Thanks to Miss Akiyata, mayday237892, Blue Moon, MRoshka, EverythingMath, BloodLily16, gintama200, Dragonfire78, DrowningHeta and Don't Insult Oliver's Cupcakes for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 33: Retaliation

"JENG SOO!"

Everyone was startled by the voice filled with so much anger. Their eyes were drawn to the source.

It was the other Thailand.

"Hello Gan," Jeng Soo said. He looked almost… resigned.

"That's all you can say?" Gan said, stalking closer.

Jeng Soo did not step back. He did not move.

As soon as he was close enough, Gan raised his fist and punched Jeng Soo square in the jaw. The force of it sent Jeng Soo to the ground. Still, he did not move to defend himself, but his hands twitched, as though he wanted to.

Gan kicked Jeng Soo in the stomach, rolling him onto his back, where he proceeded to stomp onto his chest.

Jeng Soo wheezed, but still he did nothing to defend himself.

"Dudes, we need to stop this!" America said, stepping closer.

"Stay out of it," Matt said, and America stopped out of surprise. "Let him get it out of his system first. Unless you want to be on the receiving end of his fist. And he won't hesitate."

They watched as Gan grabbed Jeng Soo by the front of his shirt, and they were astonished when they saw the Thai throw the Korean, ironically landing on the table in front of Yong Soo and Hyung Soo.

Gan climbed on the table while Jeng Soo rolled onto his back. When Gan reached him, he raised his leg again and kicked Jeng Soo in the face. A crack was heard, accompanied by blood gushing from Jeng Soo's nose. He coughed, and blood also came from his mouth.

Gan glanced upwards, towards the other two Koreans, who were hugging each other by this point.

"Please don't hurt us!" North said.

"We're innocent!" South said. "We didn't do anything!"

Gan was interrupted when his phone rang. He answered, keeping a foot on Jeng Soo's chest.

"Yeah? Alright, Boss."

He disconnected the call, glaring one last time at Jeng Soo before removing his foot, walking away.

"Remind me to thank India later," Jeng Soo muttered.

"What did you do to deserve… that?" Hyung Soo asked.

Gan, who heard the question, stopped and turned to face the other North Korean.

"You want to know what he did?" he said, his voice cold. "Him, and that twin of his?"

The other two shared a glance, looking nervous. They then looked back at Gan.

Gan took that as an affirmation, and removed his shirt. Everyone gasped in horror when they saw the state of him.

His torso and his arms were completely covered in scars, angry and deep. And the skin that wasn't a scar was burned beyond the point where even a Nation would be able to recover.

He put the shirt back on and glared one last time at Jeng Soo before jumping off the table, moving to join the other new arrivals.

…

"That was entertaining," Kyo said.

"North Korea must have known what he was getting himself into," Lutz said. "There would be no way that Thailand would just forgive him if he changed sides."

"Unfortunately, the others don't have any unresolved issues with the South," Luciano said. "Would have been entertaining to see them getting punished."

…

"Where were we?" Matt asked, as though nothing happened.

"Dude, how could you just go on like that?!" America shouted.

"This is normal in our world. Like I said, this is how Allen and I bond as brothers."

"That's just… just…"

"Don't strain yourself," Arthur sighed.

"You were about to introduce them," Matthew supplied.

"Right," Matt said. "Mister Fists is Thailand. And he's not the only Southern Nation that has scars like that."

"Luckily the rest of us aren't in anyone's line of fire," Basch said. "At least from the South. I figure Liechtenstein and Austria wouldn't be too happy with me."

"This is Columbia, Fiji and Egypt," Matt continued. "Not sure about their human names, though."

"Valeria," Columbia said.

"Gan," Thailand said.

"Thomas," Fiji said. "And Egypt is Omar."

"Why couldn't he introduce himself?" Turkey asked.

No one paid attention to Omar's slight glare.

"His vocal chords are damaged beyond repair," Matt explained. "He can't talk."

…

"I still want to know who was responsible for that one," Oliver said.

"And why we haven't heard of the retaliation," Marius said.

…

They were discussing what to do, but Omar didn't pay attention. He was focused on someone that looked very familiar to him.

He expected them to look different, and indeed they did, but he could clearly tell the three apart. Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. It was easy, once he spotted the counterparts of their other relatives. But he focussed on South Africa.

He moved closer, ignoring the discussion of the others, and came to a stop behind South Africa. She didn't notice him yet, something that Alida would have done immediately.

He reached out his hand and took hold of a lock of hair, stroking the golden strands.

The contact must have alerted her of his presence, for she jumped in her seat and turned to face him.

He merely stared at her, looking between her and her hair, and her eyes became confused.

"He's asking if he could play with your hair," someone said.

Omar looked up and felt a pang in his chest. It was the other Egypt. How long had it been since he heard his own voice?

"Alright," a female voice said, drawing his attention back.

South Africa nodded in consent, and turned back to face the ones that were speaking/arguing. At the moment, it was the other America and Thailand.

He brushed his fingers through her hair, pleased that she had allowed him to do that. Ever since he met Alida, he had grown to like her. She was the first person he ever liked. And he owed her more than anyone could understand.

…

Alida arrived, looking a little haggard. Namibia and Mozambique were with her, neither looking pleased.

"What did I miss?" Alida asked.

"Thailand used North Korea as a punching bag," Ricardo said. "Scared the other world's Nations."

"The two Koreas of that world were really scared," Taiwan added. "I wish there was a way to record everything that happens. It would be excellent blackmail material."

"Also," Mahesh interrupted, "Egypt started doing to your counterpart what he's always doing to you whenever there's a world meeting."

"Oh, I figured he'd do it," Alida said. "Even I want to examine the blonde hair. Looks a little strange, doesn't it?"

"I'll say," Namibia said. "And my counterpart…"

"Even there we look alike," Mozambique said. "Just… differently coloured."

"You know that the three of us could already have passed for each other's counterparts, right?"

"I know."

"So, Alida," Ricardo interrupted, "are you ever going to tell us what happened between you and Egypt?"

"Not likely," Alida said, staring at the mirror.

…

Abel sighed, looking at the door in front of him. He looked at his comrade standing next to him, glaring at the wooden door as well. Italy had called them, and they would have to answer the call. Especially considering the fact that Italy sounded pissed.

Netherlands had dark brown, almost black hair, and equally dark eyes. His hair lay limp against his head. He wore a black trench coat with black trousers. There was a red and black scarf around his neck, and he wore black combat boots.

Portugal had long black hair that he kept wild and loose. His eyes were heterochromatic, with the left eye brown and the right eye green. He wore a shirt that used to be white that resembled the shirts he used to wear in his days as a pirate. He wore black trousers and black boots that also seemed to come from that era. Both the shirt and the trousers were covered with bloodstains of varying ages, and it was unclear whether or not they were his own. He wore a black belt, and strapped to the belt was a sword, two pistols, a dagger, and various pouches filled with different poisons.

"So," Netherlands said, "are you going to knock, or should I?"

Portugal shrugged, raising his fist and knocking.

They needed to make sure they're on Italy's good side. They're already on the bad side of both South Africa and Brazil. They were expecting the two Southern Nations to arrive any day and repay them for everything they were forced to endure.

They waited a while before someone, obviously Seborga, opened the door.

"Your brother called us," Netherlands said.

The Micro Nation nodded and led them inside. They would soon find out what Italy wanted, and they hoped that it didn't spell disaster for them.

…

"We should probably discuss what we should do now," Ludwig sighed.

"I have a suggestion," Anika said. "There's a war going on, and the Nations of our world will be drawn into it. I think anyone that wants to take part in this willingly should all be in one place. That way we could help each other. And we also place focus on us, so that those that don't want to take part won't forcibly be involved."

"That's a good idea," Matt said. "When we're in a war, we're not likely to attack those that aren't involved. Our focus is directed to the ones we perceive as a threat."

"Fine," Ludwig said. "Anyone willing to take part?"

Several Nations raised their hands, and Germany was surprised when Italy's hand was one of them.

"You actually want to take part in this?" Ludwig asked, astonished.

"Si," Feliciano said. "I feel bad because the me of the other world is responsible for a lot of pain. Look at Big Brothers France and Spain. They look like they're about to take a siesta, but they're too afraid."

It was one of the rare times when Italy was able to sense the atmosphere. And his words caused a few other Nations to raise their hands as well, including Germany.

"Awesome!" America said, laughing. "And first order of business…"

"Not you!" the Nations of the other world, minus the newest arrivals, shouted.

"What? Why not?"

"Because we're fighting the urge to kill you ourselves," Matt said.

"What if I just…"

"America can join if he treads carefully with his words," Arthur said.

"Alright, that's settled," Ludwig said. "So, where are we going to be? There has to be enough room for all of us."

Everyone was silent. Few Nations had homes large enough for so many guests. Most of them hadn't used their palaces in a long time, and the buildings had fallen to disuse.

"There's always the Union House," William suggested.

"When was the last time we even stayed there?" Patrick asked.

"What are you talking about?" Francis asked.

"As the United Kingdom, we have to live together every now and again," Alistair explained. "Of course, the only time we get along is if one of us is in trouble. So the Union House is large. Keeps us from running into each other and causing a bit of a mess."

"How large is it?" Ludwig asked.

"There are about two hundred bedrooms. Bedrooms. Separate libraries, separate kitchens, separate living rooms…"

"The idea is that we would be in the same building," Arthur said. "There was no need to interact."

"Very well," Ludwig sighed. "Are we all agreed?"

…

"Fratello?" Francesco said.

Luciano whipped around, prepared to tell the Micro Nation to get away, when he saw his guests. He smirked, standing from his chair. As he approached, he also pulled Marius along, the other wanting to fight at first until he saw their company.

"It's about time that you showed up," Luciano said.

"We were busy," Netherlands said. "So, is that the other world?"

"Si. You can watch later. Both your counterparts decided to take part. Makes things fun."

"Whatever," Portugal said. "You wanted us for something?"

"Si. Are the preparations finished, Romania?"

"Da," Marius said, smirking evilly. "Please, come with me."

…

Alexandru groaned, opening his eyes. He still felt a pressure in his chest, but it wasn't so bad anymore. He snuggled into the familiar chest.

Wait.

He opened his eyes, seeing the older Nations discussing something, but he focused on one specifically. The one whose arms were around him.

"Big brother!" he cried, throwing his arms around his brother, startling everyone in the room.

"Glad to see you're awake," Vlad said, chuckling.

…

Finally, the meeting was over. Gupta had never been that relieved in his life.

While everyone was packing up, he made his way to his counterpart, who was keeping an eye on South Africa, who had moved to speak to India and Brazil.

He was behind his counterpart, Omar, and the other didn't even notice him yet.

"Hello?" Gupta said.

The other jumped and turned around, scowling at first before his eyes widened in surprise.

Gupta understood. It had been too long since he heard the sound of his own voice.

"You're Omar, right?" Gupta said. "I'm Gupta."

The other nodded his head in greeting.

"It must be strange to hear me talking," Gupta began. "Not to be insensitive, but… Anyway, it's strange to see a different version of yourself, isn't it?"

Omar nodded, his face relaxed. At least he was welcoming his company.

"If you don't mind me asking, when did… you know?" Gupta asked.

Omar indicated with his hand to about the height of his ribs. He was still a child when it happened.

"Didn't anyone help you?" Gupta asked.

Omar looked down and sighed. Not before it was too late, the gesture said.

"Who did it?" Gupta asked.

The two of them were distracted by a loud shout, and they both turned to see Turkey and Greece, fighting as usual.

"You wanna start something?" Turkey shouted.

"You already started it," Greece spat.

Japan and Cyprus stood to the side, looking at the quarrelling pair.

Gupta turned to look back at Omar, but the other was still looking at the arguing pair, his eyes narrowed in dislike. Gupta's own eyes widened.

"It was one of them, wasn't it?" he asked.

Omar looked at him before looking back. Both.

"Why?" Gupta asked.

Omar's facial features twisted in a snarl, his eyes narrowing further. There was no reason. It was out of fun.

"I see," Gupta sighed, looking somewhere else. "So, do you like South Africa? As in, have a crush on her?"

Omar shook his head.

"Then why are you like that towards her?" Gupta asked.

Omar looked in the direction of the southernmost African and smiled softly. Gupta nodded his head.

"She was the one that helped you, wasn't she?" Gupta asked.

Omar nodded his head.

"You're like that out of gratitude," Gupta said.

Omar nodded his head in agreement.

"Hey, Egypt!" someone shouted.

They both turned to see Namibia approaching.

"You're going to help us out, nê?" she asked.

"I wasn't exactly planning to," Gupta responded.

"Well, you have to now. You can read your twin's body language. I asked around. Very few can do it. And you managed to figure out that he wanted to play with Anika's hair. And you two were talking right now. So you also get along."

The two Egyptians shared a glance and sighed. Like most of the female Nations, she was quite skilled when it came to manipulation.

…

Marius led them to a room where he had prepared a spell of sorts. He smirked, walking towards the centre and sitting down. There was a mirror in front of him, and they could clearly see Vlad speaking with both Bulgarias and both Moldovas.

"This is the other world?" Netherlands asked.

"I can see many Nations," Portugal said. "Too bad that there are too many of them speaking at once."

"I know," Luciano said. "But we don't need to hear what they're saying. We just need to make sure this works."

"I'll need your blood for this," Marius said, holding a dagger out to the other Europeans.

"Whatever," Portugal said, taking the dagger and slicing his wrist.

…

Raj was happily chatting with his two best friends, discussing the new arrivals. They were pleased to note that Gan bowed courteously to Raj, Valeria ruffled Roberto's hair and Omar that played with Anika's hair. She actually enjoyed it.

Both Roberto and Anika faltered, looking a little nervous. Their eyes became distant, and turned to confusion.

"What's wrong?" Raj asked.

"My head…" Roberto said.

"Mine too," Anika said.

The both of them suddenly let out shrieks of pain, startling Raj and drawing the attentions of every other Nation still in the room.

"What's going on?" Portugal asked, running up to them.

"I'm not sure," Raj said, shaking his head.

The two were suddenly surrounded by red light, and their shrieks became louder and higher.

"Oh no," Vlad said, running closer. "It's the summoning spell!"

…

Marius groaned with effort. He could see that both Brazil and South Africa were affected by his spell. That was strange. Only one of them should have been affected.

…

"How do we stop this?" Arthur asked, rushing closer with his brothers.

Someone else cried out in alarm. They turned to see Belgium, who had her hands on her mouth, her eyes fixed on the other two screaming Nations.

And it became clear why. Roberto and Anika became covered in cuts.

…

Alida and Ricardo watched in horror and anger, while the others were looking cautiously between the mirror and the other two.

They knew what this was. It was Italy's retaliation.

…

Marius grunted. This was starting to become painful. He couldn't hold it in much longer.

But he realised something.

The other world didn't have the exact same familial bonds as the Nations as their world. That was why both Brazil and South Africa were affected.

…

Everyone was terrified. No one knew what to do.

The two Egypts rushed forward, both surrounded in a golden light. Omar reached out to Anika while Gupta reached out to Roberto.

As soon as they made contact with the two being put through agony, the light faded and the screams stopped.

The two Egyptians caught the two slumping figures. Both were covered in blood caused by many cuts, the exposed skin pale. And both were unconscious.