During the Ottoman rule – unspecified time
Serbia works in the field. There is a lot more to go. She wipes the sweat off her brow and continues weeding.
Next scene: It's night-time. The three representatives, Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia sit around the fire tired after an especially hard day. They are wearing peasant clothes. Their backs hurt, their legs are cramming and their hands are full of blisters.
"I never want to see a planted vegetable in my life" Bulgaria moans massaging his neck. The others are silent. Serbia adds another piece of wood into the fire. "Then perhaps it is better to bring a blindfold tomorrow" she adds, to tired to smile.
Greece blows air through his nose. "That damn Ottoman. Making us work so hard to pay him taxes. I am really starting to hate this place because of him."
"Yeah, tell me about it. Do not misunderstand, I love my beautiful place, but I sometimes wonder what it would be like if I lived on a less desirable location" Bulgaria says.
"Like where?" Serbia asks.
"I don't know" Bulgaria puffs. "Somewhere secluded. Where not many people want to go...Somewhere like the far north perhaps."
Greece amuses himself with this idea. "I knew people from such a place. They said it was so cold that they had to learn to build ships to travel to warmer shores, but it didn't always work because the sea would periodically freeze over."
They all chuckle.
"If you ask me, I wouldn't move for anything" Serbia says and adds melancholically "I simply dream of the day when I can decide my faith again."
The two boys sigh. "Me too" they say.
Serbia raises her head, looks around and says quietly. "Promise me this. When that day comes, we will stand united. We will help each other be free."
The two nod. We see Serbia extend her hand illuminated by the fire. The two quickly put their hand on hers. A fourth hand appears. They turn to see who it is. It's Montenegro, the only free kingdom among them.
"What? Can a guy go for a piss without you preparing a revolt?" he says.
Next scene: (1912) Many many years later. The four nations stride onto that very same field. They are dressed for battle and have their weapons ready. Meeting at the center, they look at each other knowingly. "It's time" someone says. They nod and put their hands together.
Modern times (Part 1)
It's night-time. Switzerland's phone rings. It's his emergency phone. He grumbles and answers it. "Hello" he says still half-asleep.
"Hey dude! What's up? Why do you sound like you're in a barrel?" America is heard. We see him at a party obviously enjoying himself.
"That's because I was sleeping. What is the emergency?" he asks.
"Really? It's 9:00 pm. You are a serious early bird" America's voice is heard from the phone.
Switzerland ignores this comment and clears his throat. "Actually it's 3:00 am here. Now, let's return to the relevant question. Why are you calling?"
"Oh, that. Nothing serious. Hey listen, I'm here out with some friends and we were just thinking about you. How come you never go to war?" is heard from the phone.
Switzerland stares into the wall inhaling deeply. "America, this is an my emergency phone that should be used only if a patient is experiencing deep psychological issues."
"I know, but still. I mean not a single war in two centuries?! What's the deal with that?" is heard.
"Well" he starts. "It has a lot to do with the historical..."
Loud laughter is heard. "Hey! Be quiet. I'm asking something important" America is heard yelling. Switzerland sighs extremely ticked off.
Next scene: In the morning, Switzerland enters his office with huge bags under his eyes. It is clear that he hasn't slept well. He asks his secretary for his schedule. It is completely full and even has the after-hours slot filled for 'special' clients. He is not happy about this.
Next scene: During lunch break. He is in a restaurant with his little sister Liechtenstein.
"Is something the matter? You haven't touched your food big brother" she says.
"I was just thinking about the call I received last night. What that frat boy doesn't understand is that there are other ways of fighting battles" he says serious.
The emergency phone rings. "Don't answer it. You're on a break" Liechtenstein says.
"I have to, it's an emergency phone" he says. As he answers BiH starts screaming form the other end. "Hey! You still haven't solved that Swiss frank fiasco. I've got people drowning in debt here!"
Switzerland grabs the rim of his nose. "I have done everything I can. The rest is between you and the banks" he replies to which BiH starts yelling even louder.
Next scene: Late in the afternoon. Switzerland's office. He is hiding under his desks as loud Godzilla like noises are heard. It feels like there is a huge monster battle going on and even some shattering is heard. The clients are personifications of two companies (don't worry, this is probably the only mention they will ever get). He had a misfortune of having to mediate a merger that ended up becoming a hostile takeover.
The emergency phone rings again. He answers it slowly, visibly on his last nerves. "Hey, it's Serbia. Sorry to bother you but I really really need your advice on something" we hear her voice.
We see her walking seeming distressed. She clutches to the cylinder bag she has on her back with a sweaty palm. "I'm...I'm not sure what to do. You see, I'm trying to get with the global trends but they are so...and my conscience doesn't let me sleep because I keep re-questioning should I be doing this and..."
"Serbia, hurry it up. I'm in the middle of something" he says sharply.
"Yes...okay. Um, I don't know if I should be telling you this over the phone. Are you in the office?" her voice is heard coming from the speaker as the mayhem continues. Something hits the wall, knocking the co-co clock down. His pupils turn into small dots.
"What's that noise? Are you watching a movie?" is heard from the speakers.
"No, I'm not!" he yells from the top of his lungs. I have been listening to you sh*tters all day. I haven't slept, I haven't ate and haven't had a break" he screams into the phone. She ends the call quickly without saying anything. In fact, the whole room is silent.
Switzerland yells furious. He gets out from his desk and that is where the frame ends.
Next scene: An hour later. Serbia is at an unknown bar chatting and drinking with someone. Her phone rings. She looks at it, makes a face but still answers it.
"Good evening. I am calling to apologize for my previous behavior. I shouldn't have acted that way" Switzerland is heard.
"It's fine. From what I heard, you were having a bad day" she says in a slightly sharp way. We can hear him clearing his throat: "There is no need for you to worry about my problems. Now, if you want, you can come and talk to me in half an hour. The cleaning crew will finish by then."
"Actually, I'm much better now. I talked to someone who helped me a lot" she says and cheers with Israel who is sitting at the bar next to her.
We see him holding the phone stepping on some rubble. "Oh and I might not be coming to therapy as regularly. In fact, I'm taking a break."
"Alright. May I know why?" he asks a little flustered.
"Well, remember how I told you that it isn't working for me. I guess I'm not a girl who can open up in such structured conditions. It was all too stuffy, dare I say even suffocating" we hear her say to which Switzerland carefully listens. "I'm going to try something else. An alternative form of therapy if you will. Are you mad?"
"No, not at all. You should listen to what your psyche is telling you" he replies calmly.
"Great. Thanks. See you around Europe. Bye" she says and ends the call. We see her continuing the conversation she had with Israel earlier. They seem to be having a good time. Switzerland, on the other hand, says goodbye and puts the phone down. We see that his office was completely demolished.