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

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 23: A New Piece

Nearly all the pieces are in play.

The Pawns have served their purpose nicely.

But it is time for the stronger pieces to take part in the game.

…

"So," Matt said, "let me get this straight: you both met your counterparts, and you want to help them?"

He, along with Bulgaria and Moldova, were in an empty room they happened to find. They only hoped that no one listened in on their conversation.

"Da," Andrei said. "I've come to like my counterpart. He has something I don't have. A certain type of innocence. Joy. I don't want anyone from our world taking that away from him."

"And Dimitri doesn't deserve any of that either," Nicolai said.

"One thing I need to know," Matt said. "How did you know that I have access to the other world?"

Nicolai sighed, looking at the other two.

"What I'm about to tell you does not reach anyone else's ears," he said. "Are we clear?"

"Sure," Matt said.

"Alright, fine," Andrei said.

Nicolai hesitated, before he looked down.

"I'm a spy for the Southern Powers," he said. "I've been informing South Africa about everything that was said in the meeting. And she told me that you not only knew about the other world, but can go there as well."

There was silence for a while.

"You're a spy?" Moldova asked.

"If Italy finds out…" Canada said.

"I know the risks," Bulgaria said.

"Who else is a spy?" Canada asked.

"I only know about Greenland. Each of the Southern Powers has two Northern spies, and each spy only knows about the other of their respective employer. That way, if one of us is caught, we wouldn't be able to expose the others. Except for one."

"Fine," Canada said. "Let's get to a mirror. I wonder if Matthew knows."

Bulgaria looked down when he felt his phone vibrate.

"We're going to be meeting with the other spies," Bulgaria said. "Get them involved as well."

"Why?" Moldova asked.

"South Africa's orders."

…

"So," England said, looking defeated, "we need to go to Australia now?"

"Yes," Canada said. "Alida will help us, but we need to convince the other Australia to join their side. It will be the turning point for the Cold War in that world, and the three Southern Powers will become four, and their magic will be unstoppable by the North."

"Um," India said, "I don't have the magic touch, and I doubt Mahesh would have."

"Actually, you do," Canada said. "You just haven't tapped into it. A lot of Nations haven't found a way to tap into their magic touch. Some can be a lot stronger than the magic trio."

"Are you serious?" England asked.

"Unfortunately, yes. And if the four Southern Powers are together, then there is no way for anyone to survive from the North."

"Oh, and Engeland," South Africa said, "we're going to have to get Bulgaria and Moldova as well."

"Why?" England asked.

"Because they're in on this too."

…

Vlad did not like his chances.

He was tied to a chair in the centre of a room. Marius was there, along with Italy, Germany and Japan, as well as Felic, Tolys, Sigurd, Oliver, Gilen, Alejandro and Francois.

The last seven were to make sure that his friends could see what was going to happen to him on the other side.

"We'll ask you again before we start to play," Italy said. "How did South Africa learn about you?"

He kept his mouth shut.

"Fine then," Italy said. "Kyo, if you would be so kind?"

He looked towards the other Japan, and he paled when he saw a few acupuncture needles. Normally those could be a treatment, but applied carelessly and they could be agonising.

"This will only hurt a lot," Kyo said, before he stuck the first needle in his shoulder.

Vlad hissed in pain, but didn't react otherwise.

"Are you going to tell us?" Italy asked.

"Nu," Vlad said, and another needle found its way in the juncture by his elbow.

"We can do this all day," Italy said. "Actually, make it all week."

He didn't look forward to the prospect of an entire week's worth of torture, but he couldn't reveal anything. He couldn't reveal that Canada knew and could cross over, and he also couldn't reveal that Bulgaria or Moldova knew. He couldn't possibly endanger his best friend or his little brother.

…

New Zealand was dabbing some disinfectant to Australia's face when he almost dropped the cotton ball when a portal suddenly opened by them.

"What the…?" Australia began.

The two stared wide-eyed when they saw England, Canada and South Africa appearing out of thin air.

"Annie, Mattie!" Jett said, beaming brightly. "We were considering inviting you two."

"Oh, don't mind me," England said sarcastically. "I'm just here dropping them off for you four to do something together that would end up giving me grey hair."

"And that's usually why we don't invite you," Jett muttered. "So, what exactly are you guys doing here?"

"We need your help with something," Matthew said, looking entirely serious.

His expression managed to get the two Oceanic Nations to grow solemn as well.

"What happened to you?" Anika asked, pointing to Jett's wounds.

"Something attacked me," Jett said. "Something I couldn't see."

"So, it wasn't one of your animals?"

"No. I was eating dinner. I did nothing reckless. This time."

…

Matt could honestly say that he was surprised by who the spies of the South were.

As Bulgaria mentioned, Greenland was South Africa's other spy. Brazil's two spies were Switzerland and, surprisingly enough, St Pierre and Miquelon, for convenience's sake simply called Camille. And India's spies were North Korea and Iceland.

Camille appeared to be no older than ten, with curly strawberry blond hair. She wore a long, red skirt with a black shirt and short black boots. She also wore short red fingerless gloves. Her skin was extremely pale, and there were dark rings under her eyes.

North Korea had long black hair tied back in a braid. He was dressed as a punk, with black clothes and with pierced eyebrows and with a stud in his nose. His skin was extremely pale, and his eyes were bloody red.

"So," Matt said, "what exactly is in it for all of you?"

"You know what it's like to live under France," Camille said. "You can guess, can't you?"

"They pay well," Switzerland said.

"My brother is extremely cruel, if you hadn't noticed," Iceland said. "Behind his sunny exterior, at least. He's eager for the prospect of power. If there is no opening for him to gain more power, then he would have more time for me, and we can be as close as we were when I was a kid."

"I know where the South is coming from," Greenland said. "I support them in that regards."

"I'm sick of being everyone's target," Bulgaria said.

"Every time my brother does something, I'm dragged into it," Korea said. "I've had enough of it. Plus it messes with Japan."

"And I think I'm in trouble," Moldova muttered.

"So, Canada," Camille said. "Brazil said that you can cross over to the other world. Is it true?"

"Yes," Matt said.

"Can you take us there?" Iceland asked. "We don't want to be around when shit hits the fan."

"What do you mean?"

"There's a possibility that Australia will be joining the South real soon," Switzerland said.

…

"I see," Jett sighed. "And you need my help?"

"Ja," South Africa said. "If we don't save Romania, then it's only a matter of time before they get the rest of us."

"And how can we trust the other world then?"

"The South is the better side of things," Matthew said. "And they treat their allies nice enough."

"Alright," Jett said. "So, I just need to stand in front of the mirror?"

"That's right," England said. "Fletcher, you may want to stay back. We're not entirely sure if it's a good idea for too many Nations to be able to see their reflected counterparts."

"Alright," New Zealand said. "I'll try."

…

"Like, this is totally bad," Feliks said.

They were all watching what was happening, with the exception of England's brothers, who had helped themselves to Canada's stash of alcohol.

"Poor Romania," Toris said. "I just wish we could help him."

Gilbert placed his hand on the mirror, and swore under his breath.

"How did Canada do it?" he asked. "Cause I would like to go there and teach them a thing or two."

"Not with that arm, mi amigo," Spain said. "You know, I think I'm going to join the Brits with their drinking."

"Oui," France said. "It will be a good idea, all things considered. If Alejandro decides to bother you in your dreams, you could fight back."

"Good point," Norway said. "We need to be prepared for anything."

…

Vlad panted. His body was full of needles, and he knew for a fact that they weren't applied right. This was pure torture.

"So," Italy said. "Are you going to tell us how South Africa knows?"

"Nu," he said.

He could handle torture. He just had to channel his former Wallachian.

As it was, he felt with his tongue on the other side of his mouth. His fang was always on the left side, but now, there was a fang on the right side as well.

It was part of his defence. Say what you want about the Impaler, he knew how to take care of his Nation.

"Well then," Italy sighed. "Lutz?"

Germany stepped closer, holding a rectangular box that the Romanian was slightly familiar with.

A tazer.

And with the needles… inside…

Vlad's eyes widened. This was going to hurt.

…

"So," Jett said, "we just stand together in front of a mirror?"

He and South Africa were standing side by side in front of a full-length mirror.

"Pretty much," Anika said, moving away.

And in an instant, the reflection started to change.

…

Bruce was reading a book when he heard a strange voice. A voice that sounded too close to his own.

"Crikey, this is awesome!" the voice said.

Bruce frowned, marking his place in the book before standing up, looking for the source of the voice, his knife at his waist.

He was surprised when he finally found the source of the voice.

A mirror.

And there was a strange version of him reflected in the mirror.

"Who are you?" Bruce asked.

"Oh, g'day," the other greeted, smiling widely. "The name's Jett Kirkland, also known as Australia. Well, in my world, at least."

…

"Do you think this will work?" Nicolai asked.

They were in a bathroom on the upper floor, Camille and Greenland a little nervous with the fact that they were in a men's room.

In one of the mirrors was Matthew, with the other versions of England, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. In another mirror were Dimitri and Alexandru, watching them nervously.

"I hope," Matt said, stepping closer to the mirror with Matthew and placing his fingertips on the glass, the area around the fingers starting to ripple as though he was touching the surface of water.

Nicolai attempted it with the mirror where Dimitri was watching, but all he felt was glass.

"Maybe it will work if you all go together?" Alexandru suggested.

"Perhaps," Andrei said, grabbing onto Matt, who looked at him curiously.

"Why aren't you trying to save Vlad?!" Dimitri argued.

"Bunch of reasons," Switzerland said, turning to face the brunet. "First, he's in the company of not only the Northern Powers, but a few of the other nasty Nations. Second, we're not strong enough to fight against said Nations, and we're endangering our countries by letting them know we're traitors. Third, even if we disregard all of that, we have absolutely no idea where he is. It's safer to let the South try to take him back."

"So," Alexandru said, "what you're saying is that you can't save my big brother?"

Many of the Nations reeled back when they saw the tears in the other's eyes.

Matt snapped his attention back to the mirror where Matthew was, something that was said interesting him.

"Alida said she's going to help if we get you on board," Anika said, speaking to someone he couldn't quite see.

"I need to see some proof of what you're saying," a slightly familiar voice said, and Matt's eyes widened. "I need to see that it's possible to travel between worlds."

"I think that's our cue," Matt muttered. "Come on. Let's convince Down Under that we should stay out of the line of fire."

…

"Let me get this straight," Bruce said, leaning against the wall next to the mirror. "You want me to join the Southern Powers in the Cold War, because the North took a Nation from your own world, and you're all buddy-buddy. And South Africa will help you get him back if I join them?"

"That's what my South Africa said," Jett said.

"Alida said she's going to help if we get you on board," a voice that sounded like South Africa's said.

According to Jett, he was accompanied by New Zealand, South Africa, England and Canada, but they stayed out of the mirror in order to make sure the two Australians could communicate. He didn't mind New Zealand and South Africa that much, but England and Canada, he had a problem with.

And he had placed his hand on the mirror. He was finding it hard to believe that travel between the two worlds was possible. Well, he could acknowledge the fact that two worlds existed. The evidence was right in front of him.

"I need to see some proof of what you're saying," Bruce said. "I need to see that it's possible to travel between worlds."

"Why that?" England's voice asked.

"If your Romania was captured, then he would have to be able to get here, am I right?"

Jett nodded, looking to the side to the others, when both Australians jumped in surprise.

Out of thin air, a bunch of Nations appeared. Nations that he recognised.

Northern Nations.

…

"M-Matt?" Matthew stuttered, seeing his counterpart standing in front of him.

"Hey," Matt said. "I thought you'd like some help. Also, it's only a matter of time before Italy finds out we're traitors, so we kind of need a place to hide that he can't reach easily."

Matthew then took notice of the other Nations standing there.

"You're all…?" he started.

"Most of us are spies for the South," Switzerland, Basch, said.

"And I came to like my counterpart," Moldova, Andrei, said. "I don't want the bloodthirsty tâmpit to have the power to touch him. Nu, I will make sure Alexandru is safe."

"As touching as this is," Bruce said, interrupting them all, "you're not helping your case. All I'm seeing are Northern Nations, and I'm not sure I'm going to help you because you decided to make friends with the North."

"Excuse me," Anika said, smirking, before she moved to stand next to Jett, and the mirror showed only the two of them, not even showing the Nations from the other world that was in clear view of the mirror. "Luister mooi. I've heard enough about the Cold War on your side, and I'll admit that the Northern Nations are insensitive, greedy assholes, but think of it this way. If they manage to get more of us, then that makes them stronger, and if they're stronger, what will stop them from going after you and wiping you out completely? As it is, they now have the extra strength from the captured Romania, who, by the way, has one of the bloodiest histories in our world. You want them to have that as well? So get off your lazy butt and tell Alida that you'll help, because it's only a matter of time before those assholes come after you with their extra power. And if you continue to refuse to help my friend, then I will find a way to get to your world and beat you myself. Ask Jett, I am not a person to trifle with."

As she spoke, more anger filled her voice, eventually sounding as cold as Alida's, but with a certain fire. As it was, the observers were sure they heard the distant rumbling of thunder. When she moved away from the mirror, it revealed Bruce looking a little wide-eyed.

"Cape of Storms decided to make an appearance," Jett joked. "And yes. She scares even the most deadly creatures when she's pissed enough."

"I still want to know why I should help," Bruce said.

"Well," Anika said, "the two of us could maybe beat England to a bloody pulp. That would be fun."

"What?" Arthur sputtered. "What are you…?"

"Shush," she said.

"Really," Bruce said. "Tell me more."

…

Namibia sighed, flashlight held in front of her, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Lesotho by her side.

Mozambique looked a lot like both South Africa and Namibia. She had tanned skin, a little darker than Anika's tan. She had long, curly brown hair and green eyes. She wore a simple red tee-shirt with a pair of jeans and a pair of brown sneakers.

Botswana had darker skin, and shoulder-length blonde hair tied in a low ponytail. He had dark brown eyes, and had silver-studded earrings. He wore a green shirt with khaki shorts and a pair of brown sandals.

Zimbabwe had short black hair and grey eyes. He wore a brown shirt, brown pants and walked around with bare feet.

Swaziland was dark-skinned, and looked to be no older than ten years old. He wore an oversized red shirt and a pair of jean shorts, with black sandals, his dark brown eyes looking nervously ahead, his black hair even shorter than Zimbabwe's.

Lesotho was also dark-skinned, and appeared to be eleven years old. He had amber eyes and his black hair was shaved off, but appeared to be regrowing. He wore a black shirt underneath a blue jacket, a pair of jeans and a pair of worn white sneakers.

"Why are we here again?" Zimbabwe asked.

"South Africa wanted me to check something out," Namibia said.

"And you dragged us along?"

"Hey, I am not going into the Cradle of Humankind on my own. Anika barely does it, and it's in her country."

The six of them were deep inside the caves of Sterkfontein. They had used their influence to come to this closed-off area, and were now going deeper in.

"You do know these caves are only part of the Cradle, right?" Botswana asked.

"Ja, but they're the most famous," Namibia said. "Come on. Let's find what we're looking for and get out."

Zimbabwe and Botswana's appearances are based on the official chibi-heads.

The Cradle of Humankind refers to a series of fossil-bearing caves, about three dozen, about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, one of South Africa's most important cities. The caves aren't really open to the public, since it's a treasure-trove of human fossils, dating back more than 3.5 million years. Sterkfontein alone produced more than a third of early hominid fossils prior to 2010. It's called the Cradle of Humankind because it produced a large amount, as well as some of the oldest, hominid fossils in the world.

St Pierre and Miquelon is there because we recently did Francophone countries and I also read a fanfic where she features, and I figured it would be fun to add her.

And yeah. Iceland is a spy. I actually quite like him, especially when I found out we share a birthday. And since my birthday is after a public holiday in my country, it's often overlooked and people forget it, so any reference is actually sweet.