Playing the Fool

Chapter 11

London had been examining the blade for the past few hours, occasionally taking a break to take brief looks at the chemical balance of the poison sample America had brought. Until finally he looked up at the waiting countries, removing his glasses again the capital said.

"Well the first thing I can tell you about the blade is that it is a very rare artifact, one of only seven in the whole world. Which could be helpful in tracking down your culprit."

America was skeptical, and raised an eyebrow.

"How would that be helpful? There's no way I could ever track down the six others, besides that doesn't give a single hint about where it came from."

London only laughed, lifting the blade he showed them the two letters carved into the very base of the blade. C.K.

"Very simple, you see I made this many years ago. And unless I gave these very special gifts to gave them away, you can check with them and which ever one doesn't have the blade is your killer... possibly. Can't rule out the possibility of the dagger being stolen to frame some else." 

Twirling the blade expertly in his hand, London ponder something for a little while. Before setting the blade down again, and saying with a very serious tone. 

"As for the poison sample you brought, it's one I haven't seen used in a very long time. It comes from a plant that was destroyed by a small party I lead to prevent it's use again, you must have seen the results of it's effects on the body. It is not a pretty sight, how on earth the amount needed to make this potent of a drug still could have existed is beyond me."

"Does it have a cure though?"

America urged. London exhaled heavily from his nose, running a hand through his slicked back hair saying.

"Possibly... possibly. But I can't make it with out a pure sample of the plant, and like I mentioned before it should have all been destroyed long ago... possibly I could get a big enough sample from the blade itself, but it's only a slim possibility. The only other person I know who could perhaps make this, would be an old friend of mine. Beijing, other wise known as Jing (Pure or Capital). He's a master of medicine and taught me a long time ago about several eastern fighting styles. He's also one of the seven blade holders, so that's two birds with one stone."

Standing up the teen rubbed his chin, before picking up the blade again and staring at the dried blood. Looking slightly conflicted a moment, before putting it back down again.

"Anyway, I'll work on that cure. You two should probably get ready to take a few flights, I'll write down the owners of the other six blades while your doing that... I have just have a few phone calls to make first..."

London muttered the last part under his breath, walking away and upstairs like he was in a trance. America glanced over at England for an explanation, who only waved it off.

"London can be a little eccentric at times so don't mind him too much, we have a lead now at the very least. We may have to call another world meeting to explain the situation in case the others start wondering whats going on... if possible we could make this search rather quick if the other capitals are there as well..."

England suggested carefully, keeping a eye on Americas expression. Torn, America knew that what England had suggested would be easier then visiting each capital one by one. Especially if what London said had been true and most Capital's didn't live with their country, which would mean having to track each one down with out more then a name to go on. Still, he felt no real need to ever return to the world meetings ever again... but if it meant D.C. would have a fighting chance to survive then.

"Let's do it."

(To be continued...)