Thanks to shoujochan, yanrulim, Terra, Lovesbugsalot, Amy, Elizaveta Hedervary – Hungary, ScandinavianTrash, Eternal Nexus Warrior and pastaaddict for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 52

Seychelles sighed, staring outside. The weather was beautiful, but she didn't have the heart to leave her house. It had been that way ever since the African nations had been conquered by Amodi.

She was often overlooked where the continent was concerned, but the one time it could have saved her she was acknowledged. And forced to sign that stupid contract.

"Mon amie, staring at the outside world won't help."

Mauritius had joined her some time ago, and she knew that the other island didn't want to be alone. Neither did she, in fact. And when communication was cut off he stayed.

"I know you're right," Seychelles sighed. "I just wish there's something we can do."

"We can't," Mauritius said. "If we try to run away, we'll die. Like Madagascar."

Seychelles averted her eyes. Mauritius looked towards her with concern.

"Come here," he said gently.

She obeyed, and she allowed herself to be pulled down on the couch next to him. He wrapped his arm around her and she leaned into the contact.

"It'll be okay," he said. "Wars don't last forever. Empires come and go. Before you know it, we'll be free again."

"But how long would it take?" she asked. "A week? A month? A century?"

He sighed, rubbing her arm.

"I don't know," he admitted.

Quebec awoke, feeling something strange from his arm. He turned to see a needle, and his eyes widened in fear. He quickly reached out to take the needle, before a gentle hand grabbed his wrist.

"Relax," Madeira said. "It's just an IV. It's getting the necessary nutrients into your bloodstream. Then when your body is stronger we'll start with proper food."

Quebec stared at her for a moment before he went limp. He trusted her. He knew that she wouldn't do anything to hurt him. She was trying to help.

He turned to the other female, who was looking at him intently. She sighed.

"Let's hope you can handle it," she said. "And once the bag is empty, you're getting a bath."

He cocked his head to the side, completely confused. He vaguely understood the concept of a bath, but had never actually experienced one. A part of him was curious about it.

Anything to help him heal.

"P-please! Don't! I'll do anything! I can help!"

Peru sighed, looking down at Puerto Rico, a lazy smile on his face. The island nation wasn't the first to have begged for his life like that, or offered to be helpful. Cuba certainly came to mind, and Peru had killed him very fast because he knew that Canada hated him.

For Cuba, Canada's mask of invisibility and resemblance to America had worked a little too well.

The only reason why Peru didn't kill the Caribbean immediately was because most of his bloodlust had been satisfied by now. So now, he was willing to indulge the Puerto Rican for his own amusement.

"And in which way can you 'help'?" Peru asked.

Puerto Rico swallowed nervously.

"A lot of my people live in America," Puerto Rico said. "America also wouldn't suspect me if I came for a 'visit'. I could help you get to him."

Peru let out a snort of amusement.

"It's a shame America isn't in his country," Peru said. "He's currently flying around the Middle East."

"…Is he an… Oh, wait, yes he is," Puerto Rico said.

Peru chuckled slightly.

"Now, why would you want to kill America anyway?" Peru asked casually.

"Are you kidding me?!" Puerto Rico exclaimed. "America treated me like I was his property. I even had to play maid once, and he even forced me to wear the dress! And I had to play nice because of my size!"

Peru chuckled again. He saw the fires of hatred in Puerto Rico's eyes. He just might consider letting him live a little longer.

"It's always the same," Puerto Rico muttered, looking down and expression taking on a sorrowful tone. "Spain treated me like that as well. Just like how he treated you."

Peru gritted his teeth. That was a low blow. He didn't want to think of his past, especially with Spain. But… the island had a point.

Before Peru could make a decision, though, he was interrupted by his cell phone ringing. Puerto Rico looked surprised, but Peru ignored him as he dug the device out of his pocket.

"What is it?" Peru demanded as way of greeting. "I'm in the middle of something."

"Veneziano wants you to return to base as soon as possible," San Marino said on the other end. "It's been a long time since we've had a meeting. Still hungry?"

"I'm mostly satisfied for now," Peru said.

"I'm sure Ethiopia will be glad to hear that."

Peru blushed, before he smiled. Yes. He would definitely see his lover soon. He wondered how he's been. Peru had been busy, but after every kill he would leave a voicemail to let the African know that he was thinking about him.

He then remembered Puerto Rico and became serious again.

"Hey San, there's someone that thinks he can be useful to us," Peru said. "What do you think?"

"It doesn't matter what I think," San Marino said. "I'm just the messenger, after all. But… Why don't you bring him along? If there's even the slightest possibility that he might be useful…"

"I understand," Peru said, before he hung up the phone.

Puerto Rico remained silent, keeping his eyes on the Peruvian. He was aware of the fact that his fate had been discussed in that phone call.

"I'm surprised," Peru said. "I half expected you to run. But if you tried, I would have known that you weren't serious. That you have no intention of joining us and you were just looking for anything that would save your ass."

Puerto Rico swallowed nervously.

"It was a little impromptu," Peru said, "but you've passed the test with flying colours. Of course, you'll have to come with me. It's up to the boss to decide your usefulness."

Puerto Rico nodded his head, understanding that his life was being spared. For now…

Gibraltar sighed, before she knocked on the door. She waited for a moment, rubbing her arm nervously, and smiled in relief when Andorra opened the door.

"You made it," Andorra said. "Please, come in."

She nodded her head, before entering. She followed Andorra to the living room, and was pleased to see Basque, Tokyo and Picardy.

"Are we the only ones here?" she asked.

"Madeira and Catalonia are upstairs with Quebec," Basque said.

As though on cue, they heard a cry of pain from upstairs, which made Gibraltar jump. Picardy sighed, before patting the open space next to him.

"It's a long story," he said. "So make yourself comfortable and I'll explain."

When Quebec had first entered the water he had no problems. The water was a warm, though pleasant, temperature. It was a stark contrast with the cold – literally and figuratively – he had been forced to endure ever since he was born.

He had no problem being naked in front of the two young women – something which earned a comment from Catalonia that he was definitely French – but the women seemed a little nervous about seeing his nakedness. They tried their best to avoid looking at anything below the belt. Luckily, his thin upper body provided decent distraction.

But then they started pouring water over his head.

Quebec panicked and tried to move away, but Catalonia easily caught him. He whimpered when Madeira poured more water on his head, and he started trembling.

"Is it too cold?" Catalonia asked.

Quebec stared at her incredulously, and it took her a few moments to understand what his problem was. She then motioned for Madeira to stop.

"It's okay," Catalonia said. "We just want to wash your hair first. We need to get it wet before we can start with the shampoo."

Quebec stared at her for a moment before nodding his head. He closed his eyes when Madeira resumed her actions.

He had to admit that it was soothing when the two worked the shampoo onto his scalp before moving to his hair. As someone that had never had a gentle touch before this was euphoric, and he found himself being lulled to sleep. Eventually Madeira sighed, and he turned to look at her.

"We're going to need more shampoo," she said, shaking the empty bottle.

"I'll see if Andorra has more," Catalonia said, standing up. "Lather like your life depends on it."

Madeira nodded, and she continued to massage the shampoo into his scalp and long hair. He sighed in pure bliss as he felt her fingers, before squirming. His head was starting to itch, and he didn't hesitate to try to scratch it.

Madeira giggled and he turned a questioning gaze to her.

"I think I might have increased the blood circulation," she said. "It has a tendency to make you itch. Either that, or you're just not used to being cleaned, and your body's reacting in shock. Well, at least we know that it's accomplishing something."

He looked towards her and gave a small smile of relief. Catalonia chose that moment to return and arched an eyebrow.

"Is something going on?" she asked.

"Well, at least we know that the blood in his head is flowing," Madeira said.

"Circulation?"

"Sim."

Catalonia nodded, before lifting the bottle she had gotten.

"He was surprised that we're doing this," Catalonia explained. "But all the boys agree with what we're doing."

"And none of them are willing to help out?"

"Nope."

"Typical."

"They said that it'd be weird for them."

"Oh, and it's not for us?"

Quebec listened to the two as they continued to wash his hair. He was surprised when something white drifted down in front of his face, and Madeira sighed in relief.

"Finally starting to foam, I see," she said.

This lasted for about a minute or two, and then finally Madeira sighed.

"I think this would be easier if you lie back," Madeira said.

Quebec allowed himself to be pushed backwards by the two girls, and he could feel as the water started to cover his head. He tensed slightly expecting them to dunk his head underwater completely, but Madeira placed her hand on the back of his neck, preventing him from going further.

"It's easier to let the water wash it away," she said, before grabbing the shower attachment. "But still, you might want to close your eyes."

Quebec did as told, and soon he could feel the water washing the shampoo away. One of the girls massaged his scalp, allowing the water to better rinse off. Finally the flow of water stopped and the girls helped him sit up again.

"There now," Madeira said. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Quebec gave a small smile as Catalonia ran her fingers through his hair.

"It's a lot better now," she said. "But we wouldn't be able to see its real colour until the hair has been dried."

He nodded his head.

"And now, we get to the rest of the body," Madeira said awkwardly.

That was when things started getting really bad for Quebec.

The two of them had each grabbed a washcloth and had covered them in liberal amounts of soap. And it was the scrubbing that they did that made Quebec start to panic again. He cried out in pain before trying to lurch away as best he could but was stopped by a dizzy spell. And Catalonia grabbing his shoulder.

"Easy," she said. "There's decades worth of grime. We need to get you clean, and this is the only way how."

He swallowed nervously before he nodded, allowing the two to continue. However…

"Oh shit," Madeira whispered.

Quebec turned his head to see what's going on, and he felt his stomach drop when he saw that he had started bleeding.

"Dammit," Catalonia said. "His skin is so thin…"

"We're sorry," Madeira said.

Quebec nodded his head, and the two started to scrub a little gentler, but he had managed to figure out that it was taking longer that way than when they had been a little rougher. But even so, he couldn't stop the occasional cry of pain, especially if they moved to a new area. His wrists in particular were very sensitive, and whenever they would brush against his ribs he would hiss in pain.

After what felt like an eternity, it was over, and Quebec panted in relief. Madeira helped him to stand while Catalonia went to get a towel.

"It'll get better," Madeira said. "I promise."

Quebec could only whimper.

"I got some of my brother's clothes," Catalonia said. "But… I get the feeling that they won't fit you."

"Until he puts on some weight, I think we should try to use oversized shirts," Madeira said. "And maybe pants with a strong elastic."

The reason for that became clear soon, as the pants and underwear immediately fell, and the two girls sighed.

"We're going to need to do some shopping," Catalonia sighed.

Catalonia ran out again and returned with a pair of boxers, which fit better.

"Is this Basque's?" Madeira asked.

"Actually, it's mine," Catalonia said, a blush on her cheeks. "I… I like sleeping in them, that's all."

Madeira giggled as the two helped Quebec put them on. Quebec had decided to zone out, feeling a little dizzy after the bath. Madeira noticed this and smiled sympathetically.

"Let's get you back to bed," she said.

The two guided him to the door, and when they opened it they were surprised to see Tokyo waiting outside. Tokyo smiled calmly, but Quebec had tensed.

"It's nice to see you are feeling better, Quebec-san," Tokyo said. "Do you girls need any help?"

"Oh sure, now one of you offers," Catalonia said sarcastically. "Where were you during the actual bath?"

Tokyo remained silent, but his eyes drifted lower, and Quebec felt afraid.

"If you don't mind me asking…" Tokyo started.

"Don't," Catalonia said. "You don't want to know."

Quebec's legs buckled, and Catalonia cried out in shock as she caught him.

"Easy," she said lowly. "Come on, I'll carry you."

Catalonia lifted him into her arms, and she shot a look towards Madeira.

"You're right," she said. "He's too light. This can't be healthy."

As the two girls walked away, Quebec couldn't help but look back at Tokyo, who had gained a dark look in his eyes. Tokyo was a subtle reminder that he hadn't escaped Canada at all.

Canada and Egypt were on a plane, on their way to Italy. They were curious to know what Italy wanted. Canada was also curious to know if Tokyo was keeping Quebec on a short leash. And whether or not they heard any news from Michoacán.

And they would also need to know which of the regions, provinces and other minor personifications were there and if there were any more coming, so that they could kill them all in one fell swoop.

They would bide their time. And make sure that everyone else was aware that Michoacán was their target. Mexico had already given her permission, after all.

Slovenia massaged his temples, trying hard to stave off the growing headache. It was becoming more and more difficult.

They were hiding away from Amodi. Not much had changed. Yugoslavia had reunited again, though he was the only one that thought of it as such, and he didn't dare voice it out loud in fear of earning the ire of the others, who were already high-strung due to the lack of communications and the fact that they had been around the same people for too long, in their opinions.

Slovenia tried to placate them all by letting them watch as many DVDs as possible, in as many of their native languages as possible, but things didn't always go the way they wanted. It had also become a tradition now that one of them would be outside, apparently keeping guard but secretly enjoying the peace and quiet. And whenever someone had to go shopping, the task was volunteered for with gusto.

The point was that they were all suffering from cabin fever.

They wished they knew what was happening, and that either Russia or Turkey would come and recruit them. They didn't really want a war, but it was unavoidable, and it was better than doing nothing.

"You bastard!"

"Stupid bitch!"

Slovenia slumped his head against the table. That was the fifth fight that had broken out in the last hour. Something needed to be done.

Catalonia and Madeira had returned Quebec to his bed, after changing the sheets. He had asked the both of them to stay, and they were currently curled up on either side of him as he slept.

Catalonia would have slapped him if he was anyone else, but she knew that it wasn't an act of perversion. The two of them were the only ones so far that had reached out to him, and he obviously felt safer around the two.

Both Madeira and Catalonia could feel their maternal instincts rearing their heads, and they both knew that they would protect Quebec, no matter what. Even if it was against the others.

Though Catalonia still had her suspicions about him, she couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that no one would willingly go through all of the suffering that he had. And his body spoke no lies.

Kazakhstan groaned, clutching her heart. This was horrible. And it wasn't the first time.

It had been a mosque. A self-made bomb. Everyone was aware of it. They were given the option to leave. They stayed.

It was a mass suicide unlike any she had ever seen before.

Similar things had happened all over her country, all because of the fear the war brought. The fear that at any moment they could die, and they wanted to end their lives on their own terms.

Kazakhstan knew that fear as well.

She suddenly felt a cold breeze behind her and she turned around. Her eyes widened at the sight of the man.

"You must come with me," the man said. "It is for your own protection."

A lot of this chapter focused on Quebec. His recovery is a very important plot point. You'll see in time.

It was actually mentioned in Chapter 15 that Peru and Ethiopia were together, but their relationship hadn't been shown. Libya and Eritrea were also mentioned to be in a relationship in that chapter.