Darkness; crushing, suffocating. A thick veil of fog smoothers the mind. All senses are gone, the brain muddled. Arthur found himself in his own mind, away from real life.

In his perfect world, Alfred was there. The American's large hands were secure around Arthur's waist, pulling him close to his muscular (that many people mistook for fat) side. His booming laugh reverberated in the empty space and his bright grin pulsed with confidence and happiness.

Arthur didn't hold back his smile. He was too happy to have Alfred back. He leaned his head on Alfred's shoulder. Alfred just laughed again and wrapped his arms around him. Arthur loved to have his boy beside him once again but something felt different. Something wasn't complete.

Suddenly the surroundings morphed. Instead, it was Francis beside him. His hand rested gently on Arthur's shoulder, gently pulling Arthur towards him. He leaned down and pressed his lips to Arthur's forehead.

"I love you, amor." he whispered, his voice thick in his French accent. Arthur shivered at his touch and leaned into him. It shamed him to say so but his heart truly felt full. There was just something about the Frenchman that made Arthur feel whole.

It was the same thing he felt for Alfred but just a little stronger. Arthur could feel electricity boarding through his veins at Francis' simple touch. He would never admit it to the Frenchman but he needed him with him.

The haze separating himself from consciousness was starting to slowly ebb away. Like waking up from a dream, Arthur blinked his eyes open. A groan escaped his lips and a sharp pain felt like it was splitting the top of his head.

As his eyes focused, he began to make out the texture on the ceiling as well as a blurry figure. He began to make out the color of blond hair and blue eyes.

"Arthur?" the Germans voice exclaimed. He gently slapped Arthur's face a few times, chasing away the last bit of shadows dancing in the corners of his vision. Arthur blinked up at him questioningly.

"Hmmm," he groaned, "What happened ?"

Arthur propped himself up on his elbows. Ludwig's arm slid behind his back to help him sit up. Arthur softly rubbed his head, feeling a lump. His voice was a bit hoarse but that was to be expected.

"We were attacked." Ludwig informed him. He quickly scanned his meticulous eyes over Arthur, checking for an injury.

"And we're still alive?" Arthur asked surprised. He looked around, memories slowly starting to come back to his mind. He could remember being with Francis and the door bursting open but then a fog clouded his vision and he couldn't remember anything else.

"Ja, I don't think Feliciano wants us dead just yet." Ludwig said, trying to keep his voice void of emotion.

"Where's Francis ?" Arthur asked noticing the blond wasn't in the room. He glanced at the Germans pale face. Fear quickly sank in his stomach seeing the Germans expression.

"Ludwig?" Arthur asked. When Ludwig didn't answer Arthur quickly sat up further.

"Where's Francis ?" he yelled. Ludwig sat up, taking Arthur arms in hopes of calming the British man down.

"Calm down, Arthur." Ludwig said in a warning tone. The memories suddenly slammed on Arthur. He remembered fighting Peter and glancing over to see Mattie choking Francis. Raw sobs ripped past his throat.

"Francis!" he cried curling in on himself. Ludwig looked awkward but tried to comfort the panicking man. He rubbed Arthur's arm, his motions stiff.

"Calm down, Arthur. It's ok." Ludwig said. Something snapped within Arthur and his sadness turned to anger. He suddenly turned on Ludwig, screaming in rage.

"Don't tell me everything's alright when it not! Everyone is gone now!" Arthur screamed. His limbs were flung everywhere, smacking Ludwig. The large German tried to get a hold of him and calm him down.

Arthur's foot connected with Ludwig's ribs. The German winced and instinctively sucked in air only to feel a sharp pain in his chest again. His wounds had healed for the most part but they were still sore. The British mans flailing was only making them open up or become agitated.

Before either could comprehend, a blue and white blur tackled Arthur. The figured pioned Arthur to the floor and leaned close to his face.

"Calm down! Arthur!" Gilbert yelled. Arthur's angry screams calmed to mournful sobs. Arthur's body relaxed until he was just a puddle under the Prussian's hard grasp. Gilbert's angry expression changed to sympathy.

"Shh. Calm down, Arthur." Gilbert said, his grip softening, "Francis isn't dead; you can still save him."

Arthur didn't appear to hear him, still lost in grief, "Was I really such a horrible guardian ?" he asked quietly.

"Vas?" Gilbert asked confused.

"E-everyone left me. Was I really that unfair or cruel?" Arthur asked so softly that Gilbert almost didn't hear him.

Gilbert looked very awkward, "Uh...you were pretty bad but you weren't that bad. They must be pretty weak to want to leave you." Gilbert said. He sat up off of Arthur and rubbed the back of his neck.

Arthur covered his face with his hands, his back hunched over. Silent sobs escaped his lips.

"Uh...Gilbert ?" Ludwig said softly.

"Oh, hey bruder? You awesome ?" Gilbert asked, just acknowledging Ludwig for the first time even though Ludwig was the reason he went over to help. He wasn't going to let Arthur hurt his bruder because he couldn't control himself.

"Ja. Awesome. I don't think your helping him." Ludwig said quietly. His eyes motioned to Arthurs pitiful figure.

"Vas? Nein, I'm awesome. I can cheer anyone up." Gilbert said, flashing a grin. He glanced over at the crying Brit. Some of his confidence lowered seeing how destroyed he looked.

"Ok. You take over." Gilbert admitted.

Ludwig sat down in front of the Brit, "Arthur, you need to get up. Francis still needs you; you have to be strong." Ludwig whispered.

Emerald green met cyan eyes. Ludwig had never seen the British man look so broken or lonely. "I can't help him." He whispered back, his voice broken.

"Yes, you can." Ludwig stated firmly. "Francis needs you. He helped you so much and now he needs your help. The least you can do is try."

Arthur looked down at his feet and nodded. Guilt flashed through him at he almost gave up on finding the person he claimed to love, or at least claimed to himself. "Alright. I'll try."

"Good." Ludwig smiled. He awkwardly patted Arthur's shoulder. A horrified scream split the air, startling the three men.

"That sounds like Yao!" Gilbert exclaimed. Arthur jumped to his feet, eyes wide.

"I thought everyone left!" Ludwig shouted, looking around skeptically for any other intruders. Gilbert helped Ludwig to his feet.

"Maybe not! Come on!" Gilbert held tight to the handle of his sword and raced up the stairs. Arthur was close behind him and Ludwig followed more slowly.

Arthur's heart thumped against his chest nervously. He hoped it was Mattie still in the house. He wanted to get Francis back as soon as possible. Gilbert went into the room first. Before Arthur even got into the room, he knew something horrible had happened. He smelled the odor of metallic blood and heard the sound of loud sobs.

When Arthur came into the room the first thing he saw was blood and Yao hunched over something that Arthur couldn't see - Gilbert was blocking it.

Fear gripped Arthur again. Someone was dead. No one could survive the loss of all that blood. He slowly stepped closer, letting his feet carry him to the person as if in a dream.

He peered over Gilberts shoulder and was barely able to hold back the vile in his throat. Lying on the ground was the body Ivan, hacked up. His entire body was coated in blood with wounds almost everywhere. There were few deep wounds however; whoever had killed him had wanted it to be slow.

His creepy sweet smile was stuck on his lips; his blind amethyst eyes stared up unseeingly at the ceiling. It was a gruesome sight and definitely a painful way to go. Arthur was so surprised - and horrified -to see Ivan's body. He couldn't imagine anyone killing the massive Russian even though so many people would want him dead.

Arthur glanced over at Yao. The Chinese mans face was red and streaked with salty tears. His grief filled sobs and screams reverberated around the room and yet no one comforted, too afraid to get near the body.

Knowing how the Chinese nation felt, Arthur walked over to the man. He let a hand rest on his shoulder comfortingly, more at ease than Gilbert or Ludwig had done to him.

"Yao," he said gently, "Come on. He wouldn't want you to be sad like this."

Yao didn't appear to hear him. Sobs continued to wrack the small Chinese mans form. Arthur gently brushed his dark hair.

"Shh. I'm so sorry. I know it hurts." Arthur said gently. Yao let out a loud wail and threw himself into Arthur, wrapping his arm around him tightly. Arthur was surprised at first. He blushed and gently hugged him, continuing to brush his hair.

It was odd behavior for the Chinese man but when nothing seemed right and when the most important person to him was brutally murdered he wanted the comfort of another person and would take anyone he could get.

"Shh." Arthur whispered. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ludwig, Kiku and Mei come in. Kiku and Mei hurried over to support their brother. Arthur stepped away from Yao to let them in. He glanced over at Ludwig who was talking with a Gilbert. Surprisingly, Gilbert wasn't grinning or looking remotely happy as Arthur had expected. His face was uncharacteristically serious, maybe even morose

As Arthur neared them, he picked up on their conversation, "No Ludwig, I am fine!" Gilbert insisted.

"I thought you would be happy about this but you look almost sad. I know you used to go out with him so please tell me what's wrong!" Ludwig said. Arthur took off his bomber jacket and then his uniform jacket. He quickly put the bomber jacket back on, unwilling to give it away or get it dirtier, and covered the Russians bloody body with his other jacket. He looked down at the man who had seen so much hardship and history. He wondered what would happen to the vast expanse of land now that its representation is dead.

"I'm sorry, Ivan." he whispered.

"Ludwig. I'm. Fine." Gilbert loudly pronounced each word as a sentence, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I'm sure you know why I'm upset. I don't care if Feliciano did it personally or not; his allies killed Ivan!" Gilbert exclaimed.

Ludwig grimaced, "I know Bruder." he stated, "I'm worried about Feliciano too. He is worse than we thought. Alfred might have been just an accident but now he intentionally killed someone."

Gilbert frowned and put his hands on Ludwig's shoulder. "Just relax for now. We'll do what we have to, just like always." Gilbert flashed him a huge grin and ruffled Ludwig's blond hair. Arthur chuckled but frowned sadly, remembering how he used to do that with Alfred when he was younger.

"Gilbert!" Elizabetha called from downstairs, her voice urgent.

Gilbert turned his head to face the door. "Ja?" he called back. There were quick footsteps coming up the stairs before Hungary burst into the room. She came to a sudden stop, her eyes coming to rest on Ivan's body. She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands at the sight of the bloody Russian. Gilbert was up in a second, blocking the view from her.

"Shh. Its ok, Liz. What's the matter?" he asked sensitively.

Elizabetha swallowed, "R-Romano tried to kill Antonio." she told him. Gilbert went ridged and his scarlet eyes widened in fear. "He's still alive though. He says he needs to tell you something."

Gilbert relaxed visibly. "Alright. Where's he at?" he asked.

"Down stairs with Roderick. Just call his name. Oh and he said Arthur should come too." Elizaveta said. Arthur glanced up at her and then at Gilbert. The albino motioned him to follow him. The two hurried down the stairs.

"Yo Specs ? Toni?" Gilbert called, scanning rooms as they walked past..

"In here." Roderick answered.

Gilbert and Arthur hurried to Roderick. The aristocrat had an arm behind Antonio, helping him sit up. He didn't appear to be hurt. Something had happened though for the Spaniards face was beat red and his entire body was trembling.

"Toni?" Gilbert rushed over to his long time friend, pushing Roderick aside. The Austrian rolled his eyes at the Prussian and joined Arthur.

"Antonio has something important you two need to know." Roderick stated calmly. It was as if nothing horrible had just happened.

"Ok. They might need your help upstairs," Arthur said. He wanted so bad to wipe that calm look off of Roderick's face, "Ivan was killed."

Roderick's eyes bugged out for a second until he smoothed out his features. Arthur secretly smirked in hi head. He wouldn't be so calm after he saw the condition of Ivan's mutilated body.

Roderick just nodded his head and walked away, posture erect. Arthur wanted to run over and punch him just to get a reaction but held himself back he had to find out what Antonio had to say to him.

Arthur joined Gilbert and Antonio, who had calmed down. He looked over at his long time enemy and couldn't help but feel slightly happy even though he knew it was wrong.

"Hey Antonio. Are you ok ?" Arthur asked kneeling down so they were eye level.

"F -fine." Antonio said, his voice shaky.

"What happened ?" Gilbert asked.

Antonio swallowed and tried to smother the fear in his eyes, "L -Lovi had led the raid. He came over and fought me. He secretly told me that he is spying for us and that they were still at the same base that they were in when we went to attack them. He says Feliciano is overly self confident and says we can use that to our advantage."

"Ok. What does this have to do with the two of us ?" Arthur asked. He turned the information in his head a few times, wondering if he could figure out how he could use it to help Francis.

"He said that Feliciano has a huge plan. Everyone has a part to play and that he won't kill any of them on his own until their purpose is fulfilled. He said it was my turn to die but he wasn't going to kill me. Instead, to make it look like he did and that he was loyal to Feliciano, he forced me to the ground and tried to s-suffocate me. Before I passed out, I saw Mattie leave with Francis."

Arthur stiffened. "What did he do to Francis ?" he asked quickly. He noticed Gilbert stiffen as well and he remembered that Gilbert, Antonio and Francis were part of the Bad Touch Trio, or Bad Friends Trio.

"He only knocked him out. Now listen, you still have time. Francis' part isn't finished yet. Feliciano has a specific role for him to. Romano didn't tell me and I'm not sure if he knows but that is all that he told me. We need to hurry and get Francis back before Feliciano decides his job is done." Antonio said quickly. Arthur quickly lept to his feet.

"Let's go now!" he exclaimed quickly. It was in those rare moments when he was raring to go that he felt Alfred's spirit beside him.

"We can't do that now, amigo." Antonio stated.

"Why not ?" Arthur glared at the Spaniard. He wasn't in the mood to let the Spaniard boss him around and keep him from Francis.

"Because that's what they're expecting us to do. We have to try to think outside of Feliciano's plans. What wouldn't he expect us to do ?" Gilbert interjected.

"I go it. I will go pretend to join Feliciano's side and make sure he is not killed. You guys can go escape to America. He would never expect you to go there." Antonio exclaimed grinning.

"No!" Arthur spat quickly.

"Amigo, I get you don't want to go to America but we have to do what we can to stay alive." Antonio said gently.

"Well...what about Francis ? What if he gets out and he doesn't know where we are?" Arthur asked.

"Then I'll tell him where you are and he'll go find you." Antonio said thinking. He looked at the British man, smiling that he figured out a plan to get his Lovi back.

"Ok well...how will we get out of here?" Arthur asked.

"If we can just acquire a plane, I can fly us out of here." Gilbert suggested grinning proudly.

"Ok. Where are you going to get this plane, Amelia Airheart ?" Arthur asked, his voice dripping in sarcasm.

"I have connections in Italy." Gilbert grinned. Arthur and Antonio just stared at him but agreed none the less

Arthur sighed, "Fine. I guess that's an ok idea." he groaned. Antonio rested a hand on his shoulder.

"I know it hurts now but the pain will get easier." Antonio said sympathetically.

"It never fully goes away does it?" Arthur asked quietly, his eyes hard.

Antonio squeezed his shoulder. "No but we always have memories and pictures to remind us of Alfred." he said. Arthur blinked away fresh tears, not wanting to show weakness in front of his old enemy.

"Thanks." he said quietly, wanting to get away quickly.

"De nada." Antonio smiled.

Gilbert clapped his hands together and rubbed them with a devious grin, melting the sadness with its warmth.

"Ok. I'll go tell everyone we're going to leave. We should probably bury Ivan here before we leave." Gilbert said. Antonio and Arthur just nodded.

"Si, señor." Antonio said. Gilbert got up and hurried upstairs. Antonio looks back to Arthur. A warm breeze blew in from the window, carrying the scent of violets through the house.

"Things will get better, Arthur." Antonio said sympathetically. He turned to look at Arthur, his curly chocolate hair blowing gently away from his gentle eyes. "You can only go up once you've hit rock bottom"

Arthur chuckled cruely, "What is rock bottom though ? It can't be much further from this."