Korea: Aged 5 in human years

Japan: Aged 12-13 in human years

Taiwan: Aged 8 in human years

Hong Kong: Aged 6 in human years

China: ?

Many years ago, in Southern Asia:

It had been exactly two weeks since Im Yong Soo, also known as Korea, had been adopted into the Asian Family. Right from the beginning, he loved his new brothers and sister! He loved the way China would pick him up and cuddle him when he was scared, the way his new GēGē would show him how to pick flowers and herbs, or even when he showed him how to eat 'properly' with chopsticks. (though he was under the impression that it was decidedly more fun to eat with your hands, bad mannered or not.) And most of all, he loved the feeling of being part of something for the first time. However, soon he noticed things were not as they originally seemed. The sibling closest in age to him, Hong Kong, was constantly making snide remarks about his lack of knowledge, lack of taste, lack of... Anything, really. His sister, Taiwan would throw him dirty glances, or simply glare at him. And his second eldest brother, Japan... He didn't really talk to, or acknowledge Korea much at all.

And that was what hurt the most.

After a particularly nasty dinner, including bits of food flung by Hong Kong at his face, (resulting in an all out food war) Korea decided he couldn't take it anymore. So he ran, as far and as fast as his little legs could take him. Then again, he was 6, so that wasn't very far at all, but with all the twists and turns he made, he was soon nowhere near the house. He came to rest on a small hill, near where the forest began, losing himself in thoughts and memories for nearly two hours.

As soon as he felt the tears he tried to stop them, but by then it was too late. Furiously wiping at his eyes he began to talk to himself.

"Why... Why doesn't anyone like me? What did I do wrong da-ze!? I try to be nice, but they all hate me anyways..."

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Whirling around, he came to face a worried-looking Japan. "We don't hate you Korea-chan. We just-" Japan trailed off, looking into the distance.

"Do you see that family of foxes there? Over by the edge of the forest."

Korea fiddled with his curl. "Yes?"

"Look closely. All of the foxes are together, except for that small one lagging behind. In a way, you are similar to the fox."

Korea was expecting a lot of things, bitter words, glares, hatred... But most definitely not a baby fox. He gazed at the foxes, watching the little red creatures poke around through the dirt and shrubbery. Sure enough, a smaller, younger looking Red Fox was trailing behind, desperately trying to follow what the others were doing, to no avail.

"I-I... I don't understand, da-ze!"

Japan cracked a rare smile. "The littlest one was likely born a short while ago, and therefore is having trouble keeping up and being accepted. He has to prove his worth before the others will truly see them as one of their own. However, someday, that little fox will grow big and strong, and be just as powerful as it's family. Just like you."

Korea fidgeted a bit more, watching as an elder red fox nudged a treat to the little one.

"But... Then why do you all act the way you do, even if I'll be strong one day?"

"You will be strong one day, but for now you are not. However, that's not the reason we treat you like we do. Leon was the youngest before you came, and now, most of China's energy and time is devoted to you. It's obvious he's quite jealous."

Yong Soo pondered this for a moment, before deciding that, yes, it seemed to fit.

"Mei is a young girl, and does not particularly care for boys. But you are new, and she doesn't quite know what to make of you. Be kind to her, and she'll warm up to you very quickly."

Korea gazed at Japan, his head reeling with this new information.

"And I... I haven't paid much attention to you at all, have I? That is inexcusable, and I will do everything in my power to be a better brother. I hope you can forgive me, Korea-chan."

Forgive him? If what Kiku had said was true, then Korea really wasn't at fault, and that felt amazing. He quickly launched forward, grabbing a hold of his brother in an embrace.

"Of course, da-ze!"

Japan held out a hand to his younger brother.

"Shall we go then? I think we have some siblings who are very worried about you."

"Da-ze! Korea exclaimed, freezing in place. Japan was right! He had been missing for a long time now. He needed to get back to his family, especially his new GēGē. Tugging on Kiku's hand, he ran forward attempting to find his brothers and sister.

And in several minutes, shouts of joy could be heard, and embraces and apologies were all around.

As he walked back home, hand and hand with his siblings, Korea decided upon something. Maybe- just maybe - this wouldn't be so bad. He had a new life, and a new family.

And he'd do anything in his power to protect it, just like that little red fox would eventually do for his.

A/N: Woohoo! Chapter three is DONE! This took waaaay longer than I wanted it to, but my family came over for the Fourth of July, so I couldn't get much done.

I now have 5 followers, and one favorite! *hugs all of you*

Thanks so much guys!

I'd like to point out, as a reviewer was kind enough to mention, (talking to you mimi-chan and aliling-chan) I didn't state whether I was taking requests. The answer is YES! Please, if you have an idea for a chapter, leave it in the reviews!

Review Responses:

Viofan238: Thanks! I'm really glad you liked it.

mimi-chan and aliling-chan: We've talked :). Thank you for leaving a review!

Side notes:

I screwed with their ages. I'm sorry! It fit the story better for their ages to be the way I set them, and for Korea not to be just a toddler.

The title of the story is now changed, as is the summary!

Upcoming Chapter: Taiwan requests that her brothers ballroom dance with her, but will it just be a regular old dance, or will it uncover memories that should stay buried?