"So, the bastard is changing his MO. " america announced to the group. "But I have an idea! England, France,Russia, Italy and I have already been got, so I don't think he'll come for us again. This means our priority should be Germany, Japan and China." England gaped. "I can't believe America is making sense." "Me either" China agreed.
"So here's my plan," America continued, obliviously. "We lock Germany, Japan and China along in a room and used them as bait!
"And there it is." England sighed. "I am not being used as bait!" China snapped. Japan offered his opinion. "I have an idea." "Please, go ahead." France urged, pulling his hat further down over his forehead, his confidence regained with the addition of the hat.
Japan took the stand at the front of the room as England forced America to sit. "I suggest we look into this issue where this person can enter even locked rooms."
"He must either have key or pick lock, ja?" Russia noted.
"Maybe it was someone in your house?" France suggested. Russia made use of his magical metal pipe again, and France fell silent. "No one in my house would risk their life for a paintball." Russia announced coldly, smiling.
China leaned away from him with a shiver.
"Well, no one I know can pick locks." America noted. "Except Canada."
"Aren't Italians very good at pickpocketing?" France pointed out. Germany got protective over this. "Well, it wasn't Italy!" He snapped. "Pickpocketing is not the same as lockpicking!"
"Well, " Japan reasoned. "Can you prove where he was last night?" "Of course I can! He was in my house!" Germany defended. "I love to sleep with Germany!" Italy piped up. "I don't feel safe without his big muscles." "TMI, Italy!" America put in. Germany flushed. "No, it's not like that! We didn't do anything!" "You poor dog" France snickered.
"Enough!" China shouted. "I will lock myself in a room and you will watch the doors to make sure no one picks the lock. That is all."
He walked to the door with an air of finality and shoed the rest of the countries out. "Now go."
Because it was the best plan they had so far, and because no one else was bold enough to try this, the other countries allowed themselves to be chased out. Germany threaded a chain through the door and attached a padlock, then the countries hid themselves nearby to watch the door. For a few minutes, nothing happened, and they settled themselves for a long wait. Then suddenly, there was a bang from inside the locked room, and China cried out in pain. Without waiting for Germany to unlock it, Russia took hold of the chain and broke it. "Scary." Italy hid behind Germany.
China crouched on the ground, one hand to his back, wincing in pain. Red paint barely showed on his red top. Behind him lay a white notecard.
"If that had been a real bullet, you would be dead."
"Damn." Germany clenched his fists.