I'm back - again! I'm very sorry for the preposterously slow update. It was very hard writing this specific chapter, albeit that it is also pretty boring. Feel free to skim right through it. The next chapter will be a lot more enjoyable to write, so maybe I'll be motivated to write faster. Once again, I apologize for this chapter.


Awareness VII

It wasn't long before the whole world heard about America and Canada's great brawl. Yes, Canada's name was now being echoed, whispered, and exclaimed into every up to date conversation started by one country and continued farther on by another. The news spread like wildfire continually passing on from one lip to the next. Skeptical nations from the great event before were shocked and had no choice but to resign that an up stirring was, indeed, happening.

Many called Canada's feat daring and even heroic, while some fussy nations claimed it was heresy and was not something to be rejoicing about. From either points, every country was divided on who to support and who to reject as an unpleasant bystander. While many admitted Canada's deeds were audacious, they remained stone down on their overall opinion about the labeled 'foolish' nation.

Upon reaching Europe, the news was celebrated with many applauds and cheers from Prussia and several other European nations who came to rejoice. The albino had called for a celebration with barrels after barrels of beer. Those who were present included the two Baltics, Romano, Hong Kong, and even delicate, little Lichtenstein. Due to the geographical expanse, Australia and Seychelles could not make it but the Aussie certainly sent his merriment. A crate full of Australia's finest wines and beers were sent to the party along with a shipment of kangaroo meat. Prussia immediately started grilling the meat, chugging down the beer along with it.

"So…that Canadian idiot finally manned up and thrashed America, huh? It's about time!" Romano smirked, drinking his fair share of wine. He wasn't all too fond of reunions but the Italian was pleased on how things were going so far. His view in the secession was that if they were going to get anywhere, one of them would have to start the upheaval. He felt foolish hanging about and avoiding his little brother rather than taking real action. Spain's unexpected 'visits' didn't help one bit, as the Spaniard was intent on getting him out of the Correlations.

"Indeed. Mister Canada's exploits surprised me as well. To think that he actually faced with Mister America like that! I've lived with him for quite some time and I must say, Mister America is definitely not someone to be taken lightly," Lithuania fidgeted the rim of his glass. Of course, he would never admit that he was secretly worried for the American. The man was so good to him during his fall out in World War II, always cheerful and smiling, treating him like a fellow kin. Still the others would surely accuse him of being a traitor, if he ever spoke about it out loud.

Lithuania flinched feeling Prussia's arm snake its way on his shoulder. He was sure the albino meant well, but he wasn't exactly in perfect terms with him. Memories from when they were still little nations constantly peeved Lithuania. With the insults, and the acorns, and the arrows. It was enough to make the brunette flinch from recollection.

"Nah, I knew Canuck had it in him. When a man needs to stand up for himself it's only natural for the fists to connect first before any real persuading happens," Prussia laughed and paused to take a swig from his jug, "And anyways, we should have expected it no less. It's always the quite ones that snap the worst, ain't it Liechtenstein?"

The blonde haired girl sitting courtly in the sofa jumped in surprise. In all honesty, the poor girl was tense. She couldn't remember the last time she had gone to a public occasion without big brother Switzerland towering and watching her every move. In a room full of men – and Prussia no less! If Switzerland was here, she was sure he'd shoot them all without a moment's hesitation.

"Y-yes…I suppose…," she replied finding nothing better to say. Liechtenstein smiled and supposed that this whole new experience was part of her first steps as a self-sufficient nation.

It was very awkward and tense for one moment. Lithuania tried scooting from the enthusiastic Prussian as far away as possible. He certainly didn't mind loud people; he was just more comfortable with anyone but Prussia at the moment. After all, years of warfare and fighting with the German doesn't just vanish into thin air. Finding the Lithuanian inching away from him, Prussia only snorted and strangled him closer.

"Kesesesese! This is the most fun I've had in years. If only West can see me now, me, the awesome Prussia moving up the totally wicked social ladder like a boss. And he said I couldn't last a day with you guys, even though you're all completely unworthy and boring as hell."

"That isn't exactly a flattering comment, asshole. Seriously, it's all the same with you German bastards-"

"Hey! Who are you calling asshole, you pathetic Italian!"

"Look who's talking. I bet you couldn't even last a day without freeloading off of Germany's house. And you're calling me pathetic. At least I actually am a nation," Romano sneered triggering a very predictable response from Prussia.

"Micro-nation! I am a micro-nation and soon to be a full-fledged one! It's only a matter of time… But enough about the awesome me, everyone here knows you're just an underdog compared to your little brother. We don't need two Italies, especially when the other one is so much better at everything!"

"Why you arrogant, son of a-," Romano was cut by the sound of a breaking table. The whole room turned to Hong Kong who was eyeing them with a disappointed expression. He pointed to Latvia to speak for him as the Asian nation walked out of the room.

"I-I think what Mister Hong Kong was saying is that we should stop fighting amongst ourselves. It's not going to help us if we channel our irritation out on each other," the small Baltic started. Through the course of the rebellion, Latvia had built more confidence into himself. Perhaps it was because of the time spent away from Russia. The effects were indeed pleasing to observe.

"And anyway, I think we're missing one crucial part of this conversation. Mister Canada is going to need us now more than ever. America is sure to strike after that little accident and we need to be there to back him up."

"He's right," Lichtenstein pointed out. "Not to sound rude or anything, but we should be preparing on our side too. I do not think it we are in stable positions, with what everyone one of us here landlocked with the other countries. They may choose to attack in our undefended flanks. The rest of Europe can act unexpectedly and we wouldn't have a strategy of any sort to defend ourselves. Just because we are the apparently scrawnier countries, it doesn't mean we can't fight back. Let's take big brother Canada's lead and take these matters into our own hands."

As feeble as she looked sitting in that chair, legs crossed like a proper young woman, Liechtenstein had her fair share of tactics. It was a bit unsettling, revealing this trait of hers to the gents but she couldn't just stand by like an obedient, little dog like she had been to Switzerland. Granted, she couldn't help but miss his comforting presence before her.

The nations in the room gawked at the girl's assertion before Prussia conveniently killed the mood, applauding and filling his beer mug for the fifth time that afternoon. Heck, even Romano managed to crack a smile and at that time, Hong Kong managed to slip coolly back into the room, refreshed by the new atmosphere.

"You would expect that little Liech here would pick up something from her brother's military composition," the white haired albino commented. He offered a drink to Lithuania (and Latvia) and the wary nation couldn't help but accept it for good old kinship. What a peculiar day this was turning out to be.

"Gah! I almost forgot! Switzerland's on the opposite side too! Think of all the weapons he could be distributing all over Europe to annihilate us!" Romano shrieked, clutching his dark brown Italian hair.

"Eh…he wouldn't do that…"


Author's Notes:

1. Ehh...how was it? I'm not expecting a lot of feedbacks from this chapter since it was short and so boring (reading and typing it up as well). But hey, I tried. Feel free to express your opinions about the story, especially about the characters. I don't want them to become too OOC, but they need to develop some confidence and character too. But please, try to be polite about the comments and criticisms. I don't mind them, but please don't be harsh. I can take a hint and try to improve.

2. This is completely irrelevant but to any Australians out there reading this story, please fill me in on this. I've only ever heard of the stereotype that Aussie's eat kangaroo meat (because apparently they're supposed to be bountiful there) but do you guys really eat them? I mean, I'm sure not all of you do. That's like saying that every American eats cheeseburgers and pizzas, which by the way isn't true. Many people here I know are vegetarians. Please don't take this question the wrong way, though. I just really am curious whether this was true or not. My culture tend to eat balut (fertilized duck embryos) so I won't judge you, if that's the case. Anyway, I am so excited to feature Australia into this! He'll appear soon!

3. Last but not least, a cousin of mine calls Canadians, canucks. This is also completely irrelevant to the story, but I thought it was a cute nickname for Canada. Anyone care to tell me what it really means? From what I take, I don't believe it's an offending word.

Thank you for reading!