Laughter. It's known as one of Mother Nature's medicines. It's an essential to life along with love. Laughter connects us with others, like smiling. Most people find that laughter is contagious. Laughter is the very essence of life, the personification of joy and love in a way that is not unlike the representations of countries. Without it, life is dull and colorless, and thus, cannot exist.

Day 1

"Excellent . . ." A low, dark voice chuckled trailing off as the being examined its unconscious captive. Under its black cloak, a grin cracked across the entity's face before disappearing like mist into midnight air.

XXXX

With lighting and thunder crashing and rain pouring down harshly, the Axis and Allies gathered in London to hold an urgent meeting concerning their economies. Unfortunately assembling eight nations who differed so greatly to cooperate with one another wasn't an easy task. Japan kept quiet while his brother China complained about Russia's gloating of his evil secret. It took every ounce of Germany's strength not to shout at Italy who played with a stray cat. As for Canada, he gave up trying to verbally break up France and England's quarreling. Things heated up once the lights went out from the storm.

"Ahh! Germany! Germany!" Italy was quick to grab onto the German's arm for safety, bawling out. "I'ma scared of the dark, protect me from the Venice ghosts! Ah!"

With a twitching brow, Germany failed at removing the small man. "Italy, there's nothing to be afraid of, ya."

Italy's lingering cries didn't ease Canada's nerves who clutched Kumajiro tightly against him. "Does-Does anyone think they can light a few candles?" Another crash of thunder sent his spine shivering. "Maple…"

With a lit torch in his hand, Russia made an unreasonable suggestion. "Maybe if I set China's chair on fire, we can all see better, da?"

"I do not think China would appreciate that." His eyes following the fire path, Japan folded his arms, asking. "By the way, Russia, where do you get these random items from?"

Something started to puzzle England, like something was missing from this picture aside from the lights. Wasn't there another person who hated storms-Before he could ponder this any longer, France interrupted his thoughts.

"Dear Angleterre, did you forget to pay your light bill again?"

"Are you trying to blame this on me?"

"Of course," the Frenchman bluntly replied without thinking, "this iz your country after all."

"You bloody tart!" Even in the dark, England somehow started to strangle France for lord knows how many times. "You can't blame the lousy weather on me!"

Unaffected and laughing, France began speaking pervertedly to him. "Ooh, la la! Iz Angleterre unable to hold in his hidden sexual tensions with Amérique that he has to pick a fight with moi?"

"What does that have to do with anything? I am not! Tosser, piss off!" At that moment England blushed from France's words, luckily the power had not returned.

"Love can never be hidden from me. Honhonhon! Vous mentez à vous-même~"

"I don't know what you said you uphill gardener but, I really didn't like the sound of it!"

"Tíngzhĭ.Can we have meeting without fighting?" China sighed rubbing his temples to drown out the noise.

"Hai, most people here act like little child."

This immature havoc came too commonly for one person who had just about enough of it all. "Ruhe im Gerichtsraum! Quiet, all of you!" Germany yelled above the mayhem in the crowd, just in time for the lights turn back on again.

"I think everyone needs a glass of wine." Italy stood with two trays holding four glasses each, clearly wanting to serve his Italian wine.

As each member of the Axis and Allies thanked Italy for his kind gesture, Germany raised an eyebrow, sighing in annoyance. "Italy."

"I'm sorry Germany, I was just trying to help calm everyone down since I didn't want you to get the high blood pressure again!" The delicate nation set a glass down for Japan as he stammered, worried he was being scowled at and in trouble again.

Seeing him being so pathetic made the German sigh. "Vell, fine, if you think it'll vork."

"Ah…" Italy gave a cheerful grin, knowing Germany wasn't upset with him. "It's a better then vodka, Russia!" He exclaimed happily when noticed he had an extra glass. "Oh no, did I accidentally forget someone?"

France raised his hand, getting Italy's attention. "Did Canada get a drink?"

"Yes, I have one." He lowly replied and took a small, sweet as syrup, sip.

Italy scanned the meeting room until he found China was lacking wine. "Oh, China, I'ma sorry skipping on you, here."

"Thank you, aru."

Before anyone finished their contents, Italy held up a picture of wine. "Would anyone like a seconds?"

"Italy, ve are not here to become intoxicated." Germany stole the pitcher and set it aside, forcing Italy to listen to reason.

England, feeling the time was right, took a stance with an open folder. "Right, if you all would be so kind as to review the spreadsheet in front of yourselves, you'll see that with the crime rate rising, our globe economy market has plummeted."

"Oui, my citizens are carrying much debt, therefore, we are planning to cut borrowing." France laid his head down on the table cloth, too somber to look up. "Sadly for us, we may not be able to meet our targets."

"Serves you right," England muttered under his breath, "And you Russia, you are speaking on Greece's behalf?"

"Da, Greece is facing an extended recession. Like France, he is also cutting, slowing their economy. There is good news though, Greece is unable to pay off his debts."

"Umm… That's not good news." Canada disagreed.

Was it the drafts? No, they were here. Maybe it was the evidence of the economy falling? No, there was proof everywhere. What was missing? The Englishmen thought harder as the discussion went on.

With a sigh, China folded his papers up and headed for the door. "Clearly this European problem not mine, I go home now."

"Not likely China," As if he had a rope in hand, France whipped his arm towards China, lassoing him to a stop, "remember that Europe iz one of zi largest trading partners of you and America."

China glanced a glare over his shoulder at France. "Do not talk of America to me. I warn him to be cured of his addiction to debt, he more part of this problem then I am." He turned his body fully, breaking the invisible rope. "Before any of you ask again, my Beijing central bankers are not going to convert dollar holdings to euros."

Unable to hear China due to his thoughts, England's mind wondered deeply on what was missing once more, but Germany broke his train of thought.

"That is another reason vhy we are holding this meeting. The euro is the only alternative to the dollar for global money."

"Don't forget about the British pound."

There was a good reason why they did, as Japan pointed out. "But Mr. Britain, your currencies are still too small."

He creaked a groan in realization and slumped down in his seat. "Yes, and it doesn't help that social instability and violence are breaking out in London."

"And Athens." Russia added in a sing-song tone with a smile.

"Che cosa? Why are you so happy about that?" Italy asked with his shaky voice from far behind Germany.

"Everyone should follow America's banks since they are better run and capitalized than European ones." Japan suggested while bringing out a chart with America and Europe as evidence.

That American idiot was doing better off since the 4th of July then most of Europe. England groaned even louder and in shame. "I don't want to admit that, yet." He braced himself for America's taunting laugh, England knew the boy always pestered him whenever the opportunity publicly showed up, this was one of them. Oh, he could just hear that laughing of his.

"Ha, ha, ha! Dude, Britain, you guys need me to help bail you out? Don't worry, I'll gladly lend a hand since that's what heroes do. Ha, ha! Seriously man, I'm totally going to rule over your British Empire at this rate! The only pounds you'll have are in unit measures by the time I'm done! Ha, ha, ha!"

"Blast, I hate that hero word." He waited for a while, but nothing happened. America didn't discourage England with his teasing or poking, not that the Englishman didn't mind, but it was just odd. He looked over at him and asked with concern. "America, you seem quiet today. Are you alright?"

The Canadian returned his look, with a small smile. "Sorry, Britain, but I'm not America, I'm Canada, remember?"

"Excuse me?" It looked like England had the wrong guy again.

"My goodness!" France interjected, twirling a lock of his long blonde hair. "You fought me repeatedly for cute Amérique in zi 1700s, raised him all by yourself and even after zo many years, you still can't tell him apart from Canada? I think I shouldn't have given him up easily." He drank another portion of the wine arrogantly.

"Given up you say? I won him fairly, got it?"

"Well then, where iz he now?"

"America is over-" England's voice stopped when he couldn't point to where said nation sat in the room. "Not here?"

"Huh?" The Axis and Allies started to understand the American was indeed not present. America failed at arriving the earliest no matter how many attempts he made. On sick days, he called in advance to let everyone know. When he was late, it would be for a few minutes. Never had he really intentionally missed a meeting.

So why wasn't America – Wait … that's what was missing? England knew something wasn't right. America's absence was it?

"He vas missing the whole time and ve didn't even notice?" Germany questioned, appearing rather shocked and feeling oblivious.

"No, America was here at the beginning of the meeting," England pulled out sheet with nine names listed, "I took the attendance three times before we started."

Russia chuckled to himself. "You sure you did not mistake him for Canada again?"

His changed expression said it all. "Eeeh….well, well I …"

China joined in. "You did, didn't you?"

"I was wondering why he was holding onto a polar bear. Sorry Canada."

"Wow, that sounds like a dumb mistake I would have made!" Italy gleefully added, not making England feel any better.

"Well then, where the bloody hell is he?"

A large display screen from the front of the room turned on, as if answering England's question. When it adjusted, there was America, dressed in his regular military uniform, strapped into something like an electric chair by buckles around his chest, wrists and ankles. None of the countries were familiar with the small, well lit, isolated room which held him. America simpered nervously. "Hi there guys." They reckoned a TV accompanied him in the unknown room since he could see them.

Appalled, astonished and maybe a tad confused, the members had problems registering the image on the screen. America … captured?

Everyone stared as minutes passed until England broke the silence first. "America you blooming berk, what have you gotten yourself into this time?"

"I'm not very sure, I wish I could tell you guys." He shrugged, smiling. The Axis and Allies were more worried for him then he seemed to be for himself.

"Oh, bugger."

"Don't worry I'll be fine, I'm not some damsel in distress."

Japan shook his head indifferently. "Well, by the looks of it you no rescuer either."

"Do you know where you are?" England asked, moving closer to get a better view of America's current quarters.

America glanced around the small, blue painted room; nothing was out of the ordinary except for the absence of windows and a door. "Not a clue!" He answered with another bright grin. Even in this weird mess, he seemed his goofy, cheeky self.

"What was the last thing you remember before this?" Trying to find a clue to America's location, the Englishman questioned him.

"Getting ready to leave for the meeting. Then I woke up in here."

"Is it really cold there or hot?"

"No, I'm pretty comfortable, besides from not being able to scratch the itch on my nose." America cutely wrinkled his nose up trying to get rid of his irritation.

"Do you hear any sounds of traffic or planes?"

"Not really... it's dead quiet."

"Umm … Do you smell anything odd, like poisonous gas?"

"Nope."

"How the hell are we to find you then?"

"Yo, I don't need any help. Like I said, I'll be fine." He tensed his muscles, struggling to move his limbs free but, the bounds restricted him. America rested with a sigh and grinned again. "I'll figure out a way to get out of here."

"Don't speak of such rubbish! We're going to find you, the only problem is how."

"Heh, heh! Challenged accepted." China stood up to the plate, bringing his little brother Japan with him. With a cocky grin, he pointed to the other members, feeling already victorious. "Allow us! Unlike you Europeans, we of eastern Asia specialize in infiltration and finding anything and anyone with our advance technology that you people lack."

"Honestly, you really don't need to-" The screen clicked off, cutting America's denial short.

"America!" England called out, but nothing happened. Not even thinking about it, he assumed the leader role like how America did. "Japan, China start working your tactics right away."

Surprisingly, they obeyed without question leaving the conference room while dialing quick phone calls. Russia felt the need to aid them; he joined the two brothers making a call of his own.

"We can locate the signal from the live video feed by satellite." Italy, with Germany, saluted to England and gave a thumbs up. "We can find him soon~ve!"

That only left himself, Canada and France without a duty. "I could have my French forensics team search his home for any signs of a break in or maybe finger prints."

Nodding, England looked over at the other nation. "Canada, do you have anything to offer?"

"Not at the moment but, I can come up with something."

"That's alright, we're going to need all the help we can get." At a loss for leads, finding America may prove to be the most difficult job of all.

Looming above the scene in a high corner, a dark figured chuckled with a smirk.