Jeez louise! When was the last time I updated! So sorry, my life became crazy and I still don't know when I'll be able to update anything else! This probably wouldn't be up either if it wasn't nearly done on my computer all those months ago! Again, sorry for the extreme delay but thank you for all the reviews and favorites! Please, enjoy the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia but I own my OC's and plot

Chaos. Terror. A laugh. Blood. Always blood. South Carolina bolted awake, breathing heavily as she clutched at her chest. Her green eyes frantically scanned her whole body for any trace of the crimson liquid. With a sigh of relief she laid back down on the table bench.

It was that nightmare again. How many years had it been since she had it? '62? '89? Definitely back in '01* so not that long ago. She groaned, slowly sitting back up. There was no way South Carolina would get back to sleep now. She looked around her. Normally, she would be in her own house outside of Columbia. She'd be able to go out on her balcony for a bit, and calm down with a smoke. United thought she'd kicked the habit after all the health stuff came out but what he doesn't know won't hurt him.

Of course the one time she needs them since then and she would be on the run from him. Great. She crossed her legs on the seat of the picnic table as she stared around the park they had been in since earlier. The Trio was all asleep on the table next to them, Oklahoma on one side of New Mexico and Arizona curled up on the other. The Land of Enchantment was doing a lot better than earlier; his wound had closed up and he'd woken up for a bit to drink some water. The relief on Oklahoma's face as well as Arizona's first smile since they came to England was a comfort to the South Carolinian and Delaware.

Alaska and Hawaii were curled up together on top of South Carolina's table, covered by Delaware's coat. Speaking of the northern state, he himself was on the other side of the bench, in a sort of halfway sleep. South Carolina knew for a fact that he was aware she was awake.

South Carolina sighed, pulling out her pocket watch necklace that was in her pocket. It was a gift from Virginia in the hope that a clock in necklace form would survive longer than the Palmetto state's numerous destroyed watches. No explanation needed for that. Clicking it open she saw her initials 'C.M.G.' inscribed into the silver with gold tints metal. The time on the face part of the watch read exactly 12:02 AM. She sighed, running a hand through her short golden locks before fingering the ends of her hair. It was like looking into a mirror of the past; her hair needing trim and being a bit uneven, just like that day…

She pulled her knees up to her chest, curling her head against the kneecaps as South Carolina's arms clutched around her tan legs. This was her fault. Every single thing was her fault. She felt like she needed to cry but no tears came. If only she'd walked away, if only she hadn't been selfish. All those men that died, all their innocent blood shed; it was all on her. All their blood was on her hands.

South Carolina stared at the scarred and rough pads of her hands. He wouldn't be here if she had thought about what the consequences of her actions would be. United…no that's not right…Alfred. Alfred F. Jones, embodiment of the United States of America was in danger because of her. Again. She'd sworn to protect him as well as the beliefs she and the rest of the thirteen agreed with America on that sweltering July 4th over two hundred years ago. Everything about this was completely her fault…no wonder he hated her; America would hate her more when he found out about this. A tear finally made its way down her cheek as South Carolina bit back a sob.

"I'm sorry Al…I'm so, so sorry…"

Roughly Seven or So Hours Ago…

The meeting was as boring as ever but getting to just chill with some of her oldest friends for a while was nice. Even if Pennsylvania was getting on the last of her fragile nerves. South Carolina half-smiled as she listened in on Ohio and Indiana chatting away on sports and such; sports, it being football season, were the main topic of most of the states talks and arguments. Michigan was pointedly ignoring the two of them in case anyone was wondering.

South Carolina yawned, leaning back in the chair. Her brother rolled his eyes at her, taking a sip of his coffee. "Don't forget North, you owe me lunch today." She blatantly said, closing her eyes.

"Yeah yeah I remember." He said, sighing at the end.

"I still can't believe you lost against Massachusetts. He has virtually no alcohol tolerance whatsoever."

"I had already had some drinks beforehand so it wasn't fair!" She opened her eyes rolled them at North Carolina.

"Not fair but equal." The two shared a quick laugh before being cut off by a glare from Virginia who was rubbing her forehead painfully.

"Knock it off, you're making my headache worse." The Virginian grumbled, taking a long drink of a strong smelling tea.

"Alright alright, don't get your panties in a twist Ginny." Said South Carolina, sticking her tongue out playfully at the blond state as North Carolina replied back. "Whatever you say Gin."

"I hate you two."

"Yeah we know." Delaware rolled his eyes at them, shifting his gaze down the row towards Pennsylvania, who was stuffing herself with chocolate. How she kept herself that thin was likely a question never to be answered but Delaware seriously needed to loosen up.

South Carolina watched him get up when a movement behind him caught her eyes. A black form oozed up behind him and her eyes narrowed. The hell-

It suddenly took the form of a person, still shadowy and a bit more see-through. It was only when the rest of his body became more visible did the eyes open and she head Virginia gasp. All of the blood faded from South Carolina's face and she could hear her brother jump out of his seat, cussing up a storm. She hadn't even noticed she'd spoken until Delaware raised an eyebrow and turned around.

The figure looked like America, eerily so. And he was staring right at her. "Hello South Carolina." He said, his voice as smooth as honey. She felt weird, her breathing quickening as she felt pulled into his gaze. South Carolina felt trapped.

"You won't get her!" The connection was snapped by her brother North Carolina. She felt like she'd been underwater for a long time and everything was blurry. As her gaze cleared, she finally saw what utter chaos had broken out in the room. Everyone was fighting shadow-like creatures that had emerged out of nowhere and she was on the floor in someone's arms.

"South Carolina, you okay?" whispered New York, staring at her worriedly. Had she passed out or something?

"New York! Get her out of here!" her brother shouted, dodging a shadow that looked like Louisiana and punching another that looked like Tennessee. Just what was going on? South Carolina clutched at her head as New York picked her up and dodged around shadows, heading to a nearby side room.

"North…" she whispered as her gaze caught sight of the original shadow figure, calmly walking after them as if no form of hell was breaking loose around him. Virginia was suddenly in her eyes, cutting off her view.

"Massachusetts! Bloody hell!" In the Virginian's arms was Alaska, for once terrified into silence. Texas was next to her holding the Trio by their arms, all three preteens effectively freaking out. Arizona though looked ready to leap back into the fray and the Texan's grip on her was stronger.

The group ran into the adjoining room, breaking free of the fighting. Delaware appeared a moment later with Hawaii in his arms. He tried to shove the little girl into Virginia's arms but was stopped by her glare.

"What the hell's going on?!" shouted Massachusetts as Virginia blocked the door and locked it. The noise though was still audible and South Carolina gulped, tightening her grip on New York's shirt.

"The rest of the state's are back there! I've got to-" Delaware was cut off by Virginia.

"This is more important! Mass draw a spell circle!" The English looking state froze, staring in shock at her.

"W-wha-"

"Now Matthew!" His human name seemed to pull him back to reality and into action. He pulled out a chalk pack from his pocket and began to draw on the floor.

"Virginia who-"

"Later Del! South Carolina are you okay?" She didn't reply to Virginia's question, her head was beginning to become foggy again. New York looked down at her, eyes glistening in numerous emotions.

"South Caro-" He cut himself off, eyes widening. His voice grew softer when he spoke up again. "Carolynn…your eyes…" Texas turned and looked over at them, his own eyes widening and he gasped as he took a step back.

"Gin-Ginny is she-"

"Dammit to hell, hurry up Matt!" The door to the other room shook and Virginia pushed up against it, handing Alaska to Delaware.

"Virginia you need to explain!" Delaware snapped, his eyebrow's furrowing.

"No matter what you can't let him get her Del! Get South to Al!" It was starting to sound like their voices were coming through a filter and she began clutching her head in pain.

"I don't understand-" Everything was hurting.

"It's ready Virginia!"

"You three go with them. York! Put South Carolina down in the circle, get in Del!" All of their voices were meshing together and South Carolina began to cry.

"What?!"

"Fuck it, move Daniel or I'm kicking your ass!" New York calmly put her down on the ground, starting to draw away when the South Carolinian's grip on his shirt tightened. Everything became clear for a moment but all she could see was the blond in front of her.

"Don't let go! Please, please don't let go! Don't-don't go…" she whimpered. South Carolina realized she was shaking. New York's blue eyes softened and he hugged her tightly and whispered something into her ear. He then stood up, moving to hold off whatever was trying to break through the door. "Don't…"

The Trio were in the circle as well, being held back by a stunned Delaware who was still holding the youngest states. Everything was starting to turn to fuzzy colors as South Carolina reached out for New York. "Leave…"

"We'll hold 'em back as long as possible! Get to Al!" Virginia looked straight at South Carolina who was going in and out of consciousness. "Tell him everything! Everything. Get them to London Matthew!" Massachussets began chanting as the door began to break.

"Me…" came her final whisper. The last things she heard were the sounds of gunshots, a whirring noise, and then everything was dark and temporary peace washed over her.

Back in the Present…

South Carolina gently held herself closer. Virginia and Texas, New York and Massachusetts, her brother North Carolina. All she could do was pray they were all safe. They had to be. A rustle came from beside her and she jumped, turning her head to the sound.

Delaware had sat next to her, staring up at the remarkably clear skies. They were silent, neither saying a word for a few minutes. He then turned to her, finally speaking.

"South…" Delaware trailed off, shaking his head. "Carolynn…" She didn't respond and he sighed.

"It's odd you know, how the years have gone by…" The brown haired man turned to her, his eyes a mix of many emotions. "I know you don't want to talk about it Carolynn but it's important for me to know, not as a state, but as a person trying to protect the people he cares about which believe it or not…it does include you."

South Carolina flinched, looking down at the ground as she clutched at her knees.

"Carolynn…who was that back there, the one everyone was hell-bent on protecting you from?"

A tear ran down her cheek, rolling off of her chin to fall and land on the dirty soil below them. Her nails dug into her skin and she began shaking.

"He…he was…no…he is…" she stammered, trying to find the words in her shaking voice as she finally picked her head up to look Delaware in the eye. "He is, the Confederate States of America."

Gah! South Carolina you're such a downer. It's understandable but still. Just a FYI, that watch is seriously important like the Holy Grail kinda important (At least to this story). I know I haven't updated much but a review or favorite or follow would make my day! Actually all three and I might just cry for joy! Thank you!

* South Carolina always has the same nightmare before something big happens. In 1989 the Berlin Wall came down and subconsciously South sensed it. In 1962 she sensed the start of the Cuban Missile crisis and I don't think I need to tell you what she sensed in 2001. If you don't know, Google.