Author's Note:

Hey guys! Just a lil' reminder that I'm posting chapters every Monday and Thursday, and I'll let you know when I'm going to be absent, or just not present to update.

Take care, loves~!

-SaChanCentral

P.S. Also, for the readers who have red up to this point, first of all, thanks and congrads! But also, as you probably noticed, I keep putting quotations up from every character in the series so far. First one to guess all of them (Chaps. 1-8) will receive a free request story from me! Thanks for the attention!


Chapter 8: A Terrible Error

"If you think we're mad... then wonder how we feel about you. Filthy, filthy, opposites."

The flames in front of England crackled. His heavy green eyes rested upon the campfire, and he stirred himself awake for the twelfth time that night.

He leaned his head on his palm in exhaustion.

"England-san, you look so solemn..."

The British nation turned to see his friend Japan coming out from the tent beside him. He smiled halfheartedly and nodded appropriately.

Japan sat beside him, looking to and from England and the flickering fire. "France is still in bed, snoring soundly."

"Hm. That would be like him."

Japan frowned, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. "I sense the mood in your voice... is everything alright?"

The British man hesitated, but answered honestly. "We've been on the same bloody trail all these past couple of days, and nothing's come out of it. No opposite countries trying to attack, no witnesses, no events. Just trailing our way to disaster. Yes, that's more like it."

Japan kept himself quiet. It was better not to talk to the stressed nation, but rather let the peacefulness of the night calm him down. He turned despite himself, but England sighed, looking at the lifeless sky. Everything was fog since everyone got here.

"And... goodness, there's something that's been tugging on my mind. It's got something to do with America. I'm always concerned for him, you know, even though most of the time it's due to pure stupidity..." he chuckled in between thoughts, "... but it seems like he's in trouble. I'm worried."

Japan smiled softly. "You're just concerned. I am too. Italy-kun is my friend, and I want nothing more than to see him come back. I'm also worried for Germany-san. For all of you."

"And those horrid Paradox nations that threaten us... it brings me back to World Wars. This, however, can just obliterate us. We'll tear ourselves apart, if that's the right way of saying it."

"Sometimes I ask where the sanity is with all of us. When we started these wars long ago... was it us, or them coming out of us?"

England locked eyes with the Asian, bewildered about the sudden theory. Then he looked down. "I bet my opposite is bloody crazy then."

Japan never was the type to express his emotions openly, but the sudden comment from his friend made him grin. He looked at the open ground in embarrassment, trying to pull himself together. Then he frowned.

"Then I must be a true monster."

England twisted his neck suddenly in reaction, horrified by Japan and his assumption. But the British man only sat there, breathing the night atmosphere and staring at the sparks traveling from the fire to only disappear into the darkness.

Then out of the corner of his eye, a man approached, limping, dragging himself to shame.

"America... oh bloody hell, America...!"

The young nation struggled to move when his friends gathered around him. He collapsed with satisfaction of making it so far.

"Britain, Japan... help a hero out..." then he fainted on the ground, his legs going limp.

England's eyes bulged out while Japan seized to move out of panic. "Damn it! Come on, let's move him in!"

As the two nations dragged America in, France awoke, hearing the screaming occurring from outside.

"You two, I'm trying to get some beauty slee-... AMERICA! Where the hell did you find him?"

England retorted in extreme impatience. "Frog! This is no time! Come on, let's get him down."

They gathered into the tent outside the fire, laying the unconscious nation on his back. He seemed to be at peace. The black circles under his eyes certainly gave his friends the intention that he had gotten no rest. He was covered head to toe in bruises and scratches, obviously attacked by some unknown force. England removed his glasses, sighing unevenly, cringing, holding back his emotion.

Japan glanced over to England. Tears gathered in his emerald orbs, but didn't cascade down his face. As soon as England grasped onto America, holding him tightly, Japan saw the reflection of a wet tears pouring down the British nation's cheekbones.

"What was done... to make even England collapse?" Japan muttered, but he made sure than no one heard him.

. . .

Germany was the first of the nations to face himself.

From the perspective of Germany, he saw himself as a guaranteed coward, but strong enough to pull himself through with plenty of second chances. His purple eyes held a light compassion, something that he himself would never really express in a physical aspect. The scar right on his face looked like it was painful to bear everyday. But overall, he saw himself.

From the perspective of paradox Germany, the man in front of him looked strong and held self-confidence. The harshness and judgement on his face frightened Paradox Germany, but he seemed calm in his demeanor. The cross he bore on his chest was something of great importance to him it seemed, but Paradox Germany knew nothing about defending honor. He just wanted a chance to find a connection. But overall, he saw himself.

Germany, Russia, and China followed the opposite Germany intently, still keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. They had no idea anymore who to trust, and who could be a threat to their survival and freedom. But still, in those purple eyes, they all knew he could be trusted.

They settled down in a cabin on the outskirts. Paradox Germany opened the door in shame, embarrassed about the conditions of his home, but humbly gave the three countries a temporary refuge. Food was set on the table, and a fire roared to provide warmth.

The German men examined each other across the dinner table, glancing at appearances, expressions, and emotions. The table was quietly intense, and Russia and China dared not to say a word after Paradox Germany promised them shelter.

The lingering silence made everything too awkward. The German man stood up, piercing the man across from him with his intense blue eyes.

"Thank you for the food," he spoke loudly, but awkwardly. His oppoiste stood up as well, attempting to excuse himself. But as soon as a foot was turned, a knife cut through the table like butter at Germany's hand.

"I have questions for you." A simple command had Paradox Germany at a standstill.

Again, the quiet consumed the room.

"I-I... I have-"

"Speak up." The German barked, almost to the point of flipping the table over.

His opposite quivered silently.

China spoke. "Germany, stop it! He's not a soldier! Just let him explain!"

Russia, in his defense, smiled while eating his meal. Germany glanced to China, who held a fork in his hand, waving it back and forth violently. He sat down as well as his paradox.

"Then tell me," Germany mused, calmed down, "... why is this going on?"

Heads turned from left to right. The Paradox Germany stared in the open air, but sighed to himself, directing his purple eyes to his opposite.

"I-It's hard to explain, but... this war is Italy's fault. Our Italy. As the oldest and most manipulative country, he wanted everything in his power. Whoever agreed allied with him and made profit. I was more or less forced into it by him. That's why the G8 was formed. He killed his grandfather, Rome and killed his twin brother Romano right after. Romano... he was my best friend..." Paradox Germany held back tears, "... he was the only one that could stop him. But once his death was announced, chaos pursued. Allied countries built armies bigger than the nation itself. The nationalism and propaganda rate was too overwhelming, which I why I didn't participate in rallying my people into some of those brainwashing techniques. Where was the freedom in any of this? I've been wondering that for sometime now. Then Italy unleashed his master plan: to dominate all of your countries. the power of his world in his hands clearly wasn't enough. That's how this war started... Italy and the allies knew that you wouldn't give up without a fight. He took Italy and Prussia and-"

The German rose in fury. "HE TOOK MEIN BRUDER?!"

Russia sighed and smiled in sympathy. "Calm down, Germany, comrade... we'll get him soon enough-"

"But first Italy, and now mein bruder?! This should have been told to me a longer time ago!" The German stormed away, grabbing his coat and marching out the door.

China rose an eyebrow. "You'd think that he'd leave with some sort of clue how to get there..."

Russia bowed slightly to the Paradox German, who flinched in response. "Thank you for the meal, da! But if you help us contain our Germany, I'd adore that very much."

Paradox Germany swallowed his bravado. He ran after the three nations, locking the door behind him.

This was a terrible mistake.