Thanks to fangirlscream, Dragonfire78, mayday237892, Miss Akiyata, EverythingMath, BloodLily16 and Thatwolfbutler for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 21: Changing the Game

With some games, the rules have to be changed.

And so should the players.

…

"What do you mean you could see it?" India asked. "England couldn't even see it."

"That's not saying much," South Africa sighed. "I've always been able to see things even he couldn't."

"Well, what was it?" Brazil asked, panting.

"…It's hard to explain. But I'll need to go back home to make sure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to finish with my shower."

With all that had happened, the male Nations didn't even notice that she was dripping wet and in a towel. But as she returned to the bathroom, all four of them suddenly had very red faces.

…

Namibia's eyes snapped open. Her breath came in short gasps, and she tried to make sense of the dream she had seen.

She looked a lot like South Africa, considering they were sisters. Her hair was the same length, and they had the same built, but that was where the similarities ended. Her hair was a lighter blond. Whereas South Africa's hair could be called gold, hers was like platinum, which is funny since South Africa had the platinum. Her eyes were a piercing blue, like Germany's. Her skin was paler than South Africa's as well. Right now she was wearing a blue nightdress, but she usually wore a khaki shirt with a pair of jeans and sneakers.

She stood up and went towards the kitchen, intent on a glass of water. As she went through the hallway, her eyes landed on a picture frame, showing her, Germany and Prussia.

She missed the days of being German South-West Africa, but she didn't know whether or not Germany or Prussia missed her. Just like South Africa missed Netherlands and Mozambique missed Portugal.

But that was all over now. She promised herself that at the next world meeting, she will talk to either Germany or Prussia again. She will have that bond back.

Don't get her wrong. She liked being South Africa and Mozambique's sister, but she missed her big brothers.

Jana sighed, and continued on her way.

As she reached for the kitchen, the phone ringing caught her attention. She sighed and went towards the device.

"Hallo?" she said.

"Jana, dis ek."

"Anika?"

"Ek wil graag vir jou 'n guns vra."

"Seker."

…

Canada groaned when he heard a frantic knocking on his door. He looked towards his alarm and groaned.

Why would America bother him at four in the morning?

He stood up and grabbed a hockey stick, prepared to be like Matt when he's angry, because really, who came this early?

When he finally arrived at the front door he unlocked it, prepared to teach Alfred a lesson, but it wasn't America at the door.

"England?" Canada asked. "France? What are you doing here?"

"We're sorry to bother you," England said. "But we need to have a word with you."

"Couldn't it wait? It's four in the morning."

Though secretly he was pleased that they remembered him. He wasn't sure why the other ten Nations were there, though.

"Afraid not," England said. "A few months ago, you used one of my spell books to cast a spell. 'A friend that knows your other side.'"

Canada's eyes widened. How did he know?

"Your spell kind of spread," France said. "With the exception of England's brothers, we all see our other sides."

France spoke strangely, as though his mouth hurt.

Canada frowned.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Tell me, do you know anyone named Oliver Kirkland?" England asked.

Canada's eyes widened and he stepped aside to allow the older Nations to enter his home.

"Perhaps you should explain it better, eh?"

…

Italy grinned, toying with his knife.

Before the meeting was to begin, the eight Nations that had been playing their game were asked to see him. Germany and Japan were standing by his side. He rested his feet on the desk, at ease as the eight told them everything they knew about the other side.

"Tell me," Italy said, "would you consider them weaker, stronger, or just as strong as you?"

"Weaker," the eight said simultaneously.

"Feliks managed to get himself partitioned twice," Poland said.

"And Artie was beaten by South Africa quite badly," England said.

"That's not saying much," Germany said.

"No, no," Italy said, smirk widening. "That gives me an idea. Tell me, have you found a way to break the barrier?"

"We're working on it," Romania said. "As it is, we've managed to cast a spell to make it possible to attack them in their dreams."

"Very nice," Italy said. "Then go ahead. I think we can use your game to our advantage."

…

"Tell me," England said, "why'd you use that spell in the first place?"

Canada sighed.

"I was visiting you and… you forgot about me," Canada said. "We were chatting when you had to go get something. I waited for an hour, but nothing came of it. When I went to look for you, I found you speaking on the phone to someone. They asked if they could come over, and you said it was fine, since no one else was there anyway."

England jumped, and a look of guilt came on his face. Everyone else gave him a glance before turning back to the North American Nation.

"I decided to leave, since you forgot I was there. I got lost and accidently found your magic library. I was just looking through the books when I found that one. I didn't even think it would work. I…"

His shoulders shook, his eyes growing dark.

"It's okay," France said. "We're sorry we tend to forget you."

"Tend? Sometimes you see me, other times you don't even know I exist. Do you have any idea how many times I had to introduce myself to the same people over and over?"

"We're sorry!" Lithuania said, eyes wide and voice worried. "You're right, it shouldn't happen."

"Surely there's someone that doesn't ignore you?" Norway asked.

"America only sees me sometimes," Canada said. "Only when it's for his benefit, though. He treats me like a ghost as well. Even considered exorcism while I was visiting him once. Then other than him, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, but those three have that sports rivalry, and it can get scary when you spend time with any of them during cricket or rugby season."

"The boy's got a point," Ireland said, his voice dull.

"And, your reflection," Romania said. "Has he tried to hurt you?"

"Only in the beginning because he didn't know what was going on," Canada said. "But we're great friends now. We even played hockey yesterday."

"Wait," Prussia said, eyes wide. "Are you saying he managed to come through?"

"Yes," Canada said. "It started a few days ago. He came here, and I went there. He helped me recover after my people and animals were attacked."

"Please tell me that the others can't come," France said, eyes wide and face growing pale.

"What happened?"

"They found a way to attack us in our dreams," Romania said, rolling up his sleeve and showing his scar. "If they come through…"

"Yours are among the cruellest," Canada said. "Once their meeting is over, I'll ask Matt to tell Alida about it."

"Alida?" Lithuania asked.

"The South Africa of that world. I've met her. She's not too bad. A more sadistic version of Anika, calm, cold, dark, but not too bad."

"That's not what Alejandro said," Spain said.

"Do you know anything about the Cold War?" Romania asked.

"Yes," Canada said. "Matt told me about it. As you've probably realised, the others are darker versions of us. Sadistic, cruel… When they wanted to form alliances, they always did it by force. Those that were related to each other were a bit more merciful, except for a few cases. But they're not really inclined to form alliances. They have more fun with torturing each other. But then South Africa and Brazil formed an alliance. A mutual alliance. Soon enough, India joined them. Mutual alliances aren't really popular, but more and more Nations started to do it. The Southern Nations. The Northern, older Nations weren't that happy and started becoming extra cruel. The ones that were the cruellest were Italy, Germany and Japan."

"Let me guess," England said, "it was another World War?"

"No. Because of the increased brutality, and because of why it was happening, the Southern Nations became more intent on forming alliances. The Southern Asians sympathised with the Africans, South Americans and Oceanic Nations and in fact started to fight for the benefit of the Southern Nations. And while the North was focussing on hurting the South in more ways than anyone can count, the South started pooling their resources together, increasing their magic, weapons, etc. They also started treating their people nicely, and were rewarded by increased loyalty. More humans started to flock to the Southern Nations."

"And population increases strength," Prussia said.

"The North tried to stop this, but they failed. And then South Africa, Brazil and India formed a Unity Alliance."

"What?" Scotland asked. "Are you serious?"

"They were really that desperate?" Northern Ireland asked.

"Um… What is it?"

Everyone looked at Spain oddly.

"It's the strongest form of alliance," Poland explained. "Like, me and Liet used to have one. So, when the Commonwealth died…"

"That's why you two were severely weakened," Prussia finished.

"Basically," France said, "if one party of the alliance gets injured, the other experiences it as well. You need to be really careful when doing it."

"The Kalmar Union was like that," Norway said. "Sweden and Denmark broke it before Sweden left with Finland. After that we didn't bother with it."

"We didn't even think of making one," Scotland said. "Chances are, we would have injured each other too much. I don't see myself as a masochist."

"It also has the added effect that they gain the physical strength of the others in the alliance," England said. "So, if all three of them were together, then they would be three times their usual power."

"South Africa also has the Southern African Union, the Imperial Link increasing their strength," Canada added.

"After meeting Marius, I don't blame them for going that far," Romania said.

"They kept all of it under wraps. At least, until the final straw. Russia had beaten Madagascar really badly, and if it wasn't for Seychelles going to help her, she wouldn't have made it. This forced the Southern Nations, with the exception of the Oceanic Nations, to retaliate. The only ones that didn't join the North were the Caribbean. There were several attacks against each other, until the Northern Powers and Southern Powers came to an agreement. As long as the others don't strike, then they would leave the others alone. But in reality, the North is waiting for the Caribbean to join, and the South is waiting for Oceania."

"So that's the story," England said.

"The North focusses on conquest, while the South focusses on alliances."

"Canada, are you sure you can trust your counterpart?" France asked.

"He's had four opportunities to hurt me. He hasn't."

"FOUR?!"

…

Egypt sighed, collapsing on his couch. He finally returned to his villa, and was now prepared for a well-deserved sleep.

And after that, he would call Greece.

…

Matt frowned. He really didn't want to be at that damned meeting, with all the damned psychopaths.

He saw the Northern Powers enter, and he frowned when he saw the magic trio, the bad touch trio from Matthew's world, Poland and Lithuania accompany them.

As usual, Italy sat at the head of the table, with Germany and Japan sitting on either side of him. The other eight Nations spread out around them.

Warning bells went off in Matt's head.

"Everybody SIT!" Italy shouted. Everyone obeyed, not ready to invoke the wrath of the leader of the North. "Now, we have an interesting development, one that would prove useful against the South."

"After the last world meeting, another world was discovered," Germany continued. "One with opposite versions of us. The magic trio had been working on weakening the barrier, but it might take some time."

"This is the opportunity for fresh meat," Japan said. "So, I'm sure you all would like to see someone scream. They are weaker than us."

"And if we succeed," Italy said, "just think of the new land, as well as each one's own personal toy. If you start seeing different reflections through the mirror, let the magic trio know, and they will help you out."

Many Nations were interested in this. Yes, new toys to play with.

Canada didn't join in their discussions. He was horrified.

They were referring to Matthew's world.

…

Unbeknownst to Canada, there were two others that found this news horrifying.

Nikolai and Andrei sat next to each other, and they stared at Romania in horror.

They could see the pleased gleam in his eyes.

"This is bad," Bulgaria whispered.

"Da," Moldova said. "What should we do?"

Bulgaria couldn't say it out loud. He couldn't afford to, not with the company he currently had.

He saw Romania whisper something to Italy, who smirked and nodded. His eyes followed the magical Nation as he left the room.

Very discreetly, he took out his cell phone, and started typing a message.

…

"This is bad," Dimitri said.

He and Moldova had decided to see if they could see their counterparts through the same mirror if they were in the same room. At first they were pleased with the success, but then it turned to horror when they heard what Italy, Japan and Germany had said.

And for the first time, Bulgaria was afraid of Italy.

Thinking back to the Second World War, how he would occasionally join in on beating Italy, even though he himself was a member of the Axis, he couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if he had done it to the Italy on the other side.

He was worried about this, but Nicolai's look of horror was enough to convince him that he would be safe. But he couldn't help but wonder when he heard about the magic trio working on tearing down the barriers.

If the magic trio was involved, then that meant…

His eyes widened. Vlad said he was busy with something. Could this be…?

He pulled out his cell phone and decided to find out for himself.

…

Vlad jumped when his cell phone started to ring.

"Who is it?" Scotland asked.

"Bulgaria," he said as he answered, standing up and going outside of the room. "What's wrong?"

"Tell me something," Bulgaria said. "What you've been busy with, does it involve a world that you could see through a mirror?"

Vlad's eyes widened.

"How did you…?"

"I'm looking at it right now. And Nicolai was right, your counterpart is creepy."

"You see…? How?"

"Moldova sees it too."

He gasped. Alexandru's new friend…

"Have they said or done anything to hurt you?"

"No. But now, the entire Northern half of their world knows, and they decided to make a game out of it."

"Nu," he whispered, feeling weak. "How do you know?"

"They're having a meeting about it right now."

…

Alida frowned when her phone vibrated. Her spies shouldn't be reporting in yet.

Her confusion was increased when she saw that the message was from Bulgaria.

Are you aware of a mirror world?

She frowned, her confusion becoming curiosity and worry.

Yes. I've already met my counterpart.

So have I. And Italy knows as well. The magic trio knew this for a while.

Her eyes widened. The magic trio had been participating in Poland's game.

What is Italy planning to do with this information?

Conquest. And he's offering new toys. Fresh meat.

Keep me updated. Also, go and speak to Canada.

Canada? Why?

He knows how to go through.

…

Marius smirked.

He had moved to a bathroom, where he was watching Vlad through the mirror. He was speaking to someone on the cell phone, and he was pretty much alone.

He couldn't tell who his counterpart was speaking to, but that was irrelevant.

He took out a dagger and made a small cut on his arm. He couldn't even react to the pain by now.

He pushed his finger into the wound and started to use the blood-coated finger to paint a pentagram on the mirror, muttering the same summoning spell that he had spoken when he had last encountered Vlad.

Once the pentagram was finished, it started to glow with a red light, illuminating the pale face with the red eyes, twisted in glee.

…

Vlad sighed, putting the phone away.

He needed to go to Bulgaria and Moldova and ask them about what was going on. How did that even happen, anyway?

He was about to join the others when his chest started to sting.

He hissed, and his eyes widened when he noticed that a red light started to surround him.

Memories of the previous night started flooding back, and he could feel his blood drain. The summoning spell.

The stinging sensation in his chest started to increase, becoming a burning pain.

He screamed.

…

The others immediately reacted when they heard Romania screaming.

They rushed to help, but were forced to stop when they saw Romania covered in a red light.

"No," England whispered.

England and Norway exchanged a glance, starting to whisper a counterspell.

The light brightened, and Romania screamed shrilly, in obvious pain. There was a bright flash, blinding everyone, and when it disappeared, Romania was gone as well.

They immediately went towards a nearby mirror, England's brothers lingering behind, not willing to encounter their own counterparts.

They saw the meeting still underway.

…

Vlad groaned, landing hard on the floor.

He was still in a daze, and only vaguely registered that he was flipped over to lie on his back.

He opened his eyes, his vision swimming, and it took him a while to gain his focus.

But when he finally regained focus, he wished he didn't.

"Hello, Vlad," Marius said. "Nice to finally meet you, in the flesh."

The Afrikaans part is basically South Africa saying that she would like to ask Namibia a favour. Both countries have Afrikaans as an official language. Jana is actually the name of a Namibian I knew.

And it turns out Bulgaria is a spy for South Africa as well.

And there was the history of the other world's Cold War. Basically, the South is sick of being bullied, and the North enjoys the feeling of control. What makes the story interesting is that it was told to Matthew by a Northern Nation, and the perspective isn't supposed to be in favour of the South, but that was what happened. Matt sympathises with the South, and wants to be neutral, but due to his location he can do nothing.