Author's Note - Hey everyone, it is time for a new chapter. I hope you all enjoy it, but before we get to it first I have some shout outs. Thank you bookwormally, randomster, mofalle, and America96 for reviewing the last chapter. A very big thank you to Pruhana for betaing this chapter.

Disclaimer- Still don't own Hetalia…all the mistakes in the chapter are mine.

Chapter 14- A Different World

"Goodness sakes Samantha, you know that I don't do well in cities. I get lost in Whitehorse and it is only 400 square kilometers and my territorial Capital to boot. And you know I don't like manmade structures towering over me."

Yukon had spent the last half hour trying to convince Alaska, that he had no business joining America's trip to New York City. His arguments had apparently fallen on deaf ears. Alaska was still batting her big black eyes at him and pleading for him to tag along. She had even buttered America up to scrounge up an extra bed in New York City if Yukon decided at the last minute to join them. Sadly for Alaska, she was not the only Arctic entity that had a stubborn streak. There was no way that Yukon was going to allow himself to be dragged to New York.

"Just because you don't have any buildings over three stories tall doesn't mean that you wouldn't enjoy seeing taller buildings." Alaska pouted.

"It also doesn't mean I have to like tall buildings either." The Canadian territory defended. "Anyway, is not like you have many particularly tall buildings left. The JC Penny's building didn't weather the earthquake all that well."

"At least I have an excuse for my diminished skyline." Alaska shot back.

"I have an excuse too, we just don't like tall buildings. They are expensive to build and it is difficult to clear snow off their roofs."

"But Whitehorse is the driest city in Canada! You don't have a lot of snow to clear off roofs."

"It never hurts to be prepared." Yukon shrugged. "I am not going to New York City because I just don't do cities, especially cities that have a population several times bigger than my entire territory. Plus, do you really trust anyone else to pack up your stuff and move you to a new apartment?"

"Not really…" The young state admitted sullenly.

"Good." Yukon smiled broadly then leaned close and whispered in Alaska's ear. "Listen Sam, I know that this is a huge step for you, but it is one you are going to have to take on your own. It's not that we don't love you, but you can't hang out with us Canadians all of the time. You are no longer a territory; you are a full-fledged state in the United States of America. It's time you showed them just how awesome and powerful you really are. And if the other states don't give you the time of day, never forget that you have all of western Canada has your back."

"Thanks." Alaska mumbled a blush growing on her cheeks.

"You ready yet?" America's voice came in from down the hall.

"Yep." Yukon replied as he placed Alaska's luggage on her lap.

"Good, because we are already fifteen minutes behind schedule and if we don't get going soon Virginia will have my hide." Humor filled nations's voice, but there was also an edge of urgency.

"Out the ice princess goes." Territory said with a wink, and then he leaned in close to Alaska's ear as he gently push her out the door. "Don't forget that we have your back."

Normally when America flew, he preferred to be in the pilot's seat. Unfortunately, the major aftershocks that were plaguing his northernmost state meant that the president had banned him from flying for the foreseeable future. So when America, Virginia, and Alaska had settled themselves down in the cabin of the small private jet, America had been prepared to be bored out of his mind. He hadn't expected the entertainment value of watching his second youngest state's reaction as they approach New York City. As soon as the city was on the skyline, it had claimed Alaska's full attention. Even now, as they were driving through the heart of Manhattan, the state had her nose practically glued to the glass as she stared at the skyscrapers of the second most populous city on the planet and the economic heart of the world.

"Have you ever seen a building that tall before?" America asked with a chuckle and his second youngest state managed to drag her gaze away from the passing buildings long enough to shake her head.

"I saw a tower in Moscow that was 500 feet tall once, but nothing like this…" Alaska's voice faded again as another towering skyscraper claimed her attention.

"There are skyscrapers here that are over double that height." Virginia commented smoothly, her focus primarily on the stack of paperwork in her lap.

"Really?" Alaska asked, her head cocked slightly to one side and her face full of wide-eyed wonderment.

"Yes. In fact the eight tallest buildings in the world happen to be built in New York." America explained proudly.

"Will we get a chance to see some of them?" The frontier state nearly pleaded.

"I can do better than that." The nation smiled smugly. "If you would like, we can arrange for us to take a tour of the Empire State Building while you are here. Currently it is the tallest building in the world, though there are a pair of towers that are being designed right now that will end up surpassing it."

"Really?" Alaska gapped as she tried to process the information.

"Yes, I believe their working name is the World Trade Towers. When they are completed then all ten of the tallest buildings in the world will be part of the New York City skyline." Even had he spoke, Alaska attention was once stolen this time by a view of the Stature of Liberty. The state squealed and jabbed her finger against the window of the car in excitement. At that moment America realized that this had to be the very best part of parenting.

"And you need to drop off the documents to Sean personally and while you are at it tell him that I need his national budget estimates by next month."

America and Virginia continued their conversation even as they exited the car. The driver got out and opened the trunk so that Virginia could retrieve the wheelchair that Alaska was quickly learning to hate while America lifted the wounded state out of the car.

"Alfred, you do remember that fact that I compiled those documents right? We delegated national budgets to Michel this year because Sean is busy running the World's Fair and writing up new international trade rules."

"Oops, well l have a lot on my plate right now so I guess you can't blame me too much…" America admitted a bit sheepishly. "Oh, did you grab enough cash for taking Samantha shopping? I don't think she has a wallet or even a bank account that she can draw from here in the states so we will be picking up the tab."

"I do have money you know." Alaska interjected, as the nation placed her in the wheelchair.

"I know you do dear, but honestly I don't think you can afford the type of shopping we are going to do on a military salary." Virginia commented to the younger state before turning her attention back to America. "I pulled five hundred dollars from the miscellaneous funds. I have my checkbook if we run out of cash, and we can worry about balancing accounts later."

"It sounds like you have everything covered. I will have a car pick you up in forty-five minutes or so, and I will see both of you at the hotel tonight. Have fun."

"We will." Virginia smiled, as she pushed America towards the diplomatic vehicle. "Now go, or you will be late for hosting the first meetings of the day."

Virginia waved to America as his car finally pulled away from the curb and drove south towards the UN Headquarters. Once the nation was out of sight, the two states turned their focus to the tall building that New York currently called home. It was over twice the size of the tallest building undamaged building in Alaska, but it didn't seem to even faze Virginia. She simply pushed Alaska towards the building's entrance and started fishing around her pockets for the key to the building.

"What did you mean when you said that that I couldn't afford this type of shopping?" Alaska asked timidly, while she stared at the hands in her lap.

"We need to get you a professional wardrobe. You know, the type of cloths that you would wear to a formal dinner, for example." Virginia replied her eyes scanning for the elevator.

"I have military dress uniforms and I even have a few civilian dresses…"

"But do you have ball gowns? Do you have suits or any of the trappings to go with them?" When Alaska shook her head wide eyed, Virginia placed a comforting hand on the younger states shoulder. "I thought not. Samantha, you are no longer a territory. You are the 49th state in the United States of America. It is a wonderful office with a lot of opportunities, but it also has a host of responsibilities. I know that the Cold War has prevented us from properly introducing you to your new responsibilities, but that doesn't change the fact that you will be expected to start performing them in the near future."

"And I need a new wardrobe to complete these tasks?" Alaska asked confused.

"Exactly." Older state smiled brightly. "Now let's get you inside. I know you have been introduced to Sean, but I am also sure you haven't had time to really get to know him yet."

The entrance to the building was narrow, and it took both of them a while to maneuver the wheelchair inside. When they finally entered the lobby, the two states discovered a new challenge…the elevator.

"I think that this is going to be a problem." Alaska pointed out, as she stared at the elevator that was too small three or four people let alone a wheelchair.

"I agree. There is no way we are going to fit you in there." Virginia shrugged. "Well I guess we could possibly let you stay in the lobby while I run upstairs."

"I think I would rather be outside." Alaska admitted sheepishly. "It is a nice day and I have been indoors a lot more than I am use to in recent days."

"I don't see why it would be a problem." Virginia began to push Alaska towards the entrance of the building. Once outside she situated the younger state by one of the decorative plants by the entrance. "It should only take a few minutes to get the paperwork done and then I will bring Sean down. Who knows maybe I can convince him to ditch work and come shopping with us!"

"I think I would like that." The young state admitted, but Virginia was already gone.

Alone, Alaska took a few minutes to examine her surroundings. Both sides of the street were bordered by towering skyscrapers, but the street was remarkably empty. There were one or two cars parked along the road, but there were no other people in sight. Alaska assumed that everyone in this part of town must have been at work or something.

There was the flutter of wings flock of pigeons took off from one of the building's roofs. As the birds circled and spun above her, Alaska couldn't help but smile. Even here in the city, a small piece of nature had managed to survive on the brick and pavement. If the birds could do it, maybe Alaska could learn to survive in this industrialized world.

"You don't belong here."

"I beg your pardon?" Alaska glanced away from the flock of pigeons towards the man a group of men who where now standing next to her.

"Foreigners are not welcome in this part of town." One of the men explained with a nearly predatory grin. As the leader reached into his coat to grab what Alaska assumed was a weapon, Alaska turned to flee into the building. Then Alaska's stomach dropped as she realized that without a key she couldn't escape into the lobby of New York's building.

It was an unspoken rule that in addition to their government responsibilities, every state should have a job. Most states chose to work for a government agency such as the police, the military, or the BLM. A few states were currently full-time students at the nation's universities and four of the fifty had chosen to work in public industry. But there were three states that worked to make the lives of America's personifications possible. Virginia was one of these states.

As the state was where the majority of the federal government agency's headquarters were located, Virginia had become America's personal secretary. From the national budget to the latest argument in congress, it was Virginia's responsibility to keep America up to date on all of the domestic issues. When America was away dealing with international politics, Virginia helped make the day-to-day decisions that allowed the nation to function smoothly.

New York was one of the other states who was responsible for maintaining the lifestyles of nation's personifications. He worked as a private investment banker; his clients were the other states. His job was to make sure that all of the states had enough money to live comfortably, while creating false paper trails to hide their immortality. New York's detailed personality made him not only very good at hiding their existences but had also led to the group to become fairly wealthy. Unfortunately the more money they accumulated, the more irritable New York seemed to get.

"You are late." New York stated as soon as the elevator opened onto the top floor of the building.

The state of New York's annoyance made Virginia cringe inside. Apparently New York was in a bad mood, which usually meant he was stressed, which usually meant that the nation's finances were not doing well. Unfortunately that also meant New York was going to make a huge fuss over the projected costs of the Alaskan recovery plan that America was proposing. Virginia was going to have to make sure that New York got a chance to get to know the young state before he read the folder.

"Only because it is nearly impossible to get America to be anywhere on time." Virginia tried to smile sweetly as she pushed past her brother into his apartment.

"True." New York allowed grudgingly as he closed the door and settled himself back at his heavy oak desk. "Did you bring the paperwork?"

"Of course." Virginia replied pleasantly as she set down the series of thick folders on the desk. New York quickly snatched them up and began to read. After a few moments he glanced up from the paperwork with one eye raised.

"Did you bring Alaska?"

"Yes, she is waiting downstairs." The state motioned towards the elevator. "You know, when you said you had an elevator you should have told me that it wasn't large enough for a wheelchair to get in and out of."

"So she still isn't fully functional."

"Alaska is doing remarkably well considering everything that has happened." Virginia said in Alaska's defense. "Honestly if an earthquake of that size hit the East Coast, one or more of the original thirteen would be in a coma and all of us would still be digging out. They are already rebuilding in Alaska."

"So what do you think of her?"

"Young and a bit naïve, but she is becoming a really good addition to the Union." Virginia did her best to paint the young state in the best light possible.

"But until she learns to carry her own weight, she is just going to be a drain on our nation's finances, and between the war and recession we can't afford the drain."

"New York!" Virginia felt like smacking her brother.

"What? It's true." New York defended.

"A state has a lot more value than the tax revenue it produces. America is strong because we are diverse. We need the enthusiasm of the western states and experience of the east coast, the industry of the north and the agriculture of the south, without it we would be just a messed up Europe."

"And what exactly does Alaska bring to us? Hm?"

"Wilderness." Virginia replied quickly. "Can't you see that Alaska is the untamable part of America? It is the frontier that forces our nation to innovate."

"I thought that was supposed to be space." New York pointed out.

"Why can't we have two frontiers?"

"Because exploration is a form of soft power and soft power is expensive…especially when it comes in the form of a pet state." New York glared as began to sign documents.

"Come on New York, I know you were against purchasing Alaska in the first place, but take the time get to know her." Virginia said as she snatched the pen from New York's hands. "You may end up liking her."

"Fine," New York conceded, "but only because I need get her banking information."

"Great." Virginia smiled as she pulled New York towards the front door. "By the way what are you planning on doing this afternoon? I am taking Alaska shopping because most of her wardrobe was taken out by the quake and the rest of it is totally the fifties and it would be really helpful to have an extra pair of hands to help with all of the bags and stuff."

New York sighed heavily.

Alaska had heard about gangs. She had also known about the rampant racism that America had been struggling with in recent years. Still she had never expected to be confronted with the problem so drastically. She was trying to navigate the streets of New York trying to avoid a gang that seemed determined to do her harm simply because she was an ethnic minority in the wrong part of town.

Alaska had enough battle experience to know that not every fight should be fought. At this time, retreat seemed like the best option. Alaska knew that if she could escape to an area of the city with a much higher population of people and she should be relatively safe. Unfortunately the wheelchair that Alaska was still practically bound to was drastically limiting her mobility. Even pushing her wheelchair to its limits, she was only able to barely keep ahead of her attackers. Desperate and taking turns on impulse, Alaska swung into an alley hoping that it would lead to a crowded street. Too late she realized that the alley simply lead to a brick wall.

Cornered, Alaska turned the wheelchair just in time to see the gang of six men blocking the outside of the entrance of the alleyway. 'Okay,' Alaska thought, 'I was hoping that things wouldn't come to this." She reached under her jacket and felt her fingers curl around the polished wood of her Smith and Wesson Victory Model Revolver. She pulled out the gun and pointed it at her threat with the calm serenity she usually reserved for combat. No one in the gang had experienced any real combat so they didn't recognize the glint of a killer edge in her eyes.

"Look'ie here, the little lady has a gun!" One of the men chuckled, and Alaska tighten her finger on the trigger.

"You will cease and desist." She ordered.

"And if we don't?" The man chuckled.

"Then I will have to use deadly force."

"You wouldn't dare." The man leaned in so close that Alaska that she could smell the stink of his breath. As he glared at her she allowed the edges of her lips curve in a sardonic smile.

"That's where you are wrong."

Alaska reached up and with one graceful movement she hit him hard under the chin. Stunned the man grabbed for a switch blade knife from his pocket. As he moved to knife her in the ribs, Alaska dropped the gun into her lap and grabbed the knife with her left hand. She then latched onto the man's wrist with her right. With a twist Alaska snapped the man's arm. As the man doubled over, she raised her elbow and smashed it into the man's temple. The bone of his skull gave a satisfying crunched under the blow. One threat neutralized, Alaska grabbed her gun from her lap and calmly pointed it towards the man who clearly the second in command. Her voice steady, she challenged the threat head on.

"Does anyone else want to play?"

The enemies turned and ran without even taking the time to pick up their fallen comrade.

With the gang gone, Alaska allowed herself to relax for a few moments, to take stock of her injuries. Her left hand was badly cut nearly to the bone and still bleeding heavily, but the blood had started clotting. The bruises on her arm were still painful but they were already turning black and green. Some of her broken bones had been jostled, a muscle or two may have been pulled, otherwise she was fine. Satisfied that she would not damage herself further by moving, Alaska decided that it was time to find Virginia.

Slowly Alaska rolled her wheelchair out of the shaded alley way and onto the sidewalk. A few passersby gave her a strange look, but Alaska ignored them. Her focus claimed by the large expanse of trees surrounded by tall buildings. As she stared at the patch of nature in the middle of the city, Alaska had the sinking realization…she had absolutely no clue where she was.

The street outside of New York's apartment was empty when New York and Virginia finally came down and leaving the two states with the task of finding Alaska. With the diplomatic car coming to pick them up in five minutes, New York's temper was about to boil over.

"I can't believe she wander off." He vented to Virginia as the two walked down the block in hope of finding the missing state. "I mean, how long did it take for you to drop off the package? Fifteen, twenty minutes?"

"I don't think she left willingly." Virginia said as she bent to pick up something off the ground. The tone of her voice made New York stop dead in his tracks.

"What makes you say that?"

"I am pretty sure that this was one of the gloves that Alaska was wearing…" Virginia grimly offered him a battered leather glove.

"We need to call Alfred."

Meanwhile at the UN Headquarters, the meeting of personifications of the world's nations was in full swing. The formal greetings had been made, and the roll had been taken. As the host nation for this event, America had turned the floor over to Northern Italy for the first item of business.

"Ciao everyone!" Italy exclaimed enthusiastically, and a few of the older nations groaned as he began country began one of his signature rants. "My boss has recently made an international call ofr help to save the Torre pendent di Pisa, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Nono, it's not the leaning tower of pizza that I brought to the meeting of European nation three years ago, which I know you all enjoyed! The actual Torre pendent di Pisa has been sinking into the ground and has been tilting onto its side. And my really smart scientist people have told me that if we don't keep it from tilting more the whole tower will fall over. And I really, really, really don't want that to happen because if the Torre pendent di Pisa falls over then tourists will stop coming to see it, and there will be no landmark in Pisa where people can stand and make funny poses for pictures and…"

There was a soft knock on the door and America raised his hand to quiet Italy for a moment, much to the relief of the other nations. He moved to answer the door.

"Can I help you?" America asked the small dark haired secretary.

"Mr. Jones, you have someone called Virginia on the phone for you. She said it was extremely urgent."

"Virginia?" The young Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic blurted out, causing her older siblings Russia and Ukraine to glare at her.

"One of my states." America explained with a smile. "She must have run into some issues related to her current duties. West Germany, would you mind leading the meeting until I return?"

"Certainly." West Germany said with a nod, as he rose to take America's place near the head of the table.

"Thanks. Be back in a bit." America smiled as he left the room. Once the door was shut, he focused his full attention of the petite woman. "What's going on?"

"I don't know, sir." The woman shook her head. "Virginia said it was classified and that she would stay on the phone line while I got you."

"Okay. Where is the phone?"

"Right this way, sir." The secretary pointed towards a room just down the hallway. Once inside the room she motioned America towards desk with a phone on it. America settled himself down at the desk then looked up at the woman.

"Thank you, do you mind if I have a little privacy?" America's request caused the secretary to blush but she obediently left the room, closing the door behind her. Once America knew he was alone he spoke into the receiver. "Virginia, what is up?"

"Alfred, I ran into a bit of problem when I was delivering the package…" The state was on the edge of tears.

"What is it?" America pushed, fear rising in his stomach. "Is everything alright?"

"I've somehow managed to misplace Alaska…" Virginia admitted guiltily.

"You did what!?"

Historical Note- New York City has long been considered to be one of the economic hubs. Due to the large amount of money flowing into the community and the limited amount of land, it became a hub for building extremely tall structures. During the time of this piece eight of ten tallest building in the world were located in New York City (Empire State Building, Crysler Building, American International Building, The Trump Building, GE Building, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, Metlife Building, and the Woolworth Building) and there were already plans for the twin World Trade Center towers allow the U.S. to have the ten tallest buildings in its skyline.

Since September 11th New York City hasn't had a building within the top ten and the Empire State Building has returned to being the tallest building in the city, but that is about to change. One World Trade Center tower is scheduled for completion next year and will become the third largest building in the world standing at 1,776 ft (541.3 m).

End Note- And we leave off on a cliff hanger. If you enjoy the story so far let me know. Also if you see anything that I should improve leave me a review and I will do my best to address it.

Next Chapter- Trouble in the Big Apple- With Alaska missing America, England, and several states set out to find her in one of the most dangerous parts of New York City. Mean while a Canada, Germany, and the Soviet Nations are forced to deal with a major incident at the UN Headquarters.