve nothing. Alfred was here, and he was real, and he was everything Arthur wanted, needed, loved.

Fingers carded through his hair, across his cheek, down his side. Arthur realized he didn't want to erase the past, because though it had been stained with murder, there was still good that he remembered, goodness that he didn't want to forget.

But Alfred can't live with that forever, Arthur thought, curling closer to his King. Though I don't wish to be rid of the past, I'll comply for Alfred's sake.

Lips touched his forehead, Alfred murmuring against his skin, "I remember when I first fell in love with you. You and I were in that stupid war, fighting on the same side. We were pilots. You helped me paint the words on that stupid plane, remember?"

Laughing softly, Arthur whispered, "Funny. I fell in love with you in that moment, too."

—

Eventually, as the sun rose high in the sky, the group neared a clearing, peering up at unstable structures that towered in the sky and dirt piled into high mountains. The factory was indeed abandoned, metal beams rusting, precariously dangling from old unused buildings. It looked more like a garbage wasteland than a factory.

Francis pointed a few feet ahead and said, "The dirt falls away into a gigantic hole in the ground over there. Be careful. It's at least 70 feet deep."

"We'll split into groups and meet back here in an hour," Alfred announced. His hand touched Arthur's wrist, an unspoken request. Ivan and Yao went one way and Francis, Arthur, and Alfred went the other.

Alfred stepped over metal shards sticking up dangerously from the dirt, eyes scanning the wasteland for any sign of a person. Arthur and Francis trailed beside him, eyes alert and waiting.

A loud creaking sound erupted from behind the three. Arthur jumped, heart jumping in his chest, instinctively drawing closer to Alfred as they all spun around. It was a metal beam that dangled above on a precarious structure- everyone froze, eyes wide, daring not to move as the metal shook, slightly sliding off the other beam it was balanced on.

Everything quieted. Alfred called out, "Ivan! Yao! Are you alright?"

From several paces away, Yao shouted, "We're fine!"

Warily, Alfred gestured for Arthur and Francis to follow him again, reaching the bolted doors of a small building, barely jutting out from the mound of dirt one half was buried under. The King of Spades turned, reaching into his coat, and pulled out the core. He handed it to Arthur, murmuring, "Hold this for me."

Arthur nodded and held the core, wrapped in cloth, as Alfred broke open the door, echoing in the dark room presented to them. They glanced at each other, Alfred waiting for an objection- no one spoke. Footsteps clicked against the dusty floor as the walked in cautiously.

Dirt had sunk through the roof, piled up to the ceiling, effectively blocking the rest of the room. However, there was a single screen that remained on the wall- Francis whispered, "How is this technology here?"

Arthur shook his head, just as confused. Alfred turned, surveying the entire room, calling out, "Hello?"

No one answered. Arthur started to doubt Gilbert's words. Had he lied? Could this have been an elaborate ruse to trick the monarchy into leaving a dissolute Spades?

Francis sighed out, boots echoing in the dark room as he turned. He opened his mouth to speak when the screen started to hum. The three turned toward it, watching closely- it did nothing, just remained black.

"Must be a generator," Alfred guessed, turning around. Francis followed him out.

Staring at the screen in confusion, Arthur thought, Something's going on. Something that Gilbert didn't tell us. The pressing need to leave and leave immediately hit Arthur hard, making him jump skittishly when Alfred asked, "You coming?"

Nodding, Arthur turned, walking out into the bright light. He blinked and squinted his eyes, following Francis back to where they started, a solemn silence looming over the group. The same question struck everyone- had Gilbert lied?

"This makes no sense," Francis said, glancing back at the King and Queen who followed behind. "The Joker does not lie. There must be someone here that can destroy the core."

"If Ivan and Yao haven't found anything, we need to leave. It's too dangerous." Alfred looked out at the large hole they carefully walked past, huge and rusted metal beams suspended over it. Arthur shuddered and pressed closer to Alfred, palms sweating with the burden he carried.

They stopped as Yao and Ivan came into sight, walking toward them. Yao shook his head, frowning. "You found nothing?"

"No," Francis replied. "Perhaps we didn't understand the Joker's words."

Ivan, eyes narrowed, stared out at the abandoned wasteland, tilting his head. "There is no one here. Perhaps no one can destroy the core."

Silence fell upon the group. It can't end this way, Arthur mused. There's something that we're missing.

Alfred opened his mouth, and suddenly, the entire ground started to shake. Francis yelped in shock and Yao latched onto Ivan as the humming Arthur had heard before in the room started to grow louder and louder, a low, ominous sound that terrified Arthur. He fell to the ground as the earthquake intensified, trying to cover his ears, when Yao shrieked above the blaring noise, "Watch out!"

Alfred bowled Arthur over in a sudden flurry- confused, Arthur pushed himself up to see the ground splitting, a deep crack in the earth separating he and Alfred from the other three. Eyes wide and frantic, Arthur gripped Alfred's arm, glancing up at the man's dirt-streaked face, trying to focus as the deafening hum made his head pound ferociously. Alfred's blue eyes bored into his, widening in fear as he yelled, "Arthur! You're bleeding!"

Petrified, Arthur touched his ear, feeling liquid dripping from his ear and staining his jaw. Bringing his fingers into view, he saw bright red blood staining his fingertips. Alfred covered his ears with his hands and protectively brought him closer, frantically searching for escape. Dust kicked up all around them as the humming intensified, causing Arthur to cry out in pain, Alfred's hands pressing firmly against his ears in an attempt to protect them.

The structures above began to screech- suddenly, a large metal pole whizzed by Alfred and Arthur, huddled on the ground. Arthur's fingers gripped Alfred's coat in terror as they watched the metal fall into the gigantic hole. It dawned on Arthur, as more metal started whipping by them, that the hole was generating an impossibly strong magnetic force, drawing anything metal into it.

Alfred shouted above the chaotic noise, "We have to get out of here!" He grabbed Arthur's hand and raced toward the forest, cut off by the ground beginning to split and sink into the hole that was slowly absorbing metal and earth, growing like a vortex.

The ground vibrated and started to crumble as it cracked into sections, slanting toward the hole at a sharp angle. Alfred yelped and stumbled as the earth slanted, grip on Arthur's arm growing firmer as Alfred hoisted Arthur to his level. They frantically raced up the sloping ground, jumping over the cracks, when Arthur suddenly stopped in his tracks with an alarmed cry.

Alfred whirled around, howling, "What's wrong?!"

"The core!" Arthur shrieked. "It's metal!"

Everything metal was sucked into the hole, making the core hard to hold. Alfred, shaking his head, yelled, "Let it go!"

"What?!"

Ivan was suddenly on the ground above them, shouting out, "Give me your hands! The entire ground you're standing on is over a metal structure- you'll be sucked in with it!"

Alfred's hand instantly clasped Ivan's, eyes locking in understanding and a new sense of camaraderie. He pulled Arthur close to him, yelling, "Just let the core go!"

Breathing out for a moment, Arthur nodded, and let his grip go slack. The core slid out of his hands and whipped away, drawn toward the metal-attracting hole as Alfred lifted Arthur up to Ivan, hissing with exertion, "Him first!" Before Arthur could resist, Ivan gripped his hands and grunting, lifted him up to his level. As Arthur reached the top, he spotted Yao holding a groaning and writhing Francis, dark red blood pooling around him, streaking down his chest. A distressed sound fell from Arthur lips as he struggled over the edge, hoisting himself up and scrabbling over the ground, hovering over Francis on his knees.

A piece of flying metal had impaled him in the stomach. White blouse stained ugly, dark red, Francis cried out in agony, his hand gripping Arthur's as Yao cradled his head close to his chest, fingers soothingly stroking through his hair. Arthur's heart swelled with emotion at the heartbreaking scene, as Yao rocked Francis back and forth, trying to comfort him. The Queen's green eyes locked with Yao's golden, both terrified, when Ivan yelled, "Watch out!"

Arthur acted on pure instinct. He shoved Yao and Francis out of the way roughly as a long metal chain hurtled for them, and tried to move himself, but the thick chain wrapped around his leg and started to drag him across the ground. Yao leapt for him, screaming, "Arthur!"

Their hands locked, Yao being dragged across the ground with Arthur. Before they could go over the first unstable edge, Ivan grabbed Yao, holding him and trying to lift Alfred up at the same time. The chain wrapped tighter around Arthur's legs, burn excruciating, making tears of exertion fall from Arthur's eyes as he cried out.

"Hold on!" Ivan yelled, violet eyes wide in panic. Yao gritted his teeth together, screaming, refusing to let Arthur's sweaty palm go. Golden eyes again met green, both watery with pain and exhaustion and terror. Yao's eyes searched his frantically, choking out the same words Ivan had shouted.

Arthur lowered his head, eyes wide, moisture falling down his cheeks as everything suddenly became clear.

I have to destroy the core.

Lifting his head, Arthur shared one last look with Yao, and let go. Yao screamed out, almost jumping over the edge, but Ivan grabbed him, lips parting in shock as realization dawned on him, too. The core, when in contact with the computer screen, had triggered the entire breakdown- the factory had been created by Gilbert in the very beginning of this world. Gilbert hadn't lied. He'd intended for this to happen. He'd known it was going to happen since he woke up in this new world.

Dragged across layers and layers of crumbling earth, Arthur neared the gigantic hole, heart pounding as he started to fall over the edge, feeling his body start to free-fall into the dark pit-

A strong hand gripped his forearm. Arthur cried out as the chain pulled taut, burning his legs and stretching his body painfully. He looked up, vision blurred with tears- Alfred hung, suspended over one of the metal structures too long to be pulled fully into the hole, one hand grasping Arthur and the other grasping the huge metal beam.

"I've got you," he whispered fiercely, jaw trembling, barely loud enough for Arthur to hear.

Arthur dangled, only Alfred's hand saving him from certain doom. He looked down, into the seemingly endless pit, and back up at Alfred, eyes wide, fresh tears welling up. "Al," he sobbed out. "Help me, Al." Please don't let me go. I can't do it. I'm not strong enough.

Sweat beaded across Alfred's forehead, and screaming out, he threw his head back and tried pulling Arthur up to no avail. The thick chain pulled Arthur lower, the metal attraction too powerful to be freed.

Blue eyes met green. Frantically, Arthur tried to take in all he could of Alfred, wishing desperately to rewind time, to tell Alfred everything, to give Alfred himself. He realized Alfred wasn't going to let go- Alfred would go down with him. "Al," he cried out again, this time with new resolve. He was going to die for his Kingdom. He was going to save Alfred, and Ivan, Francis and Yao- he was going to purge Alfred of his past.

And Alfred knew what he was doing. Gritting his teeth, tears welled in his eyes, hysterically yelling, "Don't you dare, Iggs. Don't you dare."

Arthur cried, too, staring blearily up at his lovely Alfred, the man he'd give everything for.

And he let go.