Thanks for the reviews! Okay, it's still a bit late for my comfort but here it is! I'll get better next time. Again, I've had a tiring weekend so even though I did check for any mistakes, I'm sorry if I missed any. I'll fix them later. Now, on with the show!
"So, what's it gonna be, boys?" Turkey grinned nastily over at the two stupid brats. "You gonna do the smart move and the sign, or will you wanna do this the painful way instead?"
"Please choose the painful option," Bulgaria begged, sounding a bit too eager. "I haven't carved up anyone with my scalpel for years."
"I, too, would appreciate having someone to torture," North Korea remarked with a toothy smirk. It's still a little hard not to feel intimidated by that.
"There is no way out of this," America said coldly, crackling his knuckles. "Sign, or me, Georgia and the other guys here will take all the time we need to convince you to do it."
A silence hung over the room with the group staring expectantly or just looking menacingly at the two brats.
The first one to grab their pen was Abkhazia, sweating bullets and looking sick with fear, and he shakily began signing the paper. Of course, South Ossetia, ever the stubborn ox to the very end, hesitated, gulped, and kept his hands down no matter how much it's obvious how terrified he was. Georgia's sure she'd never seen him this scared in their whole lives.
Georgia felt her face form into a scowl, feeling her patience growing thinner with every second South Ossetia stalling the inevitable. She was just about to bark at him when she spotted America giving Sweden a look, and the tall European nodded. What followed honestly almost made Georgia jump from her seat.
An extraordinarily horrifying psychotic smirk from Sweden was all it took for South Ossetia to barely stifle a shriek, snatch the pen and start writing.
And just like that, Georgia won.
Just like that, everything was fixed.
Everything that was wrenched from her hands over twenty years ago had been returned to her. The humans, Georgian or not, the land, the beautiful beaches of Abkhazia, all the mountains of South Ossetia, justice, it's all hers again. Hers. Just hers. Not South Ossetia's or Abkhazia's over a claim of independence that held no real meaning, and certainly not Russia's.
Especially not Russia's.
Georgia watched with anticipation as the two damn traitors finished scribbling their names, waiting for the 'magic' to finally kick in.
She felt it. It wasn't anything overwhelming, but the feeling of giddiness that followed over her victory certainly was. It's… It felt warm, pleasant, something along those lines. It's like, like something she'd been missing for so long had finally returned to her. A-And it was, it pretty much described the situation perfect and– Oh, God, she couldn't believe this.
She did it. She finally corrected her failures that irked and frustrated and made her want to scream at the sky for more than twenty years. What she'd failed to fix for two decades, she managed to pull it off in less than a day with the Order's help. No more divides. No more pain. No more ethnic cleansings. No more watching helplessly as Russia got away with everything he did to her.
Victory was finally, finally hers.
When she knew that it was done, Georgia reached out and snatched the papers away with a victorious smile. "Thank you very much, boys."
The two brats glared at her, Abkhazia more weakly than South Ossetia's, but they both looked the same amount of scared. Georgia was absolutely sure that if it weren't for Sweden breathing down their necks, they'd call her all kind sorts of politically incorrect names. Oh, but what did that matter now?
She won. She won. And there's nothing NOTHING they or Russia can do about it now, or ever!
"Well, I'm glad that's settled." America's surprisingly chipper voice cut through her inner celebration, and he waved his hand. "They're all yours, boys!"
"Wh-What?" Abkhazia stammered.
South Ossetia in particular looked like he just pissed his pants. "W-Wait, what are you–?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Norway grinned maliciously, lighting up one of his hands. "You two children have been very naughty for the past several decades, and naughty children should always be punished. And I think it's about time you children get the punishment you deserve."
"But you said that we wouldn't be harmed if we signed the–"
"Nooooo, we said that you wouldn't get harmed if you didn't sign. We never said that you'd be free and unharmed when you did sign either," Norway's grin broadened, stepping closer and closer toward the increasingly terrified brats. "Our real plans for you are so, so much worse."
"Exact words, kids," Turkey smirked as he grasped the two brats' shoulders, before cackling. "Always make sure think over the exact words. Not that it'd matter much in the end, but still, it's something you should always pay attention to."
"What are you going to do with us?" Abkhazia demanded. "What's going to happen?"
"I told you," Georgia decided to speak, still grinning and enjoying her victory. "Today's the day you two are going to pay for all that you've done. Giving your lands back to me isn't enough; I'm going to make you feel the pain of all the Georgians whose lives you've ruined."
Then Georgia could finally start having some peace in her mind.
Sweden, who despite looking as emotionless as always seemed like he's also eager to start hurting the brats, then, lifted up South Ossetia and Abkhazia by the shirts. But of course, those two weren't having any of it even though they should just call it quits and South Ossetia defiantly tried to punch Sweden. Emphasis on tried, and Georgia's at least sure that was a punch, because South Ossetia froze just as he swung his arm.
"Wh…"
Turkey burst out laughing. "Man, kids these days never look at the terms of agreement anymore, don't they?"
"The inherent carelessness of human nature must have deeply infected them." North Korea snorted derisively.
"Wh-What are you talking about?" Abkhazia asked fearfully.
"The contract, you morons," Denmark hissed, grabbing a paper from Georgia's hands and holding it up. "Right here, see? It says that neither of you will harm members of the New World Order in any manner. And since this isn't just any ordinary piece of paper…"
"Ja, made possible by my magical expertise!" Norway proudly added from the side.
"That's hardly relevant right now, Norway, but sure," Denmark rolled his eyes, ignoring Norway's pout, and continued. "Point is, you guys are now no better than humans, and you can't hurt us, you're basically screwed. Nothing more to say."
Oh, so those were the 'bonuses' Norway mentioned before. Wow, they are neat.
"That's impossible!" South Ossetia exclaimed.
"Oh, nothing is impossible with the power of magic!" Norway proclaimed dramatically, spreading his arms and all, before suddenly deflating. "Okay, maybe some things are impossible even for me, but for the most part, it is not impossible!"
"This can't be!" South Ossetia exclaimed hysterically, looking around frantically while Georgia just snorted. "You – You haven't won –"
Iran just smiled and grabbed South Ossetia's arm. "Yes, yes, you're still in denial. Cute, really cute. Can we drag them away, now?"
"Yeah, let's find a room where people are less likely to hear the screaming." America nodded with a small smile before turning towards Georgia. "Come on, Bedisa, Uncle Patrick, might as well learn how we do torture too."
"Okay!" Georgia happily stood up from her chair and followed along, Ireland doing the same.
"You – You can't do this!" Abkhazia started screaming as Sweden effortlessly dragged him away no matter how he struggled. "You can't get away with – OW!"
Norway stood grinning with smoke coming from one of his fingers "Oh, but I believe we just did, land and all. Save your voice for the screaming, okay?"
"It doesn't matter if you're practically humans now. We'll just play with you…" Turkey cracked his knuckles, wearing the most sadistic grin on his face. "Until. You. Break."
/ / / / /
"What do you mean England's been attacked?!"
His shouting was soon followed by a pained grunt. Raising his voice hurt a lot more than he cared to admit, but that's hardly important right now.
What was important; however, was that the idiot of the day (and that was really saying something after everything he saw and found out today) had gotten attacked and probably had been too fucking intoxicated to even react except to slurr 'who the bloody hell are you?' before getting introduced to a world of pain.
Goddamit. How many more surprises were there going to be today?
"C-Calm down, Germany-san–"
"Calm down?! Verdammt, Japan, how do you expect me to be calm after–"
Mind racing, Germany tried to sit up with medium success despite his aching ribs and limbs, but it seemed Japan wasn't going to have any of that either.
"P-Please stay down, Germany-san," Japan anxiously said, rushing over to stop Germany from sitting up. "You are in no condition to–"
"I know damn well I'm no condition to anything that involves getting off the damn bed!" Germany growled irately at him. Maybe he's being a too harsh, but after that bombshell?
First France got capture by the enemy (which included two of his bloodthirsty vengeful ex-colonies), then something happened with the nations that remained behind that they stubbornly won't tell him about until he's 'chillaxed' enough in Belize's own words, and now this?! God must really delight in dropping one problem after another on him.
"What the hell happened, Japan?! What did that dumkopf get himself into this time?"
"I-I am getting to that, but please, calm down and lie back on the bed." Japan pleaded shakily, sweat trailing down his face.
"I don't need to-"
"I think you do," Japan uncharacteristically cut him off, Germany could see now that his friend was tired too. "Forgive me, but I do not think straining yourself will fix anything."
After spending several seconds scowling but doing nothing, out of habit from his own stubbornness, and after some grumbling, Germany lied back down.
Alright, maybe that was poor behavior on his part, Germany grudgingly acknowledged. Japan's right. Yelling and shouting in anger and disbelief won't do himself any favors, especially not for his throat after how much he had to throw up.
When he finally got his act together, he looked up at Japan. "Alright, I'm not sitting up anymore. Now tell me how England screwed himself over again."
"W-Well, as I said, a few agents were the ones who stumbled upon England-san," Japan began explaining, looking a little uncomfortable by Germany's stare. "It seems that his repeated insistence on nuking America and others have drawn concerns from his government, and so they sent people out to find him."
"Hm," Germany grunted in acknowledgement. Good on them, he supposed. "And let me guess, they found him injured in an alley."
"Essentially, yes." Japan nodded, and he began to look queasy as he spoke the next sentence. "They said that they found him lying in a pool of his own blood with several lacerations, broken bones and twisted limbs."
Germany felt himself blanche. Alright, now he's feeling a lot more worried for England.
A part of Germany, however, which had been left very exhausted by all the idiocy and insanity he saw today, felt darkly satisfied at hearing that England had gotten a sort of comeuppance after the amount of immaturity he had shown today, not to mention his idiotic plan to cause a nuclear apocalypse. The rest of him, however, was stressed beyond belief and even a little glad, because he didn't need to hear that they lost another nation today.
As troublesome as he proved to be today, he's still a fellow nation, a powerful one at that. He'd be plenty of help when he (hopefully) becomes sane and not as moronic after an extensive tongue lashing from every single nation here.
Germany frowned deeply, before another question crossed his mind. "Is he dead?"
"He was dying when they found him," Japan answered uncomfortable, and Germany felt a pang of pity, despite everything. "Very, very slowly, despite all his injuries. And according to the agent I spoke with on the phone, he somehow managed to remain alive throughout the entire journey to the hospital and even when they began tending to him."
He blinked in surprise. "Wait, what? But how…?"
Even nations had their limits to how much punishment their bodies could take before dying.
"Yes. The humans were quite surprised too. This might be stating the obvious or perhaps not, but it is in my opinion that whoever attacked him made sure to leave in a state that'd prolong his agony for as long as possible."
Germany clenched his fists, even though they ached along with the rest of his body, tightly. An extreme sadist must've been the one who attacked him, although from the members he had encountered and had been told about today, that clue didn't narrow it down that much.
"Who attacked him?" Germany asked, although now that he said it, it's obvious they couldn't know the answer.
"A-Ah, we do not know Germany-san." Japan said remorsefully. "Th-There was apparently no evidence left behind that could indicate who the culprit could be. Only England-san could possibly know the answer."
Germany sighed at that. So, they had no choice but to wait, huh?
"The government has still launched an investigation though," Japan then added. "Although, pardon my pessimism, but I doubt that it'll be much help."
"Ja, probably." Germany grumbled, and he grumpily looked up at Japan again. "Is there anything else I should be told about this?"
"Not really. Except that we won't be allowed to visit him until sometime tomorrow, when England-san's boss gives us permission."
Germany muttered a few words under his breath "…Fine. It sounds reasonable."
Not that they'll just sit here and wait for him to be able to talk to them with all his limbs bended the right way. There's still many things that needed to be done but that he couldn't help out in because someone, some bastard decided to shoot up his entire government! He needed to check up on his country. He needed to organize the emergency meeting. He needed to – He needed to–
"Goddamit…" Germany gritted out through his teeth. "We need to get everyone together as soon as possible."
Japan had that concerned look again. "A-And I'm sure you'll be able to do all that when you have recovered."
"Japan, there's no time! All over the world, the Order could be out there, carrying out their damn plans while we sit here doing–"
"Germany-san–"
"Nein, don't start–"
"Please listen to me! Do not worry, Germany-san." Japan insisted in a calmer voice, and before Germany could retort, he continued. "How does this sound? We can take over the task of assembling the other nations while you stay here and rest."
Germany actually stopped and considered that, albeit reluctantly. But could he really trust them to do that? There's a chance they might be more hesitant to listen if it's not coming out of the ever-bossy Germany's mouth.
"Are you sure you can do that?" Germany asked skeptically with a raised eyebrow.
"We will do our best." Japan stated stoutly, before anxiously averting his gaze. "If that, ah, does not work out as well as we hope, then I am confident that Russia-san will be able to scare them all into attending."
"Huh," Germany hadn't thought of that. "That… could work."
"I'm sure it will." Japan assured him. "So, please rest and trust us to be able to do the work ourselves."
Germany stared for what felt like a long time, wondering if he really could leave it to them, before he relented with a few grumbles. "Fine. But don't let that Italian dumpkoff anywhere near a phone."
Japan nodded vigorously. "Oh, please trust us, Germany-san. We will not."
Why did he feel that there was more to that statement than he thought?
"Uh… Alright?" Germany wasn't quite sure what to say to that. He cleared his throat again, face stern again. "Is there… anything else, any news you need to share with me?"
"Not that I rem…" Japan trailed off for a few seconds before his eyes went wide in realization. "O-Oh, right! There is one thing I have almost forgot about to tell you. Bosnia has also been found. He has been apprehended after attempting to brutally assassinate-"
"JAPAN, MEIN GOTT, WHAT IS WITH YOU AND TAKING SO LONG IN TELLING IMPORTANT INFO– AGH!"
"D-Don't yell, Germany-san!"
/ / / / /
Herzegovina was on verge of literally crying in frustration.
Hungary won't answer her calls. Austria didn't answer either, Turkey was being vague for no good reason and he claimed that he didn't know anything about where Bosnia was. The other Yugoslavians don't have the slightest idea either. So what was she supposed to do now? Call her boss? He'll probably just dismiss her worries as always.
Herzegovina felt extremely tempted to just throw the phone to the wall, consequences and limited allowance be damned. But she was better than that... barely. What would that solve? In fact, it'll just make things even harder for her than they already were.
What's going on?
At this point, she'd just be happy if this all turned out to be a sick ploy by Bosnia to make her worried-sick about him as payback for all those times she had to drag him back home to their work by the ear, scolding him each time like the dysfunction couple they were. There, she said it. Her marriage was chaotic. Could she please have Bosnia back now? She wanted him back, please bring him back.
She wouldn't even pull his ear or smack his head if this all turned out to be a prank.
But why didn't Hungary want to talk to her?
It could be that Hungary's too busy (and it better not be with her gay porn tapes) to answer her call, or… maybe she just didn't want to talk to her for one reason or another.
Herzegovina inhaled sharply, becoming rigid.
Hungary wouldn't want to talk to her, if Turkey's right and Bosnia really was with her and Hungary didn't want Herzegovina to know–
Why though? What would she want with just Bosnia?
Herzegovina felt extremely tempted to try calling Turkey again, even though a part of her felt that it won't get any meaningful answer. But still if that man was kind enough to give her a vague clue, who said that he wouldn't do it again?
She sighed, collapsing on a chair.
There's really nothing she could actually do except try contacting nations that were probably too busy or important to give a damn about Bosnia's disappearance or just pray that Bosnia will be alright…
/ / / / /
France truly wished he could say that he wasn't feeling the slightest bit terrified right now.
But alas, even he could only increase his self-confidence and pretend he was indeed all that so much, and there's still how it was only yesterday when two of the nations present here literally cut his stomach open and ate his liver.
His now regrown liver still felt like it shouldn't belong there and he could still feel the knife–
And he saw the looks on the Africans' faces and the glints in their eyes. They're practically oozing rage and bloodlust. They had lost. Both prisoners were gone and what casualties there were on their enemies' side were safely taken away before they could get their hands on him. Everything was gone, except for France, who just happened to be a top target.
Anyone with a good brain could see what would happen to him.
Yes, the proud nation of France was scared beyond all meaning.
Did this mean that he regretted what he did?
No.
He didn't rush into what might as well be his own death with delusions of glory or imagining himself stand proud against the torture he'll surely go through, no, he knew what he was damning himself to when he made that choice that save his grumpy little sister Algeria. He knew what he was getting himself into. The liver, being frozen, that'll probably nothing compared to what else could be on his little brothers' minds.
And he knew very well that neither Morocco nor Cameroon could possibly resist not getting a shot at him.
It was the perfect plan! And quite a genius one if he said so himself, especially for one he practically came up with on the spot. Well, maybe not perfect in the sense that everyone will be able to escape save for him, but it was indeed perfect in the sense that everyone else will be able to go back to fight another day!
France had essentially screwed himself over for Algeria, he had accepted that, and he hoped that she won't blame herself. Also, he's most certainly going to go through hell. Cameroon and Morocco certainly made sure to remind him of this with their jeering words and their punches and kicks. He's pretty sure he now had a fractured rib or two.
But it didn't matter to him, in the end. He won, his little siblings were safe, and Morocco and Cameroon could focus most of their rage on him instead on other people.
And now Haiti's here. Oh, he really wasn't expecting him to show up.
Heh. Now only South Vietnam's missing, thought France bitterly with a nervous gulp.
Thoughts of terror and pain filled his mind at the sight of his boy appearing in the room, the memory of Haiti gleefully sending him a Cheshire grin while holding a wool doll of him and France himself being unable to even scream stuck out the most in particular. And he felt his blood freeze.
He did not regret what he did today, but he's pretty terrified right now.
Now Haiti's here standing over him with the most flabbergasted yet cold expression France had ever seen. . As if he found what France did to be completely unbelievable. Was it because of how suicidal it was, or that poor Haiti didn't believe he was capable of sacrificing himself for his family? Could it be both? It's hard to know what the boy's thinking behind that cold, cold stare of his.
"I can't believe you," Haiti started off bluntly, his tone dripping with resentment. "I've known you were stupid for centuries, but this is a whole new level of stupid. Like, did you even think of what you'd be getting yourself into?"
France had no reason to now answer. "Oui."
The shock became more evident on the boy's face, and he scoffed. "Fool. And yet you did it anyway?"
France nodded.
"But why? Why did you do it?" Haiti demanded, sounding very close to anger.
Swallowing his fear, France mustered up a clear response. "Come on, Hennrick… You should know the answer to that question. You still don't of me as selfish, do you…?"
Haiti contorted in rage at the question, answering France's question. He covered his face with his hands, and France could vaguely hear him muttering. "Non… Non… Must be more than that… can't be…"
Yes, that definitely answer France's question. It hurt a lot more than he thought it would've.
"Tch… I'll get my answers soon enough."
That got France's attention. Speaking of, could Haiti have been searching because… No. Surely, even he couldn't be in that much denial.
"Say, Francis," Haiti's smile became nearly feral, a needle suddenly in his right hand. "How'd you like to have a little talk with your frère? I have some questions I'd like to ask you."
France gulped.
/ / / / /
Call him crazy, but Seychelles' jumpier than he remembered.
He supposed it shouldn't come off as that much of a surprise. God knows what happened since he was off being messed with. And she's been uneasy ever since they escaped, fussing over him and stuff like that. But that didn't mean that he had to like it. He didn't like it one bit.
In fact, Mauritius really had to wonder what's happened since then. Well, he could obviously see that the others managed to get some word out. That's good news. But that's it from what he could see. And Switzerland didn't exactly bother with telling him any news from the outside, not that he'd even answer if Mauritius had asked him. Bastard…
Still, it really warmed his heart to see Seychelles smile.
"I… I really appreciate what you did for me, Michelle." Mauritius had to say, smiling gratefully at her.
"What, me?" Seychelles blink, eyes wide in surprise. "But I barely did anything – I didn't even go help rescue you. I mean, I wanted to but Francis and Egypt didn't let me."
The idea made Mauritius almost choke.
"Good," Mauritius sighed in relief. He'd never be able to live with himself if he discovered she got hurt – or worse – for him.
Seychelles looked at him, betrayed. "How could you say that, Kelvin? I–"
"Mich, I've trapped with them for a good two days." Mauritius reminded her somberly. "Those people are… are m… mo… monsters. They would've torn you apart."
"What I meant was, thanks for convincing the bigger nations to come save me." He smiled at her again, hoping that it'll make her smile too. "I didn't think they'd actually go through the trouble for a small island like me, but you convinced them, didn't you?"
Seychelle's blush answered for him.
"Merci, Michelle. I mean it."
Seychelles lowered her head. "Even though it got Francis captured?"
"I told you, that wasn't your fault." Mauritius told her quickly, feeling himself getting angry at the idea. "I don't blame you for that, and… I'm sure the others don't either. Canada's the only one who feels that way, you shouldn't listen to him."
"Forget about him. Let's talk about something else." Mauritius insisted with the best smile he could muster. "Like, what smells so good in here?"
"Well… Oh, I almost forgot! I-I brought you some food," Seychelles smiled sheepishly as she picked up a tray that Mauritius had just noticed was on the nightstand "Chinese food. I'm not sure if they fed you there, but I... I thought that maybe you'd like some?"
Mauritius perked up at the mention of food. "F-For real, Michelle? You shouldn't have!"
"It's no problem really. And, w-well, how much did they feed you… there?"
"They… gave me as… much as I needed, I guess." Mauritius said with a shrug. He'd like to remark that it wasn't enough, but he'd rather not worry her more than she already was. "Can't say it was anything good, though."
Seychelles frowned at that anyways, but didn't comment it. "Oh… Well, I hope you'll like this then. I'm sorry that we don't have anything you really like, but you like Chinese food and noodles, so–"
"Are you… kidding? I'll take it." Mauritius felt himself even grinning and eagerly tried to take the bowl of delicious noodles from her hands, exhaustion be damned. "I… I would've killed for noodles. Merci, Michelle!"
He hadn't eaten or drank anything except for Switzerland's stale food and the weird metallic wine for like, two days (there's no way only two days have passed, he still couldn't–), so seeing some quality food being brought to him made Mauritius's mouth water.
"Y-You're welcome, but please, remember to eat slowly." Seychelles instructed, trying her best to look like a strict teacher as she kept the bowl away. "Y-You said you were feeling dizzy and you really do look tired, so please…"
"Oui, but I'm sure I'll be fine."
"You're not taking this seriously!"
"Come on… Michelle, don't do this to me after I just got freed." Mauritius whined.
Seychelles stared at him some more before giving up with a sigh and handing him the plate. "Just don't eat fast, okay?"
"Deal." Mauritius eagerly took the bowl with his trembling hands and got straight to eating. Wow, this is good.
Wait a minute. What's this place, again?
"Hey… W… Where are we, again?" Mauritius looked around with a small frown after swallowing a mouthful of noodles. The place didn't look at all familiar.
"In Monsieur England's house," Seychelles answered, smiling shakily. "We, ah, needed a good place for the injured and dead nations, so… here we are."
Mauritius let that information sink in his drowsy state. He wondered why he didn't see England with the others, and he considered asking. But that question was quickly shot out of his mind when he had horrifying realization.
He could feel himself getting sick to his stomach, and he gaped at Seychelles. "Oh God, Michelle, please tell me that you didn't grab this from Angleterre's fridge."
"Goodness, non! Of course not!" Seychelles practically shrieked, looking hurt. "How can you think I'd do that to you, Kelvin?"
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, but– Then where you'd get it?"
"Um… well… A lot of us were getting hungry, but no one wanted to even touch anything on England's shelves," Seychelles started explaining, understandable grimacing. "So… Belize broke into England's safe and wanted to order some Chinese food, but then she got into an argument with China because he wanted, well, 'real' Chinese food, so they… B-But um, long story short, we ended up ordering Chinese food."
"Oh…" Mauritius blinked, not sure what to make of it. He'd ask, but he's just too happy that he finally got some real good food to care right now. "Cool."
He went back to eating, with Seychelles scolding him every now and then for slurping too fast or putting too much in his mouth, his fatigue mostly forgotten.
"Merci, Michelle." Mauritius gratefully handed her back the bowl. Man, he's starting to feel sleepy again…
Mauritius offered a weak smile, but then he returned to a frown when he realized something. "Hey, by the way, should... should you really be here, Michelle?"
Seychelles looked like she almost flinched, and then she tried not to show her anxiety. "Wh-What do you mean?"
"I mean... Should you really be around me? You know, since I..." Mauritius trailed off, his face scrunching up in discomfort. God, even he couldn't spit it out. "I-It might be dangerous to be around me. I'm not sure what they did to me, but I wouldn't live with myself if I suddenly found myself hurting you or..."
He trailed off again, and he felt disgusted with himself this time. No… He wouldn't do that to her, would he? He wouldn't latch her teeth onto her skin and tear it off and chew just like they did with him and – Oh god, what if he snapped and did that to her?
He tried – forced himself to imagine him doing that to her, and revulsion rose up his chest along with a need to gag. That… should be a good sign, right?
In classic Seychelles style, the look on her face gave it all away. "I… I guess I shouldn't be…"
"What?!"
"Y-You were supposed to be locked up in here with no visitors until they can be sure that you're… fine," Seychelles admitted slowly, saying the last word like it pained her, her eyes were downcast in guilt. "They even told me not to visit you…"
Fine. The word repeated itself in Mauritius's mind, and the dread came crashing back to him. Oh. Oh. They meant if he was gonna be dangerous or not. Well, it made sense. Even he didn't know if he's completely safe or not.
But that wasn't even what bothered him.
"Wh-Wh… Are you kidding me, Michelle?" Mauritius, suddenly feeling very, very terrified of himself. "
"I couldn't just leave you here alone!" Seychelles desperately retorted. "I couldn't stand the thought of you w-waking up in unfamiliar place all alone again, I wanted to make sure you're okay and…"
"And what?"
"I wanted to see you."
Mauritius felt his heart break at that. Oh God, did him getting capture really affect her that much?
"Hey, listen, I appreciate that'd you go that for me," Mauritius frowned. "But maybe you shouldn't stay here for long. In fact, maybe you shouldn't visit me again period."
"But–"
"I don't want to end up hurting you. Please, just… don't do it again.
Seychelles said nothing after that, instead settling for staring at him in that worried way Mauritius had been seeing a lot lately.
"What is it, Michelle? Come on, don't make that face. You can ask me anything." That I actually know the answer to.
"Are you okay?" She asked quietly, her features etched in worry for him.
Mauritius opened his mouth to automatically reply that yeah, he's just peachy, but that would be a lie, wouldn't it? He felt like crap. He felt drowsy. He felt disgusting and he still didn't have a single damn clue why. He still couldn't get that damn buzzing out of his ears. And he'd found out that France basically screwed himself over just for him.
If he looked uncomfortable or bothered, it must've really showed because Seychelles tripped over herself to rephrase her words.
"O-Oh no! I didn't mean- that'd be a really dumb question-!" Seychelles suddenly ended up stammering, which made Mauritius frown. What did she have to apologize for? "I-I mean, do you feel– um… um…"
It took an embarrassing amount of time to figure out what she really meant by that while he stared at her, and then it suddenly hit him in the face like how Morocco dumped all that cold water at him. He cringed. Do you feel different? Do you think they changed you? Do you feel even a little that you want hurt the people you care about just for kicks? That's what Seychelles was trying to say, but too nice to actually do it.
What if he was? Mauritius didn't feel that he's somehow different. But what if that's part of the whole plan? What if they did manage to mess him up and he didn't even know it? The thought struck him with terror. He felt nauseous. Great, now he felt even more disgusting on top of how shitty he's already feeling.
"Oh," Was the only thing Mauritius could say that, and he suddenly felt pretty awkward.
Already Seychelles had a look that reminded Mauritius way too much of a kicked puppy for his heart to handle, like asking Mauritius a perfectly reasonable question like that was one of the worst things she could ever do.
"I-I don't think you're acting off, I-I mean, if you ask me." Seychelles quickly assured him, which, unfortunately, barely did anything to reassure Mauritius that he'll be okay. She "You're still normal old Kelvin. B-But what d-do you think– feel?"
It'd be such an easy question to answer, if Mauritius felt that he could really trust his own head right now.
"I… Honestly? I don't know." Mauritius admitted somberly, brow furrowed. As much as he hated that, it's the truth. He didn't know the state of his own mind or even what those creeps did to him. "A lot of the stuff they did to me's a blur. And for all I know…"
He trailed off, and he shuddered.
"But, I mean, I haven't hurt anyone." Yet, a dark part of his mind seemed to whisper to him. Mauritius ignored it and just tried to smile. "At least there's that, right?"
"You almost punched Canada." Seychelles pointed out quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mauritius flinched, anger rising at the mention of that guy. He scowled, "Y-Yeah, but he had no right to talk to you like that. I wasn't going to let him bully you."
Seychelles said nothing.
"It's not your fault." He insisted, and he'll tell her that as many times as he'll need to. He snarled. "If he was so damn worried about Francis, then he shouldn't have been such a fucking coward and stay behind while Francis risked his neck for me!"
"Francis made him stay behind." Seychelles revealed, to Mauritius's surprise. "Canada really did want to come along, but Francis made him stay. It's not his fault…"
"Still doesn't give him any right to blame you for what happened." Mauritius spat, clenching his fists. "The point is, he was being an ass. I would've done the same even I wasn't all drowsy and I haven't been messed up…"
But a sliver of doubt made itself known in his mind. He choked.
"I-I mean, I would, wouldn't I…?" Mauritius trailed off, a new horror dawning on him, and his hands grasped his head, unaware of the way he was starting to shake. "I don't know… I j-just don't know…!"
Despite his pride and his desire to stay strong for Seychelles, he cried.
If there was something wrong with him, then it's only natural that he wouldn't notice, would it…?
He felt Seychelles wrap her arms around him. He didn't resist, even though he shouldn't be near her because there's no letting if he'll get the urge to kill her. He just wanted some comfort.
Or was that… the brainwashing?
Mauritius didn't know.
/ / / / /
"I-I shouldn't stay here any longer."
"What?"
"I think I've caused you enough distress, Safiyya.
"Oh, don't start with that nonsense. Look at yourself, Ike. You're in no condition to even walk."
"I should at least be able to teleport myself home. Then from there I'll–"
"Don't be ridiculous. You'd faint – No, you might even drop dead shortly after doing that."
"But I-"
"But nothing. For the tenth time, you are not at fault what happened in any way and I'll tell you that a million times again if I have to. You're staying, and if you try to leave then I'll tie you down to the couch myself."
And so, whatever protests died in the face of Western Sahara's (suicidal) stubbornness and harsh glare, and he very reluctantly consented to stay.
But Igbo still wanted to leave.
Not because he no longer wanted be in Western Sahara's presence, no, it's by staying away from her that'll benefit them both, but especially her, greatly. Hadn't Igbo hurt her enough? He hurt her – and even if that wasn't truly out of his own free will he was still corrupted into possessing a unspeakable desire to hurt her and take euphoric pleasure over doing so.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry–" Igbo had cried and sobbed, the tears freely falling from his face. He no longer forced himself to push down his pain.
"Stop apologizing, you fool." Western Sahara chided without the slightest bit of venom. She wasn't smiling, but her gaze was soft, sympathetic, if not angry. It wasn't directed at Igbo, however. "You have nothing to apologize."
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, Safiyya."
"You – or rather, the other you – did explain that you couldn't do it, even though you wanted to," Western Sahara cringed, no doubt at the memory of Igbo's altered behavior, before her expression softened again. "Like I said, it it's not your fault."
If only he found a way around that order to stay quiet…
Igbo knew, he knew during every time he visited Western Sahara and considered seeing her that he's always at risk of suddenly becoming corrupted if he so much as let something secret slip or 'misbehaved' in a way that was just unacceptable in Nigeria's eyes. He tried not to (never) think about it, to pretend that there's nothing wrong with him.
But he was also so secure in the knowledge that Nigeria wouldn't do it without a good reason and just do it solely for the fun of it. And Igbo hadn't been corrupted, twisted, brainwashed in years, almost two decades. It had gotten to the point where he had begun to slowly forget the danger and believe in the illusion that nothing could go wrong with him.
(Or was that Nigeria influencing him into a false sense of security, therefore making it all the more horrible when he did corrupt him?)
It didn't occur to him that Nigeria would use him to prevent Western Sahara from discovering the truth of where some of her siblings were. Then again, Igbo didn't know who the caller was until he overheard, so… he supposed that… he wasn't entirely at fault for that?
But he should've thought of staying far away from earshot so that if Western Sahara had been speaking to Algeria, Igbo wouldn't have been aware of it and the piece of Nigeria's will inside of him wouldn't have set off the alarm. Why didn't he think of that? If he had, then Western Sahara would've discovered where her family was. But if she did discover the truth, then she'd rebel without hesitation, and Morocco would–
Igbo winced and resisted putting a hand to his head so as not to strain himself any further. Grr, he wasn't exactly in the best state to contemplate what would've been the best outcome, even though what's done was done. His body was still in pain…
Yet still not the most painful state he had ever found himself in, Igbo noted dryly. This was even almost heavenly compared to the injuries and the agony that had been inflicted on him by Nigeria in the Civil War. But even so, it hurt.
He could bear it easily enough, but it hurt. He hissed in pain when he tried to flex one of his arms. He winced when tried to make an effort to stand up before Western Sahara halted his attempts along with reprimanding him harshly.
He was thankful that she still cared for him even after what happened, despite the now… broken trust between them.
Igbo could see it.
He wasn't blind.
He saw in the way she hesitated, in her tone when speaking with him was slightly more cautious and reserved. As much as she'd deny it, his assault left her wary of him, perhaps even afraid of being too close to him.
It's alright. Igbo didn't blame nor resent her for it.
It's… probably for the best.
/ / / / /
Hungary didn't know what to do.
She groaned miserably into her hands as she collapsed back on her temporary bed, feeling a mixture of guilt, confusion, frustration and uselessness as she stared up at the ceiling, completely at a loss at what to do with Tunisia.
Hell, she wasn't sure what's going on. If she knew, or at least had a pretty good guess, it'd sure help a lot.
"God, how rude," Hungary huffed, turning on her side to absentmindedly glare at the wall. "I keep my mouth shut about what happened, approach him for an answer after giving him some space, try to talk to him in the kindest, understanding and open-minded away possible, and he snaps at me? Some thanks I get for being nice..."
But as soon as the words went right out of her mouth, the Hungarian woman quickly felt stupid for saying that as her face twisted into a guilt-ridden grimace. Oh, what the hell's she saying? How could she say that when she didn't even for sure what happened to him?
Goodness, she kind of like Poland there with that whole 'rude' thing. Just add the valley girl accent and you've got a good impression of him!
The thought brought a small sad smile to her face, and made her heart ache more than she'd like to admit. But Hungary did her best to push that thought – and the pain – from her mind, because this wasn't about Poland, she wasn't going to make it about Poland, and she really doubted crying her eyes out would help her out in her situation here.
She chuckled humorlessly for a brief moment before going back to frowning, and she held her arms. But then again, what exactly could help her out in her situation? In her list of ideas, Hungary had nothing so far.
But… was it… really her business wondering what's going on with Tunisia? I mean, it's not like they're real friends or anything, even though Hungary pretty much saved him from his brother and Tunisia went out of his way to help her against Morocco too. She wondered if it's actually right for to butt in his issues…
Maybe Algeria could help him out instead! Wait, could she have a clue about what's bothering him? She seemed to be really involved in her brother's life. Hm… or maybe not... Judging from how Tunisia hardly spoke to Algeria after they got here and sneaked away to get away from everyone at the first opportunity, she doubted that Tunisia saw her as someone who could help him out.
It's probably none of her business, and maybe she had no right to butt in, but it felt wrong to just leave him miserable when she's probably the only one who knew something's eating away at him and willing to help.
And he looked so miserable there when Hungary found him. It's the kind of the look of someone who just went through a really traumatic experience.
She shouldn't make assumptions, she knew, but it could at least help her in trying to find a good way to approach Tunisia about his problems. Hungary needed to show that she wouldn't make fun of him, ridicule him, and blackmail him or whatever.
Yeah, Hungary already had a bit of time before visiting him to think things over, and she did use it well. Then at some point she decided that she didn't want to risk jumping to conclusions and scaring the poor guy or piss him off. He's jumpy and shaken enough as it is. So, she decided it'd be better to ask him in the nicest, gentlest and understand way possible. But we all know how well that turned out in the end.
Hmm… Well, there's no reason she couldn't try brainstorming again. She had free time and her mind's not so occupied by her worries anymore, so there's no time to start like the present!
Okay… Okay… Look at again what you know, or rather, what you saw. When you broke into that room ready to give concussions, you saw two brothers (two Muslim brothers to top it off) kissing, like romantic coupley kissing. Hungary couldn't help but gag. Which, and please correct her if she's wrong, wasn't a culture thing and so wrong in so many ways. And the two were supposed to be enemies, so they shouldn't be doing that… obviously.
Hungary wished she had more details, but she was kind of too busy carrying Liechtenstein, worried about the noises, and running in a rush of adrenaline to properly pay attention whether or not it actually looked consensual or if Morocco was assaulting him (which wouldn't be surprising considering the Morocco incident)
But one other thing she did know and that likely would disprove the Morocco-Tunisia romance theory (which already was a far-fetched theory but considering the things she'd discovered…) were the sounds and voices she heard across the hallway and while she was listening through the door. They sounded panicked, afraid.
Tunisia sounded afraid. And Hungary's sure she heard sobbing.
Oh, for the love of God, the drama-loving, tired part of her mind was really making her overthink this. The answer's as clear as day. Come on, Hungary, you saw what Morocco did to Mauritius. It's obvious what happened, and that it wasn't consensual. And you know how Muslims tend to treat people attracted to the same gender. Oh, poor thing…
What should she do then? Should she just go ask him again, in an even nicer way and try her best to make him see that he could trust her? Just like that? Sure, he might try to avoid her, but so did her victims of her frying, and Hungary's not for giving up so easily-
Just when she was getting optimistic, the door in her room burst open. It's someone who she definitely didn't expect to storm into her room.
"What did you say to my brother?" Algeria demanded with cold anger.
For a while, Hungary kind of just stared open-mouthed at the sudden intrusion and the out-of-nowhere accusation. "Huh?"
"Tunisia. What did you do? What did you say?" Algeria kept pilling accusing question or question, stepping closer to Hungary with a murderous expression.
"Why, what did he tell you?" Hungary asked with a concerned frown after she finally found her voice again. Tunisia wouldn't…
"Don't play dumb with me, Hungary!" Algeria hissed venomously, as if all of a sudden, Hungary's a freaking snake. "I know you spoke with him. After I was patched up, I was wondering where Malik had gone off and decided to ask around, and then Monaco mentioned how you were asking for him for unknown reasons just earlier..."
Hungary scowled and quietly cursed under her breath... even though she didn't really ask anyone to keep it a secret, didn't she? She did tell some people it's a private matter, but…
"…Then all of sudden, right in the middle of our little conversation, Malik came running out of a door in tears!" Algeria bit out that last part as if it actually pained her. Hungary's face softened, and she would've felt bad for her if Algeria didn't go right back to glaring at her like she just insulted her prophet or something. "I tried and tried to talk to him, but he demanded that I leave him alone."
Hungary digested all that information, and while trying to hide her increased worry for Tunisia, she tried to play it cool. "So? How is that any of my fault?"
"Well, you must've done something, as you were the last one to speak to him." Algeria said stubbornly, and she crossed her arms, eyeing her suspiciously. "And why were you seeking him out, anyway?"
Hungary decided to tell one part of the truth. "I was worried about him."
It really wasn't a lie.
Algeria narrowed her eyes sharply. "And why would you be worried about him?"
Hungary's eye twitched and she held back the urge to facepalm. She should've expected this… "You don't need to sound so suspicious, not all Westerners and people who don't agree with you are as demonic as your people make it seem. And what's wrong with caring about another nation, especially at a time like this?"
"Because you…" Algeria gritted her teeth, cutting herself and briefly looking away before glaring again at Hungary. "Don't try to avoid the question, Hungary, out with it. Why are you concerned for him?"
She sighed. Well, if she's going to be that close-minded and stubborn…
"Have you forgotten already? I was the one who found him with Morocco." Hungary pointedly reminded her, folding her arms over her chest.
Algeria flinched, as if she really did forget that detail. "Y-You were?"
"Yes, I did. Where do you think I got this chest wound from?" Hungary said flatly, pulling on the semi-fixed hole of the fabric on her chest where Morocco threw a knife at her. "It… He looked… scared, and frankly, pretty depressed."
"What did you see?" Algeria cut her off.
Hungary's eyes widened. "You mean Tunisia didn't tell you?"
"No. As I told you before, we have barely spoken at all since we returned. He's avoiding me, I know it." Algeria said with a pained expression before once again looking at Hungary it's all her fault. "So, what did you see? How did you even stumble upon him in the first place?"
"I heard crying and yelling from across the hall. Then I went and listened in from the door. I couldn't really understand what they were saying, but it didn't sound good." Hungary recounted honestly, and she felt herself grimace. "And then when I decided that I could stand around, I stormed in and I saw… Tunisia and Morocco kissing. Yuck."
An array of emotions passed over Algeria's face. First it was shock, then the expected disgust, then remorse, and then anger.
"That's it? That's all you know and saw?" Algeria asked disbelievingly.
"Before Morocco threw a knife into one of my breasts? Yes." Hungary said dryly, nodding. "Why do you ask? And why do you sound like you don't believe me?"
"Well, are you sure that you didn't waste time listening in instead of immediately rescuing my brother for more vulgar reasons?"
"No, I wasn't even sure it was Tunisia until…" Hungary trailed off, blinked, and she felt furious when she glared at Algeria. "Hold up, are you seriously trying to imply that I didn't the door sooner because I was-"
Algeria scoffed derisively. "I certainly wouldn't hold it above you. People like you find enjoyment in the most disgusting of things."
Hungary stood up, her vision flashing red. "Me? I find enjoyment in disgusting things? This is coming from the woman who just harrumphs and says 'good riddance' when Muslims, including your people, ostracize or even murder homosexuals."
"Don't you dare bring my people or religion in this, you depraved woman!"
"Ooh, depraved. I better watch it, or you might call me an infidel! I've been called worse, you know that?"
"Don't mock me! I just don't believe that you would be so concerned about the well-being of my poor brother who has suffered indignities at my brother's hands."
"I'm not like that, Algeria! If I didn't respect his feelings, then I would've blabbed about what happened to everyone."
"Well, I have a hard time believing that."
"You know, I think I see why Tunisia doesn't want to talk you." Hungary spat, crossing her arms angrily. "What, with how you and your people treat humans who don't follow your religion's rule. He's probably scared that you'll throw him off a roof or set him on fire."
"I'm his sister!" Algeria exclaimed angrily, sounding extremely offended. "How dare you think that I would do such a thing?! No, how dare you assume that my brother would–"
"Well then, you shouldn't assume that I'm enjoying any of this!"
"I've heard of the kind of things you take perverse pleasure in!"
"And I've heard the kind of shit your people do to gays!"
"You-"
"Um, Hungary-san?" In a twist, Japan's voice interrupted Algeria, and Hungary looked behind the woman to see him standing very awkwardly beneath the door frame. "
Feeling herself cool down a little "O-Oh… Japan! You… How much did you hear and… how long were you standing there."
"I have just arrived. And a-actually, I am pretty sure everyone in the house, or perhaps even the neighborhood, heard your heated discussion."
Both Hungary and Algeria turned red from embarrassment. Oh no, did this mean that Tunisia heard too?
"Anyway, I have come with some news." Japan announced, and he looked at the two warily. "I-Is this really a bad time or shall I come back later?"
"Don't worry, Japan." Algeria assured him coolly, sending one last glare at Hungary. "I can continue my discussion with Hungary another, better time."
And with that, she stomped out of the room despite how Japan stuttered protests after her. Well, that took care of that for the time being, at least.
"S-So, uh… What's the news, Kiku?" Hungary asked with a forced smiled.
"Ah, yes. England has been found, albeit horribly injured."
"Oh…" Hungary was the only thing she could say. "Well… okay."
Not that she didn't care, of course, she's glad that another problem had been solved. But… Was this really the only reason why Japan wanted to speak with her?"
But the Japan continued talking. "Also, I feel that I should inform you that Bosnia has also been found-"
Hungary froze at the name. But not even two seconds later, before she knew it, she had Japan held up by the shirt. "WHAT?"
"I-It's as I said, Hungary-san. Now, c-can you please let me go? Y-You are starting to look terrifying..."
"Where is he, Japan? What happened? Is he hurt? Did he hurt anyone?"
"W-Well, I-I…" Japan fumbled over his words, but after Hungary shook him again, he quickly started talking. "H-He has been caught violently breaking into Kensington Palace to assassinate members of the Royal Family, and had already committed quite a bit of manslaughter and even managed to kill a few of the royal family in his rampage before they managed to shoot him down."
In her shock, Japan ended up dropping to the ground. Bosnia tried to do WHAT now?
She's never going to catch a break, was she?
And a bit of a note for the last segment since I don't want any people to get the wrong idea or anything. Yes, both Hungary and Algeria were wrong in how they argued. Algeria for thinking the worst of Hungary and being close-minded and Hungary for being too hostile and giving in to anger too easily. There isn't anyone who is supposed to be definitely in the 'right' here. Of course, in the end, it's your opinion.
If you're wondering why Hungary's so particularly hostile towards Algeria, that would because of two main reasons: 1) Real life Hungary's going through trouble with the EU over the issue of not permitting entry to Muslim immigrants after seeing the wonderful results it produced in countries like England, France and Germany. So aside from being bitter over them being the reason for her troubles, Hungary's also distrustful because of the many crimes committed by Muslim immigrants (as you'd see in Sweden's current situation, for example). 2) As in canon, she's a strong supporter of gay couples, so of course she'd hold a grudge over how homosexuals tend to be treated in Muslim-majority countries, including Algeria where that sort of attitude is more than common, and how the governments seem to do next to nothing about it.
Whew. Thanks for reading. Next time's the finale for the arc, so stay tuned. Please review if you have a minute.