Feliciano raised a hand up suddenly in front of his allies before they could even set out in pursuit. "Loop around and try to cut them off. I'll pursue alone." he instructed simply. There was no hesitation as his friends nodded and followed his command, with an exception of two.

Lovino and Antonio were frozen in shock. They had sent a message to their 'enemies' that Feliciano would be going to America to follow them. Of course, they hadn't gotten any word back, but the group had seemed surprised to see them. They must have been on the run when the message had arrived, or they weren't in one place long enough to receive said note.

Feliciano turned around and noticed the expression on Lovino and Antonio's faces. "What? Aren't you happy ? We have them now!" he asked. A grin graced his lips. He felt happier than he had in ages. His plan was finally coming down. He would soon have his revenge soon.

Lovino bit his lips hesitantly. He didn't know what to say; he had to keep his cover or he and Antonio could be killed. He nodded quickly, "Sí, we're fine. Both of our stomachs hurt; that's all." he explained, his voice timid.

Feliciano raised an eyebrow, "Both of your stomachs hurt ?" he asked quizzically.

"S-Sí!" Lovino stammered, "I had too much pasta for dinner and Antonio didn't like the plane ride."

Feliciano hesitated but nodded. Lovino knew he would. Despite how Feliciano acted towards his enemies, he treated his allies well. He believed them because he expected them to believe him in return. It had earned him their loyalty and their trust.

"Now off with you!" Feliciano exclaimed, brown eyes darkening dangerously at the thought of getting his revenge, "Follow the others and do as I said. We'll catch up to them."

Lovino and Antonio nodded, "Sí!" Quickly turning on their heels, they raced away. They could take another shorter way to stay out of sight from their 'allies' and reach the 'enemies' first so they could warn them of Feliciano's plans.

The trees passed them in a blur. Undergrowth grabbed at their feet but nothing could stop them or slow them down. Their breaths came out in short pants, taking in all the air they could. In a short amount of time, their lungs began to burn and their sides began to cramp but not even that could hinder them.

They left behind Feliciano. Lovino's eyes stung with tears, though he justified it as the sharp air making his eyes water. He knew there was no going back. He would have to betray his brother; whatever that would entail. The road ahead was as unknown and dangerous as the forest they were in. Feliciano would no doubt feel betrayed. He would no doubt hate him. But Lovino could take that.

What he couldn't take was if something happened to Feliciano. He couldn't stand if something were to happen to his dear, yet lost, younger brother because of him. He hated the thought that he had been the cause of any of his pain. Sure, Feliciano had started everything and had brought it upon himself, but Lovino didn't want for him to die or get hurt.

Feliciano was his brother, no matter what, and nothing could change that. Nothing could change how Lovino felt about him.

~/~

Feliciano quickly took off after the group after Lovino and Antonio ran away. He took off through the trees, using the speed he was known for. It felt so good to use his speed for something beneficial instead of running away like the coward he had pretended to be.

It was not long before he saw the group come into sight. It seemed as though Gilbert had forced Ludwig to put him down for he was running with Ludwig's help. They were just trailing the group. Adrenaline coursed through Feliciano's blood. His stride lengthened, his pace quickened and his slim legs ate up the distance between them.

"Ludwig!" he shouted. Ludwig immediately tensed. Ludwig came to a stop, as did Feliciano. Ludwig was smart, he knew Feliciano could outrun them and that it would be smarter to stop and save that energy for the fight that was inevitable to arise.

Ludwig slowly turned to face Feliciano, the man he had once though he loved. Pain was prominent and clear in his baby blue eyes. Feliciano smirked to see the look within them. He had longed to see them again. They stood there staring at each other for several minutes. All was still and quiet. Even the birds seemed to have fallen silent.

It was the lull before a fight and Ludwig knew it. He knew Feliciano wasn't going to go this far to give up inches away from what he wanted.

"Feliciano..." he said, a sigh escaping his lips. His eyes glanced down and stared at the ground for a moment before looking up at him. Their eyes met again and Feliciano was surprised by the emotion in his deep orbs. His blue eyes were filled with sadness and regret; something he had not thought he would have received from Ludwig. He thought he would have been blinded by fury. He thought he would have yelled, screamed, begged or pleaded at Feliciano. He had not expected him to sound so sad.

Feliciano felt a slight hesitation. He quickly shook it away. There was no room for hesitation here. That look was all a lie. "Miss me?" Feliciano purred, a smirk curling over his lips.

"Yes..." Ludwig murmured quietly, almost too quiet for Feliciano to hear, "I do miss you, the old Feliciano," Ludwig sighed quietly. He looked up and locked eyes with Feliciano, "The real Feliciano."

Feliciano sighed exasperatedly, "How many times do I have to tell you, this is the real Feliciano." he snapped as one might snap at a naughty kid.

Ludwig looked square into his eyes. Feliciano stared back silently. The German was getting gutsy. "Don't lie to me." he whispered.

Feliciano cocked an eyebrow, "You're accusing me of lying?" he asked curiously. He gazed at the ever serious German curiously. He was still surprised at the regret and remorse that was present in his blue eyes.

"You know what I mean." Ludwig simply stated.

Feliciano shook his head, "I don't. Would you care to explain ?" he asked with mock kindness. Ludwig sighed and glanced at Gilbert who was glancing at him concerned. Ludwig turned his attention back to Feliciano.

He sighed, "This isn't you. You may think it is Feliciano, but it's not. You're not..." Ludwig paused trying to think of how to word it carefully. He knew he was stepping on thin ice, but he had to cross that frozen lake to get on the other side.

"Don't you dare try to tell me who or what I am!" Feliciano snapped. "You know nothing about me!" Feliciano could feel his heart beat starting to increase. His blood began to boil in anger again, pulsing under his skin. Ludwig visibly backed off a little, even Gilbert looked surprised by his retaliation.

"Feli..." Ludwig said quietly. Felciano shook with anger. How dare Ludwig try to calm him down? He was the one who had caused him so much pain. He had been so cruel to him; he had yelled at him, scolded him, and ignored him. Ludwig didn't know anything about him, yet he thought he had the right to calm him down.

"No! Don't 'Feli' me! I'm not your 'Feli'; I'm not your Italy. You lost him years ago and you have no right to try and tell me otherwise!" Feliciano yelled at him. Ludwig's eyes filled with dread and fear for a moment. He knew he has made a huge mistake.

Gilbert took Ludwig's arm and whispered something to him that Feliciano could not hear. He frowned as Ludwig's eyes widened. The German whispered back urgently but Gilbert only smiled. He murmured something quietly and Ludwig was frozen.

"Tick tock, Ludwig." Feliciano groaned. "You know how impatient I am."

Ludwig let go of Gilbert's arm, his eyes sad. Gilbert smiled and darkness settled over his scarlet eyes as he turned to face Feliciano.

"Fight me." he stated simply. Feliciano cocked an eyebrow, looking over the Prussians injured leg. It would be an unfair fight and not even Feliciano wanted to do that.

"Che cosa ? You have to be kidding?" Feliciano asked. Gilbert shook his head and stood up a little straighter. He was proud and wouldn't back down from a fight, even with his current condition.

"Fight me! You're so ready for a fight; fight me!" Gilbert exclaimed. Feliciano glanced at Ludwig slowly backed away and started running through the trees. Feliciano let him go. His men would already be looping around to cut them off. He smirked and glanced at Gilbert. Sure, he was right. He was ready for a fight but the man was still a cripple.

"You're crippled." Feliciano stated matter of factly.

Gilbert just smirked at him, "And I can still beat you, even as a cripple." he smirked. Thunder rumbled in the distance though neither seemed to notice. Night had fallen up them and they hadn't noticed that. They could just see the outline of each other's bodies, silhouetted by the bright moon.

"You'll need a weapon." Feliciano stated. If he was going to fight him, he was going to do it right.

"You have plenty." Gilbert's gaze drifted down towards Feliciano's belt. Feliciano sighed and unhooked one of his swords. He tossed it at the Prussians feet and drew his own sword. He smirked as the moon light reflected off of the metallic surface.

Gilbert slowly bent down and picked up the sword. Skillfully, he held it in clenched fists. He was skilled with swords, Feliciano knew, but he was confident that he could beat the former knight.

Without a warning, Gilbert rushed towards him with more speed than Feliciano would have expected, given the Prussian's condition. Granted, his movements weren't swift or agile like Feliciano had heard about, but for the injuries he had, he was exceptionally quick. He understood why he had heard so many stories of Gilbert's days as a knight from Ludwig. Whether the German would admit it or not, he looked up to Gilbert and was proud to have him as an older brother.

Feliciano quickly blocked his advance and smirked, "I must say, you're a lot better than I thought you would be." he purred.

Gilbert pushed away from the block, stumbling back a few steps and almost stumbling over a branch. He smirked at Feliciano, his red eyes glistening mischievously. His pale hair and skin made him resemble a ghost by the way it was illuminated by the moon. It was as though Feliciano was fighting a phantom.

Gilbert charged at him again, skillfully not leaving any open spots in his stomach or chest. His sword moved with the speed of a jaguar, cutting through the air. It was as though Feliciano was fighting a lion. Gilbert striked, his claws forward toward Feliciano. The swords hissed as they clashed together. All was silent, albeit the clash of the swords and the heavy breathing of Gilbert.

It was no long before Gilbert began to tire. His leg was clearly bothering him. His movements became more and more sluggish and predictable. His leg restricted how far he could move, not wanting to move more than what was necessary.

Feliciano advanced more, knowing he could use his weakness to his advantage. He stepped closer and closer, using his sword quicker and quicker. Gilbert struggled to keep up. His red eyes narrowed in determination. He wasn't going to back down from a fight. He backed up to keep distance between him and Feliciano but his leg hindered him.

With a gasp, one found his mark on the other. Both men froze; one with a neutral expression, the others face twisted in shock and pain. They glanced down simultaneously at the same spot, both eyes widening in shock at the sight they found.

Felicianos sword had pierced through Gilberts stomach. Already, a dark stain was beginning to grow on the Prussian's shirt as his life's liquid flowed from the wound. His clenched hands released their grip and his sword clattered to the ground. Small drops of rain began to fall from the dark sky. Gilbert's red gaze lifted from his stomach to stare at Feliciano incredulously.

His knees gave way but an arm wrapped itself around his middle, avoiding the sword, before he could hit the ground. A muffled groan escaped Gilbert's pale lips as he leaned against Feliciano. He sagged against his body like a rag doll; his energy and strength seeping out with his blood.

"Y-You fight well..." Gilbert murmured quietly. A cough escaped his lips and he spit up a small dribble of blood onto his pale lips. He was shocked by how advanced the Italians skills were now and by the kindness he was showing him at the moment. Feliciano gently helped Gilbert lay down, being careful to not drop him on the ground. Gilbert looked up at him curiously, wondering why he was showing kindness to him, now of all times.

Gilbert grabbed Feliciano's hand as he went to stand up. His grip was surprisingly strong for a man with a sword in his stomach. He looked into the Italians brown eyes, "Feliciano...I know you're not as cruel as you think you are and Ludwig's not as heartless as you think he is." he weakly said. He took in several breaths to continue, "He still loves you. You might not think it, but he still does. Don't hurt him...please..."

Feliciano looked into Gilbert's red eyes, watching his facial expression as he spoke those words. He was surprised at the firmness in his eyes, despite the fact that his life was slowly ebbing away.

Feliciano tugged his hand from Gilbert's grasp. "If you keep the sword in, you might be able to see Ludwig one more time." he kept his voice leveled as to not give a hint to any of his soft feelings. He picked up the sword Gilbert had abandoned and returned it to its sheath.

He turned back towards the snowy haired man one last time. The pale moonlight made his hair appear to be that of a ghost. Pleading red eyes met deep brown eyes. Feliciano allowed a small smile to grace his features, "I am sorry," he murmured just loud enough for Gilbert to hear. Gilbert had annoyed him in the past but he hadn't done anything to deserve to die other than defend his brother, which Feliciano would have done for his brother if situations were reversed. He was sad to see him finally die; he had survived so much, "It was an honor to fight the Great Prussia."

"Feli..." Gilbert weakly called to him. Feliciano turned away from the dying ex-nation and walked through the trees. He walked at a calm pace. He would at least give Gilbert the opportunity to say good bye to his brother.

As he left Gilbert behind, he felt as though he left part of himself behind. He wasn't devastated by Gilbert's death, though he was oddly sad. Rather, he felt like he left a piece of his anger behind with him. He wasn't satisfied by Gilbert's death. He wasn't satisfied by killing like he thought he would. He hadn't killed anyone with his own hand yet. This was his first taste at blood and he was disappointed. He felt remorseful. He was second guessing himself. He didn't feel as strong or invincible as he thought he would.

He sighed and tried to leave that feeling behind with Gilbert as well. His plan was almost to an end and he would need all of his strength. He couldn't afford to chicken out now. With all he had caused, he could be killed. He would at least be punished for it; that was inevitable.

He still hadn't gotten his revenge yet. Ludwig was there. He couldn't stand how the German would look at him. He still acted like he was the old Feliciano he knew; he acted like he still had hope for Feliciano. Feliciano hated how he would second guess his motives because of Ludwig's fake kindness. There was no way he could still feel that way after what he had done. He was trying to trick him so he could use him once again.

Ludwig wouldn't be so kind to him once he found out about Gilbert. Undoubtedly, he would be furious. He would be devastated. He would hunger for Feliciano's blood to avenge his brother's death. Feliciano frowned at the thought of the Prussian lying on the field. He hoped that someone had found him already. He still knew Ludwig and he knew the German would never leave his brother behind.

Feliciano could wait to ambush him but he wanted to give Gilbert peace with his brother before he passed on. He owed the Prussian that much. He hadn't really meant for the Prussian to die. He had no reason to kill him like the others. Almost everyone else had given him a reason to kill him. Poor Gilbert had been loyal to his brother and had only gotten in Feliciano's way.

Feliciano shook his head to clear his mind. Thoughts like this weren't going to help him complete his task. He would need to stay focused and remember what they had done to him. Gilbert was dying, but it would cause pain to Ludwig. Ludwig would have no one else. Kiku was dead, Feliciano had turned against him, and Gilbert would soon be gone.

Ludwig would have no one in the world for him; no one to keep him from breaking down. Feliciano had destroyed Ludwig without even laying a hand on him since he escaped his base. Ludwig would be vulnerable. He would be too blinded by his anger to think clearly. Feliciano had him on his knees where he wanted him.

Now was the opportune moment to strike.