Thanks to an anon for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 3

Canada was playing with Kumajiro outside. Inside, he knew that England was busy with America, and watching the two made Canada feel funny inside. His chest hurt, eyes and throat hurt, and he wanted nothing more than to go to them, but they would always stop what they were doing when he came close or they would act as though they didn't notice him.

He looked up when he heard a carriage stop. He watched as a man dressed in fancy clothes climbed out, and at first he thought that it was Papa France, but the man was too dark.

The man approached the door but paused, turning towards Canada. The child shrank back as the man smiled and bent down to his level.

"Hello, little one," the man greeted. "Are you one of Inglaterra's colonies?"

Canada hid behind Kumajiro as he nodded. The man went down to his knees, ensuring that he was even closer to Canada's level.

"Do you have a name, little one?" the man asked. "I'm Portugal."

"I'm… Canada," Canada said quietly.

"Nice to meet you, Canada. Is Inglaterra inside?"

Canada nodded. Portugal straightened and held out his hand.

"Why don't we go together?" Portugal asked. "It's almost time for lunch, isn't it? You wouldn't want to miss it."

Canada hesitantly took Portugal's hand. Together, they made their way to the door, and England was happy to see Portugal, and pleased to see that Canada was alright.

For the rest of Portugal's stay, Canada would often find himself in the company of the older nation, when Portugal wasn't busy with England. It was almost as though Portugal tried to make sure that he wasn't too lonely.

Elydoar growled as he pushed that memory aside. He always made sure to go through the memories of his host to ensure that he had enough knowledge about their loved ones as possible. That way, he could have fun with the host's loved ones, and he would get to torture both. And even though he felt sympathy for this one, it was still in his nature to plague the host with the realisation of what they're doing under Elydoar's control. With each death, their resistance dies, and the tighter he had a hold on this body.

Of course, this particular set of memories couldn't be used on that nation. He'd already marked that nation, and he was honour-bound not to kill him. Well, he could always tear down that other nation's spirit, but without a death that would further secure his hold on his host, it would only be a bother, and wouldn't serve a greater purpose. He could still do it for fun, though.

He thought further about the nation of Portugal. He didn't really have much ammunition. The best he could get was that they didn't go out for coffee, and that he had invoked America's party on Canada's birthday. All other memories that involved Portugal that he had seen so far were relatively happy. It didn't seem as though Portugal ever forgot Canada.

But there was something else he noticed in the memories with Portugal. It was subtle, and if Elydoar hadn't been an empath demon, he might not have picked up on it. But he was almost sure that Portugal held affection for Canada. That could prove to be a problem in the future.

Still, nations appeared to have the same mentality as humans. And Elydoar knew what would affect Portugal, and prevent him from being a problem.

Now, he just had to move past the banishment spell. The idea of what he could do to nations, and the effect their deaths would have on the mortal world at large… Oh yes, Elydoar could see himself enjoying his time in this body.

…

"Will this work?" Germany asked, peering at the circle.

"As long as Elydoar doesn't return before it's finished, and as long as no one interferes with the circle, then it should," England said.

England, Romania, Norway and Egypt were working on a magic circle. They had instructed everyone to steer clear from the area. England also instructed the others on the elements of the circle. Everyone was still shaken from the deaths that they had witnessed, and they were too scared to do anything that would endanger them.

Spain also hovered near Portugal, who looked as though he was close to a mental breakdown. Portugal kept thinking about the look in Canada's eyes. The demon inside Canada. Spain had explained what had happened, and Portugal wished that he had gone to Canada for his birthday, instead of waiting for America's birthday. Perhaps, if Portugal had been there, Canada wouldn't be like this.

Portugal knew that Spain was worried about him, but he ignored his brother. It didn't help that Norway had suggested that Portugal should be heavily involved in the exorcism. Since the demon wouldn't kill him, he was the best person to be front and centre for the entire thing. And Portugal didn't know how he felt about it.

Of course, he wanted to save Canada, but he didn't want to cause any more problems. What if he messed up? What if he made things worse than they already were? What if he hurt Canada?

He could still remember the first time he met Canada. He remembered seeing the little boy playing with the little bear on the grass. The little boy that hid behind the bear. His shyness was endearing, but as the years went by, Portugal realised that part of the shyness was because Canada wasn't used to any attention placed on him.

And he could understand how Canada felt. He knew what it was like to be overlooked in favour of his brother. And of course both of them had to put up with foolish brothers. That was what caused him to go to Canada and reach out to him. And through sympathy, he became fond, and at some point, it became more. And he wondered if it would have changed anything if he'd said it to Canada before.

"You don't have to go through with this," Spain said. "This doesn't concern you."

"But it does," Portugal said. "Antonio… I love him. And I want to help him."

Spain looked at him sadly. This was the first time that Portugal really said it to anyone. France managed to figure it out on his own, and had been a confidant to Portugal regarding Canada. But now France was dead, and Portugal had no one to turn to regarding his feelings and fears. And he needed to alleviate fears.

"I'm worried that we wouldn't be able to rescue him," Portugal said. "I'm also scared that some part of him is still aware of what's happening. The demon killed his brother, father and uncle. I'm scared of what this would do to Canada himself."

"I see…" Spain said. "How long have you been in love with him?"

"A few years, I guess. Not that it matters. You heard what England said about the empath demon going for those close to the host. People the host cares about. And apparently, the demon decided to keep me alive. Which means, it doesn't consider me a threat. Which means…"

"Canada doesn't feel the same about you."

Portugal flinched. England had explained to them all exactly how empath demons worked. And when he heard that they went after those that the host was close to, he realised that he didn't really matter to Canada. After all, the demon granted him mercy. Portugal wouldn't be killed. But he might as well have been.

His hand went inside his pocket again. He felt Canada's gift, and he hoped that they were able to free Canada. Again, he wondered what would have happened if he'd gone to give the gift earlier.

"Alright," England said, and Portugal snapped back to attention. "The circle is complete. Now, when Elydoar returns, he'll be drawn to the circle."

"And then what?" Romano asked. "We just wait for him to pick us off? Why are we even still here?"

"Because the banishment spell created a temporary protection spell," Norway stated matter-of-factly. "Which means that this is currently the safest place to be. But go on to the hotel, if you're worried. The protection doesn't reach there, but I'm sure you'll be safe."

Romano flinched and drew back. That was also the argument used to put a few other nations in their place earlier.

"We just need a vessel to contain the demon," England said. "A box or a piece of jewellery. A necklace, preferably."

Again, Portugal's hand went to his pocket. He knew that his gift would be perfect, but he didn't want to sacrifice his gift to Canada. He wanted to believe that Canada would be freed, and he didn't want Canada to lose the only birthday gift for that.

"Oh, I know of a box!" Lithuania exclaimed. "I can go find it!"

"That would be appreciated," England said, before turning to Portugal. "We'll need you to hold the box open."

"I still don't like this," Spain said.

"Elydoar won't harm Miguel. He would lash out to the one holding the box, but he can't kill him. If he accidentally does, then he'll lose his energy and he will lose his grip. He's honour-bound. A contract. And contracts are very important for demons. He's going to do everything in his power to prevent that from happening. So Miguel is the safest person to hold the box."

"And if that demon decides to find another way to lash out? It won't kill him, but it can hurt him."

"Antonio, it's alright," Portugal interrupted. "I'm prepared to do this. Even without the mark, I would have done it."

England cleared his throat.

"Miguel, could I have a word with you?" England asked. "Alone?"

Portugal felt a cold weight settle in his stomach, but he still nodded his head and followed after England. He had a feeling he knew what this was about, and although France appeared alright with it, the times when England was suspicious showed him that he didn't quite approve.

Finally, England turned around to face him, crossing his arms. Portugal could already feel the lecture coming. The threats.

"Tell me now, in all honesty, how you feel about Canada," England instructed.

Portugal took a deep breath and looked England straight in the eyes.

"I love him," he said. "I had every intention of giving him his birthday gift and confessing my feelings to him. I know I should have gone to his house for his birthday, but…"

England cleared his throat, and Portugal snapped to attention again.

"How long?" England asked.

"A few years," Portugal replied. "Don't worry. He wasn't still a kid when I fell in love with him. I'm not my brother."

That quip earned a slight twitch of England's lip. England sighed, closing his eyes. He looked almost in pain.

"I'm aware that my actions caused this entire thing in the first place," England said. "I've been neglecting the lad for years. I have no right to tell you to stay away from him. All I can ask you is to help him heal. Because he's going to need it. The hosts of empath demons are aware of what's happening, but they are unable to influence the outside world. And knowing Matthew…"

"The deaths are going to haunt him," Portugal sighed.

"Also, do me a favour: Call him by his human name. It would have a positive effect on him, and we might need it."

Portugal nodded. His head whipped around when he heard a scream. The two of them ran back towards the other nations, and they could see something happening inside the circle.

"Here we go," England said.

"Do I have to say anything?" Portugal asked.

"Just keep the box open, and if needed, try talking to Matthew. Leave the rest to us."

They ran over to the circle. Lithuania had already arrived with the box, and had given it to Romania, who then handed it to Portugal. The Iberian nation swallowed thickly, before opening the box. He allowed the magical nations to position him outside the circle before they took their own positions. The other nations backed up, and Portugal could feel their own nerves as though they were his own.

In the centre of the circle was what appeared to be a ball of wind, which expanded and lengthened. Portugal stared as he watched the wind becoming a humanoid shape, before the wind blew outwards. Portugal instinctively took a step back from the force. The wind settled, and his heart clenched when he saw Canada's familiar face.

The pitch-black eyes glared at Portugal for a moment before Elydoar looked around him. He growled when he realised that he was in a circle, and his face twisted into an especially vicious snarl when he saw England.

"You dare?!" Elydoar snarled.

England immediately started to chant. Since he was the only one who knew how to deal with this particular demon, the others could only offer their power to him. Elydoar winced, taking a step back before trying to force his way out of the circle.

Portugal flinched when the box in his hands started to vibrate. Romania turned towards him.

"Keep your grip on that box, no matter what," Romania instructed.

Elydoar turned his attention back to Portugal, and he could see the absolute hatred in Elydoar's eyes. Canada's eyes. He tried not to think about it as he tightened his grip on the box, even as it continued to vibrate.

The demon's eyes then flickered to the side. Portugal turned around when he heard a scream, and he turned cold when he saw Spain clawing at his throat.

"Don't move!" Norway instructed.

Portugal saw Romano rushing towards Spain, and he wrenched his gaze away. He looked at Elydoar's sneer, an expression that was truly horrifying to see on that sweet face. Portugal tried to ignore the sounds behind him as the vibration increased.

He cried out in shock when he realised that now the box was growing warmer. He gritted his teeth, trying to persevere. He knew that he was instrumental in freeing Canada, and when Canada was freed, everyone else would be safe as well.

"Stop! It hurts!"

Portugal had closed his eyes to endure the growing pain, but his eyes snapped open when he heard that voice. Canada was in the centre of the circle, his eyes normal and looking afraid.

"Don't be fooled!" Norway said. "The demon is still inside. He's trying to distract you."

Portugal turned back towards the box. It was still vibrating and growing hotter. He then turned his attention back to England, who was still chanting. Romania and Egypt had also started tentatively chanting, probably having picked up what England was chanting and trying to increase the power of the chant.

Elydoar screamed, and Portugal's grip tightened on the box to prevent himself from dropping it in order to cover his ears. The sound was horrifying, and he couldn't imagine hearing it from Canada's mouth again.

More wind blew outwards, and Portugal screamed in pain. It felt as though he was cut by a hundred blades. His face felt wet, and when he looked down at his hands, he saw that they were bleeding from cuts as well.

More nations were screaming around them, and some were making their way towards the exit. Portugal couldn't blame them.

"No!" Norway called out. "Don't run!"

Portugal felt someone collide with him from behind, and he instinctively stepped forward to brace himself. Elydoar's head swivelled back to Portugal and he grinned. Portugal looked down at his feet and felt himself pale.

His right foot was on top of the circle.

"No…" Norway muttered.

There was another burst of energy, and Portugal felt himself fly backwards. He still gripped the box, but he could feel something else leaving his pocket. He turned to see Canada's gift lying next to him on the floor.

Norway, England, Romania and Egypt had been knocked away as well. Elydoar grinned as he stepped out of the circle, making his way towards Portugal. Portugal reached out to get the gift before Elydoar grabbed him by the throat, lifting him up in the air.

"I told you, I wouldn't kill you," Elydoar hissed. "But I would hurt you if you interfere."

Portugal screamed in pain as he felt as though he was being electrocuted. His grip on the box loosened, and it fell to the ground. Tears pricked in his eyes as he felt the failure wash over him. He couldn't look into Canada's eyes now. He couldn't help him.

"All for nothing," Elydoar hissed. "But if it's any consolation, your call made him feel good, up until you mentioned his brother's birthday. Even the only person that remembered him brought up his brother."

"That's not true," Portugal spat. He remembered what England said about trying to talk to Canada. "Matteo, I only asked you about it because I wanted to see you."

Elydoar recoiled, as though he had been slapped. This encouraged Portugal, and he knew that he had to continue.

"Matteo, I've been looking for any excuse to see you," Portugal continued. "To spend time with you. And I wanted to give you this." He held up the small packet with Canada's gift. "Matteo, this is your birthday gift. France helped me with it."

Elydoar roared, but beneath the demonic voice, Portugal could hear a familiar voice. Tears fell after he heard it.

"Why?"

"Why did I want to get you a gift?" Portugal asked. "Why do I want to see you? Why do I want to spend time with you? The answer is simple, once you think about it. Matteo, I'm in love with you."

Elydoar screamed in pain. Portugal's eyes shifted towards England, before they widened as he was dropped to the ground.

"Miguel, grab the box!" England called out.

Portugal reached out to grab the box again, ignoring the heat. They had to finish this.