Thanks to stormpix, Mx Akiyata and madders10 for reviewing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 72: Meeting Tensions

It is time for Black to become organised.

And new strategies need to be made.

…

Everything was silent at the breakfast table. Eduard and Raivis had woken up without Feliks, and when the Nordics returned they informed the rest about what had happened.

Everyone who had been on the other side had retuned, and those that came from the other side had also returned. However, Mahesh and James had to come through to their side due to being physically weaker and vulnerable at the moment, and Nicolai had to stay as well.

"So," Roberto asked, looking at Mahesh, "what's going on in your world that you three need to be here?"

"Simple," Mahesh sighed. "There's a world meeting. Something that only happens once a year. Twice maximum. And everyone's going to Alida's place. If anyone from the North finds out that the three of us are vulnerable, there will be a lot of problems."

"What's the meeting about, anyway?" Arthur asked.

"Trying to convince the Northern Nations to leave you guys alone so that the Deathplayers can stop gaining the advantage."

"It's going to be a long day," James commented.

…

Tolys was sitting against a wall of the cave. Really, he had no other choice.

Toris and Feliks had joined the others in the centre, and Tolys managed to catch a glimpse of the feral look in Feliks's eyes as well. But it unnerved him how they could just lie there.

He was too weak to attempt escape, and he didn't think he could manage with the creatures lingering about. Some of them looked like other Nations, while others were animalistic.

They hadn't taken his cell phone from him, which he was relieved about at first, until he noticed that there was no signal. His last hope had been ripped to shreds.

The creatures left him alone, and he tried to sleep, but the situation unnerved him too greatly for him to relax enough to do so.

His last correspondence with Romania echoed in his mind, and now he couldn't even warn her about what else the creatures might do.

Toris had tried to kill him, and the creature told him not yet.

…

Everyone had gathered in one of the living rooms with many mirrors around them. This way, they would be able to see the meeting on the other side.

And since the barrier was already ruined, they decided that all of them might as well be caught in the same reflection. If all went well on the other side, then they wouldn't have to worry about their counterparts terrorising them.

…

To say that the tension in the room was thick would be an understatement. To say that it was tangible would also be an understatement.

They were all gathered around a large table, with Alida at one point and Luciano at the other. North and South were separated, with the Northern traitors among the South. The Central Americans acted as borders between the two groups, and they were the ones that received the worst of it, since they got the hostility and tension from both sides. One of the disadvantages about being neutral.

On either side of Alida sat Bruce and Ricardo, with Lutz and Kyo sitting next to Luciano.

The Southern Nations contributed to breaking some of the tension, because of two things: they could see the leaders of their enemies as women, and Luciano's face was covered with bruises and slightly swollen. Some of the Southern Nations had to work hard to keep their laughter in check, although Luciano's glare helped them to remain silent.

"Alright," Luciano said, breaking the tense silence. "Why do we all need to be here?"

"First off," Alida said, "we're here to discuss your stupidity."

Luciano growled, throwing a knife, which Alida easily caught.

"There's no denying it," Ricardo said. "And it's not just you Italy. Pretty much everyone in your hemisphere is an idiot."

"Why you…" Luciano growled.

"Thanks to your stupidity, we are facing a possible apocalypse," Bruce snapped.

Luciano stilled, losing all signs of anger.

"What do you mean?" Luciano asked.

"A while back, you asked me about what Deathplayers are," Alida said. "The Deathplayers seemed to have made a game of bringing about the end of all Nations."

"What the hell are you talking about?!"

"They want to destroy us," Marius said.

Everyone turned their attention to the Romanian, who had her gaze focused on the table.

"And how do you know?" Lutz asked.

"A Deathplayer told us," Oliver said. "Well, told Vlad."

"It looked like us," Marius whispered. "It marked us as a pawn."

"Sim," Ricardo said. "Romania is a pawn in their little game."

"He actually said the apocalypse, and how everything is a game to them," Sigurd said. "And… he also said something about 'red'."

"Red is snapped," Ferdinand said, a manic giggle in his voice. "Snapped will make the earth red with blood. Blood of Nations."

Ferdinand was given a sketchbook and pencils to at least keep some semblance of sanity. Already, he had drawn quite a few pictures.

"Are we going to trust the cuckoo bird?" Luciano asked in a deadpan voice.

"I wonder who was responsible for him being the way he is," Ricardo retorted sarcastically.

"Hey, it wasn't just me!" Luciano snapped.

"More than half of Europe," Gabriel said. "You can't deny it."

"Shut up, traitor!"

A gunshot sounded, and the potential argument was nipped in the bud. Everyone turned their attentions to Basch, who was putting the gun away.

"I didn't know you had one," Alida said, eyebrow arched.

"I borrowed it from Vash," the Swiss explained. "Figured it would be helpful."

"Now, where were we?" Ricardo asked.

"Red," Sigurd supplied.

"Obrigado."

"You said Red is insane, correct?" Viktor asked, looking at Ferdinand, who nodded his head. "Then I have seen it for myself. What about the ability to breathe fire?"

"This is the first I've heard of it," Alida said, her voice cold, other than a hint of surprise.

"Si!" Ferdinand said. "All except Pawn! First Knight is snake, first Rook is bird and first Bishop is dragon."

"…I'm assuming Bulgaria is the bishop then," Viktor said.

"Russia, since I trust you more than the Southerners, what else can you tell me about them?" Luciano asked.

"I've never seen anyone look so insane," Viktor said. "And I know, that's saying something. There was something like England's insanity mixed with Venezuela's, as well as a murderous intent that not even Japan, China or Mexico combined could attempt."

Many winced at the statement.

Luciano had a thoughtful look on his face.

"South Africa, what else can you tell me about the Deathplayers?" Luciano asked.

"Is there anything specific you need to know?" Alida asked.

Luciano frowned, taking out his phone. He quickly typed something before putting it away. Alida took her own phone out and examined the text.

"They seem to appear out of nowhere," Alida said. "There's a chance that they might be spying on us in some way. They are pretty calm and composed, with a hint of playfulness."

"You didn't see one of them get mad," Marius scoffed.

"And how did he get mad?"

"Vlad asked why they were doing what they were doing. He said something about Nations living for centuries and doing nothing but taking, no matter who it hurts."

"So in other words they're like the South," Luciano said. "Arrogant children who don't like the way things are done. Because they can't handle the natural order, they want to change it while pretending that what they're doing is for the good of everyone who had 'suffered'. They just don't like the fact that they're weak and pathetic. Let me guess. They must feel that everything is unfair. That they were the ones that were wronged, even if it's survival of the fittest. They were weak, and now they're blaming the strong…"

…

"What the bloody hell is he – she – doing?!" Arthur exclaimed, mouth open in shock.

She wasn't the only one.

"And there you get Northern philosophy," James scoffed. "Insulting the South left, right and centre and justifying what they've been doing to us."

"How come no one on the other side is reacting?" Alfred asked.

"Because they can see what Italy's doing," Mahesh said. "He's baiting the Deathplayers."

"Why is he doing that?" Francis asked.

"It's an old strategy used in our world," Nicolai explained. "Especially if you're going up against an enemy for the first time. First, you test their temper, and from it you can judge how they fight. Those with a quick temper are more impulsive, while those with a lot of patience will be more methodical."

"That's right," Mahesh said. "And you can also figure out what their weaknesses are. If they give a reaction to something in particular, you keep prodding, and once they can't take it anymore, you can also determine how much they can take."

"Something tells me you've used this method a few times," Ludwig commented.

"The Israel in my world is very impulsive and resents not being stronger. He also had a bit of a crush on Ancient Egypt."

Israel sputtered at that, and everyone in the Middle East laughed.

…

The South tolerated the insults that Luciano mixed in with the baiting. They managed to figure it out soon enough when Luciano sent the text to Alida, the way she explained how they seemed to be listening, and the fact that Luciano immediately started insulting them.

"…And what's with the name anyway?" Luciano asked. "What, were all the cool names taken? Maybe they should have been called 'freaks of nature', or 'desperate and pathetic', or…"

"How about Nation Killers?" a cold voice asked.

Luciano silenced, and everyone turned their attentions to the one that spoke. It looked like Bulgaria, if you could get over the fact that he had horns, wings and a tail.

"You again," Viktor said.

"That's right," another said, and they turned to see the New Zealand lookalike.

"So, you intended for us to show our faces?" another asked, and they turned to see India's lookalike.

"Well, wish granted!" the three said in unison.

Many of the Nations removed their weapons, before Alida cleared her throat.

"It won't work," she said. "Now sit down."

"How clever, little Queen," a voice hissed, and they saw someone that resembled South Africa standing behind her.

"You again," Alida groaned. "You better be wearing something else."

"I find it strange how both you and the White Queen have a problem with what I wear," the Deathplayer said. "Pretty much everyone else is freaked out when our kind resembles them, yet you two only seem annoyed."

"I think I know why," Rebecca growled, and Manuella looked hostile as well.

Some of the male Nations, on the other hand, admired the revealing dress that the Deathplayer wore.

…

They watched the Deathplayers appear, and everyone tried to avoid the gazes of the South African trio, who were glaring at the mirror with murderous expressions.

…

Everyone looked around at the Deathplayers, and Luciano scoffed.

"What, only four of you?" she taunted.

"A few of us need to keep our Reds company," the India lookalike said. "They are so broken, so sweet. And so ready to kill."

"Then why aren't they?" Lutz asked.

"We occasionally send them to one of the human villages," the New Zealand lookalike said. "Somewhere remote and isolated, where no one could interrupt them."

"And another few of us need to make sure that our future Reds are taken care of," the Bulgaria lookalike said. "You've been doing that job for us."

"Like I said before," Alida said. "Stupid."

"And then a few of us need to keep the Major Players happy," the South Africa lookalike said.

"Wait, what 'major players'? Alida asked.

The Deathplayer adjusted her head, smiling down at the brunette South African.

"You refer to them as 'beasts'," the Deathplayer said. "Deathplayers who've made a trip through hell. Nowadays, Nations fade away. We on the other hand…" She chuckled, and some of the Nations got goose bumps.

"Wait!" Luciano exclaimed. "You're Nations?!"

"Were," the India lookalike said. "We faded before our people had time to grow. We've never had a chance to run the world. But when you Nations die, we can have full reign."

"From what side are you?" Kyo snapped.

"Both," the New Zealand lookalike said. "In death, there is no black and white. Two become one."

"So it's grey," Bruce said.

"No," the Bulgaria lookalike said. "It's Red."

…

"That's it!" Vlad exclaimed. "That's what they're going to do!"

"What are you talking about?" Lukas asked.

"They just said it. 'Death is red'. And they also said 'two become one'."

"You managed to catch on to the Deathplayers' games," Jana said, frowning thoughtfully.

"What do you…?" Ludwig started, before the Namibian silenced him.

"Did you forget that we went through their games before?" Angola asked. "We know all their little hints and tricks. We've learned how to decipher any meaning they lace in their words."

"But they wouldn't just make it that easy!" Ludwig exclaimed.

"The easier they make it seem," Zimbabwe explained, "the harder the game becomes."

…

"What do you want?" Luciano huffed.

"The destruction of Nations, for starters," the India Deathplayer said. "And I'm sure our Reds wouldn't mind some revenge. After all, Raj was pushed beyond what he could handle by you."

Kyo growled, hand still gripping his katana.

"But for now," the South Africa Deathplayer said, "we need to repay you for everything you said about us."

They heard a roar of thunder coming from above them, and they looked up to see a thick blanket of dark clouds against the ceiling of the room. The clouds were electrically charged, but the lightning was crimson in colour.

Alida widened her eyes, a testament to the seriousness of the situation.

"Take cover!" she shouted.

When the first crack of lightning hit, everyone immediately followed her lead, whether they were North or South. The one that was hit, Slovakia, didn't show any sign of having been hit by lightning, but kept screaming and writhing in pain. Czech Republic kept trying to reach her brother in order for him to tell her what was going on, but he didn't seem to hear her.

…

"What is going on over there?" Arthur asked, as they watched the lightning flash, the sound of the thunder and screams from the other side echoing through the room.

"Crimson lightning," Anika explained. "It's a complicated form of storm magic. It doesn't kill you, but when it hits it sends signals to your brain to make you perceive pain from every nerve in your body while shutting off every other sense. If you're hit, you can't hear, see or feel anything else around you, only what the lightning allows you to perceive. The effects last a few hours."

"You seem to know a fair deal about it," Miguel commented. "Have you used it before?"

"Nee. I'm not strong enough to do it yet. Or cruel enough."

"Yet," a voice said that made them feel chilled.

They turned to see someone resembling Brazil standing in the doorway, a lazy smirk on his face.

"What are you doing here?" Roberto demanded.

"We've already given the other side their warning," the Deathplayer said. "But here's one meant just for you. If you think you will escape us, think again. It's only a matter of time before all of our Pieces are Red. And if you think you can avoid freeing the last Major Player, then you are clearly underestimating us."

"What is the purpose of those 'Major Players'?" Francis demanded.

"That's our little secret," the Deathplayer said. "We'll be seeing you again pretty soon."

And with that, he was gone.

…

Felic trembled as he hid under the table with the rest of the Nations. He had gone to the meeting with the rest, pretending that all was well, even wearing a stupid dress to make it seem as though nothing was wrong and that he was still a woman.

Gabriel had told him earlier about what had happened to him, and that it was his fault. He had pushed Feliks beyond his breaking point, and so he was the one responsible.

He gasped when he felt a hand grip his shoulder, and he turned slightly to see the Bulgarian Deathplayer.

"Thanks for delivering Feliks to us," he whispered into his ear. "Your counterpart willingly gave himself, just so you know. Oh, and Tolys is keeping us company as well."

Felic's eyes widened, before the Deathplayer disappeared.

…

Tolys had grown increasingly bored, and was passing the time by playing games on his cell phone.

He jumped when he heard a thud next to him, and he turned to see the creature that looked like him.

"You're going to be here for a while," the creature said before moving away.

Tolys looked down at the objects the other had brought, seeing books and a small reading light. He picked up the light and flicked it on, snorting when he saw that the first book was on Lithuanian history.

Figuring that it would be interesting, since he was supposed to know everything that happened, he started reading it.

It took him a few pages to realise that it was not his history, but Toris's.

Seeing as he had nothing better to do, he continued reading. Perhaps he would gain insight into his counterpart.

…

When the storm settled, they hesitantly emerged from the table, each of them shaky. The only sound was the screams of the Nations that were struck by the lightning.

Luciano turned to Alida, who was examining her table which was struck a few times and contained scorch marks.

"Alright," Luciano said, surprising the Nations. "I can't believe I'm saying this, and I will probably deny it in the future and wash my mouth out later, but, you win."

Alida crossed her arms, an eyebrow raised. Luciano turned to his fellow Northern Nations.

"You heard it," Luciano said. "It's because of our games with the other side that the Deathplayers have the advantage. We're not going to let them win. So that means that we leave the Nations on the other side alone."

The reason why the Deathplayers were so revealing is because Luciano succeeded in hitting all the right buttons. They're a little irked at being insulted like that.

And the crimson lightning was something I came up with while trying to fall asleep. I just saw a blanket of storm clouds in the room and decided to act on it. And I've mentioned before that South Africa uses storm magic, which is why Anika is the one that told the others about the lightning, and why Alida managed to recognise it for what it was before the first strike. Neither of them are strong enough to use it, and Alida especially is proud of her storm magic, so it just makes them realise how strong the Deathplayers actually are. So for those thinking that I put South Africa in the spotlight again, that was not the intention.

Okay, I've got a request for you. See, exams start next week, and my internet access will be limited if not non-existent. I will still update, but I won't be able to do a lot of research due to the limited internet access or the fact that I would need to study. I will be able to receive emails on my phone, so if you can help me through the reviews, that would be great. All I want to know is if you can think of any historical lows for the magic trio and the bad touch trio. The Deathplayers will be focusing on them next, and I would like to add their historical lows. And I listed the trios because it's a lot faster than listing the individual Nations. For example, Old Fritz dying in Gilbert's case, the American Revolution for Arthur or Jeanne d'Arc for Francis. Something like that.