João - Portugal

Logan - Australia

Hunapo - New Zealand

Arjun - India

...

Yes, I know this is late, but I had a degree to work on, and now that's out of the way, I'll hopefully get more updates out. I also went back and polished what I had even more, so hopefully it's a little less bad. I also changed Monaco's name to Céline.

The streets were busy as Lovino led his family to that rickety old cafe. There were people all around them, going to their real jobs. He led the others in a tight knot, heads down and minding their own business. They were going to work too, no need to arouse suspicion. No one really paid them attention. After all, everyone had their own lives to be getting on with. Lovino kept his eyes forward, not saying a word, and almost everyone else seemed to get the message.

"So, who we meetin'?" asked Alfred in his ear, "anyone we know?"

Francis shushed him. "Really? Right now?"

Alfred huffed, quietening down for a few minutes. Lovino followed the river path, up to a set of narrow stairs. It led to a higher street, more open, with houses that were larger and neater than most of the Iron district, but not by much. The road was a little wider here, and Lovino enjoyed a view of part of the Iron district, stretched out below on the other side of the river. From a distance, the place looked even more depressing: masses of crooked houses packed together, no grand buildings breaking the skyline.

Alfred chewed his lip. "So, who told you about it?"

Francis flicked his ear. "I swear to fuck if you don't shut up, you're going to work instead."

Lovino turned a corner and the cafe came into view. He shushed the group and crossed the square. Certain they were alone, he slipped inside.

There was welcome shade in the cafe, empty except for Heracles watching them from the counter, seemingly stunned at the numbers. Lovino gave a nod, and Heracles jerked his head towards the back room. He led them down to the cellar in silence, and even Alfred seemed to get the idea. Through the trapdoor, down into darkness and along the corridor to the main hall they went. Inside, fewer than ten people sat and stood talking in groups.

"Wait here for Sadik," said Heracles, "he'll want to talk to the new people." He turned and left without another word.

Xavier waved them over. "You made it!" He was leaning on the stage at the back of the room, where the others soon joined him. Xavier's cousin was with him, with his golden tan, goofy grin, full nose and mop of curly hair. Lovino hadn't seen him in a while, remembering an awkward, lanky teen. Now he was toned and curved and surprisingly handsome. He didn't bother with the buttons of his floral shirt, apparently, tucking it into his shorts, and the style looked good on him. "You remember Antonio, right?"

Lovino nodded. "So, you dragged your family into this too?" It was as good a place as any to start.

Xavier laughed. "Toni wouldn't shut up about the whole thing. Had to bring him or he'd tell my parents." He shoved him. "Fucking narc."

"It's my job to keep you out of trouble," said Antonio. Lovino remembered him being a bit overbearing, strict, even, with Xavier. Strange, really, he seemed so laid-back normally.

"By getting in trouble with me?" Xavier scoffed. "João is gonna be here too. He just had work today."

"Of course I'm getting into trouble;" Antonio pulled Francis into a firm hug. "Good to see you!"

"Likewise," Francis kissed both his cheeks, "nice to know I'm in trusted company. Feels a little safer with you around."

"Not many people," Céline commented, glancing around. There was Tino, and Lovino recognised his two friends from the rally with him, huddled together in the corner. Kiku and Arthur were in deep conversation, looking over papers at the table. At the other end of the stage, two very strange men sat talking intensely. One looked a little like a rat, the other looked like a depressed pile of ash.

"Hey, it's a start," said Alfred. "We've nearly doubled it." Other people had noticed too, and were staring at them with interest. Lovino wasn't sure what to make of the attention. But he was proud of himself. Who else here had recruited 4 other people?

"What happens next?" asked Céline.

"It's sorta like an interview," Antonio explained, "Sadik just asks you about your motivations, and what you can do to help. Nothing too scary." He looked at her. "Let me guess. Gilbert?" She nodded. "Yes, of course, it was part of the reason I wanted to join, why I insisted;" Antonio gave a sigh. "He was a good friend. I'm so, so sorry for your loss." His smile was back before a melancholy look could even settle. "I know you will make his death mean something," he kissed her hand, stooping down to reach her.

"Thank you, Antonio. I will."

"Lovino!" Antonio finally turned to him, "it's been too long! Look how much you've grown!" He ruffled his hair.

"Hey, watch it!" He gently held him back. "Personal space, my friend."

"Course, course! Sorry."

"Well, you two seem to have spirit!" Sadik strode into the room, holding the door to a side room open for two people Lovino didn't recognise. "I like that, Logan, Hunapo. I hope you'll make me proud, here."

"Oh we will," said the taller one, an absolute tank of a man with messy hair and a cocky grin. Logan, apparently.

"You've made a good choice," said a smaller, scruffy mess of curled hair. Hunapo. Both names weren't that familiar.

"I hope I have," Sadik nudged them, "not that we can afford to be fussy."

"That why you signed me up?" asked Rat-man, through a mouthful of beans. He was sat cross-legged on the stage, a can balanced on one pointy knee.

"Well, I didn't wanna say anything, but…" Sadik noticed the new arrivals. "Hey, Lovino, right? Who are all these people?"

"Relatives," he said in a small voice. Sadik intimidated him, and, for some reason, he felt desperate not to let him down. Maybe it was because he reminded him of Grandpa Janus?

"Well done lad!" Sadik boomed, hands on his hips, "you must have some way with words!" And just like praise from Grandpa Janus, Lovino found himself elated that he'd made Sadik proud. He wanted to do more, earn more validation.

Francis whistled. "So you're Sadik Adnan? Your reputation precedes you."

Sadik laughed. "Already?"

"Well, I remember hearing about what happened last time. Never got involved," he coughed, "might've been for the best."

"Well, you're not wrong. Things will go better, though. I'm older, and hopefully a little wiser now. But I can't do it alone." He motioned to the side room. "Please, step into my office, and we can talk more."

When the Bonnefoys followed him inside, Antonio turned back to Lovino and Xavier. "So, Lovi, I hear you finished school too. Look at the pair of you! All grown up!"

"Yeah, a grown-up adult, so roll back on the patronising."

Antonio laughed. "Alright. Still older, though. I want a bit of respect."

"Because you came out the pussy two years before me?"

"Let's not talk about my mum like that."

"I'd like to meet your mum one day. Can you introduce us?"

"Toni'd like to meet his dad one day," muttered Xavier, giggling at his own joke. Antonio didn't look so impressed.

"You can be quiet!"

"His birth certificate has a question mark under "father's name". I've seen it."

"Stop telling people that or I'll punch you in the tit!"

Lovino burst out laughing. "Don't worry, Toni, my dad walked out too. Who needs the rat bastards? Better off without them."

Xavier looked between them. "How the fuck do you keep losing dads? This is the last outpost of civilisation, and there's a giant wall around the city. They can't have gone far, guys. Find the fuckers!"

Even Antonio had to laugh at that. Lovino leaned against the stage. "Xavi, if it was that easy, Grandpa would've tracked the sonnovabitch down and throttled him." His earliest memory was Grandpa Janus pacing the main room and loudly planning to do such a thing. Ah, childhood memories.

"Speaking of Lovino's family, they seem nice!" Xavier peered over at Sadik's office.

"They're alright, I guess. Céline's my favourite."

"They're hot."

"I hate you so much."

Xavier burst out laughing. "I love you too."

"Hey, don't worry," Antonio rubbed Lovino's shoulder, "you're not so bad to look at yourself."

Lovino looked at him. "Is this a joke or-?"

"No! I swear-"

"Good. Because I know I'm hot, and you should know too. And you're…" he blushed, "you're kinda okay too, but don't go on about it."

"Aww, thank you!"

"I wish someone would tell me I'm hot," said Xavier whistfully.

"You're hot, now lemme motorboat you." Lovino buried his face in Xavier's chest and blew a raspberry. Xavier almost passed out from laughing.

"Finally, things are getting interesting!" called Rat Man.

"What's getting interesting, Alin?" Sadik stepped out of his office, followed by the Bonnefoys. Lovino pulled away from Xavier's chest, looking a little sheepish.

Alin shrugged, licking sauce off a bean with his pointy tongue. "I just thought we were all gonna touch on each other."

Sadik looked at him. No one said anything for a long moment. "We're not going to do that."

"Then what was the point in joining up here?"

Sadik ignored him, instead addressing the group as a whole. "Anyway, it's nice to see our numbers rising. We're starting to establish links with the remnants of the old guard, and finding new faces willing to hear us out. Of course, we have a long way to go, and we'll need a way of getting our message across without incriminating ourselves." He clapped his hands, "but today, we'll just focus on educating you all, and starting you on some basic weapons training. Tino here is going to teach you to hold a gun, and fire it straight."

Lovino and Xavier exchanged looks of glee.

Up at the top of the city, on Rex Hill, sat the Palace, whose walls were hugged by the river on three sides. The fourth stretched out in front of the Golden Square, now empty of subjects. Inside the walls were the gardens, with winding paths touring through meticulously cared-for flowers. Water from the river fed into the gardens, creating a lush oasis in the centre of the arid city. The palace itself towered over everything, even allowing the residents to catch a glimpse of the desert beyond the city walls. The music room was near the centre of the palace, with thick walls and high windows kept close to keep the room's secrets. There were a variety of instruments, kept polished by one of the servants. There was also a fat sofa, near the grand piano at the centre of the room.

Roderich ignored everything around him and focused only on the keys in front of his eyes. He played with all his might, played for his anger, played for his hatred, love, everything that pulsed through his body. Yes, music was illegal but Roderich relished in breaking his own rules. After all, who was going to stop him? Roderich played on, letting the music vibrate through him, words he didn't know how to express, words that didn't exist. It was a song his mother wrote, before the madness took her.

He finished his piece and turned his attention to Érzsebét, his Empress, his Queen, who was sprawled out on the sofa in a light, lacy dress. Her hair was splayed everywhere, thick and curly. She stood up, clapping and running over to him. '"Brilliant, darling, just marvellous!" They shared a kiss.

"Thank you, dear." He held her gently, running his fingers through her hair. He'd often heard this absurd rumour he was evil. That he was a monster incapable of love. People had the gall to scream it at him, the worst last words he could think of. Was there not something more productive to say at a time like that? It wasn't true, anyway. If he wasn't capable of love, then what did he feel for Érzsebét? For their son? It was simple, really. But still, they said he was evil and a curse on the world. The thought made him shake with a malicious, uncontrollable rage.

"Roddy," said Érzsebét, gently, but firmly, "you're squeezing me."

"Érzsebét! Oh, I'm so sorry!" He pulled away. "Are you hurt?" She shook her head. "You know I could never hurt you. I'd sooner die."

Érzsebét smirked. "Oh, I know. Like you could, anyway." Neither could, and neither had ever. Érzsebét was loyal to her Emperor, and Roderich worshipped Érzsebét in return. Not only did he love her, but he owed his life to her.

They'd met when they were seven years old, already betrothed and destined to rule. She was the daughter of a noble, chosen as a suitable match for Roderich, despite her unruly nature. Roderich had developed a reputation of being a selfish and downright cruel child. He was, but not around Érzsebét. He shared his toys with her, and followed her around as she plotted out adventures for them both. When it came to play fights, she refused to let him win, and Roderich didn't throw tantrums over losing, instead begging her to teach him to be stronger.

And then it happened. The incident. They were ten, going for a cycle through the palace gardens. He remembered the scent of the plants, the pollen in his hair and the breeze. He remembered Érzsebét's embroidered shirt and the mud on her boots. He remembered her laugh, and how he'd push his glasses up his nose before explaining the different species of flower. He even picked a large, pink one to put in her hair.

The two took a break under the shade of a tree, and it happened. Érzsebét was looking off in the distance, while Roderich leaned against the trunk catching his breath. Out of the blue, Érzsebét tackled him, launching them both into the flower bed as the ground erupted. Gunshots rained down on them, some dangerously near their mark, but the children were hidden in the bushes. Roderich wanted to cry out, but Érzsebét covered his mouth. He remembered being paralysed, time standing still until the palace guards arrived and returned fire on the assassin.

Yes, it had been an assassin; not a professional, most likely, just someone who wanted to leave the empire without an heir, someone with a grudge against the royals. Roderich had never left the palace walls since. It had taken years to build up the courage to go in the gardens, only when security had been tightened and the wall was heavily guarded. Whilst he wouldn't control Érzsebét, he had suggested she do the same once they were married, and she agreed. Franz had been forbidden from leaving the palace.

After another assassin was more successful in killing his father, Roderich had ascended the throne a hurricane of grief and any hope that he would be a more benevolent ruler soon squashed.

"Roddy, come back to me," Érzsebét stroked his cheek, "you're far away."

Roderich shook himself. "Sorry, sorry."

The doors flung open as General Zwingli marched in. "Sir-"

Roderich slammed his hand on the piano. "How many times do I have to warn you about knocking?" He thundered, "the music room is private!"

General Zwingli didn't appear disturbed. "I understand, but this is urgent. A small council is being summoned."

"I see." Roderich glanced at Érzsebét, who gave a nod. "We will go to the board room immediately." They left the music room, following Zwingli through airy hallways, past the portraits of the five previous Emperors and platinum columns between arches looking down on the gardens.

"Where is my son?" Roderich spoke in a low voice, "does this concern him?"

"He is in the company of Lady Biedermann," Zwingli replied, "perfectly safe. No, this is a greater problem, and affects us all."

Roderich wrinkled his nose, "there is nothing greater than the prince. But the situation sounds grave indeed."

"'Tis, I'm afraid." Zwingli rounded a corner and opened the door to the board room, holding it for the royal couple. The council members summoned were sat at one end of a heavy table, only three: Feilks, Arjun and Yao, whose job was to advise him and keep him informed on the goings-on of the city he refused to set foot in.

Roderich made his way to the end of the table, sitting on a simple throne while Érzsebét and Zwingli took their seats. "So," he began, "what have you got to tell me? What was so important I had to be summoned? I'm assuming, by your small numbers, it's to be kept on a need-to-know basis." He slipped a hand into his robes, where he kept a tiny pistol. Just in case. He didn't want history repeating itself.

"For now," began Yao, "we need to plan carefully before this gets out. And who knows who we can trust anymore."

"So, what's going on?"

"The news that… well…" Feliks avoided his glare.

"Spit it out."

"An undercover officer claims to have spotted notorious criminal Sadik Adnan wandering the Iron District last night. If he's reentered the city, this could spell bad news for us."

Roderich scratched his chin. "Sadik Adnan? Why should that name bother me?"

"He was one of the last people sent into exile," said Yao. "Oğuzhan's son."

"And he's still alive?" Roderich glared at Zwingli.

Zwingli waved a hand. "The exile programme was run by Väinämöinen. It was a soft option that let people slip through. That was why I replaced it. Besides, having suspect individuals in the city is a far more efficient method of keeping track of them."

"But how did he re-enter the city?"

"No one knows," said Feliks.

"Is he alone?"

"Possibly. But he'd have had allies inside the city. Someone must've helped him."

Roderich groaned. "And do we know what his motives are?"

"No," said Arjun, "but, we can guess what might happen, if he's planning to carry on his father's legacy…"

"Well, find him!" Roderich smacked his hand on the table, "find him, and all his associates! Hunt him down until there's nowhere left to run! And let it be known that, if anyone is caught harbouring or collaborating with him, they will face the death penalty."

"So we let the news get out?" asked Zwingli, "to the citizens?"

"Yes. We need the whole city on our side. Put a price on his head, and people will give us information. And I want crackdowns, too. Implement a curfew for a week, conduct raids on any possible allies."

Zwingli nodded. "I'll pull up a list of persons of interest. Anyone known to the law."

"Good man." Roderich stood up. "I want him dead by the end of the week." He left the room.

Érzsebét got up. "Do what you can," she told everyone, "and don't let us down." She followed her husband out.

The council sat in stunned silence, then Zwingli spoke. "Well, you heard the emperor. Feliks, I want a broadcast drafted for this evening and sent to City Radio. Yao, contact Mr Honda and get wanted posters ready for tomorrow. Send them to Arjun for printing. I want this man found!"

Everyone nodded and scrambled up. The meeting was over, and they all had work to do. Leaving Zwingli to organise the raids, Feliks strode down the hall to one of the offices. Yao paused for a moment, then started making his way outside.

"Hey, Yao!" Arjun quickly caught up with him. "Wanna walk home together?"

"Course, might as well," Yao gave a polite smile. He and Arjun were… well, they'd known each other a long time. Perhaps too long. He was fond of Arjun, Yao supposed, most of the time.

"And you're busy tonight, then?"

"Yes. You heard."

"Well, if we're both on poster duty, we might as well visit Mr Honda together, right? I've yet to see the man at work myself."

"Of course," Yao held the front door open for him, nodding to the guards swarming the place. "The man's exceptional; you'll be in for a treat."

In the original story, I had an India x China x Liechtenstein love triangle, because I liked IndChu and ChuLiech at the time (more neutral on them now), and I considered changing them for this version, but both are important to the plot so I'll have to keep them.