China paced erratically, his brows knitted and mouth pinched in a most unattractive sneer. His hair, disheveled from hours of gripping it out of its hair band, shined with grease after skipping a must-needed shower. The wrinkles in his clothes and darkening bags under his eyes did nothing to mask the obvious mistreatment the Asian man took on his own body – but no matter how many times his assistants, brothers, friends, and other fellow nations insisted he sleep, eat, shower, and (heaven forbid) relax, his automatic response would repeat, startle a few, and successfully produce the desire to be alone. Alone to check, once again, if The Nation's communications were accessible.

Each time for the past thirteen hours he would check, double check, triple check - only to be met with disappointment when the white-on-black screen projected an empty list of available signals. The ivory-haired nation wouldn't be worried if the signal had merely gone out of range like he expected it to, no, that was to be expected. He'd warned his fellow nations it would happen. But for the signal to complete disintegrate? That alerted China something had gone wrong, because somehow the electromagnetic waves they relied desperately to communicate had been completely destroyed.

Just like America's vessel before he disappeared.

China's chest tightened at the thought. The very idea that he'd led that many nations, powerful ones at that, to their doom gripped his mind with worry and shame. He should have sent a back-up team, or perhaps not listened to that blasted alien - argued to keep the humans on the ship so they could act as decoys. After all, when it came down to it the life of a human weighted not even a quarter compared to a nation's; humans were expendable. He cared for his citizens just like everyone else, but age taught him to utilize his resources whenever possible rather than risk everything on a single, replaceable life. While there were billions of humans on Earth, only well over two hundred nations existed if he excluded the unofficial provinces and micronations. That ratio alone should have convinced him to fight harder, but instead he'd been swayed by his team's confidence. He knew all too well how being cocky led to disaster.

"China?"

The man in question stopped his mindless pacing. His bloodshot eyes searched for the intruder who dare barge in while in his zone, but instead of the usual pull-back of his lips, his brows knitted in confusion when they landed on the Italy brothers. Aside from the one time he'd allowed them to monitor the screens, right before all the chaos began, they'd been out of the way, only contributing in bonds and donations to the project from their land. No matter how bored they claimed to be, neither agreed to leave. North Italy had Germany and Japan to worry about, while South Italy had Spain. Both brothers wanted to be near the only means of communication to the traveling team. Although many other nations followed their example and would have lunch or offer to cover shifts, the only ones to remain the same amount of time as China or the other sleepless employees were the Italies. Even if all they did was lounge around and bother some of the scientists, China was secretly grateful they cared. The pasta they often cooked for everyone also might have convinced him to not kick them out.

After the call about America's kidnapper, China had relocated to the ESA headquarters in France for convenience where they'd built one of many control centers, leaving his siblings in charge of the one back home. It took only two weeks for him to miss traditional Chinese cooking. He'd craved dumplings, chow mein, noodles; anything NOT European. Had it not been for the Italies, China might have been willing to eat American Chinese Food.

China could hear them argue in whispers, but they did not address him further. He sighed and approached the two quarreling twins. "What are you doing here? You know this room is off limits unless it's lunch time or Mexico is here," he said sternly, cringing at the memory of Mexico's tantrum . Her last visit had been far from a pleasant one. China didn't think he could take another scolding from the sassy Latino woman.

Startled, the brothers silenced their bickering. Veneciano spoke first, "Well, we heard you weren't eating and wanted to see if you were alright."

Romano scoffed, crossing his arms in obvious annoyance. "I didn't give a shit, but my stupid brother insisted we check on you."

"That's not true, Romano! We have to tell him -"

"Shut up dumb ass!" Romano hissed, his harsh tone involuntarily catching China's interest.

"What do you need to tell me?" He asked.

Romano glared at his younger sibling, urging him to remain quiet about the subject. In response Veneciano flinched and stood back to escape his bother's fiery glare. He addressed China with caution. "W-well...there is something going on in America. We're not telling you what until you leave this room and eat something!"

When the brothers said no more and simply stared at him expectantly, China could feel his anger rise. If it was important, why risk waiting?! The others could be calling right now and he'd be distracted!

"I don't have time for this! Why can't you tell me now?!" He yelled, his entire face now matching the shade of red of his eyes.

Romano growled, "Mexico told us not to tell you unless you ate, bastard! Don't fucking yell at us!" The angry Italian rushed to the door with a a protesting Veneciano at his heels. Before disappearing through the gap, he turned to glare once more at the withered Chinese man. "You're useless if killing yourself is all that's left of you. Either you come with us or drag everyone down. Your choice."

The echo of a slamming door never hurt so much to China. Veneciano had looked reluctant, but followed his brother anyway, leaving the tired Asian to his solemnity. Were it not for the pitying look he'd recieved from the boy, China might have retaliated. Others always pitied Italy, never the other way around - not to him at least. Had the stress affected him so much?

China spared a glance behind him to take in the empty surroundings. At first, being inside the bare room full of marine-colored tables, walls, and mismatched metallic machinery all staring at a large screen had given him a sense of power. Now, it only ate at his soul with loneliness. With a slump of his shoulders, China made his way to the door, flinching at the sudden light from outside and stepping out, the loud slam of the door somehow releasing some of the pain pressing down on his aging shoulders.

"Alright, I ate. What is it that you have to tell me about America? Did something bad happen, like his economy stagnating downward or something?" China grumbled, aggressively chewing the noodles still in his mouth before swallowing. The Italians sitting in front of him in their building's cafeteria sighed. Romano rolled his eyes before speaking.

"No, his country is fine. Better than ever, the lucky bastard. It's his people that are acting fucking weird," he said, causing China to cock a thin black brow. "How so?"

"They found a plant. A weird plant. Some really glittery flower on the outskirts of Washington D.C. in the middle of nowhere."

"What does this have to do with anything?"

"I-it was what happened after it was found, China," Veneciano uttered in an almost ominous whisper. Usually the bubbly of the two, Veneciano's uncharacteristic tone unnerved China. He involuntarily leaned forward in his chair. "The man who found it plucked it from the ground and it immediately died. After that, he went hysterical, claiming he had defiled Earth - it was crazy! By the time American policemen got there to investigate, there was a whole meadow of them! But upon closer investigation they noticed most of them grew spontaneously and died right after. Those that lived to bloom died after being plucked or touched by human fingers."

"Mexico sent some of our scientists to see if there was a connection to our mission, or if the flowers were a sign about America's current condition," Romano continued, "They were able to successfully get a couple of the flowers to the labs without destroying them. According to them, the material they are made of is almost completely foreign to Earth soil. It has particles that can be found in our dirt, but it's almost like it's too pure to be able to live for very long on Earth. They don't know why they are growing, but their presence seems to have affected America's people."

"This is the really scary part!" Screeched a flailing Veneciano. "Over the past two days they've started to grow all over America in tiny clumps. In all of the towns who've come to contact or are near some, the people have begun to worship them as if they're gods! Well, maybe that's exaggerating a little...b-but it's like America's people have turned into environmentalists or something! Some of them have renounced their religion in favor of taking care of the flowers, and others...well..."

"Others have begun making flags of a 'new' America," Romano finished, his usual scowl morphed to one of deep disgust.

This caught China's interest. "New flags? That can't mean they're rebelling, can it?" With how much the country had improved, both in morality and economic standing, the idea that some of the citizens were unhappy and willing to revolt surprised the old nation.

Romano shook his head. "We don't know. None of them seem like they hate their country. If anything, they've become more patriotic. It's just...like they've found a new thing to call God. When asked, those involved said they don't know why or how they got the idea, but to them it feels right. That they woke up one day and the world made sense."

"Aiya...," China thought of all the possibilities this new discovery held. The flower was obviously extraterrestrial, but why was it growing on Earth soil? "Whatever alien has America in his possession could be torturing him...," he muttered to no one in particular, although his words were not missed by the Italians.

"We can't assume that," Veneciano said. "I mean, his country is fine, it's just his people that are changing. Mexico confirmed the flower as alien-matter and she said that wherever America is, something is happening to change his system and that that's why these alien flowers are growing. Kinda like that time I ate the stuff in glow sticks and my body glowed for a week."

"Stupid brother... I got a lot of crap for that. We had to come up with a whole story to explain the sudden rise in luminous insects."

"I said I was sorry!"

Finding the rest of the conversation unimportant, China blacked out the siblings' argument to roll his mind around this new information. The flowers were signs that America had injected something into his nation body- willing or not, he did not know, but whatever it was affected his people. In all his years alive, he'd never heard of flowers springing up because of foreign substances. Usually, there was an increase of plants, animals, and humans. To grow a complete new organism based on unique substances not already found on their land was a completely new concept China couldn't completely wrap his mind around. "What could he be injecting to his body?" He muttered to himself, although at hearing his words the Italian brothers ceased their bickering.

"Mexico says that since there isn't any damage to his country, like if America was being tortured because obviously he'd fight back and cause a mess, that there is a possibility America's body is adapting to his new environment," Veneciano explained warily. The idea had made sense when Mexico explained it to them, but he worried for America and the possibility that he'd cripple like the flowers because his body would be unfamiliar with the environment after spending so long outside of it. Not only would their rescue team have to be extremely cautious when re-entering their atmosphere, but America would have to be quarantined until they were sure his body wouldn't crumble. Being a nation unable to see or be near his people would be devastating, and it frightened Veneciano to his core.

China shook his head. "But that is impossible. Evolution takes hundreds of years. America can't just change in a matter of months."

Romano could agree, but even he had to accept that the world did not revolve around Earth. Mexico had been clear to explain why they needed to keep an open mind when so much was unknown to them. They were in the early stages of this possible catastrophe, and no possibility could be excluded. He twirled his right index finger on the table cloth, his green eyes inspecting the designs to distract him from their nerve-racking conversation, if only for a moment. "You never know, China. We don't know what goes on outside of Earth. Whatever the fuck is going on up there could have different rules; different science. For all we know our balls fall off and we can grow wings."

Veneciano blanched and scrunched his face in disgust. "Romano, that's gross. I don't want to have my balls fall off!"

"It was just an example, idiot. We won't really have our balls fall off!"

"But Mexico said to keep an open mind so that means it's possible!"

"Well we're here, not up in space so we have nothing to worry about so shut up!"

"Yìdàlì!"

Both brothers turned to China, who was eerily calm for such a harsh outburst. "We need to do something before this gets out of hand. Have you talked with the ones responsible for repairing the signals?"

Veneciano nodded solemnly. "Yeah, but they said they can't do anything. We're not the ones who are broken. The Nation is the one damaged and until they fix whatever the problem is, we can't contact them."

China cursed under his breath. He'd suspected as such, but didn't want to admit defeat. They were sitting ducks with no mother to follow and a sickly chick lost to the wilderness. Should he send supplies and back up anyway? Without contact, he didn't know what the others needed; could only guess that water, food, and engine fuel would be of use. By doing that, he risked sending distractions that could jeopardize the mission. What if they were negotiating and an armed squadron threatened the enemy enough to retaliate? Even if the assistance was needed, China would be sending the volunteers through a guessing game with only the last coordinates recorded before the Nation lost contact as a map; a very rugged map with no guarantee of meeting the enemy or the other ship. China would have to risk valuable resources hoping they would land where they needed to. He understood how risks could turn the game around, but even this board was too tainted with black lines and the hands of death to consider taking the valuable step forward.

China needed another option; a critical piece to increase their chances of success. But what?

He would never fathom that piece coming in the form of two pasta-loving Italians.

"China, we have a proposal." Romano's scowl was gone. For the first time since China had known the dark-brunette, he showed the sophistication of a nation who'd lived through almost, if not all, of Europe's history. The signature downturn of his brows were now straight, his eyes holding the Asian man's undivided attention.

"What proposal?" He asked, cautious about the Italian's intentions.

Romano shared a knowing look with his brother, who nodded, then turned his attention back to China. "Some of the other nations have been talking, and we've decided none of us want to sit here and wait. All of us have agreed to contribute to another space ship project."

"A-another space ship?!"

"Yes!" Italy exclaimed, his bubbly demeanor back ten-fold. "We want to go up there and help any way we can. None of us want to just sit and do nothing while our friends are out there risking their lives."

"Italy, you do realize it's not just your lives you'd be risking. Millions of people will be at risk. We'd be risking all of Earth by allowing so many nations to go!"

"But-"

Veneciano yelped as a thick stack of papers and books slammed onto the table. He, along with Romano and China, turned to the tall new addition to their little meeting. Even with the intimating height, Denmark possessed no threat with the goofy grin currently on his face and wacky, spiked hairdo he always styled his blonde locks into. An irritated Iceland and blank-faced Norway stood on either side of him, Finland flanking at the rear waving nervously to China with an apologetic smile on his pale features.

Denmark ignored the irritated look from both China and Romano and stood tall with both hands on his hips. "Good news, guys. We have the approval!"

China frowned. "Approval for what?"

"For the new space ship, of course!" Denmark's grin widened. He flipped through the various papers and picked out specific ones, which he then gave to China. The raven-haired nation took them reluctantly. "Mexico cleared us and, with the help of some other countries, production is now underway. Lithuania should be sending you the details soon."

"All of you were planning this without telling me?" China glared at the Italians. They were basically his personal lackeys. Weren't lackeys suppose to tell their master everything?

"Don't you make us seem like the bad guys, bastard," Romano growled, his signature scowl returning full force. "You were the one moping around in that room for days without a shower - which by the way you should take because you fucking stink."

China looked ready to start a war, but Finland stepped from behind the other Nordics before he could even make a rebuttal. "Um, China...we were just worried about you. You and Mexico have been working hard. The rest of us don't want to only useful as a means of funding. We know there are risks, but...well, can you honestly say you would prefer to wait for things to happen? I certainly don't."

Of course not! No one would, but to China, who was put in charge of half their operation under Mexico, approving reckless endeavors could destroy everything they've spent centuries building. All of their history could be obliterated by a single order. What right did Mexico have approving such a dangerous request when she was too young to care about ancient times or the battles fought to create the many civilizations that would form their countries today? She was just as bad as America -

"Your sister is very...spirited."

"Mexico? Oh yeah, she can get really feisty. Don't get on her bad side or she'll dump hot sauce in your ice cream, haha! ...I learned that the hard way."

"That is very rude! Honestly, you young nations don't know the first thing about decency."

"I don't know what you're talkin' 'bout man. I'm a super power."

"The reality of which shocks me every day."

"China, I know you're this ancient man who has lived through it all, but just because we're young doesn't mean we don't know the same as you do. Everyone seems to forget there was someone before us, before any of you settled, who ruled the people already there and taught us things."

"There was?"

"Yup, and Mexico was really close to a lot of them. She may be violent sometimes, and I'm honestly still mad about the Alamo, but I'd trust her with my life any day. She knows her stuff."

The memory of his short conversation with the cheery blonde came and went, leaving a sense of finality to the anxiety bubbling in the metaphorical cauldron in his mind. America would trust the long-haired demon-ess with his life - would it hurt if he did as well? She held just as much responsibility as he did on this operation and would most certainly not risk anything she did not deem worth the effort. In a way, their people were similar. They labored through thick and thin, all for the chance at a good life, regardless of what it took or what people thought of them for it. China felt like a fool for defiling her credibility as nation on mere years alone. For now, the two were partners, and partners must work together for their mission to succeed.

With new-found determination, China lifted himself off his chair, the skid noise alerting everyone around of his movement. His amber orbs focused solely on the nations before him, mainly Finland. He would have to thank the Nordic later for unintentionally knocking sense into him. "Alright. How much money do you still need and when do you need it?" He could just add the cost to America's nonexistent debt.

Denmark's grin returned, joining a chorus of upturned lips from every nation - even Romano and the two silent Nordics. "Nothing. With all the contributions and generous donation from participating nations, all we need are some workers, a building to work, and a crew."

China looked at the group in shock. "The Nation took billions of dollars to make. It must have taken a lot of nations to round up that much money. I'm impressed."

Romano shrugged. "One nation was particularly generous, but they wanted to remain anonymous."

Tired from all the excitement, China softly chuckled. "Now you've made me curious."

"Well, too bad. You are heading to shower and a bed before we let you in on anything."

In a matter of minutes the tired nation was hoisted up by the Italian and Denmark. His protests falling on deaf ears, he was dragged out of the cafeteria and to his bedroom, where they practically guarded his door to ensure he remained inside. To anyone nearby the treatment was ridiculous, but even after the embarrassing surveillance shower and late night check-ins (to prove he was sleeping), China felt honored to have so many nations, nations not in his family, care for his well being without needing anything in return other than his health. As he gripped his pillow, inhaling its clean rose scent and feeling its softness, he felt the need to give back their kindness. China slept peacefully that night, content with knowing that the battle was not to be fought alone.

There was an unexpected Plan C forming in the works. China only hoped Canada and his crew could wait for it to reach them, wherever they were.

He prayed America could wait as well - for all of them.

A/N: U.S. Department of State counted 196 countries, but i settled for a little over that considering how some aren't considered one in some parts of the world. Micro-nations and other minor provinces are obviously left out, so when China said 'nations' he meant their kind. As far as this future world goes, i don't picture much changing politically aside from perhaps one or two female presidents, some unification here and there and random countries propping up on islands. Did Sealand become a country? In my opinion, no. But he remains a micro because i like the little twerp, and if his land were utilized properly it could be put to some use. At most the UK would use them as an official ally of sorts.

Do you know how long it took me to decide on which name to use for North Italy? Too long. I know he's called just Italy in the series, but i felt kinda bad because Romano is the big sibling so technically he should be called that (and then i spent an entire day philosophizing about Italian history because of this video i saw about Florence during the Renaissance). I settled for Veneciano, at least when I'm writing about him. When a nation refers to him i'll switch to just Italy. Romano will remain Romano.

I'm so sorry about the random Native America reference. I'm putting in way too many OCs in this, but i like the idea of her. In my opinion, there would be more than one, though. There were too many tribes to simply make one for ALL of the American continents.

Anyway, i want to apologize for not updating last week. I had tests. Next chapter should hopefully come out on time, if not sooner. Enjoy your little insight to the other nations not involved in our main story!

Yìdàlì - Italy in Chinese, according to Google Translate. It's grammatically incorrect and i apologize.