The next day after breakfast Denmark locked himself in with the captured humans to "have a chat" with them as the rest of the Nations waited and started to work on their acquired data. Every one was present - it wasn't a formally international case but terrorism was always of importance with every Nation.
It was clear that the humans were not trained at all, completely green and disgustingly easy to manipulate. Once again it begged the question how they managed to get as far as they did. The Danish Nation had them confessing everything within an hour.
He came out pale with rage, his eyes sparkling with that dangerous light again.
"How's the decoding going?" he immediately asked. Iceland turned from the screens where the progress showed to face him. "Almost done."
The accomplice clearly wasn't stupid. Everything had been encrypted and it took both Canada and Iceland working to have the results so fast.
Sweden and Finland glared the men into further state of terror as they closed and secured the doors to their cell. It wasn't necessary, per se, but it was oh so fun.
"Mattias?" Norway asked from where he was sitting next to Romano. "What did you find out?"
Each of the nine Nations present turned to look at the Dane as he ran his hand through his wild hair. "I want to confirm it first but… if their accomplice really was who I think it was I'm going to destroy him, huge-ass crazy country or not. He was planning on more attacks!" he hissed barely controlling himself.
Romano stared at him. "You're shitting me." he said just as Spain gasped and Prussia literally choked on his beer. Canada sighed and Iceland only pursed his lips. Finland cursed, Berwald closed his eyes briefly.
Norway stood up. "So he's really gone so far as to attack a fellow Nation? Unbelievable."
Denmark grimaced. "That's why I want to confirm it. But it seems that an emergency World Meeting is to be had."
/txtbreak/
The world's Nations gathered in Copenhagen.
Denmark had called them in for an Emergency Summit not giving out any details. Everyone suspected what it was going to be about though. Greenland had been a victim of a terrorist attack so they were in for a heartfelt speech about fighting terrorism and that would be it.
It was not it.
The Nordics, Canada, Spain, Romano and Prussia were present in the room before anyone else. Whispers permeated the air as everyone sat except for Denmark, who stood, solemn, at the head of the table, as every Nation curiously leafed through manila folders laid out on the table in front of each of them.
"Fellow Nations," the Dane begun and everyone quieted. "I have called you here because in the aftermath of the attack on my charge, Greenland, I, together with the other Nordic Nations, as well as Canada, Romano, Spain and the German brothers, have discovered something dreadful and unacceptable that one of us had done."
All eyes were on him. Mattias swept the room with his gaze; it lingered on Lars but he made himself focus on the bigger problem at hand, pushing the anger and hurt at Netherland's indifference to the back of his mind for the time being.
"And I want them punished."
"Facts then, Denmark, give us facts." England said, his folder open, brows furrowed. Denmark nodded, taking a deep breath.
"I, the Nation of the Kingdom of Denmark, hereby accuse the Nation of Russia of enabling a group of humans with anti-democratic principles to bring harm to citizens of another Nation in a misguided, personal vendetta and planning on helping aforementioned humans bring horror into more countries." The room erupted in lively discussion, however he managed to get their attention once more, with a booming voice announcing that his accusations aren't without proof. He recounted what happened since the dam burst on Greenland. Germany also spoke, earning himself Denmark's eternal gratitude - it must have been hard for the man to admit what his people have done.
Of course there were voices that gleefully attacked the Germans, but Mattias managed to get things back on the right track quickly and as soon as every Nation screamed out (to be heard over others) all their had to say on the matter Russia's kolkolkol-ing and frightening aura and even truly elaborate attempts at getting out of the mess Mattias created proved useless.
Jeopardizing another Nation while both countries' citizens' peace treaties were still in power by Russia enraged and frightened all those that were present on the EWM. Mattias had solid proof - documents, data from the computers in the terrorists' den, recordings of his questioning the humans; all that condemned Russia. His size and his military prowess all meant nothing when his boss was not officially in the conflict - no, it was a fight among Nations themselves and he alone could not come out on top of two hundred of his kin.
The meeting ended with Russia punished as severely as a Nation could be punished. Aside from being made to cover the expanses Greenland and Denmark had had to make to fix the destroyed dam and help their affected humans, it was decided that since that day forward every other Nation would not acknowledge Russia. It sounded relatively innocent but what it meant was total desolation, effectively banishment. Social calls may have been scarce for Russia as it was but he was also rendered useless at any and all economical and political meetings too, which actually weakened him and his country. His next steps would also be closely monitored.
Mattias shuddered as the sentence was officially announced. He, of course, had thought it might be it but still hearing it, and seeing Ivan pale - well, it certainly drove the point home. He himself would never hav made it in such utter desolation. He'd go mad without his family and friends.
When the Nations started leaving after the meeting officially ended, many came up to Mattias and thanked him. He made sure to highlight the help he got from each Nation that worked on that case with him.
Some of the older Nations congratulated him on his treatment of the humans. A crazy rush of gratitude for Norway overwhelmed him the first time that happened.
Finally he was left alone, standing in the large meeting room. All alone but one Nation that lingered also.
"I thought you would go home already." Mattias said, his tone rather chilly.
"Don't be like that. I just wanted to congratulate you." Netherlands came closer but Denmark's gaze stopped him from nearing too much.
"Thank you." The Dane stated blandly. Netherlands, not used to such behaviour from him, didn't know what to say. The pause became awfully awkward before he was able to come up with "You did a good job with this."
"No thanks to you."
"Are you seriously angry at me because I didn't help you with this?" Lars asked incredibly, annoyance creeping into his tone.
"No." Denmark said cooly. "I'm angry at you because you left me when I needed you most. You disregarded my issue as not your problem and it never even crossed your mind that I could be emotionally and physically compromised and maybe need some support. Oh, I'd have managed without anyone by my side whatsoever but it would take a lot out of me, having to go through this all alone. Thankfully I had some people to encourage me, to keep me on the right track and in high spirits. How come my boyfriend was not one of them?"
That kind of shut the other Nation up so he continued ruthlessly. "You said I was precious to you. How come you were totally fine with leaving me alone in the wake of my charge, and as such myself, being the victim of a terrorist attack?"
"I thought it was just Greenland, that you were completely fine and safe!" Lars tried to defend himself. "I truly did think that. Please believe me, Mattias."
Denmark looked at him searchingly for a long while. "I find it hard to believe that you would think my charge's problems are not my problems as well. I take care of her, I'm responsible for her. She's my family for gods' sakes!" he snapped. "You met her. You know how I see her and Faroes as my kids. That was a lame attempt at explaining yourself because it means that you decided my family's problems are not your own. Well, I won't stand for that. They're the most important thing in the world for me. I need to know that they will always be cared for. Being with me equals becoming a part of the family. It means you'll be cared for but you need to reciprocate. I can see from your expression that is not something you wish for." he said sadly. Lars disappointed him but it was still him that helped Mattias find his metaphorical footing again after he decided to let go of his feelings for Norway. They had made some wonderful memories together. Alas it was not meant to be. Their relationship was tested and their feelings were not enough.
"I think we should call it off. I'm sorry it has to be this way but it seems that we want entirely different things from this relationship." Mattias said sincerely. Hearing only a few half-hearted objections but nothing truly heartfelt, he nodded his head, sighing softly. "Goodbye, Lars. Stay safe." he said and left.
/txtbreak/
Okay you guys this is the last chapter before epilogue. I wrote it already ('cuz I was on vacations and apparently fresh air does your inspirations worlds of good) so no worries. Ah, this has gotten too long...