The rant of chapter eight about reviews was directed to more than one guest reviewer. It was just to cover everything that was/ could become a problem as I have had some complaints that go outside of the story.
I modified the rant to seem less aggressive ;) sorry about that.
"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
-Winston Churchill
Grasping, clawing, Russia pulled his arms tighter around himself as it was the only remedy he could provide for his loneliness. It could be imagined away as a hug, if he squeezed his eyes hard enough so the pain of the injured one let him forget. On the rough ground he dragged his knees in, the pants delightfully soft against his freezing arms. The feeling brought him back memories of blankets and a comfy bed, where he could have been if he had not planned to be here.
Russia sniffed as he searched his being for even a thread of hope. He tried to figure out what there was now, yet he could not think of anything that could push the original plan forward. All he knew was the punishment awaiting him, of America's wrath joined by that of so many others. He was afraid to go up and face what could be more pain. Perhaps he would be attacked by all at once before being given a chance to speak, broken and bloodied further than he was now.
Every bit of him wanted to reverse his actions and go back to how it was. At least, until he began to wonder how far back he needed to go. He could have remembered the knife in his hand, so then Hungary would not have bled. Would everyone had listened to him then? Yet Russia had not needed to choke Prussia. If Prussia had only been seen with the knife in his hand, if Russia had even allowed himself to be hurt, then perhaps Hungary would not have attacked him.
Why was she there anyway? Russia lamented. He had not expected anyone to come. They were supposed have been eating and he should have been alone with Prussia.
He then wondered if there had been any other way to handle Prussia, one that would not have caused him to snap. More aggression? Less? Would he have been obedient if Hungary had never appeared? Russia did not know as Prussia was a fiery creature and difficult to tame. That was why he had needed to keep him in an unresponsive state. Or had he really? Russia remembered how Prussia had insisted that he would have kept the secret anyway.
Could I have trusted him? Will he still keep the secret now?
Russia put his face into his hands, rejoining blood to blood, as he thought about what would have happened if Germany had been in full health and had seen Prussia hurt on the floor. He would not have escaped to here; he would have been brutalized and left lying in a state worse than Hungary's had Germany been able to join the fight. As it was though, he could not go near America now.
He imagined his feet prowling just above him, growls and snaps as America demanded his capture. Russia could not hear anything, but the thought of America standing above him so close to the entrance struck him with fear. He began to question if the carpet had fallen back right, if the trapdoor was fully concealed or if he was about to be cornered here in this room.
Why can't I ever win? He quaked from the cold and anxiety. Why did everything have to go wrong when I was trying to do a good thing? Prussia… you should never have come here! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had any problems.
Russia seethed as he recalled every moment of Prussia's disobedience here.
You would never have gotten hurt if you had just listened. It is your fault! Everything is your fault!
His sweater was still upon him, warming Prussia while Russia was stuck here watching his puffs of breath under the single light dangling from a cord. His hairs stood on end; he rubbed his arms vigorously to cure them of goosebumps. Russia grimaced, but then his lips pulled back further to reveal a snarl. His mind hissed, You will be punished for everything you did.
With the thought of what he would do to him, there was a birth of a new, makeshift plan.
I may not be able to get America back before we get out of here, Russia thought, but I will get the support I need. With enough people on my side, he will have to listen. Then I will show him how good I am and he will be convinced. He will ask for forgiveness and I will accept it. Whatever it takes, we will be friends and brothers again.
Russia rose and stalked to the corner of the room. It was there below the circuit breaker where the infrared night vision goggles had been lying. He scooped them up neatly then opened the door to the circuit breaker, exposing all the switches that allowed power supply to the building.
Russia had always been prepared for failure. As he had told Belarus, there were many things he had planned and was hiding even from her. He just had not expected a failure of this degree and severity, and had not planned to be using these goggles in this way. Seeing no other path to pursue now though, Russia's finger touched one side of the main power disconnect switch.
He inhaled in preparation.
America hollered, "That's not possible!"
"But we checked every room." Japan dipped his head. "We couldn't find him."
"Didn't you check all the corners? All the stalls? He's a big guy- you can't miss him!"
Britain limped up to them, his leg and back really smarting now from all the recent action. "Look," he said. "One of us probably just missed a spot. Let's switch up and look again."
The idea of stalking all around the level again made America grimace internally. He did not want to show it, but his body could hardly move now. Scratches and horrid bruises covered his being, most just under his clothes, and he could feel deep aching in his organs. Part of him feared that internal damage had been done, that Russia had broken his ribs and smashed an organ. His fingers grazed his stomach in concern, but retracted when he nearly squeaked in pain.
Oh god, what have you done…?
He wanted to lay down and stay there for a while, not moving a single muscle. But heroes could not rest and so he pushed himself to find Russia. The villain who hurt people, deceived them, and used them. A boost of energy came to him through anger, as he visualized every instance where he had fallen into blissful trust. His fists clenched. His face wrinkled. America wanted to snarl out the feral and violent desires within him.
Why the hell did he make me kiss him like that? Friend my ass! Probably has a damn, twisted thing for me. Bet he fantasies about me and just said bullshit so he would get to hug and kiss me all he wanted. Fucking sicko!
"He couldn't have run all the way upstairs in time," America growled. "I frigged him up good. I know he ran down the hall, so I'm checking those rooms."
He stalked away, paying attention to the way his muscles moved and finding that there was no pain in his legs. A realization struck him, that Russia had centered on vitals while America had attacked anything in order to pin and immobilize him. A shiver skittered up his back as he thought about how dangerous it had been to fight with Russia, someone who unlike others, was extremely powerful. This quick fight and the injuries he had now had only been a taste of his capabilities.
America popped into another room and scoured every corner and possible hiding place while thinking, What's worse, he has China… The others aren't so bad, unless he has a lot. Do the little guys support him? They might if they're scared of him… I really need help here.
He pictured Canada suddenly, fighting with him against Russia two-on-one. Then he imagined him alone against Russia and cringed. A long time ago Canada had beaten America, but nowadays his military power was nothing in comparison. America feared what would happen if Russia got his hands on him now, and hated that he had allowed Russia to hold his brother before despite what he could do.
America stepped back into the hall that was now filled by only a few scattered people filtering in and out of rooms. He stepped into another to commence a thorough search, flicking on the light again and hurrying into the bowels of the room. He had not gotten far however, before there was click and everything fell into complete darkness. At first, he had believed that for some reason the light in this room had gone out, but then yips of surprise and terror arose from various isolated locations throughout the level.
He scrambled to escape into the hall. A thunk and a gasp of pain when he ran into the side of the door, then he was out and fighting for order.
"Everyone stay calm!" he boomed.
Many frightened cries emerged from various directions nevertheless.
"The power's out!"
"What happened?"
"Where is everyone?"
"How are we supposed to get out of here if we can't see anything?"
"The power will come back!" America hollered. "This was not a power failure! This had to have been Russia!"
America whipped his head back and forth, frustrated that he could not make out any figures creeping along the hallway. He stayed where he was, throwing out for all who could hear, "Make your way to me if you can! We have to stay together!"
Russia's dangerous and creeping around somewhere… Can he see? Heart hammering, America put out his hands and found the wall. Holy crap this is like something out of a horror movie...
The goggles shot forth a beam of light invisible to their eyes, but allowed him to see in the total darkness. Russia popped up from the ground and slid over the carpet. He got to his feet and stood for a moment, hearing his own breaths and worried by their loudness. There was no one in this room but his steps made soft sounds on the carpet no matter how carefully he tried to tread forward. Then, with the first steps into the hall, he found he could be silent if he pressed his foot down slowly, toe to heel.
Moving was unbearably slow, but with America just against the wall with his head flashing left and right, he did not want to create too much noise. The monochrome Italy stumbled down the hall, calling for America, and Russia slipped to the side to let him pass by in obliviousness. Russia crept into the cafeteria where Germany crouched in the darkness behind a table. Then, in the kitchen, he found France, Canada, and Austria clustered there in stiff fear as they continued treating Hungary.
Prussia was sitting up and staring past the others in Russia's direction. When he stepped in and to the side however, his head did not turn to follow him. He moved even slower in this room as there were so many here to alert. Russia pressed into the counter and very carefully removed knives from the wooden rack so that they did not scrape the wood. He placed one against each hip then took the rest, three handles per hand, with each blade peeking out behind his fingers.
He retreated and once back in the hall, noticed that Italy had made it to America. No one else was daring to enter the hall despite America's continued cries to do so. Russia exhaled in relief that it was going to be easier when the others were hiding all alone. After all, they were more vulnerable then.
He made his way upstairs, quiet since he did not know who might be up there. Excitement soon hit him to find that Cuba, Belarus, and China had kept together and were here now standing in the hall.
Russia glided up to them and left a whisper.
"I need your help."
They twitched in surprise at his sudden presence.
"Everything's gone wrong and no one will believe me about what happened except for you. I need to convince them. But we need to keep America away or I will never get the chance."
China spoke loud enough that Russia became confident that no one else was up here. He asked, "What are you planning?"
"I want to bring some people up here and block off the hall. I will get us food, weapons, and other supplies. Everyone will have enough and I will get my second chance with those I am choosing."
"Where are you?" Belarus put out her arms and walked forward. When she fell into his familiar form, she stretched up and touched his face. She said, "You have night vision goggles. Why?"
"I was ready to move items if it came to emergency," Russia replied. "But… Not people. That was never the intention for having these."
"What do you want us to do then?" Cuba inquired.
"When I bring people here, you have to keep them. They might try to run or make noise. That would be bad, so for now, can you make sure this does not happen? I cannot do this alone. You know this is the only solution, right?"
They nodded slowly. Russia continued, "You might have to scare them, but we will make up for it later. Come here. Take a knife each."
He watched their gray faces wrinkle up in uncertainty now, expect for Belarus's. She came forward and Russia turned one wrist down then parted his fingers slightly so that she could locate a handle. Sensing the hesitation in the others, Belarus affirmed, "There is no other way to make them stay. They are wrong about him so we have to do this."
"And later?" Cuba asked. "Once the barricade is up, we won't have to do that anymore, right?"
"Yes, yes. After, I will be very nice to them."
China and Cuba decided to take a knife each after hearing this. Both had feared repercussion for doing what he wanted them to do, but now with this assurance that all would be made up, they agreed. They stepped forward, each remembering their time alone with Russia when he had spilled the plan to them. Echoes of the pain in his voice returned to them, images of his gentle closeness to the others, and the remembered feeling of his affection for them.
Russia had cried in the bathroom, as well a bit in the cafeteria. China was thus assured that this was not a plan for power, that Russia had real emotions and that he needed this. For his happiness; for his sanity, China a took a knife then moved out of the way.
Cuba recalled seeing Russia hugging around America's neck, both of them amused and happy when playing Tetris. He remembered every instance here where he had seen Russia serving everyone, staying close, and extending his kindness by giving Prussia his sweater while he endured the freezing temperature. He was as well convinced that Russia had true plans for friendship, so Cuba grabbed a knife, assuring himself that good times would come soon.
"Thank you," Russia murmured. "Hold my scarf and I will find a room to put everyone in."
Some rooms had not yet been filled with debris. Each of them found a part of his scarf, then he led them down the hall and into a room just past the bathroom. Russia made sure there was a computer and desk in this room as well before he deposited them there.
"I will be putting items in a room with rubble in it so they can be hidden. I can show you where later."
He left, going there now to conceal the remaining knives except for one. His grip tightened around the handle as he grew nervous for what was to come. Despite his instructions, he believed that this mission would be anything but quiet.
Rooms on the lowest floor were checked until Estonia and Latvia were found hiding in a crouch behind a desk. Russia stepped closer, feet touching upon the carpet quietly but still audibly. Closer still he approached, until Latvia gasped in the dark and squeaked, "I-I think I heard…"
Estonia's voice faltered as he called out a whimper into the dark. "R-Russia? Are, are you there?"
He knelt down before them. He expected them to scream, but he replied softly nonetheless, "Hello, I am here."
Terrorized they had been found and cornered, both shrieked. Russia lunged and grabbed Latvia, yanking him in and pressing the blade against his throat. Just as Belarus had before, when he had saved him from her.
"Be quiet," Russia hissed. "Or Latvia might be getting hurt."
Latvia choked on his scream and went silent in his painful hold, quaking and already releasing tears of fright. Estonia had heard Russia and coughed out, "Ok-kay…" He trembled. "Wh-what are you w-wanting from us?"
"Follow me now and quickly. Do not run or knife will go into Latvia, da?"
Russia tossed one end of his scarf at Estonia. When the cloth touched his face, Estonia took hold of it and stood up to follow him. America was shouting after them, a tremor of fear in his voice as he demanded to know what was going on. Estonia followed Russia as he dragged Latvia away, but their haste was heard in the hall. The gray America hurdled from Italy, yelling, "Russia! I know that's you! Stay away from them!"
It was evident how blind America was in how he charged at him in a zigzagging path. Russia let him come close before he booted him in the chest. When the foot connected with his severe injuries, America cried out and fell to the ground. He expected more, but then Russia towed away his captives upstairs before he could recollect himself.
America clawed at the blackness, terrified and furious that he could not break through it.
"Russia can see!" he hollered. "He is coming for us! Prepare to defend yourselves!"
Hearing this, Poland and Lithuania pressed in tighter behind the door of a room.
"That was Latvia and Estonia," Lithuania breathed. "I bet he's coming for us next."
"For what?" Poland responded.
"I don't know but… it sounded like he went upstairs. It's quiet now though… I hope they're okay."
"They might be like, dead."
"Don't say that!"
Poland said nonetheless, "Russia is the only one who can see. We're like, totally done for. He's gonna kill everyone now."
Lithuania stiffened in belief at this possibility. He pressed tighter into Poland and hoped that he was completely hidden with him. They waited in the near silence for a while, trying to quiet their breathing while listening to America throwing out threats and challenges in the hall. Footsteps trampled back and forth, too loud for anyone to be able to hear any softer ones. They did not know therefore, that Russia had entered this room until the door nudged them.
He had felt it stopped by soft bodies; the door was thrown away and the two were exposed. Before a word could be said, bloodcurdling screams tore from their mouths and they squirmed into their corner. Russia snatched Poland and gave Lithuania the same instructions he had to Estonia. In an instant he was obediently quiet, although helpless to stop America from shouting and charging toward their location.
America was more vicious this time. Russia could sense his fear of his helplessness, of Russia's advantage, his injuries limiting him, and the terror of the others. America smacked into the wall as he tried to find the door to this room, hurting himself before Russia kicked him down again.
"It's okay, America," Russia told him. "I'm not hurting anyone. You'll see."
America dove at him but Russia easily sidestepped and let America totter off into the dark. Lithuania kept holding onto his scarf and following him with a bowed head. In mere seconds though, America was back and roaring until he was tripped and sent falling smack onto his face. Lithuania cringed at the sound of flesh striking tile, but he hurried along to Russia's fast pace.
Russia knew who else he wanted for upstairs. He found Ukraine hiding as well behind a door, which he threw open and pulled her out from behind.
"You know I love you," he whispered as his knife was pressed to her throat. "America is wrong. I did not intentionally harm them; I just want to show everyone my love. You will come upstairs with me to experience my kindness."
Not wanting to cause her to despise and fear him too much, he kissed her forehead and took away the knife.
"It's not my fault," he assured her. "I can be nice. And I will be nice because I really want friends."
He hugged her for a few seconds, waiting for her to relax and growing upset when she did not.
"I will show you." He gave her the end of his scarf. "I won't hurt you if you give me this chance."
Her mind was occupied by his knife as he led her away. She kept her mouth shut and they were mostly quiet as they went back down the long hall. America heard their footsteps however and rushed at them like a hound, only to be struck down again.
"Stop it," Russia muttered. "You don't need to be fighting me. I don't want to hurt you."
But it was impossible to keep America down. He got up, was felled, then got up again. America cried in pained and exerted gasps, "I can't let you hurt them…! It's… my job to protect the world..."
"I won't hurt them."
He tossed America against the wall and he slid down limply, before rising again and stumbling after them.
"You will… don't even try lying!"
America charged and hit home this time before Russia could dodge. They fell into Ukraine, who gasped before they crushed and rolled over her. Fury spiked once America became cognizant of her presence. He fought to grab Russia's arms and snarl towards his face, "How dare you attack Ukraine!"
"I am not doing that!" Russia curled up his legs and fit his feet under America's stomach. He kicked up and sent him flying away before regathering Ukraine and gaining enough distance to lose him. America thumped about in the dark until Russia returned to the level. He had heard footsteps, but then Russia stood still and pressed into the wall to let him race by, before continuing on.
He knew the next task was going to be a mess, but still in his favor because he could see. Russia snuck into the kitchen, making sure he was undetected by the alert people before he struck. He elbowed France and Austria hard in the temple, one and two- then they were out cold before Canada could leap up and cry out, "Russia's here!"
Canada pounced into the offense. Prussia gasped and stood, fidgeting in the corner until he heard a gasp, then a smack as a body fell limply to the floor. He did not even stutter out Canada's name; he knew what had happened. Prussia trembled and reached out behind him, searching for an item on the counter to defend himself with.
"Prussia, don't make me hurt you. I don't want to."
There was nothing to grab. Prussia scooted upwards, seating himself and curling up into a ball against the cupboards.
"That won't be helping." Russia's voice did not come closer however. "You know I can see you."
With moon eyes, Prussia listened to strange scraping and soft rustling sounds.
"So just come with me. I will not be hurting you if you do not give me reason to. I want us to be friends, trusting and close."
Prussia heard now other footsteps coming close to this room. It gave him the bravery to mutter back, "I-I won't."
Russia turned his head and saw Germany limping toward him. He sighed, then kicked him in the head. It was so unexpected that Germany never knew what had hit him in the dark before he was knocked unconscious. Prussia gasped when those footsteps were quieted, then again when a chair scuttled across the cafeteria floor as America dashed crookedly onto scene.
"I don't want to…" Russia exhaled. America felt his way frantically toward the kitchen, but giving up on discussion, Russia struck America as he had with Germany, collapsing him.
"You have to come, Prussia," Russia said. "No one else is coming for you and I have Hungary now in my arms. I think she stopped the bleeding, but knife can always start it again."
He understood the threat. Prussia rubbed at his eyes and his voice quivered.
"You're insane… you're so insane!"
"No, and I will show you. Come on here."
Terrified for Hungary, Prussia slid off the counter. He walked forward and immediately tripped over bodies. A stressed sound hitched in his aching throat as he tried to imagine whom he was moving over, and how badly hurt they were. Eventually, an upright body moved into him. Hungary's shoes touched his shoulder and Russia's voice came from above them.
"Hold onto my scarf."
Stickiness pulled at their shoes as they exited the kitchen, walking through the puddle of blood as all other paths were blocked by France, Austria, and Canada. Russia avoided Germany and America, but as they neared the exit to the cafeteria, he spotted Japan standing at the entrance with Britain behind him, both wielding chairs.
"I hear you there!" Britain cried. "Stop this at once, Russia!"
"Stop what? What do you think I am doing?"
"You're taking people, hurting them, and god knows what else!"
Russia halted and replied, "I only hurt those I had too. The people who wanted to fight me."
"Turn the power back on!" Britain commanded. "This instant!"
"I will turn it back on. Soon." Russia now moved forward, cautioning them, "But you should be getting out of my way. I don't like to make the bad feelings. You don't have to be hurt... if you want to, you can even come with me. We will be having good times upstairs being friends and getting out."
"So you've taken everyone upstairs?" Britain lashed back. "Prisoners of your dark desires?"
"Not prisoners. Friends, friends. I will give them lots of love."
"Just like you gave Prussia and Hungary, right?"
Russia paused before he was too close to Britain and Japan. "Can you be moving now?"
There was no response. Now that his voice was so close, they lunged. Russia skidded back and to the side with Hungary in his arms and Prussia stepping quickly with him. Japan and Britain swung wildly in the dark, trying to pursue where they believed Russia had gone. He was almost amused at their ungainliness in their anger as they stumbled around swinging with gray, determined faces. He did not want to take too much time however, so he tripped them and to make the return trip easier, kicked both in the head with the right amount of pressure.
"Why did they do that?" Russia hummed as they passed by the new, unconscious bodies. "I said only nice things. Didn't I, Prussia?"
Prussia shivered and did not answer. Russia asked again, tone sharper, then Prussia agreed. In the hall, the last mobile person was seen: Italy. Russia smiled and walked toward him, wondering if he would be easy to take and convert onto his side. Before he could threaten him however, Italy bolted past him, hand trailing the wall until the washroom door was found. Russia watched him slip in, likely locking the door then himself into a stall.
He did not want to spend the effort pursuing him. Russia led Prussia upstairs and in the room, deposited Hungary on the floor. Prussia held onto his scarf still, frightened to let go until he was told to. When Russia gave him the word though, Prussia went to Hungary without hesitation.
"Now I will get supplies," Russia told them all in a merry voice. "Be good!"
He took a few trips, glad to be without resistance as washed his hands then took food from the kitchen and vending machines, a little more than half of the total supply. All of the fridge's water bottles were taken, the gum, then many dishes, cups, and utensils. Russia thought about what else they could need but ended up only taking soap and towels in the end.
The last thing he did was move all the stolen items from the drawer to hide upstairs in the same room he had hidden the knives. After this, he went to turn the power back on and leave his night vision goggles down in the hidden maintenance room. He had been rather sick of gray and was content to be back in the light, feeling returned to the real world. Russia closed and covered the trapdoor well before creeping back out into the hall.
Italy was still hiding, so all there was for him was silence. Blood smeared the walls in the spots he had touched before he had cleaned his hands, but some splatters existed here and there. Russia stiffened as he realized who those had come from.
Did I hit him that hard?
He had not been trying to hurt America after all the injuries he had sustained during their fight. Russia did not want to give him more reason to hate him; he still wanted to be gentle to him and get the kindness he had received from him before, again. A sigh left him as he pulled himself once more up the stairs, his injured legs exhausted and hardly able to perform this feat. At the top though, he realized that he had yet to block off this stairwell so America could not reach them later.
Russia felt that he could not do it by himself. A pit stop at the bathroom to wash his face thoroughly, then he moved on now, feeling ready to present himself to his to-be friends. He arrived at the room where everyone had been dropped off, his not prisoners, who had heard his approach and had begun to tremble.
He flicked on the light to see that Belarus was aggressive in her execution of his command, locking onto Estonia and keeping the tip of her knife against his neck. Dot wounds had been created whenever he swallowed or shifted, so a few streaks of red went down his throat down to his collarbone. China and Cuba however, had not accidentally injured their captives, as they had been gentler in case Russia would disapprove of their harm. Nevertheless, Lithuania and Poland were no the more happier to be there in their holds.
"I need one more thing," Russia said as he stepped into the room of tense atmosphere. "Everyone has to help block the stairs. It will be done fast, then you can rest."
No one moved at first. Thinking that they were planning to run down to America, Russia was sure to add, "And there is no one to run to. You see, America and the others have been… taken care of. Running will be bad, because I will catch you and I will not be happy."
Bodies tensed. Without America or anyone else to aid them, they truly felt that there was nothing else for them but Russia. Every one of them was still wounded, and even though Russia was in bad shape, they did not consider attacking him all at once. He was powerful; it could be a grave mistake. Not to mention, he had other allies who would fight for him.
So they obeyed. Heads down, all but Hungary followed him to rooms where rubble was stored. He pointed; they carried. Things were dropped down the stairs and compacted near the top by the site America's group had been digging in. China and Cuba were told to hold onto their knives in case there was trouble, but he took Belarus's and sent her to help work. Russia put that one on his person but kept his knife as well, holding it and making sure that the sight of him motivated the others to hurry.
Who knows when America will wake up? he thought. America was a difficult case, far too tough for his liking. Once the light was back on and they were on an even playing field, Russia had reason to fear his return.
Latvia panted in exertion, feeling his old cuts starting to open. His arms wobbled as he lifted a chunk of the ceiling and carried it down the hall towards the stairwell. He could feel Russia's sharp eyes upon him, and the thought of displeasing him frightened him so much that he imagined him striding up to him and sinking that knife into his spine. Latvia twitched, but then lost his balance. He teetered backwards, his feet stepping in a waltz until the weight became too much and bent him back.
A gasp, then a clang behind him. Hands shot out to grab the piece and a wall of a body straightened him. Then, Russia's voice came down with his face as he murmured to him, "Why did you try to carry something too heavy for you? You are weak, Latvia. You need me to help you or else you will get hurt."
Russia raised the piece over him then moved around him. He tossed it into the pile then returned. Latvia froze as he reached out and ruffled his hair, whispering, "Stay by me. I will protect you."
Russia's knife had fallen onto the floor, but no one dared touch it. Everyone continued working, seeing the incident with Latvia but saying nothing. It happened anyway that the same occurrence befell them, where their exhaustion and injuries caused them to falter and Russia rushed in to save them.
"Be careful," he told them. "I don't want you to get hurt."
He decided to help them too in order to get the stairwell blocked off as fast as possible. Out of the nineteen in this building, eleven were upstairs and nine working. Eventually though, when everyone had been doing what they were told, Russia bid China and Cuba to help them. With all of them on the job, the stairwell was blocked up tightly before America could become aware of what was going on.
"Good," Russia sighed. "Everyone can rest now. Sit down and I will do some of the explaining."
They were glad to collapse onto the floor and limpen their weary muscles. The floor and wall were frigid, but for now cooled their heated bodies. They did not make eye contact with Russia but looked to each other with empathetic gazes, understanding each other's suffering, which put a sort of bond between them. China and Cuba went to Russia's sides, but Belarus stayed on the floor, breathing through parted lips.
"I knew that you wouldn't have come on your own," Russia started, "so I had to force you. I am sorry for this, but don't be afraid anymore. I brought you here to show you that I am not the bad person you think I am. America was not right to attack me because I was innocent. Prussia. He had the knife."
Russia sent a glare his way. "Why did you have that? Where did you get it?" he asked.
Prussia hesitated as he weighed his options. If he supported Russia, people would be more willing to trust him, but Russia was sure to abuse them in the end. At least, this is what Prussia believed after having had experienced painful threats and punishments since coming here. He wondered if it would be better to keep them fearing Russia, as Germany had by not admitting that he had the final missing knife.
Prussia had not forgiven him for everything he had done too, to him or to Hungary. He realized now as well, that Russia could not threaten an honest response from him because it would lose credibility. No one would believe or trust Russia if he put a knife to his throat and demanded the truth. Thus, Prussia turned his head up to him and spat, "You psycho! I never had the knife! You attacked me, that's what! You knocked me down and stabbed Hungary when she tried to save me!"
Russia's eyes flew wide then his eyelids dropped as he squinted at him. "What?" he growled. "You are lying. You know you had it."
"Anyone can ask Hungary!" Prussia whipped back. "Russia had it all along and then he attacked me!"
Russia shook as he consciously held himself back. He could not attack or harm him in front of the others if he wanted their trust, and he was furious that Prussia knew this as well.
"You're lying because you hate me," Russia snapped. "Even after all I did for you. You are only warm because of the sweater I gave you. Don't you even think about how cold I am while you are wearing that? Why doesn't anyone ever think of me?"
"You were just trying to make me thankful," Prussia muttered. "But you took my jacket."
Russia jolted. Prussia eyed up his fury but noticed that Russia still was forced to restrain himself. He remembered Germany's words, of how invalid his old threat of harming others was because it would bring too much trouble upon himself. Prussia felt that he was safe to say what he wanted as long as he was with the others, and he now felt that after having had been dragged up here, there was much to be said.
"You threatened us, hurt us, and forced us to do things we don't want to!" Prussia went on. "You act like you want to be our friend, but you just want to use us! Everyone knows that there is no reason to trust you, so why are you pretending to be a good person? You are violent and crazy! You just wanted to put us here to trick us, to make us like you-"
The secret was escaping. Russia's heart thundered and he now felt that it was more important for the secret to be kept. He lunged and Prussia yelped in surprise. In front of everyone, Russia grabbed him by the arm and yanked him to his feet before slamming him against the wall and pinning him there with his hands on his shoulders.
"Stop it!" Russia cried, trying to show enough emotion to appeal to the others. "Why are you trying to ruin my life? All I am trying to do is show everyone that I want to be their friend and can treat them well, but you keep lying! You are purposefully trying to get them to hate me!"
"I don't want to be kept quiet," Prussia huffed. "I can't take this anymore! I think that we need to band together to protect ourselves. No more using fear to control us!"
"I was not intending to do that up here. I wanted to do nice and fun things." Russia shook his head. "Lots of hugs and cozy things."
"No one wants to do that with you!"
A few eyes looked to the knife on the floor that Russia had his back to. Cuba and China noticed this and hurried in as Russia landed himself in worse favor.
"It's true that Russia wants to be your friend!" China threw out his defense. "He is really trying. You have to give him a chance because if you treat him nice, he will do the same for you!"
Cuba said, "Come on. Let's move on from the past and work with Russia. Wouldn't world relations be better if we stopped making enemies of each other? Russia's not heartless. Do you really think he was acting with America? We all saw how happy they were when they weren't fighting. Don't you want a world without all this drama?"
"You're like, just as bad!" Poland exclaimed at Cuba. "You put a knife on me! You've always been close to him!"
"What do you want?" Russia snapped at them. "You just want to hate me. Nothing I do will ever be seen as good."
"You don't regret anything," Prussia hissed in front of him. "Nothing you've ever done, to anyone you've ever hurt!"
"Why do you think I enjoy hurting people? I do what I have to, so I can't give you an apology. That won't be happening but... I don't like what I did. I really like being close and friendly and if allowed, that is all I would do."
The pressure on Prussia's shoulders softened. "Please," Russia continued. "If you would just consider me and my feelings… I would never hurt you again. I need this. If I don't have friends… not only would I be unhappy but, I might not survive."
Prussia was quiet again, thinking about what steps to take. Russia began to relax, thinking that his silence was a positive thing, that he was considering his feelings. Prussia then muttered quickly, "You are just lying to everyone about everything. But they should know that you trapped us here on purpose."
Russia inhaled sharply. In his peripheral vision he saw everyone jolting, even those who had known as they could not believe Prussia had said it. In terror he could not conceal, Russia snatched Prussia's throat in one hand and his eyes went sharp.
"What?" His voice was like a chill breeze. Prussia's heart raced as he realized how far he had gone, how willing Russia was now to hurt him despite the presence of everyone else. He lost the ability to talk. Prussia stood with wide eyes and beads of sweat dotted his face as Russia's callous expression neared him.
"How could that be possible?" Russia's hand tightened around his neck. "Tell me, Prussia."
But the others now understood that Prussia knew the reason, because they could now see where the bruises on his neck had come from. It was obvious now that Russia had been silencing him, even as Prussia choked, "I-I don't know…"
"R-Russia," Ukraine murmured. "You- you said you wouldn't hurt-"
"He has to stop lying," Russia growled back. "You'll never trust me otherwise."
"Russia," Ukraine said softly again. "He's not lying, and we only distrust you because of what you're doing right now…"
He heard his heart echoing in his ears. Russia could see everyone retreating away in fear as his face took on an incomprehensible expression. Prussia was released but still Russia stood there for a few seconds, staring at past him. Prussia remained pressed against the wall, too afraid to move, wondering if Russia was going to lose it on them all right then and there now that they were trapped upstairs with him.
"How else…" Russia whispered eventually.
Prussia blinked. He swallowed when Russia still did not move away.
"Nothing I say…" Russia went on. "No matter how I treated you… No one was ever going to trust me… see how much I am trying, see that I am wanting so, so much to be good and be your friend… So how else was I supposed to do it, except by saving you…?"
Jaws dropped at the admittance. Russia tightened his body to hold the tears in, unsure if crying would make him look weak in front of them. He felt that he had been crying too much lately and that was not good for a powerful country to do.
"Oh my god…" Estonia whispered. "You really did it…"
"You let the building fall on us!" Latvia wailed. "You injured us on purpose?"
"No, no- I didn't." Russia squeezed his eyes tight together. "I was going to move you, before…"
"Move us? What are you talking about?" Lithuania gasped.
The world spun around Russia.
"I-I…"
"He drugged everyone," Ukraine murmured. "The water cooler. He knocked us all unconscious."
Russia nodded, thinking this explanation was helping.
"Yes, see… I never wanted anyone to get hurt…"
"You drugged us?" Poland cried.
And everyone else reacted.
"What?" Lithuania yelped.
Estonia yelled, "How could you?"
Then Latvia exclaimed, "Th-this is why we d-don't trust you!"
"No, please…" Russia murmured. "There was no other way-"
"So this is why you invited us!" Estonia interjected. "To trap us into a plan for control!"
"No, no-"
"Oh god," Lithuania whispered.
"I should never of come here!" Poland yowled. "Holy crap, this guy's crazy!"
"A meeting at Russia's…" Estonia shook his head.
"Why don't you understand?" Russia snapped his head to the side and gazed at all of them. "You would never have given me a chance if I hadn't done this! You aligned yourself with America and now listen to everything he says about me! You know this is the truth!"
They glared back at him, looking too brave and rebellious for his liking. Ukraine looked sad in a sorts, and Belarus was merely watching him, waiting to see what he would do.
"Can't you see how desperate he was?" Cuba came in. Russia breathed deeply, not looking back to look at him. "That is how much he was willing to risk just to have peace."
"Even in… those times," Russia murmured with a nod. "I always cared about you… but things didn't work out and I… did some bad things that I had to. It can be different now though, if we forget. I want to forget and be good friends."
He wanted to deflate, but again he wanted to keep looking strong. Russia did not know if it would work to sink himself down, if they would sympathize with him or attack him.
"So you want us to forgive you…" Lithuania spoke softly. "But how can we… when you haven't changed?"
Those words hurt too much. Everything he had not wanted them to think about him, they did. Now he couldn't stop a few tears from streaking down his face. Upon sight of them, they grew stronger to see that they could do non-physical harm. They started to stand, one-by-one, reconsidering their advantage in numbers.
"You won't hurt us anyone," Lithuania continued, rising. "You won't ever change, but we have."
"Stop… listen…"
"We're going to tell America," Estonia said. "The world will see you for what you are."
"You don't understand, but you have to!"
They started to move forward. Prussia shoved him and scooted sideways to the others, and Russia stumbled to regain his balance in pained shock. His violet eyes flashed between each upset face.
"And you are wrong," Estonia spat. "We don't need you! We are strong, if not individually, then together."
They stepped too close to the fallen knife. Russia gasped and whipped out the knife he had been carrying, the one that they seemed to have forgotten about as they all jolted in surprise. Russia hopped forward and grabbed the other, his grip tightening on both handles as he pointed the blades toward them.
"Go to the room." Russia bared his teeth. "Now."
The rebellion was smothered in an instant. They scrunched up and went quiet, the fiery light in their eyes dead. Each slunk past him, heading to their destination. Russia stuck out an arm in front of Prussia however, the tip of the knife pointed toward him as he hissed, "Give me your sweater. If you don't believe in my kindness, you will not have that anymore."
He removed and dropped it onto the floor. Russia still did not let him pass however, and muttered, "You will come with me. For everything you did, you will be punished."
No one else but Cuba and China heard this, as the others had already hurried to return to the room. Russia indicated with his head, for those two to go guard the door and keep everyone in there. They went off to do his bidding, disappearing around the corner. Now left alone with Russia though, Prussia trembled as the knife came closer and touched his chest.
"Follow me," Russia uttered.
When he returned to the others, he was wearing the sweater. They shivered and watched his movements with horror, terrified by his refusal to drop his knives and regard them with a glare. However, Latvia could not keep himself from whimpering, "Wh-where's Prussia?"
Russia snapped his glare directly at him. Latvia broke down under his cold eyes, crying and tucking himself into a ball. Lithuania whispered, "What d-did you do to him?"
"Do not ask about Prussia," Russia muttered.
"Oh god…"
"He is fine," Russia stated. "Say no more."
Russia sent Ukraine a scalding look, demonstrating that he was angry with her but would not take action. At least, perhaps not now.
The more afraid they grew however, the more they wanted to know what had been done to Prussia. They needed to know how concerned they should be for themselves.
"Where is he?" Poland yelped.
Cuba and China froze, growing wary of Russia as he replied again, "Do not talk about Prussia anymore. Pretend he was never here."
They shivered and cried, deciding that with that statement, they should be terrified for their own lives.
