Thanks to Don't Insult Oliver's Cupcakes, EverythingMath, Dragonfire78, lunaofthebloodysand, Miss Akiyata, MRoshka, BloodLily16 and mayday237892 for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 25: The Final Piece

All the pieces are finally in play.

And now, the real game can begin.

…

James watched the mirror, confused.

He had red hair with two curly ahoges along the side, resembling the horns of a ram. He also had blue eyes. He wore a blue New Zealand band uniform, a baton usually in his hands.

But what he saw in the mirror was a different version of himself.

And he wasn't sure if he liked that.

…

Pain was the first thing he registered. It consumed his entire body.

The needles have been removed – that's good. But he could still feel them linger.

He opened his eyes, unable to see anything except for different-coloured blurs, but after a few moments his eyesight returned.

And he could see the Nations watching him, amused smirks on each of their faces.

"Ciao, Vlad," Italy greeted. "Shall we continue?"

…

Arthur leaned against the wall, searching for support.

Lukas had just told him what their counterparts would attempt to do to them, and he, like Lukas, did not like the sound of that.

…

Matthew was grinding his teeth in annoyance.

Soon after the egg hatched, Poland had demanded that Canada show him to his room, and the Pol had immediately proceeded to search through his closet to find something that he could use as a makeshift nest for the new-born phoenix.

And Feliks kept throwing out the clothes, making a huge mess. Comments like "You actually wear these?" or "Like, I can't let my baby rest in that." met his ears. His patience was fading.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see Lithuania, a look of sympathy on his face.

"He gets like that," Toris said. "My advice: bear it until he's finished. Trust me, that's the most painless way to deal with it."

"How can you tolerate him when he's like this?" Matthew asked.

"Practice."

…

Matt went into the kitchen, and there he found Kumajiro, who was clawing unhappily at his food bowl.

Matt sighed and searched the freezer for fish that he could prepare for the little bear.

"How do you want your fish?" Matt asked.

"Half-cooked," Kumajiro said, coming closer.

Matt nodded and searched for a frying pan where he put the frozen fish, setting the stove on high to let it thaw, and then setting it lower to help it cook.

"I have a question," Matt said. "Why do you always forget Matthew?"

"I don't."

Matt paused, looking towards the bear, an eyebrow raised.

"Then why are you always asking who he is?" Matt asked.

"To make sure he didn't forget," the bear said, surprising Matt. "It happened once. Everything bad started to happen. He almost died because he couldn't remember who he was. I had to remind him, and keep reminding him, until one day, when I asked 'who are you?', he answered 'Canada'. I keep asking him that to check on him. He doesn't remember what happened, but I remember."

Matt was speechless. He turned back to the fish and saw that it wasn't burned yet, so it must be underdone, and placed the fish in Kumajiro's food dish, who started to eat it happily.

"I think I know what happened," a voice said.

Matt turned to the door and saw Wales standing there.

"What do you mean?" Matt asked.

"Magic leaves traces," Wales explained. "There's a trace of a spell on him. Our mom used to put the spell on us when we were little. It was to protect us. But whoever put the spell on Matthew was a lot stronger. And they had no intention of making it temporary."

"What kind of spell is it?"

"A spell that erases you from thought, memory and senses. It would be as though you never existed."

…

He was panting.

They had burned him with hot irons, but that was alright. It wasn't too unusual for him. He had gone through that kind of torture before.

Italy stepped in front of him, and Vlad slowly raised his eyes. Luciano was smirking, and he held a plate of pasta in his hands.

"You must be hungry," Luciano said, lowering the plate in front of Vlad. "So I made you some pasta."

He was cautious. There was some sort of trick to this act of kindness. Something sinister.

His bonds were untied, and he hesitantly took the plate.

"Don't worry," Luciano said. "There isn't any poison in that. That's my fratello's specialty."

That did not make him feel better. He gave one last look towards the Italian and brought the fork – loaded with pasta – towards his mouth.

It tasted good, but there was something in the sauce. Something that he felt tasted familiar…

His eyes widened, and before he could spit the food out, a gloved hand was pressed to his mouth, the other on the back of his head.

"No, no," Italy tutted. "I went through a lot of trouble making that for you. Are you going to disrespect me by spitting it out?"

Tears sprung to the Romanian's eyes before he swallowed down the bloody pasta. He shuddered in disgust, and Luciano chuckled before he removed the hand over his mouth, but twisted the hand at the back of Vlad's head into his light brown, almost blonde, hair.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Luciano taunted. "Keep eating."

Vlad swallowed nervously before looking down at the plate in his lap. Whose blood was it? Thanks to the Impaler, he knew how to tell human blood from animal blood. And this was definitely human blood.

"C-Canada," Vlad said, hating himself for his weakness. "The one on my side cast the spell months ago. They became friends."

"I see," Luciano said, taking the plate from the Romanian's lap. "I think I'll have a little talk with Canada about his loyalties. So, he told South Africa?"

Vlad nodded his head.

"Da. While they were in each other's worlds."

Luciano paused.

"Are you saying they can go through?" he snapped, turning to Vlad.

Vlad nodded, avoiding the other's eyes.

Luciano growled before he fixed his gaze on Kyo.

"Tie him up," he ordered. "I'm going to have a little talk with Matteo."

…

Francis stood in front of the mirror, keeping an eye on the events on the other side. Camille was standing in front of him, her posture tense.

Francis wanted her to feel what it was like to have a loving father, and had started by combing his fingers through her curly and slightly knotted hair. He was being careful not to hurt her, and so far she had taken it alright.

There were a few places where he could see that there was damage done to her scalp, and was being extra careful at those spots.

He sighed.

"At least Matt is on our side of the mirror," Francis said. "What was in that pasta that made Romania crack?"

"It must be the blood," Camille said. "Italy likes making pasta with bloody sauce. Even in my world, not a lot of Nations have a taste for that."

"And as far as I know, no one from my world," Francis said. "Ma cherie, should we perhaps warn Matt?"

"Can you pass through the mirror?"

He placed his hand on the glass, and it remained solid, as always.

"Then you don't need to warn him," she said. "Italy can't get to him."

…

"Are you serious?" Matt asked.

Will nodded, running his hand through his hair.

"Someone powerful placed the spell on him," Wales continued. "And as far as I know, no Nation has that sort of power."

"Can you undo it?"

"We can try. But until we know who and why, it could only work temporarily."

…

It was business as usual at Parliament Hill. Everyone was doing their job.

Some were looking into the slaughter of the animals near their personification's home, while others were dealing with the murders in Toronto.

But there was something that none of them expected.

And it would happen soon.

…

Kumakaze lazily watched as his master's phone went off. Again. Matt had left his cell phone at home, since the only one he wanted to speak to could be contacted by looking into a mirror.

And he had clearly told South Africa that he wouldn't take his phone. After all, he didn't work for her. Yet.

…

Italy growled, disconnecting the call.

Either Canada left his phone at home, or he was avoiding him.

He re-entered the room, and his eyes fell on seven Nations.

"I need you to see what your counterparts know about Canada's possible betrayal," he said. "And Romania, I need you to come with me. I have a special request for you."

…

Anika sighed, putting the cell phone back in her pocket.

Namibia had called. Her suspicions were confirmed.

…

Matthew sighed in relief. Feliks had finally settled on a red hoodie, and was tying it around himself in a way that he could create a sort of nest that would allow him to carry the little phoenix around wherever he went.

Matthew grimaced when he saw the damage that had been done to his room. He would have to clean it up later.

He suddenly felt nervous. There was something bad going to happen.

…

Francis watched as Francois made his way through the hallways. He knew that the other was searching for a mirror, and if he saw Camille on his side of the mirror…

"Mon cher," he said, "I need you to go outside or something. Where none of the other Nations that can see their counterparts are."

"Pourqoui?" she asked.

"If Francois sees you with me, he'll be mad. If he manages to reach you…"

Her eyes grew wide, and she nodded vigorously, making her way out through Matthew's front door.

Francis sighed in relief, and turned back to see Francois waiting for him.

"Were you waiting for me?" Francois taunted.

"Non," Francis said. "But I need to see what happens to Roumanie."

"I see. And where are the others?"

"Espagne, Angleterre and Prusse are getting drunk. Pologne is raiding a closet. Not sure where Norvège and Lituanie are."

"So it's you and me," Francois said. "And where is Canada?"

"Why do you care about Mathieu?"

"So he's there?"

"What?"

He didn't think he let anything slip.

"Canada goes by the name of 'Matt'," Francois explained.

"Then they share a name, though different versions," Francis said.

"I see. But is he there?"

"I don't see how that is any of your business."

"I will take that as a 'yes'. That is all I need to know. Italy would want to hear about the traitor."

"You know, if you were a better father, he wouldn't feel the need to 'betray' your cause."

Francois narrowed his eyes.

"From what I heard, you weren't the best parent to your Canada, either. How long did you forget about him?"

Francis's jaw dropped, and Francois chuckled.

"Besides, I helped raise both Italies, and neither have any intention of harming me, other than the normal harming of the Nations. So what if I treat them like dirt? In the end, that's all we are. Pieces of land. Dirt."

"How can you be so cold to children you were supposed to raise? They need love. They need to see that they are special…"

"They need a reality check. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

Francois left the mirror on the other side, and Francis could no longer reach him.

"Oh, and since you're still listening," Francois said, "sweet dreams, Francis."

Francis clenched his fists in anger.

It took a certain push to allow a Nation to tap into their younger, more violent ways. And Francois just pushed him there.

The next time they met, Francis would show him exactly what Papa France is capable of.

…

Each of the Kirklands shuddered. Well, the British Kirklands. Fletcher and Jett remained unaffected.

"What's going on?" Jett asked.

"I can venture a guess," Arthur said. "I think France just entered 'protective father' mode."

"Kesesese, I feel kind of sorry for whoever pushed him there," Gilbert said.

"Si," Antonio said, his voice taking a slightly colder edge. "He should stay like that when he's asleep."

…

Luciano had Vlad's cell phone in his hands, going through the other's contact list.

Vlad looked nervously at the other four Nations in the room. Luciano, Lutz, Kyo and Marius.

Luciano noticed something interesting. Vlad had quite a few contacts – impressive, really – and there were three that stood out: Brazil, India, South Africa.

"How is it that you're friends with all three of those Southern pests?" Luciano asked.

"We're friends," Romania said. "We are mostly friends on a professional level, but occasionally we like each other's company. Just… not together. The IBSA trio can be a little scary when they're together. Only Russia and China are brave enough to do it, and they formed a group of five that can also be really scary."

"Does Brazil and India know about us?" Luciano asked idly.

"I don't know."

Luciano nodded, before pressing a button and bringing the phone close to his ear.

…

Anika frowned, taking out her cell phone.

She paled when she saw the name displayed on the screen.

Romania.

And she knew full well where Romania was.

"Hello?" she answered, a little nervously.

"Ciao. South Africa, I take it?"

The voice on the other side was cold, and familiar.

"I take it you're the other Italy," she said.

"So, you do know? That makes things a lot easier."

"What are you doing to Vlad?"

"Nothing. For now. I thought we'd have a little chat."

"What do you really want?"

"Are you really sure that you're on the right side?"

"If it helps me get my friend back, then I believe I am."

"Pity. So, are you really willing to be my enemy?"

"You don't know what I'm willing to do. Or what I'm capable of."

"That doesn't sound like much, if you ask me."

She narrowed her eyes. She could feel the shift.

"You can ask Vlad what I can do," she said coldly. "And what I'm capable of. And who I'm friends with. And you should really ask about 'Zulu'. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got other things to do."

She hung up the phone, and then dialled another, familiar number.

…

Lukas had gone back to his own home, to his own library, along with Eva and Gabriel. He had to find a way to counter what was going to happen.

"I'm not that good with magic," Gabriel said.

"But I'm quite good with gathering information," Eva said. "Of course, it would be easier if I knew what I'm looking for."

"Defence spells," Lukas listed, "magical immunity, imperviousness to the next spell cast on you, next spell ineffective…"

"I got it," Eva said, going deeper into the library.

Gabriel sighed, going to a bookshelf and searching through a book.

Lukas picked up another nearby book and started to leaf through it.

The door opened, and Lukas turned to the door, freezing.

The other Nordics were standing there. Denmark grinned widely.

"Norge!" he greeted. "We were worried, so we decided to come and…"

He trailed off when he noticed Gabriel standing nearby. The Icelander also froze, jaw dropped.

"Who's this?" Matthias asked.

"It's a long story," Lukas said.

"And why does he look like me?" Emil asked, stepping up to the other Icelander.

"A few days ago, we found out that there's another world behind the mirror," Lukas sighed. "Anyway, Iceland, meet Iceland."

…

"Thanks," Brazil said, hanging up the phone. "Anika wants us to join her in Canada."

"Did she say anything else?" India asked.

"Not outright, but she sounded… I don't know. I think she's gone either Xhosa or Zulu."

"In that case," Russia said, "are you sure it's a good idea we go?"

"I'm wondering that too," China said.

"As long as she's not mad at us, we have nothing to fear," India said. "I think."

…

Toris went back to Matthew's room. He had been outside, enjoying the Canadian scenery, and wanted to check on Feliks.

He knew just how his friend could be, and probably needed to go save their host.

…

Anika moved to the mirror, pleased that no one else was there.

Immediately, Alida's face appeared, and she seemed impressed.

"I think you handled that situation well," she said. "And, I have to admit, you're impressive right now."

"Dankie," Anika said, her voice as cold as Alida's. "When are you going to help us get Vlad back?"

Alida smirked.

"You said you would do anything for your friends, correct?"

"That's right, and if you stand in my way, then there is nothing stopping me from hurting you."

"As long as you help me defeat Luciano, I am willing to help you get your friend back. In fact, I have a plan in motion."

"Dis goed. There's also something else I need to talk to you about."

…

Luciano walked up to Vlad, a smirk on his face.

"Tell me more about the other South Africa," Luciano said. "What's her name again?"

"Anika," Vlad said, sulkily. "She's friends with Russia. And, contrary to popular belief, he's not the scariest one between the two. This is because she has severe mood swings, depending on the trigger. And sometimes… the mood swings trigger a personality shift. And there's one shift you don't want to see. On the other hand, she might fit in with your Nations if she's in that mood."

…

Matthew watched as Feliks moved to sit on his bed, crooning to the little phoenix, and the bird was making similar sounds in response.

It was cute, actually.

Toris came up to him, smiling fondly at his friend.

"He's very good with the little creature, isn't he?" Matthew asked.

"Surprisingly, yes," Toris said. "You should see him with his ponies."

Matthew smiled, before the smile fell. He felt some strange pressure in his chest. The pressure built, and it became painful.

He gasped, and it started to become unbearable.

"What's wrong?" Toris asked.

Feliks also saw this, and ran to Matthew's side.

"Like, what's wrong?" Feliks repeated.

"I can't breathe," Matthew said, sinking to his knees.

The two European Nations exchanged glances before Toris knelt in front of Matthew.

The pain was unbearable, and it really was impossible to breathe.

"Matthew," Toris said, "I think it's something that's happening to your country. Try to focus. The first step is to know what's happening."

Matthew nodded, and closed his eyes. His eyes snapped open, and he started to tremble.

"B-bomb," he said. "A b-bomb at P-Parliament H-Hill."

South Africa is known for its racial diversity. As stated in an episode of Dollhouse: not multiple personalities, but many personalities. It's all a matter of the correct trigger.

And I like fics with Papa France, so I decided to add that.

And New Zealand accidentally became affected when he and 2P Iceland were standing in front of the same mirror.