This chapter is considered "Safe For Work."

***Warnings: Blood mention, Violence.***

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

The meeting house, in the setting sun, proved to be much less intimidating an edifice than it appeared to be at night. The walls were a pale orange and the door towering, though not large enough to be taller than the surrounding trees. At the front door, a series of steps led up to its entrance. Germany sat on the lowest step, plucking blades of grass and tossing them aimlessly to see where they would land. Utter boredom was written all over his face.

Japan and Italy, on the other hand, seemed to be holding themselves in deep thought. Each looked down, eyes glazed in inquisitive passion. The Italian's eyes rested on the door of the building after traveling about aimlessly. He felt his eyes widen ever so slightly upon noticing it to be ajar. Due to there not being any other way to get in from the outside except through Japan's access code, the doors must have been opened from the inside.

He looked over to Japan to bring this up but saw the Japanese man rise and look down the dirt road. Italy pushed himself off the wall, kicking a piece of gravel at Germany to pay attention. The blonde looked up, huffing in annoyance and rising, all the while his hands remained in his pockets.

Up the trail came four of the five permanent Security Council members, also known as the former Allies of World War 2. America and China took the lead while the other two took the rear. America stopped them a few feet away, nodding at Japan.

"Glad to see you're alive, Honda," he greeted. The Japanese man nodded in reply.

"A pleasure to be alive. I had not known my appearance would cause such a ruckus." He started towards the meetinghouse entrance. "Please, may we step inside?" Japan started for the door but America raised his hand.

"There's no need for that. We'll be in and out before you know it. We just want to ask a few questions about where you were last night." America's eyes peeked over the sunglasses almost glaringly. His ever-present frown did nothing to take away from his intimidating features.

Japan stood still before nodding. "Very well. We shall stand out here." His gaze flashed strangely at the request. "Ask your questions and I shall answer them."

China scoffed. "If you're the only one answering the questions, why are those two here?"

"We just want to make sure you don't do anything to him. Besides, you're one to talk." Germany had an edge to his voice, almost tempting them to try something. The Italian sent him a disapproving frown, patting him on the shoulder. In response, the other pulled away but took the hint to say nothing more.

A smile cracked upon England's face followed by a dark chuckle. He pushed his bangs out of his face, his stance loose and dangerous. "Don't worry, lads! We just plan to answer a few questions." His eyelids drooped. "Although, if the situation escalates, we may have to take some drastic measures." England seemed to have more to say but America waved his hand in finality.

"Enough of this chit chat. Let's get down to business." He turned to Japan once more. "You will be the only one asked. No beating around the bush when answering. And if we have any cause to, we will stay here until we get to the bottom of this. Clear?"

"Crystal." America then examined Italy and Germany.

"You two will not say a word. If you want to stay, it will be as third party observers. Any interference will result in both of you being kicked out of this country and kept in your own until this panic is fully investigated." He pushed his sunglasses upward. "Comprende?"

They nodded, though not without a glare. The American looked to France. "Record the meeting on your phone, will you."

Obliging, the Frenchman pulled out his phone. For a moment, he just stared at it, mind whizzing and brow furrowed. He tapped the screen several times, his bewilderment growing. With a groan, America rubbed his forehead and snatched the phone. France frowned at him. "You should treat your elders with more respect."

A vein bulged. "Not my fault your old age is getting to you."

With a huff, France crossed his arms. "I'm not done in yet! There are plenty of years left in me!" America just shook his head, handing back the phone and turning to England.

"You record."

"Aw, but I want to question." The Brit batted his eyelashes with a pouty face. "Please?"

"Fuck it, fine," he responded, furiously bringing out his phone."I'll record, Kirkland interrogates, Honda answers. Everyone else, shut up."

"Yay!" England moved towards Japan, a cheerful smile on his face. "Alright, Kiku, no dilly dallying, ok?"

The Japanese man scoffed. "You seem to be the one 'dilly dallying'."

Eyebrows raised, England continued. "Very well then." He let his fingers intertwine behind him as he circled Japan, almost like a tiger. The interrogated kept his eyes forward, not fazed by the intimidation tactic. "Kiku Honda, what happened to you at midnight last night?"

"I woke up in my bed. I had felt something strange so I left my house for a drive. The fresh air seemed like it would help and the countryside has much of that. I drove out to the countryside. However, I lost track of time and ended up here." His voice was smooth as he gave his testimony. His face was clear of any signs of guilt. Most of this was true anyway, so he had no reason to feel guilty.

England continued to circle but now changed direction, his eyes digging into Japan's figure. "And why did you not answer your phone? Not call your family?"

Japan's gaze shifted to China. "I saw no reason to. I prefer to keep to myself after all." China looked away, his hands clenching into fists. "As for the phone business, my cell phone died and before I could plug it into the car battery, it fell between the seats. I didn't want to get it. So even if I did want to call them, I couldn't."

"Then why are your dear friends Feli and Lud here?"

Japan finally turned his eyes to England, who had stopped his circling to stand to his right. The setting sun sent shadows across the interrogators' face. "I scheduled a meeting with them today. It would be rude not to tell them our meeting changed locations. I contacted them over a pay phone."

"Why didn't you go back then?"

"I came out to get fresh air and fell asleep. I was too lazy to drive back. Plus, the fresh air would benefit them, too."

England's smile seemed to widen in amusement. "One more question and then our interrogation will end." His eyes narrowed in confidence. "Why is there blood all over your passenger seat?"

Everyone seemed to tense up. America moved to speak but England held up a hand to stop him. "If you got harmed, there wouldn't be so much blood, now, would there? You would have healed immediately and of course you wouldn't want the icky stuff all over your car. Leather and blood don't mix well, you know?" He looked over to Germany. "Dear kraut, you know Japan personally as well as the whole medical history of nations off the top of your head. Tell me, does this situation make sense?" Germany said nothing, responding with a stern stare. England let out a huff before turning back to Japan. "Well?"

Japan cracked a small smile, cradling his forehead with his hand. "Ah, I've been caught. I had hoped you'd overlook the blood in my car but you didn't." He lifted his head. "I found a nation in my country and came out here to retrieve them. The oddest thing, really, because I attacked them and they did not heal. Strange, isn't it? So I had tried to take them to a hospital but they attacked me and escaped. But, surprisingly, I cannot find them. I had hoped to keep it a private matter-"

Japan found a hand at his neck and an enraged Brit at the other end "News flash, Kiku, you're a fucking liar." England lifted his eyes to Japan's and it's a wonder how he did not shudder. "We all know new nations are as sturdy as oaks. They heal in no time flat, even faster than world powers. No matter what you did to them, they couldn't have needed to get to the hospital." England tightened his grip. "Besides, the moment that nation came into being, you would have been flopping around in agony."

England brought his intimidating smile closer. "You were an empire. You know what happens when a new country is created. It hurts like hell." He released his grip, looking at all of them. "We all know what I say is true." His gaze stared deeply at them before America stepped forward.

"Kirkland." His eyes flashed. "You may have been big back then but know your place now." He looked over to Japan, the last rays of sun glinting off his sunglasses. Any moment now, the daylight would be gone. "It's getting late and apparently this investigation will take longer than usual. You will set up places for us to sleep. Understood, Honda?"

Japan rubbed his neck, surprised at the sudden attack yet... Not. He turned upwards with an obedient expression. "Of course." He moved for his phone but America grabbed his arm.

"Know that this is not a private matter."

"Why?"

"Because they're back."

Japan's eyebrows furrowed for a moment before turning up. "They...?" His eyes widened and fear struck across his features. "You don't mean..." He trailed off, his question obvious.

France stepped in, forehead wrinkled in disapproval. "I am not sure we should share. The five of us must give our approval to reveal this information."

"Then Red shouldn't have been so slow." America looked at the other two. "Do you find this the right time? Because I do." France and China remained silent, their eyes shifting in uncertainty. England kept his gaze firm, giving a small shake of his head. "Fine then." America shot his attention back to the former Axis where Germany checked Japan's breathing and Italy shared his attention between his companions and the interrogators.

"We," the American started as cooly as possible, "Will share more of the matter during our next meeting."

Germany's head shot up, having finished Japan's examination. "What do you mean 'during our next meeting'? Why can't you tell us now?"

"Because protocol. That's why." America set his hands on his hips. "If you have a problem with it, don't bother coming."

"I won't."

Italy stepped forward. "Lud-"

"Fuck this, I'm leaving." Germany made his way from the group, not caring for the stares the Allies set on him. "Don't look for me." He walked into the trees, each step muffled by the sounds of night approaching. Italy looked after him with an exasperated face before turning to America.

"We are carpooling. May I have permission to leave as well?" The American glanced over to the other nations and they gave their silent approval. "Grazie-"

"Feliciano," England intercepted as the Italian began to dash. "You do realize that you and Ludwig must assist in locating this new nation."

"Of course," he nodded hurriedly. For a moment, Italy paused before opening his mouth, pausing, and opening it again. "Mr. Kirkland?"

"Yes?"

"What will you do with the new nation?"

Something dangerous sparkled in the Brit's eyes as he answered. "Why, we can't have unstable nations, can we? Not with this... Predicament Alfie was speaking of. If the nation cannot be trained... Then we have no other choice." The smile fell and his eyes dulled.

"We'll have to dispose of them."

Italy did not reply, shocked into silence. Instead, he nodded and made his way to the path. In the back of his mind, he knew that the Allies's eyes were digging into his disappearing figure. Italy felt a bit guilty leaving Japan behind but he believed Japan knew what he was doing.

As he came through the path and into the parking lot, he noticed Germany leaning against the side of the car, frowning. Italy gave a small grin in amusement, jangling his keys at the other. Germany held out his hand only to receive a shake of the head. His tongue shot out in anger and he climbed into the passenger seat, crossing his arms.

Italy seated himself in the car, closing the door but not starting the engine. He twisted his body to Germany with a clever smile. "Now, that was clever of you to do."

"No idea what you talk about." Germany's eyes stayed forward, a frown on his face.

"Aw, don't act like that!" The redhead gently pushed the other's shoulder. "You knew someone had to keep watch on her!" No response. "And I thought you didn't like her."

"I don't." The blonde finally turned his purple eyes to him. "I'm doing this because I know who they are talking about."

The strange curl on the side of his head lifted in interest. "Oh? Who?"

Germany seemed to let his face fall before looking back at the windshield. "Let's get back. It's going to be dark."

Italy's eyebrows angled downward in anger. "I will not start this car until you tell me."

"No."

The Italian shook the paler man. "Teeeeeeeelll meeeee!"

"I said nein, Gott in Himmel!" He pushed Italy back into the driver's seat. "Now start this car now or I will drive the damn thing."

Huffing, the Italian turned to the wheel and ignited the engine. He flicked the lights on, backing out and starting to the hidden path through the forests. Darkness fell now and Italy made his way carefully through the trees.

"Ludwig?" Italy started. "Should I be afraid? Of what Alfred wants to tell us?"

Germany said nothing, his head turned to the enshadowed foliage that surrounded them. "Honda is a clever bastard."

"What?"

"He intended for them to find the blood." Italy almost dared a glance but knew the path was too dangerous for such a careless action. Instead, he tapped his right hand on the wheel for Germany to continue. "Think about it. Natalia-"

"Ms. Arlovskaya."

"Whatever. She said that Kirkland is the reason she ended up here. Honda is beating around the bush because he can't just tell Kirkland straight out we have someone from a parallel world. He's trying to have them figure it out by themselves." The bigger man let out a sigh. "But now knowing they are out there... We'll have to work fast."

"Ludwig."

"What."

"I don't know what they you're talking about."

"Then you'll have to wait for the next meeting."

Italy took his hand off the wheel to push Germany and glided through the rest of the trees. "You'll have to be the one with Arlovskaya."

He grunted. "As if petty hatred is going to prevent me from doing the right thing. Sadly, she's getting released tomorrow. I'll have to tell her everything."

As they came to the gate, the former country emerged from his household and opened the gate. While he did so, Italy looked over at Germany with a smile. "Aw, Luddy is warming up to our ice princess."

"As if." Niko Niko looked at them and Italy nodded in gratitude. He started to pull out of the farm but the man tapped on his window. Italy stopped and rolled it down.

"Si?"

Niko Niko kept a stern face, as if rethinking his action before looking up again. "I would like it if you and your people stay away from the meeting house for a while."

To this, the Italian raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? If it's a bother then I guess the rest of us that when they come through."

The Jap nodded and began to walk away. "Hajime, get back here." He stopped and turned, seeing the blonde staring straight at him. "You've seen them around here?" No response. Germany narrowed his eyes before nodding. "Very well. Keep your family safe."

"Of course."

The former nation turned, his back to them. Italy watched as he faded back into the house and finally turned his head to the road. They set off through the darkness, only the noise of gravel filling the silence.

Translations:

Grazie - Thank you

Nein - No

Gott in Himmel - God in Heaven

Author's Note:

Another chapter up! I decided to tweak the plot to have a bit more action than I originally planned. Aka "they". Well, school has been after me but I am fending it off quite well. The updates will stay as stated but if I have time I might throw in some other stuff here and there. Writing wise, I might see if I can take requests here. If not, feel free to send the requests to my main tumblr account and I will get to them to the best of my ability. Alright, thank you to my beta reader and my current readers! With your support, writing this fanfiction is even more fun! Reviews are welcome, as always! Thank you!