This chapter is considered "Safe For Work."

***Warnings: Coarse language and Violence mention.***

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia nor the characters in this chapter. The plot is mine.***

Her eyes flew open as she slowly breathed in and then out. She blinked a couple times, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand and trying to remember. After a moment, Belarus's memory returned to her, hazy at first but slowly clearing as she rubbed her sleep laden eyes. She was in the hospital. The bastard Japan-look alike who insisted on being called Honda nearly killed her. She dozed off soon after he left. Belarus sat up and looked over at the clock. About an hour had passed since she had fallen asleep.

"It's alright…" She muttered instinctively, "You've got to move on now."

Belarus blinked a bit in surprise. It's been a while since this habit had occurred. Most likely due to the near death experience. She crawled forward and felt the front of her bed frame. Her hand made contact with a smooth, wide surface and she brought it up. The clipboard with her medical status. Eyes skimmed over the information as she flipped through the pages.

"'Treament began at 2:46 A.M… Class three blood loss… Around 2.9 liters lost… Blood transfusion will take 18 and a half hours… Release will be a day after blood transfusion is completed'," she muttered. Belarus skipped to the most recent one. "'Current status: 12 hours since the blood transfusion began. Blood transfusion has been on schedule and patient has completed 4 bags. No signs that blood type is being denied'." She tossed the clipboard to the chair, sending the small bear sitting on it to fall to the floor. "I have to stay in the hospital for two days because of that asshole."

Belarus stared blankly at the ceiling. He had left saying he had a meeting with Feliciano and Ludwig. From her memory, she could guess that those two were the other former Axis members. That air-headed Italian and the uptight German, right? But… The Japan here was a complete bastard. At least she could tolerate the one in her world. How many more bastards was she going to meet?

The door slammed open once more, ending her thoughts.

She cussed, sitting up to see her visitor had returned from his meeting. "Speak of the devil." Belarus picked up the bear from the floor and threw it at his head. He caught it casually. "You left your shitty pincushion."

Japan shook his finger. "Now, now, Ms. Arlovskaya. Speaking in front of your guests like that is impolite."

"But it's only you." Japan stepped forward to let in two other men who raised their eyebrows in surprise. He closed the door behind them and Belarus's eyes narrowed. Her hunch was correct. Before her stood the near-carbon copies of the Italy and Germany from her world. However, the way they carried themselves was… different to say the least. It was as if they were completely people. She could see it more on the Italian but if she examined Germany closely enough she could say the same for him. She turned back to Japan. "You wanted to show off the person you nearly killed? You're more insane than I thought."

He sighed. "I was expecting something more along the lines of 'oh joy, company.' But this works too." He motioned to the two men. "Feliciano Vargas, the representation of Northern Italy. Ludwig Beilschmidt, the representation of Germany." Japan nodded to her. "This is Natalya Arlovskaya, the representation of Belarus."

Italy raised an eyebrow. "But we've already met… Haven't we?" He paused for a moment, examining her the best he could from a distance. "Why are you in the hospital?" He looked over to Germany. "If Kiku harmed her, wouldn't she already have healed?"

Germany nodded in agreement, taking a seat on the window sill. "From what I know, yes, she should have." He sneered at her. "What's with the attitude?"

Japan sighed, glancing at Belarus. She just stared murderously at all of them, mostly sending daggers at her former attacker. In response, he toyed with his teddy bear. "This Belarus is not our Belarus. She comes from an alternate dimension where people like us are known as nations and they can die."

The men stared at Japan. Germany shifted in his seat. "That makes total sense."

Belarus looked over to him, disbelief scrawled across her face. "It does?"

"Of course not, I was just amusing Kiku's fantasy for a little bit. Seriously, Natalya-" His vision was suddenly clouded with white. The pillow fell from his face and into his hands. Italy started chuckling in amusement at Germany's expression whilst Japan sighed at the seething Belarus.

"She prefers to be called by her country name," Kiku explained. "However, due to the rules of this dimension, Ms. Arlovskaya has allowed us to address her by her last name. In turn, she will address us by our names."

Belarus scoffed. "The only thing I'm calling you is bastard." Japan pouted, upset his noble statement received less than satisfactory rewards. "If you really think I'm going to let you off so easily for almost killing me-"

"I don't expect you to. But I do expect you to cooperate until we find out what to do." Japan looked at his teddy bear, straightening its bow. "And if this cute toy doesn't make it up to you, I don't know what will."

Italy sighed, brushing his hair back. "Classic Kiku." He turned to Belarus. "Ms. Arlovskaya, you can address me as Feliciano. We'll try to clear this up as best we can as soon as we can."

The German huffed, throwing the pillow back into her lap. "Fine. Just call me Ludwig. If I hear any of this Mr. Beilschmidt stuff I'll feel like an old man. Being old is my brother's job." He set his hands in his lap. "But one thing has just occurred to me. If what Kiku says is true, Arlovskaya is the one that caused all the commotion last night."

Belarus raised her head, her stature stiffening. "Commotion?"

Italy nodded. "Si. There was a worldwide panic last night between the nations. Kiku has already confirmed he sensed you around the time the panic arose."

"So let's say we believe Kiku," Germany rose from his seat, standing tall. "And Arlovskaya is from another world. How did it happen?"

"I believe I said dimension." Japan turned to address Belarus. "Did you not mention Arthur was involved?"

Belarus raised an eyebrow in confusion, trying to match the name with the country. "You mean... England? Yes, he must have done something to send me here using some sort of voodoo."

"Kirkland doesn't deal with that stuff," Germany scoffed before letting his words drop. His head turned to the other two. "Does he?"

Italy shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. He prefers to keep to himself." He scratched his cheek. "Though I really wish he'd give his face a break once and a while from those smiles. It hurts to watch." Italy tilted his head towards Belarus. "He's not the only one though. The you in this world can't get enough of those fake smiles."

Belarus huffed in anger. The nerve of her in this world. Just thinking about it made her sick. On the other hand, Germany leant against the window even more. "Wait, we were just talking theoretically here-"

The redhead looked over to Germany with a stern expression. His eyelids lowered in seriousness and lips thinned. "Ludwig, I understand this must be hard to accept but I will solve all your doubts with one question." He turned back to Belarus. "Ms. Arlovskaya, could you please tell us how you feel about Ivan Braginski?"

She perked up, sitting up straight and hugging the pillow tightly. "Big Brother… I love him very much. I want to be with him but I know I shouldn't. If I could, I would, but I have proven I need to be my own person." She paused, letting her fingers dig into the covers. "I used to chase him everywhere and demand for our marriage-" Italy held up his hand, stopping her mid sentence. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as the Italian looked over to the German, his expression somewhat disgusted himself.

"Do you believe it now?"

Germany's eyes were wide and he stared at her in disbelief. He rose from his seat and over to the clipboard on the chair. His fingers flipped through the papers quickly, as if trying to make sense out of what she just said. "She may be suffering from the major blood loss-"

"Ludwig."

"-The lack of blood circulation-"

"Ludwig."

"-Thus bringing forth delusions-"

"Ludwig Beilschmidt."

"-Causing this abrupt sense of sudden devo- ouch!" Italy held the clipboard firmly in his hand, taking it away from Germany's head. Germany rubbed his head slightly as Italy began to look through the papers himself.

"Hm… Damn, Kiku, you went soft on her. Usually you'd go for a clean throat cut but instead you went for the forearm." He raised his eyes to Germany again. "Ludwig, she can't regenerate or heal quickly, she refuses to be called by her human name, and we can tell she is definitely a nation. Any other objections as to why she can't be from another world?" Germany tilted his head, still unwilling to accept the theory. "For God's sake, Ludwig, she wanted to marry Ivan. Blood loss can't change her that- MIRACLES can't change her like that."

Germany sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'll accept Arlovskaya is from a different dimension for the time being. It'll be easier on all of us." Italy flashed a satisfied smile at him. He huffed. "Back to the matter at hand, what do we do now?"

Japan scratched his head. "I'm… Not entirely sure." He sent a pleading look at Italy. "I haven't thought that far. For the most part, I found it best that Ms. Arlovskaya stays at my home-"

"No," she intercepted plainly. "If you do that, I will stab you in your sleep. Repeatedly. And you will notice nothing until you wake up in the morning and find your bed stained with so much blood you'd think you just got a fucking period."

Italy sighed. "She's a ray of sunshine, isn't she, Kiku. I wish you luck in housing her."

A small smile slipped on the Asian's face. "I'd like to see you try, Ms. Arlovskaya. Though, you must note that I am in possession of your belongings." Belarus grimaced. "Please cooperate with us until we get everything straightened-" He stopped mid sentence, feeling something off. His face contorted and he took a couple steps back.

The Italian placed a hand on his shoulder. "Kiku, what's wrong?" The Asian remained completely still and Italy shook him softly at first but grew in intensity. "Hey, Kiku!"

A large hand pushed Italy aside and Germany took a closer look at Japan. He peered into Japan's eyes and put his ear next to Japan's nose. Not taking his eyes off his patient, Germany signaled for Italy to secure the area. The redhead grabbed the chair, putting it up against the door, then made his way to the curtains, pulling them close. He flipped on the light switch as Germany continued to examine Japan.

Belarus watched in confusion from her bedside as she saw the Japanese man stand completely still. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and Italy sat at her bedside, patting her hand softly. Under other circumstances, she would have scared him off. But such a sudden halt… She felt a series of shivers travel up her spine and the room seemed to drop several degrees. Her breathing became uneven, as if panic were slowly building up inside of her. What was happening? Why did these two seem so calm about this? Why was she the one panicking? She had seen much worse, felt much worse. In a way, she would describe it as a ghost passing over her being but… eerier.

"This happens a lot here," Italy said softly, his voice barely a whisper. He seemed to notice her internal panic and continued to pat her hand in attempts to soothe her. "It really is frightening to see another nation like this." He turned face to face with Belarus. His eyes were completely sincere, as if trying to calm a frightened animal. "Does this happen in your world?" She shook her head slowly, extremely displeased at her uncontrollable fear. A feeling of dread continued to take over her and she felt the need to tear her eyes away from Japan. Despite the shivers she got from looking at Japan, Italy turned his attention to the frozen nation and his examiner. "When nations get as old as him, they tend to have these pauses in existence, usually when receiving an intense emotion. We call them lapses. So much time has passed them by that they sometimes forget they live. The reasoning is when you don't die and time seems meaningless, why exist?" Belarus kept her eyes on the two, silently watching. As much as she wanted to look away, she felt compelled to keep watching, as if she wanted to share in his eerie frozen-ness. "When they get like this, all we can hope is they keep breathing." Italy sent her a comforting smile which was immediately overlooked. He sighed in turned before looking back at the other two. "Besides, Ludwig is here. He's an expert on this stuff and no matter how gruff he is he does get attached easily."

"I can hear you from here."

Italy gave a giggle. "Yeah, I know."

Germany placed two fingers on Japan's neck, placing the same fingers on his other hand on his own neck. After a few moments, he let his hands drop. "All his vitals are good. He should only be out for a minute or so more."

Belarus pulled her hands on her lap, staring downward and relieved to finally have pulled her eyes away. Silently, her mind raced with questions that she didn't exactly know how to phrase. Finally, she sorted out the words she needed. "How... long would one of these things last?"

Germany took a seat on Belarus's bed as well, ignoring her look of indignation. Apparently her bed was free to be sat on. "The longest lapse we know of is about a month. But countries go into isolation quite a lot and aren't always monitored, so some could have lasted over a year, maybe several. In those cases, their vitals would drop, making them seem as if in a coma." He sighed. "These fucking pauses scare the crap out of anyone that is near by. It gives me the creeps..."

Italy patted his friend's shoulder. "Aw, Luddy. Don't be scared. Feli is here so there's no worries."

Germany pushed his face back. "Buzz off, idiot. I don't even know how I put up with you."

Italy stuck his tongue out teasingly. "You know you hang out with me because you enjoy my company~"

The German huffed. "As much as a cat loves baths."

"Perfect analogy! You'd stink without me!"

The blonde turned over to him, bringing out his right hand. The palm was up and thumb tucked in. He moved it left to right, keeping his wrist in place and an annoyed expression. "Mazzate, caryona?"

Italy burst out laughing, hugging his stomach. "Hai rotto le palle con il tuo italiano del cazzo."

"It's because you refuse to learn German!"

"'Life is too short to learn German.'"

"German isn't that hard to learn!"

"I do remember one German phrase."

"And what is that, little dumkopf?"

"'Die Schrecken der deutschen Sprache.'"

Italy laughed hysterically, clutching his stomach while Germany continued to fume. Their onlooker sighed. Extremely tired and bored of their antics, she pressed a hand against both of their backs and threw them off her bed. Italy proceeded to let out gasps of amusement, rolling around helplessly on the floor while the German picked himself up from the floor. He groaned and rubbed his head, sending glares at Belarus.

"I don't like you."

She narrowed her eyes. "The feeling is mutual."

"Glad we have an understanding." Germany sat on the floor now, not really interested in sitting on her bed again. He poked the rolling Italian on his stomach. "Oi, stop looking like an idiot."

"B-But! The look on! Y-Your face!" Italy continued laughing hysterically on the ground, his body quivering with giddiness. Germany sighed, completely annoyed by Italy's antics. The whole room seemed to let out a breath and the overbearing atmosphere from earlier lifted.

Belarus returned her attention to Japan as he took a breath and stepped forward, placing a hand on his chest. He gave a bewildered look at the chortling nation.

"I had... Another lapse?" He shook his head. "It doesn't matter. Right now, there seems to be other pressing matters." Germany looked up at Japan but remained seated. "Someone else just came into my country."

Italy took one more shaking breath before patting his chest. He stood up, wiping down his pants. "One of us, I assume." He turned to Germany. "Clear the room." The German obliged, opening the curtains and placing the chair next to the bed. He sat in it for a moment before remembering Belarus. Glaring at her, he picked it up and set it next to the door instead, to listen if anyone approached.

Japan rubbed his chest. "I don't seem to recognize who it is just yet... Maybe because it was so sudden-" A vibrating sound interrupted him. He felt around in his pocket and pulled out his phone. The Asian looked up at Italy who nodded. Japan slid his thumb across the screen, setting it on speaker. "Moshi moshi."

"Honda, it's me."

Belarus cringed at the sound of his voice. She could recognize it anywhere, even in this foreign dimension. Despite knowing exactly who it was, she felt something different about this one. He seemed to speak softer and more concise. In her split moment of observing, she concluded that it must just be the fact that he was heard on speaker. Then again, it seemed like the one on the other line was on speaker too.

"Hello, Alfred. What is the purpose of this call?"

"I just arrived in your country." Italy started exchanging glances with Germany who remained seated next to the door. "Well, me and some others."

Japan narrowed his eyes, turning to the window. "Oh? Who?" His voice hardened a bit, almost in annoyance.

"The some of the members of the UN Security Council."

The three men froze. Japan rubbed his chin, carefully considering what to say. "A pleasure to have you all here. Unexpected... but a pleasure. You do realize that a surprise visit from you caused me to have a lapse?"

"Oh, sorry about that!" An alternate, but cheery, voice intervened, "We didn't think you'd mind that much since no one could contact you!"

Italy raised his hand to Japan, signaling he'd answer. He took the phone from Japan, holding it close to his mouth. "We told you that he contacted us."

"Feliciano, you're there too?"

"Of course. I'm spending my vacation here with my good friends. Isn't that right, Ludwig?" Germany grunted. "See?"

"Oi, Kiku!" A third voice yelled, creating a series of banging noises in the background. "I called you all last night! Why didn't you answer me? Or anyone else for that matter? Huh?"

Japan bit his lip, glancing at Belarus. He remained silent. Belarus raised an eyebrow. The three of them didn't confide in her the complete story. Most likely the other Asian countries had called Japan but he had not been able to reply… Since he was busy with her.

The first voice chimed back in. "Either way, we're already on our way to your house. I have Kirkland, Bonnefoy, and Wang Yao with me. Bonnefoy is suffering from jet lag so he fell asleep. Wang just woke up. Kirkland is as bubbly as ever. And I'm driving. Wang, stop moving the phone around, you'll get your turn."

Italy leaned into the phone, his mouth hovering above the microphone. His eyes, however, remained rested on Japan as if questioningly. "And what about Ivan?"

"He'll have to play catch up. Something about handling some family matters before coming to Japan."

Italy raised an eyebrow. "Family matters?"

"We'll talk more about it when we get to Honda's house."

"Sorry to disappoint you but we're not there."

From the line came a screech of tires and a group of yells. The phone sounded as if it was thrown about before it was picked up and answered by the cheerful voice.

"What do you mean you're not there~?"

"Kiku decided to take us out for some fresh air. We're hanging out at the town near the meeting place."

"Mhm. Alright, chaps, we'll meet you guys there!"

"Sure-" The phone was plucked from his hands and eyes turned to Belarus as she held it to her mouth. She stood bare foot on the floor with her IV still attached to her arm. "What are you-"

"What happened to my brother?" She demanded.

"Wait, who's-"

Japan grabbed the phone, hanging up. He glared at Belarus before stuffing it in his pocket. "Ms. Arlovskaya, what you just did was anything but wise."

Italy raised an eyebrow before patting the Asian's shoulder. "Don't be so upset, Kiku. It's not like we were hiding-" He noticed the glare he received from his friend and removed his hand to put his hands up in a surrendering motion. "Well, you were. Anyway, what's been said cannot be unsaid." Italy turned to Belarus. "As for you, I'd think it best to lay low."

Belarus gave a humph, crossing her arms. "Why?"

"Because," Italy added in a manner of fact tone. "None of us in this world is necessarily 'evil', despite the fact that some of us- well, all of us can cause harm to each other without a guilty conscience." He glanced over at Japan who continued to glare at them. "But I wouldn't immediately put them in the 'instant friendship forever' zone either. There is no telling what may happen if word gets out there is one of us that is mortal as well as from another world."

"Are you insinuating that they'll try to kill me?" Her eyes widened as the Italian shrugged a bit.

"Maybe… Though I doubt it. Please, for now just cooperate with us and we will do our best to get you home." He placed his hands on his hips, lifting in eyebrow in a questioning manner. "That is what you want, right?"

She stared at him silently, as if trying to read what he was truly thinking. This one was most definitely not an airhead. "Fine," she replied, turning to her bed and shakily sitting down. Belarus had stood up took suddenly after being in bed for quite a while. It was a surprise to her that she didn't fall. Slipping back under the covers, she continued to keep her cold gaze on them.

After her little endeavor, Italy let out a small sigh and put up his hands in a reasoning manner. "I know this will be much to request, but try to get along with Kiku, Ms. Arlovskaya."

She stared at him in shock, looking between the Mediterranean man and the Asian."Hmph! That bastard?"

Japan waved his hand at her. "I'm still in the room."

"And you're still getting on my last nerves." Italy gave her a pleading look, almost expectant. He seemed to have a higher standard of her than most… "I will tolerate him. But 'getting along' is no where near to what I plan to do."

"Will you at least not stab him in his sleep?" She crossed her arms once more, firm on her answer. "...Kiku, I think it would be best you let her stay somewhere other than your home. Better yet, don't let her know your address."

Japan shrugged nonchalantly. "She could stay with you two."

Germany and Belarus made eye contact with one another before turning their attention to the Italian. "No," they recited in unison.

Their host sighed, leaning over to pick up the bear he had dropped during his lapse. "Very well, I'll set up some reservations at a hotel. We'll transfer you there upon your release."

"I can deal with that."

Italy brought his hands together in relief, happy that they had come to a resolution. "Then it's settled." He turned to the other two. "Alright then, we should go now you two."

She looked at them confused. The German stood up and Japan wiped the last bit of fluff from his bear. "...Where are you three going?"

"To meet up with our visitors." He pushed the shoulders of the two nations, coaxing them to the doorway. Neither complained. "And make up something along the way~ Bye, Ms. Arlovskaya~"

"Hey, wait-" But they were out the door with a wave of Italy's hand. The door shut and she was once again alone. She let out a frustrated groan before smacking her head back onto the pillow. Her eyes trailed over the cracks in the pristine white ceiling, trying to process everything that was told to her. "At least I can think properly without them blabbering," she muttered to herself. "But…"

Her mind flipped back to that moment of fear and confusion. Those lapses… Why did they scare her so much? And these nations, why were they so different? How come they could regenerate? Why did they keep their nation status a secret? She took a deep intake of air before forcefully letting it out. Repeatedly, she breathed this way until she came to a… somewhat relaxed state. But one thought in particular festered in her mind, prodding her repeatedly.

What made our worlds so different?

Translations:

Mazzate, caryona?- Want to be beaten, asshole?

((From these links . #axzz38pqSibik

curse_and_swear/italian))

Hai rotto le palle con il tuo italiano del cazzo.- You broke my balls with your shitty Italian.

Life is too short to learn German.

-Quote from Oscar Wilde

Die Schrecken der deutschen Sprache.- The Awful German language. ((A speech given by Mark Twain. In German. Iroooony.))

Author's Note:

And another chapter done! It's suuuuuper long, much longer than I expected, and not really corrected. Sorry about that! School is coming up and I still have to complete my summer reading so that's a big set back. Not to mention all this other stuff I have wrought upon myself… Anyway! Correction to the new story I'd be posting! I will not be doing the original Human!Hetalia AU I said i would since it needs AN UTTER PLOT CHANGE. Instead, I'll be working on another Human!Hetalia AU with lots of angst and such. Exciting~ In other news, I still… don't have a plot… for An End Is A Beginning. I will try to get it to work but maaaan these times are hard. Uh… I guess that's it? Oh! I would like to thank the internet for translations and will be updating the character profiles on my profile. Also, feel free to do the poll on the top of my profile page. It'd reaaaaally help. Ok, until next time!