A few days have passed since Antonio was allowed to join the Italians side. It had been pretty much quiet; Feliciano stayed in his office and Antonio was able to spend time with Lovino again.

Antonio was so glad to be able to spend time with Lovino again. He had missed him so much. He could tell the Italian had missed him too. Romano would never admit to missing him but every now and then, the oldest Italian would occasionally let his lips be tugged into a faint smile. It wasn't anything another person would be happy about but every time Antonio saw it, his heart skipped a beat. He was glad that Romano was becoming more cheerful.

Antonio would never tell the Italian this but he didn't think Feliciano's plan would have a very good outcome. He would never tell him that he thought it was a waste of time to try and tempt the old Feliciano out. The old Feliciano was buried deep inside himself and strangled by his new, evil self. He expected this would end with Lovino being forced to place his brother another six feet under. Feliciano had already dug his grave and buried his old self in it.

Antonio felt so bad that he couldn't do more. He felt so hopeless. He wanted to be able to whisk Romano out of this torture. The older Italian hadn't been harmed since the last time Feliciano smacked him but not all pain and torture was physical or on the surface. Both Italy brothers had endured enough pain and torture in their life and even if all Antonio remembered of Feliciano was his evil self, he felt this strange feeling that Feliciano had been a very kind and cheerful person.

Antonio still hadn't regained his memories yet. They felt so close yet they were so far away. He would often get the feeling of déjà vu... like he could stretch his hands out and pull all the memories back. They were always just out of reach. Antonio knew he just had to be patient but it would also take off more of Lovino's stress if his memories would come back.

Antonio and Lovino had been spending much of their time together. Lovino taught Antonio the skills Feliciano had taught him. To the Spaniards surprise, he was very skilled with a sword. Lovino had mentioned something about a pirate and anytime Antonio took up a sword, his feet became quick like a cheetah; his arms quick to strike like a cobra and his movements graceful as a dancer. Sword fighting came to natural to him; it was to relaxing to finally feel like he belonged someplace and was in charge.

Lovino made him feel like he belonged most of the time but he would sometimes drift off or look dazed. He knew the situation must be extremely difficult for the Italian but sometimes he wished the Italian would try more to help the Spaniard. He felt so selfish for wishing that. The Italian had already done so much for him but sometimes he felt like a stranger in his own body; he was Antonio, yet he wasn't. Romano would sometimes treat him as he usually would but other times, he would treat him like he was an intruder or imposter.

It wasn't a big deal if Lovino was harsh or cold to him. He was detached. Antonio was a country of passion, and therefore sensitive. He told himself he was probably overreacting. Romano had a lot to deal with and process... it probably had nothing to do with Antonio's memories.

Feliciano treated him the same every time. Antonio appreciated the consistency, even if it was with something so simple. The younger Italian treated him like a member of the team and gave him the day to day task of giving Francis food and water. It was great since he was able to spend a little time with the Frenchman and keep an eye on him.

Antonio was always trusted to go down alone, so when Feliciano asked Antonio to go down the basement with him, he became confused. Why would Feliciano want to go down with him? Maybe he didn't trust him and he wanted to get him out of the way. Maybe he wanted to test his loyalty. Maybe he wanted to see how Antonio treated Francis. Either way, it terrified him to no end. He could mess this up. Romano was just starting to smile again and relax. He couldn't mess this up...yet he couldn't hurt Francis. He could never hurt his friend. He was so worried, he felt like he was going to get sick.

He followed the younger Italian down the stairs, his heart seeming to lurch with each step. Luckily, the Italian couldn't see how tense he was being in front of him. The Spaniard gulped, preparing himself for the worst and trying to think of a backup plan.

The Italian flipped the switch and the single light bulb flickered to life, sending dull light across the room. He halted and turned shoulder to face the Spaniard. Antonio gulped to see the glint in the younger man's dark eyes. He reached to his waist and Antonio froze, expecting him to pull a gun on him and shoot. Instead, Feliciano pulled out a rolled up whip. Antonio backed up a few steps, fear racing through his body. How had he not noticed the whip ?

Feliciano let out an amused chuckle, "Relax, this isn't for you." he smirked. He thrust the whip at the Spaniard which he was just able to catch. He looked down at the worn leather and then looked back up at Feliciano, confusion clear in his eyes.

"It's time to put your loyalty to the ultimate test." Feliciano told him. Antonio blinked and tilted his head slightly. He was even more confused. Did Feliciano expect him to whip Francis ? He couldn't hurt his friends! Antonio's eyes dropped down again to the worn handle of the whip. He could end the situation right here and prevent more people from getting hurt. He held so many possibilities in his hand. He knew being whipped could kill a person. He could kill Feliciano and get Francis out of the hell hole. They could make it back to the other countries and begin recovering from Feliciano's break down.

But could he really kill Feliciano? Could he look at his lover's younger brother and watch as he whipped him over and over? Could he listen to the others agonized cries and know that Romano could hear it? Could he destroy his relationship with Lovino?

The last question ended all his other questions. Even if he could stomach killing Feliciano, he could never ever destroy his relationship with Lovino. He would do anything for the older Italian...even whipping his good friend and letting Feliciano's plan continue.

Antonio looked up with determination in his eyes. Not determination to prove his loyalty like Feliciano thought, but determination to stay according to plan and protect Lovino. He gripped the handle so tight that his knuckle turned a pale white. He let the rest of the thin strap of leather to unravel and trail down to the floor.

"How many lashes ?" his voice was unreadable, hidden by his mask. Feliciano seemed to smirk at him through the dim lighting.

"Just keep going until I tell you to stop." he instructed the Spaniard. Antonio only nodded in respect and turned his back to Feliciano as he strode to Francis. His footsteps echoed eerily off the walls and reverberated back to him, rattling in his chest. He could feel Feliciano's eyes burning into his back, searing a hole through him. His eyes looked down upon the pitiful Frenchman. Francis woke up as Antonio drew near and blinked up at him in either exhaustion or confusion. Antonio mouthed an apology before halting in front of him.

The Spaniard poised his arm, ready to strike. The look of pure horror and fear when Francis realized what he was going to do would forever be branded into his brain. He closed his eyes as he brought the whip around. The leather easily cut through the air with a loud crack! Francis' cry quickly followed the snap. Antonio wound his arm back again, pausing before whipping him again.

I have to do this for Lovino!

Francis cried out in pain as the whip stung his cheek and sliced his skin. Blood started to ooze out of the wound. Antonio wound up again, more quickly this time. He couldn't show hesitation. He kept reminding himself over and over that he had to do this to protect Lovino. The task became easier for him to do and he found himself becoming numb, much to his horror.

I have to protect Lovi!

The Spaniard let out a low grunt of effort as he whipped the Frenchmen for the third time. Francis let out another cry, squeezing his eyes shut in pain. His weak limbs strained against his ties, his wrists becoming raw and sore. Antonio repeated and told himself over and over again to keep himself going. He couldn't stop or Feliciano would surly know.

"T-Toni!" Francis begged. He let out another agonized scream as the whip stung his skin, causing his skin to part for the leather. Antonio shut his eyes tightly, no matter how much he told himself it was for Lovino, he couldn't block out his friends screams. It was horrific to hear and even more haunting that he was the one causing his friend pain.

This is all for Lovino. I must do this to keep Lovino safe. Just a small sacrifice and Lovino will stay safe! I can't lose him again!

"S-S'il vous plaît..." Francis begged, his voice starting to become weak and thick with desperation. Antonio tried to block it out. He tried to only think of Romano and what they would do when everything ended; he would take the Italian to the park, to the movies, to dinner, to Spain or to any place the Italian desired. He would take him anywhere and everything just because he could.

Luckily, Francis' screams began to fade into the background. If it was because the Frenchman was too weak to scream or because Antonio was too lost in his thoughts, he didn't know which. All he knew was that he had to keep Lovino safe no matter the cost...even if it would someday cost him his own life. He didn't care what he had to do; he would let the world burn if it was to keep his Lovino.

His thoughts were shattered as Feliciano's voice sternly commanded him to stop. Antonio quickly complied, silently sighing that the horrible task was finished. He felt like such a monster. Despite the immense guilt he had felt, he felt numb now. He dropped the whip to the floor and noticed for the first time, since he started the attack, the condition of Francis.

He looked horrible. His thin frame was covered in long gashes caused by the tail of the whip. His face hung in front of his chest, his eyes barely open as he fought to stay conscious. He had several cuts on his face which were weeping with blood. His already dirty, thread bare clothes were now ripped and stained crimson. It was a horrific sight that would also be burned into Antonio's brain. He felt bile rise in his throat. He caused it. He had caused such pain to someone he claimed was his friend. He had been the one to turn into a monster, molded by Feliciano's hands. He was just as bad as the Italian.

Feliciano joined the Spaniards side. He clapped Antonio's shoulder and smiled approvingly at Francis, "Nice job, Antonio. Welcome to the team!"

"Thank you...sir..." Antonio said, his voice neutral. Feliciano didn't seem to care about his tone. Feliciano spat to the side of Francis.

"Worthless, pathetic, fool." he snarled. He turned to Antonio, "Come, come!" he said, smiling happily as if nothing was wrong, "It's time to start putting our final plan into action. We'll need every man we have which includes you and Lovino. I will also be joining you this time."

Antonio nodded, smoothing a pleased smile across his features. Smiling felt like such a dirty thing to do. How could he smile after he whipped one of his best friends and Feliciano was talking of harming and possibly killing more people?

"That is good news. I cannot wait." he said, trying to sound pleased. Feliciano nodded and put a hand on Antonio's shoulder, turning him towards the stairs.

"Si, it is. Now hurry up; I'm starting to get tired of waiting." Feliciano smirked, his copper covered curl bouncing and bobbing in excitement. Antonio's stomach took a sharp dip and plummeted. He followed Feliciano up the stairs; towards their plan to destroy the rest of the countries for 'their' revenge.

This is all for Lovino. Just remember that Lovino is worth it and I can get through this...

Antonio thought to himself, though he doubted the words. He knew Lovino was worth it. Lovino was his reason for living. He doubted that they could get through this in one piece. He hated to think of how the event had changed his Lovino. He just hoped he wouldn't lose himself. Luckily they had each other to help them find the way home whenever they lost themselves.

~/~

Within a few hours, all of their allies were sitting at a long, oak table. Felciano took a seat at the head, with Romano close by. Antonio sat down beside Lovino, his stomach doing flips. This was the kind of information they were looking for. Information like this was part of the reason he and Lovino were there for. He had to somehow get in contact with the others and warn them without blowing his cover. It would be a hard task and very crucial but Antonio knew he could do it.

"Friends," Feliciano smirked. The one word alone sent a shiver down Antonio's spine. He had never seen Feliciano look like this. A wide, Cheshire grin stretched from cheek to cheek. His dark eyes were alight with a fire of determination and anticipation. All of his years of planning and suffering and hard work were finally paying off.

Latvia and Estonia wordlessly went to Feliciano. Feliciano pulled away for the table and allowed the two to sit on his lap. Each draped an arm around the Italian and in turn, Feliciano put one arm around their shoulders and pulled them close to him. Antonio looked at Peter from the corner of his eyes but the little nation didn't seem bothered by it.

"This is the day we have been waiting for." Feliciano smirked. "It's time to put our final plan into play. Of course, as I promised you each get to deal with the person who caused your pain and suffering. It must fit within the plans so if you know what you want to do, speak your mind now." Feliciano announced, his hands rubbing circles into the two Baltic's shoulders.

Antonio blinked in surprise as the room was suddenly filled with angry filled shouts. Feliciano smirked at their excitement but didn't try to silence them all. He instead nodded quietly as if he could understand their shouts. He probably could though...he always made sure his allies had a chance at their revenge.

As soon as he raised a hand into the air, the shouts ceased and silence filled the room. Everyone seemed to hold their breaths in anticipation. Feliciano smiled. A smooth chuckle seemed to fill the silent room.

"Alright, once I give you the go ahead, you can all put your plans into action." Feliciano told them. The others seemed pleased with his orders and nodded.

"Now," Feliciano announced, becoming more serious. He leaned back, holding the two Baltic's close, "For our final plan! Listen very closely. It is very important that this goes exactly according to plan."

Everyone, including Antonio and Lovino, paid close attention, their brains becoming sponges to soak up every word uttered from Feliciano's mouth. To all but Antonio and Lovino, Feliciano was their savior. He had picked them up, dusted them off and set them on their feet again. He had given them hope, breathed life back into them. He made sure that all of his allies felt loved and assured that they got their chance to get revenge.

They shared a mutual relationship. Feliciano gave them a sense of security and a chance at revenge while his allies gave him strength and extra hands to put his grand plan into action. The look in Feliciano's eyes sent shivers down Antonio's spine. His eyes were so dark and so hungry for revenge. His lust for blood was clear at the sharp glint in his hard eyes. Antonio knew he had been waiting for his plan to finally be put into action. All his years of careful planning and putting on the facade that he was happy and cheerful were about to pay off...unless Antonio and Romano had something to say about it.

Paying attention was crucial. Antonio and Lovino had to pay close attention to every detail so they could pass it off to their true allies across the ocean. His heart hammered against his chest and he started to sweat. The weight of every else's wellbeing, including his Lovino, fell heavily on his shoulders. To Antonio, it seemed as though all of their fates lay within his and Lovino's hands, and it frightened him more than anything.