I dedicate this chapter to my sister. Because she loves shipping so much, lol.
Chapter 3: The Surrounded
America had sent the message out. All of the countries who had not turned would be gathering at the World Conference for an emergency meeting.
The idiot.
He chuckled to himself as he read the text message from Denmark's phone. All of the unturned countries worldwide were gathering in the exact same place. This would be SO much easier now…
October 30, 2011
America rubbed at his forehead with the back of his hand as he regarded the unscathed countries sitting at the World Conference table. Which, unfortunately, wasn't a whole lot of them. "Well!" he exclaimed, lowering his hand. "This is a hell of a Halloween, huh?"
"Is that all you have to say?" England snapped. "Countries are being turned into vampires!"
"And I TOLD YOU SO!" Sealand snapped, jabbing his finger at his older brother. "I told you my adopted parents went nutters and you wouldn't help me!"
"Just shut it, Sealand! Right now we can't be running around pointing fingers of blame!"
America felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked down and saw Åland staring up at him teary-eyed. "Vi kan stoppa dem, eller hur? Vi kan hjälpa Mamma och Pappa, eller hur?"
America made a face. "Sealand, I don't speak moonspeak! What's she saying?"
"She's speaking Swedish, not moonspeak, hálfviti!" Iceland snapped.
The conference door suddenly snapped open. The countries jumped as Russia came into the room placidly. "I'm sorry I'm late," he said, smiling with his eyes closed. "I needed to…put Belarus to bed."
"What did you do to Belarus?" Georgia snapped, jumping out of his seat.
Russia chuckled humorlessly. "My dear little sister seemed a little…enthusiastic, and so I had to properly take care of her to answer my summons."
"Was Belarus a vampire?" America demanded.
Russia's smile faded and he regarded the other countries in confusion. "Vampire?"
"Never mind, just sit down," England said. "So which countries can we confirm have turned?"
"Papa-Finland and Papa-Sweden," Sealand said quietly. "Faroe, Greenland, and Denmark are also vampires. And I think Norway's troll confirmed that Norway's a vampire too."
"We confirmed that France is a vampire," Wales said.
"Greece-san is one too," Japan added.
Turkey scoffed. "We should've staked him when we had the chance!"
"The Baltics and Po-chan, too," Hungary said sadly.
Russia perked up. "Is something wrong with my little Lithuania?"
"…Yeah," America said warily. "He's a vampire."
Russia was silent for a long moment, his eyes still closed. "…That's a terrible shame."
"Have you seen Ukraine?" England asked.
"…Net," Russia said after a long moment.
"I think what matters more than who's a vampire," Austria interjected. "Is how this started. Has anyone been inside the infected countries borders?"
"…Do you even want to try?" Romano asked harshly.
"Vampires or not, we can't go around staking countries," Hungary said.
"Why not?" Turkey demanded.
"Because the country will die then," Canada said quietly.
"Da, we must avoid killing the countries," Russia agreed. "We must bring this to a peaceful resolution without unnecessary bloodshed."
"So we have to stop this from spreading further, and thus cure the vampirism," Switzerland said. His rifle was still hoisted over his shoulder. "I shot one of the vampires, and that didn't stop them."
"Then HOW should we stop them?" America demanded.
"Let's figure out where this is coming from," England said. "This originated in some country in the world. Maybe we can only stop them based on those vampire rules?"
"But these vampires don't follow vampire rules, aru," China pointed out. "One of the stereotypes is that vampires can't go out in daylight, but these ones can."
"But they do follow the stereotype of not being able to go inside a building uninvited," Iceland said.
"We have to find out what caused this as soon as possible!" America shouted.
"And we will," England said.
"Otherwise, I can't go trick-or-treating tomorrow!"
"You git!" England smacked America on the back of his head. "Is THAT all that matters to you?"
"Da," Russia agreed cheerfully. "We must do everything we can to stop this menace. Not only for our own sake, but to save all of humanity as well."
Everyone in the room gaped in silence at him. Russia frowned in confusion, his eyes still closed. "What's wrong?"
"…Are you feeling all right, Russia?" America asked warily.
Russia opened his eyes and smiled at America. "Of course I do!"
Everyone screamed and jumped away from Russia. Russia's violet eyes were gone, and bright red ones were in their place.
"Why are all of you so frightened?" Russia asked obliviously. "Do I really come off so scary?"
"Y-Your eyes!" England hollered, jabbing a finger at him. "You're a bloody vampire!"
"I knew it!" Georgia shouted. "I knew that you were acting too weird with this peace-loving attitude!"
America yanked out his gun. "Move aside! I'll handle this!"
"America, stop!" Germany yelled, grabbing America by his arm. "You can't shoot a country! Even if it IS Russia!"
"…You guys are acting weird," Russia complained.
Suddenly, the double doors leading into the meeting room exploded off their hinges.
"Oh fuck, they're HERE!" America screamed, swinging his gun towards the door.
The unturned countries recoiled back as vampiric countries flooded the room, France leading the pack. France bounced off the walls until he landed in the center of the table.
"Germany," he hissed between clenched teeth. "Can I nibble on your neck? And maybe take your blood?"
Hungary swung her frying pan, striking France on the side of his head. "We have to get out of here!"
Screaming shrilly, the unturned countries bolted for the door. Those who had crosses brandished them to ward off the vampires, while Switzerland began firing "warning shots" at the vampires with his rifle. "Liechtenstein, COME ON!"
Russia remained seated in his chair, looking at the chaos mournfully. "Please don't fight like this! Fighting won't bring anything but sorrow!"
Armenia gnashed his teeth at Georgia and Azerbaijan, eyes blazing red with hatred. "Still you continue to side with this countries who hate me and want to kill me? You are unfair, Georgia!"
Georgia swallowed thickly and raised his hands. "Armen—"
"Get over it, you wannabe victim!" Azerbaijan snapped, not caring she was facing down a vampire. "All you do is cry and whine and cause trouble! Go hide in a hole if you find the world so insufferable!"
Armenia screamed in fury, but a hand caught the back of his collar before he could lunge at Azerbaijan. "Üzgünüm."
Turkey yanked Armenia back and threw him into Russia, sending the large country tumbling out of his chair and to the floor. "Let's get out of here!"
"Ummm…" Åland looked at the chaos all around her, of vampires bouncing off of walls and tackling countries. It was then she saw a familiar face, and she cried out. "Mamma!" she surged forward towards Finland.
Sealand grabbed her from behind and forcibly dragged her from the room. "That's not Mama, Åland! He's a vampire!" he floundered for the Swedish word. "Vampyr, Åland!"
"What the hell are they doing here?" America wailed as they ran down the hall.
"This is the World Conference building!" England hollered. "EVERY country is welcome here, you git!"
America thought about it for a moment. "Hey wait, you're right!"
"This was a stupid idea, aru!" China shouted.
Germany glanced over his shoulder only briefly to see if the vampires were gaining on them. However, as he turned around he ran headlong into a young girl. "Ah, I'm sorry!"
Faroe looked up at him with red eyes. "Are you really sorry?" she bared her fangs and leaned forward.
Germany shoved her away. "Wha—"
Somebody suddenly grabbed his left arm from behind. Germany turned around and saw Prussia. "Ani—"
"Time for you to see what you're missing West," Prussia hissed. He quickly ducked down and sank his fangs into Germany's exposed arm.
"AHHHHHHHH!" Germany struck Prussia in his forehead, causing his older brother to fly backwards onto the floor.
"DOITSU!" Italy spun around and quickly ran back to Germany. "Germany, are you all right?"
"Idiota, GET BACK HERE!" Romano shouted.
"Scheiße!" Germany hissed through clenched teeth. He clutched at his arm, blood leaking through the two puncture wounds caused by Prussia. "Ficken…"
"Veneziano, LEAVE HIM!" Romano shouted as they began punching the 'down' button for the elevator. "He was bit, so he's going to turn!"
"I won't leave Germany!" Italy cried out. He hooked his arm through Germany's uninjured one and dragged Germany towards the elevators.
Sealand looked at them uncomfortably. "Er, he may be infected—"
"I won't leave him behind!" Italy cried out, hugging Germany's arm tightly to his chest.
Germany was breathing raggedly as he looked down at his arm. "Does…does anyone have a first-aid kit?"
"His speech is slurring!" Romano snapped, jabbing a finger at Germany. "He's turning!"
"My speech is slurring because it HURTS!" Germany snapped.
Switzerland trained his gun on Germany. "One of the traits of turning is a bite. You might turn even without vampire blood."
"That's zombies, isn't it?" America wondered aloud.
"Some vampires turn from a bite," England huffed. "Don't you pay attention to the movies you make?"
"W-We can't abandon him!" Italy cried out. "We have to help him! And everyone!"
DING!
The elevator door popped open, and the unturned countries rushed inside. Romano tried to forcibly prevent Germany from coming inside, but Italy barreled into his brother, with Germany, and all three tumbled to the floor.
"Hurry!" Austria shouted, shoving Hungary ahead of him.
As he moved to step forward though, something flew the air and stabbed his coat sleeve, pinning it to the wall. Austria spun around, completely alarmed. "W-W-What the—?"
It was a knife. He looked beyond the knife to see Belarus standing there. His jaw hung open as he recognized the vampire glint in her eyes, and her evil aura. Although, that was probably her natural aura, anyways.
"Roderich!" Hungary tried to come around Austria to free him. Further beyond Belarus, Russia was trying to cuddle Lithuania to his chest. "You'll forgive me for everything, won't you my little Lithuania?"
"GET OFF HIM!" Poland shouted, shoving at Russia.
Wow, they're no different, Austria thought absently, but he started when he saw Hungary trying to pull the knife out of the wall. And Belarus was dangerously closeby. "There's no time, get out of here!" he told her, shoving her towards the elevator.
"B-But—" Hungary sputtered.
"Focus on finding out how to stop this!" Austria told her. "I'll be fine!"
"But Austria—"
"Go!" Austria shoved her again, and this time Hungary stumbled back into the elevator. Before she could recover, the doors closed and prepared to go down.
"NINCS!" Hungary cried out. She punched the door a few times uselessly. "Austria!"
Germany tore the sleeve off his shirt and awkwardly wrapped his wound. "This is getting out of hand…"
"And this was a STUPID IDEA!" England snapped, glaring at America. "What the hell were you thinking to host an emergency meeting where every country, turned or not, was welcome?"
"Well, at least we all know what's going on now," America said, shrugging.
"So what do we do now, aru?" China demanded, keeping a hold on Hong Kong's arm. "We still have no idea where this started, aru!"
"You guys figure it out," Switzerland said, taking Liechtenstein by the hand. "I've had enough of this nonsense. We're going home."
"But Nii-san—" Liechtenstein began.
The elevator came open and Switzerland stormed out, taking Liechtenstein with him.
England checked to make sure the coast was clear and sighed shortly. "Look," he said, turning back to the other countries. "This whole mess started from somewhere, right? We just have to figure out what kind of vampires these are and how to stop them without killing the countries."
"I've got a crapload of vampire stories!" America volunteered. "How about we go to my house and see which one is right?"
"All of us have vampire stories, though," Turkey pointed out. "What we ought to do is split up and go home and try and see if we can figure out what vampires these are."
"S-Split up?" Canada asked fearfully. "B-But doesn't that increase our chances of being attacked?"
"Then everyone can go together as teams," England said, nodding. "But I agree with Turkey. All of us should go to our homes and look up old vampire stories. We can figure out whichever these guys are the most similar to, and hopefully stop this menace without killing anyone."
"What do we do about HIM?" Romano asked, jabbing a thumb at Germany.
"I'm fine!" Germany snapped, thankful that Italy helped him stand up. "If I start turning, I'll let you guys know!"
Romano rolled his eyes. "Sure you will!"
"Guys."
Everyone turned. Hungary was still standing in the elevator, holding her frying pan. "W-What are you doing, Miss Hungary?"
"I have to go back up," she said. She looked a little pale, but forced a smile. "I have to go save Roderich."
"No offense, but he's probably already turned," America said. "You'll do more better for him doing research to stop this."
"…More better?" England echoed, disgusted by America's grammar.
Hungary shook her head. "I can't leave him. And I won't leave until I confirm whether or not he's changed."
Germany shook his head. "I don't think it's a good idea, but if you happen to make it out of there, come over to my house and help me research, okay?"
Hungary nodded. "I will."
"Say, say, oh playmate. Come out and play with me. Bring out your dollies three…"
Russia and Armenia playing a hand-clapping game on the floor was the first thing Hungary saw when she stepped out of the elevator.
Swallowing thickly, she hoisted the frying pan up high and looked up and down the hall. Russia and Armenia didn't seem to notice her; still wrapped up happily in their children's game.
Wouldn't it figure that a type of vampirism that turns countries evil would turn Russia GOOD? she thought to herself.
She rounded the corner and froze in her tracks. "…Oh…"
Sweden had Finland pinned to the wall, and they seemed to be hot and heavy. Both of their shirts were sliding off, and they hissed at each other, baring their fangs as they kissed deeply. Further down the hall, France was biting into South Korea's neck. South Korea had his head arched back and he was hissing, but it was hard to determine if he was in pain or pleasure. Then France lifted his head and kissed him full on the mouth.
Hungary gaped at the homoeroticism going on between various countries in front of her. She slowly fanned herself. "This might be the hottest thing I've ever seen…"
The hiss behind her was her only warning, but she had no time to react. A hand closed around her throat and she found herself slammed into the wall. "Guh—!" She grabbed at the hand, trying to loosen its grip.
"Elisabetha."
Hungary blinked as Austria came nose-to-nose with her. She would've been confused by his sudden aggression, but she was too distracted by the fact that his glasses were missing. And his violet eyes were now red.
"Elisabetha," he repeated. His quiet voice had taken on a deep, sensual tone. He nuzzled her cheek with his nose. "You came back for me? That was very kind of you."
Hungary's hand holding the frying pan trembled. She gasped very quietly, and raised her shoulder to try and shield her neck. "R-Rod—"
He kissed the side of her neck just under her right ear. She shivered involuntarily. "You smell really good, Elisabetha."
Hungary swallowed thickly and tried to maintain focus. Austria had turned into a vampire, but he was acting so unlike himself. He was aggressive and seductive and it was incredibly attractive. "I-I…"
"It'll be okay." The hand left her throat. "This will only hurt a moment."
Hungary forced her eyes open and she looked at Austria. "Roderich."
"Hmm?" he looked back at her. "What is it?"
"Sajnálom."
When Austria leaned back in confusion, Hungary swung her hand up, striking him across the face with her frying pan. She groaned with regret as he fell to the floor and she took off running back for the elevator.
So…he's turned. Hungary shook her head. It was sexy, but I don't want to be a vampire. But I'm going to stop this, no matter what it takes!
America sat in the middle of his usually neglected library, surrounded by piles upon piles of book. He slowly closed Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice and sighed. "So…according to this, vampires are weak to sunlight but can't be killed by a stake to the heart. And they're French."
A sneer rose on his upper lip as he set aside this book. He rummaged through the pile of books to find another vampire one. Why did he have so many books if he was never going to read them?
"Ah!" America pulled out Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer. "Bella gets turned in this book, right? Maybe this has something useful!"
"Bella's body, streaming with red, started to twitch, jerking around in Rosalie's arms like she was being electrocuted. All the while, her face was blank—unconscious. It was the wild thrashing from inside the center of her body that moved her. As she convulsed, sharp snaps and cracks kept time with the spasms—"
America blinked in confusion, and closed the book. "Was that her turning? She sounds like she's going through labor! Wait." He thought about it. "Twilight's vampires can go out in daylight, but they're glittery or something!
"Now, let's see… what's this?" America picked up Dark Melody by Christine Feehan. "I've never heard of this. It looks like a romance novel, though…" he gagged as he flipped the book open.
"His hand capturing hers, he tugged gently until her small body was pressed against his. "You are my lifemate, Corrine. I recognized you the moment I laid eyes on you. I know you are the light to my darkness, that your soul is the other half of my own—"
"Oh jeez!" America snapped the book shut and toss it aside. "What does that have to do with vampires? Lifemates? Half-souls?"
He saw one more book, titled Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite, and picked it up.
"She never knew Zillah's name, or how she ended up with him on a blanket in the back room of Christian's bar. She only knew that her blood was smeared across his face, that his fingers and tongue explored her body more thoroughly than any had before, that once she thought he was inside her and she was inside him at once—"
America tossed aside this book and wailed in frustration. "Which one of these is RIGHT?"
Japan rubbed a hand over his face and sat on the rōka facing his garden. "Well, this was a bad idea…"
Everything was a bad idea, in general. Answering America's summons to the World Conference building, where every nation was welcome—vampire or not—had been idiotic. But then he went home by himself to look up vampire myths? When he didn't really that many?
I should've help Germany-san or somebody. Sighing to himself, Japan opened the one book he could find in his house about vampires. "All right, let's see…tengu's are vampires? I know their noses have powers. It doesn't seem like the countries are morphing into tengus, though…Maybe they're gaki? All of them were very pale and loud. Demo…" Japan looked up towards the clear sky thoughtfully. "Gaki shape-shift. These vampires are fast, but they didn't turn into animals.
"Hmm…kyuketsuki. Maybe this is it?" Japan read from the page. "They've turned evil, but they aren't mindless zombies. Maybe if I had some honey, I could—"
"Japan."
Japan stiffened as he felt a body slide across the rōka. "…Konichiwa, Greece-san."
Greece smiled at him lazily, even with his red eyes, and stretched out on his stomach. "What are you reading?"
"Reading a book to see how to stop the vampires." Japan realized who he was talking to and quickly closed the book. "A-Ah, I mean—"
"Hmm." Greece idly twirled a strand of his own hair between his fingers. "Can you stop us?"
"W-Well…" Japan self-consciously scooted away from Greece. "We're certainly going to try, Greece-san."
Greece yawned, showing his fangs, before curling up like a cat upon the floor. "That's nice…"
"Ah…" Japan gaped at him for a moment before coughing discreetly. "You…are not going to bite me then, Greece-san?"
"Óchi. This is all too much trouble." He closed his eyes. "Do you mind if I sleep here?"
"S-Sure," Japan stammered. He paused before he said, "Arigato, for not attacking me."
"You're welcome." Greece smiled slightly. "I might nibble on you later, but only if sex is involved."
"N-NANI?" Japan hollered.
Canada closed his front door slowly behind him and sighed quietly. "I guess I should go look at Evolve: Vampire Stories of the New Undead, Mr. Kumakichi."
"Who are you?" Mr. Kumajirou asked, looking up at him.
"I'm Canada! But here." he set the bear down. "Go see if you can find some vampire books—that don't come from America!" he added quickly. "We have to figure out this vampire problem quickly!"
Mr. Kumajirou hurried off into the other room towards the bookshelf. Canada shook his head and rubbed a hand over his face as he headed towards the stairs. "How did I get into this mess?"
Someone grabbed Canada from behind. He screamed, but a hand clamped down over his mouth. Terrified, Canada feebly struggled as his head was turned to the side.
"…Mattie." Prussia licked up the side of Canada's neck, causing the other country to shiver. "I want to taste your maple syrup."
China flipped through the book he held in his lap. "Jiang shi? England did mention he believed this to be magic, aru."
"…Are we safe coming back here?" Hong Kong asked, looking around the house warily.
"But would this really be jiang shi?" China continued, partially ignoring Hong Kong. "That's a reanimated corpse, isn't it?"
"Frankly, I think this is getting ridiculous," his dragon boss said, sighing heavily. "This is just like that Christmas fiasco."
"That was all a dream, aru!" China insisted. "What do you think is causing this?"
The dragon shook his head. "How should I know? All I can confirm is that it didn't start here."
"What do we do if Taiwan comes back?" Hong Kong asked, holding up his cross. "I mean, this is her house too."
"Hong Kong, just give me a minute!" China shook his head. "I'm trying to figure this out, aru!"
"Why don't we just go to the country where this all started and follow that border's rules?" Hong Kong asked over his shoulder.
"It started in the Nordics, but it's not clear if it started in Norway or Denmark, aru."
"Well, then, somebody needs to find Norway's troll. I'm sure he would know which one of them turned."
"My vampire myths are Scandinavian myths," Iceland said. He was sitting on a plush couch in Turkey's house. "Vampires are called draugr and they're the undead."
"And these vampires are alive," Turkey said, flipping through some books. "Everyone keep a lookout, okay?"
"Lillebror." Norway's green troll materialized beside Iceland. "Du er ganske komfortabel i din elskers hus, ja?"
Iceland flushed and glared at the troll. "Just be quiet and be useful! Is On—" he quickly shook his head. "Is Norway okay? Even as a vampire?"
The troll laughed harder. "Danmark hadde han festet under kroppen hans midt oppe i elskov!"
Iceland groaned, and rubbed at his face. "I could've lived the rest of my life without that mental-image…"
"I don't have any vampire myths," Sealand said mournfully.
"Ah-HA!" Turkey waved a book over his head. "I got it!"
"Do you know what's causing all of this?" Azerbaijan asked.
"It was because of MY help that Vlad the Impaler ascended the throne in Romania!" Turkey laughed loudly.
"What does that have to do with our current situation, Oji-san?" Iceland asked.
"Vlad the Impaler was Count Dracula!" Sealand said. "You helped a vampire, Turkey?"
"Count Dracula is a myth," Georgia said, rubbing at his face. "Vlad the Impaler wasn't a vampire."
Turkey tossed the historical book aside and picked up another. "I have a legend called a chesme. It's a vampire cat who lived in water and lured men to their death."
"…A cat living in water?" Iceland asked slowly. "Isn't that an oxymoron?"
"I think it's safe to say that these guys aren't vampire cats," Azerbaijan said. "So—"
"WAIT!" Sealand shouted, standing. "That's it! Romania!"
"What about Romania?" Turkey asked.
"They're vampires, aren't they? But they didn't come to our World Conference meeting!"
"Wait, you're right," Iceland said. "But for all intensive purposes, it doesn't look like they started this."
"But maybe they know how to stop it!" Sealand insisted.
"That's a great idea!" Turkey snapped. "Quick, let's get to Romania and see if those siblings have any idea what the hell to do!"
"När kan jag se Mama?" Åland asked mournfully, still cuddling Hanatamago to her.
Turkey rubbed at his forehead. "What's she saying, Bocchan? I'm not good with kids."
"She misses her…Finland," Iceland sighed.
"Og du savner din elsker favn!" the troll snickered.
"Haltu kjafti!" Iceland snapped, swatting at him.
"'He took the screwdriver and again took off the lid of the coffin. Arthur looked on, very pale but silent. When the lid was removed he stepped forward. He evidently did not known that there was a leaden coffin, or at any rate, had not thought of it. When he saw the rent in the lead, the blood rushed to his face for an instant, but as quickly fell away again, so that he remained a ghastly witness. He was still silent. Van Helsing forced back the leaden flange, and we all looked in and recoiled.
"'The coffin was empty!'"
England glared over his shoulder. "Why are you reading that, Northern Ireland?"
Northern Ireland shrugged, his nose buried in Dracula by Brahm Stoker. "I'm doing research."
"Why don't you leave the hard work up to me, okay?" England scoffed and shook his head.
Northern Ireland's green eyes peered over the top of the book. "Brahm Stoker was Irish, so I can research on him if I want."
England said nothing to that. He continued to lead the other three countries through the quiet countryside.
"What makes you think she hasn't already turned?" Wales asked. "She didn't show up for the World Conference meeting."
Scotland snorted. "She use to beat the shit out of Vikings on a daily basis. What makes you think vampires can stop her?"
"I'm only getting a second opinion!" England snapped. "This feels like the work of magic to me! Since everyone's already scattered to try and figure out this mess, I think it would be best if we collect as many magic-users as possible!"
"Too bad Norway's already turned," Wales said.
"What makes you think she wants to work with you on anything?" Scotland asked.
"The world is at stake!" England snapped.
Scotland shrugged. "Did she help you during World War 2?"
England gnashed his bottom lip with his teeth. "Just shut it and keep following me! Be on the lookout for vampires, especially France!"
The found the cottage in question. Despite his earlier confidence, England hesitated before knocking on the door. He flinched afterwards and held his breath as he waited.
Two minutes later, nobody arrived at the door.
"Is she okay?" Scotland wondered. He knocked on the front door. "Ireland! Are you in there?"
"Shush!" England snapped. "She might have turned! Hang on, let's investigate!"
"So we go in?" Wales asked.
"Rather, you two wait out here." England grabbed Northern Ireland by his shoulder and pushed him ahead of him. "We'll go inside."
Scotland arched an eyebrow slightly. "So you'll use Northern Ireland as your meat-shield?"
"Shut it!" England snapped. "Both of you, wait out here!"
"And what will we do if the vampires show up?" Wales asked blandly.
England didn't answer him, but pushed Northern Ireland into the house ahead of him. "I…Ireland?" he called out.
He didn't get an immediate response, but he took in his surroundings. Crucifixes and Christian iconography hung from the walls and even from the ceilings. He sighed shortly in relief. "Okay…she hasn't turned."
"Hmm," Northern Ireland said thoughtfully. He bristled when England continued to push him forward. "If she's not a threat, then why am I still going first?"
England snorted. "Remember the last time I was in her house? It wasn't pleasant, was it?"
Northern Ireland blinked thoughtfully. "I thought it was funny."
"It WASN'T FUNNY!" England snapped.
"Who is it?"
Both countries jumped as Ireland came from the kitchen. She was pulling an earplug from her ears and held her iPod in one hand. She stared at the two of them for a long moment before she spoke again. "What is this? Are you giving Northern Ireland back to me, England?"
"Hardly," England snapped. "Where were you at the meeting?"
"What meeting?" Ireland asked.
"The World Conference meeting! We have an international crisis!" England huffed and looked around the house once more. "But you seem to already know that. You're well-prepared to fend off the vampires."
Ireland arched a red eyebrow. "Vampires?"
"Yes, vampires!" England snapped. "Countries all over the world are turning into vampires! Haven't you been paying attention?"
"…Is that so?" Ireland said. She walked past them and towards her front door.
England followed, dragging Northern Ireland with him. "Yes! They can go out in sunlight but they're repelled by crosses! And they can't come in uninvited! Do you have any idea what we can do to stop this? I think this is the work of magic!"
Near the open front door, Ireland fingered a crucifix hanging from the ceiling in silence. After a moment she unhooked it and spun around. She tossed it to England, who caught it in confusion. Then she grabbed Northern Ireland in her arms and promptly shoved England out the front door, slamming it shut behind him.
Scotland slowly stood up. "It doesn't seem like that went well. But who's surprised?"
England gaped at the crucifix he held. "One crucifix?" he punched Ireland's front door in frustration. "You CHEAP BITCH!"
"Fratello stupido!" Romano grumbled violently. He kicked his front door shut behind him and stomped upstairs to the library. "Why the fuck do I have to dig through this shit ALONE?"
It was Germany's fault, that fucking potato bastard. Getting bitten by his perverted brother only proved to Romano how stupid Germany was. But it was too bad Italy was just as stupid too!
"I can't leave Germany alone! Not with his injury! What if something happens to him?"
"So I have to do research by myself!" Romano shouted in the upstairs hallway. His anger mounted as he pushed open the library door and slammed it shut behind him. "Cazzo patata bastardo!"
Romano grabbed an armful of books from a nearby shelf and dumped them onto the table in the middle of the room. He didn't care how messy it got; once they got rid of these annoying vampires, he was going to make Italy clean their house as payback for ditching him!
Romano quickly flipped through a book, but found no vampire information on the aging print. "Useless." He threw the book across the room, and smirked with satisfaction as it knocked over a globe. Veneziano would have a mighty big mess to clean up!
But, first things first.
"Where the fuck's that book about the Stregoni Benefici?" Romano demanded out loud after flipping through five books. "I thought we had that story!"
Breath suddenly tickled the back of Romano's neck. "Romano…"
"WAUGH!" Romano jumped forward and spun around, swinging his fist. His fist met only the open air, and he nearly fell over from the momentum. "What the fuck?"
Spain was leaning against the wall, his arms folded over his chest. He looked amused. "Don't scare me like that, you bastard!" Romano hollered at him. He turned his back on Spain to look at the books again. "Where the fuck have you been, anyways? We have an international crisis!"
"International crisis?" Spain repeated slowly.
"Si idiota! Countries are turning into vampires, and we have to stop them!" Romano shuffled through the books. "Now that you're here, help me go through these! Veneziano is being a fucking idiot as usual, and so I have to do this alone!"
"…Stop the vampires?" Spain said.
"SI!" Romano snapped, glaring over his shoulder. "We…"
His voice trailed off as he looked at Spain fully for the first time. The Spaniard was leaning against the wall beside the door, arms folded over his chest. He looked kempt, but he had a weird…smirk on his lips. Romano looked up at his eyes, involuntarily seeking reassurance, and audibly gasped.
Spain blinked very slowly, his eyes blazing red. "Is something wrong, mi tomate?" he then grinned toothily, exposing his sharp fangs.
Romano snatched for the crucifix in his back pocket and held it up high. "Don't you come any closer, Spain!" he snapped. You fucking idiota! he thought to himself. How could you allow yourself to turn into a vampire?
"You are too cruel to me, Romano." Spain pushed himself away from the wall. Romano jumped backwards, still holding the crucifix like a shield. "You turn down my dinner invitation, and now you don't want me near you."
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Romano hollered. "You're going to BITE ME if you come any closer!"
"It will only sting a little bit, mi amor." Spain's tone of voice dipped slightly. It had a hypnotic, seductive edge to it. "When Francis came to me I was quite frightened. Then—"
"Augh, that FREAK turned you?" Romano gagged, coughing convulsively. "I don't want his shit in my body! Stay the fuck back!"
Spain's eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't want his…shit in your body either."
Romano shivered at the other country's rare use of venomous cursing. His hand shook as he yanked his cell phone out of his pocket. "L-Let's just talk about this," he sputtered, trying to dial Italy's number with just his thumb.
"Sí," Spain agreed, his tone coaxing and almost playful. "There is nothing to get alarmed over." He spread his arms slightly. "Come to me, Lovino. I'm not going to hurt you."
His words whispered over Romano's mind, ebbing away his fear and unease. "Nii-san?" Italy answered the phone in his ear. "Nii-san, what is it? Do you need anything?"
Romano dropped his cell phone. It fell to the floor and broke apart. "CAZZO!" he shouted, quickly dropping to his knees to pick it up.
Spain suddenly surged forward. Romano cried out and stumbled back, away from his cell phone and holding the crucifix high. The Spaniard hissed in pain and shielded his face, stopping dead in his tracks. It gave Romano the opportunity to stand back up.
But Spain now stood between Romano, his cell phone, and the door. Romano knitted his brow in fury, but he couldn't stop the whimper from escaping his throat as he clutched the crucifix in both hands. "Bastardo," he hissed, the crucifix shaking in his hands. "Get away from me right now."
Spain still had a hand raised, but he looked at Romano through his fingers. "You're terrified of me, Romano."
"You're a fucking vampire!" Romano snapped. "And you're obviously here to turn me! What, did you expect me to welcome you with open arms, you fucking pervert? Get the fuck out of my house! I'm trying to help you, but you're too stupid to notice! LEAVE!"
Romano expected Spain to be immediately expelled from his house. These vampires followed the rules of not coming in uninvited after all. Only, Spain didn't move from his spot. "GET OUT!" he hollered.
It was slowly, but Spain lowered his arm and looked at Romano fully, though the other country hid behind his crucifix. "That's not going to work on me, Romano."
"You're not welcome here!" Romano said, almost pleadingly. He looked at his broken cell phone on the floor and shook his head. If I get out of this mess, I'm SO going to kick Veneziano's ass for ditching me!
Spain only shook his head. "I'm telling you that's not going to work, Lovino. Just by putting it into words doesn't mean I'm unwelcome here. I'm always welcome where you are." He gestured to Romano. "I'm there in your mind and in your heart. So no matter what you say or forcefully think about it, it's not the truth and so it doesn't work."
"Ha…" Romano genuinely felt terrified now. He was relieved that the crucifix worked, but there was nothing else he had to get Spain away from him. "W…Why can't you leave?" his tone had become quiet from his uncharacteristic fear. "I-I don't want to be a vampire, okay? Can you just go away, and I'll just lock myself in some closet and promise not to stop you guys? Per favore?"
Spain blinked very slowly, remaining silent. Then he tilted his head to the side. "You're frightened of me, Romano? Why? I promise I won't hurt you. I will make it very pleasant for you." he stepped as close as he could allow himself to be, with the crucifix still between them. "It would be no benefit to me to see you hurt. I would…enjoy it more to see you enjoy it, mi amor. So, why don't we skip this unpleasant dialogue, hmm?" he smiled again, and it looked innocent and…sexy. "I don't care much about what the others are up to. But when I'm beside you I can't leave you alone. So, why don't you stop delaying the inevitable and just put this crucifix down?" he opened his mouth and very slowly licked his lips. "Trust in me, mi tomate, as you've always done."
Romano couldn't help himself. He was drowning in those hypnotic eyes and the sensual voice. It was all too much for him. He let out a short gasp and swallowed involuntarily.
Try fighting him! he tried to reason with himself. Granted, there are worse people who could be here trying to turn you! Like FRANCE! But you don't want to be a vampire, and that's what Spain wants to do to you! You must fight!
Then the crucifix slipped through his fingers and clattered to the floor.
"F—" Romano didn't finish. Spain surged forward, grabbing him by his shoulders, and slammed his back into the wall. Before Romano could throw a punch, Spain crushed his mouth over his.
Romano was taken aback. He was ready for those fangs to rip his mouth apart, but they didn't. Instead the kiss was very tantalizing. He groaned involuntarily and he felt his knees go weak. Spain wasn't the country of passion for nothing. Vampire or not, he was a hell of a kisser.
Spain combed a hand up through Romano's hair, and his fingers found his curl. He didn't even hesitate as he gave it a quick yank.
"AH!" Romano broke the kiss and arched his head back at the unexpected sensations humming through his body. He clung to Spain as he nearly lost his balance, and Spain took the opportunity to kiss his face, slowly but surely guiding his mouth to Romano's throat.
"Sí." Spain tugged on his earlobe gently with his teeth. "Just relax, Lovino…"
Romano knew he had to do something; otherwise he'd be vampire very shortly. But the fact that it was Spain that was tempting him made it much harder to resist. And he generally had a pretty high tolerance for this moron's antics.
I have to do something! I have to…but his thought processes simply trailed off.
Spain finally moved to his throat. His lips brushed over the skin, but he suddenly hissed. He pulled away and shielded his mouth.
Clarity came to Romano briefly, and he looked at Spain in confusion. "Y-You won't do it?"
"Romano." Spain looked stern for the first time since he'd arrived. "You didn't tell me about the cross around your neck."
Romano's hand flew to his neck, and he nearly died with relief when he felt the cross through his shirt. "Pope John Paul II gave me this cross." All right! I can escape now!
"Take it off," Spain said.
Romano snorted. "The hell I will. Get out of my way, I'm out of here."
Spain stepped closer, despite the cross. "Take it off, mi tomate, or I'm going to rip it off."
"W-WHAT?" Romano clutched at the necklace. "If you do that, I'll fucking kill you! I just told you Pope John Paul gave this to me!"
"Then you'll take it off because it means so much to you," Spain said. He leaned a little closer. "I would rather not do something to hurt you."
"Then let me pass, you bastard!" Romano snapped.
"You don't want me to leave. And deep down, you want this to keep going. So…" Spain smiled very slightly. "Please make this easier on yourself."
Romano was angry and frustrated. Spain wasn't backing down, and he just wanted to punch the shit out of him. He was threatening to destroy the cross the previous Pope gave to him!
But…Romano ducked his head and cursed heavily. He reached up and carefully took off the necklace, slapping it onto the nearby table. "There! Come at me you fucking shithead!"
"Hmm." Spain cupped his chin and tilted his head back. Romano thought, while he was distracted, he would kick him in the groin and take off. But that familiar relaxing feeling overtook his mind. He didn't feel uneasy or fearful. Just…relaxed.
He shivered when that mouth kissed down the side of his neck again. His breath hitched when he realized what was happening, and pushed up against his arms. "Spain—"
"No se asuste." That simple statement was breathed heavily across his skin. "It's only me." His tongue shot up and licked his skin once, and then twice. Then his teeth sank in.
"Ah—!" Romano cursed violently, the pain giving him clarity. He tried to shove up on Spain's arms, but the other country pinned him to the wall. One hand slid up and cupped his nape, turning his head a little to the side.
Romano vaguely realized just why Germany reacted to his own bite the way he did. It hurt, despite Spain's reassurance, and he felt weak. Agreeing with that asshole…the world IS against me!
Spain pulled away, but Romano barely noticed. He panted for breath, feeling light-headed, and sagged against him. His awareness was also dimming. When he felt himself be lifted up he just hung on, even though Spain was preying upon him, and let himself be carried.
Spain laid him out on a nearby couch and straddled his waist. He unbuttoned a couple of buttons at Romano's collar while the other country stared up at him in a haze. "Ugh…"
"A little more, mi amor," Spain said, rubbing Romano's bottom lip with his thumb. "Just give me a little time."
Did he sound…remorseful? Romano was confused. But he didn't have the energy to even resist when Spain swept back down and bit him again.
It still stung, despite what Spain had promised, but the vampire country held onto him with a weird tenderness. The juxtaposition of that with Spain drinking his blood made Romano dizzy. His breathing grew labored and he closed his eyes. "Please…please stop it…" he couldn't form anymore words, but he felt ashamed to be begging like that.
To his surprise, Spain did move away. The other country wiped the blood from his mouth, though he remained seated on Romano. "Hang on. I'll help you…"
Romano half-expected him to rip open his wrist, like what they did in some myths. Spain on the other hand slowly pulled his own shirt over his head, baring his chest. Romano winced slightly when he produced a switchblade from his pocket and cut a small line over his heart. He ran two fingers through the blood and pressed them against Romano's mouth. "Take as much as you need."
Romano thought he would throw up from tasting somebody else's blood, but the flavor was intoxicating. He sucked on the fingers greedily and groaned, feeling his energy return to him.
Spain smiled, and helped him to sit up and guide his mouth to the cut. "Bueno. I don't care what the others do. You're with me now, mi tomate, and I only want you…"
America wailed in anguish and scrubbed both hands furiously through his hair. Books were piled all around him. "WHY do I have so many vampire books?"
His cell phone went off. He checked the caller-I.D. and scoffed. "Not now, Canada! I'm busy!"
"…Alfred." Canada's use of his human name made America stiffen. "Alfred, I really need some help. Can you come to my house quickly?"
Canada's voice sounded…weird. It was still so quiet, but it also sounded a bit guttural.
"I'll be there soon!" America said, feeling he wasn't getting anywhere with his books. "Just give me a couple of minutes to get some stakes!"
"…Yeah. You do that." Canada abruptly disconnected the phone.
Happy to be doing something else, America ran to his closet and pulled out a bag of stakes he'd wanted to use for Halloween decorations. "I'm gonna go all Buffy on everyone's asses!"
He hefted the bag over his shoulder, but also made sure his gun was in his pocket as he ran out the front door.
Some minor notes on vampire myths. I'm sorry if I'm incorrect on some facts!
- Tengu is a famous Japanese demon with wings, red-faces, and very long noses. If you've ever played Dead or Alive 2, the final boss is a tengu. While not necessarily a vampire, tengus have been known to drink human blood.
- Gaki is an undead vampire. They scream and wail constantly and drink blood. They can also morph into animals.
- Kyuketsuki is the most common name for Japanese vampires. Straight out of folklore, they're not necessarily undead and they seem to have a better grasp on their surroundings. In some cases, you can teach a kyuketsuki to live on honey rather than blood.
- The Stregoni Benefici is an Italian vampire myth about a vampire of this name who was incredibly noble. In this story vampires took part in hunting games against humans, but Stregoni Benefici always only took a minimal amount of blood from his victims, and preferred to feed upon animals. Because of his preferences he was considered a "vegetarian" by other vampires, but Italians revered him for his humility.
- Ireland was staunchly neutral during World War 2. They went even so far as to paint warning signs on beaches telling British pilots that they weren't welcome. Because of her neutrality and indifference to what was going on in England, England made a deal with Russia in the United Nations and the latter repeatedly blocked Ireland's application into the United Nations. Ireland was finally able to join the United Nations in 1955.