Chapter 11: All About Conversation

"We have to mean something behind every word we speak. Or what we say is useless."

. . .

Japan sighed as he trudged along the dirty path with his captured comrades, dragging themselves at his side. He kept quiet, feeling no need to talk. All the explanation was in front of him, and there was no reason to cause a verbal riot. America, however, was so persistent from shouting before they set off that this other Russia had to gag him.

At least there was one good thing. But with all the silence came the distant screams heard as they traveled, France's constant moaning, Britain's mumbled swearing, and the crunching of the path as they walked along.

Then something struck the Asian nation like lightning. He talked for the first time in what seemed like his period of isolation long ago.

"Russia-san..."

The 2PNation in front turned his bloodshot red eyes to the cowering Japan, and spit on the ground in front of him. "What." It wasn't even a question... he demanded an answer.

Japan asked softly, as though he were talking to a child. "W-where are we going?"

The Paradox's frown covered his entire face. "We are going to the worst concentration camp that's ever existed. You all are in for a treat today. Especially you, little America. i can't wait to see your brother's face when he sees you..." he partially snickered and turned his head, as though none of the captured nations were important enough for him.

America's eyes widened and he shifted his lips so that the cloth fell off from his mouth and drooped to his neck. "WOAH WOAH, you don't mean... this isn't your camp?!"

Russia's cheekbones rose; Japan could tell he was amused by this question.

"Oh, of course not. I'm minding my own business. If I had the pleasure, then I would kill you all in a heartbeat. No, no, little America, we're going to Canada's concentration camp-"

Now out of all the nations, France was in hysterical laughter. So much so that Russia's guards had to hold him up from collapsing on the ground and holding the line.

Russia snarled. "Why is this funny, you insignificant piece of French sh-"

"Well, well...!" France giggled sarcastically, "Oh, little Canada's going to hurt us! Si vous plea! Quick, defend yourselves while I distract him with maple syrup!"

Japan found this utterly amusing, while England's eyes narrowed with anger towards his fellow nation. Russia did not find this comment funny. With one blow, he knocked France unconscious with a swing of his fist. Everyone looked up immediately.

With the snow and wind blowing harshly at the crowd, 2PRussia looked invincible.

"I wouldn't cross that line. You little worms are nothing. Yes, it is Canada's concentration camp. He may seem non-existent in your world, but here, he's everywhere. And he'll make sure of it."

A chill filled the air as Japan looked at the ground in horror, terrified and trembling at what was to come. Then a few guards pushed Japan forward.

Russia snarled, gripping his coat. "Keep walking, worms."

. . .

Germany's eyes darted from left to right of the room, then at his brother, sitting helpless and oblivious at his side. His heart pounded so loudly that Germany thought the others could hear him. But his gaze was set on England, laughing at his success and sipping tea like a three year old girl. This was pitiful, even for Prussia to slip into his hands. But the German had to stay undercover.

Everything silenced as the candles lit and the electricity faded, dimming the room for an eerie effect. 2PItaly's eyes darted at the empty chairs.

"France is gone. But that's alright... I have some men going after him. He won't care though... I knew my little brother France too much for him to outsmart me at what his emotions are. However... Russia's not here-"

"I got a report from him."

Everyone's heads turned to the nation, preferring to be hidden in the shadows. His gruff voice pierced the hearts of those around him, even Italy, who quivered a little bit. But from Germany's perspective, all he could see are the dark shades shimmering while the unknown nation's head moved as he talked.

The nation continued. "... he said he captured America, England, Japan, and France and is bringing them to my camp."

Italy grinned, waving his hand. "Thank you, Canada. If you wish to join them, you may leave. I will keep you updated, my friend."

And in a flash, Canada stood from his seat like an apathetic statue and walked out like a soldier. Germany had never seen a nation so robotic and harsh as that one.

Italy leaned in his chair, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Then we shall commence. First comes our newest victim, who sits here with us. All thanks to England."

The British nation bowed, jumping off his chair, fixing his bow-tie. "Oh, you all flatter me, loves~! It's all about conversion!"

America scoffed. "You must be high on your cupcakes, bitch."

"Oh, calm down with your chatter, my little poppet~!" England sneered, mockingly waving his hands, trying to blow America away. Germany stood still, his eyebrow twitching under pressure. That was the man who conquered his big brother's will?

England giggled and turned to Germany. "Now see here, Germany, you hunk, you..."

Germany closed his eyes, turning to the wall.

England sighed. "Aw, must be shy, huh? Well, I'll still explain it, since you didn't show up for my tea-party yesterday. I used my eyes to gain access of this boy here... right, lovey~?"

Germany glanced at his brother with intensity shining in his blue eyes. Prussia, unexpectedly, answered England in monotone. "Yes, sir."

"And what else happened?" the British Paradox interrogated, purring to himself.

"I gave all the necessary information to my general. For he is the one to know everything. And I will do as he commands."

Germany twisted his head forward in horror, pleading silently to his brother. He knew that his opposite would feel this pain, but it needed to be given out; to finally express his feelings.

"Why must you make me SIT through this?!"

2PGermany's words repeated in his head, unable to stand silent. "Don't give yourself up yet. W-we still need you. Look at your brother... he's willing to protect you by giving himself up. That's bravery... you'd only waste his sacrifice."

Prussia turned away, facing Italy, still in his chair. Italy then glanced at the Prussian, then the inwardly furious German man, then back at England. "Lovely."

"That's what I was going to say-"

"SHUT UP." Japan demanded, throwing a katana at the ground, then sinking to his seat. The tension in the room ceased to exist and Italy continued, nodding his head at Japan.

"Now," mused Italy, cracking his neck purposely, "This meeting is not just about the confirmation of Prussia's forced alliance, but about our attack. How shall we pursue this, brothers of Eight?" An eyebrow rose in amusement.

America scoffed. "The fuckers that are our opposites are already here. They think that they can attack us... well then, they got an ass-kicking coming their way."

China nodded, snickering to himself. "In terms of who is already captured, we just got report that Russia nabbed the obnoxious loud cheeseburger nation, the flirtatious country that smells of rotting cheese, the nation called England who seems very persistent to get out of this mess, and... Japan, who seems quiet, but hasn't shown any signs of his abilities or disabilities. We need to keep watch, even if they are captured."

Italy smiled. "Hm, good. It's better to real in the fish anyways. Anyone got a report on my opposite? Where is that little coward, anyways? Probably shit his pants so much that it weighed down his speed."

Echoes of vicious laughter spread like wildfire. Germany couldn't find it possible to choke down his upcoming screams, but found the willpower to hold himself.

Italy smiled. "Germany, my good friend, anything to add?" The poisoned words dripped in sarcasm.

Germany help himself, locked eyes with his brother, then looked ahead at the wall in front. He stuttered, but he really wanted to attack. He held himself in position.

"Nein, not y-yet. I wonder, though, w-where France had gone?"

Silence lingered as Italy sank into his throne again, musing.

"Good point, for once... unusual, Germany, that you were upright in peer pressure... oh well." Italy turned away, facing Japan, exchanging glances.

England glanced at the German nation, unaware of the strange rush of emotions that he noticed from afar. The German was not himself. Usually he would scream out something, or just stutter away in confusion to avoid England, but this one kept to himself. He was silent, but his expression... England craved it.

It wasn't the real Germany. Those eyes of blue hidden under the shadow of his hat...

England grinned like the Cheshire Cat. This was going to be the best interrogation yet. And no one had any idea that this was what he intended.

"Prussia, my love, just get a little closer to Germany here, to show him that you indeed exist. I don't want there to be any tension~! Besides, he seems a little... uncomfortable."

Germany ceased in place. England guessed correctly. The odds were in his favor. Italy turned to England, but the British nation winked, and Italy smiled, satisfied by his friend's intention.

America sighed in annoyance, whispering to England. "What the fuck are you doing-"

"Just watch. It's cute, the way he'll squeal at the sight of his real brother."

The American snickered, realizing the situation. "Ah. So you think...?"

"Oh yes, loves. He's not the real Germany we know and love, deep in our hearts. It's another puppet whose strings need to be... reattached."