Disclaimer: Do not own hetalia!
Note: This chapter starts right where the last one left off. It also contains much more character development and some action, so I hope you find it exciting! Enjoy!
As Dark Prussia withdrew the knife, blood dripping from its tip, Maria turned away and hugged her knees, putting her head between them. The gruesome scene was still vividly replaying itself in her head, and she rocked back and forth, struggling to maintain sanity. When she heard the footsteps of the Dark German brothers disappear, she crept out of the tent robotically and made her way to the edge of the camp, avoiding other soldiers. Maria snuck past the sentries keeping lookout at the end of camp where the woods surrounding began to grow thicker. From there she ran towards the river where she had trained and continued dashing along its bank until she was sure she was out of earshot from the camp. Collapsing to her knees, she stared blankly into the dark rushing water of the Vistula. Then, all the hurt and grief came crashing over her, and she burst into tears. Once more the murder of Dark Poland repeated itself in her head, and thinking of the bloodstained blade make her puke into the running water that carried it away. Still sobbing, she splashed the cold water on her face, as if trying to wash away the overwhelming shame she felt.
Could she have done anything to save the Polish nation? Was it her fault he was dead? Of course she was not the one who used the knife, but she had her chance to help the poor nation and let it by. Maria hated herself as much as she loathed the cruel murderer for allowing such an evil thing happen. Then she remembered what Dark Poland had said to her before he died. "Maybe you should. That way, you can all protect each other." Wiping away tears, she decided that she would follow his advice and speak to her friends about her feelings. She was determined that they all would reach home together.
After her resolution, Maria felt herself mentally deteriorating, and she wept again, for the loss of an innocent life, and cried herself to sleep on the soft, fine silt on the riverbed.
When the first rays of sunrise shone down upon her, she awoke with puffy, swollen eyes. She cupped the river water with her hands and washed her face before heading back to camp. Easily evading the sentries, she went back inside her own tent and waited for someone to come get her for the day's meeting. When Ludwig called her from outside, she went with him to the general's tent where his brother and their counterparts were waiting.
"I trust everyone had a good sleep?" Dark Germany asked. The rest of them nodded, and he continued. "Good, because ve've just been called to the Chinese front vith Japan and Russia. The Vertex Union is on its way there."
At once they took a helicopter to Vladivostok in southeastern Russia and were escorted to the grand palace that Dark Russia was currently residing in. In the lobby, the five of them were greeted by the other version of Ukraine, who breasts bounced as she led them to the Dark Russia's conference room, where he, Dark Japan, Philippines, Britain, and Kiku, Ivan and Arthur were already seated. Dark Russia smiled at Maria as the arrivals sat down and then addressed Dark Prussia.
"Thanks to your lovely spy, Miss Hungary, we have been told that the Vertex Union has decided to take part in the Chinese battlefield."
"Those fools actually think they stand a chance," smirked Dark Britain, "According to our informant, they will arrive later tonight but won't make a move until dawn."
"And that's when we'll move in and kick some ass," Dark Prussia sniggered.
"Hai, so please rest up today and make ready for battle by dusk," advised Dark Japan. With that, the brief meeting was adjourned and Dark Russia assigned each of them a guest room in his lavish palace. As everyone exited the room to go their separate ways for the day, Maria pulled Gilbert, Kiku, and Ludwig aside.
"Hey, I think we need to talk. Seriously. How about over some lunch?" The others exchanged glances and agreed. When they went deeper into the snow-covered city, they chose to dine at a small restaurant that did not have many customers so they could converse privately. Maria requested a tucked-away booth and after ordering their food, they talked in hushed voices.
"I don't like this," Maria began, "We're actually going to battle tomorrow."
"Are you afraid? Your training has really improved your fighting so I think your fine," Kiku said.
"No! I don't like how we are entangling ourselves in another world's war."
"If you're still so against it, why did you agree to fight? And why have you been training with the other Prussia?" Gilbert frowned slightly.
"Because," Maria exasperated, "I can't let the rest of you fight without me! If any one of you was killed, I'd-I'd…" she left off, her lip trembling. The others grew quiet and their expressions softened.
"Is that why you changed your mind back then?" Kiku asked, "To protect us?" Maria nodded slowly, but still stared down at her untouched coffee. "I didn't realize you felt that way," Kiku said gently.
"You're right, Maria," Ludwig consented, "ve shouldn't have gotten sucked into this mess, but everyone else had as vell."
"Yeah, hearing you say that…" Gilbert looked at her. "That's just…awesome of you. But I see where you're coming from. I've spent time with my counterpart, and he's…menacing. While we look exactly alike, it's as if his aura's different. More evil."
Maria glanced up. "Do you know what he did?" Her whisper was barely audible, sounding like that of a small child's, who was frightened and scared. Gilbert and Kiku looked at her questioningly, but Ludwig turned away and Maria was sure that he knew. Maria shook her head, not being able to bring herself to speak about the horrifying event, and then she met Ludwig's eyes and a wordless understanding passed between them.
"He killed Poland last night," Ludwig said regretfully. Kiku's eyes widened and Gilbert's jaw fell open. "I saw it happen."
Maria furrowed her brows. "You were there too?" she asked, a bit surprised. He nodded and stared at her sadly. He must've seen me talking to Dark Poland, Maria thought, trying to interpret his strange look. A heavy silence lingered over the four of them.
"They're all monsters here," Kiku spoke, "I've done some talking to the other me and learned a lot about this world. The way things are run around here…it's like trust and friendship never existed among nations." They all pondered the truth of his words and Maria thought of Dark Poland again.
"We should make an oath," she suggested suddenly, "All of you promise me that none of us will get carried away by this war. Swear that you'll do anything to stay alive. So we can all go home together."
"Let's make it a pinky promise," Ludwig proposed and held out his finger. The rest of them smiled, Maria beamed happily, and the four of them hooked pinkies. It was a simple gesture, but Ludwig took it very seriously, knowing the others did as well. Then he thought of his other promise to his best friend and told himself that he would make sure that promise stayed fulfilled as well.
"Thanks, guys," Maria said, "I'm definitely going to hold you to your oath!" After they all finished eating, Kiku excused himself to go to the bathroom and Gilbert went as well, leaving Ludwig with Maria, who sipped her coffee. A moment later, he turned to her.
"I saw you vith Poland," he said tentatively. Maria said nothing. "I, um, followed you to the river…" Then she blushed, cursing herself for not being cautious enough. So he seen her mental breakdown…how embarrassing. When he saw her cheeks redden, he stumbled over words. "I, um, vell, left right away. I-I'm sorry, but it's nothing to be ashamed of…I vanted to ask, are you going to be alright?" Maria smiled at his consideration.
Knowing his awkwardness was purely innocent because they were strictly friends, Maria answered with a toothy grin. He was not normally the social butterfly of the group and without Feliciano he had a hard time talking to people without scaring them away."Thanks, Lud, after making that promise I feel a lot better. It was Poland's idea. I just can't help but think that his death was my fault."
"Nein! It vas not your fault. You couldn't have done anything for him. You already helped by staying your hand vith the vhip. I remember the day I gave you lessons and you vere really good at it."
"I appreciate that, but does it make me as bad as Prussia for just standing by?" she expressed her deepest concern.
"Nein. Vhat's done is done. Vhat ve need to focus on now is getting home alive," Ludwig affirmed assuredly.
"You're right," replied Maria, who really did feel a great burden lifted off her shoulders. Then Gilbert and Kiku returned.
"We outta get some rest now. If we are seriously going to fight tomorrow then I need some sleep to be as awesome as possible," Gilbert said as the four left the restaurant.
The nations of the Vertex Union arrived in the city of Lhasa just kilometers away from the battle grounds. Dark Russia's forces had moved deep into Chinese territory, absorbing all of Mongolia along the way. His forces had overcome the defenses on the Great Wall of China and had pushed further south. After a short meeting rerunning through their battle strategies for what seemed like the millionth time, Feliciano, Lovino, Antonio, and their counterparts remained seated at the dining table of the house that Dark China owned in the city, anticipating the next day's melee. Trying to rid himself and the others of anxiety, Feliciano suggested they make pasta.
"No thanks...not really in the mood," Dark Italy replied glumly.
"How can you not be in the mood for pasta?" Feliciano exasperated. "For one, you need the carbs for tomorrow's fight. And for two, pasta is like a source of joy!"
"How are you always so optimistic?" Dark Italy said, barely maintaining a temper. "You're always so smiley. It's like 'fun' has lost all meaning for me..."
"But why? I love smiling! Why can't you have any fun anymore?"
"Because," Dark Italy's voice rising to a shout, "Ever since I surrendered to the Allies in World War II, Germany and Prussia have made my life hell! Not even Japan can look at me without a hint of disgust in his eyes." Feliciano's eyes widened at his outburst. While the results of the war were the same in both worlds, the Axis powers had completely different outcomes in reactions. How could the two Germanies acted so differently?
"No! I told you, it's not your fault! Those bastards are just taking their anger out on you. If you kept fighting you would've only gotten even more hurt. The fucking Allies were too strong that war, they were bound to win." Dark Romano was shaking his brother's shoulders, trying to reach him and console him. But Dark Italy just shook his head in shame.
"But my Germany is so nice to me. He's always coming to save me when the battle goes wrong for me, which is pretty much all of the time I guess. He's my best friend!" Feliciano insisted, still not understanding how the other Germany could be so cruel.
"Well, aren't you just lucky to be born in your Earth because that would never happen here," his counterpart muttered acrimoniously. Feliciano was lucky in that sense. If his world had been like this one, would he have turned out so miserable like his counterpart? Without Ludwig always protecting him, who knows whether he would still be a notable nation or not. But now it seemed as if Fate was against him. After all, he could very well meet Ludwig on the battlefield tomorrow...
The next morning at daybreak, Maria found herself gripping the sides of her seat in the fighter plane that was transporting them to the battlegrounds in the vast Plateau of Tibet, with serrated mountains rising up on all sides. Dark Prussia saw her distress and snickered.
"Don't worry. You learned how to use twin knives from an awesome master," he said, "So here's how it works in this world: while the two opposing armies clash on the field, us nations are the ones who determine the tide of the battle by dueling in the center of the skirmish. Then we fight. No rules or petty regulations can hold us back once the real fighting begins." Maria nodded and gulped. She tried not to show how she felt as if the butterflies in her stomach were being enraged. Today anything could happen. What if one of her friends fell?
Soon, the Genesis fighter plane flew low enough for its passengers to jump down onto the field without injury. All of them stuck the landing, and Maria looked up to see the nations of the Vertex Union marching towards them, their armies following right behind.
Every nation came dressed in their nation's uniform with bulletproof vests underneath and armed with weapons-Maria and her counterpart with their twin knives, the two Germanies with their whips, the two Prussians with swords, the Russians with iron pipes, Japans with katanas, the Britons with their magic spell books. On the other side, the Spaniards had axes, the Americas had pistols, the Chinas had broad swords (they decided to trade their woks for a deadlier weapon), the two Frenchmen had knight swords, the Italians had semiautomatic guns.
The Dark Nations stood there in line with the Genesis facing the Vertex Union, each scowling threateningly at the others. While they brandished their weapons, the counterparts stood behind them uneasily. Around them, the two great armies began to collide, but there seemed to be a circle with a mile radius surrounding the nations, in which no soldier dared stepping into for fear of getting killed in their crossfire.
"Well, Spain, why don't we finish what we start earlier?" Dark Prussia snarled.
"Gladly," was the Spaniard's reply. Then he twirled his heavy axe with ease and charged the Prussian. Waiting for no further provocation, Dark Russia also leapt upon Dark America with his iron pipe held over his head. While the Prussian sword and the Spanish axe clanged against each other, Dark America dodged the Russian's attack, but instead of drawing his pistol, he revealed the baseball bat from behind his back. On it's end, jagged rusty nails protruded out.
"Why should I use a gun on you?" Dark America yelled as he swung, "It would be much more fun and satisfying if I destroyed you with this!"
As those duels went on, the other Dark Nations joined the fray. Dark China and Dark Japan crossed blades and Dark France started for Dark Britain while Dark Germany decided to take on both Dark Italy and Dark Romano.
Then another Dark Asian nation appeared- it was Hong Kong, joining the cause of his old master. Maria had not seen him behind Dark China until he moved to fight. Dark Philippines noticed him as well and went on the offensive. After she dodged his explosives he drew a curved dagger to counter her twin knives.
However, the nations from Maria's world remained still. Even though most of them willingly joined the war, they were reluctant to attack each other.
After a few moments of dreadful foreboding, Kiku shocked them all by coming to his counterpart's side and raising his weapon on Dark China. Yao was appalled and ran to check Kiku with his own blade.
"Kiku! How could you?" Yao cried with their blades pushing on each other.
"I'm sorry, Yao, but I have to fight for the other me," he replied, "So get out of my way."
"No!" Yao pushed back with more force and Kiku jumped out of the way of his sword. "I have to defend my counterpart!" exclaimed Yao. Then the two seemed to enter a deadly dance, slashing and dodging each other. Maria felt her heart contract tightly as she watched.
Then Alfred saw a golden opportunity to help his counterpart. There was a clear shot to Dark Russia; his back was facing him as he used his iron pipe to defend himself from Dark America. However, Ivan noticed that opening too, and saw Alfred holding his pistol. While Alfred was hesitant to fire upon another nation, Ivan did not waste a second and before the American knew what was happening, Ivan was descending down on him with his own iron pipe at hand. The Russian struck him hard on his left temple and he was thrown completely off balance. But no America could be defeated that easily. At once he recovered to his feet, but since he lost hold of his weapon when he fell, Alfred used his bare fists furiously. With powerful blows he pounded on Ivan, who did not expect him to counterattack so quickly. His own iron pipe was knocked out of his hand and so the two brawled the old fashion way.
Meanwhile, Arthur and Francis, both remembering ancient centuries of hateful rivalry, matched each other in combat. While Arthur's strength came from his spells, Francis had to dodge them in order to get close enough to use his sword, but was barely managing to stay unscathed. Antonio, seeing an old friend in trouble, came to his aide and both charged at Arthur.
"Hey! A little help over here?" called Arthur to the others. Ludwig blinked, and then realized that the Briton was indeed on his side in this war. In truth, he did not want to join the fight but he was obligated to; he and his brother had signed the Genesis treaty. So, pushing away second thoughts, he gripped his whip and he and Gilbert fought along with Arthur. Lovino, feeling he had to help his boss, opened fire, but Arthur's magic created a shield for himself. When this happened, Maria knew it was time for her to use her training.
As she darted towards Lovino, she felt the adrenaline making her heart pump faster and the blood coursing through her veins. The poor Italian did not even see her coming since he was focused on Arthur. She came from his left, and at the last minute he saw her out of the corner of his eye and shot instinctively at her chest. In her head, she thanked Dark Japan for giving her a bullet proof vest. While she was a little upset that he had shot at her without a second thought, she told herself that it was only Lovino's reflexes. With a quick and direct hand Maria smacked the gun from her opponent's hand and firmly held her knives. Knowing she had to be convincing in combat, she took the initiative on Lovino. However, while she fought with fierce finesse, she purposefully missed Lovino's vital areas and only inflicted minor cuts, not mortal wounds. The Italian, on the other hand, was breathing hard as he thought he was seriously fighting for his life. Even though her attacks were not meant to be fatal, Lovino had no opportunity to strike back, and Maria realized how valuable her training had been. Before receiving lessons from Dark Prussia, there was no way she could have held out so long against another opponent like South Italy, even though Italies were never known to be meritable. Now she was a skilled fighter with the competence to kill another, though the notion had never crossed her mind and she would never abuse her talents like that.
With a decisive kick to Lovino's chest, he was sent sprawling backwards, cursing, and Maria could not help but feel her heart swell with pride. She had actually defeated another opponent!
Meanwhile, a few feet away from her, Ludwig was giving Antonio a hellish time. The Spaniard had somehow lost hold of his axe-Ludwig was remarkably good with disarming an opponent with a whip- and was dodging the German's attacks, sweat pouring down his face. Then Antonio smoothly rolled away from the whip's lash and with lightning speed got to his feet and tackled Ludwig to the ground. In the process his whip flew out of his hands and landed at Maria's feet. Sheathing one of her knives, she picked it up and looked around for another fight. When she scanned her surroundings, she met eye contact with Feliciano, who froze in fear. Pretending not to have noticed him, she quickly glanced away. Maria could not bring herself to beat on the innocent Italian, who pitifully stood at the edge of the melee.
When Feliciano met her eyes, he thought for sure she would attack him after seeing her fight his brother. The whole time, he had stood off to the side of skirmish, terrified, wishing he could just wave his white flag and take off. But where would he run? All around him was the chaos of the raging war. On the verge of tears, he did not belong here. This world settled their wars differently, savagely.
However, Maria was not the only one who saw him standing there, defenseless and helpless. Dark Britain had just sent his last opponents flying with his magical spell. When he noticed the lone Italian, he did not stop to ponder his next move. He held out his hand in Feliciano's direction and spoke his murderous words. The brilliant blast shot out of his outstretched hand, heading straight towards Feliciano, who was so engulfed by his terror that he could not move. With perfect accuracy, the spell sped forward to burn through its petrified victim.
From the Author: So I got back on track this chapter as I promised. Again, I referenced my other one shot with the whip lessons. Sorry for the cliffhanger, I guess that makes me Dark wintercandyapple, but I'll try not to leave you guys hanging for too long
So if you liked it, please leave a review, because its very much appreciated! To my reviewers: Thanks for all the kind words! Not a single one was taken for granted I promise :D