Disclaimer: Still do not own Hetalia!

Note: Wow, so many reviews! You guys rock! Just a heads up, this is more of an informational chapter, so it's not as action-packed, but it's still an important chap. It's still interesting, so enjoy!

While patiently waiting for the doctors to tend to her counterpart's sickness, Maria had fallen asleep in a chair outside the room. Both mentally and physically, she was exhausted. When she stood in front of the Dark Philippines as Dark America pointed his gun at her, she really thought it was the end for her. But then, just as Kiku had saved her on the beach, Alfred came to her rescue—maybe he really was a hero. She had told Ivan that she had put it on herself to make sure the others got home safely, but so far, it seemed as if the others were just protecting her instead. After almost dying twice, she wondered how many more times she would be at Death's doorstep before the war's end…or whether she would find herself passing through that door during the war. At the rate the war was escalating, the world was bound to fall into chaos sooner or later, and Maria hoped she and all her friends would be home before that could happen.

A nurse gently tapped her shoulder, and she woke up with a yawn. "She can take visitors now, and she'd like to see you," the nurse said. Maria nodded and went inside right away. The other girl looked much like Maria had when she was in Yao's care. There was an IV injected into her arm, her skin seemed very pale and next to her bed stood a heart monitor screen that beeped steadily. But she looked much better than she had when she first came into the hospital, coughing blood and taking shallow breathes.

The Dark Philippines slowly opened her eyes and tried to give a weak smile at Maria. "Hey," she croaked.

"Hey," Maria smiled, "Are you doing okay? How are you feeling?"

"Still alive, so that's good," she attempted a coarse laugh, "But that's thanks to you, isn't it?"

"It was nothing, honestly." Maria did not want to strain the other girl, especially when she needed to rest.

"It was honestly not nothing. I would have been dead if not for you," she insisted, staring up at the ceiling.

"Well, I can't take all the credit. Alfred save both of us, actually," Maria told her. There was a ghost of a smile on her lips as she recalled Alfred forgetting that his counterpart could not harm him. Then again, he showed real sagacity when he dissuaded Dark America from killing her.

"Why did he do that? Why does he care about us?" the Dark Philippines muttered, perplexed.

"Because he sincerely doesn't want us to die," Maria answered, cocking her head to the side, "He may be a bit…childish at times but he's still my friend. Even though I was bothered by his presence on my islands, we still got really close, just like with Kiku and Antonio."

"Oh. You're very lucky to have such friends. My America was a bit angry when I returned to Japan's side, so I don't doubt he would have killed me," the other girl sighed sadly.

"Would you have killed him if you had the chance?"

"If Japan asked me too, then probably, but I've never really thought of that." At Maria's frown, she continued, "Like I said before, I still owe Japan a lot. But, now, I guess I owe you, too."

"You don't owe me anything. I couldn't just stand by and watch a friend die," Maria waved off.

"Does that mean we're friends now?" asked the Dark Philippines thoughtfully.

"If you want," she beamed cheerfully.

"I'd like that," the other girl grinned, resting her head back on the pillow. "Friends…" Still enervated from the invasion, she drifted off into a much needed sleep. Maria gave her a pitiful look. Her counterpart had said the word as if she had never had any before, and after seeing how destructive the other nations of this world were, she understood why. After her counterpart began to open up to her, Maria wondered if she really did deserve the title "Dark" Philippines. The more they talked to each other, the more Maria began to see the similarities in their personalities. But then, her counterpart did say she was willing to kill if she had to, and Maria was sure that was not a trait of her own. Maybe developing as a nation in this world was the main reason they were even different at all. This harsh Earth hardened her heart, and it would make anyone become colder. How much has this world changed her friends? How much had it changed her?

Lovino, Feliciano and Dark Italy did not stop running after Kiku left their trail. They had dashed down a few more blocks and ducked into a shanty, tucked-away café to make sure they were not being secretly followed. Immediately, Lovino dialed the first person he felt he could completely trust, Antonio. After quickly explaining the situation to the Spains on the other end of the line, he knew that they would be on their way as soon as possible. The three Italians stayed in the café until they were kicked out by the owner, and then went straight to the nearest airport, where Antonio and Dark Spain were going to meet them. A majority of the way there, Feliciano tried to console his counterpart, who was on the verge of hyperventilation, worried sick about his brother dearest.

Only having to wait half an hour in the airport lobby, Lovino felt relief pour over him when he saw Antonio and his counterpart rushing towards them after departing their plane. Under normal circumstances, he would curse himself for relying so much on the tomato bastard, but now he was too worked up to care.

"We came as fast as we could," Antonio panted, putting a hand on Lovino's shoulder.

"Where's Romano now?" Dark Spain asked Dark Italy, who sniffed and told him that they had left him in the conference room. Without any delay, they took the first taxi they saw and paid the driver extra to step on it. Once they reached the conference building, all five of them rushed into the room where the Genesis raiders had attacked them. Inside, Dark Romano's deceased form lay waiting for them. Dark Italy ran to his brother's side instantly, eyes wide.

"Romano! Brother! Wake up!" he cried shrilly, shaking his brother's limp body in vain. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and he let out a despairing wail, hugging Dark Romano. Dark Spain also knelt next to him, his face full of devastation.

"R-romano, mi tomate….no, it isn't true!" he murmured in denial. "I-I should have been there for you…" His whole body shook in anguish, his fists clenched.

By the doorway, Lovino, Antonio, and Feliciano just watched in sorrow, giving the two other nations their space. After seeing the affliction in them, Lovino was thunderstruck. Letting out a small sob, Feliciano wrapped his arms around his brother and buried his face in his chest. Blinking back a tear of his own, Antonio put a hand on Lovino's arm. I didn't know they cared for me so much, Lovino thought. It was a strange thing for him to see his counterpart's lifeless body. Inside his head, he faced mixed feelings; he mourned for the loss of his counterpart's life, and it made him value his own life even more. He felt as if he were witnessing his own death, with his own brother and friend grieving over his corpse. Shaking his head, he reminded himself that he was very much alive.

"Brother," Dark Italy hiccupped, "I promise we will win this war. Just like you wanted…"

"Your death will not be in vain," Dark Spain's voice grew into a shout, his expression changing from asperity to enmity, "I swear, those bastards will pay for what they've done!"

In the Moscow Palace, virtually the headquarters of the Genesis Powers, Ivan and Yao were walking down the long hallway after checking up on Ludwig, who was recovering nicely. Dark Lithuania was supposed to take Yao back to his prison cell, but he had to prepare dinner, so Ivan took his place. At first, they walked in silence, Yao praying that the Russian would not ask him to "become one with Russia, da?" But thankfully, he did not ask for once. Yao missed his freedom, but the Genesis nations, or the Dark ones anyway, made it awfully clear that they would not hesitate to kill him if he attempted to escape. And so, after making that promise with Maria, he was forced to be watched at all times. He was allowed to move from the makeshift hospital rooms to tend to his patients, which was fine with him, since all of his patients were his fellow nations from his Earth. If he had to operate on the Dark Nations, Yao would hate himself, and might just "accidentally" kill one of them.

"Aiya…I want to go home," Yao sighed, mostly to himself.

"Da, this war isn't as fun as I thought it would be," agreed Ivan. The Chinese man was mildly surprised by the thoughtfulness in his voice

"You don't want to fight anymore?"

"No…here, the nations kill each other. If I killed someone, they couldn't become one with me here," Ivan explained. Of course, even when they were agreeing, Ivan was still Russia, so he was still creepy. The two walked a little farther without saying word, each reminiscing about home. As they continued down the hallway, they approached a door that was slightly ajar, and when they passed by, both threw a brief glance inside, only to see Arthur pacing back and forth nervously. Ivan stopped in his tracks, and stared at the Briton, who did not notice them, before deciding to enter the room. When Yao followed him inside tentatively, Ivan shut the door behind him, and only then did the British nation realize he was not alone. He gave a startled jump at the sound of the door closing and stopped pacing.

"W-what are you doing here? Barging in uninvited!" exclaimed Arthur, who seemed a bit flustered.

"Oh, nothing, just wondering why you were looking so tense," Ivan answered with that scary voice of his that made Yao shudder.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about," denied Arthur defensively, crossing his arms and looking away.

"It's okay, Opium, we all have our secrets," said Yao, but with a reproachful tone.

"Don't call me that! And I don't have a secret, you wanker!"

"You're a terrible liar," sang Ivan tauntingly. "It's just too obvious."

"Shut up!"

"Seriously, you were acting strange when we came in, aru," Yao pointed out, trying to get Ivan to be staid again.

"It's none of your business," Arthur spat angrily. But even Ivan could tell that something was eating the British man from the inside out. The Russian and the Chinese exchanged understanding glances.

"Listen, Arthur," Yao started, using his human name to get in his good graces, "We just want to help you. Just tell us what's wrong.

"And why do you two want to help me all of a sudden?"

"Because," Ivan replied, "We made a promise with someone. We are all going to go home back to our Earth." He tried his best to give an encouraging smile, not a creepy one.

"And that means you too," finished the Chinese nation.

Arthur regarded them skeptically, but then his shoulders slumped, as if he were carrying a burden to heavy to bear by himself. "You're…you're right," he finally uttered out. "I can't keep this to myself anymore."

"Well, now you don't have to, aru," Yao said with friendly expression, helping him open up.

"I'm not sure how to explain it…"

"Then just start from the beginning," suggested Ivan.

"Okay. I'll give you the short and simple version of the story. When we first fell through the portal," Arthur began, "I ended up next to my counterpart and we deduced that I was from another dimension. The other me told me about World War III, and he wanted me to join his cause very badly. Back then, I didn't know how the rest of you were doing, and frankly, I was just worried about getting home, so I told him that I couldn't involve myself in his war. And then, he told me…" He took a shaky breath and bit his lip, unsure whether to continue his story.

"And he told you…?" prompted Yao smoothly, not wanting to pressure him.

"My counterpart told me that his nation was declining rapidly and soon Britain would fade away completely. He was experiencing magical 'blackouts' as a result, meaning that more and more often his powers failed him. He said that the same would happen to me too when I returned home, that our fall was destined to happen. This war would be his final stand, his last chance to regain his status. Then I started thinking, what if it really was going to happen to me too? That's when the other Britain told me that he discovered a way to recapture his strength and bring his nation back to its glory days."

"How?" inquired Ivan, who had been listening intently.

Arthur shook his head. "He wouldn't tell me when I asked. He said I would only find out if I fought by his side."

"So you chose to join him," presumed Yao with a frown.

"I had no choice! If what he said was true…I can't take any chances for my nation. I need to know what his solution is." Arthur stared at the ground and a heavy moment passed. Neither Yao nor Ivan could really blame Arthur, who was just trying to do what was best for his nation.

"That's not all, is it?" guessed Ivan. Arthur exhaled and shook his head again.

"No it's not. Ever since the first battle in China, the other Britain has been asking me to lend him some of my magic."

"Lend him your magic?" echoed Yao, puzzled. "That's possible?"

"Yes, you see, our powers works like a battery. It can be recharged by the economy and stability of our nation, but batteries can blow out. I can afford to lend him my magic because I'm still reasonably healthy, in terms of my country, so I can recuperate my powers after resting a bit, but he can longer 'charge' because his nation is declining. That's why he needs me and that's why he's withholding that valuable piece of information."

"That's blackmail!" Yao was still very confused, even after Arthur's analogy, but he understood enough to know that Dark Britain was being terribly dishonorable. "He's just using you."

"I know that! But I have to go along with it. I can't take the risk that what he's saying just might be true." Arthur rubbed his forehead in irritation. "I…I just need some time to think to myself."

Knowing their company unwanted, Ivan and Yao exited the room, leaving the Briton to his thoughts. Then the two proceeded on their way to the dungeon, and Yao's spirits were depressed. Getting home was getting harder and harder by the second it seemed.

"I can't believe we're back here already," chided Maria to her counterpart. It had been less than 24 hours since the Dark Philippines had been rushed to the hospital, and two of them were already in a Russian taxi on the way to the Moscow palace. "As I said on the plane, I doubt you are well enough to travel. I still doubt you're well enough to participate in a meeting!"

"Like I said on the plane, I just needed a short nap, and now I'm all better," objected the Dark Philippines. "Plus I got to rest in the plane, so I'm perfectly fine."

"I think being invaded qualifies you for at least a full day off if not a week."

"If Japan says the meeting is of upmost importance, then the least I can do is show up." The other girl crossed her arms stubbornly.

"Does he even know about the invasion?" asked Maria in disbelief at her obedient conduct.

"Yes, he does. It's not that big of a deal. I'm still walking, aren't I?"

"It's a huge deal! You almost died, and you are barely walking straight as a matter of fact," Maria pointed out, shaking her head. Her counterpart really needed to prioritize. The taxi pulled up in front of the lobby of Dark Russia's palace, and after paying the driver, Maria offered to help her counterpart, who was still weak, walk to the extravagant dining room that served as a conference room for the Genesis. However, the Dark Philippines, to prove her point, refused her help, and insisted on getting there on her own. When they finally reached the room, Kiku and his counterpart were conversing at the end of the table. Dark Japan saw them first, and said,

"Oh, you made it, Philippines, I trust everything is all patched up now?"

The Dark Philippines nodded and went to go stand by his side as she always did at a meeting, only wobbling a little. When Kiku turned around to see Maria, her face lit up in a brilliant smile. She had not seen him since he had left for the raid, and he too returned the gesture just as amicable. Without a second thought, she gave him a big hug, even happier when he hugged back.

"Glad to see you're okay," Kiku said when they broke apart.

"You too," Maria bubbled. That's when she saw their counterparts standing there a bit awkwardly. Their reactions were so different from each other, Maria realized, and so did her counterpart.

"By the way, Maria," Dark Japan cleared his throat, "Ivan told me that he wanted to talk to you before the meeting if that was possible. Since you arrived early, you can find him in his room. Do you know where that is?"

"No, but I'll just go to the kitchen and ask Lithuania to lead the way," Maria said. She exchanged another warmhearted look with Kiku before leaving the room.

When she was gone, Dark Japan raised an eyebrow at his counterpart. "Don't you think it's a bit improper to be embracing her like that?"

"I don't see anything wrong with it," Kiku repudiated, "We're very close and we've been through a lot with each other." Dark Japan searched his eyes, and the two stood fixed upon the other for a moment.

"I just think it would be unfitting for you to have more than friendly feelings for that girl," Dark Japan spat.

"Just because you're my counterpart doesn't make it any of your business," Kiku warned, narrowing his eyes. Irritated by the rudeness of his counterpart, Kiku decided to step outside and get some fresh air until the meeting was officially called in.

Eventually, the meeting was convened, and the Genesis nations filed into the room and took their usual seats. Even Ludwig was healthy enough to attend, though his shoulder was still tightly wrapped and appeared to be very stiff. Maria and Ivan were the last to arrive, both wearing grave expressions, making Kiku wonder what they had talked about. As Ivan sat down, he threw a strange look in Arthur's direction, while the Briton seemed quite antsy, further confusing Kiku.

Maria sat directly across from Dark Britain coincidentally, and they both glared at each other, remembering their last encounter when she was still injured in bed. But now Maria had learned more about why he had confronted her that night, thanks to Ivan, and her hatred for him grew exponentially. Shameless bastard, she thought angrily.

"Konichiwa," Dark Japan began as usual, "We have many things to discuss today." With that, he went on to describe the outcomes of the last two battles and the attack on Canada, which he concluded to be a great success. As he informed them about the heavy damage inflicted on the Canadian nation, Maria outwardly remained calm, but was secretly infuriated at such an atrocity. Canada had not once participated in any fighting whatsoever—it was a very dirty trick on Genesis' part. Dark America was right to say that Dark Canada did not deserve a single attack. She thought about the poor nation and hoped he was going to make it through the rest of the war. Lastly, Dark Japan finished his report with the invasion of the Philippine Islands, but he touched on it so briefly and offhandedly, as if it were barely worth mention. Maria had to stop herself from letting out an outraged outburst.

"Now that everyone's on the same page, we need to decide what our next move is," announced Dark Japan. Frankly, Maria just wanted to take a break, but knew to voice her opinion would make her look bad.

"We should expand our control in Europe," suggested Dark Prussia, a devilish grin growing on his face. "I say we take Greece. The weak fool doesn't even deserve a place in that continent."

"I second that," agreed Dark Britain, throwing a knowing glance at his counterpart, who avoided eye contact with anyone.

"Da, that's a good idea," concurred Dark Russia, "We can use that attack as a opportunity to make a treaty with Turkey and Egypt."

"Kesesese, you actually want to recruit those guys?" sniggered Dark Prussia, leaning back in his chair. "We're better off without them."

"Not truthfully. But we can use the invasion of Greece to draw them onto our side, and then once we've taken the country, we'll take Turkey and Egypt. The idiots won't see it coming," Dark Russia laughed. Of course he would stoop to such low moves. Recruit a nation and then destroy them once they've served their purpose? The Russian talked as if the other nations were nothing but pawns, nothing but disposable pieces. Maria personally loathed backstabbers, and felt guilt swell in her throat at his idea.

"Oh, I see," said Dark Germany, "I like the vay you think."

"If we're all in agreement then," Dark Japan rose from his seat, "I can send ambassadors to Turkey and Egypt right away."

"Perfect! Then we should go to our place so we can build up arms," Dark Prussia offered eagerly. "I have a lot of new wicked awesome artillery just waiting to be used that I need to pick up. Then we can head over to Turkey once the treaty's been reached. From there, we'll strike!" Maria almost could not believe how quickly the decision had been made. Bloodlust and a hunger for power seemed to be the common factors drawing the Dark Nations of the Genesis together.

"Sounds good," Dark Russia said, standing up, "I guess we're done here then. We fly to Germany first thing tomorrow morning." As he turned to leave, he added cheerfully, "I can't wait!"

Dark America sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial under the crescent moon with Dark Spain and Austria. Following the invasion of the Philippines, he had called the nations of the Vertex Union back to his capital for an important meeting in which they would decide their next moves in the war. Dark Austria, having wrapped up his domestic affairs, came at once. Dark Spain and Italy, along with Antonio, Feliciano, and Lovino, had returned right after holding a private funeral for Dark Romano. Antonio and the Italians, who were still distraught by the recent murder, remained in the hotel, trying to move past their emotions for the time being. Dark Italy had barely said a word since the funeral, and not even Feliciano could think of anything to cheer him up.

However, Dark America, Spain and Austria had other methods of handling their losses. The three stretched out on the stone steps, each holding their preferred alcoholic drinks, staring up at the luminous moon. Each of them had their reasons for their blazing, passionate hatred, which was just waiting to erupt, unable to stay dormant for much longer. Tonight, even alcohol was not enough to quench their vehement anger.

"We have to win this war," Dark Austria muttered after sipping the last of his drink. The image of his beloved being slain flashed before him, as it always did when he could not distract himself. But since that day, his depression morphed into odious rancor and bitterness. No longer would he waste precious time sulking when he could be using that time to prepare for the next major battle.

"Damn straight, we will." Dark Spain tightened his clench on his drink, threatening to break the glass in his suppressed rage. For mi tomate, he thought to himself. The Spaniard knew that to wallow in despair would not solve a thing, and was extremely bad for his mental health. So he chose to channel his feelings through vindictive fury, which, he supposed, also threatened his sanity, but perhaps war called for the loss of judgment. Because he was sure as hell revenge did.

"We'll give them payback with interest, that's for sure," Dark America agreed spitefully. Picturing his Canada's condition made him want to pound someone's head in. The Genesis were not going to get away with what they did, he knew that much. Revenge was on all their minds, and to have that, they could not afford to lose another battle. That night the three of them made a silent oath not to stop fighting until they had tasted sweet victory.

The next day, the Genesis nations settled into Dark Germany and Prussia's striking estate as they awaited the treaty with Dark Turkey and Egypt to be secured. Even Maria had to admit that the castle-like mansion was "awesome" as the albino claimed. The German architecture was magnificent, and inside many of the rooms were decked out with tapestries portraying epic scenes of battles, though several repulsive spoils of war lined the halls. The view from Maria's guest room was breathtaking, the window revealing acres of lush, green hills and woods under a sunny sky. Honestly, she had imagined that the Dark German Brothers' home would be a scary place with dark clouds thundering overhead, but she was astounded by the décor and scenery. She was not surprised, however, to find that a deep red was their favored color, which was the color of most of the walls and carpets. The color did remind her of blood.

With much time to kill, Maria ended up taking a walk along the edge of the woods, enjoying the gentle summer breeze and the fresh outdoor air. When she rested under a tree, she let all her troubles leave her mind, and eventually dozed off. The afternoon sun hung low in the orange sky when she awoke to the crunching of twigs under footsteps coming from within the forest. While she was a little embarrassed to have fallen asleep much longer than she intended, she was distracted from the voices she heard heading in her direction. Whoever was talking was not close enough for her to make out the words of their conversation, but she could make out the British accents. As the footsteps came closer, the Britons were more audible, coming out of the woods a few feet to the left of where Maria was situated. Silently, she pressed up against the trunk of her tree to stay completely out of sight and listened. The footsteps stopped, and the British men continued their conversation at the edge of the woods.

"Well, it was pleasure doing business with you," one of them said haughtily, so Maria guessed it was Dark Britain as he laughed.

"Yeah…" said the other, Arthur, without the same humorous tone. Still chuckling, Dark Britain strolled back to the mansion, and Maria watched his back until she was sure he was out of earshot. She heard Arthur sigh and plop down on the grass and then decided to come out of her hiding spot.

"Arthur?" she asked as she stepped out from behind the tree.

"Maria?" he blinked, startled, "Have you been there the whole time? Spying much?"

"I was not spying," she said defensively, "I was taking a nap until you two woke me up."

"Oh. Well, you weren't supposed to hear anything."

"Too bad, because I did. And I know that your counterpart has you wrapped around his finger with that secret solution of his," Maria crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him expectantly.

"Ivan told you, didn't he? He shouldn't have, it's none of your bloody business," Arthur reproved shaking his head.

"Look, he told me about your 'inevitable' downfall, and how you're helping the other you to learn how to save yourself. What you were two doing just now? What did he mean by business?"

"…if you must know I lent him some magic in the forest so that no one else would see, but I guess that backfired," Arthur exhaled, annoyed at the blunder.

"You're giving him power? That can't be good for you!" Now that she took a closer look, Arthur seemed a bit exhausted, his eye lids drooping a little.

"I have no other choice! I need to know what his solution is and this is part of the bargain."

"You do have another choice! When we get home, your friends can help you! You can lean on your fellow nations, not the ones from this Earth. We can prevent that so-called destined collapse," Maria proposed. Couldn't he see that Dark Britain wasn't reliable? His "solution" could be a sham for all they knew.

"Don't be silly, Maria. Why would they help me? I think even Alfred knows that it's every nation for themselves."

"That's not true. Kiku, Ivan, Yao, Ludwig, Gilbert and me—we've all promised that we are getting home together! All of us need to work together for that to happen."

Arthur just gave her a sad smile. "I'm sorry, Maria, but I can't afford to take any chances." Maria tried to protest further, but he put his hand up. "I've made up my mind." Then he got his feet and began walking back to the mansion, leaving her flustered and frustrated.

"Arthur!" she called, and when he paused and glanced back, she said, "If he does tell you his solution, be prepared to hear something you won't like!" But he just set his lips straight and proceeded walking.

"SOS. I desperately seek your aide in battle! I fear that the Genesis Powers plan to take my nation next for their forces begin to mobilize near my eastern borders in Turkey, where they have recently concluded an alliance. Even by my southern borders, Egypt builds its arm. The enemy has already begun to disable my radio communications, which is why I send you this urgent message. If you decide not to interfere, I foresee the worse. Without your help, I cannot last on my own. Please, I beg the Vertex Union to lend me military assistance. If not, then this may be the last you hear from Greece."

Dark America drummed his fingers on the table as he stared at the document before him and sipped his coffee. Normally, he would not attend to diplomatic letters so early in the morning, but this was no ordinary circumstance. "Interesting…"

From the Author: Guess what guys? We are on our way to the climax of the story! Sorry this chap wasn't as exciting, but I'll make up for it next chap, promise! If I've done my job as a fanfic author, then you readers should be cheering for at least one of the characters to succeed, but I guess you guys will be the judge of that! So don't forget to leave a review. You might as well while you're here ;)

Speaking of my fabulous reviewers, I'm sooo thankful! And to prove it to you guys, I'm going to try something new, so I need your feedback. I got this idea from reading another fanfic, I'll admit, so don't call me a copycat! I'm going to answer to the reviews of the previous chapter, starting with those from chapter 9! If this is a bad idea and you guys for some reason don't like my replies (maybe you think I'm annoying as a person, which I understand, it happens right?) and don't want me to reply, then just let me know! No hard feelings, promise. I don't expect you guys to respond, but feel free too if you'd like!

DragonnaTheDogDemon: Yes, America did, actually, good catch! The histories of the two Earths are similiar with some differences (like Vash's death) and in this Earth the Dark Philippines went back to Japan's side after independence.

itgirl18: Thanks so much! Don't you just loove Kiku? The war scenes are my fav, too, they're fun to write!

NinjaRoll: Glad to know that I'm not a failure at emotions! :P Alfred is just a really great character to work with, I agree! Thanks for the support!

Juusan13: You're totally right! I hope this cliffhanger is just as suspenseful :D I appreciate your tips and encouragement!

Thanks again guys! You're awesome, I hope you know that. You don't know what it means to a rookie writer like me! :)