"We'll catch him off-guard and ambush him," America was explaining into the phone, which sat on Sweden's desk on speaker mode. "That way, when-"
"i have a question," Canada interrupted from the other side of the line. "weren't we supposed to be trying to come up with a peaceful solution?"
"We were," Finland told him, "but America pointed out dat Meester Russia eesn't exactly being peaceful himself."
America nodded. "That's right. We have to attack him before he attacks us. And since he already had control of everything else, his next target's probably gonna be one of you guys," he said, pointing at Finland and at the phone.
Sweden and Finland exchanged glances, and Sweden cleared his throat. "So vhen is dis going to happen, exactly?"
"ASAP… Just as long as it takes to get our armies and shit ready."
"i guess i should get over there, then, eh?"
"Yep. Get over here and bring all the military power ya got," America told his brother, despite his belief that all of Canada's armed forces were almost completely useless. Then again, he believed that everyone was useless in comparison to himself….
"all right… i guess i should go now…"
"'Kay. 'Bye, bro."
"'bye." Click.
Sweden hung up his phone. "So… I guess ve should all get ready?"
America nodded. "I'll head back home real quick an' get all my shit together."
"And I vill go with Feenland to his home," Sweden said, standing up. Finland looked up at him gratefully. He was sort of afraid to go home at all, let alone by himself.
"All righty then… I guess I'll see you around." Without another word, America turned and left.
Sweden immediately picked Finland up. He squirmed in his arms.
"I can walk, you know," he complained, but Sweden ignored him and did not put Finland down. He carried his ally to the car, gently setting him in the passenger seat. Walking around to the other side, Sweden got in and started the engine.
"I vant you to sleep on de way there," he ordered.
"But…" Finland began to protest, then thought better. He remembered that Sweden was pretty stubborn. Then again… "But you didn't sleep last night either," he pointed out.
"But you need more rest than me."
Finland sighed, sat back and closed his eyes. "Fine… But wake me up when we get to de border."
Sweden only grunted in response.
xXxIn captivity…xXx
Germany spent the next few days struggling to learn all the routines of the Soviet household, looking for any possible opportunity to escape. He paid close attention to everything happening to and around the door, and what time everything happened, and what sounds occurred when from the outside world.
Austria and Hungary seemed to have given up all hope of salvation. Russia would send for one of them every now and then, and they would go up without resisting and take whatever was coming. They were both broken and defeated, with a dead glaze over their eyes. For some reason, though, Russia hadn't even touched Germany since his arrival. The blond would constantly pester his cellmates, asking them to describe everything that happened when they were taken out. Hungary would only look at him solemnly and shake her head. Austria would only start to cry.
China had technically joined them in prison, but he was not allowed to spend much time physically in the cell, as he seemed to be a favorite of Russia's. And on the rare occasion that he actually was allowed some time in prison, he always spent it alone in the corner, refusing to speak.
Right now was such an occasion. Austria and Hungary lay together, half asleep and half passed-out, although Austria's fingers twitched as if playing piano while his arms were wrapped around Hungary. China sat in his corner in the least painful position he could find, nursing his injuries and staring into space. Germany sat on a step halfway up the staircase, simultaneously listening and thinking. Why wasn't Russia torturing him as well? Could it be that the all-powerful master of the reformed Soviet Union feared him for some reason? Was it what he had said about world domination?
The sound of footsteps above caught Germany's attention, and he strained his ears to hear the faint voices in the hall.
"Feliks, vat are you doing?" came Lithuania's panicked voice.
"Chill out, Toris," replied Poland. His voice was somewhat easier to hear- he was probably closer to the door. "I'm just checking on dem. I vant to see how Miss Hungary is doing..."
"Dat's no excuse. You can't go around doing tings to make Russia angry, especially not with how touchy he's been lately."
Their voices became inaudible to Germany as they walked off. So Russia had been in a bad mood….
"Germany," seethed a voice that sounded stunted by pain. Germany turned to see China looking up at him. With the one good arm that didn't hang limply at his side, he beckoned the blond over. Germany got up, crossed the room and sat down on the floor in front of him.
"Vat is it, China?" he asked, glancing over at Austria and Hungary to make sure they were still alive.
"Russia," China replied softly. "He… He has plans for you-aru…"
After a longish silence, Germany sighed, "… I see."
China attempted to nod his head, then winced in pain. "You have not been broken yet," he continued. "You… are strong enough to escape."
"I know. Zat's vat I've been-"
"Listen." Germany fell silent. China shifted a little, winced again, and looked back up at him. "When they next come to get me…"
"I already know vhere you're going," interrupted Germany. "Lithuania und Estonia vill drag you avay, leaving Poland to lock ze door. For a minute he vill get distracted und turn avay, leaving ze door unlocked. Zat is mein chance to get out."
"That's right." China marveled at how close attention Germany had been paying. "After that… hmm… the creepy one will follow them to Russia's room, so she won't be a problem…"
"Zat's a relief."
"… Shi. And the little one should be doing chores-aru…"
"Not zat he'd be a problem anyvay."
"… You might have a problem with… uh…" With his working arm, China gestured awkwardly at his chest, as if he had breasts.
"Ukraine." Germany sighed in anguish. "Und she'll call attention to me, und soon Russia vill-"
"But that's just it," China said suddenly. "If you raise commotion, everyone is confused. That is when you escape-aru."
"Hmm… Okay," Germany agreed, then frowned. "But zen… where vill I run? Switzerland is dead, Belgium is insane, France und Italy are undervater, und Herr Russia controls everyzing else."
China paused. "I hadn't thought of that," he murmured.
"Vat about Finland?" came Austria's frail voice. Apparently he had been listening the whole time.
"Anozer Norzerner? You must be joking," Germany scoffed.
"That might be your best option-aru," China pondered.
"Hmm… I'll zink about it," decided Germany.
Before he could continue, a click was heard at the door. It opened, and Latvia peeked in, followed by none other than Russia himself. The prison's occupants cowered down in fear as he entered, all except Germany, who stood up and faced him directly. Russia smiled and approached the proud German. Germany wavered slightly, fear flashing in his eyes, but puffed out his chest and stood his ground.
"I have thought about what you said," Russia told him, "and you are right. De more powerful I become, de farther I will fall."
Germany perked up for a brief moment. "R-really? You-"
"So," Russia continued, cutting him off, "I decided I should have all my fun while it lasts." His grin widened.
Germany took a deep breath. He had little to no idea what was coming, but he knew he wasn't going to like it. A part of him wanted to cry out and call for his Mutti, but that wouldn't help the situation at all, would it?
"Vatever you choose to do to me," he said bravely, "you vill not succeed in breaking my spirit like you did zem." He gestured toward his allies behind him.
"Russia chuckled. "Dis will be more entertaining than I expected."
