Thanks to Blue Moon, personalbooklog, Dragonfire78, Don't Insult Oliver's Cupcakes, Miss Akiyata, Big Eater Queen, amipy4u and Kuro Ao no Neko for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 48: Meeting the South

White crosses over to meet its allies.

Into the world of Black.

…

Raj whimpered as Kyo pulled him along by his hair, the Japanese's katana still pressed against his neck.

Raj knew he should have struggled more, but with the other's sword so close to his neck, he knew that it was too dangerous to do so. And besides, now it was too late.

They passed several Nations on their way to wherever Kyo was leading him, and all looked at him with what he assumed to be hungry eyes, especially the Asian Nations. He understood why they looked at him like that. He was the counterpart of one of the leaders of their enemies. And now, he was at their mercy.

Kyo opened a door and dragged Raj inside. Once he saw the other two occupants of the room, he paled.

"Well, who do we have here?" Luciano said, stepping closer.

She and Lutz had been discussing something, and they both gave vicious smirks when they saw the Indian.

"Hallo, Indien," Lutz said, stepping closer as well.

Raj swallowed nervously as Luciano grabbed his chin.

"Welcome to hell," she whispered.

…

After Anika woke up, she made her way to the bathroom. She was still a little groggy from sleep, so she was surprised when she heard Alida yelling at her through the mirror.

"What's wrong?" Anika asked, trying to wake herself up.

"It's Raj," Alida said.

Anika stared wide-eyed at her counterpart.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Last night, our Japan slipped through with our Spain's help. They took him."

Anika was silent for a moment as she processed it, and then…

"WAT DE HEL?!"

…

If they weren't awake, then they definitely were when they heard South Africa's shout. She had really powerful lungs, which every Nation that participated in the FIFA 2010 Cup knew about.

They all rushed to where they heard her shout, and found her pacing in front of the mirror, ranting about things that no one could pick up on since she continued to switch languages. Even some of the Africans had trouble.

"Annie, what's wrong?" Roberto asked, stepping closer.

She froze, staring at Roberto. Then her face twisted in a snarl as she dragged him inside, slamming the door shut.

"What is going on?" Arthur whispered.

"No clue," Alfred said.

"Que diabos?!" Roberto's voice could be heard through the door.

"What in the world is going on?" Miguel wondered.

"Um," Yao said, looking around, "where's Raj?"

Ivan also looked around, not seeing the Indian. They all jumped when the door was opened, two glaring Nations standing there.

"Raj was captured by the North," Anika said. "Anyone who wants to go to the meeting in the other world, it starts in two hours. Meet here in one hour."

"Hold on…" Arthur said.

"Our friend was kidnapped by the enemy," Ivan said, smile gone and eyes furious. His aura reappeared. "The enemy who considers him a priority because his counterpart is a leader."

"You're right," Yao said. "How could we have forgotten about that? We should have…"

"Everyone going to our world, raise your hand," Valeria instructed.

Many Nations raised their hands, and the majority of the ones that didn't were injured.

"One hour," Anika said, stalking back to her own room.

…

Every Southern Asian Nation watched as Mahesh paced nervously, looking towards a clock every now and again. They had heard what happened, and just like their leader, they were outraged.

Unlike the North, the South could see the symbolic meaning behind the attacks on the Nations. And for them to take India…

They knew full well that the North didn't particularly care about whom they hurt, even going so far as to hurt themselves. And according to what they heard, the North had no problem with attacking the counterparts as punishments, following the philosophy of 'if I can't have one, I'll settle for the other.' They understood that the other world is different from their own.

Plus, Thailand had called Vietnam to give her a report on his experiences, and he had said as much. Do not associate one with the other.

And now, all they could do was wait.

…

Ricardo kept his eyes on Roberto, something the other South Americans noticed. They actually found it amusing that he had gotten so attached to his reflection. Amusing, and touching.

The fact that he cared about someone that he hadn't personally met yet made them all feel better around him. It reassured him that he was the right Nation to choose as a leader.

But then again, many of them already knew that. Those that were under Portugal's control had been protected back then by none other than Brazil, and they were forever grateful.

The same gratitude was extended to South Africa, for the exact same reason.

…

Bruce sighed, as all the Oceanic Nations gathered around him. They had decided to go to the meeting together, in order to save time and to keep track of them all.

He was growing worried for the other world, and was slightly relieved when he heard that the Nations from the other world had been invited along to the meeting. But only slightly.

He knew what the meeting was about. They were going to discuss invasion and destruction.

…

Alida watched as the Nations that came back from the other world helped prepare for the meeting. They had decided that it would be at her place again, simply because she was the one that had an idea about how many of the other Nations would be coming. And because Mahesh was in no state to organise this meeting, plus it was too close to the North for comfort. Ricardo and Bruce could have hosted it, but it was better if she did.

There was something that had been bothering her lately. She had noticed that the Nations from the other world had been acting a lot more like Nations from their own world. She wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

She would have to ask Anika about it.

…

An hour later, those that were going had gathered outside of the bathroom door. Anika and Ricardo were all business, but so were Yao and Ivan. It was understandable. BRICS had lost its 'I', and they wanted him back.

The others that came were Italy, Germany, Japan, England, Scotland, America, France, Canada, South Korea, Prussia, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Bulgaria, Columbia, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Mozambique, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Hungary.

The others that weren't going were either injured or tending to the injured. And many of the ones that were going were curious. And the majority of the Africans were keeping an eye out for anymore Deathplayers.

"Alright," Anika sighed. "Matthew, if you would do the honours."

Matthew nodded, and the BRICS group allowed him to pass them into the bathroom. He placed his hand on the mirror, holding out the other hand. Anika took the outstretched hand, Roberto took Anika's other hand, and so they started forming a chain.

"Here we go," Matthew said, as he pressed his hand further.

Soon enough, they were all passing through the mirror.

…

Raj trembled, staring at the man standing in front of him.

He had been locked in one of the Italian's unused rooms, with the keys on the outside, an open invitation for anyone to come in.

And apparently, Luciano had told the Northern Nations that they could have as much fun with Raj as they wanted.

Which was why the counterpart of someone he considered a friend was standing in front of him, holding a butcher's knife. It was this world's China, Xiao Wang.

"Our India wouldn't learn the lessons I gave him," Xiao said. "I think I'll settle for teaching you."

…

Alida watched with a bored expression as the Nations from the other world fell through. The others had stopped setting up the meeting room to regard the new arrivals as well.

"Nice to see you could make it," Alida said.

The Nations that hadn't met her yet froze, regarding her for a moment.

"Well, congratulations Anika," Namibia said. "I never thought you could look scarier than Russia."

Anika rolled her eyes, disentangling herself from the chaos of limbs to walk up to her counterpart.

"Any news on Raj?" Anika asked.

Alida sighed, shaking her head.

"It seems that we can't see you if you're in our own world," Alida said. "And we don't have any spies there anymore. We're essentially blind."

"I see," Anika sighed. "Any plans to rescue him?"

"It's on the agenda."

"Wait," Ludwig said, coming closer. "You have an agenda? Do you actually keep by it at meetings?"

"Of course," Alida said. "You might want to try it, and you might get something done."

"…You saw the last meeting, didn't you?"

"Ja."

…

Raj shut his eyes as Xiao knelt down in front of him. He flinched as the knife was stroked across his cheek. He gasped when Xiao made a cut on his arm.

Xiao smirked, putting the knife aside and removing a box from his uniform. The box opened, and Raj's eyes widened when he saw a creature that looked like a centipede.

Xiao smirked, grabbing the bug with one hand and grabbing Raj's injured arm with the other. Raj panicked, attempting to struggle, but one kick to his stomach stilled him. As Raj was trying to recover, Xiao brought the creature to the cut. Raj grunted in discomfort as the creature burrowed into his flesh through the cut.

Raj's eyes widened as he suddenly felt a fiery pain, and he gritted his teeth.

"I'm not sure if your world has this," Xiao said. "But fire centipedes secrete a toxin that burns whatever they touch when they sense food. It's melting your flesh before it starts eating. I heard it's quite painful."

Xiao then sat down on a chair, watching Raj, who glared at the Chinese man.

He would not give them the satisfaction of breaking him.

…

Natalya was sharpening her knives, every now and again looking towards Katyusha. The other's counterpart had really put a number on her. There were cuts and bruises all over her face, and had the unconscious Ukrainian not been under the covers, the rest of her body would reveal the same.

Natalya would much rather be with her brother right now, but Ivan had insisted that she take care of Katyusha. She was also supposed to make sure that other Nations that came through didn't hurt anyone else.

Natalya nodded her head in resolve, and left the room to start patrolling.

…

When the meeting finally commenced, the Nations that had to cross over through the mirror were a little nervous, especially the Northern Nations. The Southern Nations kept regarding them, some with hostility. Ludwig and Kiku were especially under heavy scrutiny, and they kept fidgeting nervously.

Alida, Mahesh, Ricardo and Bruce were standing at the head of the table, with Anika, Roberto and Jett sitting nearby.

Matt and the other Northern Nations were also a little nervous, since it was obvious that they were in enemy territory, and that the Southern Nations still saw them as Northern enemies.

"Alright," Alida said. "For those that are unaware, India's counterpart was captured last night. Anyone in the mood of going on a rescue mission?"

"Yeah!" Alfred said, and everyone turned to him. "I'm the hero, so it's my job to rescue someone in need. And…"

"Shut it!" several Nations said.

"I like your enthusiasm," Alida said. "But please, keep a lid on it."

"We need to find out where he's being kept," Mahesh said. "And we need to know what they're doing, and how many of them are there."

"But all of our spies are here," Ricardo said.

"Your spies," Roberto said, and the other Brazilian turned to regard him. "Our spies are still in our world. They're ideal because they're hardly ever noticed. And no one ever suspects them."

"Who do you have as spies?" Jett asked.

"Micro Nations," Anika said. "Since they're ignored, they have an invisibility effect, similar to what Matthew has, but they can actually control it."

"How long have you used them as spies?" Arthur asked suspiciously.

"Oh, around the time you and France got drunk and you somehow ended up wearing a sparkly pink tutu while France ended up wearing your clothes inside out and backwards."

The two Nations paled, staring at each other with wide eyes, while several Nations burst out into laughter, including the somewhat hostile Southern Nations.

"That is the funniest thing I've ever heard," Jett said.

"Sheila also got a picture of this," Anika said, taking out her phone and showing a picture to Jett.

Jett froze, staring at the image.

"That is evil," Alida said. "And they were never caught?"

"Nee," Anika said. "Micro Nations are excellent spies because no one ever suspects them."

"Then perhaps we'll need to put them to good use," Alida said, looking towards Bruce.

The Australian sighed, nodding his head.

"I'll see if I can get Wy and Hutt to agree to it," Bruce said. "But they're not the only Micro Nations that will be put to work."

"Of course not," Roberto said. "We'll have a word with the Micros from our world. But I don't think we'll ask Seborga to take part."

"Understood," Ricardo said.

"So, recon first, and then we'll make a plan," Alida said. "We also need to move in to the North. Some Nations are on our side, but it's only a matter of time before they're going to take the land."

"Yeah," Matt said, thinking about his own land.

"Securing those lands are a top priority as well," Ricardo said. "Especially given the time spent in the other world."

"And then we need to capture other Northern lands," Mahesh said.

"Are you suggesting conquest?" Ludwig asked, shocked.

"Yes," several of the Southern Nations said.

"Ooh, I like that," Ivan said.

"Of course you do," Yao sighed.

"How are you going to go ahead with that?" Kiku asked.

"Securing the Northern territories on our side comes first," Alida said. "And then we need to expand on those territories. Canada would then expand into America, for example."

"I don't think I like that idea," Alfred said.

"I do," Rosa said. "Can I take part as well?"

"It would be good to have you participate," Alida said. "Increasing numbers. And we kind of need you to help us take over your own lands."

They stared at her for a moment.

"The lands in your world are safe," Ricardo said. "We just need you to help us with your counterparts. Wouldn't you want to repay them for what they did to you?"

Several Nations had to agree, albeit a bit reluctantly.

"I'd also like to ask you something," Alida said, turning to the guest Nations. "I see that some of you seem to have a personality shift. Care to explain?"

"We've had our own fair share of wars," Anika explained. "To keep our sanity, we tend to go into a mood for that. We can also allow our minds to go into a personality of the past. Such as England's pirate phase."

"Of course, some of us aren't very happy when we return from that mood," Antonio said.

"But you might want to use that," Alida said. "Anyway, I think you all need to use a short break. We'll discuss war strategies afterwards."

…

Raj was panting, his arm bloody.

The pain had gotten too intense, and Raj had resorted to attempting to remove the bug himself. Which resulted in him clawing at his skin, breaking the skin and causing the blood to flow down.

Xiao kept watching, a smirk on his face. It was really entertaining for him to see India hurting himself in an attempt to save him from experiencing anymore pain.

He jumped when the door opened, and he turned to see Viktor enter the room. The Russian observed the scene for a moment before he turned to Xiao.

"Fire centipede," Xiao explained. "It's been inside for more than an hour."

"I see," Viktor said. "And here I thought I would show him how Russians do pain."

Xiao smirked, seeing the rope in Viktor's hands.

"By all means, don't let me stop you," Xiao said.

…

Anika sighed. Both Michelle and Maurice had taken it upon themselves to see to it that Anika is cheered up.

It actually entertained Alida to see this.

Michelle was braiding sections of Anika's hair, while Maurice was giving her hands a massage. Anika looked bored, since she wasn't in the mood to deal with them, but she didn't have it in herself to ask them to leave her alone.

"Who are you two?" a familiar voice asked.

The two stopped, turning to regard a girl that had approached them, wearing a pair of large black sunglasses. Her black hair was tied in a sideways ponytail, and she wore a dark red dress. Her lips were also blood red from the lipstick.

"Oh, Angelique," Alida greeted. "This is Mauritius and your counterpart."

The girl, Angelique, took off her glasses, revealing a pair of toxic green eyes.

"You're Seychelles?" Angelique asked, and Michelle nodded. "Bon. I was wondering what you would look like. I'm assuming you have a simpler life, non?"

"Oui," Michelle said. "Most people just come to my place for a vacation. But it means that people won't be picking a fight with me."

"Bon. And you?"

"Pretty much the same," Maurice sighed.

"At least you don't have to put up with other Nations trying to hurt you," Angelique said. "Or is there?"

"Non," Michelle said, as both of them threw their arms around Anika, earning a slight growl. "Friends like South Africa stop that from happening."

Angelique chuckled.

"I'm going to find Madagascar, but I enjoyed speaking with you," she said.

"Okay, see you later," Michelle said, waving her counterpart away.

"Could you let go of me now?" Anika asked.

Seychelles and Mauritius are two of South Africa's favourite holiday destinations. Usually if there's a competition or something, the prize would be a holiday to one of the two. So I imagine they would have good relations with her, and no matter what they did, Anika wouldn't get angry at them. And I can see them trying to cheer her up when she's angry or sad.

Also, during the break at the meeting, I'm going to have a few Southern Nations meet their counterparts. Alida is a master at strategy, and you'll see why she's doing it soon enough.

Oh, and the part of South Africa having powerful lungs is a reference to the vuvuzela during the 2010 World Cup. Actually, I read a headcanon once that South Africa is part of the Vuvuzela Honk Honk club, along with Brazil and Venezuela. If the Newspaper Club actually decided to go to that club, we might have a canon South Africa already.

And please don't forget to vote on my poll. I still have a tie. And if you're not sure what to vote for, just PM me if you want to see any prologues. Although, in the case of 'Written in the Scars', just read the oneshot 'Scar-Crossed'.