The meeting ended, but no one left the house. Everyone was staying there for the night until they could all gather supplies to hunt down the copies. They all chatted about how they would be taken down or how strong they actually were. While that was going on, Prussia pulled Germany into the kitchen, saying they'd get something to drink for all of them.

"So?" Prussia asked, looking at his brother as he took out various sized cups and glasses. Three mugs of tea for Japan, China, and England. A bottle of vodka for Russia. Two wine glasses for France and Italy. Four coffee mugs for Romano, America, Spain, and Canada. Lastly, two bottles of beer for him and his bruder.

Germany put a kettle on the stove to boil for the tea while he set up the coffee to brew. "Vat?" Germany of course knew what his brother was going to say. He just didn't need to hear it again.

"You know vat, bruder." Prussia traveled over to the fridge to bring out the bottles, handing Germany one of the beers.

The bottle cap bent with the bottle opener and was trashed. The fizzing liquid felt good running down his throat. He felt like he hadn't had one in a few weeks. Something made him suddenly curious. "Vy does Romano have all zis in his house?" He gave the liquid a swish in the bottle before adding with a mutter, "Cazolics." Prussia lifted his eyebrow in question and Germany brushed off the subject. "Vat is going on is more important, bruder. Ja, I know it's important, but ve have to focus on getting ze copies taken down first."

"And vat if one of us dies? Vat den? If he vere to die?"

"Don't be stupid, Prussia, ve can't die. If so, you vould be dead."

Prussia took another gulp of his beer. "I had to join your country, bruder. I didn't die. I vill return. My awesomeness can't be held in forever." Prussia paused, noticing how he got off topic. "As I vas saying, you need to let him know."

Germany didn't say anything, thinking about what Prussia said. Prussia walked over and set a hand on Germany's shoulder. Without saying anything else, he took the vodka and coffees into the living room. Germany brought in the teas and wines, handing them out to those who requested it.

Italy took the wine glass and sloshed it around lightly, watching the red, velvety liquid stir inside. He had been in his own thoughts so much after the meeting that he didn't pay attention to anything or anyone else. Ok, he lied to himself. Everything and everyone was one his mind. It was hard not to think about what would happen when this was all too real.

His heart skipped a slow beat.

Well, almost too real.

There was one thing missing, one great thing.

"Italy, dude." The voice snapped the Italian out of his thoughts. He only gave America a side glance without a word to say. "Are you all right, man? You've been out of it all evening."

France answered for Italy. "How can he not be? How would you feel if you thought you started this whole thing and everyone banished and hated you?"

"Hey, you were against him, too!"

"Get over it, git. We all were blind and should've believed the kid. He's never lied like this before. We had no right."

Romano threw a hard look at Germany. "I am surprised you didn't believe him, at least have a little-a faith in him like I did."

"You still ran, too, Romano," Italy piped up.

Romano blinked and looked away, glaring at nothing in particular. His little brother was right.

"He is right, zough. I should've believed you," Germany managed to say. Pink crossed his cheeks as he looked at the once bright and happy northern nation. "After all, you vere ze one zat vanted to be my friend in ze first place. You vere never scared of me. Danke schön."

Italy only gave a warm smile, a smile that anyone could've been happy to see. "But, Germany, you helped me out more. You were always there to protect me, no matter how weak or how much of a coward I was. You were able to put up with me when a lot of people wouldn't be able to or wouldn't even care to. I should be the one thanking you."

"Ja but—"

"No buts, Germany. We both did good things to help each other… even after I betrayed you after the war, you still took me as a friend and made that everlasting alliance with me. I also gave you the opportunity to know what true friendship was like. You're my best friend forever, Germany."

Silent settled warmly in the room. It almost felt like the warm air from a low, flickering fire in the hearth had spread and seeping into everyone's heart. For someone sniffled as if on cue for a movie scene.

"That was so cute, dude. Not that I'm crying or anything."

Germany guided his eyes away from Italy's, nodding. "You… You are my best friend as vell."

"Aw, vat? No kiss?" Prussia asked cheekily.

"I vill punch you in ze zroat!" Germany jumped up, making Prussia jump back slightly.


All the furniture had been moved out of the living room to make room for all of them to sleep. Thankfully, Romano had enough pillows and blankets for everyone. They all had decided to share the room in case anything was to happen while they slept. When they had first fallen asleep, they were all in certain spots. Romano, who had pushed away from Spain, was sleeping near the doorway, which was thoroughly locked, to the kitchen. Spain was nearby. Russia was snoozing soundlessly, back against the wall, by one of the windows which the curtains were pulled to block the view inside. England was nestled into a chair with France parallel on the other side of the room. Germany slept with a frightened Italy clinging to him by the far wall. Prussia was nearby snoring softly. Japan lay silent against a wall, no one sure if he was asleep or not. America was sprawled out with Canada by his side. Finally, China stayed awake on watch, leaning against a wall for support, hot tea in his hands.

The summer night wasn't too hot but it was brisk and the warmth from the sun still lingered ever so gently in the air. China gave a smooth breath rippling across his tea before sipping it. It was just the way he liked it. His eyes lingered around at all the other nations that slept. He had to admit that they all looked peaceful, even America with his arms and legs in the strangest positions. He didn't mind staying up to keep watch. Germany was to relieve him of it in about six minutes anyway.

China glanced at the slow ticking clock on the wall. 4:24. They really did get to sleep late. Sipping the tea again, he stared at everyone again, dragging himself into his own thoughts. The immortal nation hoped that things would go well for them, all of them. He thought back to how a similar situation had brought them together like this and brought them out of it by working together. All the nations; as one world.

At least it's not aliens, aru, he thought with a grimace, swigging the last of his tea and setting the cup aside. He grasp the back of his head and pulled the pony tail out, letting his long, black hair fall onto his shoulders. Time to rest.

He silently walked over to where Germany slept and knelt beside him. "Germany," he said. The blonde opened his eyes at the voice, looking up at China. "It is time for you to take watch, aru."

"Danke," muttered a sleepy Germany. He went to sit up but was pulled back down by surprisingly strong arms. Italy, he thought with a grunt. The smaller nation had his arms tightly wrapped around Germany's chest, clinging tighter as he moved. He didn't want to wake him up, having a hard week, he needed the rest. He shuffled to a sitting position and let Italy lay his head in his lap, arms hugging his waist.

Germany watched Italy as he slept. His chest rose and fell lightly with his dreams. A small smile tugged Germany's lips. Brushing some auburn hair out of his face, his blue eyes fell upon the scar on his face. Easily, Germany traced it, feeling how it healed. It wasn't doing its greatest to heal, not being disinfected properly, but from the looks of it, it would give Italy no problems.

"You only did it to protect me from the others."

How could Italy be so understanding after what he did and said? Germany didn't quite understand the Italian. He never would. He whispered a quick "Cazolics" before raising his eyes to analyze everyone else in the room. It was certainly such a peaceful night, it was. If only he could see the sky. Then it would be perfect.

He didn't expect the moment to be ruined, but when it was, he was prepared.

"EVERYONE VAKE UP!" The German's yell cut everyone's dreams short, opening their eyes just as the smoke began filling the room.

"What's the meaning of this?" England questioned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes quickly.

"Everyone to the center of ze room! Now!" Germany grabbed Italy by the wrist and pulled him to the center, meeting with everyone else. There was silence from then on. The only sound was the pressurized hiss from the smoke being released into the air. Then a soft gust from the curtains. Someone had joined them.

America's breathing was hesitant, backing up into whoever was behind him. A hand reached out from the smoke and gripped the collar of his shirt. With a shout, he was pulled into the smoke.

"Merde," France muttered. "Dieu nous aide*."

"Take covah!" an unknown voice yelled before a flash of light split their visions. All ears in the room, including the attackers were ringing. Hearing was temporarily shut down, but not before they all heard someone yell, "You idiot!"

Italy rubbed his eyes, hoping to rid his eyes of the light. Opening his eyes, a sadistic smile stood in front of him. The air chilled with the shiver that slithered down and back up his spine. "Ciao, you little fuck."

Soon enough, everyone was fighting with someone on their own, helping someone else, or knocked unconscious. There were yells and screams from all sides, anyone barely able to hear themselves think.

There was a frightened yell above all the others followed by, "Japan!" A metallic clang rag out. "I'm co—"

THWACK

"Just take him and go!"

Several seconds passed and the smoke cleared. Partial fogs still lingered but not as thick as before. Several unconscious nations were spread throughout the room, which included France, America, Canada, and Romano.

China was gripping his head; a large bump had appeared on it. "Ow, aru." He looked up at Italy who stood over him with a hand held out. Surprisingly, he took it and was helped to his feet. He surveyed the room, eyes frantic. Biting his lip, he looked at Germany. "They took Japan."


When the Asian nation came to, he couldn't see what was going on around him. His current position was uncomfortable. Deciding to shift more comfortably, he heard whispers coming from nearby. Listening in, he heard the dark of their voices. How each of them hissed with their own evil and deepness.

"Shut up, Bernardo, you idiot," a familiar voice hissed. The Japanese nation quickly recognized that voice as the Italian counterpart.

"Why should I, fucking bastard?" a deeper version of Cesare's voice hissed in the same equal tone.

Japan could feel the annoyance seep like poison in the atmosphere. From everyone, not just the two. Also, there was a slight hint of boredom, not caring to pay attention to the two as they fought.

"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't even be here."

"And if it weren't for-a me, you wouldn't have been able to get them."

"I promise if you both don't shut those bottomless pits called mouths, I will!" The growl shut them up further. Japan only slightly heard the mutter of, "Where are my needles, ahru?" The voice was so much more throaty he wouldn't have recognized it if it weren't for that signature tic.

"Thisssss iss nothing to fight about," a quiet voice hissed. It almost seemed shy. "We have more important matterssssss to dissscusss."

"Svift Runner is right," a strong, dominant voice took over. "Seeing as none of you idiots can plan vizout me or bruder, you may vant to listen."

"Hold on, Adolf," Cesare halted. There was a pause, Japan tensed slightly but slowed his breathing, hoping he had not been noticed. "They need to be killed, before any of this can move on. Once we have them, then the others won't be a problem once these nations are out of the picture."

Japan's heart thumped.

"We need to focus on that first before we do anything else."

Another unrecognizable voice gave his, clearing his throat to gain attention, "I would like explanation to this new world, if none of you mind. Everything is quite new, I am not sure whether to be afraid or just dumbstruck."

"Both, ahru," China's counterpart groaned. "Humans have grown very low on the intelligent scale as time went on, Nathan."

Swift Runner's hiss echoed throughout the room, chilling the very marrow in their bones. Even Japan began to shiver while the hiss rattled through his ears and into his mind where it lingered like a foul odor. Each inhale and exhale was hollow as bamboo and dry as a carcass in the desert. "Thissss iss good on our part, don't forget. They will never ssssssussspect anything that'ssss coming to them."

A shudder curled around his voice as another spoke, his accent thick with French, "Please remind me what you are again. I have never heard of your kind in my country before."

Silence lingered eerily through the room for what seemed like forever. No one spoke, almost as if afraid to or just waiting for what would happen next. A low hiss started echoing before the storm. "I. Am. A. Wendigo!"

SLAM

SKRREEEEEE

Japan desperately wanted to shield his ears from the piercing sound. The dreaded sound that resembled nails against a chalkboard.

"Next time you have to asssk what I am, I will take that thing upon your ssshoulderssss and carve it open and devour that gathering of sssnailssss you call a brain! Thissss isss the sssixth forsssaken time you've had to asssk!"

Japan bit his lip. It was hard to stay sane with that wicked hiss vibrating your ears and brain. He fought the desperate urge to twitch a muscle.

"Get off ze table, vill you?" Adolf asked in his politest voice possible. Swift Runner hissed in response. "Now zat you are all paying attention, come. I have been vorking on some plans viz my bruder."

"I need to stay behind. There is unfinished business for me to take care of."

"Do what you must," Cesare spoke, not bothering to hide his arid tone. A door clicked closed before footsteps started towards where Japan lie.

Japan closed his eyes tight and focused on his breathing as the footsteps grew nearer. Had he noticed that Japan was awake and listening in on the entire conversation? He could only hope and pray.

The steps stopped right next to him followed by his breathing. "I know you are awake."

Kuso!

A light chuckle came from the other. A grip came to his restraints and they fell loose. The blindfold had been taken off. Japan shot on his feet and stood in a stance, ready to fight his opponent. This opponent, though, he had not expected.

Taking the hesitation in his favor, the other pinned Japan to the wall by the throat. "You do not usuarry hesitate. You did not expect me, did you?"

Japan choked trying to suck in air, gripping his persona's wrist with all he could. Try as he might, he could not take his eyes off the bright ones in front of him. They were so different from his, so frightful. The yellow eyes stared back at him. Black liner illuminated around his orbs. He wore a kimono only halfway on leaving the right side of his chest bare, showing off his Yakuza tattoos.

Not gaining a response, he let go, letting Japan fall to his knees, heaving and coughing, gasping to refresh his flaring lungs with soothing oxygen. He looked up into those haunting eyes that crouched to meet his inches away. "Don't worry. I'm not arrowed to torture you." He stood up and walked off. He put a hand on the handle to the steel door. "Yet that is. And don't think about escaping. There is no way in or out besides this door and it's rocked from the outside." The persona pulled a key out to unlock the door and vanished behind it.

Japan pulled himself to the wall, hugging his knees close. While his head rested on his folded arms, his mind wondered to his plains of thought. Wandering back to times before when worse situations had happened, he didn't feel so bad. They wirr do what they can to save me. I cannot rose hope.


Yes I am making HetaOni references X3. It helps a tiny bit with the plot and makes a good filler for words XD.

*Dieu nous aide = God help us*