A/N: You guys have no idea how excited I am for this chapter and the chapter that's going to follow. Not today, but next week. Also, just a side note (and a minor spoiler for this week), I am introducing Japan this week. However, I'm not going to be writing in his accent. Just a heads up. K, let's get to it!

"Terra, please," France pounded on the bathroom door, "Let me in."

"No!" I had it completely barricaded. Against the door, I had a towel rack, a free-standing toilet paper holder, a plunger, the scale, and all of my body weight. no one was getting in this bathroom without my say so.

"But Terra," he whined, sliding down the door, no doubt dramatically swooning, "It's your first world meeting. Please let me in the bathroom."

"No!"

"Bloody hell," Britain joined in on the fun, "Why are you two shouting?"

"Your daughter has locked herself in the bathroom," France filled him in, "I fear she's going through a phase."

"No," I corrected him, "That's bullshit. France had his fun yesterday. I am not his Barbie doll anymore."

"See?" France jumped on the defensive, "I told you. She's going through a phase. Let Papa love you!"

"Frances," Britain spoke softer, "Leave her alone."

"But...!"

"No." Thank God Britain took my side, "Leave her alone."

"But Angleterre..." France begged, "It's her first world meeting! I want her to make a good first impression on the others."

"And she will," Britain assured, "She probably knows mostly everyone anyway."

"I do!" I confirmed, "I met Italy and Germany at Tio's house while you two were in the country."

"She's a big girl," Britain reiterated, "If you're really so desperate to get someone ready...I suppose you could always help me."

I love you, Britain. I realize and fully understand how big of a bullet you're taking for me. After the events of yesterday, I know exactly what it's like to be left alone with France for the day. It's fun. Don't get me wrong. But France seems to have a never-ending supply of energy and I'm too old for so much of that at once. Hell, I'm still reeling from yesterday. I just don't have it in me now.

"Trust me, cheri," France sighed out, "You're definitely my proverbial white whale. Nothing would make me happier than to burn half your wardrobe alone. But you wouldn't be the same. I love you, but Terra would me more fun. She's more attracted to color than you are. Grayscale can only do so much. And then, there's..."

Now, I understand what was going on. It's not that Britain was throwing himself under the bus. He was buying me time. When it came to France's catty critiques, Britain was a stone wall. France could go off on his tangent all he wanted. Again. I love you, Britain. And right now, I don't deserve you.

In all seriousness, though, I still had to get ready. France had a point. It is my first world meeting. I should probably look respectable. Even though I've made quite a few friends since I've been here, I'm sure I haven't met everyone. I looked through the closet in the bathroom and threw a quick outfit together. Nothing too exciting. A short white dress. A few touches of gold here and there. After a spin in the mirror, I had to admit. I looked pretty damn cute. Alright. I can go to the world meeting now. But first, I should probably put everything against the door back.

"They were in style at the time!" Britain argued.

"When the world had no style!" France snapped, "I swear, Angleterre. I'm so glad your punk phase was short lived."

"I thought you said you liked my plaid pants, Frog."

"The shape? Yes. The way they showed off those subtle, yet delicious curves of yours...Mon dieu. I may need a glass of wine and a cigarette after that."

"Well?" I walked out of the bathroom, fully dressed and ready to leave. Before those two made memories in my memory foam, "As riveting as it is to hear about Britain's punk phase. Good enough to make a good first impression?"

"Aww, Terra!" France picked me up and spun me around the room, "You look so cute, cheri. Like a little ball of sunshine."

"Thank you, Papa," I smiled, doing my best to regain my balance, "Can we go now?"

"So eager," France kissed my cheek, "Yes. We can go. Go find some shoes, sweetheart."

"But..." I gave him a look, "I don't want to wear any shoes. Can't I just go barefoot?"

"Really?" Britain wondered, "But that's so indecent."

"What?" I stuck my leg up, flexing my cute, little toes, "Because you can see my feet, that makes me indecent?"

"And the fact that you just flashed me your knickers," he covered his eyes, "But we can unravel that later."

"Which ones were they?" France wondered, "Just curious."

"I've never seen Care Bears in quite that context before."

"Cheer Bear," I clarified, settling France's curiosities.

"Oh!" he knew exactly which ones I was talking about. I swear, France knew my wardrobe better than I do. Mostly because he picked most of it out.

"Right then," Britain bounced on his toes, "Shall we? We do have world meeting to get to, do we not?"

"Yes, we do," France ran out ahead of us.

"Hey, Britain," I grabbed his arm.

"What's the matter, Terra?" Britain stopped in his tracks, "Are you alright?"

Without another thought, I threw my arms around him, hugging him tight, "Thank you. I really do appreciate what you did for me."

"You're welcome," he cradled me against his chest, "I knew he was just going to ramble on. I'm glad you caught my mental telepathy. France can be a handful, but he really does mean well. All of his manic energy does come from a place of love."

"It's sweet," I rested my head on his shoulder, "But I don't have it in me today."

"It doesn't take much for him to go overboard," Britain chuckled a bit, "But before he figures out we're talking about him, we really do need to be going. If we're late, I'll never hear the end of it."

"From who?" I took his arm.

"Your brother," he rolled his eyes, "I drilled it into his head when he was younger to always be punctual and if I'm ever late for anything, he won't hesitate to call me out on it."

"I'm assuming this is America, not Canada?"

"If you'll pardon the vulgarity," Britain explained, "Canada wouldn't say shit if he had a mouthful. Of course, it's America. Come along. Before your father starts to worry and your brother jumps down my throat."

The world meeting hall. Something about it felt like a cathedral. To think, all the countries come here to discuss their current state of affairs and their political climates and their philosophies. I bet this hall has been filled with some of the greatest minds to ever exist. And I couldn't wait to hear what everyone had to say.

"LOOK AT THIS AWESOME CAN PYRAMID I MADE!" a loud, boisterous voice echoed through the hall. At first, I thought it was America, but the accent was too different, "I WANT TO JUMP INTO IT!"

So much for this place being a wealth of political knowledge. Not that I'm disappointed. That pyramid was pretty impressive.

"Please," France shook his head, "Just don't hurt yourself."

"You always sound like you're my mother, France! I'll be fine!" Seconds later, the cans were scattered, "Ow..."

"And this is why I yell at you like I'm your mother," France rolled his eyes, "Honestly, what am I going to do with you?"

"What are you going to do with me?" a red eyed, silver haired man emerged from the pile of tin, limping a bit.

"Prussia," Britain filled me in, "He's more of a handful than France. But not in the same way."

"And he's exasperating," France helped him onto his feet.

"You're no fun," Prussia pouted. Then, he caught me out of the corner of his eye, "Hello...Who is the cutie with you, Britain? I thought you and France were married."

"We're not married," Britain groaned, "I don't know why people think we are."

"Really?" Prussia stared blankly at Britain, "Is that the hill you're going to die on?"

"There is no hill. We're not married."

"Really?" Prussia smirked, "Well then. Hey, France!"

"Oui?"

"Who's the girl?" he looked me over, "Does Britain have a mistress we don't know about?"

"No," France clarified, "She's our adoptive lovechild, Terra. Terra, this is Prussia. You really haven't heard about her, Prussia?"

"Adoptive. Love. Child," Prussia emphasized, "And you two aren't married?"

"Dammit, Frog," Britain pouted, "Do you not ever know when to shut your mouth?"

"So, Terra," Prussia snaked me away from Britain, "Does this mean you're not with either one of them?"

"That's right…" He's cute, but I don't think I could.

"Hands off, Prussia," France snaked me back, slapping the backs of Prussia's hands, "She's not for you. She's not your territory."

Prussia looked me up and down for a second, despite France's warning, "Do you think I could bench press her?"

"No." Both France and Britain were done with him. I like Prussia. He seems like he thinks he's the coolest guy in the room, but he's kind of a huge dork. And that's why I like him. So blissfully unaware.

"Hey, dudes!" Speaking of blissfully unaware, "Terra!"

"America!" I threw myself into his arms, "I missed you."

"I miss you, too," America squeezed me tight, "I feel like I don't see you around anymore! You know. Kind of like Prussia."

"What do you mean?" Prussia wondered, "I'm right here."

"I remember when Prussia was still with us," America let out a heavy sigh, "Seems like just yesterday."

"It's right now!" Prussia squeaked, "America, I'm right here!"

"But he's gone now…" America still ignored him, "Sometimes, when it's quiet, I can still hear his voice…"

"STOP TELLING PEOPLE I'M DEAD, ALFRED! I'M STILL ALIVE!"

"I know…" America was a cheeky, little shit, wasn't he?

"Hi, Terra," a soft whisper chimed in behind me.

"Hi, Canada," I melted inside, making sure to hug him a little longer than I did our brother, "How are you?"

"Can't complain," Canada smiled, turning me into the biggest puddle.

"Wait," Prussia stopped in mid-hissy fight with America, "Canada's here?"

"Hi, Prussia," Canada's eyes began to sparkle. Aww…They had the same sparkle as France and Britain. They're so cute. Canada ran off with Prussia and the rest of us finally went into the meeting room. So many familiar faces. I knew most of the people in this room. And one in particular had caught my eye. One that I had gotten close with since I got here. But he hadn't seen me. Even though he struck me as skittish, I knew he'd be ok with me.

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders from behind, laying my head on top of his, "Hi, Romano."

"Hi, Terra," Romano got up from his chair. Only for me to steal it from him and pull him into my lap. Romano and I had a special relationship. And it didn't take long for us to become close. All it took was saving him from dealing with Italy and one little nightmare. I could cuddle this boy all day long. But he got squirmy on me, "Terra…Not in front of the other countries."

"Just let her love you, Lovi," Spain joined us shortly after, "She is France's daughter after all."

Is she, though? I don't think he had that right. I mean, sure. France did refer to me as his and Britain's lovechild, but I'm not sure that's accurate. Regardless, "Hola, Tio."

"Hola, cariña," Spain kissed the top of my head, "Welcome to your first world meeting."

"Thank you," I smiled, "It's strange. I've met mostly everyone here, but it's so weird to see them like this."

"They're not much different," he assured, "Meet anyone new?"

"I just met Prussia a little while ago," I reported.

"Oh, God," Romano groaned, "Him."

"There's nothing wrong with Prussia," Spain gave Romano a little swat to the nose, "He really is a good guy once you get to know him. Anyone else you have questions about?"

"Anyone I should be worried about?" I asked, laying my head on Romano's back.

"Not really," he took a quick look around the room, "Except for maybe Russia."

"I've met Russia," I stopped him, "Russia's a sweetheart and you can't convince me otherwise."

"If you've met Russia," Spain warned, "And you two get along, be ESPECIALLY careful around Belarus. Puta está loca, if you know what I mean."

"I'm sure she's not that bad." Although, I remember Russia giving me the same warning.

"If you live long enough to see the end of the meeting," Spain offered, "You're more than welcome to join us for the post meeting nap."

"No, thanks," I shot him down, "I appreciate the invitation, but I'm too awake to clock out."

"Alright. Your loss," he let me go, a little smile creeping across his face, "But going by the look on Romano's face, he's not going to let you."

I cranked my neck around to get a look myself. Sure enough, Romano was already sleeping peacefully in my lap, "Aww…"

"He didn't get much for sleep last night," Spain told me, "Poor thing woke up in the middle of the night crying. I didn't know what to do."

I pulled Romano's head into my chest, doing my best not to burst into tears, "He'll be alright. We all have those nights. Next time it happens, bring him to me. I bet I can get him to stop. At least long enough to get him to go back to sleep."

"You're very maternal, Terra," he awed, "You don't have kids of your own, do you?"

"I do, actually," I confirmed, "A few. But even then, I didn't like to see them upset."

"Terra, dude!" America came in a little too hot.

"Shhh…" I settled him, "Romano's asleep. What do you want, America?"

"It's not me," America turned it down a touch, "It's Russia. He knows you're here and he's looking for you."

"Ok," I nodded, "I'll be there in a second. Where is he?"

"Hiding in the potted plant in the corner."

Sure enough, I saw a lead pipe sticking out of a giant fern. I giggled a little, "Ok. I'll be there in a sec."

"Awesome!" America squeaked, effectively waking Romano.

"What the hell?" Romano snapped, "What's wrong with you, America? Don't you know what an inside voice is?"

"Uh, Lovino," Spain pointed out, "You hardly know what an inside voice is."

"NOBODY ASKED YOU!"

"Romano…" I settled him, "Can you get off my lap for a second? I promise you can go back to sleep when I get up."

"I wasn't sleeping." Ok. Sounds like bullshit, but ok.

"Alright," I wasn't going to fight him, but I managed to get up from under him, "Then, you can have your chair back."

"Ok," I kissed his forehead, turning his cheeks bright red, "Terra…I said not in front of the other countries."

"Alright," I stopped, "I'm sorry. I won't do it in front of the other countries again. But ti amo, Romano."

"Ti amo, Terra."

I left Spain to pick up the pieces and went off to find Russia. I'm not surprised Russia was hiding in a potted plant. Dare I even ask at this point? Might as well, "Russia…"

"Oh!" the fern rustled, "Hi, Terra. I see America gave you my message."

"I'm just going to come out with it," I sat on the floor, "What are you doing in a plant?"

"I heard Belarus was coming to meeting," Russia cowered, "So, I hide in plant, so she doesn't attack me."

"Oh, dear," I sighed out, "You poor, poor creature."

"Belarus isn't even coming," Romano yawned, "You're fine."

"Really?" Russia jumped out of the plant and threw his arms around me, "In that case, I could greet you more properly, Terra."

"Of course," I reveled in his embrace, noticing everyone who passed freeze. Maybe they'll finally realize Russia's not nearly the monster they make him out to be. He really is just a big teddy bear.

"RUSSIA!" a woman screeched from the door.

"Nope!" Russia jumped back into the plant. Thanks, Romano. I'm guessing that's Belarus.

"Terra," France took my hand, "Meeting's about to start. Come on. I got us a good seat."

"Ok." And so, everyone had gotten settled. It's strange how no one thought to question why there was a fern at the table, but I guess we're just rolling with it. By the looks of it, everyone I knew was here. Although, there was a spot next to Germany and Italy left empty. Strange.

"Alright then," Britain began, "We might as well address the elephant in the room. France, if you'd please."

"For those of you who haven't met this little angel," France took over, "This is Terra. I found her in an alley in Britain's backyard and she's been in our care ever since. Terra, would you care to tell the rest of them a little about yourself?"

"Me?" I wondered, suddenly feeling shy.

"Yes, cheri," France gave me a nudge, "It's alright. No one will be too harsh on you."

"Gomen…" a gentle voice came from the door, "I don't mean to be late."

"Hello, Japan," Britain ushered him in, "It's alright. Go on. Sit."

My heart stopped. One of them survived. One of them was still alive. I did all I could to keep myself from crying huge, ugly, happy tears. One of them lived…And France noticed my sudden apprehension, "Terra? Are you alright?"

"No," I shook my head, my voice incredibly strained.

"By the way," Britain directed our newcomer's attention toward me, "Japan, this is…"

"No…" His eyes lit up, welling as much as my own.

I got up from the table and pulled this angel into my arms, a few tears escaping my eyes, "Hello, Kiku…"

A/N: I may be crying. I may be crying big time. And my face may be melting off. Out of everyone, Terra knows one person. And that's Japan. I told you guys I had plans for Japan. But how, my friends? How does Terra know Japan? We'll see, won't we? Next chapter. I promise. I'm dropping a bombshell next chapter. And it's going to be a reaaaaaaaaaaaally big one. So, like always. I'll see you next chapter! xx