Arthur arrived at his dorm close to midnight that day. Mei had apparently been saving up plenty of money—as well as borrowed from her male friends— and they had all spent more time than he originally anticipated at the shopping mall. Fortunately enough for them, they had all managed to get a ride home from Bruce's brother.

Although he had been livid at the fact he'd have to wake up early the following morning, he was grateful that his rage had fogged away his pressing thoughts of the group of strangers he'd been recently acquainted with. After all, it apparently didn't matter if he trudged behind the group, was holding shoe boxes, began shouting at Chelsey, Simon, Mei, or Bruce for doing something incredibly idiotic, but his mind wandered.

Was reincarnation possible? If so, how? Personified nations? If this was true, how?

Were they like normal humans? Could they die? Could he die? What had they called him earlier? England? Britain? Or did he represent all the British Isles? What if America and Matthew mixed him up with someone else? What if they'd get him involved into something so deep, he wouldn't be able to turn back? What if…? There were so many questions that wracked his brain hard.

No sooner than when these questions pulled up did Kiku quietly ask if it were possible for their current friends they were shopping with, to be other fallen islands. It then occurred to him that the coincidence was far too apparent. They all were gathered like sheep. Sighing in exhaustion, he could only figure it was a horrible fluke or the phrase, 'Birds of a Feather' beautifully and cruelly coming into play with the whole fiasco.

Lying into bed and resting his head on his pillow, he felt his head slowly falling into asleep, he had a dream…

It was so realistic and vivid that Arthur completely found himself intertwined with all the sense that attacked his being. It started off simple enough.

He remembered being in a meadow like-place. The air smelled crisp and unbelievably fresh. Free of pollution and modern fare. From that, the blonde came to the conclusion his current location wasn't anywhere near a city. The sky looked limitless with drops of white clouds scattered about, making the scenery even more natural.

His body moved on its own accord through the tall grass that blew harmlessly with the slight wind. Everything felt so familiar… And yet…

Arthur attempted to open his mouth to say something but found himself unable to do so. His body continued on, and within his eye shot he noticed a slight bulge close by in the stalk of grass. A sharp contrast of bright sunny blonde hair stuck up through the green foliage, along with a dozen rabbit ears.

A little boy. Arthur found himself thinking while he strained to look closer.

"You came back!" The blonde hair shot up from the ground, and Arthur found himself staring back at two familiar looking sky painted eyes. One stray cowlick rebelliously stood proud in front of the toddler's proudly shaded blonde hair on top his head. Despite that, Arthur felt himself hitch a gasp.

This child… Looked exactly like—

The small boy now began racing toward the teen, the light blue dress he wore dragged across the floor. The rabbits that had previously been giving the boy company scurried off in the opposite direction.

Arthur felt his arms outstretch in response to the small child leaping towards him. An embrace executed and in his mind, Arthur felt his brain started rolling and his heart beat faster. This felt so strange. He felt as though he were experiencing a case of déjà vu but at the same time, he never felt this before.

"Of course I did," His lips opened and erupted with those words, "I missed you, America."

The dream closed like a fairy tale book on the verge of a climax. His alarm trumped and beeped repeatedly, shooting him out the dream-realm. He briskly shut off the clock with a feeling of a heavy weight on his shoulders. Despite the lingering feeling of dread that hung over him, he managed to get ready and attend his classes as he always and regularly would.

Shaking away the anxiety he felt over the events of the dream, he found himself looking through his phone.

Everything appeared back to normal.

He had received no word or anything from America or Matthew, both of whom had registered entries into his cell phone, and Kiku hadn't brought the topic up. Arthur couldn't help but probe Chelsey during their stay in the Student Council Room about her thoughts on the theory of reincarnation.

The answer had been a rather simple shrug while she claimed airily that a thing like that seemed rather unlikely. Arthur found himself scowling at the response before he questioned if although unlikely, she did believe it to be possible.

Chelsey looked at him as though he lost his head before slowly nodding her own, attempting to see if that would appease him. Not soon after, remarking that the sandy blonde seemed a bit anxious on the topic. Hastily, the Briton denied any interest in it before going back to his paperwork.

That night. He dreamt again. This time, there was no meadow, no bunnies, and no little boy… In fact, everything was too smudged for him to remember entirely. He remembered rain. Lots and lots of it. Also, he believed that the setting had been a boat… He heard many men screaming and shouting around him. Some weren't even speaking English, or rather Spanish for some strange reason.

He vaguely recalled facing off with an olive toned man with green eyes. He had been dressed rather ridiculously if Arthur had to say… Like a pirate…

Both he and the man had exchanged small words while circling each other dangerously. They fought, the whole scene playing out like a movie. Arthur found himself blocking and attacking the stranger with his sword with moves he never thought he would ever possess.

"Fuck with my pirates and this is what happens."

The words had flowed out his mouth rather smugly when he had successfully disarmed his opponent to the wooden floor of the ship. Thunder and lightning played fluently in the background along with the sound of water roaring. The other seemed despaired with a look of hatred and fear imbedded in his eyes. Arthur felt himself inwardly shiver at the gaze being directed at him. However, he took his sword and brought it to his mouth before slickly licking the blade while gazing down at the stranger.

Arthur could only watch with horror as his body twisted the sword within his grasp and brought it above his head, the end he really didn't want pointed down at the fallen tanned man like a predator waiting to strike. His heart began pounding into his chest faster than before.

No… His found himself faintly crying in his mind before he struck down straight into the other's stomach, swiftly without any mercy.

He woke up feeling worst than he did previously. Why were these dreams suddenly rousing up? Rubbing the back of his neck tiredly, he grabbed his phone off of the counter,

One new message.

From: TheHERO

Dont 4get! World meeting 2morrow :P remember 2 bring ur freinds. Give them my address!

Scowling down at the text, he silently attempted to recollect a memory of the America's home address. When nothing came up, he hesitated before questioning Matthew on the subject. He supposed he really was following through with this.

Later that day, he passed by Simon in the hall, socializing with his peers animatedly.

"Oui, Mathias." Arthur found himself calling to the boy in an effort to call him over without attracting too much attention. The spiky haired boy turned around at hearing himself be addressed so formally to face Arthur's serious face.

Cracking a grin, the Danish teen left his circle of friends in favor of approaching his shorter peer, "What is it? Am I breaking a rule? Breathing too loud for you?" He joked heartedly at the Student President's normally dictator like rule. Narrowed eyes met his making the taller boy shrug.

"I'm inviting you to a friend's place."

This seemed to greatly surprise Simon, whose icy blue eyes got wide and his mouth became agape. By now, the once congested halls became empty as the first classes began. "Wha? You're inviting me?"

Rolling his eyes, Arthur crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for the dramatic part of the other teen's reaction to blow out.

"What a shocking turn of events! Haha! I'm flattered Eyebrows, really I am."

"I'm sure you are." Arthur dryly retorted while cringing up his nose in displeasure and impatience. Simon let out another rattle of chuckles before he settled down, "I'd be delighted. When and Where? What's the occasion?"

Slipping his hands into his pockets, the blonde turned around to walk away, "Tomorrow, practically all day I suppose you can say. The occasion? You'll see later on… I'll be sure to send you the details later." Without sparing a glance back, he could practically imagine the Dane's expression of genuine shock.

"All day? What about classes? We're skipping? Hell yeah!"

"Oh. I forgot to mention. You'll be having a detention for being late to your class Mathias."

"Wait… What? Hey! Fuck you and your Eyebrow ways Kirkland!"

From there, throughout the day, Arthur managed to inform all of friends whom he was positive were from the various sunken islands. Kiku, at first seemed very shaky on it, but when Arthur reassured him saying it was going to be nothing, he gave in. Mei seemed delighted to attend and miss school especially when Arthur mentioned Kiku was going. Bruce decided to be himself and although eager to join the rest in their 'field trip' seemed a bit skeptical on the scenario that was oddly suspicious looking, however he put up a smile and went along. Chelsey denied at first, but the second the blonde mentioned her meeting Francis again, a reluctant agreement was made.

Everything was set for the next day.

"What am I getting myself into…?" Arthur breathed out tiredly with a tight frown on his face while walking back to his dorm.

He felt himself halt when he saw who was standing outside the door rather boredly, "America?" He questioned out in amazement,

America turned his head from the opposite direction to face Arthur with a rather irritated face, "Geez! School ended about two hours ago didn't it? What took you so long?" His lips pursed out and his exposed tanned arms crossed over his chest.

"Me? What? Well, I don't think that's any of your business! I'm a very busy person. Just what exactly are you doing? At my dorm door?" Arthur gritted his teeth attempting to push back a blush of embarrassment, so far he was successful.

The American shrugged, "I came here to get you of course. Why else would I be here?" He flashed the Briton a cheerful beam that could have blinded anyone.

"To get me? I'm not a child! Why would you need to get me?"

"Matthew wanted you over since the World Meeting is tomorrow! Duh! Now come on, it'll be getting dark soon." Ushering him once again down the hallways Arthur looked over at the other in frustration while resisting, "H-hey! Wait! I need to get my stuff! Drop off my book bag! Do homework! Stop going so fast!"

Pushing his glasses up his nose, America laughed, "You can use my extra stuff! Relax, dude!"

"I thought your car was wrecked! How are we even getting there?" Arthur continued questioning as they now made it to the parking lot. America flashed him a thumbs up, the orange hue of the setting sun illuminated on his face dimly, "Liberty may be out for a while, but Freedom is still functioning! Stay here, I'll bring her around!"

With exasperated eyes, Arthur watched America disappear pass the lot of cars and vehicles in the area. Slinging his bag over one shoulder he patiently waited to see the car pull up. However, the smooth sound a car's engine wasn't what executed his ears… Instead the roaring sound of another machine cut in.

With wide eyes, he watched America ride by one a black motorcycle. Slipping off his helmet, the sunny blonde grinned over at the stunned Briton, "Come on! Day's ending, and I wanna get home soon!"

Finding himself, Arthur moved towards the bike with a twisted facial expression, "A motorcycle? Really? I thought you'd have some tacky monster truck or something." He lightly commented. America smiled sheepishly, "Monster trucks are awesome. But, unfortunately, Freedom here is all I have. Not to say she isn't awesome too. Now hop on!" He demanded looking at Arthur expectantly before patting the back of the seat behind him.

Oh! Oh… Oh?

"Go to hell! You're more insane than I thought if you think I'm getting on this with you driving!"

America, as Arthur predicted mentally, didn't look the least bit insulted or offended. "Eh? Then how are you planning on getting to my house?"

Groaning, the teen snatched the helmet from America's grasp before motioning for him to move backwards. Confused, America complied with a puzzled look in his eyes, however Arthur continued. He easily slipped up in front of the American and took hold of the front seat.

"Whoa! What the hell are you doing?" America called from behind him, his voice laced in annoyance, astonishment, and something else, Arthur couldn't quite put his finger on. Snorting, he placed the helmet over his head, "Just give me the address and we're set." He simply spoke before revving up the engine.

"Hold the hell up! Do you even have license? Do you know how to drive a motorcycle? What about—"

Shaking his head and rolling his eyes, Arthur zoomed forward, "Shut up and hold on." With his words, he felt strong arms wrap themselves to his front; Arthur tried to ignore how awkwardly close this brought the American was to him. Gripping his hands on handles tighter, he let out a breath beneath the helmet that was getting slightly warmer then it was originally.

"What's your address?" He questioned after they passed the school grounds gate and drove down a side road. Arthur was fairly familiar with the surroundings, but he was pretty sure the young man hanging over his shoulder and pressed against his back lived farther then what he knew. America seemingly groaned while trying to make some space in between the two, but failed do to the forces acting on him from the cycle's ongoing acceleration.

A red light flickered and Arthur slowed Freedom down to a stop. Turning his head back a bit he motioned for America to continue inform him while he had the chance. America gave him a slight shove forward while he backed up on what little of the seat space he had behind him. Wincing, the sandy haired blonde glared at him from behind the black helmet, "Ow!"

"Don't go rushing into things so quickly! For an old man, you sure move fast." Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, the American wore a slight scowl.

However, his sentence confused Arthur, "Old man? I'm—"

A flash of vulnerability flashed over America's features, his once guarded blue eyes stiffened behind the protective glass barrier over them, and his mouth formed a tight frown over them. "F-forget it… I'll just give you directions at every red light we hit."

With his words arrived a series of agitated honks and horns from the cars behind him. Looking up, Arthur realized the light had changed to green, and without another word he leaned over to once again begin driving. "I'm not old…" He found himself mumbling in disdain.

Just as before, he felt the second body close in on his back… But this time, the atmosphere of the situation seemingly changed. It felt tenser despite the lack of noise shared between the two. Not only that, but America's new grip around his stomach had to have been tighter than a boa constrictor. Arthur thought he was going to suffer from internal bleeding.

-.-.-.-.-

"Where's Matthew?" Arthur asked. The air around the two still remained slightly stale from the ride to the huge house, however unable to bear the thought of staying with the American for too long alone, Arthur's thoughts flashed to the Canadian. America had already instructed him to use the old room from before and just get settled. Much to his horror, the wavy haired boy was nowhere to be seen.

America ran a hand through his hair while walking into Arthur's room casually, "Huh? Mattie? He's at his hotel." He answered as though it were obvious.

Arthur blinked while settling his bag down on the floor, "Hotel…? But didn't you say Matthew wanted me over here?" He sent the other male a strange look and in return, he got a shrug,

"Yeah."

"But why would he want me here if he's not here?" Arching one brow, Arthur gazed at the taller boy curiously; in response he received another shrug. Bring a sharp tinge of annoyance to himself. "Is there anything you do know?"

The other male stopped, as though thinking, before shrugging his shoulders once more.

"Idiot." Arthur snapped. America gave him one last amusing glance before turning to exit out the door, "Oh, I'm going to take a bath now, so if you want to follow me..."

"Shut the hell up! That was an accident!"

America laughed fueling a blush on the teen's face, "Of course it was, even though you totally loved what you saw."

Not taking the bait to be the object of ridicule once again, Arthur leered at him dangerously, "I'm beginning to think you enjoyed me looking at you. Fucking pervert." His words made America's once confident face falter a bit and a slight blush arose on his cheeks, but as quickly as it appeared, it evaporated away. Scoffing with exaggerated hand movements, America shook his head,

"I'm the pervert? How does that work when you go peeping at me?"

"It works because as I claimed before, it was an accident. And since you love bringing this up you must have liked me looking at you." Arthur gazed at the now sputtering American who seemed more flustered than anything.

"Whatever. As if I'd ever get a thrill from you looking at me." Wrinkling his nose over at him, America turned around once more before leaving the room with just a slightly bemused Arthur within it.

He didn't get that boy… One minute he seemed friendly enough… The next, he was PMSing like a girl…

The rest of the night, Arthur found himself and America purposefully avoiding one another. When Arthur went downstairs to get some water before bed, the other male had been in the kitchen, and when they clashed, the air had been unnecessarily unsociable. It seemed that would always be the case with them whenever America was having one of his mood swings and didn't want to talk to him.

Falling onto the bed, he glanced up at the ceiling with tired eyes; tomorrow he'd meet the rest of the world… Literally. He practically shuddered at the thought of so many. What if they were all…? He didn't have a word. But, what if they were just strange? Well, stranger than what he's been dealing with.

At least he'd be able to get some answers.

His eye lids slowly came to a peaceful close with those thoughts in mind.

-.-.-.-.-

Kiku didn't know what to expect when he found himself at the doorstep of a rather huge manor Wednesday morning. He felt horrible about skipping school especially without any warning. He and Mei had managed to leave before school security went out to prevent anyone from cutting classes. His Taiwanese female friend appeared way more enthusiastic about everything than she should have been.

"Whoa! Such a huge house! Arthur sure knows how to make himself some cool friends!" Her auburn hair bounced while she inclined her neck upward to gaze at the full length of the structure before them. Nodding silently, Kiku agreed.

He wondered how long Arthur had been friends with these people… These nations.

The Japanese boy was no fool. He took notice of how his normally attentive and strict friend seemingly changed into a more wistful and dazed shadow over the past two days. It was a lot considering in his time of knowing Arthur, the only time he truly changed his personality would be after someone insulting his bland cooking, and that change only lasted about five minutes.

Kiku had been sure to do his own research on the matter. Reincarnation had been a huge part of his family's homeland's culture. At first, the moment the two strangers popped up in his life he didn't believe it. Any sensible person wouldn't have. However, slowly but surely that day at the mall the prospect began to grow on him. Not only that, but that same night, he had a dream.

A vibrant and lucid dream that at the time, Kiku felt as though he were living it, but no… It was impossible… After all, he had been with two other strange men. One with chestnut colored brown hair and an everlasting smile on his face while he kept going on about something… Kiku couldn't recall afterwards. And another tall blonde man whose face was an epitome of frustration.

"We're here early… But Arthur did say to get here as soon as we could!" Grinning, Mei rocked on her heels before pressing the door bell. "This friend of his must be important! I mean, Arthur Kirkland playing hooky and bringing his friends down with him? I mean, he even invited Simon and me!" Putting a single index finger to her bottom lip, she put a thoughtful expression on her face.

Kiku had to agree, but he already had a feeling where this meeting was going.

"Is it so strange that he invited you here too?" Kiku asked softly gazing her with his monochrome eyes in curiosity. Mei nodded, "Arthur isn't my friend exactly… We're more 'Hi-and-Bye'. He's really only attached to you, Bruce, and Chelsey for some reason." This information was true… And Kiku was almost positive the reason Mei and Arthur were on fairly good terms would be because he was bridge for the two of them.

Mei had always been attached to him since they were younger. She was once so shy and quiet, not only that, but a victim of bullying… But the second he became her first friend she grew stronger and more confident with herself and abilities. He was proud of her for that aspect.

"Oh hello, you guys made it. Great." Arthur stuck his head out the door with a forced smile on his face suddenly, startling Mei, but Kiku just stood watching him. "Yes we did… May we come in?" The raven haired teen questioned gently.

Arthur let out a small laugh, "Of course, of course… America and I were just… How should I put this…? Just ignore the mess okay?" Opening the door to invite them, Mei nodded as did Kiku as they walked in.

"Wow! It's so… So…" Mei looked around the house in awe, while Arthur rubbed the back of his head nervously with a slight blush on; Kiku's eyes however were gazing at the floor in surprise.

Broken glass, upturned carpets, and it looked wet… Along with Arthur's shirt front.

Mei turned to Arthur with a huge grin, "So, where's the girl?"

The sandy blonde turned to her in confusion in his eyes, along with Kiku putting a hand to his mouth already catching the current of this streaming conversation.

"Girl? What nonsense are you going on about now?" He asked with an arched brow. The Taiwanese student crossed her arms over her chest with a giggle, "Don't act dumb! You know, this 'girl' friend of yours that has you hooked line and sinker in your heart!"

"…What?"

"It'd only take love for you to skip school! You have a new girlfriend don't you? Come on! I wanna meet her! Where is she?"

Arthur's face turned into a red painted canvas of mortification and Kiku couldn't help but laugh, "Oh my…" He chuckled out subtly watching his friend stutter in horror. Arthur shifted uncomfortable and glared at Mei, "T-There is no girl!"

"Arthur! I'm not done with you!"

Kiku and Mei found themselves turning to face the entrance to one of many halls of the manor they were in, Alfred came running out, his sapphire eyes narrowed into slits behind his glasses, a tight scowl etched on his face, and he had no shirt on… What?

"Dirty bastard!" He hissed before stalking closer to the trio. Kiku quickly averted his eyes from the shameful scene about to undergo but Mei continued looking on in wonderment. Arthur glared back in irritation but said nothing.

Alfred stopped and gave a slight gasp when he realized that the Briton wasn't alone. "K-Kiku… Taiwa— Er… May…? No… Mac..? Mer? Shit what was it again…?" He began to mumble lowly under his breath frantically making Kiku shake his head.

"Mei, this is my friend Alfred. Alfred, this is Mei." Arthur sent him a look that clearly read that the sunny haired blonde needed to stop talking and fast. Luckily, Alfred complied and nodded before extending his hand out to shake Mei's awaiting hand with a shiny smile, "Pleasure to meet you ma'am." His southern accent crawling out a bit, making Arthur send him a edgy look. That went ignored. "Hey again Kiku!" He cheerfully regarded the shorter man with a grin.

Kiku nodded, "Nice to see you again Alfred…" Time to get questions answered as well…

"Haha! It's always nice to see a hero isn't it?" The bespectacled teen jabbed his thumb onto his bare chest with a wink. Arthur stared at him with irritation, "Can you try to not be arrogant for at least one day? I'd pay to see it."

Their interaction apparently caused Mei to fit imperfect puzzle pieces together within her head seeing as she perked up with a gasp, catching all three males' attention instantly,

"Oh~ I see what you mean now." Mei put a hand to her mouth in mock surprise. Kiku could practically see every twitch of her lip that threatened to form an amused smile. "There is no girlfriend… But there seems to be some boy on boy action going on here…"

Alfred stiffened.

Arthur on the other hand, mirrored Alfred's reaction but his had an added bonus of rage. Which included numerous rants and curses Kiku found vaguely familiar whenever his friend had caught someone cheating on his test during an exam.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Ending it now because I'm tired and have school tomorrow.

I do hope you'll review for a quicker update :]