Chapter Thirteen

Japan pulled out his sword and was about to drive into Germany's back. He his eyes met blue ones. He was but an inch from the country's spine. Germany leapt at him. Japan gasped. "How?" He breathed before he got bitch slapped.

The kind of slap a pimp would give to a disobedient hoe. The kind of slap that a Japanese man might give his wife in ancient times. The kind of slap that Germany could kill a man with.

Japan, blinded by the slap, was forced to ground. "Please….Germany. Show mercy," He pleaded weakly. He knew his words meant nothing to the bloodthirsty country. He braced himself for the killing blow. I'm sorry, America. I'm sorry, Britain. I'm sorry, Germany…

Nothing happened. "Stop mocking me!" He cried. "End it! You have won! The battle is over! Know prove your country's honor by taking my life!" Then, he realized something. He saw a different face for the split second before the slap. He looked up.

"Dude. Are you okay?" Japan relaxed. But then, he tensed once more. "I don't understand. How are you alive?" America got up and offered Japan a hand. Japan took it and he was pulled up.

America frowned. "Honestly, I don't know." Japan saw Britain sprawled out on the bed. "And why did you attack Mr. Britain?" America rolled his eyes. "Because he killed me!"

He looked down at the stunned blond. He knelt down next him. "Why'd you do it?" He snapped. He had his bottom lip puckered out like an angry little boy.

Britain stared at him. He reached out a hand to touch his face. "It's real. You're real." America sniffed. "Duh. Like aliens."

Britain grabbed and hugged him. "You're alive. By Elizabeth's throne, you're alive!" America had a bored expression on his face, but deep inside, he felt his anger melt away. He never thought this tea loving jerk had feelings. He hugged back, but whispered. "Dude. You're killing my vibe."

Britain pulled away, tears forming in his eyes. "I haven't got the slightest clue what that meant, but it's something you'd definitely say." He examined the country. "Look at you. Your own republic."

America shrugged. "Constitutional democracy, actually." Britain shook his head fondly. "Not exactly."

Japan relished seeing the two reunited. It was nice not to see them bickering for once. He never realized how close they really were. He thought of China. He hadn't really spoken to him much since….no it wasn't the same.

What Japan was seeing; that was brotherly love. Something he had never experienced before. Or any kind of love at that. Japan sat up. His side was throbbing.

He finally felt at ease. America was alive. They didn't have to run anymore. Soon, they can reconcile with the others. Things would be back to normal.

They gave a quick synopsis of what was happening to America. The more they explained, the more confused the expression on his had gotten. When they were done, America shook his head. "All this happened because I died?" He looked at Japan. "Look at my buddy trying to be tough," He taunted. Japan was taken aback. "Trying!?"

America studied his hands. "It's so weird. The sensations. Being dead…..it's strange." Britain nodded guiltily. "I know…..and…" Japan could tell they needed some alone time. He got up and left the room.

America smiled. "Wow-" Britain suddenly hugged him, sobbing. "I'm so sorry!" He choked. "I made a promise. It doesn't matter the time or the circumstance. You are still my little brother." America was shocked at the sudden display of affection. He hadn't hugged him since he was just a set of colonies. He sat there, remembering. The empire that took him in…so vulnerable in his arms. He had to be the his hero. He was my hero once. They sat there in silence.

Finally, America said. "Britain?" The blond country looked up. "What is it?" America looked him in the eye. "What was that thing you shot me with?" Britain tensed. "Ah…it…damn." Why was he so uncomfortable all of a sudden?

"It was magic," Britain said quickly. America instantly bursted into an eruption of laughter. "Magic? Seriously, dude?" Britain's face was grim. He wasn't lying. America got nervous. "Come on, man. Magic isn't real-"

"But you believe in aliens," Britain retorted. America swatted that off like a buzzing mosquito. "Aliens are real. Just ask Tony." Britain shook his head. "You don't believe…" He got up off the bed. He rubbed his hands together and a small red flame appeared in his palm. America applauded him. "Wow. You should be a street performer!"

Britain sulked. "You think this is some type of illusion?" America shook his head innocently. "No. I think it's a neat little trick." Britain took the flame and threw it onto the floor. The flame grew larger into a wolf of fire. He looked at America for feedback. The country clapped once more. "Ooh! Make a rabbit!" Britain smack the palm of his hand against his head.

"By Elizabeth's throne, what is wrong with you? You wouldn't believe me even if I pulled a demon out right before your eyes-" That's it. A demon.

He started to chant a summoning spell. Japan peeked into the bedroom to check on them. He stifled a gasp when he saw a green light projecting from the floor. A humanoid beast materialized in front of Britain.

There were voices outside the door. No one dared to take their eyes off the monster. The door was busted down. "BRITAIN!" A voice boomed. Japan stepped back. Oh no. They are here for real!