Disclaimer: Hetalia is not mine. :(

Warnings: Character death (lots of it), slash later, depressing situations, sadness, violence.

I don't know if this should be rated T or M. So I'm keeping it T. For now.

...

The last of the sunlight was fading from the sky, lighting everything sharply orange. It was as though the world was in absolute focus, almost surreal. That included the man walking down the stone pathway in the park, his long scarf flying out on the light wind. He was taller than anyone else who happened to be strolling at the time, and he wore a thick, long winter coat.

He had his hands in his pockets as he stopped by the small stream that cut the park in two. As it was mid-autumn, there were many red and orange leaves scattered along the ground, some blown a bit by the wind. His eyes fell on one large red leaf, watching it as it rolled along the ground before landing in the water.

It floated down the lazy stream, twirling a bit as it hit a rock. The tall man followed the leaf down the stream, watching it flip and spin around. It ducked under the water only to pop back up again. He smiled a little, watching as the leaf continued down the stream.

Suddenly, the smile was wiped from his face. The leaf had stopped moving. It was stopped against something. The water flowing toward it overtook the leaf, making it duck underwater.

The leaf was stopped against someone's arm. The arm floated in the shallow water, the rest of the body unmoving. The man sucked in a quick breath, rushing toward the body in the water. It was a young-looking girl with short blonde hair. In the middle of her chest was a large bloodstain. The blood was still flowing down the river. This had happened just then. Right while the man had been in the park.

She was obviously dead. Her lifeless eyes stared up at the sky, her hands by her sides. There was a purple ribbon in her hair, and for a moment the man thought of his own sisters. For a moment he imagined them in the place of this little girl, and the thought almost brought tears to his eyes.

He pulled the girl's body up onto the bank. Then he looked down at his watch. It was almost time for the international meeting to start. He would have to tell the other countries about this.

What if the killer was still in the park? It was more than likely. He (or she, it was always a possibility) would be either eager to get away or eager to see their handiwork. The man had never killed anyone in cold blood (except during war, but that was different) but he knew what it was like to hurt someone.

"Who are you?" he whispered to himself in Russian. The girl looked only about thirteen or fourteen. Who in their right mind would kill such a young girl?

Unless…no. The thought of someone…using this girl made him sick to his stomach. He pushed the thought from his mind. It was disgusting, the idea itself.

He stood, wondering what to do. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He pulled out the cell phone he'd "borrowed" from his younger sister for the trip and dialed a number. He hoped it was the right one, being unversed in the American emergency numbers.

A voice picked up immediately. "911, what's your emergency?"

Russia was suddenly at a loss for what to say. What, should he just go "I found a dead little girl in a stream?"

"I found a dead lit—body."

"Okay, where are you at?"

"I'm in…" he squinted at the large sign at the other end of the park. "Painted Lady Park, by the stream."

"Okay, I'm sending the police right now. Are you sure this person is dead?"

"Yes."

"How did you find this person?"

"She was lying in the stream."

"What does she look like?"

"She has blonde hair with a purple ribbon in it, and she seems to be about thirteen."

"Is there evidence of injury?"

"Yes. She is bleeding from her chest."

"Okay, thank you. We'll be there in just a moment."

Ivan hung up the phone. The police station was very close to the park, only a few blocks away. They would be here soon. They'd probably ask him questions and take him to the police station with them.

Suddenly, a wave of fear washed over him. He looked down at his hand, where he carried his usual pipe. His pipe. They would think that he'd killed the girl. He couldn't have that, especially not in America. What would his people think when he, the embodiment of Russia itself got arrested for murder inthe States. He would never live it down.

So he decided to walk away. As calmly as he always was, he strolled out of the park and down the street, carefully concealing the pipe in his sleeve. He smiled as he watched the police cars rush by. At least he was doing that poor little girl as much of a favor as possible.

He looked at his watch again. The meeting was starting in ten minutes. As he walked into the office building where it was taking place he felt somehow relieved not to have to deal with the body any more.

He stepped into the room, looking around. Many of the others were already there, while a few were trickling in behind him. He sat down in his usual place by the head of the table, staring down at the wood.

"Hello, Russia," a timid voice said. He turned around to see Lithuania standing behind him, smiling.

"Hello," he said simply. The smaller nation stood there for a second more before smiling and walking away. Toris had always been like that, too jumpy and nervous around Russia. Around the other countries he seemed fine, but it was around his former captor that he paled.

The minutes went by slowly, as people walked in. There were altogether too many countries, Russia thought. If they would all just become one with him then these meetings would take far less than the two days they devoured.

"Hey, everybody!" a familiar nasal voice said loudly. Russia sighed.

America walked in, grinning around the hamburger shoved in his mouth. Germany, who had been just about to begin the meeting, was not amused. He gestured for America to sit down, which he did lazily.

"Alright, let's begin."

Suddenly, one of the smaller nations jumped up, looking around. He had short blonde hair.

"Wait just a second," he said to a very irritated Germany. "Has anybody seen Lichtenstein?"

Russia's eyes widened, but he hid it quickly. Was it possible that…no. It was just a coincidence. In fact, he'd never seen Switzerland's sibling. He had no idea what she looked like.

Nobody had an answer for him. He looked around, as though she would just appear at the table. She didn't.

"I bet she's back at our apart—" he was cut off by a ringing. He pulled out his phone, staring at the unfamiliar number. "Hello?"

He paused a moment, listening to the person on the other side. His eyes widened. "Yes, I am."

"Who is it?" Austria asked quietly.

"What?" Switzerland's breath caught. "What's wrong with her?"

Everyone at the table was silent as they watched the panicking nation. He swallowed thickly.

"Oh, God…" he whispered, tears forming in his eyes. "Oh, God…yes…I'll be right there…" He closed the phone, eyes unfocused.

Austria put his hand on his friend's arm, but it was jerked away. There was a moment of silence before Switzerland snatched up his coat from his seat and dashed out of the room. Nobody moved.

Germany stared at the door. How was he going to start this damn meeting now? He didn't break the hush that covered the table.

"What happened?" Latvia's small voice broke the silence. The young country was staring at everyone, wide-eyed.

"It's okay," Estonia said comfortingly. "Nothing important to you."

"Then why the heck is everyone so quiet?"

"He'll be fine," Lithuania said, giving Latvia an almost motherly look.

Germany cleared his throat, glad that he hadn't been the one to speak first. He sighed, stacking up his papers into a neat pile.

"Well then, I suppose we should get on with the meeting. Um…the first thing we have to cover is finances."

Prussia coughed once. "I don't think anybody wants to talk about finances, bro."

Germany nodded. "I'll give you all a minute, but then we have to get focused."

America had stopped eating his hamburger. Apparently the situation had touched him that much. He stood up, leaving the half-eaten burger on the table.

"Everybody?" he said, stepping up to the podium. Nobody responded.

"Um, I just wanted to say that everything's gonna be okay."

Everybody was watching America closely. He'd never really said anything heartfelt before. Maybe now he would.

"Switz is gonna be fine, and so is his sister. I'm sure."

Now even England was listening. America grinned at everybody, flashing them a thumbs up.

"And how do I know this, you ask? Because I'm the hero, of course!"

There was a simultaneous groan from every nation. Of course it had been too much to hope that America would come around now. Somehow, though, the mood was lighter after America's speechlet, and when Germany took the podium again the perpetual depressed sigh was gone.

"America, just go away," he said, pushing the other country away. "Okay, then. On to those finances."

It was about two hours of regular meeting before Switzerland came back. He arrived during the small lunch break, head down. His eyes were rimmed in red.

He sat down, taking a shaky breath. There weren't many people still seated, as most of them had gone to get food, talk and use the restroom.

"Hey, man," Prussia said, patting him on the shoulder. Switzerland didn't respond. "S'okay, don't need to say anything." This was strangely out of character for the normally active and uncaring country.

Russia watched Switzerland from the far corner of the table. The smaller nation was staring blankly at his hands. He had an almost expressionless look on his face.

"I'm sorry," Austria said, quietly.

"What for?" Switzerland asked, his voice cracking. "You didn't do anything."

Lithuania walked into the room, and upon seeing Switzerland his face turned dark. He walked toward the other.

"How are you?" he asked quietly. He had never really spoken with the blonde country, but he felt that he should do something.

Switzerland didn't answer. He was still staring at his hands.

"Uh, just remember that we're all here for you," Liet said before sitting next to him.

"She…someone found her…there was…"

"What?"

"Someone found her in the park and left. She got…she got stabbed. Seven times. There was no evidence as far as they could tell. None."

Russia's mouth opened in surprise. So the little girl he'd found in the park was…Switzerland's sister? He took a deep breath, not letting anyone know. The room was strangely empty. Usually people would be coming back by now, wouldn't they?

No, still too early. Time was going slowly, wasn't it? Russia watched the now crying Switzerland blankly. The smaller nation was shaking, his head down.

Lithuania pulled the other into a light hug. Switzerland threw his arms around Liet, sobbing into his shoulder. Russia was confused a bit. The two had never really spoken, let alone gotten to know each other well enough to hug. He guessed it was just the circumstances and the Baltic nation's undying kindness and compassion. It really got annoying sometimes.

Liet froze in surprise at the blond nation's reaction, slowly smiling. He put his arms around Switzerland, hugging him back. It was sweet, and Russia felt a twinge of protectiveness over Lithuania. He shook it off. Couldn't overreact now.

A few others were coming back into the room, some talking lightly. They all watched the hug as they came in, some turning away and others staring. When France walked in, Russia caught the glimmer in his eyes.

"Ah, so touching, the love~!" he said, almost floating over to the two. He joined in the hug, squeezing both Switzerland and Lithuania. The former didn't look up, but Liet jumped. As America walked in he grinned.

"Group hug!" he yelled, nearly leaping over the table to join. Austria rolled his eyes, showing concern not only for Switzerland's feelings but now his body. He was going to be crushed at this rate.

Northern Italy leaped from his seat, going over to help out the "comforting" hug. Latvia and Sealand had joined together, laughing. Italy beckoned to Germany and Japan. When neither came, he ran over, grabbing Germany by the wrist. He left Japan alone after receiving one of the most intimidating looks in his life.

"Awww!" Poland rushed over, smiling. "That's, like, adorable!" he grabbed Lithuania around the waist, holding him like a teddy bear.

China didn't even speak as he came in, eyes glinting. He smiled widely, saying merely "aru" as he gave a tight hug.

There were now ten people making up this large mass of embraces. Nobody else seemed to join in for a second, until Hungary came up. She smiled happily, taking Austria's wrist as they joined the hug. Russia doubted that she knew why they were hugging at all.

"This is awesome!" Prussia said loudly, leaping into the group. He landed uncomfortably and got lost somewhere.

Russia watched in amusement as the hug ensued. There was a yelp as France most likely groped someone. What nobody saw was the small body weaving their way out of the group. Switzerland was no longer crying.

He wiggled his way out of the oblivious group, walking around the table to sit next to Russia. The taller nation looked at him curiously, not saying anything.

"What the hell?" England had arrived.

"Hey, Iggy! Group hug!"

"Ah! France!" France had obviously touched someone again.

England narrowed his eyes. He strode quickly over to the group, pulling France out by his hair.

"Git! What do you think you're doing?"

"I was just—"

"I don't care what 'you were just!' Don't go sticking your hands on people's arses, got it?"

"Jealous?"

That earned France a punch. He stumbled backward, in pain but satisfied at the reaction his jab had on England.

"You wish!"

Switzerland watched this all stoically, his features set. Russia watched the younger nation. He wasn't crying anymore, instead staring at the table. The taller man wasn't going to go and talk to him just yet. He needed time to think.

"Okay, everyone!" Germany yelled from somewhere inside the group. "We have to continue the meeting!"

"Not everyone's back yet," Japan said quietly.

"Well, get them back!"

"Russia?"

Russia looked down at Switzerland, who stared up at him. He coughed once.

"Have you ever lost someone?"

Russia nodded.

"Who?"

"Everyone but my sisters. And…never mind." Russia's mind flitted momentarily to Winter. General Winter. No, that wasn't really a person, he thought. Not a person.

"Oh."

The silence was uncomfortable, punctuated by a yell. Lithuania was apparently being suffocated, and France had rejoined the group with the intent to smite England by groping every person there. Germany was trying to fight his way out as Northern Italy pulled him back. Japan, Spain and Sweden all watched in silence. America had weaseled his way out (having been replaced by a very confused Canada). Now he was giving commentary on the scene in an exaggerated Australian accent like it was a nature show, much to the dismay of the actual Australia, who'd actually decided to show up for once. South Korea was munching on popcorn, all the while blabbing on about how it was a Korean invention, and how everyone's clothing was Korean, and how it would be better if they took it off so he could touch them all better. In a second or two he realized what was happening in front of him and dropped his popcorn to go touch people.

"Everyone," Russia said quietly. Nobody responded.

A dark aura started to form around the man's head. "Everyone," he said louder. Still no one stopped what they were doing.

He sighed. "Everyone!" he yelled loudly. Everybody froze, eyes on him. "How can you be this insensitive?"

"What?" America forgot to get rid of the Australian accent.

"Our comrade has just lost his sister and you are all acting like children. Do you not care?"

The mood of the room turned from light and happy to dead serious in a matter of seconds. Prussia swallowed loudly, eyes wide.

"I do not think you would like it if all your friends shrugged the death of your only family off like a joke," Russia continued. The fear of everyone in the room was evident.

"We didn't do anything," Japan said, staring at Russia calmly.

"You did not stop them."

Russia had no idea why he was doing this. It was like he was reprimanding school kids. Maybe it was to clear his mind of the vision of Lichtenstein, dead. Maybe it was simply because he did not like the noise. It certainly wasn't out of the kindness of his heart. He doubted he had that.

Switzerland had tears in his eyes again, staring at Russia. The cold and unresponsive nation was now…protecting him? Defending him? Helping him?

"You didn't stop them either," Spain said.

"Did I not just?"

To that there was no answer. It was a rhetorical question anyway. What, were they going to say no? That he hadn't stopped it?

"Everyone sit down." They complied, all eyes on Russia. "Now, we have a murder on our hands. Of a fellow nation. We cannot let this go unattended."

America was the first to buy into this, excited at the chance to be a "hero."

"Yeah! We have to find whoever did this! I'll lead the investigation and—"

"America, please be quiet."

"We have to find whoever…did that to my sister. We have to find them and kill them!" Switzerland stood up, hands slamming into the table. He looked like he was going to cry again.

"Да, we do."

Switzerland looked at Russia, a thank you clear on his face. He looked back at the group, eyes set.

"Is anyone going to help me?"

"Wait a minute," Latvia said, eyes wide.

"What?"

"What if it was one of us?"

Everyone in the room froze.

...

Ooooh...what will happen next?

If you find any typos I'll give you a hug :)

Please review! It makes me very happy! And a happy author is a faster author!