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

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 42: In the Aftermath

Francesco and Flavio were leaning against each other, side to side. They were still in the barricaded room, asleep.

They were awoken by loud banging.

"Francesco, Flavio," a female Italian voice said. "It's time to get out of there."

"No!" Francesco wailed.

"I have pasta."

The two shared a glance and sighed, before Flavio went to let their fratello – sorella – in.

True to word, Luciano did have two plates of pasta; a bloody plate for Flavio and a regular plate for Francesco.

Francesco didn't move, his awkwardness around women kicking in. Luciano saw this and sighed, handing the plate to Flavio.

"Considering the company, I think it's a good idea for you two to stay here," Luciano said. "There's also something else going on, but that damn African won't tell me what it is. Here, eat up."

The two nodded in understanding, and Luciano departed. Flavio put the two plates down before he barricaded the door again.

…

Israel sighed, glancing at the other Nations around the table. Some of the other Nations also had different wounds, while others just looked tired.

He had light brown skin and short, curly dark brown hair. His eyes were a golden colour. He wore a loose-fitting khaki shirt, khaki cargo pants and brown boots. Around his neck he wore a Star of David.

His eyes fell on South Africa, and he felt a pang in his chest. She used to be his best friend, but a few years ago they had a falling out. They tried to reconcile, but their bosses, especially his, made things rather difficult.

She had been one of the first Nations to recognise him as his own Nation, and he was one of the Nations that didn't push her away during Apartheid. They were actually close enough that they would help each other create nuclear weapons. A few of his own were partially created by South Africa.

But then the end of Apartheid came nearer. She had been focused on change, and had even abandoned her own nuclear project, going as far as to destroy them.

He didn't want her to change.

They had a huge fight about it, which resulted in them not speaking with each other for years. He would still see her at the meetings, but she would usually be with India or Brazil, and upon occasion with China or Russia. Those two especially infuriated him. It was a testament to how much she had changed.

He looked away and made eye contact with Gupta, who had his eyes narrowed. Israel looked down, ashamed that the Egyptian had caught him staring at his – her – cousin. He was already on thin ice with Gupta, and he didn't want to start another argument about this subject.

Of course, there were other Middle Eastern Nations that had befriended the South African, such as Iraq, Pakistan and Turkey, and that sort of infuriated him. They were closer to her than he was now. And considering the fact that they weren't that close, that was saying something.

He was somewhat grateful that the rest of the Middle Eastern Nations had dubbed the subject of South Africa as a type of taboo. They knew how he felt about their lost friendship, and they had seen on more than one occasion that his moods were unpredictable when it came to her. Ironic, actually. And few things were as dangerous as an unpredictable Middle Eastern Nation.

He had volunteered because he wanted to help her. She was right in the middle of everything, and he didn't like it. And several of the other Middle Eastern Nations followed his lead, the rivalries between them all too strong.

He had met his counterpart the previous night, who had seen details about his thoughts on the South African. And he had mocked him for it.

He massaged the knuckles of his right hand, having punched the other on several occasions. And he also had a little issue about a stab wound in his lower abdomen and in his hip.

One of the reasons why he didn't like it if South Africa changed was because she tended to become more unstable every time. She used to have four provinces, now she had nine. Instead of most other Nations, she didn't gain them. They split. Her provinces didn't have personifications like a few other Nations' had (Picardy and Osaka coming to mind), and so she had them on her mind as well. But for four to become nine…

He shook his head. Don't think about it.

…

Miguel's jaw got stuck, and he had to move his hand in order to snap it back into place, which brought forth a hiss of pain.

His own counterpart had been one hell of a sadist, and had restrained him while he appeared to have tried to pull Miguel's lower jaw off of his head. His jaw had been stretched in a way it had never been stretched before, and the corners of his mouth were still painful. The other had also twisted his jaw around, trying to unhinge it.

He said that if he couldn't close his mouth, he couldn't bite back the screams.

It hurt to eat, but he had to keep up appearances that he hadn't been too hurt. There were too many injured, and he didn't need to concern anyone with his injuries.

He also tried to avoid speaking, thankful that his silence was a lot more expected than any silence that came from his brother.

He remembered what Valeria had said about the other Portugal being one of the most abusive Nations. And he had a feeling he only had a taste of what it was like.

He knew that there was more to come.

…

Hong Kong hissed as China applied the ointment. Out of all the things his counterpart could use as a weapon, why did it have to be a flamethrower?

He was a pyromaniac himself, but that was with fireworks. But the other was harsh and cruel. Hong Kong's entire torso was covered in burns.

"Sorry," China murmured.

China had a few cuts along his body. There was a large one on his left cheek, several on his arms where the other's butcher knife had swiped, and a rather harsh one on his stomach. With that one, he was glad that he had moved away as fast as he did.

"We really need to do something about them," Leon said.

"I know," Yao sighed. "Suddenly, I wish I was part of the South."

The South, for the most part, had remained unaffected. It was only New Zealand that had received a surprise visitor.

"I'm going to check on Brazil," China said as soon as he finished.

"Too scared to go check on South Africa?" Hong Kong asked. "After all, she did fight one of them in the real world last night."

Yao flinched.

"As soon as I'm sure she's no longer cursing anyone in Zulu, I'll go and find her," he said. "And what are you talking about? You're scared of her now too."

"British Empire," Leon said, wincing. "I think the easiest way to get her calm would be to get her drunk. The worst that could happen is that she's British afterwards. But that mood is a bit of a snob. Ndebele is also friendly, and Tswana is passive."

"She might be Xhosa too. That's only slightly better than Zulu, but not much."

"The difference between causing a fight and looking for a fight. True."

…

"Ve, are you okay?" Feliciano asked.

"Ja," Ludwig sighed, looking in the mirror.

The bruises were getting darker and darker. He ended up having a fistfight with Lutz. And even though his face was covered in bruises, he won because he managed to draw blood. And he might have broken the other's nose.

It was a good thing that the other didn't think to draw his knife.

"I feel bad that this happened," Feliciano said.

"You shouldn't. From what the others said, your counterpart is one of the nastiest. Luckily, you didn't have to fight him, er, her."

"But yours is one of the leaders."

"Ja, but I think it's more a matter of having the raw strength to beat their enemies to a pulp. Frankly, he seemed to be a little lazy. He couldn't even take care of his uniform."

"I'm glad Kiku didn't have to fight his counterpart either."

"Ja. But it came at a cost."

…

Kiku stood in the door, staring at the two Koreans. He usually wished that Yong Soo would be quiet and serious, and not so annoying.

But not under these circumstances.

Hyung Soo didn't complain when his brother was tending his wounds. But he refused to look at Kiku, and it was understandable. It was Kiku's counterpart that did it to him.

Yong Soo himself had a broken nose, and a large cut on his forehead, but that was about it. Apparently, when he heard of his twin's fate, he had flown into a range that made it impossible for the other to fight. He was too busy dodging and blocking.

Well, South Korea always was one of the more hyper Nations.

"How are you feeling?" Kiku asked, looking at Hyung Soo.

The North Korean flinched, averting his gaze.

"It's funny," Hyung Soo said. "If it wasn't for your eyes and the colour of your uniform, you would look exactly the same. But I'm too far away to see your eyes, and clothes can easily be changed."

Kiku understood what he meant. He couldn't look at him without seeing his tormentor.

"Don't worry, Hyung," Yong Soo said. "We'll make the other Japan pay. After all, revenge originated in Korea."

"Don't start that again," Hyung Soo said. "It's annoying when you always claim things come from your country."

"I never said South Korea."

Hyung Soo was silenced, the gears in his head apparently turning, and he smirked.

Kiku shuddered. The two Koreans rarely worked together, but when they did…

It was strange. It would seem quite a few Nations were embracing their darker sides. A side that hadn't been seen in years.

For him, it hadn't been since World War II, the same with Germany and Italy.

He decided to retreat. He had a feeling that he shouldn't be close when the two Koreans discussed their plans for revenge.

…

Feliks was startled when the coffin was opened again. He had sort of gotten used to just lying there, completely forgotten. He had even managed to doze off a few times.

But now, Felic was back, and there was a glint in his eyes that scared Feliks.

"I hope you weren't too bored," Felic said. "It's time to play again."

"Nie!" Feliks cried, struggling as the other pulled him out of the coffin.

Felic dragged him over to a chair and strapped him to it. Feliks tried to struggle when the other turned away, but he stopped when the other turned back, a bowl of what appeared to be metal marbles in his hands. He was also wearing thick gloves.

"I tried something similar last night," the other said. "Last night, there was a little cut in the victim's abdomen, allowing me to insert the marbles directly there. Don't you just love the world of dreams, though? I didn't have to go through the trouble of heating them, and they can stay hot for as long as I want them to."

Feliks started to shiver when the other took one of the marbles and brought it to his lips.

"Say 'ah'," Felic said.

Feliks clamped his mouth shut, but Felic wasn't deterred. He simply pressed the metal ball against Feliks's lips, burning the skin there. Feliks could feel tears in his eyes, but he tried hard not to open his mouth. He leaned his head back, but there was only so far he could go before his head hit the back of the chair. Eventually, though, the pain became too much, and he opened his mouth to scream.

Felic took advantage of the opportunity and shoved the marble in Feliks's mouth, placing his hand on the mouth immediately, keeping Feliks's head in place and preventing him from spitting the marble out.

Feliks struggled, but it was no use. The marble burned the inside of his mouth, and true to word, it wasn't cooling down.

"Swallow," Felic instructed.

Feliks stared at him with teary eyes, begging him not to do this. But Felic looked at his blankly.

Feliks sobbed, but swallowed the item. He was sure that he would choke on it, but he could feel it going down towards his stomach. Felic smirked, removing his hand.

"Good boy," Felic mocked. "One down, fourty nine more to go."

…

When they heard an unfamiliar scream, they all went to check on who it was. Only Vlad seemed to recognise the voice.

When they arrived in Feliks's room, they saw the poor blonde writhing on her bed, screaming her head off.

"That's it," Alistair said. "I'm calling Jamaica. If anyone knows anything about dream magic, it's him."

…

Gilbert winced when she heard the scream. She may not have had the best history with Poland, but she didn't wish what was happening to the blonde on anyone.

She sighed, staring at her reflection. She had a nasty scar on her cheek, courtesy of a certain Austrian.

At least she managed to beat him. There was no way she would lose to someone so unawesome, after all.

Though she may not look it, she was strong. She was strong enough to train America, after all. Something that was impressive in itself.

Another scream, another wince, and a sigh. She actually found herself hoping that they found a way to free Poland soon. She had seen the wounds inflicted by the other Pol, and didn't like it that someone was trapped with that sadistic little freak the only one that they saw.

Gilbert had a feeling that after the previous night, several Nations would now be taking things seriously.

…

"I don't want you involved with this anymore," Vash told his sister.

Switzerland had a black eye. The little demon girl may have had a small fist, but when that small fist was holding onto a particularly large rock…

There were also several cuts under his shirt, a few deep enough to touch bone. He needed to get those stitched. He also had an idea what it was like when beer was poured in an open wound near a person's ribcage, as well as when said wound was burned with the alcohol surrounding it, and then when the flames were doused by icicles.

He did not like the other Liechtenstein, and was glad that Lili didn't look like her anymore.

"But bruder…" Lili started.

"Nein. I don't want that redheaded devil anywhere near you."

Basch chose that moment to enter the room, and Vash turned on his counterpart.

"You were right about your Liechtenstein," he said.

"I figured you met her," Basch sighed.

Vash clicked his tongue, before he grabbed three of his guns.

"Where are you going?" Basch asked.

"To find Finland and South Africa," Vash responded.

"Why?"

"Target practice."

…

Fletcher flinched when he spotted Tino in the hallway. The Finn saw this and sighed.

"I didn't get a visit last night," Tino said. "So I'm assuming my counterpart bothered someone else."

"Yeah," Fletcher sighed, looking to the side. "He said something about getting payback for losing the Scandinavian-Oceanic War."

"That's right. Wasn't your counterpart responsible for what happened to Gabriel?"

"Yeah. The other Finland figured that I should go through something similar to what Gabriel went through with the spiders."

The New Zealander scratched his arm, an uncomfortable look appearing on his face.

"It's possible for them to do anything they want in our dreams," Fletcher continued. "I can still feel those spiders crawling under my skin."

Tino winced in sympathy, before the sound of footsteps reached them. The two turned to see Vash approaching, carrying three guns.

"Come on," Vash said, looking at Tino. "As soon as we find Annie, we're going for a little target practice."

"Wait a minute," Fletcher said. "You want to give Anika a gun? In her current state of mind?"

"Do you want her to go down to Xhosa or what?" Vash countered.

Fletcher blinked. It was true. When she sensed a challenge, South Africa tended to go into her Xhosa persona.

"We've done this before," Tino said. "The three of us often go shooting together. Usually when one of us needs calming down."

"In this case, two of us," Vash said.

Fletcher swallowed nervously, and watched as the two blondes walked away, in search of the third blonde sharpshooter. Of course, other countries could also be considered sharpshooters or trigger happy, but those three have a certain… talent when it came to shooting.

He had experienced South Africa's talent in the Boer War, and that was enough to unnerve him. The fact that Anika's default personality was Boer didn't help matters, for she tended to enter the set of mind of the Boer War. And guns had improved since then.

…

Dimitri and Nikolai were resting in Dimitri's room. Dimitri was lucky enough to have a counterpart that was his friend. He didn't want to end up like any of the others.

Nikolai looked at his phone when a text message appeared and sighed.

"Is it from the other South Africa?" Dimitri asked.

"Da," Nikolai said. "She wants us to go back to our own world for a while. Some of us, at least. Apparently, she's keeping Egypt and Columbia here."

"Do you have any idea why she wants you to go back?"

Nikolai shrugged in response, and Dimitri nodded his head.

Dimitri started to frown when he started to feel a slight pressure in his chest. His eyes widened when he realised what it was, and when the pressure increased to pain, making it difficult to breathe.

"Dimitri?" Nikolai asked, approaching him. "Are you alright?"

"Ne," Dimitri said. "This time, it's a bomb in my capital building."

Interesting fact. The first time a sniper squadron was used was by the British in the Boer War, as a means to counter the Boers. For the Boers, sharpshooting came easy, as most of them were farmers that had to protect their livestock from the wild animals in South Africa, such as lions and cheetahs. They also went hunting, and they often went on horseback, which gave them the practice they needed to hit a moving target. They also went shooting for fun, giving them extra practice. The most important requirement to join the war was to have your own gun. They were able to shoot a target accurately at about 1200 yards with guns that were only supposed to be accurate at 800 yards.

And I saw the official designs of female Poland and Lithuania, and I wasn't far off. Poland still basically looks the same, except for the outfit, and Lithuania does wear her hair in a braid over her shoulder, the opposite of the one I used. I read that Himaruya said that Poland would look the same, but it was still strange to see that I had a good general idea of female Lithuania.

And about a year ago, when I started looking into South Africa's foreign relations, I noticed Israel was there. When I actually read about the history, I could see nothing but drama. South Africa was the seventh nation to recognise Israel as a country, and Israel was one of the few countries that didn't participate in any boycotts during Apartheid towards South Africa. The two were extremely close, and apparently even collaborated in the creation of nuclear weapons. South Africa was confirmed to have nuclear weapons, as it had been revealed after performing tests in the Indian Ocean. There were hints of Israel's participation, but because of strained relationships, America decided to ignore Israel and pin the blame entirely on South Africa. The close friendship was broken in the years leading up to the first democratic elections. Also, when Mandela was released from prison, he received invitations to visit almost every country, except Israel. And the first time an Israeli head of state visited South Africa since the end of Apartheid was in 2004. The history between them is actually interesting.

And during Apartheid, South Africa was anti-communist, which is why Israel isn't happy to see her with Russia or China.