Hey, everybody! Presenting, Chapter Seven! This one was pretty challenging to write, since it shows the first effects of the elusive Formula, but it was a heck of a lot of fun to come up with all the dialogue...

Just so you know, I posted a little one-shot companion fic to this story, featuring the Italy brothers, set right after the events of the first chapter. Check it out, if you want to... It's called 'Made With Love', and is about what happens after his chat with America in the first chapter. (...A thousand apologies for the shameless self-advertising, I can't help it...) I just thought I'd mention it, since it's technically part of the same "Story Universe" as this story...

The song for this chapter is Hero, by Sterling Knight. (Would you expect anything less for a story called 'The Hero's Formula'?) Yeah, I know, it's a romantic sort of song, but let's pretend for the moment that it isn't. There aren't any pairings in this story, so put that completely out of your head. For now, it is a platonic song, if you can manage that. It's technically in honor of America (the original hero), but the second verse is dedicated to Germany. I mean, come on, "Searching high and low, trying every row, but if I see your face, I barely know"? That is so him and Canada. I seriously started laughing when I heard it, it was just that perfect.

Now, on to the story!


Despite his imperturbable facade of stability, America was definitely freaking out on the inside. He had no idea how long it would take for the formula to start working, and he wasn't sure he could hold everyone off until it did.

Please start working please start working please start working please start working...

America racked his brain for an answer, trying to think of what they usually did at meetings. They fought, mostly, while some of the quieter nations brought books or video games. Occasionally, Germany would make everyone talk about the world's problems, but that never lasted more than a few minutes...

Okay, wait, hold up for a second. Problems. Heroes solved problems. What were some problems in the world?

"Dudes, I have an awesome idea!" Well, I will, in about five seconds...

"Enlighten us, oh Great One..." England said sarcastically.

"Well, maybe we could all... take turns?" That sounded good. Taking turns was always a good thing, right?

"Take turns doing what, exactly?"

America wasn't sure who it was that spoke, so he just pointed in the general direction of the voice. "Good question, random nation! Why, take turns listing problems that need to be solved, of course! We could go around the room, everyone listing the problem that is top priority for them. Iggy can write everything down, and then, we take the items that appear the most, and we go around the room again, coming up with solutions!"

...Wow. That sounded... surprisingly smart. And it was totally original too, he'd just thought of it off the top of his head!

"That... might actually work," England admitted begrudgingly. He looked down at Germany for input. "Germany? What do you think?"

Germany hesitated for a moment before speaking. "...This is America's meeting now, isn't it? Of course, if any of his ideas prove to be particularly idiotic, or potentially detrimental to the fate of the world, I will not hesitate to intervene, but, for now, his plan seems... fairly safe."

America wasn't sure whether to be pleased at the affirmation, or insulted at the insinuation that any of his ideas might be harmful to the world. He decided to just let it go for now.

"Okay, so, who wants to go first?" he asked, looking around the room. When no one jumped at the opportunity, he decided to just pick someone. "Austria! What problems do you have in your country?"

Austria looked up sharply. "Excuse me?"

"What needs fixing in Austria? Tell the world!"

Austria frowned. Hungary nodded encouragingly at him, mouthing something America couldn't make out.

"...Well, actually, my country has recently been going through-" Austria was interrupted by a loud barking noise, and, immediately after, the sound of something shattering. Everyone spun around in their chairs, looking for the source of the noise. It was Sealand, holding a squirming white dog in his arms. Next to him, one of England's expensive vases was in pieces on the ground. Sealand forced a weak smile.

"Um... whoops?"


England could feel the anger rising up in him chest, like a volcano getting ready to erupt. That little brat Sealand had broken one of his vases! Not to mention the fact that he had brought a dog to the World Conference!

"Sealand, what in the world do you think you're doing?!"

"I-it was an accident, England! I didn't mean to break your vase... I was trying to catch Hanatamago, without disrupting the meeting, and neither of us were looking where we were going, and, well..."

England stormed over to where the guilty Sealand stood. "That is it! You are formally banned from the World Conference for the rest of your soon to be very short existence! Do you have any idea how much that vase was worth?!"

Sealand actually had the audacity to look repentant at that remark, and hung his head in shame. "I'm so sorry, England... It really was an accident, I promise..."

"Listen here, Sealand. I don't care one bit whether it was an accident or not! You broke a very expensive vase, and I expect you to pay every bit of what it was worth, down to the last tuppence!"

England turned and stalked back to his seat. Jerk Sealand. It probably had been him who had put those thumbtacks on the chair, and Finland and Sweden were just covering for him, like a couple of overprotective parents. He glanced over his shoulder, and, sure enough, there they were, comforting him. England glared at them. Finland looked up, met his eyes, and returned the glare full-force. England smirked.

"Now, where were we?" he asked casually. That outburst had felt really, really good. He forcibly ignored his conscience, which was gently but relentlessly pricking at his heart.


Sealand felt like he was going to cry. He had officially blown his chances of getting recognized as a real nation, as well as his chances of earning England's respect. Also, he'd disappointed Su and Fin, who were talking in hushed tones by the door.

"See? I t'ld ya h' wasn't ready t' go to th' m'tings y't..."

"He didn't mean to break the vase, Sweden..."

"We sp'cific'lly t'ld him not t' bring H'nat'mago. He d'sob'yed us..."

I'm so sorry, Papa Sweden! I really am!

Sealand sadly but bravely walked over to where his adoptive caretakers stood. "...Should I wait down in the lobby for the rest of the meeting, Papa Sweden?"

"Th't m'ght be f'r th' best... Engl'nd's pr'tty mad at ya..."

"Yes sir... Let's go, Hana..."

Sealand walked out into the hall, Hanatamago following behind him. As soon as the conference room door swung shut, Sealand let the tears fall freely. He felt like his heart was breaking. What had he been thinking, wanting to go to the World Conference? He was just a little fort! He'd never been officially recognized by anyone, he'd never fought in a war... He was absolutely useless.

He boarded the lift, and rode it down to the lobby. The bright, cheerful music playing in the lift only seemed to emphasize the bitter ache in his chest. When he reached the lobby, he wandered around aimlessly for a little while, not really sure what to do. There was always the option of just leaving and going back to his fort, but he didn't want to worry Su and Fin by leaving without telling them.

Sealand sat down dejectedly on a couch in the lobby, wiping furiously at the tears that dripped down his face. Through uneven breaths, he instructed Hana to, no matter what, stay put. Hana seemed to understand, and sat obediently.

What am I going to do now? Sealand wondered sadly. If England hadn't already hated him before, this had definitely put it over the edge. In addition, Sweden and Finland were disappointed with him, which hurt even more than England's hatred. Sealand didn't have anyone else in the world to turn to, except for Hana, of course. The poor dog seemed almost scared to comfort her young master, since the mishap had been partly her fault.

"D-don't feel bad, Hana... You didn't mean any harm... It's my fault for bringing you in the first place..." Sealand reached down and scratched the little dog behind her ears.

"Ruff?"

"I don't know, Hana... We're alone, now, so we'll just have to make the best of it."

Hanatamago tilted her head to the side, scratching behind her ear.

"I wish one of the other micronations was here," Sealand whispered. "Then I would at least have someone to hang out with..." But, alas, none of the other 'mini-countries' had been allowed to attend the meeting. All the big nations were upstairs in the meeting, so there was no hope of finding one of them wandering around... and there was absolutely no way he was going looking for any of England's brothers. They did live nearby, but they were annoying like jerk England, and they were also troublemakers. They did hate England, though, which was a small plus. Still, Sealand preferred to take his chances being alone.

Minutes dragged on, and Sealand could feel himself growing steadily bored. Not bored enough to go scouting out Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, of course. But still very bored. He tried to think of any nations who hadn't been invited to the meeting and who lived near England's house. He couldn't think of any. Even some of the small nations like Monaco, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein were in the meeting.

Maybe... he could befriend one of the humans? He didn't know many humans, only the ones who lived on his fort. He wasn't particularly eager to get to know any British jerks, though. If the citizens of England were anything like their personification, Sealand preferred to keep his distance.

"Oh, Hana, I wish I could go back and change it... I wish I could go back and warn myself not to disobey Fin and Su, and bring you along..."

"Ruff..."

"You're right, it probably wouldn't have made any difference... I never listen to anyone, do I? Maybe I'm not ready to be a real country yet..."

Hanatamago placed her paw on Sealand's leg comfortingly.

"...Thanks, Hana."

"Ruff!"


Back upstairs in the meeting room, America was finding it rather difficult to keep everyone focused and getting along. Even though Finland and Sweden had sent Sealand downstairs, the two were still furious with England for losing his temper and laying into the little fort. The other Nordics, along with almost every nation that had ever been one of England's colonies, were also giving him the evil eye. France looked rather disappointed in his friend as well, whispering, "Old habits die hard, I suppose," under his breath.

England completely refused to acknowledge that anything was wrong, and was lightly conversing with the nation next to him, but the smile on his lips wasn't quite reaching his eyes.

America sighed.

Potion, please start working...

Austria, miffed at being cut off by all the commotion, was venting to Hungary, who looked about ready to smack someone (probably England) with her frying pan. No one upset her Austria and got away with it.

Potion, please start working...

Switzerland's hands kept twitching, a sure sign of 'gun withdrawal'. Liechtenstein was trying to calm him down, but it didn't seem to be working very well.

Potion, please start working...

The Asians were all conversing amongst themselves, not-so-discreetly pointing to the Europeans as if to say, "sad, isn't it?"

Potion, please start working...

Romano and Spain had gotten into an "argument," which consisted mostly of Spain relentlessly teasing Romano, and Romano ranting at him in rapid-fire Italian. Veneziano kept calling across the table for Romano to "be nice to big brother Spain," but that only made Romano angrier, and he started trying to throttle the Spainard.

Potion, please start working...

At some point, Belarus had begun walking around the table, just glaring at everyone, one by one. She had her knife out again, and seemed to be reading everyone's expressions for any signs of guilt in the prank played on Russia. America didn't dare tell her to sit back down.

Potion, please start working...

Russia kept smiling pointedly at various people whom he suspected might be guilty, willing them to crack and admit fault. America thanked his lucky stars Russia hadn't decided to start staring at him yet. He would break within seconds if the commie looked at him like that, and he wasn't even guilty of anything...

...WHAT THE HECK, POTION?! START WORKING ALREADY!

What made things even worse for America, was that Germany hadn't done a thing. He certainly noticed the growing stress in the room, but made no move to show that it bothered him, or that he intended to do something about it.

Jeez, Germany, real mature, making me do all the work... Whatever happened to that great, emotional speech you gave Italy last week, huh? How dare you dump all this responsibility on me?!

It was then that America remembered that he had practically told Germany to let him run the meeting by himself. "...No, dude, I can do that! Don't worry about a thing, Germany! I'll handle everything! Just sit back and let the hero take over!"

Yeah, that had been real smart, hadn't it...

Me and my big mouth... I should have just let Germany do all the ground work, like he usually does, and then I could have just taken credit for everything after the potion started working...

Because that wasn't self-centered or unheroic at all. Nope. Not a bit.

Unfortunately, asking Germany to take over for a few minutes while America regrouped would sound immature and hypocritical now, since America had all but ordered Germany not to do anything to help. And, this time, Germany had actually listened. America still wasn't sure why. Germany never listened to America, he never agreed with him... and he never, ever turned down the chance to be in charge. Why had he left America alone with this seemingly impossible task?

...Because it is impossible, that's why... Germany's trying to prove a point here, he knows I can't fix everything all by myself. He wants me to come running back to him, so he can rub my failure in my face! Well, it ain't gonna work. There's no way I'm letting him have the satisfaction of knowing I need his help. Because I don't. I don't need Germany's help. I don't need anyone's help. That's just ridiculous...

America looked up, staring across the long table at Germany, who looked incredibly nonplussed about the whole situation. Either that or he had one wicked poker face. Germany's sharp, calculating blue eyes met America's frustrated ones. Then, without missing a beat, the German gestured in front of him to the almost frighteningly chaotic scene between him and America, as if to say, "Well? What are you going to do about this, America?"

America responded with an annoyed death glare. Germany just offered a faint smile, which irked America to no end. He really hated Germany for leaving him high and dry like this. America had to admit, despite the emotionless exterior, the German had a vicious sense of humor when you got right down to it.

Then again, Germany didn't know about the formula. He had no clue that a potent potion was wreaking major havoc on his system, as well as that of every other nation in the room, at that very moment. Filled with fresh courage, America grinned triumphantly as he locked eyes with the stoic German man in an epic battle of wills.

It's already begun... There's no stopping it now... All I have to do is wait this out, let the formula kick in, and I'm home free. Germany can think I'm nervous all he wants to. I'm not nervous, because I can't fail. Heroes don't fail, Germany, surely you've learned that by now? The Hero always wins in the end, that's how it works. The Hero. Always. Wins. Yeah, that's right, go on, keep smiling, I'll let you think you've won this round... But the battle was over before it even began, because the hero is fighting on the side of justice!

...The side of justice, eh? Are you sure about that, Alfred?

The little voice in his head was back again. America hated the voice. The voice was annoying. The voice was incessant. It was also oddly Canadian sounding, for some reason.

Shut up, voice. You have to raise your hand to speak in a meeting, that's one of Germany's rules... And, guess what, voice? You don't have hands! So shut. The heck. Up.

...Alfred, this is all going to backfire on you eventually...

I'm not listening... La la la la la... I can't heeeear you...

What are you going to do when the potion sets in and Germany can't help you anymore? The warning in the book said-

I don't care what Artie's stupid magic book said! It's all going to work out in the end, so leave me alone!

Too much of a good thing can be dangerous, Alfred...

It's not Alfred now, it's America! Got that, voice? I'm the amazing U.S. of A., and I'm the Hero, so I'm never wrong, and that's final!

Just keep telling yourself that, Al...

"Will you just be quiet already?!"

A few nations turned to look at America, who smiled sheepishly when he realized he had spoken aloud. He let out a nervous laugh, waving tensely to the people who were looking curiously at him.

Nice going, Mr. Hero...

...Shut up.


Italy bounced up and down in his seat impatiently, glancing around the room at the plethora of arguing nations. He hated seeing everyone fight, especially over trivial things like thumbtacks on a chair, or the breaking of a vase. Italy had broken plenty of Germany's things over the years, and there were lots of times when he had accidentally left things like a fork or a plate of pasta on Germany's chair, and Germany always forgave him afterward. Why couldn't everyone else just forgive and forget?

Germany looked to be just as bothered as Italy by the fighting, but he was forcibly keeping it from showing. Even so, Italy had known Germany long enough to know when he was upset about something, and Germany was definitely upset.

"~Ve... Doitsu, why aren't you telling everyone to be quiet and listen to you, like you usually do?"

Germany looked up wearily. "I can't, Italia... I told America he could start the meeting by himself, it would be bad form to step in now..." He sighed. "In retrospect, telling America to take over was probably one of my more idiotic decisions, especially considering his track record... Look at him, smiling like that... He's got something crazy up his sleeve... I just don't know what it is."

Italy looked over at America, who, despite the big smile on his face, looked rather worried and unnerved by the chaos. "~Ve, he looks like he's not sure what to do about all the fighting..."

Germany scoffed. "Oh, you think? He doesn't have a clue what to do, he's just hoping everything will resolve itself into peace and harmony, and we'll all live happily ever after. He's an idealistic dummkopf, thinking that a stupid speech could actually inspire anyone to make real change..."

Italy kept studying America's facial expressions, which were, to the Italian, as easy to read as a picture book. They kept changing, progressing steadily from anger, to guilt, to annoyance, to frustration, to pained resignation, then, all of a sudden, back to anger again.

"I think he would appreciate it if you helped him out a little, Doitsu..."

Germany looked at him incredulously. "What? Are you serious? You want me to help America?! No, he took this mess, and he can keep it. I'm certainly not going to step in. If he wants my help, he can come and beg for it, thank you very much."

Italy frowned. It wasn't like Germany to hold onto his pride like that. Somehow, everything about today just seemed off. France was somber and sad, Ukraine was angry, Finland was even angrier, England was masking his unhappiness behind annoyance and sarcasm, and even Germany was acting uncharacteristically grouchy.

I really hope everything changes for the better, and soon...


Canada was sweating bullets. As England finally stood up and dismissed everyone for a short break, Canada found himself sinking lower and lower into his seat. He'd decided not to come clean about the prank quite yet, instead choosing to wait it out. Unfortunately, this hadn't helped to ease his fears of being found out.

What am I going to do, eh? I'll never survive seven more hours of this...

Maybe he could just go home. His boss would probably forget to ask him about the meeting, and, even if he did remember, Canada could always make something up. Yes, that was a good idea. He should leave as soon as possible.

Canada pushed his chair back and stood up, picking up Kumajirou. Suddenly, it occurred to him that he should probably tell someone he was leaving, even if no one would miss him or notice his absence.

He thought about it for a moment. England would just think he was America, or not see him at all. America would probably want to know why Canada was leaving, as would France. He couldn't talk to Ukraine right now without fear of confessing under pressure. Cuba was still mad at America for the communist remark earlier, which meant Canada would probably get a black eye or a busted lip if he tried to talk to him. Japan would listen, Japan always listened, but he too would be curious as to why Canada was going home early. Even though the Asian man was known for refraining from speaking after he sensed the mood, Canada still didn't think it was wise to speak to him. Japan would instantly know that something was wrong, and probably figure everything out before Canada even said a word.

Who else could I tell? Let me see, who tends to notice me most of the time, but probably wouldn't take any personal interest in who I am or what I'm doing?

Then, it hit him.

"Come on, Kuma! We have to find Germany!"

"...Who are you again?"

"It doesn't matter right now, just come on!"

Canada looked around for the European nation. He had just been in his chair a second ago, where could he have gone?

"Mr. Kumachacha, have you seen Germany?"

"Who?"

Hmm... Maybe Kuma's forgetfulness wasn't isolated to Canada specifically. He supposed that should make him feel a little better about the bear constantly failing to remember his name...

"Germany, you silly old bear... You know who I mean, he's tall, blond, loud, a perfectionist... I need to talk to him, right away!"

"Is that him over there?"

Canada looked to where Kuma was pointing, and saw that it was, indeed, Germany. He was sweeping up the shards of the broken vase, with a broom he'd seemingly conjured out of thin air.

"That's him! Thank you, Mr. Kumakana!"

He raced around the table, Kumajirou tucked under his arm. When he reached Germany, he hesitated slightly. The German was kneeling in front of the shattered vase, grumbling to himself about the inefficiency of England's hotel staff. With the skill of someone who had had a lot of practice over the years, he carefully brushed the shards of porcelain into a dustpan.

Canada felt like he might be intruding upon the German's privacy by listening in on his personal monologue, but he really, really needed to talk to him...

"M-Mr. Germany?"

Germany didn't answer, instead he just kept talking to himself. "I can't believe it... It makes absolutely no sense... There are days when I feel like I'm the only sane one here..." He laughed sardonically. "Of course, my own sanity isn't set in stone either... I mean, I did show up today, which probably says something about my mental health..."

"Pardon moi? Germany?"

Germany sighed. "...Who am I kidding? I'm no better than they are, even Italia knows that... Oh, I'm such an idiot, thinking I can do anything to help the world, when, really, I'm no more effective than America, with all his plagiarized speeches and aggravating enthusiasm..."

"Um, Germany? Can I talk to you for a minute, eh?"

"...And to top it all off, I've wasted three whole hours trying to remember that one nation's name, and I still have no idea what it is..."

"Name? Whose name, eh? M-maybe I can help remember..."

"Oh, it's so close, right on the tip of my tongue, but my mind keeps going blank, right before I can think of it..."

"...Mr. Germany? Who are you talking about?"

"I should probably just give up already, but I know he's the one who played that prank on Russia..."

Prank? R-Russia?! Is he talking about me? Does he already know?!

"If I could just think of his name, then maybe I would actually be able to focus on all the things we have to get done in this meeting... Arrgh, who is it?! I've never had so much trouble remembering someone before!"

...Yeah. That's definitely me.

"Germany, it's me, Canada..."

"Let's see... His name is just one word, I think..."

"It's Canada. I'm Canada!"

"...Three syllables..."

"Yes! Yes! It's Canada! Ca. Na. Da."

"He lives up north, and he's close to America..."

"Yes, that's me! I'm right above America! He even calls me his hat sometimes! That's me, Germany!"

"Isn't he bilingual, too?"

"Oui, Allemagne, oui! Je parle Anglais et Français!"

"And he likes pancakes, right? I think it was Prussia who mentioned that..."

"Germany, it's me, Canada! If you would just turn around, you might actually realize that I'm standing right here!"

"...Oh, what is his name?"

Both Germany and Canada were growing more and more frustrated, for entirely different reasons.

"Germany, please, just turn around..."

"Come on, think, think, think... He has to have a name, so why can't I think of it?"

"Really, it's not that hard, especially since I'm right behind you!"

"Think think think think think think..."

Canada couldn't take it anymore. "My name is Canada, Germany! I'm Canada!"

"CANADA, THAT'S IT!" Germany cried out, jumping to his feet. Almost everyone in the entire room turned to stare, surprised at his sudden outburst. The German turned red, and coughed awkwardly, deliberately avoiding everyone else's gaze.

Trying not to let his embarrassment show, Germany gingerly picked up the dustpan and broom, and finally turned around. He was extremely startled to find himself face to face with the elusive Canadian. His clear blue eyes widened in stunned recognition, and he looked like he might drop the dustpan he was holding.

Well, at least he didn't look right through me...

"Y-you!" the German sputtered, pointing an accusing finger at the Canadian.

Canada smiled weakly. "Hi?"

"You- I mean... It's-" Germany was tripping over his words, still shocked at the sight of the very person whose name he had been trying to remember all morning. "You- you- ...You're Canada!" he exclaimed at last, the realization still fresh in his mind.

"Yes, that's me," Canada whispered, holding Kumajirou tighter.

"Who?" Kumajirou asked disinterestedly.

Germany looked like he was still trying to get everything sorted out in his mind. "B-but... I... You... Y-you're Canada..."

"Yes, Germany, I think we covered that already..."

Germany frowned, deep in thought. "But... you were... pretending to be America, earlier... weren't you?"

Canada felt a slight pang of guilt at the memory. "...Correct."

"But... why?"

"Uhhh..."

Okay, Matt, think... You can't tell him the truth, you can't let anyone find out! Just lie, it's easy! Make something up... A reason, an excuse, anything but the actual truth... Come on, think of something!


Seven of England's most powerful faeries hovered above the meeting room, frowning at all the chaos and anarchy below them. They now understood why the impulsive American had been so eager to change things; the situation was clearly getting out of hand. It took them quite some time before they spotted the man who had been the first to drink the potion, a shy, blond fellow clutching a polar bear. He was talking to a tall, tense-looking man holding a broom and dustpan. The faeries could tell that the one with the polar bear was harboring a very big secret, and it was hurting him badly to keep it inside. Of course, it wasn't going to stay a secret for much longer, at least, not if the faeries could help it.

Unheard by the two nations below, they began a slow, melodious chant, ethereal voices rising and falling with a haunting lilt.

Thou who providence itself forgot

Remembered shall thou be today

You will be the first to yield

Guilt shan't eat thy heart away

Confession benefits the soul

Clear thy conscience, don't delay

Let repentance make you whole

In this choice you have no say...


"Kanada? I asked you a question, you know..." Germany was still waiting impatiently for a reply.

Canada blinked curiously. What in the world had just happened? He felt different somehow, though he couldn't put his finger on what exactly had changed...

The guilt that had been steadily growing deep inside Canada's chest came rushing to the surface in an instant. Guided by a compellation not his own, he blurted out, "I didn't want you to know I'd been in the meeting room early, because I thought you might realize that I was the one responsible for the prank!"

The sudden, truthful admission startled Germany, but, to Canada, it somehow felt like a breath of pure, refreshing, life-giving air, after being underwater for an eternity.

Germany looked surprised at first, but his expression quickly turned triumphant. "I knew it! I knew it was you, it had to be!" He blushed slightly. "I just... couldn't remember your name, that's all."

Oddly enough, Canada couldn't bring himself to be upset with Germany for forgetting him, just like everyone else always did. He only felt the strange, potent remorse that weighed heavily on his chest.

"Wh-what I did was wrong, and I'm really, really sorry, Germany! The prank was immature and vengeful, I know, but I was so mad at England for hurting France that I couldn't see straight, and all I did was cause more problems for everyone, and then it turned out England wasn't even the one who ended up getting hurt, it was Russia instead, and, mon Dieu, then I got really scared, and I've been feeling just awful all morning, because I knew I really messed up, and I knew someone would figure it out eventually..." The rush of words came out without any way to stop it, as if someone had taken control of his mouth and was sticking words into it that he never intended to say. At last, he ran out of words (and air), and fell into nervous silence, hugging Kumajirou close to his chest while he fervently awaited judgment.

After a few moments of silence, he looked up at Germany, who was keeping his expression maddeningly neutral.

"A-aren't you going to yell at me, Mr. Germany?"

Germany looked thoughtful. "Well, I suppose I probably should... but... since you technically admitted fault on your own... I suppose I don't need to yell."

"Oh, merci, Allemagne!" Canada might have hugged him if it hadn't been for the fact that Canada was still holding Kuma, and Germany had a dustpan full of broken vase in one hand.

Suddenly, a new idea occurred to him. Once it took hold of his mind, it wouldn't let go, and he was possessed with a new need to say it out loud.

"M-Mr. Germany, do you think there's any way you could get everyone's attention for me? I... I want to apologize to everyone personally, E-England and Russia in particular..."

Germany sighed. "...I don't see why not. Very well, come with me... We need to hurry, though, the break will be over soon..."

Canada followed quietly after him, suddenly filled with a bizarre, uncontainable need to tell someone about the time he replaced all of America's "I Love New York" shirts with t-shirts that had the Canadian flag on them, to get back at him for all the "Canada is America's hat" jokes. And also that time he had taken advantage of his invisibility and played April Fools jokes on all of the nations, one by one. And maybe even the time he had taken photos of England in one of his occasional "punk" moods, and posted the pictures on the internet, letting America take the blame for everything.

No, Matt, what are you thinking?! You can't tell anyone those things! It's bad enough you just told Germany about the thumbtacks, you'll never make it out of here alive if you say anything more!

"...Germany? I-I need to tell you something, eh..."

What?! No! Stop! Oh, what is wrong with me? Why do I feel like telling the world all of my deepest, darkest secrets?! Someone, stop me, please, before I say something really embarrassing!


England sat in his chair, feeling incredibly uncomfortable, due to all the harsh glares he was receiving from around the room. He wasn't really all that upset anymore, in fact, once he'd calmed down, he'd come to the realization that the vase wasn't actually priceless. It was just a pretty decoration, easily replaceable. But... he just couldn't bring himself to admit to anyone that he may have been just a tiny bit in the wrong this time. He tried to tell himself it didn't matter. Sealand was irresponsible, and a brat, and annoying, and definitely deserved to be punished for disrupting the meeting.

England suddenly felt an odd chill running up and down his spine. He looked around to see if anyone else had noticed it, but no one showed any signs of having feeling anything out of the ordinary.


The faeries were hesitant to do anything to their friend England, since he was one of the only nations who still believed they existed, but they didn't have any say in the matter. England had drunk the potion just like everyone else. Besides, it might actually be good for the stubborn Brit to experience a change of heart for once. His pride was an immense stumbling block in his life, and he was always tripping on it when he needed to admit that he was wrong.

The lead faerie began the chant, and her sisters quickly followed suit.

These words you have heard before

Pride cometh before the fall

Without delays, change your ways

Demolish bitterness' wall

Whether you wish this true or no

In the end it matters not

You'll humbly forgive, and beg forgiveness

From all those friends with whom you've fought


England frowned, confusion afflicting his mind. He no longer felt quite so angry anymore. In fact, he didn't feel angry at all. At anyone. Not even Sealand. It was very odd. There was a tingling sensation at the back of his neck, and everything just felt wrong all of a sudden.

What is going on? ...I haven't felt this bloody strange since Norway accidentally put a spell on me, and... Oh, no. No, no, no... Norway wouldn't... Just because I... No, he hasn't moved from his chair, he couldn't possibly have done anything... This isn't a spell, it's something else... What exactly is happening to me?

For some bizarre reason, he couldn't bring himself to care at the moment. There was... something else that he had to do first.

"A-America? America, you git, where are you?"


"I hate the stupid potato jerk," Romano muttered darkly to himself, though it was apparently still loud enough for Spain to hear.

"Oh, Lovi, hate is such a strong word... Perhaps you just... strongly dislike Germany?"

Romano rolled his eyes. "No, actually, I'm pretty darn sure that I hate him. ...Yeah, I hate him. I hate you too, Spain... I hate everyone..."


This one was going to be difficult, the faeries knew. He was bitter, and easily angered, and it seemed that his mouth was only capable of voicing harsh insults and defensive sarcasm. Still, it was clear he wouldn't be any more resistant to the potion as any of the others. His temper was extremely short, but his will was rather weak.

Spiteful hatred, stay no more

Kindness fill the void that's left

Fate is knocking at the door

Thy mouth of insults now bereft

All who you feel did you wrong

Now with open arms forgive

Soft words turn the wrath away

Alone you were not meant to live


Romano shook his head back and forth in a futile attempt to clear it. He was dizzy and confused all of a sudden, and he wasn't quite sure what he was supposed to be doing at the moment.

"Are you okay, Lovi?" Spain asked, putting his hand on Romano's shoulder.

Romano frowned. He wasn't entirely sure how he felt. He had things he wanted to say, but his mouth was refusing to say them. All the sarcastic, angry words that usually came so easily, now wouldn't come at all.

L-leave me alone, Spain...

"...Uh, Spain?"

"Si, Romano, what is it?"

"Ummm..."

Tell him to go away, mouth... Tell him to GO AWAY!

Romano opened his mouth to tell Spain exactly that, but something completely different came out instead.

"Grazie for taking care of me as a child, Spain!"

"Q-que?" Spain looked baffled, slightly stunned by Romano's declaration.

Romano, equally surprised, turned bright red and fervently tried to curse, but it seemed that his mouth wasn't quite done embarrassing him yet.

"Y-you really made a good boss and I'm-a so sorry for not working harder back then but you see I wasn't doing it because I didn't like you or anything it was only because I didn't like being in a new place so far away from my fratel-" Romano clamped his hand over his mouth before it could betray him any more than it already had. Spain stared at him curiously, an innocent smile on his face.

...Oh, chigi, I am so screwed right now.


Potion, potion, do thy work

Red, white and blue declares it so

Hide the flaws beneath a lie

Only goodness shalt thou show

One by one, all shall succumb

Inhibition crumbles hence

Even the strongest shan't escape

Magic melts the paramount defense

Selfless, selfless, they shalt be

Vile pride, contempt, adieu!

No enmity or bitterness

Shall ever look to rise anew

Faeries, faeries, joining hands

Round and round the earth we'll fly

Joining in eternal bands

A world torn apart by hatred's cry!


French Translations:

Pardon Moi - Pardon me

Oui, Allemagne, Oui - Yes, Germany, yes

Je parle Anglais et Français - I speak English and French

Mon Dieu - My God

Merci, Allemagne - Thank you, Germany


Oh, the suspense... Hehe, not really, but it is kind of a cliffhanger, especially considering the next chapter is our intermission, which deviates from the current plot and characters just a tad. That means you'll have to wait two chapters instead of one, before you figure out what happens next... I'm so mean... But the intermission is gonna be great, just you wait and see. I have a feeling it's going to be one of the most fun chapters to write (and hopefully, for you all to read).

Any guesses on who the intermission chapter will be about? Maybe I'll make this another "contest", since I finished the prize for animefairi... Let's see... The first person to guess this correctly will get... a one-shot featuring two characters of their choice, how does that sound? It shouldn't be too hard for you guys to guess who the person is... I didn't give any real, concrete hints, but, all you really have to do is use the process of elimination a little, and you've got your man. Or woman. I'm certainly not telling.

Note: I'm not going to do a potion poem for every single nation, but if you have one character you'd particularly like to see, go ahead and tell me in a review, okay? I might not be able to do them all, but I am very open to suggestions. Just so you know, Germany and Belarus are already getting poems for sure, because I was randomly inspired and wrote ones for them already.

Also, in addition to that, is there any character I haven't written for yet that you really like, or a character that you think I write well, and would like to see again? Feel free to make as many suggestions as you want, though I can't promise I'll be able to do them all.

In case you didn't notice, the potion will affect everyone differently. In my mind, in addition to making everyone completely kind and selfless, it also picks out the person's worst flaw, (or biggest weakness,) and then reverses that part of them. For example, England's flaw is his pride and his inability to admit when he's wrong, so that trait will be completely eliminated from his persona. Same with Romano, his main problem is his mouth, so now he can't say anything but nice things to people. Canada's has to do with the fact that he was holding onto that big secret, so now he apparently won't be able to keep secrets at all...

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Read and review!

~ Arlechinna Rosa