Thanks to AquaEclipse and Eternal Nexus Warrior for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 63

India was still breathing heavily, trying to tune out the pain. He was covered in sweat, and his vision was foggy. The blood from the spikes that were impaled in his legs had stilled at least, but there was the knowledge that if any of them were moved, the blood would start flowing even stronger than before. If anything, it would result in a temporary death. And at the moment, it didn't seem like such a bad idea.

And then there was the thing with Egypt. He had no idea what Egypt did to him, but it didn't seem as though it was causing more damage to him. There was a weight that seemed to be resting in his chest, but other than that discomfort, nothing else was happening. It was confusing. The fact that he didn't know what Egypt was planning made it more terrifying. He kept waiting for something to happen, but there was nothing. The waiting was driving him insane.

He didn't even care about what was happening outside. He yearned for the oblivion that sleep would bring, but it eluded him. The pain actually made him feel nauseous, but he knew that he couldn't even be given the relief of settling the nausea. First of all, it was the wrong kind of nausea. Second, there was nothing in his stomach to vomit out.

He heard the door open, and he flinched. He expected for someone to come and torture him again, and closed his eyes, not wanting to see who it could be. He felt a gentle hand on his temple, and he realised that he recognised the presence. He opened his eyes, seeing a figure with blue skin.

"Raj…" the figure said. "What have they done to you?"

"Vishnu…" India gasped.

"…Hold still."

India was confused for a moment, before he felt a searing fire. He cried out in pain, and a moment later he felt a soothing warmth. He gasped as the pain faded, before the process repeated. He gritted his teeth, knowing what would come, and when it stopped for the last time, he opened his eyes and realised that all the spikes had been removed, the wounds healed as well. He flinched a bit when he felt Vishnu's hand in his hair, while the others worked on freeing him. As soon as he was free, Vishnu wrapped his arms comfortingly around him.

"You're safe now," Vishnu whispered. "Come on. I know that someone else is hoping to find you again."

India was surprised when Vishnu lifted him into his arms, and he snuggled into the comforting embrace. For the first time since he came here, he knew that he was completely safe.

…

Spain had called everyone to the living room. After a bit of debating, he decided that it would be best to discuss the situation with the others. If anything, they wouldn't be able to say that he had done something without consulting them.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Estonia asked.

Spain took a deep breath, bowing his head.

"I called Bolivia to warn them about what's happening," Spain said. "Uruguay and Paraguay are with him. Were. Venezuela's the one that answered."

There was a restless stir among the others. They all understood the implications. If a member of Requiem answered when an uninvolved nation was called, and with the use of the past tense, they could all guess what had happened.

"What happened?" France asked gently. "Between you and Venezuela, I mean."

"It's… complicated," Spain said. "But… to actually speak to one of them… Portugal was right. They really have it out for me. He… He told me about how they performed experiments on my regions."

Ukraine gasped, hands flying to her mouth. Several of the others shifted nervously.

"He also told me… That it's possible for a nation to commit suicide by creating an heir," Spain said. "Madrid did that. He transferred his strength and memories to create a new version of himself, which is somewhere in the city, and then he…"

Spain couldn't finish his statement.

"How do you know that he's speaking the truth?" Russia asked. "After all, the sudden revelation is a bit suspicious, don't you think?"

"I realise that I might be a trap," Spain said. "Which is why I reached out first. Madrid is definitely in the city. He's alive. And he's out of their hands. And I didn't realise that he was out there!"

"You feel bad that you didn't realise you had a sibling out there that needed you," China said, a knowing look on his face.

Spain looked towards China, hoping that he managed to convey his gratitude through his eyes.

"Even so," Russia said, "this new method sounds very suspicious. Transferring your consciousness to create another being…"

"It's one of the few times a nation can create life," China sighed. "And it's completely possible."

"How do you know?" Hong Kong asked.

"Did you experiment with something like this?" Vietnam asked suspiciously.

"No," China sighed. "You see… that's how I was born."

There was silence as they all processed what China said.

"What do you mean?" Laos asked.

China closed his eyes, his expression growing distant.

"The truth is, I'm not as old as you've been led to believe," China said. "I emerged a century before the Shang dynasty, in 1800 BCE. Before me, there was someone else. Another China. He was with the Xia. There… Something happened that caused him to give into despair. He couldn't handle it anymore. He'd hoped to surrender. That he could die. But unless someone killed him, or if a child nation was born in his place, that was impossible. That's when he tried to find a way to make a child nation to replace him. Me. When he saw that it was a success, and after determining that I could do his job, he… he ended his own life. He never realised that I shared his memories. The thing that caused him to lose hope… It's part of my own memories as well."

Everyone was silent as they processed the information. No one knew what to say. They had grown used to China mentioning things he knew, suspecting that he had done things like those as well. Some of them knew that China had done things subtly that they might not have agreed with. But to hear that he was actually the result of something that Requiem had learned through experimentation confused them. And then there were the circumstances. They knew that nations suffered through many hardships, but they didn't realise that China had been born from a nation losing all hope to live.

China turned his attention to Spain, and the Mediterranean nation widened his eyes. The way China looked at him…

"That region will be lost and confused, with the memories of the previous version hanging over his head," China said. "And something like this isn't done because a nation was happy. It's something that happens when a nation has surrendered everything resembling hope. That is a heavy burden on a young nation, or region, as the case may be. I also know what it's like to suffer through all of that alone. And you just found out that you had a younger sibling after getting used to the idea that they were all gone." China closed his eyes. "I lost my little brother. And the idea that something might happen to my provinces fills me with fear. I also know that something's happening to Tibet, but I can't do anything to help him. So… Even though I think it might be a trap… if you want to go look for Madrid, then I'll come with you."

Spain gasped in surprise. Out of everything that China could have said, that was not what he expected it to be.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"So…" Vietnam said. "You're making a decision out of sentimentality instead of self-preservation?" She paused. "You… are China, right?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" China demanded.

"…I'll come too," Ukraine said.

"And me too," France said.

The others exchanged looks.

"…I'll come too," Thailand said.

Spain smiled. His intention had been to warn the others of his plan. He hadn't thought that anyone would want to help him in this crazy task.

…

The Alvora nations were still travelling with Ganesha, searching for India. Having a god on their side, especially considering their close encounter with the Greek pantheon earlier, made them feel more at ease, and it also minimised the risk of Requiem attacking them.

Ganesha suddenly stopped, and the nations turned to him in concern. Without warning, he adjusted his course, prompting the nations to follow after him.

After a few hallways, the elephant-headed god came to a stop. The nations could immediately see why, as a blue-skinned figure was carrying a prone one. Israel stepped closer, not believing his eyes.

"Raj," he whispered.

He ran up to Vishnu and India, and India wearily opened his eyes when he sensed his approach. He gave a weak smile as Vishnu put him down, still supporting him.

"Hey David," India gasped.

Israel threw his arms around India, but things didn't go as planned. The two cried out in pain as Israel jumped away, and the places where they made contact appeared burned.

"W-what just happened?" Israel asked.

"I-I don't know," India responded.

Vishnu frowned, before he placed one of his hands on India's head. His eyes widened in surprise.

"There's a curse placed on you," he said.

"What?" India asked, a note of fear in his voice.

"What did they do?" Israel demanded.

Vishnu was silent for a moment, before he narrowed his eyes.

"The two of you aren't allowed to touch," Vishnu said. "If you do, then you'll cause each other a great amount of pain."

"Not allowed to touch?" Israel repeated, his eyes widening.

"No…" India whispered, trembling slightly. "Can you undo it?"

Vishnu sighed.

"Not here," he said. "Not now. But I have to admit, the magic involved is quite sophisticated."

"Alright then," North Korea interrupted. "We've found Raj, and we found Gilbert. We need to leave before something else happens."

"Wait," India said. "Bangladesh, Myanmar and Tibet. We need to save them as well. I can't… leave them."

The others shared looks, and Ganesha frowned.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "You look as though you've been through a lot. I'd thought you'd want to get away from this place as soon as possible."

"And I don't want my friends to remain here," India said. "The things they only hinted at… I can't just…"

"I agree," Prussia said. "I've only been here a short time. I think. But if they were doing the things they did to me to any of the others… It's not a fate I would wish on anyone."

Lithuania pursed his lips.

"We've seen some of the results last time," Lithuania said. "Uganda was lobotomised, DRC still seems confused, Tunisia's utterly traumatised… I agree that we need to get them out as soon as possible."

The two gods shared a look, obviously not liking the idea.

"…I can see their point," Malaysia sighed. "And besides, getting Requiem's prisoners away from them could cause a lot of damage. We get to rescue nations while dealing a blow to our enemies."

"The problem lies in the gods they've gathered here," Vishnu said.

"I can always call Will," North sighed. "Ask him if the Celtic pantheon would be willing to help."

"You're really going to do this?" Ganesha asked, looking around. He sighed when he realised that the nations were intent on helping the others. "We'll see if we can arrange with some of the others to help as well."

Haiti's shoulders slumped. He was thinking of his own deities that came to help, and while they liked him, they weren't in the habit of doing big favours for nothing. And fighting other deities was certainly a big favour.

…

Many of the African nations had taken advantage of the fact that they were allowed to go outside. Some of them were sunbathing, others were swimming. Ecuador and Angola were keeping an eye on them, mostly in case Requiem attacked.

Which was why, when there was a flash with three figures suddenly falling into the water, the joyful atmosphere died, instantly replaced by worry and suspicion. It was only when the three figures reached the surface that Ecuador and Angola visibly relaxed.

"You could have given us a bit of warning," Ecuador said. "That way, you wouldn't have scared all of us half to death! Or did you forget that we're in a war?"

The other nations were confused, but the fact that Ecuador spoke so amiably to these three made them all relax. Though, some of them couldn't help but feel as though at least one of them looked familiar.

Namibia gasped when she locked eyes with the blonde figure, standing up.

"Why do you look like a younger version of Anika?" Namibia asked.

The blonde grinned, floating in the water.

"It's because we're sisters," she said. "I'm Houtbaai."

Those that knew their South African geography immediately winced upon learning of the teen's identity. Hout Bay was located in the bombed Cape Town.

"Where were you this whole time?" Zimbabwe asked, looking at the teen with pity.

"She was with me," the other female of the trio said. "Before the meeting, Anika sent her over to me, in case something happened. Which it did. I've been playing babysitter this whole time."

"That's not very nice," Hout Bay pouted. "When did I need babysitting?"

"When you were loopy from all the pain medication and comparing me to a gladiator."

Hout Bay blushed when the other reminded her.

"And… you are?" Tanzania asked.

"Western Sahara," the girl introduced.

Many of them widened their eyes. Now that she mentioned it, they could clearly recognise her, though she was a bit different with her hair down and wet.

"And I'm Khoisan," the third introduced. "The two South Africas call me 'grandpa'."

"What?!" Namibia and Zimbabwe exclaimed.

"How…?" Namibia asked. "Why?"

"I'd think that would be obvious," Angola casually said. "So, what brings you here?"

"I heard there's trouble with Themba," Khoisan said.

The other nations, particularly those close to Black, all sobered when they heard the old man's words. A group of them had moved to help the other three out of the water, though Hout Bay seemed a bit reluctant to do so.

"We'll take you to Themba," Angola said, glancing at the other nations. "If you want, you can come in for a short while. We're lucky that it wasn't someone from Requiem this time. But next time…"

"You don't have to tell us twice," Rwanda said. "We'll go in."

…

Botswana sighed in defeat, shaking his head. He lowered his hands, before looking apologetically between Morocco and Black.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I can't figure out what the cause for this is."

"It's alright," Black said. "Who knows? Maybe this will heal on its own?"

"And if it doesn't?" Morocco asked. "What are we going to do? You can't fight Requiem while you're blind."

"I'll get used to it. You'll see."

"But that would still take time. I don't want you to be in a vulnerable position against them. I don't think my heart would be able to take it."

Botswana felt as though he was intruding. And he was also very confused. He never imagined that Black could have been in such a loving relationship, and with Morocco, of all people. He'd never really seen the two of them interact before, and his mind was still trying to process it. He'd seen the two South Africas with Brazil several times, so White and Brazil didn't surprise him as much. Out of all the Alvora pairings he'd heard of, White and Brazil were most likely the least surprising of the bunch.

He also wondered if being part of a strange pairing was a requirement for Alvora. And if so, who would he be with?

He was startled out of his thoughts when he heard movement, and he turned around to see Angola and Ecuador, followed by three figures. He recognised the blonde girl who frankly looked like a younger version of White, with her hair tied into a braid. But it was the old man that drew his attention.

Why did he seem familiar?

"You made it!" Morocco said, getting up to greet the new arrivals.

"What's going on?" Black asked. "Who is it?"

The old man sighed, shaking his head.

"Themba, why are you so reckless?" he asked.

Black's eyes widened when he heard the other's voice.

"Umkhulu?" he asked.

Botswana's eyes widened as well. Grandpa. He knew that there was only one person that Black and White addressed as such. So, this was Khoisan. He didn't look ancient, but appeared to be in his late fifties. For a nation, that was a lot. It was rare for a nation to gain the physical age of forty, regardless of how long they lived.

And the fact that Khoisan was still alive made him feel even more respect for the man.

"So, I hear you need my help," Khoisan said. "Could you explain what happened?"

Botswana listened idly as Black explained how he ended up this way. Botswana kept his eyes on Khoisan, who nodded every now and again, as though he was understanding something that Botswana could only guess at. Finally, the story was finished, and the old man opened his mouth to speak.

"Let me take a look," he said.

Botswana gave him room as he approached, placing his hands on Black's head. He was surprised that Black held still, and he subconsciously held his breath. Finally, Khoisan moved away, looking a bit perturbed.

"The one that did this to you was powerful, as well as very angry," he said. "Not only did he scramble your mind, he also placed a curse."

"How do we break it?" Morocco asked.

"A temporary death," Khoisan said. "Committed by the person he loves the most, and who loves him the most."

Botswana's eyes widened, and he looked between Black and Morocco. Morocco seemed to have lost several shades of her skin tone, and Black swallowed nervously.

"I trust you," he said. "Do it."