AN: I'm sorry that I haven't updated this in a year. I no longer have a computer and I don't have the money to buy one of my own. I am borrowing one when ever I can and I plan to continue this, and all of my stories, when I can. So don't worry. I'm not just going to end it. I will finish this no matter what.

Doing this chapter I had two ways I wanted it to play out. Both of them were really different but they both had so much potential at the same time. So I flipped a coin. Heads won so I'll go with that first. I'll figure out a way to use Tails later, I'm sure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Alfred's face paled as he stared at England's cold expression. "Arthur..," His voice was careful and guarded. "Where's Ludwig?"

"Russia should have him by now," England pulled out a silver pocket watch and glanced at the time. "A bit behind schedule, though. I thought for sure you would move faster than that. Perhaps for once you were trying to be careful," Alfred quickly turned to run out of the cell but the door quickly sealed shut. "I guess being careful didn't do you any good."

"What did you do with Ludwig?!" Alfred shouted as he got into a defensive stance. If he couldn't run, he will have to fight.

"I did nothing nor do I care what Ivan does with him. What you should be worried about is what I will do to you." England smiled and slipped his watch back in his pocket. Alfred's face paled as flashes of memories returned to him.

"Arthur, let me go. I don't want to hurt you." Alfred could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

England laughed. "Hurt me? You and I both know that you are barely a nation. You are no longer the superpower you once were so stop acting like you have the upper hand." The room shook slightly as panels on the floor opened. Four long mechanical arms stretched out from the floor. The geometric designs that were engraved on the metal pulsed with blue energy. They slowly turned towards Alfred and opened their claws, ready to strike.

Alfred gritted his teeth and glared at the machines. England recognized the look of determination on Alfred's face and sighed. "Alfred, be a good boy and give up. I would go easier on you if you behaved."

"Well," Alfred smiled bitterly. "I've never been good at behaving myself. I'm sure you remember that."

England nodded. "Yes. I remember" At that moment the arms lunged forward. They swiped at Alfred's limbs but he quickly jumped out of the way. He only has a small window before the arms located him and once again attacked. The mechanical arms had many joints and were flexible making it easier to adjust to the targets movements.

As Alfred continued to dance out of the arms' grip he tried desperately to find an exit. Nothing. The door was the only way out. He heard a warm chuckle coming from the center of the room. "This reminds me of some of the exercises we went through during World War II. Do you remember? We had to make our way across the mock battle ground to find the target... We were a team... back then." England smiled gently at the memory and Alfred's felt ill.

"Yeah," Alfred hissed. "You weren't a psychopath back then."

England's eyes narrowed into a glare. "I'll remember to teach you some manners when we get home. Once I'm done you will be a good little colony again." Alfred opened his mouth to insult England once more but was interrupted when the arms struck again. As he danced out of the way he noticed that the attacks were getting faster.

"I had these arms made to retain nations. I toned down the settings so that they are not as violent with you but maybe I made it to easy." England watched at Alfred danced around the room to avoid the attacks. His green eyes filled with irritation and something else. The gaze sent shivers down Alfred's spine. "I said that I don't care what Ivan does with Ludwig but... maybe I should make sure he kills him in the end. Then I would have to worry about you running off with him again." England gave a satisfied grin at the thought.

Alfred stopped in his tracks. His blue eyes filled with rage. "Don't you dare! I will kill you!" One of the arms saw its window and grabbed Alfred's left arm. He flinched in pain as it tightened his grip. Soon after the other arms followed suit. Each grabbing an limb and making sure to grip it tightly."

"Oh? I hardly think you could," England raised an eyebrow. "You always had an issue keeping up with your threats when it came to our little fights," Alfred felt his heart pound violently in his chest as he glared at England. England met his gaze but then sighed. "Alfred, I'm doing what's best for you. Just calm down and let me take care of you." He calmly walked over to where the arms now have Alfred trapped.

Alfred suddenly felt a sting in his arms and legs as a small needle penetrated his skin. Quickly the sting turned into a burning sensation as a potent drug seeped into his blood stream. It took effect almost immediately.

He dropped his blurry gaze and stared quietly at the floor. Deprived of energy, he didn't even bother to look up when England's boots came into view. "Alfred," England called softly. "You don't need to be a nation. I will take care of you and be your strength. You don't have to fight anymore. I promise to take good care of you."

-o-

Ludwig growled as he glared up at Russia and South. "You traitor!" He shouted. Russia sighed and delivered a swift kick to Ludwig's jaw.

"You thought that you could escape, Ludwig? It hurts that you would underestimate me." Russia's cold smile chilled the room. South took one careful step away from Russia as the temperature dropped. "Still... I'm more surprised that America is still alive. He has always been annoyingly sturdy."

"Where is Alfred?" Ludwig asked ignoring the throbbing pain in his jaw.

"Mmm... Probably with England by now and most likely captured. He's and idiot to think that a weakling like him can go up against nations... it's truly sad," Behind the amusement in Russia's voice was another emotion but he quickly pushed it down and tilted his head. "You should be more concerned about yourself."

Ludwig struggled to stand up and with some effort he managed to stumble to his feet. "What did you gain from this, South? Here I thought you and Alfred made amends."

South sneered. "As if I would be satisfied following Alfred around. It was a struggle to even get to mars and when I did I ran around through abandoned bases scavenging to stay alive. I managed to convince some anti-England wanderers to help me. But without land, without people to believe in me as a nation, I'm just a person. Just like Alfred is now, but I wont be like Alfred. I'm better than he is. With the deal I've made I'll be set up as a nation. I'll have land and can start my own country... and if America around, all the better."

"Ludwig," Russia pulled his pipe out from underneath his jacket. "It would be easier if you behaved and came with us... though the idea of being able to bash in your stoic face makes me prefer that you didn't." He giggled at the thought.

Ludwig narrowed his eyes. "Do not worry. You wont be disappointed." Without warning he charged forward and delivered a calculated punch to South's chest. The punch caught South off guard and the impact sent him flying backwards. He groaned as his back slammed into the wall behind him. Ludwig duck right after his punch. Just in time to dodge Russia's pipe. The pipe just barely brushed Ludwig's hair as it flew over his head but when he saw Russia shift his weight he knew he wouldn't dodge the next attack.

He lifted his arms to defend his head against Russia's kick, but Ludwig felt his legs give in to the power of the attack. After his feet left the floor he flipped twice but adjusted himself from the landing. He slid to a stop facing Russia. His arms stung but his head was fine. If he wasn't a nation that kick would have surely killed him.

"This brings back memories, Ludwig. I'm sure you will make it just as fun as you did back then." Russia grinned. His eyes showed pleasure at the idea of being able to fight again. Ludwig glanced around at his surroundings. South was out cold. Without his nation status it will take him a while to heal from Ludwig's punch. There were three exits. The one South and him came through, a second exit at the other side of the room behind Russia, and a double door to his right. Besides a few cabinets the room was bare.

"Looking for a weapon," Russia shrugged. "Sadly the room I picked is quite empty."

Ludwig gritted his teeth then took a deep calming breath. Russia is the stronger nation but his priority isn't to win but to escape. He has to find Alfred. He took a fighting stance and eyed up his opponent. While he calculated all of his options, Russia tapped his pipe against his leg, calmly waiting.

"As usual you are a cautious man. It makes me wonder why Alfred ever loved you. You two are both very different. By now Alfred would be charging at me, screaming some idiotic nonsense like how he will save the day and be a hero." Russia chuckled at the thought.

"Don't speak about Alfred like as if you are his friend." Ludwig hissed. Suddenly a thought crossed his mind. He had plan.

Russia's eyes became more cold than amused. "Your remarks are starting to get on my nerves. Maybe I should cut out your tongue. I'm sure England wouldn't mind."

Ludwig ignored the threat and charged toward Russia. Russia narrowed his eyes and firmly gripped his pipe. As soon as Ludwig came within range he swung his pipe again. Ludwig ducked slightly and grabbed Russia's wrist. He could feel the immense power and anger behind Russia's swing. He didn't seem to be in the mood to play his games.

Russia growled and tried to punch Ludwig's face with his other hand but Ludwig saw this coming. Over the years Russia has become quite arrogant and didn't feel the need to defend against 'lesser' Nations. He has never been the type to choose defense over offense.

Ludwig smirked as he leaped towards Russia's face. His knee collided with Russia's stomach and with his free hand Ludwig grabbed Russia's tightly wrapped scarf. He yanked the scarf over Russia's head and once one of his feet landed he switched momentum and spun around him. Blinded by the scarf Russia's reaction was delayed and Ludwig slipped past him and ran towards the door.

Russia's heart beat with rage when he heard the door open and close. He quickly freed himself from his scarf and with heavy steps he stomped quickly over towards the door but the door wouldn't open. The door controls have been disabled from the other side.

Ludwig smiled to himself as he ran down the hall. "Alfred always said that capes are hazardous. I wonder if he should apply scarves to that rule..." His glee was short lived when he heard a loud crash. Russia broke down the door. He picked up the pace as he heard Russia stomping down the hall. Ludwig started to sprint around corners in hopes to throw him off the trail.

"Germany!" Ludwig turned towards the voice and saw a man standing at the end off the hall. He vaguely recognized the man.

"Adam?" Ludwig looked at him with relief.

"Yes. I've been looking for you. Where's Alfred? You two are behind schedule." Adam looked at Ludwig with a worried look.

Ludwig shook his head. "South's a traitor and England has Alfred. We need to find him."

"Damn," Adam cursed. "We should have never trusted him! Come one. Alfred was heading to the cell block to get you. When you two didn't arrive at the exit bay we hacked the cameras to find you."

"Did you see Alfred on the cameras?"

Adam shook his head. "No. We couldn't access the cell cameras but I know which one we thought you were being held in." A second crash echoed through the halls.

Ludwig glanced down the hall then back at Adam. "Russia is coming. He's not happy with my escape."

Adam quickly started off at a run. "Lets hurry then. You probably could survive but I'm dead if he finds me." Ludwig nodded and followed Adam. As they ran down the halls they saw no one but heard the fading echos of Russia's footsteps. Which gave them some peace of mind but didn't ease their worries.

"The cell is right up here. Let's hope Alfred is still there." Adam said. When they rounded the corner Ludwig's heart stopped. England was standing outside the cell door while some of his soldiers carried Alfred off on a stretcher.

"ENGLAND!" Ludwig shouted. England stopped and looked towards Ludwig with wide eyes.

He glared at Ludwig and gritted his teeth. "Germany... Where's Russia?" Ludwig didn't answer but charged towards England with his icy blue eyes full of rage. Suddenly a door closed between the two nations blocking Ludwig's attack.

England sighed from the other side. "Sorry, Germany. But I have more Important things to do. I'll leave killing you to Russia."

Ludwig pounded his fists on the door. "ENGLAND! YOU COWARD!" From the hall they came from Adam and Ludwig could hear soldiers shouting in Russian.

Adam glared in the direction of the voices. "Germany, Ludwig, I understand your anger. But if we don't escape we will never be able to rescue Alfred." Ludwig froze in thought for a brief second before nodding.

"You are right, Adam. But Alfred... he can't stand with that man." Ludwig stared coldly at the door.

Adam nodded. "I know, I know, But it's Alfred. I'm sure he wont break so easily." Although Adam was trying to comfort him Ludwig didn't feel reassured. Still, he nodded and they both ran towards the emergency exit bay, knocking down any soldiers they came across.

When they reached the ship that was waiting for them Washington gave Adam a confused look. "Where's Alfred?" He asked.

"Captured." Adam panted as he jumped onto the ship.

"WHAT?! You didn't go back for him? What about South?" Washington questioned as Ludwig got on the ship behind Adam.

Ludwig looked back at the hanger as the hatch to the ship closed. "We tried... but England got in the way. South betrayed us." Washington eye's widened in disbelief.

"We don't have time for this. At least we got Ludwig. Alfred would be pissed if we didn't get him out safely." Adam forced a smile and sat down in the co pilot seat. Washington joined them and they quickly flew out of range of the ship. They flew in silence as they all thought about what had happened.

Once they were safely in Mars's atmosphere Adam sighed. "What now?" He asked his silent comrades.

Ludwig was the first to break the silence. "We get organized and prepare to crush England under our heels," He hissed. Ludwig's eyes showed with determination and natural authority. "We will win this war and the world will know what kind of person England is." Although they never planned to follow Ludwig the crew, including Adam and Washington, felt strangely reassured and empowered by Ludwig.

Adam nodded and smiled with renewed energy. "I like that plan."

Washington agreed. "Yes, but what's the first step? So far it just feels like we haven't been making much progress and with the lose of Alfred it will defiantly set us back."

Ludwig thought for a second before nodding. "Alfred couldn't call for help because of what happened on Earth, but I still have people I can rely on. I'll explain more when we land and make a few calls." Ludwig stared out at the sky and frowned. 'I'm sure they will answer' He thought to himself as they flew on wards towards the base. Leaving the ball behind them.