Disclaimer: Do not own hetalia

Note: So this chapter starts where the last one left off immediately! I hope that last cliffhanger wasn't too bad. If it was then wait no longer! Enjoy :)

Maria moved faster than she ever had before. With nothing but desperation in her mind, all of Ludwig's whip teachings came to her. By flicking her wrist just as he had taught her, the whip wrapped itself around Feliciano's legs as Dark Britain's spell came to claim his life. With all her might, she yanked the whip, sweeping Feliciano off his feet and he crashed to the ground just as the deadly blast flew over him where his head would have been. Now Maria's head was reeling; Dark Britain was probably watching and would have seen her save their enemy and call her a traitor. Thinking fast, she towered over Feliciano, who was still just getting up. The poor Italian cowered as he saw the glittering knives in her hand. Hopefully, Dark Britain would just assume that she never saw his blast in the first place and think that she was just trying to kill Feliciano herself.

"Run," she hissed at him through a scowl that masked her feelings. He did not need to be told twice, and did what he had always done best: fled. While she wanted to sneak a peek at the Briton to see if her performance was believable, she did not want to risk seeming the least bit suspicious, so Maria went to assist Ludwig, who was still wrestling Antonio.

Meanwhile, Kiku continued to engage Yao in a heated duel between two glistening blades. Next to them, an even more intense swordfight took place between Dark Japan and Dark China. At one point, the two Japanese men came back-to-back with each other. "Switch partners?" Dark Japan asked his counterpart, who gave a "Hai!" in agreement. While still back-to-back, the two made a 180 degree turn to face their new Chinese opponent. As Kiku started to take on Dark China, he realized that this China was much more fierce and vicious with his sword and so he was forced to up his game. The Chinas, being some of the oldest nations, had many more years of fighting experience and insight, but the Japans had always had an aggressiveness that worked in their favor.

Outside of the nations' circle, the morbid scene was looking especially bleak for the Vertex Union. The German, Russian, and British troops dominated the blood ridden plateau while the Chinese forces were suffering major losses and the American soldiers were struggling to change the tide of the battle, but were ultimately failing. After bobbing and weaving through Dark Russia's wild swings with his iron pipe, Dark America grimaced when he took a look around himself. He could see the outcome of this battle was already inevitable.

"Fall back!" he called to his fellow nations. Not one to make another stupid mistake, he figured that the Vertex Union would lose this battle but this have a fair shot at winning the war. No use in needless sacrifices if their battle was already fated to be won by the Genesis Powers. His allies withdrew in acquiescence, regret written all over their faces. As they retreated, Maria turned to Dark Prussia and awaited instructions to give chase.

The albino shook his head and sheathed his sword. "Let the cowards run. We'll get our chance another time," he shrugged. Maria showed her consent by sheathing her own weapons and the two made their way to the other Genesis Powers, who had gathered in a crowd, their backs blocking her view of what all the commotion was about. When Arthur and Ivan gave them room to see, Maria's blood went cold. Yao was on his knees, teeth clenched, as Dark Japan held his katana to his throat.

Dark Prussia sneered. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked unsympathetically. His words unhinged Maria and she was about to do something asinine when Kiku slapped the blade aside and stood between his counterpart and Yao.

"No," he asserted, "Leave him unharmed." His voice was stanch and Dark Japan regarded the steely look on his face.

"But he's the enemy. You fought him only moments ago," he repudiated evenly.

Kiku shook his head resolutely, "Only because I had to. Besides, killing him now would accomplish nothing. Since he's from another dimension, you can't conquer his lands, so there's no point in taking his life."

"Nevertheless, he is allied vith the Vertex Union," Dark Germany protested.

"Okay, fine," Maria cut in, "then just take him prisoner, But Kiku's right, it would be unnecessary bloodshed." She did not like her own idea, but being captive was much better than being dead, and the Dark Genesis Powers were not going to free him. Gilbert, Ludwig, and Kiku readily agreed, and Dark Japan sighed.

"Have it your way. For now we should head back to Russia's place."

When the Genesis Powers arrived in Moscow, Dark Russia led them to his even more luxurious palace and suggested convening a brief meeting to discuss their progress. Meanwhile, Yao was sent to the prison cells under the palace (Dark Russia like old-fashioned things like that). The captive had not said a word since he was defeated and Maria could only imagine that shame he was burning in.

They each took a seat once more—Maria was getting tired of all these conferences even though they were a lot more productive that back on her Earth. Dark Japan stated the obvious, saying their advancement into China was a success so far. Once he was done, Dark Britain slammed his fist on the table to get everyone's attention. His head seeming as if it were going to explode, he glared at Maria accusingly. Oh shit, she thought.

"Insolent girl! You saved that Italian from my wrath! He was my prey," he shouted, apoplectically. With everyone's eyes on her now, Maria quickly came up with a bull answer.

"I did it on purpose, idiot. I wanted to…play with him a bit, if you know what I mean," she winked at Dark Prussia, "But I forgot how fast Italians can be; it's the only thing their good for. So why don't you go burn some scones or something." She coated her response with attitude and sassiness toward Dark Britain to prove that she would not allow anyone to push her around. Dark Britain fumed, but Dark Prussia just laughed. "Kesesese, it's okay my pupil. There's always next time." Maria forced herself to smile with him, and the rest of the nations dismissed the Briton as he looked around for support.

"Well since that's settled," Dark Prussia licked his lips, "Why don't we celebrate? All drinks on my brother!" He patted Dark Germany's shoulder, who in turn sighed but did not argue.

"Da!" Dark Russia approved.

"Vodka!" cheered Ivan.

On the other side of the globe, in America, the nations of the Vertex Union were not as celebratory. Dark America had again called another meeting so they could all regroup and count casualties.

"How disgraceful," muttered Dark France as he bandaged his wounds with Francis.

"Si, we lost a lot of men out there," Dark Spain said solemnly. He was helping Antonio spread salve on the lashes that the whip left on him. None of them had left the battlefield without a nasty wound or two.

"C'mon guys! It was only the first major battle. We can still turn this around," encouraged Alfred, hating to see his allies demoralized. "We still got the hero!" he added, as if that was going to reassure anyone.

"But what about Yao?" Feliciano spoke up. Dark China just rubbed his temples in frustration.

"Now that he's captured, assuming he's still alive, there isn't anything we can do for him," Dark America answered dejectedly. "In our conditions, there's no way we can stage a rescue mission. All we can do is pray that he hasn't been tortured or maimed." The images that came with his words were too much for Feliciano to bear.

"But Japan wouldn't let that happen," Feliciano said, thinking mostly of Kiku, but still hoping it also applied to Dark Japan.

"Yeah," agreed Alfred, "they've got to draw the line somewhere. He's not even from this universe." However, Dark China shook his head resentfully.

"Don't kid yourselves, aru. Japan can be as cold as ice when he wants to be. Do you remember the Rape of Nanking? Pearl Harbor?" he directed his last question to Alfred, who said nothing and dropped his gaze to the floor. He did remember, quite vividly, actually, but he did not want to admit it. It was not a prospect he liked thinking about, but the Japanese nation could be mysteriously nerve-racking at times. How could he forget the furious hatred and pain his people felt that awful day?

"But," Feliciano protested, "they're our friends! Kiku, and Ludwig and Maria—" His brother interrupted him abruptly.

"Don't call that fucking bitch our friend! Did you see her come after me with those knives?" Lovino shouted, pissed off as usual.

"But she didn't hurt you as badly as she could have. She could've done a lot worse," Feliciano frowned. He thought about how Maria had saved him from Dark Britain's spell, but then suddenly turned on him. Even after brandishing her knives threateningly, she told him to run. He decided not to mention this to his allies because he was not sure how to interpret it. Bipolar maybe?

"I think Feli is on to something," Antonio said. "After I shoved Ludwig off me, she was my next opponent. While she fought with ferocity, there were definitely opportunities for her to stab me, but she didn't take them. It was clear in her eyes that she saw them."

"No," Dark America affirmed. "Don't trust her. She's probably trying to get you guys to lower your guard til the right moment then she'll strike. I heard she was trained by Prussia after all." But Feliciano did not believe him. He still had faith in Maria, Ludwig and Kiku, too. If only he could just talk to them…

In one of America's most capable hospitals, Dark Canada lay on one of the white beds in a private infirmary room with his counterpart sitting at his side. Mathew had made it his responsibility to change Dark Canada's ice pack, which sat on his forehead, whenever needed and to make sure he was comfortable. After the Vertex Union traveled to China to fight, Mathew's spirits plummeted as his counterpart's condition worsened significantly within hours. When they returned, he was still in a terrible state. To keep his mind off of things, Mathew tried to make small talk, but was soon running out of light topics to talk about.

"So how's Kumajibiro?" he asked as he checked the ice pack.

"He has a fever…" responded his counterpart feebly. Mathew wanted to hit himself. What a stupid question. Good thing his own Kuma-whatshisface was not with him when he entered the portal. Dark Canada shuddered violently.

"What's wrong?" Mathew asked worriedly.

"I just feel like crap. Not only is my own nation in its own mess, but now I set off a world war," he replied, utterly downcast.

"It's not your fault," Mathew consoled. "The nations have always been trigger-happy. They'd have found an excuse to wage a war without you, eh?"

"I guess I can believe that. But I've put so much on America's shoulders. It was selfish of me to beg him to take care of me."

"Don't worry. Every America is headstrong; he can hold his own, no doubt about it."

"I used to think that, but from my increasingly weakening condition, I can feel that his country is strained. Not only does he have to fight the war, but now he has to invest money into repairing my nation," Dark Canada mutter sheepishly. Mathew could not think of anything else to say. Suddenly his counterpart entered a fit of coughing and he did not resist when Mathew suggested that he rest up and go to sleep.

While the other Genesis Powers decided to go on their triumphant outing, Maria politely declined, as did her counterpart. Getting drunk with nations she found to be malicious and perverse was not her idea of a good time. As they left with Dark Russia and Ivan leading the way to the best bar in the city, the Dark Philippines requested to speak with Maria privately in the hall.

"So what did you want to talk about?" she asked once they were by themselves in the hall.

"I just wanted to say," the Dark Philippines said, "that I saw your trickery with the Italians." Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Oh no. Maria struggled to conceal her panic. So the other girl saw through Maria's act with Lovino and saw how she rescued Feliciano, but she tried to play coy.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Liar. When you fought the versions of Romano and Spain from your world, you evidently held back. As a knife user myself, I could tell." Damn. Maria thought her "attack" on Lovino was convincing enough but apparently not. "And I saw you use the whip to save the counterpart of Italy."

"Like I said back at the meeting," Maria insisted, "I wanted the honor of killing him myself, but simply miscalculated."

"Okay, look," her counterpart put her hands on her hips, "Since I have no proof, I'll let it go, but I just need to make one thing clear: I will not tolerate disloyalty." The accusation angered Maria; the word was associated with scandal and lowliness and Maria would not stand for that.

"What? Don't talk to me about loyalty! I know more about that than you imagine," Maria seethed back. "How can you even imply that about me? I'm you, remember? So you should know." But the Dark Philippines shook her head.

"No. Even though we're identical, I can say that you are NOT me. You're too different, too rash. You willingly teamed up with Prussia, act on foolish impulses, speak out of turn to your Japan-"

"Wait, is that what this is about? You're jealous of my relationship with Kiku?" Maria asked incredulously and the Dark Philippines turned a shade of red.

"What? No! Don't be absurd-"

"That's it isn't it? You'd rather be good friends with your Japan than be his 'subordinate,' huh? Or maybe even a few steps further…"

"NO!" The Dark Philippines stamped her foot and her cheeks retained their normal color. "I told you, I'm not like you! Maybe you want to act so crude, but I'm a loyal soldier who's willing to risk her life for his—our—cause!" A few moments passed before Maria answered again.

"I know what you mean, and I respect that. You're right, we are really different. But in that way we're similar. I'm willing to put my life on the line for my own cause. But, don't you think, wouldn't it be better if we could live for our cause?" The strange question befuddled the other girl, whose expression lightened and she paused. Then, out of nowhere, she smiled softly with somber eyes.

"I used to think like that, like you do. But then…reality forced me to wake up. I realized I was a weaker nation and the only way for me to succeed is to work my way up by following Japan. He's taught me a lot and that's the kind of relationship we've forged with each other—the student and the teacher." Her voice sounded sympathetic, nostalgic, even. But then it grew firm and curt. "Now I'll do anything necessary to survive, even if that means subordinating myself. I guess true liberty is a luxury."

"I'm sorry things turned out that way for you," Maria said, becoming more confident, "But this is yet another difference. I'm not ready to give up on freedom and friendship. Maybe that makes me weaker than you, but what's the point if you're not happy?" At this, the other girl just stared at her sadly as if she were a hopeless case. Ending the conversation before she could say anything stupid, Maria turned and walked away.

Now that she was all worked up, Maria could not just retire to her room. Feeling restless, she wandered around Dark Russia's magnificent palace, hall after hall, with decorative tapestries and statues glorifying Russian feats. After an hour or so of repeating carpeted hallways lined with paintings, some of which obnoxiously praising the country, Maria calmed down and found herself in front of the door to the kitchen. Pausing for only a short moment, she thought about going in and figured that she was lost anyways so she might as well ask for directions to her room. When she opened the metallic door, Maria blinked as she saw three familiar faces. Dark Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were all in the middle of preparing dinner and looked up as she came in. Of course they would be here; they had always served as Russia's satellite nations, orbiting him without choice.

"Hello, can I help you, miss?" Dark Lithuania asked while the other two went back to readying dinner trays. Seeing Lithuania reminded Maria of Dark Poland, and she almost forgot to answer.

"Oh, um, I'm good. Don't mind me, just exploring," she responded awkwardly. Dark Lithuania smiled courteously and nodded. Maria did not know much about her own Lithuania, so she wondered if he was this good-natured; between her own isolation of European affairs and his serving under Ivan, they never really got the chance to talk.

"I'm going to deliver the food to Ukraine and Belarus," Dark Latvia announced, but he did not seem to enthusiastic about the latter.

"And I'm going to give the Philippines her food, too," Dark Estonia said and the two headed out of the kitchen with their platters.

"Have you had dinner yet, miss?" Dark Lithuania inquired and Maria shook her head.

"No, but honestly, I'm not hungry. Just a snack would be fine."

"Will this do?" He held out a loaf of fresh baked bread and Maria nodded, accepting the offer graciously. "Now I just have to prepare food for our prisoner," he said quietly to himself.

"I'll help!" Maria moved to the sink to wash her hands.

"No, you don't have to," Dark Lithuania waved his hand, but when she insisted he said, "Well, you can help me cut the vegetables for the stew." Corroboratively, the two each took to a chopping board and began slicing the assortment of Russian vegetables that Maria did not even bother to try to identify. Even in the dim kitchen lighting, she could tell this Lithuania looked like a replica of the one on her Earth and wore the same outfit, just with an apron on top. Then she remembered Dark Poland's final request.

"So, do you fare well working for Russia?" Maria ventured, not exactly sure how to "check" on him without appearing to be prying. Outwardly, he seemed fine, but everyone on this world was a master at concealing inner most feelings. He looked startled by her random question.

"Fare well? Well, I'm still alive, so that counts for something," he repudiated humorlessly. Remaining silent, she could not come up with a response. After a moment, he said, "It's a miserable job for the three of us; we get no respect, just orders from Russia. But I guess on my own I wouldn't last very long."

"Still, everyone deserves independence!" Maria burst out. At last, she was moving beyond her old, myopic perception of this Dark Earth. It was either control or be controlled. It was as if freedom was just a dream to nations to could not compete with the world superpower nations. And Maria could relate; she remembered those long years yearning for her own self-government. Even though she had learned a lot from both Antonio and Alfred, she had always desired to be independent. As she dropped the diced veggies into the boiling pot of water, she took a better look at Dark Lithuania. From the heavy bags under his eyes, his rough hands, and her fake expression of indifference, she could take a good guess as to what kind of life of servitude he led. And it sparked her defiance.

"I can't let myself think like that anymore. Russia has taught me that hope is a deception. The only way is to accept things the way they are," he replied bluntly, placing the finished bowl of stew on a platter and pouring a glass of water.

"That's a sad way to live." Maria's stubbornness overcame her guilt about sounding to harsh. "That's just what the Russian bastard wants you to think. Where's your fire, your spirit? Don't you want a better life for yourself?"

"Of course I do!" Dark Lithuania balled his fists fitfully. "Do you think that I like living like this? No! But there's no other options. If I go out on my own, I'll end up like Switzerland or—or Poland." With that last name, he became teary-eyed and turned away. Maria bit her lip, wanting to take back everything she said.

"I—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…that was stupid of me to say."

"It's fine," he sniffed back, voice cracking. "I just found out about his death earlier today and it's been eating at me all day, but it would be unbecoming of me to cry while working. I—I miss him so much already! I didn't think it would ever hurt so much to lose that idiotic friend of mine." A single tear rolled down his cheek, and he was obviously fighting back more. The sight of him made Maria want to break down all over again, but she maintained a straight face for his sake.

"Before he died, he told me to tell you that he's truly sorry for not being a worthier friend," she told him with a gentle voice.

"Stupid. He was always s-so stupid," he said shakily. "But, I…I wish…" then tears flowed out his eyes and he covered his face with his hands. Heartbroken, Maria put her arms around him in a hug, barely able to control her own tears. "I wish he was still here!" he sobbed, burying his face into her shoulder. They stayed like that until Dark Lithuania was able to compose himself again and wiped his face. "Tell me, tell me how it happened." At first, Maria hesitated, but she caved to his pitiful state. She told him about the whip torture, her conversation with Dark Poland in the night, and finally Dark Prussia's revenge.

"In the end, he died with honor, not fear." Dark Lithuania nodded and took a deep breath.

"Thank you. For telling me, for being with him, for trying to help me. I feel a lot better now. Since the stew's finished, we can take it to the prisoner—the China from your world." Then the two of them carefully carried the small meal out, with Dark Lithuania leading the way to the dungeon.

"What happens to prisoners here?" Maria inquired anxiously.

"Depends on what kind of prisoner." He was clearly avoiding the question.

"War prisoners." His unwillingness to tell her made her even more worried.

"Trust me, miss, you don't want to know. Just know that I've been ordered to prepare him for 'interrogation' tomorrow morning. I strongly advise you not to come when they send for you."

"Lithuania, I have to know. Please tell me," she pleaded. What were they planning on doing to her old friend Yao? She could not bear not knowing any longer, or she was going to have heart failure.

"Miss," he turned around to look into her eyes directly, "Do you know what rack torture is?"

From the Author: If you don't know what rack torture is look it up on wikipedia but don't read the details cause it might give you the chills. So I hope you guys found this interesting to read! This chapter was kind of all over the place but that should have sped up the pace! If you liked it, pretty please review! Thanks to all my readers and reviewers!