M

MA jumped as he felt someone touch his wings, which made him completely miss the target and hit the ground behind it. He thought it was Wehr and was going to shout at him for messing him up, but when he glared behind his back, it was Bundeswehr who had touched his wings. 

 "Oh, Brundswehr, funny seeing you here, we where just talking about you." MA said, he set down his rifle and turned to the entity. MA was going to exchange greetings but noticed that Bundie seemed stressed.

"Is everything alright?" he asked concerned.

L

"Tut...mir leid," Bundeswehr managed to say. He hastily straightened himself, saluted, and blurted, "Sir! It's Germany and Mandara!" He scanned the shooting range for Wehrmacht, spotting him by the stall. "We need you both back at the estate. It's - he's - " 

 "Quit stammering," Wehrmacht snapped. "You have to maintain your composure even under the most stress. So spit the words out like you're giving orders!" 

 "EU arrived early!" Bundeswehr blurted. "He's waiting at the estate as we speak!"

M

MA's eyes widened as Bundeswehr spoke, at first he thought something bad happened when he mentioned Mandara, but let out a quiet breath of relief when that was not the case.

"Alright, thank you soldier," he said to Bundie, he grabbed his gun from the counter, holstered it, then turned to Wehr, "Come on, we'll get there faster if we fly." 

With that he rushed out of the range and took off into the sky towards the estate, thinking that Wehr was following him.

L

Wehrmacht's face looked stricken when he heard Bundeswehr's announcement. He snapped into action when MA started flying. 

 "Bundie, take care of Iremacht, make sure he gets home," Wehrmacht ordered, spreading his wings to follow MA. 

 "I'm going with you!" Iremacht shouted. "I'll help you sock EU in the face - " 

 "Absolutely not," said Wehrmacht, glaring at his son. "You will go home and you will stay home. Bundie, watch him." 

Then Wehrmacht flew after MA, not caring if anyone saw him in the skies. They would only report him to EU anyway, and that was exactly who they were going to meet. He just hoped it would be a better encounter than the last time.

M

MA's mind was racing with questions, why was EU here early, when did he get there, was he treating Mandara ok? MA looked back to make sure Wehr was following him, which he was, so he just focused on getting to the estate. Once there, MA waited for Wehr to catch up before going inside, straightening up his uniform and putting his eye patch back on, which he forgot still had a feint paint stain on it. When he finished making himself look presentable, he continued to politely wait for Wehrmacht so they could go in together.

L

"Steady, soldier," Wehrmacht murmured to himself as he landed next to MA. His wings jittered even as he folded them. Then he cleared his throat and tilted his head at MA. "Let's go." 

Meanwhile, in the estate's conference room, EU was waiting with his hands folded atop the table, his posh dark blue suit gleaming under the chandelier's lighting. A halo of gold stars spun slowly above his head, an animated replica of the circle of gold stars on his face. He kept checking his watch with an annoyed expression.Germany was also checking his watch, although he had a more nervous attitude. He glanced Mandara, wondering what his guest was thinking as they waited for their militant counterparts to arrive.

M

Mandara was very nervous about this meeting, but not because he thought it wouldn't go well, he was worried about MA. MA really didn't like EU and it was common for the two to start fighting whenever they met, which Mandara was hoping could be avoided, though he had his doubts. As the three continued to wait, Mandara suddenly felt his feathers vibrate as he was fiddling with them. 

He sat up straight in response, "They're here, I just felt Thunder's wing near by." he said to the others.

L

EU looked up from his watch and adjusted his golden tie, giving Mandara a hard look. "About time." 

 Germany wanted to point out that EU had been the one to arrive early and shouldn't expect them to be ready for his surprise visit. But he held his tongue; his country's economy was tied to this man and he couldn't jeopardize that. An uneasy smile appeared on his face when the conference room door opened and Wehrmacht stepped inside, making room for MA as well. 

M

MA immediately glared at EU when he walked in, he hated the guy's guts and always made sure to show it whenever they meet. "Sorry we're late, we were told that Mr. Conceded was coming tomorrow." 

 Mandara breathed in sharply when MA insulted EU, "Thunder no! I know that you don't like EU, but please try to behave yourself this time."

MA raised a brow but reluctantly agreed and went to stand by his brother, rubbing his wing with Wehr's on the way.

L

"I beg your pardon," EU hissed. "I'd thought such a knightly family as yours would know the meaning of respect." He smiled smugly when MA went to stand beside Mandara after the brief scolding. 

 Wehrmacht felt gratitude when MA brushed his wing against his. That gratitude dissipated, however, when EU turned his blackened, gold-pupiled eyes on him. 

 "And you..." EU's voice sent a shudder up Wehrmacht's spine. The German slowly took his position next to Germany, hands behind his back and eyes slightly lowered. 

 "I do hope he's behaving?" EU asked Germany. "I'm looking forward to the day Bundeswehr is promoted. When exactly will that be?"

M

MA was staring daggers at EU, all he craved was to beat the crap out of him and knock him down a peg, especially after the way he has been apparently treating Wehrmacht. Mandara sensed his anger and tried to calm him down by brushing his hand over his wing, only to be met with MA flicking his wing away and softly growling at his brother, telling him that he didn't want to calm down. Mandara sighed in defeat and just turned back to EU and the Germans.

L

Germany glanced at Wehrmacht, wondering if his uncle would respond. The frozen blank expression on the militant's face told him no. 

 "Give it some time," Germany reasoned with EU. "Training up a new militant is hard work. You will get a worthy General out of Bundeswehr, I assure you, and I will let you know when he is ready to lead MY army." Germany put an emphasis on the word, indicating it was his problem to deal with and none of EU's business. "Now, let's talk about the trade deal." 

Germany nodded at Mandara, noting the country looked a bit agitated. Germany glanced uncertainly at MA, wondering what was going on between the two brothers. 

M

Mandara nodded back to Germany and gave MA one more 'behave yourself' glare before they started, to which MA glared back. MA was very antsy through out the meeting, it was just like the meeting they had with the Germans the first time they were in the conference room, but instead of being hostile to Wehrmacht, MA was constantly glaring at EU, which was apparently the only thing he was allowed to do to the entity.

L

"This is a thoroughly drawn up deal," said EU as he read the contents of the trade contract that had been laid out on the table. "I expected nothing less from Germany and the royal Mandara. I'd like to make a proposal of my own, if I may." 

EU stared inquisitively at Mandara, his golden eyes flashing with eager anticipation. "You are one of the few countries in Europe who have not joined my wonderful organization. We could give you many more benefits than the ones already listed in this contract." 

 Germany nodded along; that wasn't such a bad idea. He could form closer ties with Mandara that way too. He glanced at his guest to see what the answer would be.

M

Mandara's eyes widened at EU's proposal, he had completely forgotten to tell anyone that he had joined the United Nations a few years ago. He opened his mouth to answer, but MA beat him to it.

"Oh, did Trigger not tell you?" he said mockingly, "UN beat you to the punch a few years ago and we happily accepted. Interesting that you think we would even think about joining you though, considering we try to shy away from power-hungry tyrants such as yourself." 

"THUNDER!!!" Mandara yelled angrily, "I thought I told you to behave!" 

 MA ignored him, eagerly awaiting EU's reaction.

L

EU's eyes twitched at the insults MA threw his way. His face was stony as Mandara shouted at his brother, although the halo of stars above his head turned a little faster than before. 

 "If it's politics you want to play, then so be it," EU stated after a moment's silence. "United Nations and I are friends. Hence, joining him does not bar you from joining me." He narrowed his eyes at Mandara. "I hope you will do better, as a country, to control your militant. And you as well." EU glanced at Germany, who gulped. "It should be Bundeswehr at this meeting, not that Nazi."

M

"Hey, you watch your mouth EU!" MA shouted, his eye glowing brightly, "Just because you are a full-time entity, doesn't mean you get to tell countries how they 'control' there entities, and you especially have no right to call Wehrmacht a Nazi, considering you wouldn't even be here if WWII didn't happen, you basically owe him your whole career!" 

 "Thunder stop it, please!" Mandara said, he stood up and grabbed his brother's arm, he could tell that MA was ready to pounce at the drop of a hat. "Thunder please calm down, your making things worse." Mandara pleaded, but the anger in MA's eye told him that there was no use reasoning with him.

L

"I owe NOTHING to him!" EU said, his voice raised and angry veins popping up along his neck. He pointed at Wehrmacht, making the German flinch. "He isn't even supposed to be here. His presence alone is a threat to Germany and, might I add, a threat to all of Europe! As the full-time entity in charge of this region, I cannot tolerate rogue militants whose entity lines should have been severed long ago and left to wither away like their blasted ideology!" 

 "But Wehrmacht renounced that a long time ago!" Germany protested. "I too renounced it and we're both paying for our past. If it's Bundeswehr you want, it's Bundeswehr you'll get and I'll have Wehrmacht officially retire. But I won't severe his entity line. He's my uncle!" 

 "And Third Reich was your father!" EU spat back. 

 The European heaved a deep, exasperated breath to calm himself. He looked back at Mandara, purposefully ignoring MA, and said, "My inquiry does not concern any militant entites, however. I assure you, joining the EU will bring many more benefits to this trade deal. Please consider the offer - " EU tilted his head in MA's direction " - absent of any other influence."

M

"No EU, I never leave my brother and you know it!" MA shouted, ignoring the fact that he did just that earlier.

Mandara gripped harder on his arm, "EU is right Thunder, you should go and take a breather." 

MA yanked his arm out of his brother's hold and glared at him, "Seriously, your taking his side, after everything we've been through together, your choosing him over me!" 

"No, I'm not choosing anyone, I just think it would be better if you go take a break." Mandara said defensively, but MA had completely lost control at that poin.

"Oh yeah, well maybe you wouldn't be saying that if I left you in that cell!" 

 That was the last straw for Mandara, he knew MA didn't mean that, but he went too far. 

"DEROGAN, YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR!!!!" he shouted, shoving his brother into the wall, that shocked MA, Mandara had never been physical with him before.

"T-Trigger I-"

"No Derogan, I have lost my patience for you at this point. Out, and don't come back till the meeting is over." Mandara ordered, pointing to the conference door. 

 MA sheepishly obeyed and left, softly closing the door behind him. Once he was sure MA was gone, Mandara marched back to his chair, sat down, and promptly face planted onto the table, letting out a long angered sigh.

L

EU allowed a briefly smug smile to grace his lips as MA walked out. Once the door was closed, he gave Germany an expectant look.Germany sighed and murmured, without looking at Wehrmacht, "Uncle..." 

Wehrmacht got the hint. He saluted and headed out of the room. Before he could leave, EU called after him. The German stood still by the door but did not turn around. 

 "I want Bundeswehr present," said EU. "Consider it part of his training." 

 With an imperceptible nod of his head, Wehrmacht departed. He chose a general direction down the hall, his mind fuzzled. He almost didn't notice MA outside.

M

MA was beyond pissed, he was mad at EU, mad at Mandara, mad at himself for what he said to Mandara. He when outside the estate, not wanting to be in the same building as EU. MA looked around the property, he needed to vent his anger, but he didn't want to break anything or hurt anyone, so he started taking his anger out on a nearby tree. He didn't hold himself back as he punched and kicked the tree, so hard that he was knocking leaves off of it. Unfortunately, he ended up punching the tree so hard that he felt something pop in his wrist. MA let out a yelp of pain, then started cussing at the tree as he tightly held his wrist.

L

Back at Wehrmacht's house, Bundeswehr was wrestling Iremacht and shouting, "I cannot let you break loose and sneak to the estate! Your father told you to stay here!" 

 "So what!" Iremacht elbowed Bundeswehr in the face. "You're the militant-in-training. I know you also want to go!" 

 Bundeswehr rubbed his face, but maintained his grip on Iremacht's arm. "I do but I also know how to follow orders! You CANNOT go." 

 Iremacht headbutted Bundeswehr. The militant apprentice reeled back, clutching his dizzied head and giving Iremacht the opportunity to burst out the door of his house. He was across the street before Bundeswehr could yell, "Stop!"

Back at Germany's estate, Wehrmacht heard a sharp sound of pain outside. He decided to stop his wandering, straightened himself, and went out to the front courtyard to see what was going on. He spotted MA swearing at a tree and flicked his wings. After that argument between him and Mandara, Wehrmacht noted MA must be as frustrated as he was.

M

MA was so focused at yelling at the tree that he didn't notice that Wehr was there, he just kept swearing until he couldn't think of anything else to say, eventually giving up and spit at it for good measure. When he was done with his temper tantrum, he inspected his wrist to see how bad the damage was, and although it didn't appear broken, it hurt to move his fingers, so he deduced that he sprained it. He turned around to head back inside to treat he wound, only to spot Wehrmacht standing there watching him. 

"Oh, they kick you out too." MA guessed, "guess today just isn't our lucky day." He then winced as the pain in his wrist got worse.

L

"I've been having a good amount of unlucky days," Wehrmacht sighed. "I have to go find Bundeswehr to replace me." 

Then he noted how MA held his injured wrist. "Hurt yourself? It's usually a bad idea to pick fights with trees...unless you have a tank. We should get you patched up." 

 Wehrmacht tilted his head towards the door, inviting MA to come back inside. There was a small infirmary within Germany's estate that was sure to have some casts for them to use.

M

MA scoffed at Wehr's joke, "Yeah, well I will definitely have to consider bringing one next time so I can blow EU's brains out." 

 He followed Wehr back inside, he didn't usually like it when someone tried to take care of him, since that honor was reserved for Mandara, but after what happened in that conference room, he was willing to let go of his pride for the time being. As they walked, MA started thinking about the last thing he said to Mandara, 'Oh yeah, well maybe you wouldn't be saying that if I left you in that cell.' the words echoed in his head like a broken record.

"Wehrmacht," he said in dismay, "what do you do when you say something so awful, that simply saying sorry can't take it back?"

L

Wehrmacht thought about it as they reached the infirmary room. Inside, there was a bed for patients plus drawers of bandages, medicine, and other medical utensils. 

 "You act on it," he finally stated, rummaging for a wrist cast. "Show rather than say you're sorry. That's what I did when I renounced my affiliation with the Nazi party...and my family." 

 He found a cast that looked like it would fit MA and motioned for the militant to sit.

M

MA looked at the bed, he was a little hesitant since he wasn't used to being in this situation, but he did as told and sat down, holding out his hand for Wehr. As Wehr was putting the cast on, MA tried his best to keep from wincing, it had been a good while since he hurt himself last and it seemed to hurt more than it should have. Eventually, he was able to calm himself down as Wehr finished up.

L

"Easy there, soldier," Wehrmacht murmured. He stepped back once he was done. "Looks like that might stay on longer than usual. If you're still angry, I can let you chop down that tree as revenge." 

 He looked up at the clock on the wall. It was already late afternoon. 

Despite the time however, in the conference room, EU was still persuading Mandara to join his organization. He held out his hand to the country, as if expecting him to shake it and seal the deal to become part of the European Union.

M

"I just don't know EU" Mandara said, "I admit there are a lot of benefits, but I just feel like your organization would tamper with our affiliations with non EU countries, not to mention you have a tendency to intrude on the economics of your countries." 

 That wasn't the only reason he was hesitant about joining EU, there was also MA to think about. "And I know you said this doesn't concern militants, but I simply can't make this big a decision with out Thunder, and you and me both know he would never accept."

L

EU's raised his eyebrows at being accused of intruding on other countries' businesses. He chose not to argue however, and simply replied, "That is unfortunate. But I will respect your decision, Mandara, though I do hope we can continue this discussion under better circumstances. Germany, you have my approval to go forth with this trade deal." 

The entity rose from his seat and shook hands with Germany. 

When he reached out his hand to Mandara, he added, "I will not tell you how to run your country, your highness, so take this as a piece of advise: try to maintain a bit more...independence...from your military."