Thanks to Queendom of Crows, FGO, NadiaJA627 and a gues for reviewing. Now, on with the show!
(Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver OST: Ruins of Alph)
He sat cross-legged in the darkest parts of the ruins, the area with the largest traces of his power, where he could meditate and pray in peace with the highest chances of success. It was pitch-black, but he had his companion light up a torch to solve that problem. As much as he loved the dark and all its horrors, he needed lighting to know where he was and to pray.
It was a fun habit of his to visit this cursed place every now and then to get away from the infestation of lower life forms, as well as for other reasons. This was also the place where he was most likely to receive premonitions. And lately with everything that's been happening with that arrogant Italian since the last World Meeting, he'd like to see what's in store for all of them in the future.
The possibilities the demon would speak of were of a possible and preventable future after all, so that would make things easier or harder for him depending on the situation. Right now, it would probably (hopefully) be the former.
More importantly, if he received a bad omen or premonition, he'd like to use this information to help America as much as he could to prevent that future from occurring. Or at least, prevent him suffering harm or war.
He cared for that boy, and it always made him happy to see that he felt same toward him despite what his allies thought. He had a lot of potential. America must not perish.
He kept muttering words of an inverted version of his country's language until he finally came in contact with the entity he'd been meaning to speak to. Once he did, he froze and made sure to give his full attention.
He remained there, sitting still while they had their conversation, almost resembling a statue.
When it was over, he opened his eyes. After a few moments of silence, he chuckled to himself.
"So, I wasn't seeing things after all. I should've figured…" He smiled dryly. "I'd inform the Alliance of this, but I'm still not very certain of my own theories. I need to investigate further, although I'll have to do it without alerting the enemy that I'm possibly aware of their presence. I'm sure Italy already suspects I know more than I let on."
Granted, it would be much easier of the entity would just tell him instead of just dropping cryptic sentences, riddles and clues, many people had pointed it out to him to annoying degrees.
But he didn't feel any sort displeasure or annoyance at this. He should be grateful that the demon was considerate and generous enough to warn him of this. To ask more would be disrespectful, insulting. And he respected the entity far too much to even think of doing that.
So, he smiled and decided he should get straight to work later.
If he was right about one of his theories, then to stop this invisible threat, he'd see his lifelong dream come true after all. The very thought of him made him grin. His plan, which had long been put on hold due to reasons, might finally come to fruition. Ah, but he shouldn't get too excited. He could be wrong, for all he knew. Still, it was nice to know that it's a large possibility and that there's still a chance.
Well, it's time to return to his mundane city.
"Come, I think it's time we take our leave." He said nonchalantly as he shifted to his feet, wiping the dust off his clothes before his eyes trailed to his brother coolly. "I'd honestly prefer to stay, but we cannot shirk our responsibilities. So, stop pretending that you're a cheap mannequin and get moving, will you?"
"As you command, brother."
/ / / / /
(Pokémon Diamond and Pearl OST – Jubilife City (Day))
Cuba, AKA Maximo or El Máximo as he loved to call himself sometimes, was currently choking on the smoke from his cigar in yet another attempt to smoke.
Coughing and hacking for dear sweet air and desperately trying to get the damn smoke out of his system, Cuba was leaning on a wall for support as his buddy Argentina, being the cool guy he was, bothered to put his ovenbird plushie in one of his pockets to pat the Caribbean's back.
It's an… ugh… painfully well-known fact that Cuba couldn't smoke, no matter how many times he tried or what stuff he used. Could you believe it? The personification of the nation known for tobacco, Cuban cigars and stuff allergic to every smokable substance imaginable? It's embarrassing, he tells you. Really embarrassing! He's practically the laughingstock of the Caribbean any time it's brought up.
Thankfully, the title of Ultimate Laughingstock of the Caribbean still belonged to that jerk Jamaica thanks to… uh… well… you had to meet him to see why it's a little hard to take that creepy guy seriously. Didn't make him any less dangerous though…
But anyway, where was he? Oh yeah, he's in dire need of air.
Cuba kept coughing and wheezing as he felt the last of the damn smoke finally leave him, finally allowing him to breathe properly and, y'know', not die. Thank goodness, it felt like it took forever. He decided that there wasn't any danger of him fainting he stopped using the wall for the support even as he kept
Oh god… that was horrible. It's just as painful and gross as every other time he tried smoking.
"Dios mio, you never learn." Argentina's raspy voice admonished.
A vein bulged in Cuba's head, and he glared weakly at his friend. "Well you can't blame a guy for trying! I was so… 'hack!' sure that I wouldn't get an allergic reaction or choke this time."
"Except this has been, correct me if I'm wrong, the 3456th time you've attempted to smoke and failed to do so." Argentina reminded him gently, and he shook his head. "Most people would've called it quits by now, especially people with our long lifespans. I don't approve of this stubbornness of yours. It worries me."
Cuba huffed in response and straightened his jacket, a heartfelt birthday gift from the boss. "Hey, the boss thinks my stubbornness is amazing!"
Argentina tilted his head slightly, confusion in his visible eye. "Really? I… I apologize for bursting your bubble, amigo. But I clearly remember that he said that it's amazing how ridiculously stubborn a smart guy like you can be... no offense."
Cuba beamed in pride. "But he said I'm smart, and that's what matters."
"Ay… Honestly, Max, how many times are you going to put yourself through this?" Argentina said exasperatedly. "It doesn't matter if you try marijuana, tobacco, or whatever other substance there is. You're allergic to smoking. Why can't you accept that?
"Because it can't be possible for a nation to be allergic to something. There's got to be something I'm doing wrong!" Cuba insisted stubbornly, hitting his head against the wall. "I'm the proud representation of the great Cuba! My island's filled with this stuff and my people even made Cuban cigars! How is it possible for me to be allergic?"
Argentina thought about for a moment before shrugging. "Perhaps some things just aren't meant to be."
Cuba groaned loudly and slowly deflated to the ground before Argentina grabbed his wrist and forcefully hoisted him up. Man, for such a scrawny guy, Argentina's got a good grip. He weakly glared at his friend who took out his ovenbird and was too busy cuddling it to notice Cuba's totally righteous anger.
"I'm sorry, Max, but we're only wasting our time here." Argentina told him in the nicest way possible… but Cuba still felt like crap and his throat tasted like- "I think now's the time to tell you why I called you here. Believe me, it's important."
Grudgingly and knowing that this was serious, Cuba stopped glaring at Argentina and payed attention.
Well, it's about time! Oh, you want to know what's happening why Cuba's here? Then he'll tell you. Listen to this…
Yesterday he was at his house fretting and worrying over America, y'know, the boss? Yeah, Cuba was there, worried about his longtime friend because it didn't take a genius to know that the boss was stressed out from what happened at the last World Meeting. Being the loyal henchman, friend, ally and, neighbor Cuba was, he wanted to go over to America's house and help him through the stress even though he'll probably get beaten up for it…
Oh, boss. He's way too obsessed with maintaining the whole tough guy image, Cuba chuckled fondly before promptly returning to his grumpy stupor. But unfortunately, Prussia told him that the boss wasn't ready to see him or anyone yet. America barely allowed him and Romano to visit him, he said.
Cuba would've protested, but dammit, he had a lot of respect for that European. He's one of the few good ones in his area and he understood the boss even better than his own henchman did! So, begrudgingly, he backed down.
And then, well… Naturally, Cuba decided to wait for the boss to feel better enough to have him over for a visit.
Man, he thought that he was gonna spend the next week or so chewing on his fingernails or trying to smoke without choking or getting a runny nose, but he was wrong. Argentina, another good friend one of his, gave him a call. Said that they needed to talk, in person. It was important, he said.
Apparently, Argentina wanted to call the boss at first to help him investigate something, but since he didn't want to interrupt him while the boss was trying to figure out a plan… he decided to go to Cuba instead. And Cuba, since he's an awesome friend, agreed to come and help.
So, he went aboard his private jet and flew all the way to Buenos Aires.
"Si, si, I was wondering when you'd finally tell me." Cuba rubbed the back of his head as he and Argentina resumed their walk towards the latter's favorite hangout. "Been a few hours since I got here and you've been nothing but really cryptic about why you wanted me to come all the way here. What gives, Santiago?"
Argentina tensed and hugged the ovenbird to his chest. "I thought that it'd be better if I let you rest from the jetlag and fool around a little before I tell you. I wouldn't want to drop this bombshell on you when you're tired."
Cuba had to smile at that, even though he was now more worried over what Argentina wanted to tell him. "Heh, that's very nice of you, Santiago."
"D-Don't mention it," Argentina told him earnestly, although Cuba grinned when he saw the pale nation gaze even lower. Yup, he's definitely blushing. "Also, I'd prefer to speak of the matter in private and away from… people."
He nodded towards the humans all around them going about their everyday business, and some of which stared at them as the duo passed them. Eh, but it didn't really bother either of them honestly. Sure, it could get annoying sometimes, but it came with the job. Made sense they'd be curious as to why their nation plus another popular (and amazing) nation would be doing walking through town.
But Cuba, and probably even Argentina for that matter, didn't miss how the humans almost hastily stepped out of their personification's way and how a mother even had to quickly pull her son back when he didn't do the same thing.
As long as they didn't ostracize or isolated him, then it was fine. Cuba didn't really blame them either. Just like with their group, the fact that Argentina's mental state and their safety depended entirely on an ovenbird plush toy loomed over them. They just didn't wanna risk bumping into him or causing him to drop it.
It didn't help that in the event Argentina dropped his plushie and spent too much time without it, the first person he'll attack would often be the poor bastard who 'took his friend away'.
Trying to push those depressing thoughts away, Cuba smiled and clasped his friend's shoulder. "Si, we wouldn't want people to listen in and creating a ruckus. So, where are we gonna hang out, Santiago?"
He asked this in a friendly, happy, and curious way, without much thought. But when he saw Argentina perk up by abruptly lifting his head, to the point where Cuba caught a brief glimpse of some of his face (he tried not to grimace) and his smile… a sense of dread overcome the Caribbean.
Cuba knew that smile. No, he knew what the way Argentina cheered up meant. I-It meant…
"No…" Cuba rasped as shook his head "No, no… Santiago, buddy, amigo, hermano, please don't tell me that we're going to-"
"Ooh, we're going to my favorite hangout, Max!" Argentina said cheerfully as he clapped his hands excitedly, obviously unaware of the horror on Cuba's face. "I've actually been meaning to invite you, Alfred and the others to see all the progress I've made, but all of you are always so busy whenever I bring it up…"
Because no one wanted to go to that place! And no sure as hell wanted to hurt a sweet guy like Argentina's feelings, especially since he's so passionate about it! It'd break his poor heart!
"No! Anything but that place, Santiago!"
The place Cuba was referring to was of course Argentina's rufous hornero aviary, his so-called 'pride and joy'. Now, he didn't have anything against Argentina's love and sanity dependence on birds (okay, maybe he did have a problem with the second thing), no one did. Some of them even went bird watching with him sometimes. When it came to Argentina's bird sanctuary on the other hand…
Cuba shuddered and held his arms in fear while Argentina kept talking animatedly in the background. Oh, the bird sanctuary. Where could he start? First, the placed smelled horrible, and that's only putting it mildly! Argentina had tons of those ovenbirds in there, and instead of keeping them in cages, he allowed them to make nests made from mud and dung! Mud and dung! Do you have any idea how gross that was?
Second, the sound those birds make. It's not that bad, but that's only if you stay around for a short while. If you get stuck there for around an hour, then the birds' call will get really grating and drive you crazy. And these are the birds that supposedly helped Argentina's mind stay in good enough shape.
Third, when Argentina invites you to the aviary, he always wanted to share the fun of taking care of those migraine-inducing birds. In other words, you'll have to help feed all the countless ovenbirds, clean up after them, clean their mud and dung nests as well as the whole place, read them bedtime stories, and memorize their names.
Even after one trip to that place, everybody quickly dreaded ever getting invited by sweet, considerate, self-deprecating Argentina to visit his 'babies' and 'friends'. They'd all do their best to discourage Argentina, cut him off, or come up with a good excuse not to go.
And Cuba, the most genius man in the Caribbean, was so worried about the boss and what Argentina would want to tell him to come up with a good excuse to use later in case Argentina decided to drag him to the aviary!
No. He's not going there. No way!
M-Maybe Argentina will notice his discomfort with the idea and realize that this wasn't the time to clean up after birds living in mud and dung nests
But then Cuba wondered if Argentina had a hearing problem, because he kept beaming and he hugged his ovenbird lovingly to his chest. "But I'm so glad that you'll be able see what I've done with the place. I think I did the right thing."
"No! Santo Dios, please don't tell me that-"
"I'm going to show you my new house!
With that being the straw that broke the camel's back, Cuba collapsed to his knees and screamed at the heavens. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
…Wait a minute.
He did a double take once he realized that what Argentina said wasn't what he thought he was, and he gaped at the pale Latino. "Wait, what did you say?"
"Oh, Cuba, please don't kneel on the streets. You'll get your pants dirty and you might scrape your knees." Argentina softly advised him before he finally (finally!) noticed Cuba's manly tears. "But to answer your question, I said… Uh… Max? Why are you crying? Is it still from the smoking?"
Cuba blinked, and he noticed that he's kneeling on the boardwalk with his arms outstretched dramatically and that he was shedding tear. But what really made his feel like an idiot was how the humans were all staring and murmuring amongst themselves. Oh man, he just made a fool of himself in front of the humans of Buenos Aires again!
Feeling his face turned red from embarrassed, Cuba hastily got back on his feet and chuckled nervously. "Heh… heheh… Don't mind us, everybody! There's nothing to see here, so move along… please…?"
Unable to handle the shame anymore, Cuba grabbed Argentina's wrists and quickly dragged him away from the area as fast as he could (but obviously making sure that Argentina didn't accidentally drop his plushie). Well, the boss always said always knew how to make a scene…
Once they were far away enough, Cuba whipped his head to Argentina who was in that hunched position of his to hide his face and "What do you mean you're going to show me your new apartment?"
"Si, it's exactly what it sounds like. Don't you remember, Max?" Argentina sounded confused. "I moved into a new house last month. I realized how dreary and disorganized my place is, as, um, well as at how it was falling apart, so I moved into a better and, you know, newer house. I told everyone at the group's last meeting and I even gave you guys the new address."
Ohhhhhhh… Oh yeah, Argentina did mention.
"Oh, yeah, you're right. You did mention that…" Cuba said he smiled sheepishly. "Heh, my bad then. I should've known you meant that."
"Well, of course that's what I meant." Argentina tilted his head, unintentionally allowing some of the skin on his face to show. "What did you think I meant? You acted as if I was about to take you to España's house or something. I'd never do that to you."
Well, not intentionally, but…
"Yeah, what was I thinking?" Cuba chuckled nervously and he hoped Argentina wouldn't sense that he's hiding something. The South American may be mentally broken and obvlivious, but he's no idiot. "M-Maybe the smoke's messing with my brain. Let's see if I'm right…"
Cuba laughed some more and was about to inhale again from his cigar, only to find that it vanished from his fingers.
Gaping, Cuba blinked when he heard Argentina clear his throat and he saw that that scrawny stringy-haired Latino giving him a pointed glare had the cigarette between his fingers.
"I'm sorry, Max, but you're not smoking again on my watch." Argentina spoke with a firm tone and he pocketed the cigar in his pocket while Cuba yelped. "I'm doing this as a friend. I won't allow you to cause any more harm to yourself."
"No buts. No means no." Argentina was starting to sound like a parent now. "And I'm going to organize an intervention when this is over, whether you like it or not."
Cuba groaned. "Oh, come on! Again?"
/ / / / /
(Final Fantasy VII OST: Anxious Heart)
Naturally, Hungary couldn't believe what she just heard. Yes, it may sound dumb considering that she was that she was brought to another world via a spooky, scary supply closet, a world where the sun's red and it's dark all day long with different versions of the nations from her world, met three of those nations and found out that Italy's practically a dictator in this world all in the span of one day...
So, you'd probably expect that she'd stop questioning the impossibility of all these things and just go along with it. That was what Hungary actually decided on doing for the most part. It'll probably be easier for her this way.
But no, she still had to question this, despite everything.
"What do you mean you've been watching us through a mirror?!" Hungary demanded. "How the hell would you have gone and done that? How did we not see you?!"
"I'm not gonna tell you how it's possible or how we found out, lady. You don't deserve to know, at least not yet…" He grumbled that last part. "But I will tell you that Alfred's the only one who can see and vice versa... I did say that right, didn't I? Whatever. Those losers can't see me, not even that British sellout."
Oh, well, that's certainly helpful. Now she had a better understanding of it, she thought to herself sarcastically with an annoyed scowl. And what did he mean that she didn't deserve to know? She already got the spiel of the different worlds from Alfred, so why couldn't she know why Allen could apparently see Light World through a mirror.
But then Hungary remembered something Gillen mentioned earlier when he told her about how 9/11 affected Allen. He mentioned that when Allen had his breakdown, he went to every mirror in the apartment, begging America to answer him.
Huh, why didn't she question that earlier? She supposed it's because it wasn't the main focus of the story, but…
"The point is, thanks to my ability to see through the mirror to wherever Alfred's at as long as there's something, y'know, reflective enough, even windows, I had a front seat for the shitshow that is your world's politics." Allen smirked, and he clicked his tongue as he shook his head. "And boy, let me tell you. You guys suuusck."
Hungary puffed her cheeks as Allen burst into raucous laughter, but she didn't say anything to refute that. To be honest, he wasn't wrong. Politics were just an endless cycle of headaches, issues and controversy. Also, there were nations who sucked more than the Maelstrom of Saltstraumen. But why did he act like his world was any better?
"I mean, seriously, why do you even hold those damn meetings?" Allen cackled even as he plopped on a chair. "At least we get something done other than not killing each other. Sure, there's people who'd love to tear their arch-nemesis's jaw off but you gotta be careful to not show any weakness to them. If you snap or freak out at every single thing, they'll figure you'll be easy to exploit."
The words flew right out of her mouth before she could stop them, "Then how are you still alive then?"
Of course, that earned her a pissed off glare from Allen. Oh, Hungary and her big mouth.
"Because I know how to play the game." He hissed before his expression became cold and disdain, with his voice sounding lower. "Also, despite what you may think, I'm not an idiot. I may be cranky, short-tempered and a jackass sometimes, but I know better than to mess up in front of the others. We're not friends, but I'd appreciate it if you at least acknowledge that after everything I've been through."
She didn't miss how bitter he sounded when he spoke that last part, and what he said made her realize how insensitive that sounded.
Feeling a twinge of remorse, Hungary bit her lip. "You're right. That was insensitive of me. I'm sorry…"
Allen scrutinized her, as if trying to see if she really meant it. He sighed, "Fine, apology accepted. Geez, no need to look so guilty."
Hungary looked up at him, surprised. "Really?"
"What? I can be forgiving once in a while, you know." "Besides, you forgave me even after the way I treated you. If you can forgive me for that, then I don't see why I can't do the same after you said something shitty without even meaning to."
"And I guess I can understand why you'd think that, even though it still pissed me off." Allen very reluctantly and admitted, rather awkwardly too, as if he was forcing himself to say it." He briefly shot her a scowl before looking away. "I mean, I'm awesome and all kinds of badass, but… I understand that sometimes I can be a bit of an asshat."
Hungary's mouth twitched. "Sometimes?"
"Hey, we just met today, lady! Don't you fucking go off thinking you know me well enough to say that." Allen yelled with a glare that looked more hilarious than intimidating.
"Just like how you don't know me well enough to see why Alfred chose me of all people to bring to the Dark World?"
"Yep, pretty much." Allen said pretty nonchalantly before making an 'I'm watching you' gesture. "You're on my list, lady. Remember that."
Hungary only rolled her eyes and nearly snorted in amusement. "I think you've stated that at least twice already."
"Can't risk you forgetting that, can I?" Allen scoffed before blowing his hair out of his face. "Anyway, we're getting way too off-topic here, lady. I was gonna tell you why I don't like you and the other Lightners, right? You want me to give the long version or the short version?"
"Which one will help me understand you better?" Hungary asked sincerely.
"Long version it is then. Great." She honestly didn't know if he meant that sincerely or sarcastically, but she payed close attention as Allen put his hands on his suddenly expressionless face. "Tell me, lady. Do you know what it's like to see your best friend, the person you'd go to hell and back for and love with all your heart, slowly get driven past the brink by a bunch of corrupt assholes while the only thing you can do is watch?"
Hungary was a little unnerved by how bitter he sounded, but his question, even though he probably wasn't expecting her to answer, did make her think back to Poland. Oh, Poland's been through a lot of things thanks to a lot of people, and there were many times where Hungary could do nothing for him, sometimes she couldn't be comfort him.
So, yes, she did know what it's like. All the anger, guilt despair and helplessness…
Why did she had to have such rotten luck?
"As a matter of fact, I do know." Hungary responded quietly, wringing her hands.
Allen looked surprised to hear that. "You do?"
"I know the feeling very well, actually…" Hungary tried not to think too much about the past. "So I can understand where you're coming from. You… You've been watching Alfred go about his life for God knows how many years, and I guess you've also heard him talk about what he had to put up with. But you can't do anything to help him except give him comfort and reassure him that everything will be fine.
Allen stared at her with an unreadable expression. "Huh, well, what do you know? I guess you do get me at least on some level, but better than nothin' I suppose. Maybe there's hope for you, after all.
Hungary let out a sigh. "Well, I hope that this shows that- Wait, what do you mean there's hope for me after all?"
But Allen promptly ignored her question and continued, "But understanding or not, you still don't know what both of us have to deal with. That friend of yours, I reckon he lives near your place, right?"
Hungary glared at him for ignoring her, but she nodded anyways. "Poland and I are only a couple countries apart, so yes, we're not far from each other."
At the mention of Poland, Allen's face twisted into a hateful scowl. "…Poland?"
She tried not to be startled at the sudden anger again. Goodness, how many kinds of scowls did he have? Oh, but who cares about that now, Hungary? She wondered if it was a mistake mentioning Poland. She sort of forgot that Prussia mentioned that this world's Poland was one of the bad guys…
"I-Igen, I mean, yes. Poland and I are good friends, we go way back." Hungary laughed, smiling fondly while Allen stared at her like she was crazy. Wouldn't be the first time, but still, it's a little uncomfortable… "D-Don't worry, I can promise you that he's a very charming and loyal man in my world."
"Hmm…" Allen looked reluctant to accept this, but he didn't comment on it any further and moved on, "At least you two are a couple Eurotrash nations apart. Al and I, we're literally worlds apart and we gotta go through pains to make sure no one finds out. Hell, that's not the only thing that keeps us apart. Work, human trash, all kind of shit. He's the only one who can go back and forth while both of us can spy on the other through the mirror."
Hungary frowned at him. "I can see how that can be worse, but you can't say that there's no way I can relate to what you two have been through. In fact, it's our similar situations that helped us bond in the first place! Didn't Alfred tell you that?"
Allen shoulders hunched while he grumbled something in what sounded like Italian. "Fine, fine, I guess you're right… Ugh, we're getting off-topic again. Dammit, we're not supposed an angst-off over who had it worse with the friend thing. So shut your yap and let's back on track, Betsy."
"Betsy?" Hungary repeated. Was that supposed to be an insult?
"So, while we go about our lives, trying to hide that the other one exists, and whenever Al can't come for a visit, we watch each other." Allen continued on as if Hungary hadn't spoken… again. "I do it a lot more often than he does. Yeah, yeah call me a stalker or a damn creep…"
"I wasn't even thinking of it that way until you brought it up…" Hungary muttered.
"…But I'm protective, sue me." Allen threw his hands up in frustration, and Hungary was beginning to wonder if he was saying that to someone else other than her. "I've been spying on you bastards for years; I've sat through hours of your political meetings. I've seen what they've all done to him, dumping crap on them while ignoring their own crap and assholery."
Yep, that's pretty much the World Meetings in a nutshell, Hungary thought bitterly.
"And yeah, I've seen what Al did too…" Allen admitted rather begrudgingly. "Dammit, but I don't give a rat's ass about that. I don't give a damn about the war with that Asian communist bitch. It's not like the whole deal is working out that well for her anyway, it's not even truly communism! And the Middle East, they can all go to hell. They're all scum. If I could, I'd get Saudi to show them the true meaning of fear. And those Eurotrash can suck it too. I don't care about any of them."
While Hungary didn't really feel alarmed "Erm… I don't blame or judge you for hating them. I can very well understand how you feel, especially in these days. Isn't not feeling any empathy towards anyone who isn't Alfred kind of harsh? There's nations who are worth respecting, don't you think?"
She tried to put in the nicest, gentlest way she could so that she wouldn't get another glare. And guess what? Allen glared at her.
"Oh, don't try to stand up for them, Betsy. Your fellow nations are nothing but spineless, bratty, petty thugs who let a bunch of human geezers run the whole country no matter times it backfires spectacularly." Allen spat, voice dropping with hatred and disgust. "You let humans tell you what to do. You believe they can rule. Who's the bastard who came up with that idea and thought it was a good one?"
"Well, it's not like we had a choice or that we asked for things to be this way!" Hungary exclaimed, glaring at him. "And what is with you and humans? You keep insulting them but for some reason you're angry at the idea that Italy might invade you, killing humans in the process. You hate them, but they live good lives here from what I've seen."
Allen gritted his teeth, obviously displeased by the question. "I don't… hate humans, dammit."
Even he didn't sound confident of his own answer. Hungary raised an eyebrow, "Then do you just dislike them? Why keep insulting them?"
"Humans are ungrateful bastards. We nations fight tooth and nail for them, and they still insist that we're not doing enough for them." "Look, do I really to fucking explain why? I'm surprised none of you Lightners feel the same way some of us do."
Hungary recalled the refugees in England, Germany, Sweden and France, and she decided that she understood why Allen felt that way. "You still haven't answered the first question. Why do you insult humans if you treat them so well?"
Allen began to look pained. "I… I care for my people, but sometimes I wish that I didn't…"
He trailed off, and his eyes widened as if he had come across a horrifying realization.
"A-Allen?" Hungary called out, but Allen turned around and buried his face in his hands.
"No… No, don't regret it. Remember what Gil said…" She heard him say with his voice muffled, then he began going into a mantra. "Think of Washington, think of Washington, think of everyone who…"
This went on for a concerning amount of time. Hungary bit her lip and glanced around in hopes that the others have come back, but it's just the two of them. Oh, what's she doing? He may be a bit of a pain (not to mention very rude and paranoid), but it wasn't right to just stand here while he… did this!
But just as Hungary reached out a hand, Allen abruptly removed his hands from his face and turned right back around with his usual scowl on his face.
"Um…"
"Don't. Ask." Allen snarled menacingly, his red eyes appearing to flow. "Forget I did that. And don't you dare mention this to anyone, got it?"
Hungary reluctantly nodded.
"Good. And dammit, we're not getting off-topic again, Betsy." Allen growled in his usual gruffness. "Bottom line is, you guys suck. I mean, except for Alfred and by some extension you, but the rest of you suck ass."
Hungary sweatdropped. At least he's back to normal. "And who are you to talk? You still haven't told me how your world is better. Aren't there terrible countries in this world too from what you all told me?"
Allen glanced to the side, face scrunching up in distaste. "Yeah, yeah, there's crapsack countries in this world too, I'm not denying that. Again, I'm not an idiot. I'll have you know that the fact that I'm trying to say that that British, my shit of a twin brother and all my other goddamn enemies are slightly better than their dumbass counterparts makes me want to grab my bat and bash myself with it."
Weirdly specific, but alright. "But then why are you defending them?"
"Because as shitty and evil those irredeemable assholes are, they're not bratty, petty, or let those rotting humans push them around. They know how to play the game right." Allen spoke coldly. "That's one of the things that makes them a hundred times more dangerous than their counterparts. They're smart, or at least clever for the most part. You gotta be if you don't wanna be trampled by the big guns."
Hungary frowned and sat down on a chair. "Well, it doesn't sound that different from our world. The moment you let your guard down or get your words wrong, you'll get eaten up by all the frustrated and greedy little tykes. And if you're weak and you're desperate so you go to the wrong person for help…"
"Chances are, you'll end up depending on them and being their little slave 'cause you can't risk pissing them off and losing the precious stuff you get from them," Allen sneered in disgust, and he leaned back in his chair. "Man, those poor saps… Still, it's their fault for not thinking things through."
Now Hungary glared at him. "How could you say that?"
"Hey, that's how it goes in this world, lady. Completely depending on one or two nations is never a good sign." Allen shook his head in disapproval, looking strangely somber. "Dependency means weakness. Dependency means you're weak-willed. Dependency means that you lack a spine. Dependency means helplessness. Dependency means that you're a fool. Dependency means you're desperate. Dependency means vulnerability. Dependency paints a target on your back. Dependency means that you're practically guaranteed to fail."
Hungary felt compelled to argue, but Allen had good point, as harsh as it was…. Oh god, Allen had a good point.
Allen smirked wryly, as if aware how Hungary's at a loss how to respond. "Even the weakest of us are smart enough to at least stay alive in decent shape and keep their people in line, which their counterparts fail to do. They know better than to completely depend on others unless it's someone they know they can trust with their lives. Even the failures here aren't so lame like the ones in your world. Then again, everyone in your world is lame."
Again, Hungary shot him another glare, taking offense to that on her friends' behalf. Lame? Oh, Romania dog crap! Poland wasn't lame. Czechia wasn't lame. Bulgaria wasn't lame. Not even Slovakia was lame! Okay, the EU, Germany, England, France, Romania and Turkey were lame. She won't argue with that. But there's other nations who weren't lame either!
What did he know about them other than what he saw in the meetings? He didn't really know them.
"You know, back in the meeting decades ago, when Italy told us about the Light World? While a lot of his descriptions were on point, I think whoever sold your world out to that colossal asshat was ripping him off or something, cause he kept making it sound like your world is some kind of paradise where everything's all hunky-dory. Bullshit. You call that place a paradise?"
Allen laughed humorlessly while Hungary kept glaring at him.
But Allen wasn't done talking. "Those Africans of yours? Disasters. It looks like they didn't really stop to think what to do after independence, and just assumed everything will magically become better after the Europeans leave. Those Asians? Well, economy, corruption, terrorism, religious nuts, and whatnot. The South Americans? Cartels, crime, corruption and murders galore. Europe? Heh, I think you know what's wrong with them. All that brought upon themselves by their own fucking arrogance, shortsightedness and greed. Oh, and also thinking that humans could be trusted in positions of power."
That's…
"Face it, Betsy." Allen said coldly. "While both our worlds are hot messes, at least my world's not run by idiots and humans."
"You think I'm not disappointed or angry with the nations in my world? You think I don't see a good amount of them are morons?" Hungary scowled at the damn redhead, crossing her arms. "I've been spending the last several dealing with all the negative press, jeers and fines I got when I decided that I didn't want my country to turn into a multicultural wasteland."
"Yeah, so I've heard from Alfred." Allen said almost contemplatively and frowned, but Hungary didn't notice now that she got into the topic of that.
"Do you think it's easy being one of the only sane nations left in Europe? Do you really think I don't see what's wrong with my world?" Hungary's hands fisted her colorful skirt. "No, it's not easy and I'm not blind. If I was, do you really think Alfred and I would've gotten along so well?"
Allen didn't respond, instead settling on staring at her unreadably.
"I mean, I'm stuck in a corrupt union where I can be fined for defending my sovereignty and culture!" Hungary exclaimed angrily. "They can bully and strong-arm you into doing what they want, even if it'll cost your country. And worst of all, I can't leave! Even when England said he would three years ago, he still hasn't done it.
"Aw yeah… Alfred mentioned that the old British cocksucker's taking forever in the…" Allen finally spoke, scrunching up his face in confusion as he scratched his head. "Whatsit called again? Fix-it Felix?"
Hungary felt the corners of her mouth turn up. "Brexit."
"Oh…" Allen said nonchalantly, pulling up a chair. "Yeah, it's kind of like the mafia, ain't it? Once you get in, you can't leave. And if you try to leave, shitty stuff happens and you end up accomplishing nothing."
"Yeah… You're right…"
/ / / / /
'Try to bond with her,' Flavio told him. 'You know how much fun you have going on and on about someone you hate with another nation who feels the same way. I reckon you'll enjoy trash-talking the European Union with Miss Elizaveta."
Allen had no idea what to make of that at first, other than the fact that it's surprisingly… not… bad. But he didn't know how to do it, and he pretty much only did the trash-talking thing with real friends. And the lady… uh…
He just didn't know what to do. He didn't even really wanna do it, since he didn't wanna talk to the chick in the first place. But Flavio… it's real hard for Allen to disobey him, no matter how hard he tried.
Besides, every time he took a look at that chick's face, it's fucking hard not to see Erszi.
What should she think, if they told her what happened today…?
…
Well, Allen always did enjoy a good bashing…
/ / / / /
"Cazzo!"
Immediately after cursing out loud, in his anger, Italy threw yet another knife at the wall. It then got stuck on said wall along with all the other knives he threw. It's gonna cost him to repair the damage, but Italy honestly didn't give a damn.
He's been through this oh so many times in his life. Every time he found out that his brother left to waste time with America and all those other bastards without even bothering to inform him most of the time, much less say goodbye, Italy found himself brimming with an unfathomable rage and hatred towards Romano and his precious friends.
Every time, Romano always chose them over him, his own brother. But then again, who could blame sweet Romano for running away without a word? It's not like Italy was the boss of him or had any kind of authority over him. It's not like his brother needed his permission. Romano was the older sibling, after all. Italy tightly gripped his next knife. But he wished he had authority over him, he wished Romano wouldn't be so foolish.
This won't be forever, he reminded himself. If everything went according to plan as he said it would, then it's only a matter of time before Romano finally saw reason. If he didn't, then Italy will have to make him see reason.
Oh, he'll wait for his brother. And when he'll come back, and Romano always came back, Italy will finally settle this. He'll make his brother choose him.
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