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Post by Deutschland on Nov 24, 2010 19:58:10 GMT -8
Ludwig was having a nightmare.
It was a nightmare that he had many times before. He could see himself trapped; locked away in chains unable to move. Unable to close his eyes. He would watch in horror as people he felt he had loved once before were taken away. He never saw the faces, but he could feel absolute anguish when they looked at him. He would cry out; only to realize he no longer had a voice as these people slowly dissolved in front of him; their ashes blowing away in the wind...
He awoke with a gasp. He took several long breaths, trying to calm down. Out of any nightmares he had (and he had many) it was that particular dream that disturbed him the most. Although he could not explain why.
However, these thoughts were pointless when he realized that he was alone in the dark. And that didn't know where he was.
Ludwig was in the middle of a...park or something. He was sitting on a cold bench, facing a rather large pond. But what he discovered later was much worse.
Ludwig could feel a warm, wet liquid flow down his right temple.Curious, he rubbed his temple, only to discover that he was bleeding. In copious amounts. It was only then did his head start to throb in pain. "Scheiße!" Ludwig yelled as he tried desperately to stop the flow with his hand. Panicking, he looked around, trying to find any recognizable features of the park. There were none.
Where the hell am I? What happened?
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Post by Liechtenstein on Dec 22, 2010 22:01:12 GMT -8
Lily checked her watch for had to be the tenth time in the last minute. Worrying her lower lip she debated her options. She could either continue walking along the busy streets back to the ship, which would probably take a long while. Or she could cut through the park like she had earlier in the day when she first left to shop for more medicine and bandages. Either way, she'd be late for dinner at this rate; and she had only said she'd be gone for a two hours. That was four hours ago.
Sighing softly she turned, beginning to walk through the park, sticking to the lit path. This would cut out a good twenty minutes from the other route. It was really the best option. Still though, that didn't shake the anxious feeling she often got though when walking alone at night. It wasn't that she was afraid of the dark it was... No, that was exactly it.
Lifting her dress with one hand and holding the shopping bag tightly she quickened her pace. Soon she would be back on The Grim, safe and sound eating dinner with the rest of the crew. Or well, pretending too if the Captain cooked tonight, and then sneaking down later to get a real meal. All she had to do was get through this park. Then everything-
"Scheiße!" A small, surprised squeak escaped her as she nearly stumbled over her feet. Heart racing against her chest she turned her head, freezing when she saw a tall man looking around the park. The one who shouted. Part of her mind screamed at her to just run while another kept her frozen in place. He seemed strangely familiar... But perhaps that was because he spoke German? Still though, there was something about him. Tilting her head to the side she squinted, trying to make out his face.
It was then that she caught sight of the blood. Taking a shaky breath she tried to will her heart to slow, for her nerves to ease. Hesitantly she stepped towards the stranger. "Ha-Hallo?"
Her voice shook, Lily taking another steadying breath before she took another step. Her voice even this time. "Do you need help sir?"
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Post by Deutschland on Dec 22, 2010 23:18:51 GMT -8
Because he was still extremely disorientated and remarkably stressed, Ludwig did not notice the tiny girl at first. He concentrated on trying to stem the blood flow from his temple, but the wound was quite deep. Shit, only a weapon could do this kind of damage. What in God's name happened? "Ach!" he winced, his headache starting to mutate into a migraine.
He desperately tried to remember what happened. He must had been attacked by someone angry enough to use a weapon on him, but who and why? And Christ, where was his crew? He gritted his teeth in pain and frustration.
When he first heard the girl speak, the tall, beefy man actually jumped. "Ha-Hallo?" the girl timidly asked. "Do you need help sir?" Not actually registering what she had said, Ludwig turned to face the voice angrily; perhaps it was whoever did this to him? He bared his teeth like a dog, trying to look fierce. He at the moment hoped he could scare whoever it was away. But, his savage tendency turned into surprise when the source of the voice was a terribly cute and innocent looking girl.
"Ah-" Ludwig began to say, but he stopped. He instantly regretted showing his rough and frightening side. He stared at her awkwardly, and again, the stranger seemed awfully familiar to him. Ludwig was getting very tired of these feelings of Deja vu. Mostly because he could not understand them.
Before he could say anything else, a new jolt of pain hit him like a train. "Argh!" he yelled as he grabbed the side of the face. Great. Already showing weakness to a complete stranger. Today was already shaping up to new levels of...
Don't say unawesome.
Don't say unawesome.
You are not Gilbert. Don't say unawesome.
"Dammit." he swore under his breath. It would be rude to swear in front of a young lady.
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Post by Liechtenstein on Jan 11, 2011 17:37:46 GMT -8
She had taken a step back at the mans reaction, her eyes going wide fearfully. Holding her ground though, she took a deep breath and then took another step, and then a quicker one when he cried out in pain. In a flash she had crossed the distance between them.
Not that she was closer, she caught sight of the blood running down his face. Any fear she had had previously was replaced with worry. She hadn't even taken notice of his curse. "Ah! You're hurt!"
Way to state the obvious, her face flushed slightly, Lily ducking her head momentarily before looking back up with a steadying breath. "My name is Lily. I know first aide, if you would like I can bandage your head?"
She was suddenly very glad she had gone out shopping today, it meant she had supplies on hand.
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Post by Deutschland on Jan 16, 2011 18:40:52 GMT -8
"Ah..." Ludwig said weakly, "Th-thank you, eh, Frau Lily... that would be a big help..." He sat back down on the bench he had slept on, keeping his shaky hands folded to make him look less threatening. He tried his best to relax his body, but he still looking rigid and tense. He tried to ignore the pain by closing his eyes and trying to picture what had happened in his head. The last thing he could remember was...being angry. That was not very helpful. He was angry a lot. But, he did remember he was specifically angry at Gilbert. Again, not very helpful. He was angry at Gilbert ninety percent of the time he talked to Gilbert. He vaguely remembered them arguing, without knowing what had been said, and he recalled storming off. But that was it.
He peeped one eye open. The girl, Lily, was slowly (he didn't blame her for that) getting closer to him. Frankly, he wondered why she bothered. He probably looked like a dangerous criminal or something. Well, technically speaking, he was. She must be braver than she seemed. He noticed how young she was. She couldn't be older than...what 16? 17? Much too young to be by herself at this hour. He finally broke the silence. "Ah...forgive me for asking Frau, but, are you alone? You seem pretty young to be by yourself at this hour... it's dangerous out here." He chuckled weakly. "I seem to be the proof of that...even though I don't remember what happened..."
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Post by Liechtenstein on Jan 21, 2011 20:07:11 GMT -8
She only smiled, shaking his head at her thanks. "There's no need to thank me." After all, she loved being able to help others. So many times on the Grim she felt useless, as she really wasn't the greatest pirate. But at least she was able to help others when they were hurt. Remaining quiet she watched him sit down, setting her shopping bags down and began sorting through it for the new first aide kit she had purchased.
She wondered what had happened to him, but it would be rude to ask him. And there was a good chance he could get angry for asking. That she didn't like. Oddly enough though, she wondered if they had met before... But how? Where?
His question brought her away from those thoughts. A sheepish smile formed as she ducked her head again, standing up with the now found first aide kit. "It's alright... I was out shopping for supplies for my ship. I lost track of time and well... This is a short cut to the docks so I took it..."
He was right though. She really shouldn't have come out by herself. Setting the kit on the bench beside him she opened it, before sorting through her bag for a bottle of water she knew she had. "I'm going to wash the blood away and clean the cut, is that alright Herr..?"
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Post by Deutschland on Jan 22, 2011 21:51:38 GMT -8
Ship? Did she say she was part of a ship? That was almost unbelievable to Ludwig. A girl that age shouldn't be part of a ship, especially these days. What if they were attacked by pirates? Her parents were obviously oblivious to the world, and were ignorant enough to take her along. Unless she didn't have parents, and was an orphan a crew picked up. Or maybe she was a pira-
Ludwig frowned at the thought. Honestly, of all the things...
He gave her a small smile. "Ludwig. You may call me Ludwig." He hesitated. Really, he was very curious about the ship thing. "Coincidentally, I also happen to be part of a ship..." He almost grimaced at what he was about to say next. "The Imperial Eagle." He didn't know whether she knew that it was a pirate ship, but Ludwig was still unwilling to say he was part of a pirate ship out loud. "I suppose we have some things in common, ja?" Ludwig usually failed at being social.
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Post by Liechtenstein on Jan 24, 2011 14:00:35 GMT -8
"The Imperial Eagle?" She paused, tilting her head to the side at how familiar the name sounded. Then it came to her. It was another pirate ship! A Sky one! Chewing her lip nervously Lily tried to push the little warning voice in her mind away. What did it matter that he was on a possible enemy ship? He was hurt. The Captain would understand if he knew.
Smiling she poured the water bottle over a handkerchief, beginning to clean the blood away from Ludwig's forehead. Hopefully the wound was just shallow. "It is very nice to meet you. Though I wish they could have been on better circumstances..." [/size]
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Post by Deutschland on Jan 25, 2011 21:43:03 GMT -8
He smiled at her. "Ja, I wish we did too. Ach!" He flinched, the cool water stung like a bitch. Although Lily was quite gentle, his wound continued to hurt more and more. It was worrisome, and if Lily had much medical experience, she would notice that the wound was caused by a weapon. He hoped that she wouldn't because he really didn't want her to run away. It was curious, he still felt that he knew her somehow. Those green eyes were so damned familiar, but he also remembered another set of green eyes that were different. Much less innocent and much more sharp.
That's when Ludwig felt a pang of guilt. Something about this girl and her eyes made him feel so guilty I'm sorry it was my fault my fault but he couldn't figure out why. He knew he had never met her before It's my fault you died oh god I'm so sorry but...
Ludwig was forcefully grabbed out of his scrambled thoughts when he heard a loud noise. Turning his head, out of Lily's tender care, he saw several figures appear out of the darkness. He felt an overwhelming feeling of dread; he knew these figures were not friendly. They moved in bizarre steps; it looked like they were drunk.
They also had weapons.
Ludwig shot up, looking panicked. "Oh shit..." he swore, not really caring he did it in front if Lily; the situation was too dire for that right now. He grabbed Lily's hand. "Come on, we have to go!" he said desperately, he could apologize for that later. He quickly turned the other way, dragging Lily along when he stopped. There were figures from that side too.
It didn't take long to figure out they were surrounded.
(dun dun DUUUN)
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Post by Liechtenstein on Jan 26, 2011 14:03:14 GMT -8
The wound was deeper then she had hoped. Examining only made her stomach knot tighter. There was no doubt in her mind now, Ludwig had to have been attacked to receive such an injury. All she could do was try to stop the blood flowing, but from the looks of it... "This might need stitches... O-Oh! I'm sorry." Her frown deepened as she went to grab the disinfectant. "This will sting."
He didn't seem to hear her though. From the look of it he was in his own world of thoughts. And Lily had no intention of disrupting it as she disinfected the wound as carefully and efficiently as she could without causing him any further pain. Worrying her lower lip between her teeth she wondered what she should do. The wound definitely needed stitches, and she could not do that here. On the ship, yes, but would Ludwig willingly go back to a possibly enemy ship? She doubted it.
She would just have to take him to his ship herself and make sure the doctor of the ship took care of him right away.
Startled by his sudden movement she blinked, withdrawing the handkerchief and following his gaze. Lily had been so focused on treating the wound she hadn't heard the noises, nor seen the several figures approaching them. And from the way they were walking she had no doubt that the men were drunk.
With a startled yelp she stumbled after Ludwig as he pulled her along, just barely having enough sense to grab her messenger bag though she didn't have enough time to grab her purchases. That couldn't be helped though. When they came to a halt though she peeked around him, eyes going around when she saw there were more drunken men.
Her eyes darted around, they were all but surrounded. That wasn't good, and with Ludwig hurt, that made things worse. Taking a steadying breath her hand shifted to unbutton the worn hand-me down jacket she had gotten from Vash. She was suddenly grateful she had taken the pistol James had offered her before she left ("Because you have a habit of gettin' in trouble when no ones around" was what he had said when he handed it to her). She may not be exactly the best fighter, but they were drunk. Maybe just threatening them with the firearm would get them to leave.
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Post by Deutschland on Jan 30, 2011 20:08:51 GMT -8
5, 6, 7. Ludwig gritted his teeth as he counted the staggering figures. He stepped back slightly, only to act as a shield for Lily. Although he could not protect her from both sides, even if he was basically a tank. Oh, christ Lily! It would be his fault if anything happened to heragain. He had to think of a way to get her to safety...but how?
"Der he is boys! Met a friend of 'is to boot!"
"Yeah, lookit her! Real cutie ain't she? S'almost a shame, hoggin her, specially after what he did!" The man took another swig of his drink. What he did? What were they taking about?
"Crimeny! Gel's got a gun!"
Ludwig blinked. She...she what? He turned around, and sure enough, Lily was holding a pistol. For some reason, the fact that she had it didn't make him feel any better. By the look on her face, she probably didn't feel any safer holding it, so he wondered if she actually knew how to use it. And honestly, one pistol may not be enough.
The men, to make Ludwig more panicked, just...laughed. Their drunken bellows echoed in the empty park and sent a chill down his spine. Shit, they didn't care they had firepower on their side. He desperately looked back at Lily. "Get out of here!" he whispered. "They are after me, not you. Don't get involved. Just run!"
With his back turned, he didn't have enough time to realize one of the men had charged. The man had a long piece of metal with him, which he used to hit Ludwig on his back. Ludwig screamed, but he turned around and grabbed the metal. With all of his strength, he punched the man in the stomach. The man gurgled loudly, and fell onto his knees while cradling his stomach. He began coughing up spit.
"RUN LILY! GET OUT OF HERE!" he screamed at her, while the others began to gang up on Ludwig. He glared at them.
He readied himself to fight.
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Post by Liechtenstein on Feb 14, 2011 21:25:07 GMT -8
It looked like her bluff of having a gun wasn't going to work. They were laughing at her now, jeering at one another as they approached. She refused to move though, shaking her head when Ludwig told her to run. She wouldn't, couldn't, just leave. Not when he was hurt, when he was so out numbered!
She jumped when the men attacked, stumbling back a step or two as she watched in fear as one of the men hit him with a long piece of metal. Ludwig managed to take him down it seemed. But that didn't stop the others as they began their attack. Again he told her to run, but Lily shook her head. "No!"
Taking a steadying breath she shut her eyes for a brief moment; remembering all the self-defense lessons her brother had given her. The lessons on how to protect herself the captain had given her, and the shooting lessons James had when no one was around. Another breath and she opened her eyes, narrowing them at the men as she lifted the pistol, aiming at one of the men.
BANG! One of the men screamed, holding his shot knee. The gunshot seemed to catch the others attention, eyes turning to her.
With a steadying breath the petite blonde held her ground, despite being forced to take a step or two back from the pistols kickback. She smiled sweetly at the drunks, hoping this would end the fight. "You all better go now. That gunshot was loud, the police should have heard it." Though that probably meant she and Ludwig should also be running.
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Post by Deutschland on Feb 16, 2011 13:03:34 GMT -8
The first thing that crossed Ludwig's mind was Holy shit.
Of course, he didn't say that audibly (although it was close), but he gave Lily a look of utter disbelief. Lily just shot a man. The tiny, adorable little girl just shot a grown man. He wasn't dead but, Ludwig still was in shock. The drunks were too. They all stopped their attack on Ludwig, and they just stared dumbly at her. The one that Ludwig had taken care of even stopped his loud gurgles to stare at her, drool still falling from his lips. It was silent for a few moments.
However, one of the drunks snapped. Obviously distraught over his bleeding companion, he tried attacking Lily. He screamed loud profanities at her, and Ludwig snapped out of his stupor. He doubted she had time to shoot her attacker as well.
He jumped into action by grabbing the mans face. Ludwig's back throbbed in pain, but he didn't care. The drunk gave him a terrified look through Ludwig's fingers. Ludwig only glared back, his blue eyes resembling cold icicles. "You will leave now. Or I will break your neck. It's your choice." Ludwig threatened. The man just whimpered. Ludwig was about to yell at him again, but he was interrupted by Police sirens. They sounded close.
"Tch." He said. He needed to get him and Lily away from the police. The other drunks scattered, which was indeed the smart move. Not waiting for a response, Ludwig hit the man and let him fall to the ground unconscious. The sirens were getting closer and closer. They needed to go fast.
Although Ludwig would never make the mistake of underestimating Lily again, she still didn't seem like the type that could run as fast as he could, and Ludwig constantly worked out. Also, it would be easier this way. "Sorry Lily!" he briefly said as he grabbed the tiny girl and flung her over his shoulder. Then he bolted. His police training that he slaved over for most of his life certainly came in handy in this case. His back screamed and groaned in agony, but he still kept going. He ran out of the park and dodged through the streets; trying to keep out of sight. Luckily it was very late and no one was out and about. And if they were, they were in a bar.
Ludwig turned into an alleyway, about to collapse. He put Lily down gently and did just that. His back couldn't take the stress any longer. He started coughing, and rolled onto his side. This night couldn't get worse, could it?
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Post by Liechtenstein on Feb 26, 2011 15:37:09 GMT -8
It took Lily a moment or so before she realized that she had actually fired the gun, and had injured a man. When that realization hit her, her eyes went wide in shock. At least though it seemed that it had worked in stopping the drunks. They all merely stared dumbly at her (so did Ludwig). She could not allow herself to fall in shock though, she remained set in her position, gun still raised.
When one of the men snapped out of their shock though, moving to attack her, she took a panicked step back. Her eyes remained wide as Ludwig was suddenly in front of her, the mans face in his hand. Gazing up at the German, her eyes locked on his. So cold, so very cold...
A sudden numbing fear overcame her, the pistol she had been holding falling from her grip.
Those eyes-
Ice cold eyes. A blood red band. Death. So much death. Fear, everything she went. Fear.
"I will remain neutral."
But even then, she hadn't been safe. No one had. Because-
- A surprised gasp escaped her as suddenly the world was upside down and she found herself on Ludwig's shoulder. The strange thoughts forgotten almost immediately as she squirmed. "Lu-Ludwig! Put me down! Your back!"
Either he hadn't heard her, or he ignored her. After a moment or so she ceased struggling, as that would only make his back worse most likely. Worrying her bottom lip she tried to remain calm, heard beating against her chest so hard she was afraid it was going to burst out.
Then she was set down, and she could only watch as Ludwig collapsed. Rushing to his side she knelt besides him, about to touch his shoulder before hesitating, what if that only made things worse? Oh this wasn't good. Not good at all.
(Aah, I hope this is alright orz; )
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Post by Deutschland on Feb 27, 2011 19:53:39 GMT -8
Trying to relieve the pain he was in, Ludwig shifted in several positions to ease the strain on his back. It didn't help. He heard Lily rush to his side, and he was thankful she was alright. But the more he thought about the danger he had put her in, and what could have happened to her, the hidden guilt overwhelmed him. It flooded his thoughts with a terrible voice, accusing him of almost getting her killed again. And it was right, Ludwig rationalized.
Just like before.
Before?
You will remember one day.
Disorientated, he gazed up into her green eyes, which brimmed with concern. He shook, gritted his teeth and closed his eyes tight. He couldn't bear looking at her face. Because deep down, Germany knew what he had done. He didn't pull the trigger that ended her previous life, but the fault was still his to bear. He covered his face with both of his hands, still shaking. Ludwig couldn't handle it. And thus, for the first time in 20 long years, Germany awoke again.
"Lie- Lily." he whimpered, his voice quiet and broken. "I'm so, so sorry that I got you killed." He knew that she wouldn't understand what he said, but he needed to say it. He didn't know if he would ever get the chance again. He opened his mouth again, to ask something of her that he wished he could do. Forgiveness. Did he truly deserve such a thing? But his words were sincere, and it gave Germany only a little comfort. He didn't have time to ask.
Ludwig slowly resurfaced.
He blinked behind his hands. What just happened? But, that thought did not go far, as the pain he was in was a terrible distraction.
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