Thanks to ScandinavianTrash, nakua, Abc, Viofan238, snowgem33, TrefleV, topaz3, Cardfighter By Maple, pastaaddict, Skye Phoenix Dove, Voxnihili BLOCK and an anon for reviewing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
Chapter 9
Algeria was rocking herself back and forth, Côte d'Ivoire's screams resonating through her entire being. She couldn't take it anymore. It was too much. Too much.
Her head snapped up when the door opened, and she launched herself at the nation on the other end, who caught her easily.
"Please," she said. "Make it stop. I… I'll join you, just… please. Stop hurting him."
Switzerland blinked in surprise, before he smirked.
"Of course," he said, standing aside so that she could leave the room. "There's just a contract you need to sign first, but we still need to wait for the others to join as well. If you want, I can send word that he could give Côte d'Ivoire a little break."
Algeria swallowed before nodding. She felt bad that she was the first to cave, but she couldn't take the pained screaming anymore. It needed to stop.
And she knew that she wouldn't have to listen to it anymore.
…
Italy and Poland had gone to Vatican, which was their base of operations. It was also a part of Italy, so he felt completely comfortable around there.
The two were lounging on a couch, Italy's arms wrapped around Poland. If anyone were looking at them, they wouldn't be able to say that those two were the leaders of the group that was starting World War Three.
"How should we deal with the Baltics?" Poland asked, and Italy tensed. Poland looked up at Italy, a playful smile on his face. "Aw, you're not still jealous of Lithuania, are you?"
"It doesn't help that you still cling to him whenever you see him," Italy spat.
"But they might prove useful against Russia. They know everything about him, and they certainly have enough reason to want to see his downfall. And they're easily persuaded to join us."
"The 'easily persuaded' part is what bothers me the most. They're snivelling cowards that would betray us the moment they see someone they think would be stronger than us. Especially Russia."
"And if we convince them that we're stronger?"
Italy looked at Poland blankly, and Poland sighed, a small smile on his face.
"Looks like the best course of action would be to kill them then," Poland said. "Not that I mind. I could use the extra landmass."
Poland crawled up until his lips were hovering over Italy's.
"Is that what you want?" Poland asked.
"The fewer nations we have to control, the easier it will be," Italy said. "We already have most of a continent under our control. And we're a substantial amount of European nations. We don't need any more."
Poland smirked, before he closed the distance between their lips. Italy pressed back, kissing his lover properly for what seemed like the first time in forever.
"Gah! Really?"
The two separated, annoyed, as Italy turned to look at the new arrival.
"What do you want, Carlino?" Italy asked.
San Marino shook his head, a look of disgust on his face.
"Switzerland called to report that Algeria has surrendered," San Marino said.
"Excellent," Poland said. "The first of our little strays. Is that all?"
"Egypt also reported that Israel has agreed to join us, on condition that South Africa remains safe."
"You were right," Italy said, glancing at Poland. "There was something there."
"Really, can't you two get a room or something, a little less public?" San Marino asked. "Can you imagine if Angelo was the one to walk in on you?"
"Remember, he was only pretending," Italy said. "Making the Catholic faith homophobic in order to control nations and humans. The nations especially. It never bothered France, but Spain and Portugal never dared act on their romantic feelings for another nation, since that would be a sin, don't you think?"
"I get it, but still…"
"Have you ever walked in on Marcello before? They were doing something a lot more dangerous than kissing."
San Marino shuddered.
"India also called," San Marino said. "He asked if there was anything he could do. I directed him towards Tibet, and have already informed the Koreas."
"Fine," Italy said. "At least he's keeping busy. Do you think we should call the South Americans?"
"It'll certainly make their day," San Marino said. "Lovino's been asking for them. He says that Spain has been driving him insane. Oh, and apparently Portugal is still there."
"Two birds with one stone," Poland said. "Alright then. Let's go make the South Americans happy. And the North Americans?"
"Canada and Mexico have started causing a riot at the borders, while Molossia and Confederacy have started attacking America from within. Molossia said that he could feel America is already suspicious."
"He's paranoid, certainly," Poland said. "So he'll try to stop them, right?"
"Most likely."
"And he'll make a blunder, of course. He underestimates Canada, and Molossia has us to back him up. As for Mexico and Confederacy, let's hope they know how to handle him."
"Anything else to report?" Italy asked.
"Not at the moment," San Marino said.
"Good. Then leave us alone, fratello. We were busy with something."
San Marino scoffed and turned away.
"If it wasn't for that Bond…" he muttered.
…
Peru smirked, his cell phone pressed against his ear.
"Gracias," he said darkly. "We'll meet up with Mexico first, and then we'll get right on it."
He hung up, and turned to face his comrades.
"That was San Marino," he said. "We get to deal with España."
"Finally!" Argentina said, jumping to her feet. "Now we get to play."
Brazil fidgeted uncomfortably, not wanting to take part in anything involving the other South American nations. Peru came over and ruffled his hair.
"Don't worry," he said. "We're not expecting you to come along. This is revenge, after all, and only those that desire it may come along. Besides, you like Portugal."
"What does he have to do with this?" Brazil asked weakly.
"Didn't you hear? Portugal is over at Spain's place. He wanted to make sure his idiot younger brother doesn't get himself into trouble. We can deal with him as well."
"What? No!"
"Don't worry. We won't hurt him. We like him too. But one has to wonder why he didn't think to make sure you're alright."
Brazil swallowed nervously and avoided everyone's eyes.
"Because as far as he's aware, the problems are in Europe and Africa, after the attack on Germany and the Africans' withdrawal from international relations. He doesn't think that something's wrong over here."
"Are you sure?" Venezuela asked, a smirk on his face.
Brazil closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
"Anyway, it doesn't matter," Chile said. "You're staying behind. But we'll be sure to ask about it when we see him."
Argentina gave Brazil a mocking kiss on the head, similar to what a parent would do to their child.
"Be good," she said mockingly, as they all proceeded to leave.
When they were gone, Brazil curled up into a ball and began to softly cry over his situation, and the fate that might befall his former caretaker and father-figure.
…
Mexico let out a giggle when she heard what she was being told through the phone.
"Then I suppose I'll see you soon," she said, hanging up the phone.
The South Americans would arrive at her airport, and then they would travel together to Spain. And while they were travelling, she could confront them about not telling her about what they were scheming.
She quickly called her general to withdraw her soldiers from the border, before getting in contact with a few of her cartels. If America confronted her about the disturbance at the border, she could play it off as the military and the cartels being at odds with each other, which unfortunately broke through past America's borders.
Knowing America, he would buy it, as long as she wasn't there when he arrived to confront her. If he arrived after she left, she could use the alibi that she wasn't in her country when it all started to happen.
Hopefully he would buy it and didn't check her travel history. That could pose a problem.
She knew full well that they would need to tread carefully around America. He could cause a lot of problems if he wasn't dealt with accordingly.
…
Romano smirked as he pocketed his phone. He had just been informed that the South Americans would be making their way to Spain in order to deal with said nation.
Romano couldn't wait to watch the show. He didn't completely hate Spain, like the South Americans did, but there was no love there either. He was constantly annoyed by the other's cheerful attitude, and his fawning over him. His annoyance with the other was what made it so easy to agree to the South Americans' request.
He checked his watch, groaning when he realised that it would take them a few hours to arrive. He would need to find a way to keep himself entertained.
"What's going on with you?"
Romano jumped, whirling around to face the speaker.
"What are you talking about, bastard?" Romano spat.
"You're a lot quieter than usual," Portugal said. "And you're swearing a lot less than normal. You also look like you're waiting for something. Or someone."
"It's your damn imagination. Why are you still here?"
"Because something's happening in the world. I want to make sure my brother doesn't get into trouble. I also want to protect anyone that's stupid enough to attack him and trigger his conquistador side."
Yet another reason why Romano would only be watching, and not helping the South Americans. He knew full well what Spain's dark, bloodthirsty side was like. The South Americans did too. And the South Americans could be just as bloodthirsty and brutal as Spain could be, perhaps even more so because they inherited it from both Spain and their native ancestors. That would probably help Mexico as well. The only reason why the South Americans hadn't attacked Spain earlier was because they were always younger and smaller, and by the time they were old enough the world had changed, and it would have been suspicious if they had released the same amount of anger and brutality that they had clung to.
Bloody revolutions? They had no idea…
"No one's stupid enough to try that," Romano said. "And besides, aren't there other nations to worry about? Have you gotten in touch with that African you've been trying to call?"
Portugal narrowed his eyes.
"You seem completely unbothered," Portugal said.
"Hey, in case you hadn't noticed, there aren't a lot of nations I have contact with," Romano said. "I don't care about that many nations."
"And if someone were to attack your brother?"
Romano smirked.
"I'd like to meet the bastard dumb enough to do that," he said.
"Are you going to protect your brother?"
"I don't need to. Never underestimate Italy."
…
China sighed, before he knocked on Korea's door. After a while of no one answering he knocked again, and his worry grew. Did North do something to hurt South?
He finally withdrew his cell phone, calling the other nation.
"Da-ze, what's up aniki?" South Korea's hyperactive voice came through the phone.
"Where are you?" China demanded. "I flew all the way to Seoul, and…"
"Oh, sorry. I'm with Hyung. The two of us are touring our country together. Wow, I can't believe I said that. It's been so long. Our country, our country…"
"Yong Soo!" China hissed. "How long before you're back?"
"Um, I don't know. Hard to tell. Why don't you stay a day or two in a hotel? I promise I'll pay any expense. Have fun in my capital."
"Yong…" China began, before he was cut off.
Well, he supposed that he could have a few days off. It would be a quick vacation, and South Korea would be a lot more pleasant without the personification annoying him.
Deciding that he would take the other up on his offer, he turned around and took a cab to the nearest hotel.
…
South Korea sighed as he put the phone away.
"China, I presume?" North asked.
"Yeah," South said. "Looks like we just passed each other. He was standing on our front porch."
"Then it's a good thing we came as soon as we did," North said. "Now, where's India?"
The two of them were in the Beijing airport, waiting for India before the three of them would go their separate ways. They just had one last thing to discuss.
"Are you sure China wouldn't be able to trace our plane?" North asked.
"I've been testing it out for years," South said. "As long as we fly with our private plane, no nation can trace our moves. Airports are unwilling to divulge the identities of nations who use them to travel, especially if the nation arrives in a private plane. They're not even willing to tell their own nation. They burn the records. The idea's been planted in their heads a long time ago that when a nation arrives by private plane, then it's on important business."
"No kidding," North said.
They ignored the humans walking around them, just like how the humans ignored them. As nations, they had the ability to go unnoticed by a general populace when they desired. It proved especially helpful when a nation was infiltrating another's land. Of course, only a fellow nation could identify them.
Like India.
"Were you waiting long?" India asked as soon as he was close enough.
"Not really," South said, and North rolled his eyes.
"Is there anyone you're particularly interested in?" North asked.
"Tibet," India said. "I think it will be an interesting meeting, to say the least."
"And I'll go after Hong Kong," South said. "He's more familiar with me. That leaves Macau to you."
"I see," North said. "There's no need for the contracts. We're taking them, just so we're clear. And if they give us difficulty, we'll be sure to deal with them."
"And where will we be keeping them?" India asked.
"Vatican, of course. It is our base of operations, and the last place anyone would look. Besides, my place is too obvious, and we can't go to South with China being there…"
"China's in your country?" India asked South.
"Not the point. I think it would be safer to take them to the Vatican. Shall we meet up here tomorrow then?"
"Of course," India said. "Good luck, my friends."
"For you too," South said.
…
The Southern African nations were all gathered in Black's house. He didn't understand why they all had to come, just that they all needed comfort somehow. Which again brought up the question of why they all had to come to his house. He was the former Zulu Empire. He didn't do comfort.
"San Marino called," Mozambique informed them. "He said that Brazil had joined them, though it was less than willing as well."
"Dammit," White hissed, bowing her head. "They're taking everyone. Why can't we stop them?"
Black sighed, returning to the room from the kitchen, a trey full of steaming coffee mugs in his hands.
"Do you know anything more about what the contract has to say?" Black asked. "Perhaps we can find a loophole."
"It's a contract made with magic," Zimbabwe said. "It has to be one hell of a loophole."
"I read through everything a few times," Namibia said. "It's pretty straightforward. Whoever signs the contract offer themselves in subservience. They are also not allowed to speak about it to anyone that didn't sign the contract. The contract won't allow it."
"Got to hand it to them," Botswana said, "Uh… They were thorough."
He looked confused for a moment, though none of them noticed this.
"They're making sure that no one can betray them," White sighed. "Italy and Poland, and from what I can tell everyone… They've been planning this a long time. I think it's safe to assume that they've been using past wars as research. Luckily I wasn't too active in the World Wars."
Unnoticed by everyone, Botswana had been doing what could only be described as mouth exercises, a puzzled frown on his face.
"Um, guys," he said. "I can't say any of their names."
"You mean Italy and the others?" White asked.
"Exactly."
"It must be your imagination," Zimbabwe said. "How could you not say…"
His eyes widened, and he tried to force his voice out, though the voice and the words he was forming didn't seem to want to cooperate with each other.
"This is insane," Mozambique said. "Why can't… I can't say their names either. What's going on?"
"We can't speak about it before people that aren't involved," Namibia said, her eyes widening in realisation, as she looked over towards Black. "You never signed those contracts. You're not involved."
"But White signed them," Black said.
"But you didn't," White said, a small smile on her face. "I signed it as 'South Africa', but it's my handwriting, not yours. They were trying to get us on board, not our governments. And they didn't get you."
"Look, I don't see how this matters," Black said. "I mean, we've both signed a bunch of documents on behalf of both of us before…"
"But never something like this. Black, you're free. You're not bound to any contract. And because we represent the same country, I can speak about what's happening to you, while no one else can. I can say their names – Italy, Poland – they can't."
"And what are you going to do with this revelation?"
"Report everything to England," White said. "He's still got a lot of influence, and he's not involved in this at all. You can go and report to him. I can tell you anything that's happening on our end, and you can repeat what I say to England. Maybe we can stop more nations from being taken."
"Or things could end up going up in smoke. White, this is crazy. What if you're wrong?"
"There's nothing for you to lose," White said. "If it turns out we're incorrect, then you still haven't signed the contract. And you can at least find shelter with England. Deal?"
He sighed, closing his eyes as he mulled things over.
"Fine," he said. "Deal."
The ending might not have gone as planned. I wanted the Tibet, Macau and Hong Kong scenes for next chapter, and maybe also the Spain scene.
From the moment I had two South Africas, I've been planning for one of them to act as whistle blower. And they're perfect, considering Italy's group would have thought about any geographical divides separating nations, but not racial divides, especially if one representative hadn't been seen in around a hundred years. Just one flaw they're not going to forgive. And trust me, things will be getting darker soon.
Also, how do you guys feel about Romania/Romano? Not for this story, but one of my other fanfics. A Different Kind of Vampire is already written past the first ten chapters, and it's so far the easiest thing for me to write for some strange reason. But with the poll I had last year, it was one of the less popular stories. So, should I start posting it? Game of Mirrors is almost finished (perhaps two or three more chapters, I don't know) and I kind of want something in its place, and this is the only one that qualifies at the moment.