Thank you to Eternal Nexus Warrior, NadiaJA627 and an anon for reviewing. Now, on with the show! Warning: This chapter contains some disturbing stuff near the end with DRC.
Hungary was beyond worried.
She peeked out with narrowed green eyes from the shrubs and bushes to glare suspiciously at the house in front of them, Austria's house. She made sure to keep herself completely hidden and cause as least ruckus as possible, but she had her frying pan in hand ready to pummel any crook (Prussia) or any other suspicious persons.
But it's been quiet… too quiet… The sun was shining, the birds singing, nature was blooming, and Austria's house looked as fancy as ever… something was wrong, Hungary's gut kept telling her.
Everything here might be all fine and dandy, but appearances can be deceiving, and Hungary had no intention of letting her guard down until she saw undeniable proof that Austria was one hundred percent okay.
Austria still wouldn't answer her calls and no matter how many times Kugemugel kept reassuring her that he was fine (she may have interrogated the micronation one too many times), Hungary feared for her former husband's safety. The world was getting crazier and Europe's getting tenser by the day, could someone blame her? Now, Kugelmugel's words would have reassured her and she would trust that Austria was alright…
…If the Belgium and Spain incidents hadn't happened. It's been all over the news. Belgium's entire parliament and royal family massacred in a horrible and brutal way, Spain's capital bombed until it was rubble and ash… It was horrifying.
But that was probably a huge understatement.
Hungary was told by Poland who heard it from Liechtenstein who was told directly by Luxembourg that poor Belgium was traumatized, suffering from the effects of having government officials brutally murdered, and was currently being comforted by an understandably furious Netherlands along with Luxembourg himself. Hungary herself was pissed off. Belgium was a friend, and hearing someone so kind and cheerful like her go through that made her want to pummel the culprit.
Whoever the hell it was. So far, no terrorist group or nation has claimed responsibility, but Hungary felt it in her heart that she should know the answer.
Oh, and about Poland, he was crouching next to her. Hungary may or may not have forcefully and unfairly dragged him into her quest to search… wait. Where did Poland go?
Hungary heard a frustrated groan and she turned her head only to gape at the sight of Poland standing outside of the bushes obsessively typing on his phone.
"What are you doing, Feliks?!" Hungary exclaimed louder than she should have, and she clapped her mouth shut.
"I have been, like, trying to, like, call Tori for like, hours but he like, totally doesn't answer! Not even to, like, one my fifty-seven, like, voicemails!" Poland complained as he glared down at the pink glittery phone. "How, like, rude is that?"
"We're supposed to be hiding!" Hungary reprimanded him with a hushed tone.
"But I, like, totally washed this blouse this morning! I am so not, like, going to get dirt and leaves on it!"
"Keep your voice down!"
"Huh? I, like, didn't hear that, Lizzy."
"I said keep your voice down!" Hungary snapped and covered her mouth again in embarrassment.
"You're, like, still on with it?" Poland raised an eyebrow. "Liz, don't you, like, think that you're, like, being a little silly with the, like, stealth thing? It looks, like, a little hilarious, you know. No, like, offense, Liz."
"Wha… I'm not being silly! We never know who might be watching us, Feliks. If we're not careful, the bad guys going after Roderich will spot us and dispatch us!"
"But, like, if there are, like bad guys after Austria and the guy, like, totally vanished, then why would the bad guys, like, still be here? And if they, like, totally are here, then, like, why haven't they, like, totally jumped on us by now? Especially since, like, I'm, like, standing here in the open?"
Hungary opened her mouth to argue, but slowly closed it as she realized those were really good points, and by Poland of all nations.
"Oh." Hungary said simply. "I guess you're right."
"I, like, totally know."
"Sorry."
"Hey… like, Lizzy." Poland walked over to her and patted her head with a proud smile. "I, like, totally get it. You're worried for Austria, I'm worried for Tori, I get it. I'm worried that, like, something might happen to you too. I'm, like, totally here for you for, like, every step of the way."
Hungary looked up. "You are?"
"Duh! You're, like, one of my besties! If you, like, wanna continue looking for Austria then I'm, like, totally with you."
That sentence was more than enough for Hungary to swiftly stand up with her eyes sparkling as she held her frying pan. "Great! Because there's plenty of other places I want to investigate! Let's go! There's no time to waste!"
/ / / / /
Egypt was beyond panicked.
He could only keep staring at Monaco writhe around in agony as Guatemala's laughter was heard in the background. Monaco was both screaming and sobbing as tears streamed down her cheeks, her glasses were missing, and kept hugging what seemed to be her chest. After Monaco twisted around a little, Egypt realized, much to his horror, that it because her chest was bleeding.
The blood was starting to drench her arms. She was obviously screaming her lungs out, the pain in it was clear as day. It was probably the most painful experience Monaco was going in her entire life as a nation.
Egypt snapped and slapped Guatemala hard to make him stop laughing. It did shut him up, but then Guatemala grinned at him, and Egypt widened his eyes.
Did Guatemala know this would happen?
"Hennrick!" France's shout brought Egypt's attention back to the situation at hand, and he saw the Frenchman glare up at Haiti while trying not to let Monaco's distract him much. "What atrocious thing have you done this time?! What have you done to Lucille?!"
Haiti said nothing, and his expression remained neutral.
"Hennrick!"
Still nothing.
"ANSWER ME!"
Haiti scoffed a bit then stared down at Monaco, oddly enough, he didn't seem to be enjoying the pain for once. "She brought this on herself, my sister tried to run away, she ignored my message."
"What are you talking about, Hennrick?! I want to know what you did and for you to undo it this instant!
"First of all, I do not take orders from you, France." Haiti took out a cigarette and inhaled, before exhaling smoke. "And second, you should never have come back, Egypt. I wouldn't have done this if I hadn't spotted you dragging Guatemala around."
"How did you even... You were still in France after that night?" Egypt asked. Has he not been taking enough caution?
"I thought it would be better to be safe than sorry, and..." Haiti gave a small smirk. "I assume you've met Mr. Cuddles? He's a bit shy around new people but he's quite the charming once you get to know him."
...What?
"Mister... Cuddles?" Egypt asked slowly and carefully in disbelief. What. What does that mean? A cute name, alright, but who would... Oh. He widened his eyes in realization. No... It couldn't be...That stuffed bear from before... "There was a stuffed laying on a bench..."
"Yes, that was Mr. Cuddles." Haiti grinned in delight. "Think of him as... my representative, my familiar, my eyes and ears. Quite unnerving is it?"
"Yes, quite. Now what are you going to do?" Egypt narrowed his eyes.
Haiti snorted at that question as he inhaled from his cigarette again then after he exhaled, he raised an eyebrow. "Now, we make a deal, you know what I want. Release Guatemala right now or have Monaco suffer from the curse as the price."
Egypt saw Guatemala grin in the corner of his eye and he scowled. This did not bode well for him and France, they couldn't just surrender Guatemala, he was supposed to help them save Mauritius. Egypt's gaze went back to Monaco, who has stopped screaming but was still crying, and he felt his conscience tug at him.
He looked away guiltily.
"Curse? What favor from the Devil have asked for now?" France spat in disgust.
That seemed like the wrong thing to say, because Haiti sneered at him while also obviously trying to suppress his anger.
"Oh, don't you disrespect the gods, little fool. Derogate or deride them again, and I will make things worse for you." Haiti growled in anger. "The gods were kind enough to grant me a favor today, it's quite rare, and I told them what I wanted, what I needed. You see Monaco's breasts bleeding? Every time she speaks she will feel as if a sword is being passed through her body. You heard her screaming and sobbing? Her lungs are feeling as they're slowly burning up. Wonder why she's on the floor? Every step she takes will be as if she's walking on sharp knives."
Egypt and France looked at him in horror, and not long after, Monaco screamed again, unable to handle the pain and keep herself quiet.
"Lucille!" France cried out.
"Let's continue for Monaco's sake, shall we? Every second that passes tortures her. I'd rather have this over as quickly as possible. The last thing I need right now is my conscience getting the better of me."
"Really? You have a conscience?" Egypt raised an eyebrow.
"Enough! Hennrick, you truly are wicked. You helped massacre your neighbors, you attacked me and my other former colonies, you nearly dragged my little brothers and sisters back to monsters, hell, you happily delivered Mauritius to them! And now, you torment my little Monaco. Just cure her and get out of my land!" France yelled with what was probably the angriest Egypt has ever heard him. "To think I was considering…"
But one part stood out in Egypt's mind and he became rigid as the world froze.
Mauritius?
He really was…
…He should have known… Egypt really was being too hopeful. Of course they would take advantage of his absence to capture Mauritius. Why did he cling on to hope? Egypt should be wiser than that from experience after all these years. He had his hopes crushed to dust before, countless times, he would even say he has gotten used to it. But he did anyway, for Seychelles's sake, and he felt an ache in his heart.
Was this guilt? Or the fear of heartbreak? Both? Was he dreading of explaining to Seychelles what happened or that the next time he encountered Mauritius the island would have already become someone else?
Egypt felt his stomach turn at the sudden image in his mind of a deranged and remorseless Mauritius grinning at him while stretching around a rope with a hook with dark intention in his eyes. It was frightening. It was disturbing. It angered him. Surely, it would take a lot to morph a kind and strong-willed soul into someone cruel… right?
He was snapped back to the present when France dropped to his knees, he was shaking both in anger and despair, and his hair covered his face. Egypt looked at him in surprise. What could he be trying to achieve? He reached out a hand to him.
"Haiti… Hennrick… Please…" France pleaded, sounding resigned, and shook his head. "Please, let her go. You don't need to resort to such lowly methods to torment me, Haiti. You hate me, you despise me so much with every fiber of your being, you want me to go through the worse things this world has to offer. So, do it! Let poor innocent Monaco go and torture me instead! Go ahead, get your gods to tear me apart for your amusement! I accept it!"
Egypt watched in astonishment at France, even Guatemala stopped smiling and raised an eyebrow, and then looked up to see what Haiti's reaction was. Haiti was crossing his arms and had an unreadable expression on his face with cold eyes. But oddly enough, Egypt watched Haiti's expression change slightly, although in was only in the eyes. If Egypt was reading him correctly, he was contemplating it.
Or perhaps, Egypt supposed, he might be skeptical of France's words.
"Really?" Haiti finally said, sounding unconvinced and even a little bored. "You accept it? Tell me, what exactly does "it" mean to you?"
France slammed his foot on the floor, causing Egypt to flinch slightly, and started shaking. "EVERYTHING! Shoving you into a culture that wasn't yours, treating you as if you were less than human, treating as you as if you were one of the slaves, ignoring you, not feeding you, not giving you decent clothes, mocking you for worrying about the slaves, throwing you aside when I found Canada, not bothering to talk to you much in current times, everything you hate me for!"
"…Really?" Haiti repeated, his tone becoming a little more skeptical.
"I accept it, Hennrick! I was everything you think I am during my imperial days. I was greedy, ambitious, callous, I was le malin! I used you and others as trophies to compete with Angleterre. I wanted to use America against him as well, but it looked like I was the one being used." France laughed bitterly at that last one. "I accept responsibility. There is no use in begging for forgiveness, I know. But please know that I accept responsibility for how broken you, Cameroon and Morocco became."
"Do you?"
"OUI! So I beg of you, Hennrick. Stop hurting Monaco, take all your anger and hatred, and direct it at me! Do whatever you want… but please… stop this."
There was silence after that last plead. Egypt looked back and forth between the two nations in worry. Haiti's expression didn't change in the slightest, but his eyes looked away from France, and he seemed thoughtful. France remained where he was, on his knees, looking on the verge of tears.
Egypt pressed his mouth into a thin line.
Egypt admitted that he hasn't bothered to look for reasons or even think about the reasons of the New World Order. To him, they were the enemy, they were a threat to the world. That was it, nothing more, nothing less. The thought of them being merciful felt rather preposterous to Egypt. He doubted France's words would make Haiti change his mind. But still… would Haiti have laughed by now?
Guatemala was... he also seemed to be in deep thought. This was a nation who gladly assisted in the murder of Spain and was very proud of it, but still seemed to be intrigued by France's pleading, fascinated even. Of course, this was all Egypt's speculation.
That's when Egypt came to a realization. It was his speculation, he doesn't truly know what could be going through their minds, it's possible that…
No, it couldn't be…
Suddenly there was laughter, empty, bitter chuckling coming from Haiti. Egypt looked up and immediately widened his eyes at the sight. Haiti was smiling sadly and was… crying. There were actually tears coming down from his eyes all the while he grinned shakily and began to tremble. France saw this as well.
"Hennrick?" France said quietly.
Haiti laughed a bit more then wiped away his tears, only for more to stream down, and he crossed his arms again. There was emotion in his eyes again. Which one? Egypt wasn't sure. But he was sure of one thing, France's words did have an effect on him.
"You disgusting little… I hate you. I hate you so much. Oh, if only you were like this to me and your other colonies…" Haiti snorted then began to rummage through his pockets, and then took out a small doll of Monaco that had needles impaled through the chest and feet, he smiled sardonically. "I already told you before, me and others want to torture you together, but as much as I hate to admit it…"
Haiti turned his back to them and began to do something with the doll, meanwhile Guatemala scoffed.
"Well, this is interesting…" Guatemala muttered apparently to himself.
Less than a minute later Monaco's crying started to die down and she opened her eyes to reveal confused yet pained blue orbs. France gasped and wasted no time in standing up and rushing up the stairs to her side while Egypt stared at them in shock.
…What?
"F-Francis?" Monaco stuttered weakly as France caressed her cheek. "I…"
"Shh, Lucille, it's alright now." France smiled at her, relieved, then frowned as he looked up at a watching Haiti. "Hennrick…"
"There. I "reversed the curse" as they say, she's fine now, I even took the liberty as sealing up her wounds, happy?" Haiti told them in a rather annoyed and embarrassed tone, scoffing, then crossing his arms. "You're lucky. If it was Cameroon or Morocco, they would have laughed at you and cruelly shot you down."
Egypt felt that it was his turn to speak and he looked agape at Haiti. "You… why?"
Haiti shrugged and clicked his tongue. "I told you I had a conscience, didn't I?"
"Merci." France said to Haiti, nodding while holding a shaken Monaco closely, genuinely grateful.
"Oh, don't make any mistake, France. I hate you. We will kill you so… so… horribly." Haiti hissed at him in anger, and France looked away without a word, but the island's gaze turned emotionless again when it landed on Monaco who shrunk a little in fear. "But I can promise you that this little girl won't be in the room where it happens. I won't harm you anymore, but answer the phone next time, will you?"
France nodded again, and Monaco did the same, only more rapidly.
"Good. Now, where were we…? Oh, right. Guatemala. Give him back to us." Haiti said bluntly, narrowing his eyes, only to receive silence. "Is that a no? After I so kindly let Monaco go? Heh, I should have known. Then let me rephrase that better. Let him go now and we'll leave without a fight, also, we won't demand where the rest of your group is hiding right now."
Egypt was surprised by the offer. It sounded pleasant enough, but still not an offer he was willing to take.
"Or…?" Egypt asked.
"Or I'll come back tomorrow, with friends, more than before, to take him back ourselves and strangle the answer out of you."
Egypt didn't give it much thought and immediately answered. "No."
"No?"
"No."
"One more time. I am being generous here, Egypt, think carefully."
But what good will the offer do in the end? All it would grant them would be temporary peace and the loss of a potential bargaining chip for Mauritius's safe return. Sooner or later they would return and attack them again. So, what was the point?
"No." Egypt said firmly.
Haiti sighed and then gave a smirk. "Well, you can't say I wasn't generous with you. Fine, very well, it's your funeral, idiot."
"We'll see about that."
"Oh, how nice" Haiti scoffed then his smirk turned into a remorseful one as he looked at Guatemala. "I'm sorry."
Guatemala gave a small smile. "I'm a patient man, Haiti. I can wait."
Haiti smiled at him then frowned as he looked at the other three present, he stared at them wordlessly, then vanished in a puff of purple smoke.
Egypt sighed in relief. If Haiti was telling the truth, then he they can rest until tomorrow, but the question is at what time? More friends… that does not sound reassuring in the slightest, and Egypt doesn't think he could take on more than one of them at the same time. Oh… he rubbed his temples. This will prove problematic.
He heard crying and looked behind him to see Monaco being comforted by France, who kept quietly reassuring her that it was alright, and she trembled.
Guatemala probably saw his face because he scoffed. "If I were you I'd be worried about myself."
/ / / / /
In a darkened room of the basement of the New World Order's headquarters stood Norway, stroking his chin and keeping his eyes closed, thinking carefully and deeply about the information he had just collected today which was both interesting and worth getting concerned about. Norway then opened one of his eyes when he heard footsteps and suddenly found Sweden standing next to him with his arms crossed.
Sweden didn't say a word to him, he didn't even look at him, the man was never really that capable of emotion. He was laconic, just like Denmark, but less than Denmark. Anyway, it caused mild annoyance in Norway.
"I don't warrant a hello, Sweden? Not even a nod?" Norway grumbled calmly, along with a bit of melodrama on his voice, but his eyes remained emotionless. To tell the truth, neither of them cared much for pleasantries, despite the bond of their circle.
They don't need words.
The sound of a door being burst open was heard and Finland then arrived with an impatient scowl. "Out with it, Norway! What information do you have that required us to meet down here?!"
Norway couldn't help a sardonic smile. "It's nice to see you too, Finland. It's depressing, really. The New World Order is the rope that bound us together, it's our life, our place of healing, and we can't be that empathetic with each other in these times of war, much less the others."
Norway honestly believed in the bonds of camaraderie and family, despite their… problems with certain emotions, and he knew that the others did too but they had a hard time expressing it.
That seemed like a nasty blow, because Finland snapped. "I can feel those emotions, I just don't want us to become secretive, how dare you?!"
"Please, let it go, Tino." Sweden said bluntly.
"We didn't come here to argue meaninglessly, we're not them." Denmark berated them as he and Iceland arrived to them, no one made a retort, and then he looked at Norway. "What did you find out? What did you discuss with Austria and Prussia?"
Norway stroked his chin again. "You must know it's several things actually, all of equal importance I assure you. First, in fact it happened while I was waiting for you all, I was told by Haiti that he found Egypt in France along… with a prisoner."
"Prisoner? You can't mean that Egypt helped another African escape!" Iceland almost seemed to find the prospect amusing.
"No, little brother, one of us." Norway bit his tongue after he said that from the sheer bile in his throat. "Haiti said he saw Egypt dragging Guatemala bound-."
"That can't be!" Finland cut him off furiously. "How could-"
"I don't know." Now Norway cut him off. "Naturally, Haiti immediately went to retrieve him, but he failed. How? He didn't tell me."
"What do you mean he didn't tell you?!"
"But, he is planning to organize a team to help take Guatemala back and he asked if any of us would volunteer." Norway continued as if Finland hadn't spoken, and he looked around to see if anyone was considering and saw thoughtful expressions on Sweden and Denmark.
"I'll get him back." Sweden stated, not said, stated.
"I… guess I can come with." Finland muttered, probably because Sweden will be there, and he nodded. "Yes, I'll go if it's alright."
"Same with me." Denmark said.
"Good. Now while I was listening to that story I came to a quick realization regarding Egypt and the others." Norway snapped his fingers. "The Americas, at least most of them, should all be in their homes, no? Then if Egypt and his companions vanished, then reappeared with Guatemala…"
There were looks of realization on the others, and Iceland finished the sentence for him. "…Then they have to be in Central America!"
"Correct. Our leaders realized the same thing and speaking of our leaders…" Norway's expression became slightly annoyed. "There are nations going around Austria's land, causing him quite some stress if I might add."
Denmark began to growl. "…Who?"
"Hungary and Poland."
Reactions varied. Iceland widened his eyes, Denmark began to growl louder, Finland hit his own forehead with his palm and began muttering curses, and Sweden looked slightly displeased. As for Norway himself… he was concerned, but…
"However…" Norway raised his hand and smirked slightly. "It shouldn't be very problematic. Also, it's not just them, a confused soul is wandering Austria's lands in search for something but the confused soul himself doesn't know what "it" is. I wonder… what will happen when he meets with Hungary and Poland?"
/ / / / /
Senegal played around with the knife in his hands, running his fingers through the steel absentmindedly, and then he came back to reality. He nearly wanted to scoff at himself. What the hell was he doing? He couldn't help himself. There was something about the tool that… he had no idea. He couldn't get if off his mind no matter how hard he tried.
It's another confusion to add to the list of confusing things that have been happening to him. The headaches kept coming at random times, just earlier today he went outside of one of those rooms just to hear the screaming before he came back to his senses and ran away, and he still had no idea why he felt that he was missing something.
Senegal wished he could find South Africa and tell him to take back the knife, but he couldn't, he needed that knife. WHY?!
He's been holding on to that thing ever since South Africa gave it to him. But now Senegal's starting to get scared, not of those five creeps, but of himself. That night when he stared at Mali like that… he wanted to kill her. Why would he kill her? She's a close friend, family, and his former wife. Hell, for about a split second or two when he stared at the knife, the urge would come back and leave Senegal terrified of himself.
But that wasn't even the most terrifying part, no, the-
"Since when did you get a knife?" Mali asked confusedly as her face hovered next to his.
Senegal yelled in surprise and nearly fell off the bed, but Mali pulled him back in time. He quickly sat up and met her curious eyes, clearly expecting an answer from him, and he scratched the back of his head nervously.
"Don't scare me like that…" Senegal muttered.
"I'm surprised you didn't hear me come over. Anyway, how did you get a knife like that, Abdou?" Mali asked quickly, leaning over with wide eyes, sounding impressed. "You never carry those things around, you always rely on your lighter. Come on, why didn't you tell me?"
"I…" Senegal really couldn't answer that, even he wasn't sure why he kept it a secret, he just did. "South Africa gave it to me after his meerkat stole my lighter."
Mali flinched at the mention of the nation and her expression became worried. "South Africa? Why would he?"
"He said it was to make up for his little rodent stealing my lighter."
"Oh…" Mali said, though she looked less than relaxed. "That sounds suspicious."
"You're telling me."
"So, why didn't you tell me?"
"Huh?" Senegal widened his eyes then his hand went to scratch his abdomen, though he nearly winced when he did. "I…"
"I know that face!" Mali accused, pointing a finger at him. "It's your "I have to hide it from Mali or else she'll have a nervous breakdown" face! What's wrong, Senegal? As a person who cares about you, I deserve to know!"
"Nothing's wrong!" Senegal exclaimed, probably louder than he should have.
"Yes, there is!"
"No, there isn't!"
"Yes, there is!" Mali insisted, beginning to get upset. "There's something awful happening to you and you won't tell me because "it's for my own good". Please, just tell me! Is South Africa or someone bothering you? Did they say something that upset you?"
"No, it's just…" Senegal started scoot a little away, but in doing so he unintentionally pulled the covers with him, and Mali gasped. Senegal turned his head and paled at the sight of bloodstains on the bed. Oh no…
Mali stared in shock and then shakily turned her gaze towards Senegal who swallowed nervously and looked away. There's no point in hiding it from her, maybe she did deserve to know, either way the cat's out of the bag. Now, he just hoped she wouldn't throw up.
"I… when I woke up today… early in the morning I think… I found the bed like that, the knife had blood on it, and I found this…" Senegal explained anxiously and lifted his shirt to show his abdomen to Mali, who then blanched and covered her mouth in horror at what she saw.
On Senegal's abdomen there were several bloody carvings of letters and numbers of mixed together in a nearly incomprehensible fashion but there were some that could be read, but their meanings were unknown to Senegal.
Ne-ca—fau 1954 Find- Kill- Return-it-
/ / / / /
Switzerland rummaged through his large assortment of books and research journals he had stored throughout the basement room. It should be here somewhere. He never misplaced belongings that important, but perhaps he should have a better organizing system or at least put labels. Now, did he put it in that shelf or that drawer…
He heard a buzzing noise for a split second and then a yelp. Switzerland glanced behind him and saw a shaken Mauritius.
For the next test, Switzerland put some small electrodes in certain areas of his head, right above parts of the brain that serve certain functions, for a bit of stimulation. After a random number of seconds or minutes, a mild electrical current will shock that part of the brain, which will cause a variety of reactions.
Nigeria wanted to do a more extreme version of this, but Switzerland would not have it. There's a rather large chance that Nigeria will have too much fun and break Mauritius more than necessary and cause irreparable damage. That insane man… There were times when even Switzerland questioned Austria's choice for members. Although, it's better to have them on their side than for them to become a threat.
Switzerland considered himself more or less apathetic, but he would never use the African Five's brutal methods in any way, he's not heartless… at least not that much.
Mauritius yelled again, this time louder, and Switzerland made a mental note of that.
Switzerland smiled when his eyes landed on a certain book and he pulled it out, this should be the one, but then dropped it when he felt something. He gasped and widened his eyes as he began to pull his hair. No, no, no it couldn't be… Someone had just entered his land but…
He now recognized that presence from all times it came to his country. How could he not? Since she practically lived with him seventy percent of the time.
"Oh, you just had to jinx it, Cameroon…" Switzerland growled in rage.
/ / / / /
"Hey, so what is it now?" America asked.
"There's been a change of plans. You can make the arrangements when I call you back." Switzerland explained so quickly that by the time America fully understood, Switzerland had ended the call, leaving a confused and slightly annoyed American.
"Well, so much for that." America grumbled, it looked like he sent the micronations off for nothing, and he turned around only to flinch when he saw all three of the micronations before him wearing interesting costumes. Ladonia was dressed like a dictator, Molossia had a trilby hat and a brown coat, and Kugelmugel had a blue ninja mask.
Well, it's certainly not the strangest thing America has ever seen.
"So much for what?" Ladonia asked.
"I thought you guys went out to play." America said as he wondered how he didn't hear them come in.
"We did. But we want to play with you." Kugelmugel went over and tugged America's leg, his violet eyes glaring up at him. "We want to play going an adventure with your missions, nothing else."
"It'll be fun for everyone!" Ladonia proclaimed confidently while posing.
America sighed, not this again, they've been through this half a dozen times. He felt bad about not letting them get any action, but it's not their time yet, and Austria and Sweden will give him hell if one of them get hurt. Then again, America would give himself hell too if they got hurt. He looked at Molossia, who shrugged.
"I'm with them this time, sir." Molossia said apologetically.
America looked at each of them carefully then sighed again. Kids really were his weak spot. Besides, there's something America wanted to do that wouldn't exactly be dangerous…
"Fine, but only for you guys." America smiled.
/ / / / /
Kenya bit her lip as she gently patted Uganda comfortably on the shoulder as she tried her best to comfort him. DRC, the damn traitor, really did a number on him. While Uganda didn't die from the bleeding it sure didn't stop the pain that DRC gave him. Now that a handful of hours have passed (or at least Kenya thought it was since there weren't clocks) Uganda was… kind of okay. He could move more now and…
Oh, who was she kidding? Uganda was obviously not okay. He was still starving to death, which made the healing process last much longer and make him a lot more tired.
Liberia took it upon him to bring them food, something about Cameroon not being here because of something. Kenya didn't care, she didn't care what any of them like to do. But when he came, Kenya actually found herself wishing Cameroon would come back because unlike him, Liberia was a lot more willing to provide commentary and taunts.
She would have strangled the brat to death if there weren't consequences.
Kenya found her anger for those psychotic bastards grow with every stunt they pull. Just them go already! Give Uganda food and take Ethiopia to a hospital!
She heard the door open and speak of the Devil, DRC was back. DRC wordlessly came in with a vacant expression and stared at them, but Kenya knew he wasn't staring at her, he was staring at Uganda, who immediately became nervous, and that was enough to set her off.
"NO!" Kenya screamed furiously, getting on her feet and standing protective in front of Uganda with a fierce glare. "You won't hurt him! I won't let you! You'll have to kill me first!"
DRC 's expression became slightly amused and he raised his hands to calm her down. "At ease, Kenya. I didn't come here to hurt Uganda."
"LIAR!" Kenya snarled fiercely, shaking her head. "That's all you want to do! Besides, why should I believe you, traitor?!"
"Traitor? Is that how I'm going to be referred to? Very well then, I don't care." DRC shrugged and gave a small smile, which for Kenya looked horribly wrong for someone like DRC. "If you must know, I'm here to inform you that Uganda will receive… nourishment."
Kenya went agape with surprise, along with Ethiopia and Uganda, with this information but she didn't believe it one bit.
"You… No, I don't believe it!" Kenya stomped her foot. "You have some ulterior motive, I know it!"
DRC chuckled a little, which again unnerved Kenya, and turned his back to them. "Believe what you want, I will return in short while."
And with that he left, and as soon as he walked out of the room and closed the doors, Kenya whirled around to face Uganda and knelt with a worried expression.
"Don't listen to a word he says, Uganda. He's probably going to give you poison or something." Kenya warned him.
Uganda looked down at the floor and he muttered. "At least I'll get food…"
"Don't talk like that! Diarrhea, vomiting and fever are the last things your weakened stomach needs." Ethiopia told them while trying to sit upright without causing himself pain. "I agree with Kenya also."
"Yeah, and I'm sure I can find a way to hide some for you when we get our next meal." Kenya tried to reassure him, even though the last time she tried that it didn't end well. "You won't starve on my watch!"
Uganda didn't look very convinced.
A while passed then a strong smell reached her nose and she groaned in disgust as she covered her mouth and nose. Ethiopia and Uganda did the same. What the hell is that? It smelled like a filthy freshly killed animal's stomach sliced open. Almost like… She widened her eyes when she saw DRC walking towards them with a plate filled with meat that was way too red for her taste.
Was that… raw meat? No, some of it looked like…
DRC gave them a wicked smile as he set the plate down in front of Uganda, who was trying hard not to gag, but the latter scooted a little away. DRC in return pushed the plate closer to him with his foot and crouched down to his level, his smirk never leaving.
"Here you go. Eat." DRC said, almost ordered.
"What… What is that, Dikembe?" Uganda asked slowly and fearfully.
The question made DRC's smile widen. "Chunks and pieces of the innards and viscera of Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Chad. Cameroon, Morocco and Nigeria kept it all in a fridge. Cameroon wanted to be the one to give you this, but he gave me the honor of doing so while he is away."
The three other nations in the room both paled in horror and disgust. Kenya gave another look at the plate and felt sick to her stomach. She looked at Uganda hoping he wasn't going to consider eating a single piece of that, and much to her relief, he looked just as disgusted as she was.
"Are you insane, Dikembe?!" Uganda exclaimed and looked away. "I won't eat that! Take it back!"
"And starve yourself? Now, do you truly have the will for that?" DRC scoffed and pushed the plate a bit more. "Eat, I insist."
"I'd rather starve than eat any of that!"
"When did I ever tell you that you had an option?" DRC asked coldly. "You will eat. Do it before I force you to."
Uganda flinched at the threat but shut his eyes and shook his head. "No!"
"I am warning you, eat it now."
"No."
"Uganda…"
"No."
"Very well…" DRC said with an eerily calm tone, then without warning, he lunged and grabbed Uganda's head forced his face into the meat. Uganda yelled while DRC smirked. "Tell me, are you enjoying the taste? I know I did."
Kenya gasped at the horrific sight and without thinking, full of anger, and tackled DRC to the ground in rage. She screamed as she tried to wrap her hands around his neck while DRC yelled and thrashed around, giving Kenya a hard time keeping him down. But she had to. She had to!
"STOP!" Uganda screamed at them, Kenya and DRC froze, and she saw him look down dejectedly. "I surrender."
Kenya widened her eyes then felt herself getting pushed off and fell to the floor. DRC was back to looking emotionless, but Kenya could tell that he was a little annoyed, and the man nodded.
"Fine. But…" DRC lunged again, this time at Kenya's throat, and shoved her down. "You will eat one piece, any one you want, or else I'll forced feed it to her as well."
Uganda hesitated a little, but then he looked at Kenya and gave her a regretful look and he gave Ethiopia a look that begged him for his forgiveness, and then he shakily went to grab a piece. He picked up one of the smaller ones, he tried not to turn green and gulped, then after closing his eyes he brought the entire piece to his mouth.
Kenya did her best not make a disgusted expression for his sake.
Uganda grimaced as he chewed it, she knew he was using all his restraint to not spit it out, then after a lot of chewing he swallowed down and he shivered.
DRC, apparently pleased, let go of Kenya's throat, stood up, picked up the plate then left. After he did, Kenya scowled at the door, and then she heard crying from Uganda.
"It didn't taste that bad…" Uganda said between sobs.
/ / / / /
Hungary took a deep relaxed breath then slowly let it out and smiled to herself as she began to drive away from Austria's home. Okay, okay… she could do this. Just relax, Elizaveta. Brashness won't help her find Austria. She needed to be calm, not go overboard or over her head, and everything will work out. She'll find him, make him feel guilty by crying her eyes out and pummel the ass who's behind all this.
Yes, that's a perfect plan.
Poland was in the next seat using the rearview mirror for plucking his eyebrows, even though she specifically warned him not to use the inside mirror, she couldn't help but be worried that they'll hit a bump and he'll pick his own eye…
"Hey Liz, I'm, like, totally surprised that you're not, you know, going full speed." Poland commented as he plucked out an eyebrow.
"Well, I figured that being all gung-ho won't exactly work all the way, so I thought…" Hungary shrugged, eyes gleaming. "I should be calmer and more patient in this investigation."
"That is, like, totally great, Liz!"
"Thank you, Feliks." Hungary grinned as she made a turn to the right.
"You know, Liz, we should, like, totally go shopping while we're, like, investigating!" Poland proposed as he stood up a bit, blocking the mirror a little, mildly annoying Hungary.
"Really? You think…" Hungary trailed off when she saw a familiar figure in the distance, she squinted her eyes, then as she drove past them she paled when she realized who it was walking near the road to Austria's house.
"Yeah, we could, like, get you new flowers for your hair!" Poland cheered, then Hungary abruptly stomped on the brake, putting the car to an immediate stop and causing Poland to accidentally pluck his eyes. "Oh my, like, God! We won't get totally new flowers! Geez… Liz?"
"I think I just saw Bosnia." Hungary told him with a shocked expression.
I want to annouce that the next chapter for Mystery of the Great World Anomaly will come sometime this week hopefully. I'm already working on it. Please review!