Chapter 10

"I must hurry... I need to go to that place... I need to stop her … no matter what consequence I might receive... I deserve this but she doesn't... I must hurr-"

""""""

After Germany assigned everyone's roles, Canada suggested to make the headquarter at the countryside mansion of America, which is located in Kensington, Maryland so that it will be easier for the frontline countries to communicate and travel during the mission. Everyone agreed with the proposal. Canada showed them the picture of it as his fellow countries first gaped in awe with the beauty and the structure of the mansion and then carefully scrutinized every detail of the place. After around few minutes, they nodded and then nation-hopped to America's mansion while picturing their destination in their mind.

The mansion was a two-storey building; its walls were covered with bricks that has different shades of brown. There were 8 custom shaped windows on the second floor which was enough to welcome around 20 guests at once. On the first floor, there was a large kitchen which didn't fail to impress the Italian brothers. The living room was wide and had a large television screen standing before the four sofas which also didn't fail to lure the Italian brothers again to lounge and eventually scolded by Germany. Canada, who already visited this mansion twice and memorized almost the entire building, led them to the widest room in the mansion and made it as their temporary headquarter for America rescue operation.

It took around 40 minutes until everyone arrived at the mansion, brought all the computers inside the room, transmitters, and to settle down.

"Canada" Germany called out the busy Canadian who was studying the 'book' that he and France found before they nation-hopped. "Does America have other houses he resides in? Just like France and England, they owned three houses in their place due to some business purposes."

"Yup, America owns three too." Canada answered.

"I want to send some countries to those houses in order to check if he is or was there." Germany explained. "Probably we might attain some clues too."

Canada nodded understandably and stood up from his seat then took his cellphone as he browsed for the pictures of the other two houses in his gallery. While Canada was searching for the pictures, Germany asked Spain, Romano, Italy and Prussia to pair up and check the houses.

"Here, I found it" Canada said while approaching the group. "This house is located in New York, and this one is located in Washington I will give you the complete address of it so please wait for few moments please? " then the Candian left the group to search for papers to write on.

Romano did a heavy sigh for he was given a responsibility. As much as possible, he just wanted to remain in the mansion, watch his fellow countries rescue America and do nothing. He doesn't want to move so much for he was tired with his work but since his younger brother and Spain are willing to cooperate with this operation, he couldn't complain nor he didn't want to leave his brother with that potato bastard.

Soon, Canada came back with two pieces of memo paper between his fingers and gave to each pair. "Prussia and Italy, please go to Washington, then Spain and Romano, you guys will be heading to New York." Canada said.

"And here's your earpiece. Report it to us if ever you will find something that might help the investigation." Germany said as he handed out the earpiece.

"Yes, sir!" Italy saluted with energy. Prussia smirked with the younger's reaction and also saluted to his younger brother. "Count on us, West. The awesome Prussia never fails his mission."

"We will also do our best, right, Romano?" Spain said as he glanced his scowling partner. Romano just gave his curt nod and placed his earpiece to his left ear. "Fine, let's get moving and end this operation quickly!"

Canada then showed them the pictures while the two pairs nodded as they studied the picture. The moment when they tried to nation-hop, Romania called out.

"Guys, wait!"

"What's your problem, huh?" Romano grumbled as he saw the Romanian sprinting towards their place. Romania jerked with the sudden exclamation then scratched behind his head followed by a gestured of apology to the group, especially to Romano.

"Before you guys will go to your assigned states, I want you to wear this" he said as he showed the thing he is pertaining too.

"A crystal quartz necklace? For what?" Prussia inquired as he took the necklace from Romania and wore it.

"This crystal quartz necklace is for the detection of the demon's menacing aura. The crystal will react and turn into black which will give us the sign that the demon is in that state." Romania explained. "I will be distributing this necklace to each pair so handle them carefully. I don't have any spares left"

The first two pair heeded his words and nodded. "This is a good tool. It will also save us from wasting our time from searching" Germany said though he looked skeptic about this crystal but he also couldn't say anything about it after they witness a demon.

"Yup and we have to double our time for we do not know when America might turn mad, you know. As much as possible, we want to avoid that situation." Romania told Germany. The German nodded, totally agreeing with the other's statement.

"Well, Germany and Romania, we'll be leaving~" Italy said as he waved his hands to them. "Ja" Prussia said followed by his usual smirk and disappeared with his partner. Spain also waved his hands and gave his smile while Romano gave his last glare to the potato bastard before he nation-hopped with Spain.

"By the way, there was no sign of America in this state, Maryland, so we have 49 states left to search." Romania said before he left.

"That's still long way to search for him, eh?" Germany said as pinched his nose bridge in stress.

"""""""

Few minutes after

"What are you doing, Canada?" France asked when he passed by his younger brother.

"I was just searching and wondering what America was reading in this book. This book might be our key to solve this problem yet I can't find even a single clue!" Canada exclaimed and sighed frustratingly as he let his hand run through his soft blond hair.

"But you are still halfway through reading. Don't stress yourself too much. I know this situation exhausts you but this won't do anything good. It will disturb the circulation of your brain." France said, trying to reassure Canada that everything will be fine.

Canada stared back to France and sighed again. "Maybe you're right. I just need to cool my head first." Then he did several deep breathings as he closed his eyes.

Relax, Canada, relax. Stressing yourself won't do anything good. Think. Recall what America said. Analyze his words.

Canada contemplated as his brain started to work as he always did.

America mentioned about the Native American lady in his dream.

Canada then bit his lower lip. If only England was here, solving this problem and rescuing America could have been faster. This frustrated the Canadian once again. Canada then started to flip each page while France watch him pensive, wondering what he is thinking.

England found out that America was the demon through this book. What particular topic? Section? page? I need to find out as soon as possible.

""""""

30 minutes have passed after the first two pairs went to Washington and New York to search America in his other two houses. The female countries, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Baltic states have already finished setting up the computers, the wizards distributed the quartz to the rest of the countries, while the countries who will go out and search for America in different states were standing by, ready to leave anytime.

Few moments later, Latvia, one of the countries assigned to operate the main computer, flinched as he held the earpiece.

"Commander!" He called out. "We have a call from Prussia"

"Connect the line" Germany commanded. Latvia nodded and complied. Before the line connected, they heard few jamming sound until they heard the familiar voice of albino.

"Prussia reporting from Washington!" The albino remarked with his loud voice. "We found no trace of America here nor we found a clue or something that might lead us to his destination." He reported. "It seems like he is residing this house only for work purposes."

"When we opened the refrigerator, there was no single food inside. There were no clothes inside the cabinet too. All the furniture here were covered with dusts so that means America didn't visit this house for few weeks or probably months." Italy said which impressed Germany for it was his first time to hear Italy speaking something logical.

"I see... how about the crystal? Any changes?" Germany inquired.

"No changes occurred, West, which means that the demon is not in Washington." Prussia replied.

Germany and Canada glanced each other and nodded. "Thank you for your hardwork. You may return to the headquarters. Thank you for the report."

"No problem." Then their conversation ended.

"48 states to go, huh" Canada mumbled as he held his chin with his fingers.

"Commander" Lithuania called out "We have a call from Spain-Romano pair"

Germany commanded the country to connect the line as he gestured his hand to the rest of the nations to get ready.

"Spain reporting" the cheerful voice of the Spaniard was heard. "We didn't find any trace of America here except for one thing..." His voice wobbled a bit.

"What's wrong?" Germany prompted as his attention piqued.

"There is an alien here and now currently bickering with Romano." Spain said followed by some chuckles. "We tried to ask him if he knows anything about America's whereabouts but it seems like he doesn't know a thing. He shook his head and continued to give us curse words." Spain explained, sounding a bit troubled.

"Oh, that's probably Tony, a peculiar friend of America" Canada said. "He curses a lot"

"No wonder Romano will get annoyed." Germany said with a sigh. "Spain, are there any changes from your crystals?"

"Nope, not even a single scratch. Shall we return to headquarter?" The Spaniard asked.

"No problem. Ask if Tony wants to go with you or if he wants to stay before you will come back."

"Roger" then the call ended.

"In the end, we will search for America, huh" Switzerland commented as he approached Germany from behind. "They are all ready, orders please?" And he crossed his arms against his chest. The German nodded his head and faced the countries, which were giving their resolute look, smirk and waiting for his command.

"Crystals were already distributed to each pair." Austria reported. "And also, their assigned states too."

"All the earpieces are connected to the headquarters." Estonia said as he turned his office chair to face them. Germany nodded and cleared his throat.

"As you all have heard, there was no sight of America from Washington and New York, and if we include this state, Maryland, we have 47 states left to search. As soon as you reach your assigned state, please report to the headquarters immediately. It is also the same if ever your crystal will change its color."

"As much as possible, do not confront America if ever you will find him, understand?" Romania reminded. "We do not know what his goal is for now."

"And we can't assure if America's consciousness still lives within him. In a worst-case scenario, he might already have turned into a demon so please, contact us immediately." Norway added.

Canada bit his lips as he listened to the reminders. It is hard to believe, no, he doesn't want to believe that his brother already has turned into a demon. He knows that America won't give up easily. He's a strong country and a stubborn one. Who knows, he might be giving a hard time to the demon who is trying to get rid of his consciousness. Internally, Canada prayed for his brother's safety and wished that they could find him as soon as possible.

The countries gulped after they heeded the wizards ' advice. It would be their first time in their country lives to encounter a demon. Maybe not all of them though.

"Remember that we will be doing nation-hopping in the country that is not ours. It will cost great amount of your energies just teleporting to other places. Be wise with your decisions, understand?" Germany added another reminder.

The countries straightened their posture and saluted. "Understood!" They shouted in unison and soon after, pair by pair, they started to nation-hop to their assigned states. Countries who will remain in the headquarters gave their salutes to the nations until the last pair left the main office.

The micronations who witnessed the entire scene experienced goosebumps while giving their salute, amazed and marveled by their senior countries' determination. Some of them like Sealand and Ladonia couldn't stop gaping with a great awe.

"So cool~" Seborga mumbled as he slowly put his hand down to his side, his eyes still wide open. The rest nodded their heads with total agreement. Japan and Taiwan, who saw their reactions from behind, chuckled silently for they were cute.

"That's how the countries work!" South Korea said as he ruffled Sealand and Ladonia's hair. "Study and learn from us and maybe someday you will become a cool country like me!" South Korea exclaimed as he said his so called cool line to his juniors as he points his thumb to his chest while wearing his smug grin.

The two micronations' eyes sparkled in determination and grinned. "We will so just wait for it!" Sealand and Ladonia answered in unison.

South Korea smirked. "Let's go and buy some snacks for the countries! I'm pretty sure they will come back with an empty stomach!" The elder nation said as he pumped his fist in the air. The micronations, who were excited, also did the same thing and followed after South Korea outside.

"Woah, South Korea said something good today, aru. What happened to him?" China inquired as his action stopped when he heard what South Korea said few moments ago.

"I dunno. Probably he ate something weird?" Hongkong, who was working with China, said with his usual unique accent. "Or probably he hit his head somewhere."

""""""

Few minutes have past after the soldiers left the headquarters. The remaining countries and micronations decided to decipher the only clue they have which might help them to save America, the book and the dream.

Spain and Romano arrived first. As expected, Romano came back with a bad mood which was obvious just by looking at his dark expression. Both of them were guided by the South Korea, Sealand, and Ladonia to the resting area.

Germany, Austria, and Hungary became worried about Italy and Prussia late return but the pair came back right after the previous pair left the room. Prussia and Italy apologized for their late return for they were recharging their energy before they nation-hop back to the headquarters. Hungary and Hutt River then guided them to the resting room.

"Guys?" Canada said, trying to get their attention. "Do you remember the details of the dream I shared in the meeting?"

"Of course we do" Austria replied while distributing the teas to the countries. "Did you find out something?"

Canada nodded. "I think this is the lady whom America was talking about." His remark piqued everyone's' attention which led them to gather around Canada and surround him in circle except the the Baltic States who were assigned to receive reports from the countries.

"Who is that lady?" Seychelles asked.

"Sarah Winnemuca, one of the famous Indian women in American history." Canada answered.

"Why do you think that she is the one who appeared in America's dream?" Belarus asked.

"It's only my hypothesis though. Her name, Sarah Winnemuca, means shell flower." When Canada mentioned its meaning, everyone flinched. "And as all of us know that the demon purposely leaves a white shell flower before he disappears. See the connections and my thoughts?"

"That means, the demon is this lady?" Czech inquired, a bit shock by the hidden truth. "But why she turned into a demon? And why she wants to kill America?"

"I guess because of their history?" Switzerland presumed. "Even the Europeans know a gist of the relationship between the Whites and the Native Americans' relationship in the past."

"I also thought of the same thing." Canada said. " But I'm not sure why and how she became a demon, but, oh, to remind you guys, this is only my presumption"

"No, I think you are right, Canada" Romania said after he took the last sip of his tea. "Maybe the source of the negative force of Sarah is hatred, her deep hatred towards America. She was devoured by her hatred and turned into a demon."

Romania's explanation made everyone silent and feels sorry for Sarah. How they wish they were there for her that time but they can't do anything. They can't change the history and also during that era. It was full of wars and the competitions between countries were intense. No wonder no one was able to stop their dispute.

"The next question is where America is? Why he is not coming to us?" Norway said. This got everyone's attention.

"What do you mean aru?" China arched his eyebrow and inquired. Norway glanced to the Chinese man and leaned his body against the desk beside him.

"Most probably America knew that he was possessed by the demon before we or England found out. That means, he could have consulted England, Romania, or I secretly and let us remove the demon inside him, but he didn't. Why?" Norway inquired to himself and everyone.

"Or he could just fly to our location to remove the demon inside him while he could still take control over the demon, right?"

"You have a point..." Canada mumbled as he held his chin with his fingers. "He must have reasons why he did that."

"If we trace back all our presumption, maybe America-kun is trying to go to a certain destination?" Japan surmised. "If we observe it carefully, America-kun wasn't in our places but he is here, right here in the United States of America. And it's almost an hour our fellow countries went out to each state to look for him. America-kun maybe seem to be a childish nation but he isn't. Just like what Norway-san said, America-kun could have approach one of the wizards to remove the demon inside him while he could take control over his body but he didn't. Why do you think so?" The Japanese asked, trying to let someone guess his thought and making everyone to look pensive.

"You want to say that he is heading somewhere, eh, Japan?" Vietnam answered after few moments of contemplation. This statement flinched everyone in the room.

Japan nodded slowly. "Yes, though this is only my theory." He said with his usual laid-back manner.

"No, Japan, I think you're right." Germany said and sat in front of the nearest working stations. "We need to check the history of Sarah as soon as possible. Maybe we can get our next clue."

The countries look one another then nodded. They knew what they should do next which is also to gather more information about Sarah and other related sources they may get. Some started to work in the remaining working stations while some brought out their laptops and worked with pairs.

"COMMANDER!" The sudden exclaim of Lithuania surprised everyone in the room as they lifted up their heads to see what was going on. "Finland-Sweden pair has confirmed that the demon resides in their area!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone stood as they jerked and some toppled their chair on the floor.

"According to their report, their crystal turned black as soon as they stepped in the Bear River." Lithuania reported simultaneously his co-workers, Latvia and Estonia, swiftly searched the location of the Bear River.

"Where is their assigned, state?" Germany inquired.

"Idaho, sir" then the pictures and the information about the Bear River pop out in the largest monitor screen that was enough for everyone to study the information.

"Currently, Finland and Sweden are searching for America's location." Lithuania added.

"Remind them not to do anything careless." Germany commanded to Lithuania. "And Estonia, Latvia, please spread this information quickly and let them help the Finland-Sweden pair to search for America's location immediately."

Latvia and Estonia nodded then turned back to their working stations as they swiftly started to do their work. On the other hand, Switzerland and Austria immediately searched the history behind the Bear River which eventually made their eyes dilate and did a silent gasp.

"Guys, take a look at this information though I'm not sure, why America is there." Switzerland said as he pressed an enter key to let the information appear to the main monitor.

The countries moved their eyes from side to side, reading the information and scrutinized each paper they saw in the article.

"It is somehow related but it's different..."