A bright light was the first thing he saw the next morning. It wasn't until the Russian opened up his heavy eyes when he realised the bright light was the early day's sun. Although the sun's rays shone bright in his face, it did not provide warmth. Just an empty light, only providing fake hope. The vodka bottle laid on the floor, empty. What had happened the previous night? Why did his eyes feel so weak and puffy? Why was there dry blood at the corner of his mouth? These questions revolved around his head before all memory of the day prior came back to his mind.

Oh.. Da, I remember now.

He remembered quite clearly what happened. However, last night's tender and hurt feelings were long gone. Mornings were always the time for Russia to regain his composure and reassurance. He always took that time to reassure himself that what he was doing was right and that everything was going to be okay. All doubt from the previous night would vanish... at least, that's what he thought.

After a few minutes on contemplating his thoughts, Russia got up from his bed and walked towards his door. Adjusting his white scarf so it partially covered up the bruise on his mouth, he slowly opened up his bedroom door. Once again, he was greeted by the every day sound in his large house. Nothing. That's all that could be heard. Nothing. Sighing, Russia exited his bedroom and began his journey down the stairs to where he would be greeted by Lithuania and shown to breakfast. However, this did not happen. No Baltic was there to greet him at the stairs. No delicious aroma could be smelt wafting through the air. Where was every-

Thud

A soft sound of an object dropping could be heard near the front door. The sound was later followed by the hissing whispers of someone who was obviously anxious. Curious, Russia followed the sound and found himself staring at the three Baltics huddled together near the front doors. They each carried a small backpack, obviously filled with personal belongings and such. The Baltics froze at the sight of the larger nation's presence, not one of them knowing what to do.

"What are you doing?" Russia questioned into the uneasy silence. No answer. He spoke again, "It is not nice to ignore someone when they are of asking question. What are you guys doing?" Latvia quickly hid behind Lithuania, trembling at the sound of Russia repeating his words. When Russia had to repeat, little Latvia knew something was going to happen. As expected, Estonia stepped forward.

"We are leaving you, Russia." He said harshly, forgetting all formalities of addressing his former boss. The words echoed in Russia's head.

We are leaving you, Russia.

"You will not be leaving." The Russian replied in a somewhat stern tone. This tone sent chills through the already trembling Latvia. Faith in their plan of finally being free seemed to disappear. Lithuania stood beside his fellow Baltics, trying to keep his legs from shaking. Russia spoke again, "No one will be leaving. You will be going back to your rooms now-

"No." Estonia interrupted his orders. Russia blinked, not expecting to be cut short. The Estonian narrowed his eyes. "No, we will not listening to your orders anymore. You can't tell us what to do." Russia tilted his head, stepping dangerously close.

"Estonia," He said as he approached the Baltics, "are you needing punishment?" Estonia let out a light laugh, causing a ripple of confusion through the surrounding nations. Suddenly, the blonde Baltic put a hand to his pocket, fingers wrapping around a black handle.

"Don't come any closer." He said, slightly pulling out what he hid in his pocket. "You are not going to hurt us anymore." Russia, not taking notice of his hand, took another step. In an instant, Estonia jerked up his hand and pointed a handgun straight at the Russian. Latvia whimpered at the sight of the gun, Lithuania tensed up. This was not in their plan they had discussed the previous night. Estonia never mentioned threatening Mr. Russia.

Russia stared wide eyed at the gun, not knowing how to react to it. Pure confusion was all he felt as he stared at the gun then back at Estonia. The look on the Estonian's face was of pure hatred and loathe.

"Estonia?" Russia said softly, "What are you doing?"

"What I should have done a long time ago." Estonia retorted, tightening grip on the gun. "All those times you punished us for no reason at all. All those times you hurt us. All those damn times. I should have done this sooner, and now... I actually have the chance." His finger rested upon the trigger, putting a slight pressure on it. Lithuania watched, conflicted on what was happening. Yes, he did not particularly like Russia, but he did want to hurt him. He didn't want anyone to get hurt.

"E-Estonia.." The Lithuanian spoke up. "We don't need to do that. C-Come on, let's just go..-"

"No!" Estonia shouted. His voice was strong and showed no hint of fear or second thoughts on his actions. "He deserves this! Look what he's done to us! He-"

Lithuania sighed. "I-I know but no one needs to get hurt right now. Let's just go, Eduard. H-He-"

Russia stared at the two arguing Baltics, not knowing what to do. He was quite surprised at himself for not fearing the sight of a gun being held at him. He was too busy trying to comprehend on what was happening or if this was real or not. Were the Baltics really planning to leave? Was he going to be alone agai-

Bang

A loud bang ceased all arguments and chatter in the room. No one moved. Latvia shook violently behind Lithuania, neither one of them saying a thing. Estonia stood still, eyes emotionless, arm still raised. His hand on the gun shook slightly as it remained aimed at Russia. Russia's eyes widened.

The Russian slowly lowered his head and looked down at his body. A warm, sticky liquid could be felt growing at his side. Red began to appear on his tan coat, its colour spreading around the small tear in which the bullet passed through. Tears welled up in Russia's eyes at the sight. His hands trembled as he lightly placed it over the red blotch, seeing if this actually happened. It was real. He was shot. Estonia shot him.

The large nation opened his mouth to say something, but all that came out was a soft whimper. Estonia slowly lowered his raised arm and placed his gun back into his pocket. He merely stared at Russia, observing the nation. A few tears slid down Russia's face as he looked back at the Baltics. Latvia shut his eyes, not wanting to see what was before him. Lithuania stared shocked at Mr. Russia, mouth slightly agape. Estonia glared.

"I-I..." Russia's words came out broken and frightened. His eyes shown a clear look of fear and a child's confusion. His mouth began to tremble as he stumbled backwards. Without any more words, the large nation turned his back to the Baltics and staggered out of the room. The three nations listened to his footsteps die away and completely be silenced by the closing of a bedroom door.

"Let's go." Estonia said, breaking the silence. He adjusted his hold on his backpack and began to make his way towards the front door. Trying to stop his shaking, Latvia followed behind. Lithuania did not.

"T-Toris..? Aren't you coming?" Latvia questioned, turning back to see his fellow nation staring where Russia exited. He made no move to follow, or any type of movement to begin with. Estonia stopped in his steps and turned halfway to glance at Lithuania, "Are you coming, or are you staying? Latvia and I are going, whether you follow or not." He spoke in such a flinty tone, it was so unlike Estonia. Lithuania turned to his fellow Baltics and back to where Russia went, his inner conflicts shown clear on his face.

"Th-This isn't right..." Lithuania replied after a long pause. Before any of the other Baltics could say anything, the brunette ran out of the room, following where the injured nation fled.

"Latvia," Estonia said, turning his back to the house. He took the shaking nation's hand and began leading him out the door. "We're going. Lithuania chose to follow Mr. Russia, he's not coming with us." Latvia nodded, averting his gaze from Estonia.

And with that, the two Baltics took their first step out of the house. Their first step of freedom.