A/N: Woo! Update! This chapter was split up…so this fic will have more chapters but it won't be so bulky when reading it. Aimed to get done before new years.

Hope everyone is having a happy holidays!

Note: The first two parts are inside the dreams of Japan and Greece respectively.


A dream danced behind Japan's eyelids as his body fought against the unnatural pain. Occasionally, he shifted in his sleep. Someone would turn to look at him then they would continue to read the contents of some beige folder. Not that the Asian nation would know or be able to care about that.

His senses were completely taken over by his dream.

Japan found himself plunged him into an empty world. It was white, like a unused canvas or an empty scroll. Blankness stretched out in all directions.

The sign hung in mid-air. Small wires that stretched to the infinite empty sky held it up. Like the imposing gaze of a judge, it stared down on him. "Stand here" was painted on it in thick black block letters.

He cocked his head to the side, confused. No arrows accompanied the words to explain where "here" was. His own general location was a mystery too. Japan could not figure out where he stood. Where the ground ended and the sky began was a mystery.

His breathing was the only sound to be heard. Nothing came, nothing went: The sign, Japan or the emptiness.

In defiance of the block letters, he sat down.

Instantly, cracks formed on the sign. Colors of all shades imaginable seeped out of these breaks. They oozed out in a liquid form and pooled onto the floor. Japan was mesmerized by the swirling mix.

He made no move as it got closer to him or as it stained his clothing or as it slowly rose to his chest level. It was so beautiful that it vanquished all of his other thoughts. The liquid stopped increasing once it reached his shoulders.

Now that he was much closer to it, within the coloured liquid, he could see tiny moving images, almost like a streaming video. He squinted at them, and soon he realized that they were replays of the events that had happened in the past few weeks.

Transitions between each scene were a smudge and a blur; all the moments were mixed into one yet still remained understandable. He cupped his hands to bring them closer to his face to watch.

There was him, at the meeting where he remained calm as he watched China fall, full of knowledge about its cause. There was him, looking through one of France's reports and relaying every detail into his cellphone. There was him, altering test results just in case they did help find a cure. There was him, convincing North Italy, before the Italian also became a victim, to not use any knowledge Rome had taught him.

It reminded him of the faults that he had made, and the grievances, for which he must make amends.

However, it also contained memories of the pain the company had caused him. It played an image of his first encounter with the company.

"You really have a lot choice you know that. We chose to offer you a path from this pain. We are not offering this to everyone," said a woman when he woke up. Japan was still covered in blood but his skin was already reconstructing itself. He found the strength to sit up and glare at the woman.

"I can handle pain, and once the other nations hear about this, we will arrest you."

"Try it. They will not believe you. The pain will "magically" disappear when they're around and return when they leave. Some days, you might even think this is all a dream and you're suffering some phantom disease. It will drive you mad. So, Japan, what'll it be? Your cooperation or your sanity?"

The woman knelt next to the nation to get close to him. Japan tried to inch away. He kept his mouth firmly shut.

After a few minutes of silence she shrugged and stood up. A wicked grin danced on her lips, "Oh, by the way~ How much do you like your neighbours? Do they know you're a nation?"

Japan's eyes widened, "No...you can't…"

"Just watch us."

Then, the memories went even beyond that to something more, something hauntingly familiar: a giggling child, a mysterious frog-like creature in a bath, and moments before even that. A younger China teaching a younger Japan how to write. A younger Japan annoying a younger China by making his own character set.

His lips were now so close to the liquid that they could touch it. An urge to drink the colourful mess struck him and inside this dream he saw no reason to refuse. Sweetness slid soothingly down his tongue.

It gave him a boost of energy to move about, to stand up again and run as far as his legs could take him. One shaky leg after the other, he stood up again. Just as he was about to sprint away, a cold wind blew him down to fall into the water.

By reflex, he shut his eyes in response to the inevitable smack of the floor that he had been standing on. There was no such feeling. There was no longer a floor.

'Water' rushed around him and bubbles streamed from his mouth. Fear flashed in his mind. Liquid should have gushed into his lungs and steal away every last pocket of air he had left. But it didn't. Instead, he found himself breathing as normally as he could. The feeling was mind-boggling; air escaped his mouth but never ran out.

Japan closed his eyes.


One cat...Two cats...Three cats...Four cats...Greece counted them all as he watched each stroll by. The animals wandered in whatever direction they pleased. He sat down in a comfortable position and a small Aegean cat walked up to him to brush against his hand.

"Hello…" he said slowly as he ran his hand along its soft fur. He looked around him in the empty space. He understood it to be a dream but he had never had one so vivid. Especially since the company started to drain his energy.

"Do you know where I am?" he asked as he continued petting the cat with a smile.

"Meow!"

He smiled wider and scratched the cat behind its ear. The cat purred.

Suddenly a cold wind blew in. With a distressful meow, the cat shivered and ran away. He got up to chase after it. The cold wind grew stronger and the man was soon knocked off his feet.

"Wait for me…" he said as the cats then proceeded to march in the same direction. A large arc appeared and the cats, one by one went into it and disappeared. Greece battled the harsh wind, got back up on his feet, and followed them.


Japan's body coughed involuntarily as he crashed on to some dry, hard floor. He used his knee to support himself to get up. There was a brutal sounding creak in his bones. He was too old for this, Japan thought. He rubbed at his eyes.

"Japan?"

He knew that tired, cat-loving voice anywhere.

Japan turned, "Greece?"

The Greek was about to reply as he walked over to him but was cut off by a charging blur of dark chestnut hair, almost reddish, about to head-butt him. In the split second before impact Japan recognized him as South Italy. Then a split second later the Italian phased through Japan, as if they were both made of smoke, and the man soon tumbled behind him.

"You can't harm people here." This deep woman's voice said. They all turned to see a woman suddenly with them all.

Greece stared at her, almost trying to remember where he had seen her. She had black hair a little past her shoulders and what seemed like a fake beard on her chin*. Above her brow were fringed bangs. She wore some sort of gold decorated headband and a group of golden hoops clanged against each other on her wrists. She smiled with a closed mouth.

She walked over to help Romano up. "You're as restless as your Grandfather," she commented bluntly. The Italian refused her hand and got up on his own. He dusted off his clothes and the woman shrugged.

"We have met before…right?" Greece asked slowly. "I think…I know…you…"

Her golden eyes looked back at him, "Yes, You've grown a lot since then." She smiled for a moment then continued, "I'll cut to the point. I am Ancient Egypt, or at least that's the name you would be more familiar with. I can't understand how you have come here, but it is my duty to send you back to your realm."

"Ancient…"the Italian muttered. He looked into her eyes and asked, "Then my grandfather... he's here right?"

Ancient Egypt nodded then walked behind them to push them all forward, "We should get you out of here quickly. You don't belong here, and we can't have you stay too long."

"Can't you at least…give me a moment…to talk…with my mother?" the Greek said as he put on a ridiculous pouting face. For a man his age…it really shouldn't have worked. Ancient Egypt caved in.

"I'll call her down. Wait here." She took a step back and disappeared.

As soon as she left, Romano realized how close Japan stood right by him and he recoiled away.

"You" he hissed.

His arm swung back to sock the Asian's jaw but was seized quickly by Greece's hand. The two European countries glared at each other. Greece kept a strong grip against South Italy's struggling.

"Japan took away two nations from harm, can't you see he is on our side?" Greece added. The Italian let down his arm but still clenched his fists.

Japan shook his head, "No…South Italy is right. I used to be this company's spy." He gave a deep bow, "I'm sorry."

South Italy snorted and turned his head away, "And let me guess you also knew about Canada and England too."

"No, they are not working for the company."

"Liar!" The furious Italian lunged at him but the Greek held him back by locking his arms

"Romano it's pointless, you'll just be hitting air."

"How." He grunted as he struggled to get out Greece's locked hold, "How are you holding me if that's the case?"

"It's a preventive defense move to immobilize an opponent so it's not forbidden. It's a move that I remember teaching him," a woman replied to the Italian. This new character held herself in high regard yet still very warming. She stood next to reappeared Ancient Egypt. Her face was still calm but her body was stiff as she saw Greece. She walked over to him and started poking him in the arms.

"You've gotten softer my dear. You haven't been training since I left you. Are those cats being too much of a distraction for you? You smell like them. No wonder Ancient Egypt gave in to your request…" The black haired woman shrugged with a guilty-as-charged smile.

"Mother!" Greece let go of the Italian and moved away childishly to get away from his mother's poking, "War...has been a long dead…. hobby... so I focus...on other...things."

She stopped poking him and smiled warmly, "I hope you're right dear." She looked to other two nations who were with them, "Now, introduce me to your companions."

"We're not really his companions…" South Italy muttered but he was ignored.

"Japan, Romano, this is my mother. She raised me when I was much, much younger."

Japan bowed. South Italy crossed his arms and he gave her a short nod. This woman did carry a little resemblance to Greece and her warm smile was like a soothing hearth, gentle, comforting. It was a little odd for the nations to look so alike, such blood relations seemed impossible. Siblings, yes, but parents were another issue entirely. There seemed to be a story behind it but Japan was not the type to pry.

"Now Heracles, why did you want to see me?" The Greek woman said after greeting the other two. Suddenly, Greece took his mother into a big hug. Something was threatening to glint in his eyes. It felt almost out of character with the amount of emotion he was showing but he did not seem to care.

"I…miss…you…"

The woman closed her eyes for a moment as she let the child she had raised continue to hug her. She then, without warning pushed him away by a bit, hands still on his shoulders. Her mouth was no longer smiling; her eyes were concerned.

"My dear. Hold yourself together we are with company," She tilt her head to the other observers at which all three then pretended that their surroundings were fascinating and much more interesting than this emotional scene, "What worries you these days?"

"A group of humans have somehow managed to infiltrate a few of our minds...then drain our energy from it."

Mother Greece nodded, "Ah, I see. How have my lessons fared?"

"It worked for a bit but I took too long getting a handle on the flow…"

"Lessons?" Romano butted in, "What are you talking about?"

"The ancient world did not work like yours," Mother Greece said softly, "It was more dangerous and the supernatural was a force not to mess with. Our battles as nations could carry on even into our dreams; most perished there. The strong learn to handle their minds. I thought it to be wise to teach my son these things. However, If even these methods have failed then it seems we all will have to rely on Canada to defeat them."

All three of them looked at her with the most confused looks.

"Mother, what do you mean?"

"He is the only one that can obtain our ancient state now. Under normal circumstances your modern world wouldn't allow this to happen." She glanced at Romano for a second as she spoke then turned back at Greece, "My dear, you will have to wait for him to stop them."

"More relying on others," the Italian spat out sarcastically. "How wonderful."

Ancient Egypt coughed to get their attention before speaking, "Is that all that must be asked? The modern nations must get out of here."

"I have a question. It will be quick." Japan added quickly. Mother Greece smiled and nodded at him to proceed.

"What is this ancient state? Is this our nation's energy or some sort of sorcery? If so, I fear the company will simply drain more power from him and manipulate it against us. Five nations have fallen to them and England's power was no match for them."

"No, it is something different. It cannot be controlled. Once he is in our state, he will be invulnerable to them and be able to purge their control...but..."

"But?"

"But nothing. You must leave. Any more time spent here and you most certainly won't be able to return to your world."

Ancient Egypt gestured them all to follow her. Greece lingered a bit, as if his eyes were savouring his mother's image; South Italy looked on. Japan called to them and the other two joined up. Mother Greece was about to fade away but stopped suddenly. A thought popped into her head as she saw Romano walk away with the three.

Mother Greece ran up to grab at the Italian's arm, "Italy wait." He continued aimlessly staring out into the darkness unaware of her reaches towards him. She repeated herself and he looked to his side before looking at her as if expecting she was addressing someone else. Only few people called him that so plainly.

"Yes you," she said. "Would you like to see your grandfather? I'm sure I can get him to see you off. It wouldn't seem fair that my son meets me but you-"

"No," South Italy interrupted curtly.

If that ancient man wanted to pay attention to him then he should've done that years ago. Screw that. He pulled away and picked up his pace in order to catch up with the leaving party. Mother Greece shook her head as she watched him runoff and then she disappeared to wherever she came from.

Ancient Egypt led them through the void of darkness to the shore of a large pool, much like the one Japan had "drowned" in earlier. They looked at it with confusion. They then all looked back to the woman.

"You must jump in and then you will wake up in your world." Ancient Egypt urged. They were reluctant and urged to other to go first. The Ancient woman tsked at their reluctance. She then proceeded to push them each in, without warning.

Into the colourful mirror-like pool they fell.

Japan noted it felt deeper than before and it was less like falling, more like swimming. It was less dizzying this way but it also meant it was a lot slower. In turn, that meant there was more time to spend with each other.

"Japan...how are India and Egypt doing?" Greece asked,breaking the silence between them.

"They are safe, India has made a full recovery...Egypt remains the same though."

"Recovered already huh? Your change of heart brings healing miracles. How convenient." Romano sneered.

"He had already recovered a few days ago," Japan explained. "I had administered him drugs beforehand to keep him weak."

"And you think that this will help me forgive you?"

"No. Trust me when I say, I am paying for my betrayal now. I am telling you this because I believe it must be told."

"..."

Sensing they needed a different topic Greece asked, "Romano why didn't you want to see your Grandfather" Japan kept his eyes forward but his ears open.

"Why?! Why!?" The Italian gestured furiously with his arms, "That jerk abandoned me and never bothered even giving me the time of day. It was always Feliciano this and Feliciano that. Smile more like Feliciano. Don't pick on precious little Feliciano. All I got from my grandfather was material...another heir to his damn land."

"Hmm.." Greece said slowly then swam a little closer to poke at Italy's head, "However, I don't think you only inherited material gains."

"Like what!?"

"Remember your mind was left untouched by the enemies and so your energy is also untouched. If I know Rome to be anything, he is at least a practical man. He would leave things behind knowing they could survive and be able to carve out their own legacies. You must remember that. Remember..."


Lovino awoke on the floor. Half of his blanket was wrapped around him; half of it was still attached to the bed. He clutched at his head as a hangover took on his mind. He had had the strangest dream.

Lovino found himself shivering and looked for the source of the cold. He grabbed his blanket and wrapped it around him. He got up and shut the open window.


Someone carried on pacing in Germany's living room as the tone of a phone continued to ring. Their steps hurried as their frustration and impatience increased with time.

"France,"the red-eyed man muttered angrily. "If you don't answer this call I will go over there right now and interrupt whatever you're doing no matter what it is…"

As if sensing his threat the Frenchman finally picked up.

"Hello, Prussia," France said, over exaggerating the roll in the 'r', annoyance dripping in his tone, "How are you?"

"Cut the formalities France. Do you know why my brother was taken into government interrogation?"

"Oh," the voice went flat and Prussia could hear the other man take a sip of something. "How very well deserved. Yes, I do know the reason but I have no pity since the man has chosen this himself. Hold on. Oh waitress~" there was giggling as someone got closer and then poured the man more of his drink. A bit of flirty French was exchanged with the woman before the Frenchman returned to the Prussian. "Honestly, is this the only reason you want to call your best friend? I have to admit I'm a bit hurt."

Prussia snorted and a lopsided smile crawled on his face, "Best friend? You know how many times I've gotten arrested thanks to you?"

"Ah, but Prussia a good friend bails you out of jail. A best friend is in there with you."

The pale man shook his head, grin still there, "Sheesh, with friends like this who needs enemies."

"Shall I recount the many times you've done so with me?"

"You were the one eagerly stri-Wait…You flowery little shit! You didn't answer my question!"

France sighed, "I'm afraid I can't fool you."

"Bonnefoy cut the crap."

"Gilbert…did you watch the video?"

"…no? What video?"

Prussia could hear the creak in France's chair. The man was probably leaning back, "But they said they sent them to all the nations...-oh."

"Ouch, France, ouch," The Prussian replied flatly with an un-amused tone.

"Sorry. I honestly didn't do it on purpose my friend." There was another sipping sound before France continued at a quieter volume, as if afraid someone might hear, "I suppose if they forgot to send you a video they'll forget to monitor your phone line too so I think I can tell you. He's in there because…he-" His voice went even lower this time, "handed over all the patients to the company behind their symptoms. I asked about the video because that was sent to everyone to vote on the decision. It told us that we either give up the patients or become a patient ourselves."

"Scheiße*. Everyone suddenly became self-serving bastards didn't they?"

"Yes," France replied as he took a sip from his wine glass. "Your brother refused to go against the vote and did what the company wanted." There was sigh. "Anyways, he's in there because we are meant to keep this event a secret and he's the only nation who attended the exchange himself. I suppose this is all your fault. You bashed it into his head to listen to orders. "

"Hey! I taught him how to be a great nation! Can't help it if he chooses to be otherwise." The Prussian shook his head then whispered, "Hey Francis?"

"Hm?"

"What company are you talking about?"

"I have a lot to tell you…"


A/N: Next Time: Interference of Ice and Snow.

*Fake beards: The earlier female pharaohs (and to some extent perhaps even up to Cleopatra) wore fake beards to show/trick? people that they were male worthy to have the throne. There may be other reasons but I'll keep it at that.

*Scheiße: Translation: Shit.