Disclaimer: Guess what! Still don't own hetalia!

Note: Sorry this is a little late! I went on vacation, but I finally finished it! So when I said that this would be the last chapter, I lied. I decided to make the epilogue its own chap. But anyways, this is the falling action. Even though there's no action, I still think it'll be pretty interesting, so enjoy!

Blood. It was everywhere, and she was drowning in it. That accursed color was the only thing she could see. She tried desperately to swim to the surface, but the red liquid was too thick, sinking her. But she was so close to the surface. She could see it. As she reached out, she knew it was hopeless. There was no way she could keep going; she had no strength left, so she was going to drown here. It was useless to keep trying. Maybe it was time to give, to let go.

"Please Maria! Hang in there, aru! Don't die on me just yet!" She did not know where the voice came from, but it was very familiar. It was of a higher pitch, yet still a male's voice with a quaint accent.

"Stay vith us, Maria! I know you can do it!" Another bodiless voice, this time a bit more commanding. His voice also had its own heavy accent, only deeper and forceful.

"Ve! Don't give up! Please don't!" A third voice echoed in her head, hopeful and encouraging.

"Don't you dare give up, Maria! You made a promise, remember? You can't leave us!" This last voice…she knew it so well yet could not match a face with it. A promise? His words sparked something inside her. She struggled through the dense liquid around her with renewed force, kicking her legs furiously, doing everything she could to break the surface. Using every last bit of energy she had left, she finally reached the surface, and just as she emerged-

Slowly, Maria opened her eyes, but her vision was still blurry. She found herself in a sterile white hospital room on top of a fluffy, comfortable bed. Yawning involuntarily, she groaned as she stretched her limps. Her whole body still ached, but her wounds had been numbed down. After she rubbed her eyes, Maria saw that she was not alone. Yao, Ludwig, Feliciano, and Kiku stood around her bed, smiling down at her and patiently waiting for her to become fully awake. "Hey guys," Maria croaked.

Her friends seemed to have been holding their breaths, waiting for her to speak to be absolutely sure she was alright. Now that she did, all four of them lit up.

"Ve! She pulled through! What did I tell you?" Feliciano burst out, unable to keep quiet any longer. He jumped up and down in excitement, even though he was still on crutches. In his cheerfulness he forgot about his broken leg. Maria had not seen him so happy ever since they fell through the portal, and she was glad to see him act like his old self again.

"Yeah, you vere right, Feli. She made it," Ludwig halfsmiled, also in a good mood. Things felt like they should be, with Feliciano at his side, ignorantly blissful as usual. He tried to calm his Italian friend down, scolding him for putting pressure on his injury, but his tone was light and relaxed.

"You really gave us quite the scare, aru," Yao grinned, "We weren't sure if you were going to make it with that nasty wound in your side." The Chinese nation looked relieved to see Maria conscious again. He must have been the one to fix her up, and it was a miracle he was able to save her.

"We were worried sick, but I knew you were strong enough to make it," Kiku beamed, overjoyed at her recovery. At this, Maria gave him a brilliant smile. They had all been there for her. It was their voices she had heard in her delusion. But that last voice, the one that had given her the determination to keep fighting to survive, that was Kiku's, she was sure of it.

"Of course," she replied jovially. "I made a promise to stay alive, didn't I? I can't believe you doubted me." That last part she added as a small joke, but her friends' faces grew serious.

"Maria," Yao asked sullenly, "I need to know what happened. We all know how the battle ended, but whatever happened between you, Prussia, and the other Philippines is unknown to everybody. There are several theorized scenarios already, but I'm to report your story to the Vertex Union in the next meeting."

Maria's throat went dry as she relived the memory, but she did as Yao asked and told him everything that happened after she stepped in to defend Kiku from Dark Prussia. Everyone else was silent, listening intently with grave expressions on their faces.

"That's...terrible," was all Yao could bring himself to say once she was finished. There was a moment of heavy silence before he continued, "Well, thanks for telling me, Maria, I'll be sure to report your whole story to the Vertex Union." Then he beckoned to Feliciano. "Come on, Feliciano, we need to get to the conference room right away." The Italian nodded, grabbed his crutches, and the two quietly left the room.

"So how did the battle end? From the looks of it, seems the Vertex Union won, but what happened?" asked Maria. What she really wanted to know was if any of their friends perished in battle, but she was afraid to ask. Ludwig left the battlefield without any serious wounds, but Kiku had bandages wrapped around his forehead where Dark Prussia had struck him. At least he was still conscious. A blow like that could have put him in a coma.

"Well, while you, and the other Prussia and Philippines disappeared, the other Britain was defeated by Arthur and Alfred, both of whom aren't hurt too bad, but Dark America broke his leg. Ivan walked away from his fight, so he's unscathed for the most part. The other Greece was able to beat Turkey, and once Alfred got back, he was able to help the other China defeat the other Russia. As you saw, Feliciano broke his leg, but it will heal fairly quickly. Thanks to him, Lovino survived, but he's bruised all over. The other Italy was severely injured in his head and was taken to the emergency room as soon as the battle was over. Even though Gilbert beat the other Austria, he surrendered peacefully. The other Japan was the only Genesis still fighting, and the Vertex Union forced him to surrender as well," Kiku informed her. When he was done, Maria exhaled in relief. All of her friends were still alive and not permanently injured! Even she would recover eventually. So far everyone's promises were being kept. Now they needed to focus on returning home...

"So what happens now?" she inquired, frowning. Could they even get back to their own dimension? If not, then it would have all been for nothing.

"Ve're not exactly sure..." Ludwig trailed off. "Vhen ve surrendered, the Vertex Union locked up the other Japan, Russia, and Britain, but they veren't sure vhat to do vith us. After ve found you, you vere immediately sent to this hospital, and Kiku and I vere allowed to come too because Feliciano and Yao vouched for us, but Ivan, Gilbert and Arthur are on house arrest at the conference building. I'm sure they are being treated alright though. Even ve are being vatched." He gestured to the top corner of the room where a security camera surveyed them at all times. But Maria supposed that was understandable. They had been on the Genesis Powers in the war, and the Vertex Union was probably very confused skeptical of them. At least they were not being locked up in a prison cell. No doubt the Genesis Powers would have been much crueler if they had won.

Yao and Feliciano were the last to be seated at conference table. All the other Vertex Union nations were already in a heated discussion, but the room fell silent when the Chinese and Italian nations entered. The atmosphere was serious and frustrated, Yao could tell.

"Welcome back, Yao," Dark America greeted, yet his tone was strained. The American had not seen Yao since he was brought back from the Russian prison cell as soon as the war was won.

"We need to decide this today!" pressed Dark Spain, who was clearly angry and upset.

"You know if it was the other way around, the Genesis would have us killed," Dark China pointed out. Yao sighed. So they were still deciding the fate of their enemies. Apparently they had been debating this whole time.

"I know, that's why we should give them a taste of their own medicine!" exclaimed Dark Austria, while Dark Spain nodded in agreement. Dark America looked uncertain, internally torn between his conscience and his revenge. But Alfred spoke up.

"You can't just kill them! That makes you just as bad. Think about it! You'd only add more murder and violence to this world. It has to stop or this Earth will be divided forever!" the American objected. Yao smiled to himself. Sometimes Alfred could be levelheaded after all.

"Be quiet!" Dark Spain growled, "This isn't your world, so you don't have a say in this!"

"Actually, I think I have a right to speak," argued Alfred, "I risked my life to fight in this war just like the rest of you. Look, Spain, I understand why you're so angry, but Prussia and Germany are both dead. Isn't that enough?" Still scowling, Dark Spain leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, but he did not respond.

"I think..." Dark America began slowly, forming his thoughts into words, "that Alfred has a point. There's been more than enough death on both sides." He paused, his expression sullen. "Six nations dead because of this damn war."

"But they're the ones who initiated this war!" protested Dark China, "We didn't kill any of those nations, the Genesis did!" Dark France, Spain, and Austria nodded, concurring with him.

"You're right," Feliciano piped up, voice confident, "We didn't kill them, but do you want to start now? After we've already won?"

"I actually agree Feli," Antonio said thoughtfully. "Say we did decide to execute the prisoners," he continued hypothetically, but using ugly words on purpose, "which one of you guys is willing to take their lives?" Another dead silence filled the room, and no one answered his question. Nobody wanted to be responsible for something like that.

"See? No one wants to do it with their own hands, but if we condemned them here, it's virtually the same thing," Alfred claimed, lips set straight, eyes moving across the room, daring someone to argue.

"You don't understand. You're too naive. If we let then off the hook too easily, they'll just recover and attack all over again. Our pity after World War I allowed World War II to happen, and even after that we were too lenient. It's time we took a different approach already," Dark China spat. Everyone mulled over his words for a moment, and then Dark Austria broke the silence.

"Let's just vote on it already. We've just been going around in circles. It's time we decided. Vote yes if you are in favor of the...ultimate punishment for Britain, Russia and Japan and no if you are in favor of leniency. Since Alfred made a point that the dimension hoppers also shed their blood for our cause, they too deserve the right to vote." Everyone agreed to that last part and nodded their heads, signaling their cooperation. Then Dark Austria began the voting, "I vote yes, for Hungary."

"I also vote yes," Dark Spain announced, "And Italy does too, but he's in the hospital at he moment."

"You can't vote for him! He needs to say it," objected Alfred.

"He told me on the way to hospital. He wanted the Genesis to pay, the way his brother did," Dark Spain explained.

"Yeah that's the truth," Dark America confirmed, "I was there too."

"Well, I vote no," Alfred crossed his arms over his chest ad huffed indignantly.

"I'm with Alfred," Antonio declared, earning a glare from his counterpart.

"Me too," Feliciano voted.

"I say yes. Their atrocities cannot be forgiven," Dark China seethed, "My homeland has been devastated because of them."

"I was invaded too, and I also vote yes because of it," Dark Greece agreed. Even though he had not originally signed with the Vertex Union, Dark America let him participate in the meeting since his country was one of the most ravaged.

"I vote yes too," Dark France said, "Do you agree?" He looked expectantly at his counterpart, but Francis shook his head.

"I'm voting no. I don't want anyone else to die, even if they are the enemies. At one point in our lives, we've all done something considered evil, I'd say." Yao was honestly surprised at the Frenchman's mature statement. Perhaps even he underestimated his fellow nations.

"I say no," Lovino said, siding with his boss. Antonio gave him a small smile, but Dark Spain grimaced as the Italian spoke, as if it hurt something inside him.

Then Yao realized he had not voiced his opinion yet and spoke up, "I also vote no." He knew that this is exactly what Maria would vote since she made herself clear that she detested unnecessary death, and Yao felt obliged to side with her after all she had been through. Even though Maria had been on the Genesis, he thought she deserved a spot in this meeting; she had almost died trying to protect her friends and killed Dark Prussia. But sadly, none of the Dark Nations of the Vertex Union felt that way.

The vote was now tied. Six nations for yes and six for no. Dark America was the last to put forth his vote, and all eyes were on him. But he refused to meet anyone else's eyes. Uncertainty was written all over his face as he bit his lip, mulling over his choices. The decision to end someone's life was not an easy one, not even for Dark America, who wanted to make those who dared hurt his brother pay. Did they deserve to die? Dark Japan, Russia, and Britain all had a hand in Dark Canada's torment and suffering, and probably did not lose any sleep over it. They probably hoped the Canadian would die of his injuries. Yes, it was all their fault. The Genesis are the ones who initiated this wretched war. They brought this on themselves. Dark America opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off when the double doors at the end of the room flung open.

At first, Yao saw nothing, but after looking closer, he saw the two Canadian counterparts standing there in the doorway. For a moment, no one said a word, and Yao guessed everyone was either still in shock at the sudden interruption or still trying to make out who had opened the doors, or both.

"C-Canada," Dark America stuttered, finally saying something. "What are you doing here? You should be in the hospital!"

"Yay, they can actually see us!" cheered Matthew quietly as his counterpart smiled at his brother. Dark Canada looked a lot better than he did last week, but his skin was still pale and gaunt. His eyes seem tired and overall the Canadian just appeared worn out, but that was a great improvement, considering he had almost been killed by the bombings. However, his expression was hopeful, as if he were just happy to be alive.

"Ever since you won the war, I've felt so much better! Can't keep me locked up in the infirmary forever, eh? But anyway, we were listening on the other side of the doors since you wouldn't let me participate in the meeting," explained Dark Canada to Dark America. "We heard the whole debate. Please don't do it brother! I'm still here with you, so you don't need to have your revenge! The nations that killed our allies are already dead. No more killing, please." His voice was sincere as he pleaded for Dark America to make the right decision.

"Canada..." Dark America was in shock. He had been about to vote yes, but now how could he? To ignore his brother...didn't he go to war for him? Dark America owed it to Dark Canada, he knew, especially after all the pain he had been through. He sighed, then returned the small smile. "If that's what you want, then I vote no."

Almost immediately, Dark Spain stood up and slammed his fist on the table. "How could you guys just let them go so easily? After all they've done to us! They don't deserve to walk away with their lives! Don't you care about those who lost their lives trying to defeat them? WELL, DON'T YOU? The Genesis tried to take everything away from us!" During his apoplectic outburst, tears sprung into his eyes, but his voice was still full of rage and pain as well. The Spaniard was breathing heavily, but when someone put a hand on his shoulder, his expression changed to surprise and when he turned around, Lovino was next to him, giving him a sad smile.

"Time to let the other Romano rest in peace, don't you think, tomato bastard?" Lovino spoke with surprising sincerity and gentleness. Even if this was not his boss, he hated to see the Spaniard so shaken and distraught. At his words, Dark Spain met his eyes and fell back down into his seat, unable to hold back his tears. With his hands over his face, he broke down into mournful sobs as Lovino patted his back softly. While everyone else looked away, knowing they were not meant to see this, Dark America called for a short break.

It took a few minutes for the Spaniard to compose himself again, but once he signaled he was ready with a nod, Lovino returned to his seat next to Antonio, who gave him a look that shone with pride. Lovino pretended not notice Antonio's gesture, but he really did feel a lot better.

"Okay, so majority vote was leniency," began Dark America, "But we aren't going to just let them off the hook. The other option we discussed earlier was much like the punishment after World War II, except instead of dividing up the Genesis nations, each will be put under strict surveillance by our officials and monthly check ins by us in the Vertex Union personally. Of course, there is also the reparation debt as well, but that can be negotiated later. And for sure they will be demilitarized. But we need to discuss what to do about their counterparts."

Suddenly Yao got out of his seat, and Alfred did as well, followed by Feliciano. "What do you mean? There's nothing to discuss, aru. They're coming home with us."

"Yeah," supported Alfred, "They are coming back safe and sound, end of story."

"All of them," stressed Feliciano, "Ludwig, Maria, Kiku, Gilbert, Arthur, and Ivan, too."

"I know they're your friends, but they were on the Genesis Powers! They fought for their damn cause," frowned Dark America.

"Yes, they cannot just go free," agreed Dark China. "While they did surrender peacefully, they also helped invade various countries."

"You don't understand!" protested Yao, "They had completely different motives than what it appears to be, aru. They even turned against the Genesis in the end. Kiku slew the other Germany, and as Alfred said, Arthur defied the other Britain. Maria even killed the other Prussia!" His ardent words rendered the others speechless until his last sentence.

"What?" exclaimed pretty much the rest of the room when Yao mentioned what Maria had done. The others had assumed that Dark Prussia and Philippines had been killed by a stray bomb, or some other freak accident, and that Maria had been injured the same way. That's when Yao realized that he had forgotten to report what Maria had told him. Before anyone else could yell at him, he began retelling everything in Maria's story starting from when Kiku killed Dark Germany. No one said a word while he was talking and by the time he was done, his fellow nations just stared at him in disbelief.

While everyone else was still processing the information, Dark America halfsmiled, "Well, I guess that means we actually owe them."

Maria tapped her foot nervously as she waited in front the giant glass window of an interrogation room, in which Dark Japan and Dark America were in the midst of a hostile conversation behind the window. Ludwig and Kiku stood on either side of her—they had been freed of all charges shortly after the Vertex Union meeting, along with Gilbert, Ivan, and Arthur. Alfred was there as well, and so was Feliciano, who stayed by his best friend's side. All of them were frustrated as they watched an irked Dark America try to force information about parallel worlds out of Dark Japan through the thick glass. After a few tense minutes, Dark America's voice rose to a shout and he stormed out of the room separated by the glass and into the one where they waited.

"Someone else go try to deal with him. I can't stand him anymore! If I stay in there any longer I won't be able to control myself," Dark America muttered through gritted teeth. He was still enraged by Dark Japan's attack on his brother, Dark Canada's previous condition still lingering in his mind.

"Maria, you go try," Kiku suggested.

"Me?" Maria inquired, shaking her head. "Why me?"

"If anyone here can do it, it'd be you," Kiku encouraged, "Besides, I don't think he'll even talk to me."

"Alright, I'll try," Maria sighed and stepped into the interrogation room. She took a seat at a small metal table, facing Dark Japan, who scowled bitterly. The room was lit by a single light bulb above them, and other than the table and the two chairs, it was empty. There was a hidden microphone that recorded their conversation so that those on the other side of the glass could hear them as well.

"You're nothing but a filthy traitor," he growled at her, rattling the handcuffs that chained his wrists together. Maria said nothing and kept a cool head. Another moment passed, and she still did not answer, so he insulted her again. "By betraying the Genesis, you have proven yourself to be disloyal and dishonorable!"

"Don't talk to me about honor," she finally repudiated, softly but firmly. "You've already shown me that you have none. You viciously attacked a nation who was already weak, who couldn't defend himself."

"But at least I stay loyal to my cause! I hear you killed Prussia, and he was your ally! And you probably killed the Philippines, didn't you?" snarled the Japanese nation.

"I did kill Prussia, but I didn't kill her too. I thought you the one who came up with the parallel universe principles. I can't harm my counterpart, remember? So don't be stupid." While keeping herself calm and cool, her voice never wavered as she spoke. "Prussia was the one who killed her. She died trying to help me."

"You're lying! She was my loyal general…" He paused, considering the truth in Maria's words. Then he grinded his teeth, unable to find any other possibility that made sense. "If she died helping you, then she was a traitor as well. She got what she deserved."

His cruelty made Maria snap. She remembered her counterpart dying before her, and suddenly she lost her temper. Jumping to her feet, she began shouting angrily. "That's all you have to say? You don't even care that she's dead? You bastard! You didn't deserve to have her as a general at all! I was right, you have no honor."

"Be quiet, I won't listen to a stupid girl like you give me a lecture about honor. I know what you want. You want me to use my research about parallel worlds to send you and your damn friends home. But I'm not going to do it! I'll never help any of you! I'll die before any of the Vertex Union or you traitors can make me build you a machine!"

Maria had had enough. Without another word, she left the room with clenched fists. This Japan was truly heartless. How could he say that about the nation who had been by his side for so long? Kiku was nothing like him, and Maria found she was extremely thankful he wasn't.

"What are we going to do? How are we going to get home? I don't think he'll ever help us…" Feliciano murmured, disheartened.

"There's no way he'll help us willingly. The only way we could force him to is if we tortured him…" Dark America trailed off.

"No, we aren't going to torture him," Maria shook her head. That would make them just as low. But now what? They were stranded…

Out of nowhere, Dark Canada burst into the room, panting. "America! You'll never guess who's here!" he exclaimed once he caught his breath. He moved out of the doorway, and in walked two short, gray creatures.

"There's two Tonys?" Dark America uttered, flabbergasted. One of the gray creatures came up to Alfred, who wore a wide grin.

"Is that you, Tony? You're the one from my Earth, right?" asked Alfred excitedly. The little alien gave his American friend a thumbs up as he nodded. Then Tony began talking to Alfred in his strange alien language, while everyone else just stared in shock, not believing this turn of events.

When Tony was done, Kiku stuttered, "W-well, what does he say?"

Alfred laughed cheerfully, and then summed up the gist of his alien's story, "He says that after we fell into the portal at the science competition, he went in after us, but ended up next to his counterpart on his ship in space, near Jupiter! Tony tried to convince his counterpart to go back to Earth to help us, but the other Tony didn't wanna get caught in the crossfire of the war. But now that the war's over, they came back! Isn't that awesome?" By the time he was done translating, everyone else was gawking at the two aliens. Tony just gave them another thumbs up while his counterpart—who Maria supposed was Dark Tony—nodded, confirming the story. No freaking way…Maria thought in incredulity.

But Tony was not finished talking just yet. Alfred continued to act as interpreter, "Guys! Get this: while these two little guys were in space waiting for the war to end, they were building another dimension hopping machine so we could get home! It's in his ship right now! He says that time and space are connected because of some continuum principle or whatever, so when we return home, he can enter in the calculations making it so that it will be like we were only gone a few minutes from our Earth! Wicked, huh?"

"…Seriously?" Ludwig blinked, not really sure what else to say.

"So we can go home now?" Maria asked skeptically, making sure it was the truth before she got her hopes up. So the war had to end before they could leave this universe? Of course…

"Yep!" Alfred laughed again as he high-fived his gray friend.

The two aliens had just finished entering their calculations into the new machine archway when all of the dimension hoppers had gathered where they had landed their space ship. A single day had passed since they landed on this Earth, and it was all the time they needed to make any final tweaks with the machine. Maria almost could not believe it; after all this time, they were actually going home! Dark America and Canada had come to see them off, and so had Dark Lithuania, who, after Dark Russia's defeat, had been given more freedom for the time being.

"Thanks for all your help," Maria said graciously as she shook Dark Lithuania's hand.

"I should be the one thanking you," he replied, just as sincere.

"Just take care of yourself, okay?"

"You do, too." He gave her a warm smile, and she returned the gesture. Then he stepped back, and Dark Tony began pushing buttons on the control panel. The machine sparked, and then emitted a brilliant purplish-pinkish light that filled the archway as it did before.

"I'm going in before any of you can push me this time," mutter Arthur as he came up to the portal. Ivan chuckled and followed him along with Yao. The three of them stepped through the archway, disappearing into the bright light. Next, Antonio, Romano, and France phased through the portal, and then Gilbert, Ludwig and Feliciano. After Matthew departed, Maria and Kiku also entered the archway. Alfred and Tony were the last ones to leave, and before stepping through the portal, Alfred looked back one last time to meet Dark America's eyes. With that trademark grin of his, Alfred saluted his counterpart, who did the same, and jumped into the light.

From the Author: Wow, everything's all wrapped up! Oh, wait, no its not! It can't be if there's one more chapter! Haha cuz everyone loves epilogues! Anyways, I hope this chapter made sense and was riveting in its own way. I can't believe I have so many reviews! I broke 50! That's a huge milestone that I couldn't have reached without my awesome reviewers! I love you guys so much :) Honestly, I didn't think anyone would like this fanfic when I first had the idea to write this, but I'm glad I was wrong! I was able to keep going because of all your support, so thanks again!

Firihon and USUK FTW: I'm super glad you liked it! Judging by your name, I'm guessing you'll like my epilogue ;) Thanks a bunch!

Hinata28h: Thanks! :D

PridexWretchedluver4ever: You practically predicted this chapter ;) Thanks and nice call!

chibibeanie: Well wait no further! Thanks for the reviews! :P

CJWrites: Great! Chocolate chip please! :P Haha thanks!

Juusan13: Thanks sooo much! You're too kind :D and yes, that's from chapter 1, good eye!

Luna Espejo: Wow! I never thought anyone would really like this fanfic, as I said earlier, and I'm sooo happy that you liked it so much! I hope this ending was satisfying at the least! :) Thanks for everything! It means a lot!

Sola: I so totally appreciate your review! It made me laugh, so thanks for making my day! Yes, that part was from chapter 1! Thanks for all the support :D

NinjaRoll: I can't thank you enough for all the reviews you've given me :) I'm glad you were able to connect with the characters, as a writer, that makes me feel great! So here's another gracious thanks: Thank you!

itgirl18: I'm glad everything lived up to your expectations! Thanks, your words always help!

Maximilliminute: Yay! Good to know my story turned out as gripping as I'd hope, so thanks for letting me know :) You're also awesome!

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS REVIEWED AND READ THIS ALL THE WAY THROUGH! I just love you guys so much, you don't even know. So please, accept the epilogue as a token of my appreciation :D