lost ~completed~

chapter 35

Arthur had envisioned the final fight so many times, praying that it would come so this whole ordeal could just stop. However, of all the versions he had envisioned, he would have never guessed it would come to end like this.

Feliciano gave the order to fight, and he and his allies sprang forward, eager to fight for what they thought was revenge for their 'terrible' treatment. Each person on the other side had their own target in mind. Unfortunately, Arthur was targeted by not one, but two people. Peter and Matthew ran towards him. Arthur was not afraid. It was their last stand. This could make or break them. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he drew his sword from his sheath.

The rest of the world seemed to fade away. Everyone else disappeared except for Matthew and Peter, two of his closest family members. With Alfred dead, and Francis kidnapped, he was alone. But he knew he could get Francis back if he was ok, that is. He didn't want to think about anything bad happening to his Francis. He was all he had now, he needed Francis. Francis had been there for him when he needed someone. He had been there for him when he was all alone. He wanted to be there for Francis in return. He wanted to free the Frenchman who had filled the whole in his heart.

However, Matthew and Peter outnumbered Arthur two to one. There was no way that Arthur would win. They had improved their skills in the short amount of time they had been with Feliciano. Arthur frowned and welded his sword in preparation for the fight. Suddenly, a blur dashed in to Arthur's side, blocking Matthew's sword before it would strike Arthur. Arthur blinked in surprise, blocking Peter's sword.

Whipping his head to the side, his eyes widened as he saw Antonio who had come to his assistance, "Antonio!" he exclaimed in shock.

Antonio smiled at the Briton, "Need some help, amigo ?" he asked, shoving Matthew back. Arthur smirked and pushed Peter back. Arthur smiled at him and focused on his fight with Peter.

Peter scowled at him, "Hey! That's not fair!" he exclaimed. Arthur frowned at him and shook his head.

"Peter, just stop this. You don't have to fight if you stop. The bad guys never win, and I don't want to see you get hurt." he frowned. He defended himself from another attack from Peter. He was surprised by the strength that the young boy welded. He didn't know someone his side could possess such strength.

"Never!" Peter scowled at him, "I'm happy here! I have someone who cares for me, who acknowledges me as a country!" he exclaimed, his eyes darkening with passion and anger, "Something you never did! Why would I go back to that when I have all I ever wanted here! You're just afraid that you'll lose! Face it! You've lost a majority on your team!"

Arthur could not help but wince at his words. It was true. They had lost so many team mates. Alfred, Ivan, Kiku, and now Gilbert. Not to mention how Francis was kidnapped. He couldn't deny that they were at a disadvantage and that they were underdogs.

Peter smirked, seeing how his words affected the older man. He aimed another attack, forcing the Brit to back up several steps. Arthur frowned. He couldn't let himself be beaten back by a boy half his size. He advanced forward, taking aim with the skill and swiftness of a pirate. His pirate days seem to rush forth, and as it did, so did his sword.

Peter struggle to keep his ground but he was forced to back up, or to receive several slashes to his arms. The boy whimpered in pain as the knife created a cut along his forearm. The boy might be strong physically, but he was still a boy and handled pain as a young boy would.

A smile graced Arthur's features for the first time in a while. He knew this could work in their favor. While the enemy had gotten stronger, they all had an Achilles heel. The key to defeating them was finding it. Peters Achilles heel may not be his heel, or his handle of pain, but there had to be something bigger.