Thanks to rebornforavel, Black Blood of the Red Rose, Miss Akiyata, EverythingMath, Dragonfire78, BloodLily16, Don't Insult Oliver's Cupcakes, fruitstogether and Kuro Au no Neko for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 34: The Deathplayers' Game

Much has happened on both sides.

Black and White had both obtained small victories.

It is time we show them the results of the game thus far.

…

"Italië! Jou donderse bliksim! Wat de blerrie hel dink jy doen jy?!"

That was what greeted Luciano's ears when he answered his phone.

"Why, Sudafrica," he said, "are you actually angry?"

She didn't answer, but he could feel her rage through the device. He could also hear thunder, but he couldn't tell which side of the line it came from.

"You went too far!" she shouted.

"You care about your counterpart. I'll have to remember that for next time."

"If you do anything to harm her again, there is nothing on Earth, this one or the other one, that will protect you from me."

"Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots."

"Just remember, I'm the one winning our little bet. I've already gotten three alliances from the other world."

Luciano's eyes widened, but before he could answer, she hung up on him. He growled in frustration before turning to Marius.

"What happened?" he hissed. "Why didn't it work?"

"Different histories," Marius said, massaging his temples. "Netherlands and Portugal must not have been such strong influences on the other South Africa, or at least one of them was. And the other was closer to Brazil, which is why he was also affected. In fact, he seemed to be even more affected by it than South Africa was. I could almost feel him coming through, but not so much her."

"Then I guess we'll have to try again later," Luciano said, causing Marius to whimper. "After we managed to find out a little bit of South African history."

"Mulţumesc," Marius muttered. "Now I need to sleep off this damn headache."

…

As soon as the two figures had slumped, Vlad had gone to Feliks and demanded his mirror, which the other gave willingly. Since none of the others were paying attention to what was happening, due to the other Italy getting a call, they didn't notice him. But he managed to learn quite a deal of what just happened.

The one that called Luciano was Alida, and she was apparently furious. He could actually hear her yelling at him, something Luciano seemed to find truly amusing. They also only wanted to get Anika, but because the histories are different, it didn't work. So they will try to learn something about Anika's history.

That bought them some time.

"We need to get them to the Union House," Arthur said. "We can heal them there."

"Look, they need a hospital, not your mumbo jumbo," America said.

There was a bang, and everyone turned their attention to America, who was now on the ground, Hungary standing above him, holding her beloved frying pan.

"About time someone hit him," Nicolai muttered.

"Too bad it's her," Vlad muttered.

"You do know that Marius and Reka are friends, right?"

"I saw. Trying to unsee."

…

Felic huffed.

Ever since Italy found out about his game, it had become Italy's game. He wanted to be the one in charge again.

But how to do that? He had to do something that suited his wishes, and not Luciano's. He had to do something unique to him.

He got an idea, and he tried to hide his smirk.

Yes, that would work.

…

Alida hung up as soon as she could. She was still fuming.

"You know, I've never seen you this angry before," Namibia said. "Actually, now that I think about it, I've never seen you angry before. Period."

"Italy just grinds me the wrong way," Alida huffed. "But that's not why I'm angry. The reason why I'm angry is because he went after Anika, the other South Africa. My twin. And what he did… Now he knows what I sound like if I scream. And he would obviously use Anika to get to me. To get my land on the other side of the mirror."

"And let's not forget Roberto," Ricardo said. "He went too far there as well."

"What are you two going to do?" Mahesh asked.

The two shared a glance, and they both knew what to do. They had grown stronger since the last time they had done something like that, and knew exactly what to do.

"Time to show Italië what the two of us are capable of," Alida said.

"Let me know if you two need me," Mahesh said as the two left the room.

…

Everyone with the magic touch that decided to help out teleported the group to the Union House, somewhere isolated in Great Britain. Ludwig had to admit that it would be an ideal location for a group so large.

They had rushed Anika and Roberto to beds, and treatment for their wounds immediately started. They would have to disinfect the wounds before they tried to heal it.

…

Norway was sitting next to Brazil's bed, his hands glowing. He held his hands above Brazil, and slowly the cuts started to heal.

Behind him, Portugal, Valeria, Basch and Camille stood, watching what was happening.

"What exactly happened?" Portugal asked.

"Italy must have used one of the magic trio from our world to try to pull your Brazil and South Africa through the mirror," Valeria said. "It didn't work, but it hurt them."

"What is the story there, anyway?" Miguel asked. "Why is Brasil involved in this?"

"He formed an alliance with South Africa when they were still Portuguese colonies. The two stayed close together, standing strong. Portugal is one of the most abusive countries in our world. They clung together in order to survive the abuse. But when South Africa became a Dutch colony, Ricardo became Marco's main punching bag. He didn't bother much with his other colonies. He still abused them, but he focused on Brazil and South Africa, since they were the most resourceful and were also the strongest of will. And at this big meeting in 1900, Italy and South Africa had a… disagreement, which resulted in them wanting allies. Brazil was the first South American to join, and he later became the leader of South America. Then in 1945, the events that started the Cold War reached its peak, and Ricardo was the one that convinced the other South Americans to join. He did it by convincing us that the North will pay for the abuse they always put us through."

"And you?"

"I used to be a Portuguese and Spanish colony. Neither Marco nor Alejandro are on my list of favourite Nations."

"And even if I'm not South," Camille said, "I still hate France. He hurt me just as much."

"Unless I could get money out of it, I left other Nations alone," Basch said. "I didn't hurt them. But I did if I received the right price."

"You are definitely Switzerland," Miguel muttered. "He also used to be a mercenary."

"How fun."

…

Omar was working on Anika, with Gupta, Arthur, Eva and Nicolai standing by the door. The four of them were sulking, since Omar wouldn't allow any of them to get near the injured South African.

So when Netherlands arrived, he found four sulking Nations, one injured and one very protective Nation.

"What exactly happened?" Lars asked.

"The other Italy must have used the summoning spell that was used on us," England said. "Only, it didn't work. At least not the way he wanted it to work."

"What would he need for the spell to work?" Netherlands asked.

"I'm not sure," Arthur said. "But I think blood is necessary."

"So, relatives would work?"

"Pretty much. The more relatives, the better."

"Then we have a problem," Lars said. "South Africa is a mixing pot. Her African relatives involve about half the continent."

"Yes," Gupta said. "Most Africans are related in some way. Anika and I are cousins. Distant cousins, but still…"

They saw Omar look back to them, an eyebrow raised. Apparently, he was unaware of this fact.

"But Italy wouldn't be able to reach the Africans," Eva said. "Not without attracting suspicion."

"Her European relatives would be enough," Arthur said. "The ones with the strongest bond to her would be the two of us, right?"

"Ja. She was part of both the Dutch and British Empires," Lars said. "And France and Germany are also related to her."

"If they're looking at distant family," Nicolai said, "then the other Nations in those empires could also be considered related to her."

Arthur visibly paled.

"Ja," Lars sighed. "We have problems."

…

Alida and Ricardo were standing in front of a globe. Their hands were glowing, Alida's in a silver light and Ricardo's in a gold light.

Alida placed her index finger on a spot on the globe, and the entire country of that spot lit up in the same light. That country was Italy.

Ricardo did the same, and the two lights merged together, creating a harmony of gold and silver. They did the same for Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Romania. After some thought, they did the same for Poland, Lithuania, Prussia, France, England, Norway and Spain.

Alida's strongest magic was the power of storms, while Ricardo's attacked the mind. While Alida's curse focused on the land, Ricardo focused on the people.

Either way, they would attack their enemies. Alida had shown in the past that her storms were excellent when dealing with enemies. It destroyed their resources, and it was nearly undetectable.

They would keep their retaliation a secret, for now. No need to alert their enemies, and no need for their enemies to decide to give their own retaliation.

…

Vlad was standing in the hallway, in front of a large mirror. Alexandru and Andrei were nearby, and so were Gilbert and Dimitri, and the latter two were keeping Hungary away from the mirror.

"It's unfair that you get to see the other world but I can't!" Elizaveta shouted, trying to get past Prussia and Bulgaria.

"You don't want to see what the other world is like," Vlad said. "And we don't know what would happen if too many Nations can see the other world."

"I don't care! I want to see!"

"Besides, your counterpart wears more pink than Poland."

Hungary stilled, looking at Romania in horror.

"You lie," she snarled. "I will not accept that."

"I have a picture," Andrei said, holding his cell phone up to the brunet.

Prussia, who could also see the image, snickered, and Hungary seemed to pale.

"Are you sure you want to see that?" Prussia asked.

"But it's still unfair that the Romanian dog gets to see what is going on and I can't," Hungary whined.

"Trust me, you don't want to know. And could you stop struggling? You're hurting my arm."

"I want to see!"

"If Reka gets involved, are you sure you want to see?" Andrei asked. "After all, Reka and Marius are friends. With benefits."

The Romanian and the Hungarian looked at him in horror, and the Prussian couldn't contain his laughter.

"What does that mean?" Alexandru asked, not quite understanding the implication.

"You don't need to know," Vlad said. "Seriously? That is sick!"

"If you and Reka see each other," Andrei said, looking at Elizaveta, "then she'll notify Marius. Marius will invite her to join them. And when they have some free time, they might…"

"Stop right there!" both Vlad and Elizaveta shouted.

Gilbert, on the other hand, was holding the wall for support, laughing so hard.

"Prussia, you can take over watch," Vlad said, walking away. "Marius just went to sleep. Nothing for me to see there."

"I'm leaving," Elizaveta said, turning to the other direction. "I'll try to get that image out of my mind."

Once they were gone, Gilbert turned to Andrei.

"That was a good way to separate the two and keep Liz from trying to get too involved," he said.

"Please tell me you made that up," Dimitri said.

"Nu," Andrei said. "Those two only trust each other when it comes to… that. And if they were really busy, like now, and they get together…"

Bulgaria placed his hands on Alexandru's ears, blushing and trying to get the imagery out of his head.

…

Luciano turned his attention to the window. It had started raining, but it was no cause for concern, he supposed. Of course, if it became worse, he would have to check the range of the storm.

Europe had already suffered a superstorm. And in case of another one, they would have to be aware of it before it happened. They had planned for another one, and they wouldn't allow another great storm to cause as much damage as the one that came before.

…

Alida had returned back to her own home. Since the meeting was over, the reason why they had gathered in the first place, they went their separate ways. They would keep an eye on the mirror, and they would know the moment something came up.

She entered her room and froze. There was something there. Something that did not belong, not in her house. It wasn't something from the North, and she could feel that its origins were from somewhere close to her.

Her eyes widened, and she immediately knew what it was.

Nice to see you again, Alida.

…

Luciano approached Gilen, Francois, Alejandro, Sigurd, Oliver, Felic and Tolys. The seven were wary, knowing that they would most likely get an order regarding their counterparts.

"I have a little job for you," he said, confirming their suspicions. "I need you to dig into your counterparts' memories. Anything related to South Africa."

"Of course," Felic said. "I had a feeling it would come to this."

"Then it's understood."

…

"I have died and gone to heaven," Mathias muttered.

The Dane had discovered the alcohol stash of the British brothers. Which was actually in two rooms, magic keeping one room cold.

"One thing all of us have in common is our love of alcohol," Seamus said, approaching the Dane. "Just don't drink it all."

"Tak! Time to party!"

"You do remember that we're all here in a war, right?"

"Who cares? Let's drink!"

"…Who am I to argue with you?"

…

Alfred had managed to get lost five times already. The first time, he had searched for England. The second time he had searched for Canada. The third time he searched for Mexico. The fourth time he searched for Japan. And the fifth time was when he was looking for Russia.

He almost contemplated changing his search again before the Nation that he would have searched for on the sixth time came into view.

"Yo, it's Wales, right?" America said, jogging closer.

"That's right," Wales said. "This better be good."

"Yeah. What happened to those dreamcatchers I gave you?"

Wales stared at him blankly before his eyes widened in realisation, and he smacked his forehead.

"They're still at Norway's place," he said. "We completely forgot about them."

"That's cool. But I would kind of like them back sometime."

…

"What are you doing here?" Alida demanded.

The Deathplayer chuckled, its beastly visage filling the African Nation with disgust.

I thought I'd show you the results of our game.

She watched as the figure changed its appearance, and her eyes widened when she saw the new appearance.

…

Omar and Gupta had gone to one of the kitchens in order to get a snack. Turkey and Greece were there as well, arguing as usual, and completely ignorant of Omar's glare focused on them.

"Just ignore them," Gupta sighed. "Most of us do."

Omar looked at him before going to the fridge, looking for something to eat. But before he could find something he closed the door, going towards the arguing pair.

Without warning, he snatched Turkey's mask, surprising the pair and halting their argument. He gave a brief glance to Greece before turning his attention back to the fridge.

"What was that all about?" Turkey asked.

"I'm assuming the other Turkey also wears a mask?" Gupta asked, to which Omar nodded. "And whatever accessory the other Greece wears, Heracles doesn't wear?" Another nod.

"Why is it such a big deal?" Sadik asked.

"Let's just say, your counterparts aren't his favourite Nations."

…

Matt and Matthew were on their way to Anika's room, intending to check on her. While they had established that she was the least injured one, Matthew was closer to her than Brazil. Plus, they were still busy with Brazil.

But when they arrived, she wasn't alone. And her company was not welcome.

"A Deathplayer!" Matt shouted. "Get away from her!"

I think not. Did the King come to save the Queen?

"What are you talking about?" Matthew asked.

This is all a giant game of chess. You are the King, and she is the Queen. She is the strongest fighter, but you're the one to get.

"I don't care about your sick games!" Matt shouted. "Get the hell away from her!"

And what do you intend to do?

"Why are you doing this?" Matthew asked. "What do you hope to accomplish?"

A body. A true body. One that has substance. And in order to get it, we must take the pieces. In different ways. Such as destroying landmarks, or getting you to cross the barrier between worlds. Or killing many animals, or slaughtering your citizens.

Matthew gasped.

"You did it," he whispered. "You're the one responsible."

Indeed. But it's stronger if both worlds are involved. Which is why we cast the spell on you. Out of sight, out of mind. We knew the loneliness would get to you.

"You're the reason why people forget about me?"

Yes. There are a few exceptions. Not even our magic works on everyone. The Queen, for example, has a grudging temperament, and her desire to hold onto a grudge makes it hard for her to forget anything.

"But she ignores people when she's angry, including Matthew," Matt said, realisation hitting him.

Indeed. Her personality plays to our advantage. Getting you isolated was the first part of the game. You had to be desperate. And once you were, we led you to a certain book. I'm sure you know the one.

"You planned this from the start," Matthew said.

Yes. And I think it's time you see what the results of the game are.

The Deathplayer started to change, the beastly features mostly disappearing, with the exception of large bat wings, a pair of horns and an arrow-tipped tail. The skin on the figure was pale, and it had black hair. Its eyes were gold, the pupils slits. Sharp fangs poked out of the sides of its mouth. But the most prominent feature was the curl. The oh-so-familiar curl.

Standing in front of them was an even more twisted version of themselves.

In my head, if the Nations are part of an empire, they somewhat become related. The relationships become interconnected, to the point where nearly everyone is related to each other.

Both South Africa and Brazil had small Dutch colonies, before the one in Brazil became part of the Portuguese Empire and the one in South Africa became part of the British Empire. Portugal was the one that discovered South Africa, and had also established a small outpost before the Dutch arrived. The French Huguenots fled to South Africa, and many Germans settled in the Cape as well, so by the time the British arrived, the colony was mostly made up of Dutch, Germans and French. The Afrikaans language also is kind of a mixture between the three, with Dutch the most prominent.

And yes, the Deathplayers want proper bodies, not the twisted forms that come from being spirits.