"Ah hah! This oughta do it!"

England strides the the center of the circle, a smirk on his face. "It's sure to teach him a lesson!" He takes a breath, then begins to chant. The magic begins rising from the circle, appearing to work as England had planned.

Then suddenly it changes pattern and, to his horror, dives down straight at him.

Ripping pain explodes through his body and he blacks out.

-.+

"Iggy! Hey Iggy?!"

America frowns when he gets no answer. Lowering his hand, he watches the door, thinking hard.

England had invited him for tea, saying he had something to show him. America had come on time, to his house, as told. And yet, no answer.

Maybe he's just in the kitchen or something and can't hear me. He immediately shivers at the thought of England's cooking, but tries the knob anyways.

It easily turns under his hand and he walks into the house. "Iggy! Hey Ig! England! You home man?!"

He continues calling as he walks, when he hears an annoyed Brit yell back, "would you shut up you git!?"

"Hey England, where ya at?" America yells, ignoring England's complaint.

A silence follows, then, "Er... Hey America, could you maybe come back another time? I'm afraid there's a slight issue I'm having right now."

"Then let the hero help you!" America answers and strides in the direction of England's voice.

"No, no! Please, I'm fine really! I just-" A loud crash interrupts, along with the Brit muttering angrily.

"What was that?" America calls, coming closer.

"Nothing America, now please go away!" England's voice was almost shrill, the tone ripe with unease.

America rounds the corner and freezes.

England turns with a small gasp, and the three figures with him, two in his arms and in front of him, all stare at America with wide eyes.

Identical green eyes.