A/N: I updated on Monday (because I confused myself XD ) so make sure you read the last chapter.

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Chapter Seven: Bad News

After having a wonderful day of lazing about and not worrying about anything, it was only natural that America would not sleep that night. He spent the hours staring at the ceiling, debating whether to take Penny up on her offer to play some games or chat instead of laying there and doing nothing. He had refused out of the hope that he would eventually fall into the land of dreams— not nightmares, please— but that hope had been futile. He watched the sunlight peek through his window and sighed, covering his eyes with his arm.

At least we didn't have nightmares.

"Because we didn't sleep at all." Vale groaned.

Mumbling a hello to Penny, America forced his aching muscles to work and got up. He paused by the window in the spot of warmth the sunlight provided and his eyes slipped closed drowsily. They snapped open when Penny caught him before he could tip forward.

"I'm awake." he mumbled, holding back a yawn.

Penny frowned at him and walked out. She returned a minute later with two cups of coffee. Shoving one at him, and acknowledging his muttered thanks with a nod, she set the other on the bedside table. Without preamble, she flipped Canada's mattress. America muffled his cackles when Canada growled, pulling his blankets under the mattress with him. He knelt and peered underneath to see the ball of fabric that was his twin.

"Wow. Someone's extra grumpy this morning."

It was too early for Canada to notice how tired his teasing sounded. His twin's only response was a garbled mess of words in what could very well be a long-lost alien language. Even the smell of coffee failed to make him move from his spot. Rolling his eyes, America set the cup back on the table and prodded the mattress with his foot.

"You have ten minutes before I come back and jump on you." He threatened. Hopefully without staying there this time... America shoved that thought away.

Canada grunted.

America left him there and entered the bathroom, locking the door behind him. He stepped towards the shower and paused, returning to the door. After double-checking to make sure no one could get in, he removed his pajamas and went into the shower, washing off quickly as he could and occasionally peeking out to check that the door was indeed closed. There was only one bathroom in their new living space, and with so many people, sometimes there were lines of people dancing outside. It should be early enough that no one else was awake but America did not want to risk it. Sure enough, he barely stepped out before someone frantically rapped on the door.

"Who's in there?" Jaune asked. "I really have to go."

"It's me." America called back. "I'm not decent. Give me a sec."

He wrapped a towel around himself and padded towards his clothes, which hung from a hook on the back of the door. He paused in front of the mirror, craning his neck, and grimaced at the bright red letters carved into his skin.

"I don't know why you keep thinking they'll be gone." Vale said quietly.

America cringed. I—

A low screeching sound interrupted him and America jumped backwards into the shower, nearly slipping on the tile. His towel fell to the floor and he yanked the curtain over as the door was shoved open. Jaune rushed in and America hid behind the curtain, torn between laughing and kneading his aching forehead.

He waited until the toilet flushed and the sink turned on to peer out. The door was closed once more, but a large chunk of wood was missing from the frame where the lock should be. Jaune heard the curtain rustle and froze. The knight looked from the broken door to America, to the door and back again. His cheeks reddened.

"Well." America said dryly. "Look who's been working out. That poor door didn't stand a chance. You couldn't wait two seconds?"

Jaune's cheeks reddened. "Shut up. I had to go."

"So you decided to break the door?" America asked, bemused.

Jaune groaned. "Weiss is going to be mad." He paled. "Winter is going to be mad."

"A bitter fate is waiting for you." America said solemnly, not disagreeing. "Now could you hand me my clothes?"

Jaune's face matched Pyrrha's hair. He meekly gave America his clothes and the nation put his underwear and pants on, stepping out of the shower in his jeans. He was about to put his shirt on when he heard Jaune gasp. America grimaced and sighed, knowing what the knight had seen. He cursed himself as he turned so his back was fully to Jaune, giving him a clear view of the scars.

"Take a picture. It will last longer." he said tonelessly.

He heard Jaune wince. "Sorry."

"It's fine." America said, bitterly acknowledging that was his new catchphrase.

He made to put his shirt on but Jaune caught his arm. America stiffened in his grasp but did not pull away.

"Wait." Jaune said. "Maybe I can heal it."

America's stomach twisted into a pretzel and he shook his head. "No thank you. It didn't heal when you tried in the Institute—"

"You had worse injuries I had to focus on. Now it's just this." Jaune insisted. Hopeful, pleading blue eyes met his. "Please, let me try."

America hesitated but set his shirt down, turning so his back was to Jaune once more. He ducked his head, holding his neck stiff and tense. He did not want to headbutt Jaune if he flinched. A warm hand landed on his shoulder blade, fingers spreading across the mutilated flesh, and he gnawed on his lip, gooseflesh pricking at his skin. He began counting in Japanese.

"Just let me..." Jaune murmured, and America saw the glow before he felt it.

Despite the warmth of the Aura, America felt bitterly cold as it covered his back. He focused on breathing evenly, trying to ensure his chest did not heave as he grappled with his growing panic. America forgot the Japanese word for "twenty-seven" and his breathing stuttered. He moved on to French words for different flowers and not the foreign energy sinking into his flesh. This was not like last time. He knew what Jaune was doing. He knew that the Aura surrounding and penetrating him was not trying to force its way into his body to destroy him.

"I'm sorry." Vale whispered again, her presence brushing his mind, and America's heart leaped into his throat.

"Stop." he whispered.

Jaune did not appear to hear him. America could see his focused expression in the mirror, his blue eyes locked on the injuries he was trying to mend. His Aura spread across America's back, covering the scars, but America could not see if it was doing anything. It did not feel like it was doing anything yet, just laying in wait for an opening so it could shove its way into his core and rip him apart—

"Stop." America wheezed, feeling dizzy.

Jaune shook his head. "Just a little more..."

The Aura probed the scars on his back curiously, and— upon deciding they were a sufficient opening— pushed. Pain lanced through America's back and he bit back a scream, lurching away from the knight. Jaune jumped, his white Aura vanishing and America frantically checked his back, relieved to see no white light remaining. When he twisted his scars split open and stung but he did not care.

Jaune frowned. "You're bleeding—"

"It's fine." America said hastily, backing away from the knight. He crashed into the towel rack and knocked one to the floor, but barely noticed. "Just— Just stop. Please stop."

Finally, Jaune heard his quiet pleas, and saw his pale skin, his tense posture, his terrified eyes. Confusion melted into horror and Jaune raised placating hands. They trembled, pink and calloused and with no white light on them.

"Alfred, I'm sorry." he babbled. "I didn't listen. I— I'm so sorry. That was awful of me."

"It's okay." America claimed, even though it really was not. "You just wanted to help. Thanks for trying. I mean, you don't really have a handle or known limit on your Semblance yet so there aren't any rules now are there?" He realized how toneless his voice was and laughed to cover it up. His giggle came out awkward and shaky. "How about the first one is if they tell you to stop, you stop, okay?" America stubbornly pretended his voice did not crack.

Jaune's face twisted with distress. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to…" He cut himself off and shook his head as his shoulders slumped. "I guess my Semblance can't mend everything. I should have realized that with what happened to Qrow." He sank to the bathroom floor, legs outstretched and head in his hands.

America sat beside him— not touching him— and tried to slow his pounding heartbeat. "It's not your fault."

Jaune did not respond, though he silently shook his head.

"Have you… talked to anyone about this?" America asked carefully.

Jaune shook his head again.

"Do you want—?"

"No." Jaune said. "You have enough problems. I'm not piling mine on you."

America remembered France saying something similar. "Then talk to Pyrrha." he offered. "Or Ruby."

"I can't talk to Ruby about my failure to heal her uncle." Jaune said softly.

America was not dissuaded. "Pyrrha." he repeated stubbornly. He poked Jaune in the shoulder. "You should know better than to keep secrets from your girlfriend, asshole."

Jaune snorted. His expression soon sobered and he looked miserably at his hands.

"Don't keep it in." America said, looking at a crack in the ceiling and not those same hands. "If you do, the problems will just keep on piling up until you drown in them."

"Understatement of the century." Vale murmured.

"I'll try." Jaune promised, and America smiled thinly.

It did not take much to convince people to share their burdens when he was a clear case of what could happen if they didn't. Taking one last look at the red letters on his shoulders, America grabbed some bandages from the cabinet and handed them to Jaune.

"Could you patch me up?" he requested.

Jaune nodded and silently covered his wounds. America kept his head down and pretended not to be watching Jaune's hands in the mirror, ready to break away if he spotted a single flicker of white light. Jaune gently taped the gauze into place and lowered his hands to his sides. He cleared his throat.

"Who gave—?"

"A soldier."

Jaune winced. "When—?"

"With Polendina."

Jaune went quiet.

"Thanks for the help." America said after a pregnant pause.

Jaune smiled and nodded, and America slipped his t-shirt on. The bathroom door opened and the two tensed. Penny poked her head in and glanced between them. She blinked and frowned at Jaune, crossing her arms.

"It is rude to break into the bathroom when Alfred is in it." she said sternly. "It causes him stress."

Jaune's cheeks flushed. "How—?" He paused. "I mean, that wasn't me. I didn't do that."

"Your statement is false." Penny declared, green eyes narrowing.

"I really had to get in." Jaune pleaded. "I had to go."

"If you need to leave then you can come with me." Penny stated, misunderstanding his statement. "Let Alfred get dressed in peace."

She grabbed Jaune by the hood and dragged him out, shutting the door behind her. America stared at the door in silence, lips twitching. Trust Penny to lighten his mood. He exited the bathroom and entered the kitchen area. He instantly had to stifle his laughter.

Everyone was there, including Penny and Jaune, and the robotic girl had taken a seat right across from the knight. That would not be funny in an of itself, except she was currently glaring at him like he told her mashed potatoes were revolting. Penny was by no means subtle with her ire, and as America sat, Ruby leaned over to whisper to him.

"What happened? Why is Penny mad?" she murmured.

The robotic girl's head swiveled to focus on Ruby. "Jaune Arc broke into the bathroom while Alfred was showering and in a state of undress." Her head swiveled back and she glowered at Jaune like he had broken a federal law.

Jaune turned red.

Nora shot her leader a disappointed look, but her tiny smirk gave her away. "Jaune, how could you do that? First Ren, now Alfred? I had no idea you were such a perv."

The look on Jaune's face was comparable to that of a man who realized he was utterly doomed. "Nora, no." he groaned, covering his crimson face with his hands.

America stifled his laughter with his palm. "It was a joke, Penny." he said quickly when the mechanisms in her backpack shifted.

"I am meant to defend you from any threats." Penny stated, clearly seeing Jaune as a threat at the current time.

"Jaune isn't a threat." America said patiently.

"To anything but Alfred's honor." Nora muttered, grinning wickedly.

She may act sweet and cheerful but she was truly an evil mastermind. Everyone at the table knew exactly what she was doing if their suspicious smirks were of any indication.

Penny frowned. "Definitions of 'honor': 'high respect, esteem, privilege' Alternative definition: 'in reference to chastity or reputation'." Her eyes narrowed dangerously.

America had to physically stop Penny's weapons from emerging. He would let Nora have her fun, but not at the cost of Jaune becoming a new target for termination. "Nora is still joking, Penny. Jaune isn't a threat to me. Right, Nora?"

"Yeah, Alfie's right. Jaune's more like a bathroom-skulking menace." Nora corrected innocently.

"He does have a habit of showing up there." Ren said.

"Were you shirtless too?" America asked, straight-faced.

"Indeed." Ren said solemnly.

Jaune's mouth gaped like a fish.

"Shirtless?" England snarled.

America choked down a laugh. "Well, naked. I had to hide behind the curtain. He handed me my clothes." He shot Jaune a wicked grin, one that was reflected by Nora.

A horrified look crossed Jaune's face. "Alfred, no."

America schooled his expression into a pseudo-solemn facade. "Look, Jaune. I have to be honest with you. You can't just barge into the shower to see me naked. I know I have a pretty face but you need to respect my boundaries. I'm ace, so I'm not interested in that stuff. Besides, you're with Pyrrha. You shouldn't gape at other people."

Pyrrha gave an undignified snort. She lowered her head to her arm, shoulders shaking with laughter. Jaune looked scandalized.

"You're merciless." Vale cackled. "I like it."

"It's not like that. You know it's not like that. Stop making it like that!" Jaune shrieked, covering his face.

"You brought this upon yourself when you barged in when I was showering. I told you I wasn't decent." America said remorselessly. He looked directly at Jaune and mouthed 'Vengeance.'

Jaune got the message and slammed his head into the tabletop with a whine. "I'm sorry I walked in on you, okay?"

England glared daggers at Jaune.

France burst out laughing.

Not nearly so overprotective— silly England— Canada covered his smile with his hand. "How scandalous. Arthur, do we need to beat Jaune up now?"

"I'm considering it." England growled.

"Arrrrrgggggghhhhh!" Jaune wailed.

America reached out and pushed Penny's sword down before it could flick up to her shoulder. "Still joking around, Penny."

"I'm not." England muttered.

"Yes, Jaune broke in, but only because he had to go to the bathroom." America said.

"Why did he need to travel to the bathroom at that time?" Penny growled.

"He had to pee, Penny." Blake explained bluntly.

Penny's expression cleared. "I see. It was still very rude."

Jaune relaxed.

"Wait, you broke the door?" Weiss demanded.

Jaune tensed. "No—"

"Yes." Penny said.

"You weren't there." Jaune challenged. "You have no proof."

"Alfred was there. As you know." Yang said, an evil grin curling her lips.

"Stop." Jaune whined.

"You walked into that one." Yang paused and smirked. "Literally."

"Stooooooooooopppp."

"He broke the door." America confirmed.

"You will pay for the new door." Winter stated, daring Jaune to argue.

Jaune planted his head into his arms, still allowing everyone to hear his muffled screaming. Pyrrha patted his hair consolingly. America decided his vengeance was complete and left the poor knight alone. They finished their meal and America helped clear the table. Penny followed his every step, shooting suspicious glances at Jaune, and America had to stifle a laugh.

"We were joking, Penny." he reminded her softly. "Jaune had to go, nothing more."

Penny frowned but nodded. America looked back at the table and saw it was half-empty. Almost everyone was hurrying to their rooms and back, and when they emerged, each of them carried weapons. Canada spotted him looking and slowed, shifting from foot to foot nervously.

"We have another mission." he admitted.

America… was not surprised. Not in the slightest. No one else looked blindsided by news of a mission either. He was the only one they did not tell. Again. He smiled because he was supposed to, even as something squeezed his heart. "Oh."

"Here we go again." Vale sighed, resigned.

Worried violet eyes studied America. "Will you be okay?"

"Yep." America said-not-lied. "Not all of you are going, right?"

"I'm being left behind. Again." Australia complained.

"Oscar, Romano, Feliciano, and I are remaining as well." France added.

"And I'll stay with the Relic." Nora groaned, slouching in her seat. "It's not like you'll need any explosions."

"We will certainly not." Winter muttered.

Nora crossed her arms and pouted.

"Great. So I'll have company. I also have my bat to bash the evil monsters with." America said sarcastically. "I'll be nice and safe."

Canada bit his lip guiltily.

America sighed and hugged his brother. "Hey, I'm okay. And I'll be okay. I…" He struggled to get the next words out. "I understand why I can't go. So don't worry. I'm cool. I won't do anything dumb. And no one will get me while you're gone."

"Any who threaten Alfred F. Jones shall be destroyed." Penny stated.

"Thank you, Penny." America said.

She stared at Jaune.

"No, Penny." America sighed.

Penny's stare never wavered. "I am… joking."

"I honestly can't tell if she is." Jaune squeaked.

America chuckled and patted Canada's arm. "Go kick some Grimm butt. Have fun."

"They won't have fun because someone doesn't know what that is." Nora said loudly.

Winter sighed, looking to the sky for patience. Canada opened his mouth but closed it, keeping whatever he wanted to say to himself. The Huntsmen, Huntresses, and accompanying nations gathered near the doorway, and America made sure to grab Cobalt Striker and wear it across his back. Canada sighed, noticing his probably-petty actions, but did not comment. Whitley and Klein were also there, with the teen holding a briefcase in one hand.

"We are going to meet a possible investor to make an agreement." he explained when America shot him a questioning look. "I admit it is less flashy than hunting Grimm but—"

"It's still important." Weiss interrupted gently. "Thank you for doing this, Whitley."

"Of course." He perked up, gripping the handle of the briefcase with both hands. America was starkly reminded of am eager child holding an over-sized lunch box. That comparison was not exactly fair. Whitley was young, but he proved to be competent.

"Bye, bro." America said, hugging Canada. "Cause trouble. Make Francis proud."

"No." England said flatly.

France chuckled.

They departed, but Ruby lingered by America, clasping her hands together. "Hey, Alfred..."

America raised an eyebrow at her. "Yeah?"

"Well, I uh. I just wanted to tell you..." She hesitated and paled. "Um. Haveaniceday."

America's brow furrowed but he shrugged off her awkwardness. This was Ruby, after all. "Sure. You too."

Ruby nodded rapidly and hurried after the others in a rush of rose petals. The door shut with a click and America turned around to find everyone except Penny gone. He rolled his eyes, not surprised. They had spent all day together yesterday. For those like Romano, it must have been horrific.

"Do you wish to return to your bedroom?" Penny asked.

America thought of the enticing bed that he could not sleep in but did not really want to leave and shook his head. "Nah. We've been in that room too much already. We can hang out here."

"Acknowledged." Penny sat on the couch.

"Want to watch?" America asked, gesturing at the screen.

Penny nodded. "That activity is satisfactory at this time."

America set Cobalt Striker down and sat on the couch beside her, picking up the remote. The screen clicked on as a scorpion stabbed its prey with its tail. America cringed and turned to the next channel, only for it to be a gory war movie. He changed the channel again, wincing as a talk show declared their next story was about the status of Vale. The channel after that was no better, with a woman screaming as she was chased down by a monster.

"This is more appropriate for night time." He sighed. The next channel showed a couple kissing passionately in the rain. "Boring." The next was a nature documentary. "Nope." The next had a man behind a desk, droning about economics. "Absolutely not." He quickly covered Penny's eyes at the next one. "What the f— Don't they know kids might be up?"

America flicked the channel and grimaced when he saw it was the news. Penny moved his hand away from her eyes.

"—and today we get to meet the four puppies of a local Pomeranian." the news anchor was saying.

Nora poked her head into the room. "Did I hear someone say puppies?"

Australia appeared out of thin air like he'd been summoned in one of England's rituals. "Puppies?"

They dashed over, plopping down next to America and Penny. America stifled a chuckle at their enthusiasm. He noted the Relic of Creation in its holster on Nora's back but soon found his gaze drawn to the screen as a tiny Pomeranian toddled across the screen. It squeaked as it wandered over to its siblings and mother, who watched it serenely.

America blinked, smiling. Wow. There's actually a nice story for once.

"Dawwwwww." Vale squealed.

"They're so fluffy." Nora cooed.

"Do they have names?" Australia asked.

"Please be silent, Jett-Australia Kirkland." Penny hissed, watching the screen intently.

Apparently they were named Shiny, Starlight, Silver, and Blossom. America did not know why Blossom did not match the S theme but he guessed it was the owner's choice. Or maybe the owner's kid got to name one. The news anchor shared how they were up for adoption and gave contact information.

"The puppies are... endearing." Penny said as she watched Blossom and Silver tussle. Silver fell onto his back, wiggling about in bewilderment, and the mother Pomeranian carefully nudged her pup back onto his feet.

"Do you want one?" America asked, half-joking.

Penny's head tipped. "Not yet. I would need to access further information but having a pet appears to be a complicated and time-consuming affair. I would not be able to care for a pet now."

America's smile faded. "Someday, then. Once this is over, maybe—"

"In our next story, the tale of the horrific fall of Atlas continues to unfold."

A large banner appeared on the screen and declared 'MASS GRAVE FOUND UNDER ATLAS!'

America froze, finger on the channel button.

Lisa Lavender stared out at him through the screen, lips set in a grim line. "After delays due to the ongoing riots in the City of Atlas, investigators have finally uncovered the graves of over two hundred bodies. Among the dead are estimated to be at least twenty children, eleven of which have been confirmed to be Faunus. Investigators say that it is almost impossible to identify the victims, and at the current time, it is unknown whether these victims were killed due to hate crimes or by the infamous Transformation Institute. As many viewers are aware, the Transformation Institute was a brainwashing facility located in the Atlas mines and run by General James Ironwood—"

A picture of Ironwood appeared on the screen. America felt as if the General's dark blue eyes were staring directly into his soul.

"—who remains in custody after his capture one week ago. It is currently unclear if he is responsible for the deaths of those victims, but investigators promise justice will served." Lisa shuffled her papers. "Continuing with our coverage of the Atlas Riots, at least five hundred are dead in ongoing skirmishes between the rebels and soldiers throughout the city. Early last night a group of peaceful, unarmed protesters were gunned down by soldiers while their leader pleaded with both sides for the violence to stop. It is still unknown who released footage of the Institute and supplied the rebels with weapons, but thanks to them, now the people's cries for freedom have been heard around the world. Thanks to Cyril Ian, our brave reporter on the front lines, we now bring you footage from war-zone that was once the capital of Atlas. Please be advised, the content you are about to watch contains graphic imagery—"

Nora snatched the remote from America's hands and shut it off. The four of them stared at the black screen in silence. America reached for the remote but Nora held it away from him.

"You don't need to see that." she said quietly. "I don't need to see that."

Her eyes flicked past him and America looked back at Australia. The brown-haired nation's tan skin was ashen, and he trembled visibly. America looked at his own hands and was not surprised to see them quivering. His fingers curled into fists.

Would Ironwood do that? Nausea churned his stomach. They're kids. Kids.

"I don't know." Vale said helplessly. "The news— They said nothing was confirmed. The investigators could be giving false information to further incriminate Ironwood but..."

America wiped at his eyes, covering them with his palm. Penny wrapped her fingers around his loose hand, squeezing them lightly. A gasp startled him and he looked back, heart sinking when he spotted Oscar in the doorway. America rose and hurried over to the boy, shoving his own grief and horror away. Oscar looked up at him with too-round hazel eyes.

"I don't..." he whispered. "I don't..."

"Hey." America soothed him. "It's okay. The Institute is finished. You're safe. Nothing else can be done."

Oscar shook his head wildly, hardly seeming to hear him. "How could Ironwood do that?"

America flinched, covering his mouth.

"It is not confirmed that James Ironwood is responsible for ordering those deaths." Penny said bluntly. "If he is, he will not harm anyone else." She abruptly reached out, grabbing both Australia and Nora's hands. Both started but did not pull away.

"He'd better not." Australia choked, hiding his face.

America's stomach tried to fold in on itself. "Did Ironwood… visit you?" he forced himself to ask. He had never considered the possibility. He should have. But of course he did not because he had to make everything about him— Brain, quit it.

"No." Australia said.

"Non." France entered the room, arms crossed tightly over his chest and his fingers digging into his elbows. "He did not show up in my cell either. Only Atlas did."

America shivered, unsure whether he should feel relieved or guilty. If Ironwood was as big of a monster as the news claimed, then every recent interaction America had with him was a thousand times worse. He had let Ironwood live. He had been convinced he was redeemable. Worst of all, he'd felt bad for the man….

Someone knocked on the door.

Nora leaped to her feet. So did Penny, and her weapons clicked out of her backpack. America put a hand on her arm, stopping her.

"Hide." he whispered.

Penny looked ready to protest but stopped, nodding sharply. She grabbed Nora's arm and hurried into the other room, shutting the door. Australia raced away and came back, handing France his weapon while Oscar hovered nearby, his cane in his hand. America scooped Cobalt Striker up from next to the couch and hesitantly approached the door. He peered through the peephole, recognizing Charon. He lowered his weapon and opened the door.

"Doctor Charon?"

"Alfred." the doctor greeted. His gaze rested on Cobalt Striker but he did not comment on its presence. "May I come in?"

America stepped back, sheathing his weapon. Australia sat down on the couch, balancing his pistols on his knees. America took a second to study the doctor. He looked more tired than ever, as if there was an additional weight on his shoulders. Despite Vale's warnings, America felt his heart ache with sympathy.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

Charon jumped, visibly startled by the question. "I could be better." he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I apologize for not calling again, but I'm afraid it was best not to risk it."

Alarm bells rang in America's head.

Charon cleared his throat. "How are you doing today?"

"Don't drag your heels with smalltalk." Australia demanded, instantly on edge. "What's going on?"

"You're… right. I shouldn't delay." Charon sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He looked at America. "There is no gentle way to say this. Ironwood wishes to speak with you."

"Ironwood what?" Australia demanded.

America's face drained of color. "...What? Why? H-How does he know I'm here?"

"We don't know." Charon said tersely."However, if you speak to him, he has agreed to give us vital information."

America stared at him mutely.

"What kind of information?" Australia demanded.

Charon's gaze darkened. "The names of everyone killed in the Institute. Files on every prisoner. Locations of certain parties. And… a list of the men who are still loyal to him and would attempt to break him out."

America felt cold. "The graves..." he whispered.

"You saw the news, I suppose." Charon grimaced. "He refuses to confirm whether they are victims of the Institute or not. And it is becoming more and more difficult to get into Atlas at all. The remaining loyal soldiers have found out about Ironwood's capture and are rallying behind a new leader who likely intends to close off the city and stage a 'rescue' once its secured. Our time window is closing rapidly to give closure to his victims."

America's gorge rose.

"Don't puke." Vale begged.

"It is completely your choice. You do not have to meet him if you do not want to." Charon said firmly.

Oddly enough, America believed him. It appeared that the latest revelations had dulled the righteous, single-minded flame that drove the doctor, allowing him to step back and consider the smaller people involved in his investigation. People that deserved closure.

If Ironwood was innocent, why would he not give this information freely? Why would he keep it to himself?

"Because he wants to see you." Vale said.

Pins pricked at America's exposed flesh. He rubbed his arms, rocking on the soles of his feet, and looked up. "I'll do it." As if there was another choice.

"Non, Alfred." France said instantly.

America held up a hand. "They need to know what happened, Francis." he said softly. "I need to know."

France's protests died. He nodded once. "Then I am going too." he said, but his voice shook.

"As am I." Australia growled. He glared at the doctor, daring him to argue.

"And me." Oscar blurted. He fiddled with his cane. "I— I need to see him. He hurt a lot of people..."

Charon's gaze softened. "You were part of the rescue team, correct?"

Oscar nodded.

Charon looked between the four of them. "Very well. We will allow you to carry your weapons with you, if you promise you do not attack him."

"Oh sure. I'd never even consider it. Why would I ever shoot a child-killing psychopath?" Australia growled.

America's shoulders hunched. I felt bad for him.

"It's not confirmed." Vale reminded him. She hesitated. "But you still need to be careful during this… discussion. Alfred, we've weakened. If we're killed again I don't know if we'll ever wake up."

America's stomach roiled and he retched. Australia grabbed a trashcan but America shoved it away. "I'm fine." he croaked.

"You do not need to do this." Charon insisted.

"I want to." America said. He swallowed roughly and glanced uncertainly behind him. "I just… need to…"

Charon stepped back. "Get what you must. We may go when you are ready."

America forced a smile and fled into his room. Penny and Nora crouched by the door, leaning against the walls on both sides. The hammer-wielding girl's alarmed expression suggested she heard their conversation. Penny's blank look said the same.

"I will accompany you." Penny said before Nora could speak.

America shook his head. "Penny, you can't go. They might deactivate you if they recognize you."

Penny's expression twisted unhappily but she covered it with a smooth look. "Then Nora Valkyrie and I shall guard the Relic of Creation while you are gone." she declared.

America smiled. "Thanks."

He silently sent a text to Canada, England, Pyrrha, and Japan to tell them where they were going. He would not be surprised if they all came rampaging back to rip Charon's head off for asking America to do this, but by the time they returned, it should all be over. He took a single moment to let his panic out, hunching over with his hands pressed to his mouth, then let them slide down his face to fall limply at his sides.

"Okay." he said. "Okay."

Nora clutched his forearm, meeting his eyes. "Don't get kidnapped."

"If you are, we will rescue you." Penny vowed darkly, weapons flicking at her shoulders.

America smiled. "I know."

He exited the room, shutting the door behind him, and turned back to Charon and his friends. He pretended not to notice that both Australia and France's weapons had full cartridges when they had not just minutes before.

"I'm ready." he said, and led the way out.

XXXXXXX

A/N: Why yes, the mood whiplash was intentional. You didn't think I could do two fully-cheerful chapters in a row, did you? Nope, we are back in business. *maniacal laugh*

Also, I'd like to remind everyone that this story is AU for RWBY, and was planned before Volume 5 and mostly written before Volume 6 was released. As I've said before, any reveals in Volume 6 are not going to affect this story at all. In other words, most aspects of Remnant's history is different than in canon. I think that should be obvious with the whole "Amber is a personification and there are no maidens" thing but sometimes people seem to have trouble with that concept.

Thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, favorited, followed, etc!

I'm doing Monday and Friday updates again.