Thanks to Abbgy of the Sword-Flowers, Don't Insult Oliver's Cupcakes, Dragonfire78, Miss Akiyata, BloodLily16 and DrowningHeta for reviewing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
Chapter 26: Clear Threat
It is about time that the true players are revealed.
…
Alida stared at Anika in horror.
"Are you sure?" she asked. "I mean, why now?"
"Don't know," Anika said. "I asked Namibia to check it out. Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe confirmed it. And I saw them last night. They attacked Russia and Brazil."
"This is bad," Alida said. "I'm going to check it out in my own world. Please, this better be a false alarm."
"I hope so too."
…
Matthew had passed out. Toris and Feliks had moved him to his bed, and now they looked down at the pale Nation.
"This isn't good," Lithuania said.
"Like, should I call the others?" Poland asked.
"Taip. And turn on the TV. Let's see what the humans say about this."
…
When France stepped into the living room, he froze.
England, Spain and Prussia were drinking, but they were accompanied by Jeng Soo, Basch and Nikolai.
"What's wrong?" Scotland asked when he saw France freeze.
"The other Italy just sent our counterparts to check on us," France said. "They wanted to know about Matt's betrayal, but…"
England, Spain and Prussia froze, eyes falling on the three from the other world.
"Fick," Basch said, eyes widening.
…
The other Nordics were silent, staring at the two Icelands in awe.
"How?" Emil asked.
"Long story short," Lukas sighed, "Canada was lonely, so he used one of England's spells to get a friend. That friend happened to be a different version of him from another world. A darker world. A few days ago, whatever he did managed to affect other Nations, myself included, and our counterparts weren't exactly… friendly."
"What do you mean?" Matthias asked.
"It's common in my world for Nations to hurt each other for the fun of it," Gabriel said, shrugging. "Some even enjoy the taste of bodyparts, like my big brother."
"And you're not bothered by that?" Emil asked, horrified.
"I find it gross, but I'm used to him doing that. Besides, he's usually only after the skin."
"Anyway," Lukas said, "the magic trio on the other side cast a spell to allow them to attack their counterparts in their dreams." He rolled up his sleeve, showing his bandaged hands. "And they went through with it."
"Lukas," Tino whispered. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"I didn't want to involve you," Lukas said. "In case they find a way to hurt you too."
"I don't care! You shouldn't keep family in the dark!"
"What about him?" Emil asked, gesturing to Gabriel.
"He's one of the few Nations from their side that are willing to help us," Lukas said.
"Don't forget the South," Gabriel said. "But, that's more a matter of you're helping them."
"Um, Norway," a voice interrupted.
They all turned to see Eva creeping closer, holding onto a book, keeping her eyes on Denmark.
"This is the other Greenland," Lukas explained. "Did you find something?"
"Maybe," she said, handing the book to him.
He perused it before closing it, sighing in relief.
"So, you're Green?" Matthias said, stepping closer.
This was the wrong thing to do. She withdrew a large hunting knife that she had on her person, causing Denmark to freeze.
"Don't take it personally," Gabriel said, shrugging. "Our Denmark wasn't the best big brother to her. He let you get mauled by a bear once, right?"
She nodded.
"Let's not forget the pack of wolves when I was still a little kid," she said.
"Is that where…?" Denmark whispered, looking at all her scars.
"Pretty much," Gabriel said.
It bothered Lukas that he didn't seem disturbed by it, but then he figured that they were used to it. It still bothered him, though.
"What else did they do?" Tino demanded.
"They have Vlad," Lukas sighed. "And… they're planning on taking me and England as well."
…
Sigurd looked through the mirror, anger radiating through his entire being.
"So, two little traitors," he muttered. "Enjoy your stay, Greenland and Iceland, for you will suffer the consequences."
He will discuss it with Italy. He wanted to deal with those two personally.
…
When they saw each other in the hallway, Alejandro, Oliver and Gilen exchanged meaningful glances.
Oliver had a wide smile on his face, his blue eyes seeming to become pinker. That only happened when Oliver felt really sadistic.
…
Poland rushed into the living room, his phoenix still in Matthew's bedroom. The others looked at him with confusion, but he searched for the remote to turn on Canada's TV.
"Things are not going well for Canada," the newsreader said. "Earlier, a bomb went off at Parliament Hill. Many government officials have been injured, and several had lost their lives. Rescue workers are still working to retrieve…"
They didn't listen any further. They all rushed to Matthew's bedroom, with the exception of Fletcher, who went to the kitchen to notify Matt.
…
Kugelmugel had just finished his sketch when he felt something vibrating in his pocket. He listened for a while, making sure Austria wouldn't leave the piano anytime soon before he took the cell phone out.
"Hallo?" he whispered. Can't let Austria hear.
"It's a go," Ladonia's voice from the other side said. "Sweden left with the other Nordics, but he gave us permission to hang out together with everyone."
Kugelmugel smirked.
"That's wunderbar. So, when should I come?"
"Anytime. Just make sure it's soon, and Austria is either cool with it or doesn't know where to find you."
"Right. Ooh, I also got a new picture to show the IBSA trio."
"So do I. Denmark was here."
When he heard the music stop, he knew it was time to put the phone away.
"Got to go. See you later."
…
Toris sighed, watching over the younger Nation.
He wasn't breathing, and he knew that he should fix that. But how?
Poland's phoenix moved from his arms to Canada's chest, and Toris didn't stop it. There wasn't any harm a newly hatched bird can cause, right?
Just as the others entered the room, the bird started to glow, surprising everyone.
"Like, what's happening?" Feliks asked.
When the bird stopped glowing, Matthew suddenly took a big gulp of air, much to the relief of Lithuania.
"What just happened?" Toris asked.
"Phoenixes have the power to heal wounds," England explained. "I'm guessing that that's what it did."
"Ooh," Feliks cooed, picking up the phoenix again. "You are such a fabulous creature. And you're my glorious baby. Like, that was such a kind thing. You are so good…"
"Ja," Prussia said. "That bird is awesome."
…
"I see," Luciano said.
Vlad had just told him everything significant of Anika, and he was a little disturbed.
Many personalities? Is that why their South Africa seemed to lack one, asides from the ice queen?
The seven he had sent out entered, and he immediately turned to them.
"What did you find out?" he demanded.
"Canada is indeed on the other side," Francois said.
"And he's not the only one," Sigurd said darkly. "Iceland and Greenland are there as well."
"Along with North Korea," Alejandro said, and Japan's eyes flashed in anger, "Switzerland," Germany's eyes flashed in anger, "and Bulgaria."
At the last name, Marius growled.
"Don't know if there are others, though," Felic said.
"That doesn't matter," Luciano said. "Six traitors. They will suffer the consequences."
"If you don't mind," Sigurd said, "I would like to deal with Greenland and Iceland myself."
"And I want to deal with Bulgaria," Marius said.
"Nu!" Vlad said, drawing the attention of the others. "You leave him alone!"
The magic trio exchanged dark looks, a smirk appearing on their faces.
"But if they are traitors," Luciano said, "then I think a change of location is in order."
…
Camille walked outside, taking in how everything seemed different.
"No, don't do that!" a voice said, catching her attention.
She frowned, going towards the source of the voice.
She found the two Moldovas, a picture drawn in the dirt in front of them. Or at least she assumed it was a picture.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
Alexandru looked up and giggled.
"He's teaching me how to play a game," Andrei said. "What is it called again?"
"Hopscotch," Alexandru said, eyes trained on Camille. "Do you want to play?"
"Does it involve inflicting pain on each other?" Camille asked.
Alexandru's smile fell, turning to a look of confusion.
"No," he said. "Unless it's an accident. You just jump from one block to the next."
She looked down at the picture, seeing that it almost looked like a rabbit with blocks drawn inside, and each block numbered.
"Alright," she said. "I'll try."
…
When Matt entered the room, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Matthew was at least breathing. But he was concerned about the pallor of the other Canadian.
"What exactly happened?" Jeng Soo asked. "What caused him to…"
"They're more in tune with their country and their people," Matt explained. "Their capitals, for example, are like their hearts. If their country is attacked, they feel it."
The North Korean nodded in understanding, and they watched as the other Nations tried to make things more comfortable for the unconscious Nation.
"You don't think it could have been from our side, do you?" Jeng Soo asked.
"As far as I can tell, they don't know about it," Matt answered. "I don't think it came from our side."
…
Wales sighed, exiting the room.
Considering the spell, he was surprised that they could still remember Canada. But he supposed that it could be due to the fact that Matt was there along with Matthew. The darker Canadian seemed to have a presence that no one could ignore.
He needed to find a quiet place where he could focus on remembering how to undo that particular spell. He was still a child when it was last cast on him, and he had forgotten certain elements of the spell.
When he was near the mirror that they all seemed to be using, he heard South Africa's voice. Curious, he went closer, but just out of the reach of the mirror.
Both Anika and her counterpart looked worried about something.
He frowned, trying to make out what they were saying, but they were speaking in a jumble of languages. He could clearly identify Afrikaans, and he heard the tell-tale clicking of Xhosa, but he wasn't sure about the others. Well, South Africa did have eleven languages…
They surprised him by speaking Portuguese and Greek. He didn't even think South Africa knew those languages. He also heard Italian, Danish, Dutch…
He could not ponder on that longer, before he felt something on his mouth. It almost felt like a hand. He then felt his wrists captured by another hand. And were those… claws?
We have worked so hard to keep that spell intact. You're not putting an end to that.
His eyes widened, and he felt himself being pulled away. He tried to scream, but his screams were muffled.
And he remembered what the Ireland twins looked like after they were attacked, and knew that he was about to suffer the same fate.
…
"What was that?" Anika asked.
"It sounded like muffled screaming," Alida said.
"I'm going to check it out," Anika said. "If it's one of them…"
"I'll need to make sure as well."
…
Wales was restrained by several arms. He couldn't see who they belonged to, but he knew that he was in deep trouble.
He tried to struggle, but the ones holding him were too strong.
They had taken him to an unused guest room. The dust was thick, and that made him realise exactly how lonely Canada must have been.
He thought about what the thing had said. About 'keeping the spell intact'. The only spell he could think of was the one on Matthew.
We've been warning you for days now. Time to make the warning stick.
His shirt was ripped, exposing his torso. He tried to scream, but there was still a hand clasped tightly against his mouth.
…
Anika walked through the hallways, listening closely. She trusted Alida when she said that she heard muffled screaming, and was straining her ears for that sound.
She had never been so glad for her time as a hunter. Both before and after colonization. And she was glad her mother, Southern Africa, took the time to teach her everything she might need, as well as her grandfather Khoikhoi and great grandfather San. As the oldest, San knew many things. He was still around even after Netherlands had taken her in. He was there even after England took over. And she had a feeling he was still there.
And she knew how to sharpen a single sense in order to notice what others couldn't.
She could hear everyone's breathing in Matthew's room. She could even hear the three playing outside. And she could hear muffled screams accompanied by panicked breathing.
She focussed on that, and arrived at a room she recognised.
Matthew's guest room.
…
He could feel the claws slicing through his skin, going way too deep to be safe. Pain was the only thing he knew.
He jumped when he felt a claw make contact with one of his ribs, horrified that the claws were slicing so deep.
He could feel the blood going down his chest, and he knew that this time, they wanted to really hurt, and not just injure.
They might even try to kill.
The door opened, and he stared with wide eyes as South Africa entered, her mouth dropping. Her eyes weren't fixed on him, but to just in front of him.
Her gaze hardened, and he could feel murderous intent coming from her.
"Leave him alone," she said.
You should not interfere, girl.
She whispered something, and in the next moment, he could see his attackers, and his eyes widened in shock.
There were four of them, two holding his arms, and one muffling his mouth. The fourth stood in front of him, claws bloody. He couldn't tell what they are. They looked like some strange hybrid between human and beast.
The one in front of him had its red eyes locked on her.
You shouldn't have done that, it said.
She started to chant something in a language he couldn't identify, and the creatures appeared to be in pain. They let him go, and their forms started to twitch.
The apparent leader of the group turned to him one last time and raked its claws over his face, forcing him to scream.
And then they were gone.
…
Alida was horrified. She could see the creatures through the mirror, and Anika was right. They were back. But was it only in the blonde's world?
She would have to check, but first she had a deal to fulfil.
…
Anika rushed over to Will, helping him up.
He grabbed onto her, his face growing pale, and she braced herself for when the heavy weight of the Welshman was dropped on her.
She could hear the others approaching, and she moved him over to the guest bed.
She knew that they were trying to kill him. But that wasn't in their style. There was more to it.
And now she had to have a word with every other African Nation south of the Sahara.
…
Scotland gritted his teeth in annoyance.
Another brother was attacked. It's like the universe was mocking him.
"What happened?" Scotland growled, looking pointedly at South Africa.
She looked towards Wales and sighed.
"He was attacked by a Deathplayer," she said.
The others just stared at her in confusion.
"What is that?" England asked.
"Those 'invisible creatures' that have been attacking everyone with the magic touch."
"You know what they are?" Scotland whispered.
"Unfortunately, yes. They're ancient creatures from way before my great grandpa San. And that's at least 40 000 years of history. The ancient people believed that when you die, you turn into an animal. The evil ones got predators. They like to think of everything as a game. And they're not beneath using people as their game pieces."
"Brazil said he had a vision of someone playing chess with the Nations," England said.
"Then I guess we know what it means. Apparently, they've been playing games with us for a while."
"Are you sure it's them?" Toris asked.
"They can hide themselves from all senses. But even if they do that, I can still see them. It's because I learned how to be a shaman from many of my indigenous cultures, and even the ones before that. My mother, Southern Africa, was well over a thousand years old. And Grandpa Khoikhoi was a thousand years older than her. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a few calls to make. I need to let my continent know what's going on."
"Why?" Ireland asked.
"While you Europeans were busy with the Americans, we Africans had to play a little game."
…
Alida had called for an emergency meeting of the South, due to start in three hours.
She had to inform them of their new allies, and she had to inform them of their new mission regarding a certain Northern doppelganger.
But most importantly, she had to warn them about the Deathplayers.
…
When Lukas returned, along with the other Nordics, he was shocked to know that two major things had happened.
Will was attacked, and Canada was attacked.
And he had to try to cast the spell as soon as possible. It was getting late.
…
Vlad was taken to Luciano's mansion. He was impressed that the dark Italian had such impeccable taste.
He was still a little disturbed by Romano, and if he wasn't mistaken, the other one he saw was the Micronation, Seborga. The Micronation kept quiet, but he could see that he was curious.
Vlad was taken to a room, the door locked. And there was nothing inside that he could use as a weapon. He was left alone, but he knew that it was only temporary.
The other two members of the magic trio would be joining him shortly. And who would be next?
The Deathplayers are my own creation. In case it wasn't clear, they have been saying something at the beginning of each chapter. So everyone involved in the game is only a piece for their amusement.
The San can be traced back to about 40 000 years ago, and they hadn't quite died out yet, making them the oldest living culture. And they believed that their shamans could enter a state that was almost like death, before they proceeded to exorcising bad spirits from their fellow San. They described it as dying, and becoming one with an animal, usually an eland, which they saw as sacred. And what the eland feared, like predators, they feared.
But from the early San and their predecessors virtually nothing is known, especially in terms of religion, language and culture. So I took some creative liberty.