Thanks to FerayEs for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 114

France was still reeling from everything. So, he'd only been gone a week? Well, he supposed that it was natural that he would lose track of time in such a way. He had been dying constantly, and there was no telling how long you remained asleep when that happened. It all depended on the nature of the injury. Poisoning tended to recover the fastest, only being an hour at most.

Andorra was telling him about all the things that had happened to him since the last time they saw each other when someone knocked on the door. France tensed, still unsure of Alvora's intentions. But he was surprised to see Norway on the other side.

"I heard you might be waking up," Norway said. "How are you feeling?"

"Like something died in my throat," France rasped. "And that someone put the rest of me in a woodchipper. I didn't know you were with Alvora."

"I'm not. They rescued me earlier today, so we're in the same boat."

"Oh, I see. Andorra told me that Alvora is attacking Requiem today. You… What has it been like for you?"

Norway sighed, absently playing with his hair.

"Denmark and Switzerland kept me, along with Sweden, in a cell in the dungeon," Norway said. "Iceland brought us food, but…" He glanced towards Andorra. "My little brother is in the same boat. He's sleeping now, but he was very confused after he snapped out of it. He was… There was nothing inside him. He didn't even react when I called him 'little brother'. He didn't react to anything we said." Norway shook his head. This was the most emotional France had ever seen him. "They also liked to taunt us. The execution of our royal families. The… the severed heads of the micronations…"

"Mon dieu!" France gasped. "They really did all that?"

Norway nodded.

"They were trying to break our spirits," Norway explained. "Denmark wanted to bring back the Kalmar Union, but he wanted us to be obedient little servants with no hope of escape."

"And what now?" France asked. "Are you safe?"

"Well, both Denmark and Switzerland are dead, so unless one of the others decides to continue what they started, I think it's safe to say that we're safe."

"That's good, I suppose. What are you going to do now?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. I don't know if I want to fight against Requiem for everything that they put us through – for what they did to Iceland – or if I just want to be neutral."

"I don't think that's going to be possible," Andorra said. "Among other things that happened, they attacked Mecca, because one of Requiem's sleepers heard Saudi Arabia suggest that they're safe because they're not Alvora."

"…I'm going to assume that Saudi Arabia isn't too happy about it. What was the retaliation?"

"So far, nothing really."

"Seriously? Because I remember what happened after those Danish cartoons…"

"And Charlie Hebdo," France added.

"Oh, the Muslim community is furious," Andorra assured. "Problem is, they don't know who and how to attack. After the near-annihilation of Egypt's population, people aren't sure what to feel, or if they should act."

"What's this about Egypt's population?" France asked.

"Almost everyone in Egypt dropped dead. The children are more or less alright, but they were taken somewhere else with the people that didn't die. I think Portugal mentioned something about Egypt wanting to bring back the old religion."

"That must be his intention," Norway added. "Still, for a nation to kill most of his population… that's insane."

"That fits their profile," France sighed.

Someone cleared a throat behind Norway. They all turned to face the new arrival. Portugal smiled at them all, and turned his attention to France.

"It's about time you wake up," Portugal said. "How do you feel?"

"I've been better," France sighed.

"Do you think you're up to some dinner? I'm going to start on it soon."

France knew Portugal's food, and he knew that the other was fond of using spices. And in his current state, he didn't think that he would be able to manage it. So he shook his head.

"Non, I don't think so right now," he said. "I'll stick with the cheese and crackers."

"Alright," Portugal said. "By the way, do me a favour: Call my brother. Ever since we told him that we got you, he's been constantly calling to hear if you woke up and other reports. Honestly, he's driving me crazy."

France's eyes widened. Spain. Of course. He felt guilty that he had worried him. They might have only recently made their relationship official, but how long had France spent pining for the Spaniard?

Portugal smiled, before he handed his cell phone to France. The Frenchman noticed that Spain's number was already selected. All he would have to do was press 'dial'. And so he did it. He waited anxiously as the phone rang on the other side.

"Miguel?" Spain's voice questioned. "Is everything alright? Is it Francis? Is he okay?"

France swallowed, a smile slowly blossoming on his face. Hearing Spain's voice, and knowing that he was at the forefront of Spain's mind…

"Salut, Antonio," France said in his raspy voice.

There was silence for a moment.

"F-Francis?" Spain whispered. "Is… Y-you're awake? H-how are you feeling? Y-your voice…"

"My voice is just a bit tired after all that screaming," France said. As though wanting to emphasise that fact, he took a sip of the water they brought him. "And my body is really sore."

"But otherwise? How bad did they hurt you? What did they do to you?"

France let out a shaky breath.

"Honestly, mon amour, I don't want to talk about it on the phone," France said.

"Oh," Spain said. "Alright. So, how's Miguel and the others treating you?"

"I've only really seen Miguel, Nicolás and Norway, and only one of them is really a member of Alvora."

"Norway's there too? Sorry, we don't get a lot of information. We moved to a remote part of China. By the way, Requiem attacked some of his cities with nuclear weapons. He only woke up this afternoon."

"Is he alright? Are you alright?"

"We're all fine. China's confined to his tent, at least in theory. I'm starting to see why those kids of his keep complaining that he's stubborn. But I think a part of him enjoys seeing them so worried about him. Speaking of which, your old territories are also worried ab- Hey!"

"France, what the hell did you get yourself into?"

France blinked at the unexpected voice.

"G-Grenada?" he asked.

"Oui," she snapped. "France, you connard, do you have any idea how worried we were? We all saw Spain suffering, and when we learned that it's every time you were killed… and the things he described… Salaud, you had us worried sick!"

France winced. Grenada was a good example of why French and English influence would have to be kept apart.

"Nice to know that you care," France remarked. "With any luck, I'll see you soon. Just as long as you keep your fists to yourself. Mexico and her friends forced me to relive the Spanish Inquisition. That was a time I was hoping never to see again."

He could hear as someone else grabbed the phone, and he heard Spain's frustrated sigh on the other end.

"As you can hear, your former colonies are worried about you too," Spain said. "When do you think I can see you again?"

France glanced towards Portugal, who shrugged. Obviously, Spain was speaking loud enough for the others to hear.

"With any luck, you can be with him again tomorrow," Portugal said. "Just tell him to keep in mind that we're still in Europe, so I don't want to hear him get impatient, alright?"

France nodded, and repeated the things that Portugal said to Spain. He heard a relieved sigh on the other end.

"That's good to hear," Spain said. "Anyway, it's getting pretty late here. Thank you for calling, and I hope to see you tomorrow. Francis… I'm really happy you're safe."

"And I'm just happy to hear your voice again," France said. "I'll see you tomorrow. À demain."

He hung up and handed the phone back to Portugal, who pocketed it.

"Are you really going to let me go?" France asked.

"If I don't, my brother is going to annoy me to the point where I'll need to be admitted to the psychiatric ward," Portugal said. "Trust me, I can see absolutely no benefit from keeping you here."

France chuckled. It would seem that some things never changed. When it came to Spain, Portugal would often emphasise how foolish or annoying he thought the other was, but one could always tell from his tone that he was fond. Unless the two were fighting. Then one could tell that he was genuinely angry or annoyed with the other.

"Anyway, I'll leave you to rest," Portugal said. "Nicolás, Norway, any requests for dinner?"

"Anything with a bit of flavour," Norway said. "I swear, Denmark and Switzerland always made sure our food was as bland as possible."

France smiled slightly, before he settled back down on the pillows as Norway and Andorra left the room. In truth, he was tired, despite waking up after being dead. It was strange how that happened. He closed his eyes, hoping to get some sleep. Another knock disturbed him, and he waited a bit for the person to enter, but perhaps they were waiting for him to reply first.

"Who is it?" he called out.

Nothing happened for a moment, and then the door opened. It took France a moment to recognise the nation.

"Paraguay?" he asked.

The South American flinched, but he shuffled into the room. He avoided looking at France, a nervous look on his face.

"Is something wrong?" France prompted.

"I… I wanted to apologise," Paraguay said. "Though… You p-probably wouldn't know why…"

"I wouldn't unless you tell me. Now, what's wrong?"

Paraguay gulped, before he looked France in the eye. There was something extremely haunted in that gaze, and France's worry grew.

"I… I was k-kept by Chile and the others," Paraguay explained. "Th-the same as you. And… Th-they m-made m-me… They f-forced me to…"

"What did they force you to do?" France asked gently.

The dam broke, and Paraguay started to sob. France tried to push himself up, but Paraguay shook his head.

"They… they forced me to… to eat…" he blubbered. "I… I knew they were t-trying to… but they s-starved me, and… I-I was desperate… I-I wouldn't normally…"

"What did they force you to eat?" France asked, already dreading the answer.

Paraguay's breath hitched.

"Y-you," he whispered.

France's eyes widened, and Paraguay started to sob anew.

"W-when you w-would… When they killed you," Paraguay stammered, "then they… they harvest y-your organs and… and they would c-cook it and… and they would b-bring some for me. I knew it w-was n-nation or human but… I d-didn't know w-who… I d-didn't a-always eat, but s-sometimes… it w-was t-too much. I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!"

France watched the younger nation for a moment. Although they were friendly with each other, France would admit that he didn't spend as much time with him as he could have. This was also one of Spain's former colonies, who wasn't a psychopath, and who didn't take part in his torture. The South American looked so young now, and France felt nothing other than pity for the nation.

"Come here," France instructed.

Paraguay shuddered, but he walked closer. France pushed himself into a sitting position, and when Paraguay was close enough, he pulled the younger nation towards him and wrapped him in a hug. Paraguay's breath hitched, and France could feel him stiffen in his hold.

"It wasn't your fault," France soothed him. "They were using your weakness and desperation against you. You acted solely on survival instincts, and believe me, we've all done things we normally would never do under normal circumstances. You are not to blame."

Paraguay trembled. France smiled when the younger nation returned the hug. He sighed. It would take a while before the two of them could recover after everything that happened. But with all these nations around them that were willing to help, he was sure that they would be able to recover soon.

Faroe Islands entered the meeting room, an annoyed expression on his face.

"Seborga just called," he said. "Algeria and Myanmar were captured."

"You've got to be kidding me," Egypt muttered. "We probably should get them as soon as possible before all of Green's hard work goes to waste."

"I appreciate the consideration," Greenland commented.

"So then, what are we going to do about that group?" South Korea asked. "And what are we going to do regarding White?"

"Sudan, would you like to pay the upstart a little visit?" Egypt asked.

Sudan grinned.

"I would like that very much," he said.

"Korea, Nepal, you haven't really had a chance to have fun since running into Brahma," Egypt said. "Would you like a chance?"

Nepal and South winced at the reminder of their experience at the other Washroom, and nodded their heads. Both would see this as redemption.

"Do you mind if I go too?" Ethiopia asked. "I'd like to have a word with my neighbour."

"Of course," Egypt said. "And then, to get Algeria and Myanmar back… Would you like to accompany me, Nigeria?"

Nigeria grinned and nodded.

"What about me?" Thailand asked.

"You'll stay here and assist Green and Faroe, should they need it," Egypt said. "But still, your enthusiasm is appreciated. Eritrea and Somalia, you come with me too."

"They're the group attacking Hamza," Eritrea muttered, standing up. "It will be my personal pleasure to destroy them."

Somalia glanced towards Ethiopia, before he stood as well.

"We're also going with a few friends," Egypt stated.

No one needed any explanation to know which friends Egypt was referring to.

Algeria glared at Morocco, who only stared at her with a blank expression.

"And what makes you think we're going to chat, you traitor?" Algeria demanded.

Myanmar was also glaring at Morocco and Tunisia, though it didn't look as though he was about to say anything. He had the keen eye of someone who preferred to observe and then act according to the observation.

"Well, you are tied up, and we're surrounded by soldiers," Morocco said. "You might as well chat with us, and you can answer our questions. Such as why you consider me a traitor."

Algeria sneered.

"You really need to ask that?" she demanded. "I already told you. You claim that you wanted to change the world, and you apparently had the power. Yet you did nothing to help me. You didn't even think that I might have needed help. Instead, you decided to lie to the rest of us." Her gaze flickered towards Tunisia. "And you… You signed their little contract the moment the opportunity presented itself. You happily joined their little group."

Tunisia flinched and shrank back behind Morocco, who narrowed her eyes.

"If you want to call me a traitor, go right ahead," she said. "But leave him out of this."

Algeria chuckled.

"Of course, little Asim needs someone else to defend him," she mocked. "And you call yourself a nation? Honestly, if there's anyone that deserves to be removed from the map, it's you. Libya and I will split your territory. Question is, who will get Tunis? Or maybe we should make it easier and just turn that little town into a smoking pile of rubble."

Tunisia whimpered. It was considered a great insult to a nation when their capitals were referred to as 'towns'. Combined with the threat of having it destroyed, it could cause a lot of emotional responses.

Morocco almost lashed out, but a hand on her arm prevented that. She turned to look at Black, who was glaring down at Algeria in fury.

"I happen to know about a few creatures that would love to pick you apart," Black said. "And unlike Imane, I'm not bound by family ties. So I suggest you shut up and only answer our questions."

Algeria narrowed her eyes, but luckily kept silent.

"Now then, let's try again," Black said. "Neither of you knows magic, so someone must have brought you here. Who?"

"Seborga," Myanmar replied.

Algeria shot him a look, and he shrugged.

"The micronations can teleport, and they're not combatants," Myanmar continued. "And besides, we all know that targeting a micronation is just pathetic, so there's no harm in answering that question."

"True…" Black said. "How do you perceive your 'recruitment' into Requiem?"

Neither of them answered.

The sounds of screams outside reached their ears. Black gritted his teeth, turning to Morocco and Tunisia.

"Stay here," he ordered. "I'll see what's going on."

Morocco nodded, and Black stormed out of the tent. Algeria chuckled.

"Sounds like our allies are here," she said.

"Shut up," Morocco snapped.

Brazil and the others were eating dinner, which was mostly composed of rations. Brazil smiled fondly at White. To be honest, he was shocked when she told him about the potion that she and the others had drunk, but he was still thrilled. The idea of having children with White, and knowing that she wanted a child with him, made him extremely happy.

A nearby explosion made them all rise to their feet. South Sudan shuddered, and Brazil wrapped a protective arm around White. They could see figures appearing through the trees. Brazil tensed when he recognised the figures approaching.

"Hello there," South Korea said. "It's been a while."

North Korea swore, and South's grin widened.

"Well, looks like my dear brother is here too," South said. "Lucky me."

"What the hell are you doing here, Yong Soo?!" North demanded.

"We realised that a few pests were around here, and we came to deal with those pests. And Egypt asked one of his friends to help."

They tensed when a lion-headed man became visible through the treeline. Brazil immediately knew what this was.

"Meet Anhur," South Korea said. "Egyptian god of war."

I realised that I left Uruguay and Bolivia out when recounting the nations that died. I'll go back to fix it soon.

Egypt had over 2000 gods, so it's natural that some of them will share the same duties. And animals.

Yeah, sometimes it's possible to hear someone on a phone from a distance without the phone being on speaker. Whenever my dad calls and someone else is speaking to him, I can usually hear their conversation from both ends across the hallway in my room. So Spain was speaking loudly enough for Portugal and the others to hear the conversation too.