As separate human beings, we are small and stupid. We are insignificant compared to our vast home of the universe, but given a purpose and a united goal, we can go far beyond what our creator had intended.

-The Guidelines of the Sacred Association For Equality

Chapter Two

"America." Britain whispered to himself as he placed his hand on the glass. On the other side there was a white room, the younger country was lying unconscious on a hospital bed. He had an oxygen mask on and an IV in his left arm. Several censors were placed on his chest. Bandages and stitches covered his neck and body. A computerized beep-beep of a heart beat and black monitor showing a line going up and down at regular intervals were some of the only things that assured Britain that America was still alive. Other than that, the body on the bed looked no better than a corpse.

The last 24 hours had been a harrowing ordeal. There were several more explosions in several more American cities; Seattle, Hollywood, New Orleans, after a while all the names seem to run together. Thankfully though, the American capital, Washington D.C., had been spared. But unrest was felt throughout the country, riots had already started and law enforcement agencies could barely contain the crowds. Surrounded by news televisions, Britain had seen the terrible, sad faces of those who had lost loved ones in the bombings. Other countries had poured in to help with charitable funds and organizations like the Red Cross and the UN were helping too, but still no one knew who or what had caused the attacks. No terrorist group known was claiming responsibility.

Britain's hand curled into a fist. "Those bloody cowards!" He suddenly yelled out startling the other countries who were in the room with him.

"Britain," Canada came beside him and put a hand on his shoulder, "you need to calm down."

"Oui," France said as he too came beside Britain, "He's right. Who are you talking about anyway?"

"You know full well who I'm talking about!" Britain yelled back to France. "I'm talking about the people who did this." He motioned back to the unconscious America. I'm talking about the bloody cowards that won't show their faces and admit to what they did! I'm talking about once I get my hands on them, I'm going to curse their souls with all the dark magic of England!"

"Kolkolkolkol. Britain, comrade, you should at least save some for me, da." Russia's unusually cheery voice filled the room. "Hey, America is my comrade too after all."

"Actually I agree with Russia-san." Japan said, commenting on Russia's remark. "America is an ally to all of us. And though he is not the most gracious nation, he is our friend. And if he is hurt, then we, as his friends, should do everything in our power to help him."

"Veh~!" Italy shouted out from beside Japan. "Because that's just what friends do for each other! Besides of course making pasta together, sleeping together, waving white flags together-" Italy was stopped by Germany putting his hand over his mouth, though Italy still continued mumbling from underneath.

"What Italy means is that he agrees with both Russia and Japan." Germany said with a firm voice. "And so do I."

"Me too, aru!"

"Oui, I as well."

"And I do too." Canada added.

"Don't forget about me." A small polar bear cub said from Canada's arms.

"All of you . . ." Britain's voice trailed off as he looked around the room. All these nations were happy, smiling, and ready to help their friend in need. It felt strange, the unity in the room. With one of their own in danger, everyone was putting aside their differences and promising to help America out.

Britain turned back to America. He still hated seeing someone so strong look so weak in front of him. He hated seeing someone he cared about so hurt. Then Britain realized that what everyone else was feeling as well.

"Then it's settled." Britain said. "Whoever hurts one nation will have to face the wrath of his allies and his friends!"

The nations cheered at Britain's announcement, but their celebration was short-lived as the door opened and a trio of people entered the room.

"What an inspiring little discussion." The woman in the middle said with a serious tone. "But it looks like you won't have look for very long."

"Who are you?" Britain asked first, he had never seen this woman before, but she looked like an official higher-up in American government by her clean-cut dark pink suit and rectangular framed glasses.

"Hoover, Elaine Hoover." The woman said she held up an American FBI badge. "I'm here as the new head investigator to the recent terrorist bombings."

"Agent Newman." The dark-haired and dark suited man left to her said, he also held up a FBI badge.

"Doctor Lorenzo Demarcus." An African America man in a doctor's coat introduced himself. Britain recognized as the doctor who had treated America earlier.

"As I was saying, an organization has claimed responsibility for bombings yesterday and last night." Hoover continued, her demeanor stayed reserved and her voice displayed little emotion.

"Who are they?" Britain asked.

"They call themselves the Sacred Association For Equality." The other agent answered.

"Or, in shorter terms, the SAFE." Elaine finished. Though the people and nations in the room had heard the word many times before, this time the meaning had changed. An eerie silence befell the room. The SAFE was now the enemy, the adversaries they were to face. And now whoever these people were, they were going against the entire world.