Thanks to Limonthy, Miss Akiyata, Dragonfire78 and BloodLily16 for reviewing.

This chapter is called 'Diversions' because it mostly focuses on other characters. At this point, the ones involved in the 'game' can't do anything unless the 1Ps are asleep.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia

Chapter 14: Diversions

With every game, there is a diversion.

An advantage for one, dooms the other.

…

Just as they prepared to depart to the Romanian's castle, his phone started to ring. He frowned, trying to think of someone that would want to call him.

His eyes widened when he saw it was Bulgaria's number, and he tried to think about the last time the two spoke. He also wanted to know why he was calling.

"Hello?" Vlad answered.

"Where are you?" Dimitri asked. "Moldova has been looking everywhere for you."

He felt a slight pang of guilt. Of course, his younger brother would want to spend some quality time with him, and he had been so busy that he completely forgot about it.

"Is he there?" Vlad asked, separating himself from the rest, in order to have some privacy.

"Yeah, he's here."

Vlad could hear the phone being handed to someone else.

"Hello, big brother," Moldova said.

Romania smiled.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah. It's just, you weren't there, and I wanted to see you. I made a new friend, and I wanted to introduce you."

Romania smiled, pleased to hear that the other had a new friend. However…

"Alexandru, I need you to stay away for a while," Romania said. "I'm really, really busy, and it's very dangerous what I'm busy with. So I need you to hang on for a while."

"But…"

"I'm sorry, but it's really important. I can't ignore it. But I'll tell you what: if you wait a while, then when I'm finished with this, we can spend an entire week together, going to the amusement park, going to the circus, and in that week I'll buy you anything you want. How's that sound?"

"Okay," Moldova said quietly.

"I don't want to do this," Romania said, "but I have to. Believe me, I'd rather be doing something else. In fact, I'd rather go to Russia's place than do this."

"But you can't do anything about it?"

"Nu, I can't. So be good until I'm finished, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Good. Be good. I love you."

"Love you too, big brother."

The call was disconnected, and Romania sighed. His brother was a lot younger than most of the other Europeans, so he couldn't exactly befriend a lot of them, and he didn't exactly have the chances, or the reasons, to go to any of the other continents. Moldova needed to spend some time with Nations that were physically the same age as him. And the only possibility would be the Micronations…

Although, he said he made a new friend. Who knew, it might be good for his younger brother.

…

Moldova handed Bulgaria's phone back to him, looking downcast. The older Nation saw this and smiled softly.

"So," Bulgaria said, "you said you made a new friend?"

Alexandru perked up.

"Da," he said. "His name is Andrei. Come on, I'll show you."

Bulgaria looked confused as he allowed the younger Nation to lead him towards a mirror.

Moldova frowned when he saw his regular reflection. Andrei was not there this time.

Through the mirror, he could see Bulgaria look at him with a small trace of pity. He sighed, turning away from the mirror, and went towards the kitchen.

Bulgaria sighed, following the younger.

Neither of them saw the reflections change.

…

Brazil smirked when he heard the knock on the door. He rushed over, making sure that he was presentable.

He wore a dark green shirt with a pair of khaki shorts and a pair of black trainers. He had green eyes, and messy brown hair. His skin was tanned, just like his uncle Spain and his papa Portugal. He also wore a yellow wristband on his left arm.

He opened the door, and it was no surprise that South Africa be the first to arrive. He had to figure out a way to get her to the beach (something that he would most likely get Russia, China and India's help in).

He was one of the few Nations that had the opportunity to see her in a swimsuit. And with as few female Nations as there were, many of the males took any opportunity they could. Although, they knew where to draw the line, and which Nations were off limits (Belarus and Liechtenstein).

"Ola, Anika," he greeted.

"Roberto," she greeted. "How are you?"

"I'm doing fine. When are the others coming?"

"They shouldn't be too long. They were all very happy to hear about our arrangement."

"Great. So, they're all coming?"

"Yep."

"Great. Oh, please, come in."

Brazil didn't mind the company of the others, not even Russia's. No one among the IBSA trio was afraid of Russia. This was due to the fact that, one time, Russia got drunk at Carneval. It was hard to be scared of someone after seeing something like that.

Of course, Russia didn't know that. The trio were very good at getting blackmail material, something that most Nations didn't know of. Of course, Greenland used them to gather more information, but they saw it as a little bit of fun. South Africa called it the ultimate form of guerrilla warfare. If they ever felt threatened, they would give the Nations doing the threatening a good reason to back off. It was the reason why France left them alone during April Fool's Day. They could retaliate in any way possible.

They also got some of the Micronations to help them out. Sealand would sneak into England's house in order to film him whenever he was drunk. Kugelmugel also got a video of Germany, Prussia, Austria and Switzerland dancing to the song 'German Sparkle Party' (how he got that, they had no idea). They also had a video of America drunk doing the wrecking ball. And singing along with Justin Bieber. Wy also got some interesting footage of Australia after he received a snakebite where no man wanted to get a snakebite, simply because of the rivalry between South Africa and Australia, and it was fun to mess with her older brother.

Of course, the three would be dead if the other Nations found out about it. Greenland was already blackmailing them about their amount of blackmail material, and they in turn blackmailed her with an interesting photo of her getting very cosy with Iceland. And another where she ended up in an uncomfortable position where she kissed Hong Kong, even though it was by accident. And then there were others…

And so, a sort of cold war had started. If one reveals what one has, the other will reveal what they have as well.

Asides from Greenland, only France, North Korea, Mexico and the Micronations knew about it. The Micronations had no reason to be blackmailed, but they were bribed to acquire more material. As long as they provided embarrassing material of the other Nations, Brazil, India and South Africa would inform them of anything important (if any) discussed at the world meetings. That way, the Micronations remained informed of world affairs.

They knew when to bribe, and when to blackmail.

…

Portugal breathed deeply as he walked up the driveway of his brother's home. He and Spain generally got along, but old habits, such as sibling rivalry, never truly die.

Portugal didn't look a lot like his brother. His eyes were a lighter green, with just a faint trace of hazel, and his hair was also a darker brown, almost black. He was just as tanned as Spain, however. His hair was long, and he wore it in a low ponytail. He wore a bright red shirt with a light green jacket over it and a pair of blue jeans with a simple pair of black and blue sneakers.

He knocked on the door, at first expecting to hear a cheerful sound of "coming~!" before the door was opened. When nothing happened, he frowned. Could his brother not be home? He went to a potted plant where he knew his brother kept his spare key and retrieved said key.

When he entered, he immediately noticed that something was wrong. The air was somewhat stale, as though Spain hadn't been there for several days.

And when he entered the kitchen, he found his proof.

The tomatoes were no longer fresh, and were starting to become a little overripe.

He pulled out his phone and decided to call his brother.

"Ola," Spain greeted.

"Antonio, where are you?" Portugal demanded.

"Eh? Miguel?"

"Sim. Where are you?"

"It's kind of a long story."

Now he was worried.

"Give me the short version then," Portugal said.

"Um, I really can't say."

"Toni. Please, just tell me you're not in some kind of trouble."

The silence told Portugal all he needed to know.

"I-I need to go," Spain said. "Oh, and Miguel. Please stay away from mirrors."

Before he could ask, Spain had hung up. Portugal sighed, putting his phone away.

He felt a chill go down his spine, and knew that he was somehow not alone.

He had the magic touch as well. One does not live with England for any amount of time without figuring it out. Of course, he was limited to ghosts and other spirits, but that was more than most. He also knew that South Africa and Brazil also had the magic touch, and they could also see spirits. That was how they managed to bond one time, when Portugal tried to make amends to South Africa.

He felt slightly guilty. He had a bad first experience with her and her people, and he had spread rumours about her to the rest of Europe. Afterwards, every other attempt he managed to mess up. He was allowed to have a small station on her land, but that was about it. He was surprised to see the post tree was still there.

But that didn't matter at the moment. He had to find what caused him to feel so restless.

He slowly made his way out of the kitchen. He could feel that whatever was in the house with him wasn't harmless. In fact, he felt extremely frightened, as though something bad was about to happen.

"Hello?" he tried.

The air started to feel heavy, and the temperature dropped. He was glad he wore his jacket.

Suddenly, he was knocked towards a wall. The wind had been knocked right out of him. Before he could recover, he felt himself being lifted up, still pinned to the wall.

He tried to struggle, but without knowing what he was fighting, it proved to be in vain.

He heard a dark chuckle in his ear, and he could feel his blood run cold. That was before the pain hit him.

He screamed as what felt like claws cut through his skin. He couldn't see anything, and that was cause for concern to him. He kept struggling, until he finally fell to the ground, landing hard on the tiles.

As he tried to recover, he could feel the presence leave. He had no idea what caused it, but he was thankful that it was over.

He waited for a few more moments, before he pulled out his cell phone once again.

…

They were waiting for Romania to find the correct book. The others would help, but Romania knew what he was searching for, and knew the general area wherein the book he was searching for resided.

The silence was interrupted when England's phone started to ring.

"Spain," England said, seeing the name on the screen, "didn't you just speak to Portugal?"

"Si," Spain said.

England sighed, before he answered the phone, stepping out of Romania's library.

"Hello?" England said.

"Inglaterra," Portugal said, and England was immediately concerned by the pain in the voice. "Eu não sei do que aconteceu…"

"Please, I don't understand you," England said. "Please, speak English."

"Sinto muito. I don't know what happened. I was in Spain's house, and I felt something. I… I was attacked by something that I could not see."

England's face paled.

"Are you alright?" England asked. "And what do you mean you couldn't see your attacker?"

"I'm fine," Portugal said. "A few deep cuts, but I had worse. I couldn't see anything at all. Nothing. And then…"

"Did it say anything to you?"

"Não. Inglaterra, what's happening?"

"I don't know," England admitted. "Romania was attacked by something that he couldn't see as well, a few days ago. Please, if anything like this happens again, you tell me."

"Sim," he said. "Inglaterra, I'm worried."

England felt a pang in his chest.

"I am as well."

…

"That was great," Matt said, as he and Matthew entered the latter's house.

"Yeah," Matthew said. "It was nice to actually play with someone of equal skill. You hungry?"

"Of course," Matt said. "I'm starving. And pancakes aren't going to cut it."

Matthew giggled.

"I think I have some bacon," Matthew said. "And I'll make pancakes too."

"Pancakes and bacon? I really like your taste."

…

It was an unusual situation, one that she did not expect to find herself in.

She was having a glaring contest with a bear.

"Look," she said, "I just need to see Canada. So, if you don't mind…"

"He's not here," the bear said. "Now go away."

Alida sighed, trying to think of an alternative.

"Then tell me something," she said. "What happens on the other side of the mirror?"

The bear looked at her oddly, but she didn't back down.

"He has friend on the other side," he said. "Nice guy, really quiet. Really lonely. Yesterday, he met the other version of you."

Her eyebrows shot up.

"What do you mean he met her?" she asked.

"He talked about blond version of you, just as scary, but with another type of temper. Mentioned she was really pretty."

She didn't know what to think of that.

"When will he be back?" she asked.

"Don't know."

"Well, is it alright if I wait for him here?"

"No."

"Please. I promise not to do anything. I'll even let you stay and keep an eye on me, if you don't trust me."

He stared at her for a moment, before grunting in acknowledgement. She inwardly smirked as the bear allowed her inside.

Now, to wait for him.

…

Greenland saw the encounter between South Africa and the bear, and decided to leave it at that. She already had enough scars. She was not about to go and get another.

…

Felic glared at the mirror.

He watched as they searched for a way to undo what they had done. But Marius assured them that that wouldn't be a problem. He had made provisions to prevent them from undoing it so easily. Marius had thought of the possibility that they might try to put a stop to their game.

But that was not what made Felic glare. His eyes were trained on the egg that his blond counterpart was lovingly holding onto.

He needed to know more about the other's history. There had to be something about a phoenix in his history. Something symbolic. Something important.

But what it was, he had no idea. He just had to find out what it was. And what the others could have.

Of course, his priority was Feliks. But that didn't mean that he couldn't focus on the others. He had to, if only to make sure that the game would be able to continue.

He needed to think of something else. He needed to collaborate with the magic trio on this, but he needed to find a way.

He placed his fingertips on the cool glass. He was pleased to see that Feliks shuddered at the action, but that was it.

If only there was a way for them to cross over…

If only there was not a barrier of glass that prevented access.

…

Portugal treated his wounds, after he took a shower to help wash the blood away. He would not be able to treat the wounds on his back, but at least the bleeding stopped.

He couldn't help but think about what had happened. Both he and Romania were attacked by something that they could not see. Something that they should have been able to see.

And he couldn't help but think that it might happen again. In both cases, Nations with the magic touch were attacked. He didn't know the details about Romania's attack, but he knew that it was bad enough that England would know about it.

His thoughts went to a former colony of his. Another Nation with the magic touch. One that might be next.

He sighed, once again taking out his cell phone.

…

Brazil had made cocktails, using the vodka that Russia always brought with him, and his abundance of fruit juice. He made a separate cocktail for India, free of alcohol. That way, everyone was happy. South Africa also brought marula fruit with her, and he made sure to include it in the cocktails.

That meant that India would be the only one that was sober, but that was usual. All of them knew how to handle their alcohol, but sometimes it was hard to tell when drinking cocktails. But someone had to stay sober, if only to make sure they don't make too much of a mess of things.

He jumped when his cell phone started to ring. He frowned when he saw who it was.

"Ola," Brazil greeted.

"Brazilia," Portugal said. "I need to warn you about something."

"And that would be?"

"Earlier today, I was attacked by something that I couldn't see, even with my magic touch. It was in Spain's house, but it doesn't look like he's been there since the start of the world meeting. Just… watch your back. It also attacked Romania. It might be going after Nations with the magic touch. Just make sure that you're not alone."

"Don't worry about that," Brazil said. "The entire BRICS group is at my house."

"Bom. Well, adeus."

"Adeus."

Now Brazil was just a little worried. He knew Portugal wouldn't joke about something like this. He sighed, before he rejoined the others.

…

When Matt finally returned, he could immediately tell that something was off. Grabbing his hockey stick, he went to his living room, where he almost dropped the weapon in surprise.

"Hallo, Kanada," South Africa greeted. "Let's have a little chat, shall we?"

Okay, Portugal's description isn't completely based on Spain's in order to give them a resemblance as bothers. His hair and eye colour are familial traits of the Portuguese side of my family. We also have light green eyes with just enough brown to almost be considered hazel, and our hair is a shade or two away from being called black. My Afrikaans part also has brown hair, but dull blue, almost grey eyes.

The part about India not drinking alcohol is actually something I saw. One of my dad's co-workers is a Hindu, and she got married to a Muslim. We were invited at the wedding, and the only alcohol there was smuggled in by the Afrikaners (ironically, policemen). My dad's a magistrate, so you can see the irony of it all. It was either vodka or rum in orange juice.

The marula fruit is a fruit that grows in southern Africa, and when it's left alone long enough and becomes too ripe, it becomes alcoholic in nature. It is the most important ingredient in the Amarula liquor, which has an alcohol content of 17%, and is also used for mampoer.