Germany looked over at Russia, a smile crossing his face.
He'd never felt so powerful before!
So many times in the past he had been bullied – something his new partner understood very well.
So many times he'd been betrayed by those he trusted – yet another feeling he shared with Ivan.
But now. This.
This was true warmth, true strength. This overwhelming love...
"So let us go then."
Donning an impressive uniform befitting his new status, Ivan ascended the stand first – already prepared to make the announcement that would be heard around the world. Behind came Germany, each step thoughtful as he followed in the northern nations wake. His clear blue eyes were unusually calm, as if there were nothing wrong with the world anymore. And truly there wasn't. Crime had been eradicated, the people had clothing and food.
Of course it had taken some...persuasion...but he'd been 'gentle' this time. He had promised that much after all and had made his sometimes volatile partner vow the same. This would be a day remembered throughout all history.
As the throng of people before them finally settled, Ivan's clear voice rang out – carried by the wind and listened to intently by the entire planet.
"Today, is a day that brings joy to my heart my citizens! For a long time you must have known this day was coming and patiently you waited. At long last, after this agonizing delay, I have asked of my closest Germany if he would do me the honor of making me complete!"
At this Ludwig gave Ivan an almost tearful look, one speaking of such a deep devotion and caring that no one catching it would dare think it could ever be tarnished or broken. Now it was his turn.
"To my people, I want to assure you that I have accepted Russia's request. From this day forward we are now not two nations but one, complete and indivisible for all of time! Please rejoice with your new brothers and sisters! With this final merger the long awaited goal of world unity has been achieved!"
It was impossible to hear anything beyond the roaring of a crowd and the flying of banners.
On the stage, Ivan slyly slipped his arm around Ludwigs waist and gave him a tight squeeze, causing the normally stoic man to blush furiously.
"We are finally one, da?"
Nearly tumbling out of the screen, the two nations took a moment to stare in shock.
Each seemed completely unprepared for the slack-jawed crowd of nations that looked at them. For a moment Germany felt his heart in his throat. Surely they hadn't...
"HOLY SHIT! If Germany becomes one with Russia they'll take over EARTH!" America screamed, knocking over his chair as he began to run around the room - flailing hysterically.
The pocky that Poland had been eating lay unceremoniously on his sweater as he seemed to move his mouth without making a sound.
Damn...Ludwig sighed, almost wanting to cry.
Gilbert was leaning against the wall, laughing so hard he could barely stand.
"GO WEST! I NEVER KNEW YOU FELT THAT WAY! SHOW THAT ICY BASTARD WHO'S BOTTOM!"
"I WILL STRANGLE YOU GILBERT!"
While the other nations were absorbed with the sight of the unusually flustered Germany trying to maim his brother Arthur had his eyes set firmly on his old nemesis Russia who had the strangest look on his face.
In his mind, all Ivan could feel was warmth.
All the world...one with Russia? Hm. Maybe I should ask Ludwig out on a date sometime...
"Perhaps...that was not the best pairing for a first run?" Francis sighed, turning his attention from the fighting brothers to Hungary who had a similarly shocked and awed expression. She put a hand to her head. "Yeah...uh. Definitely not the best."
Finally tired of their games, England stood and threw a stern look at both of them. "Pardon me for being rude but don't you think we have more important things to do than cause a third world war? This is supposed to be a meeting to discuss the worlds problems and solve them – not create more." Pointing at the screen he added. "Furthermore, what the devil is this abominable contraption?"
The screen flickered a moment before SHEILA'S voice whispered. "I do not like your tone, buster."
"Hey! Be nice to her!" Hungary complained, looking a bit huffy. "France, Japan and I are the ones who built her to do this in the first place. She just has to go along with it."
"Not that I mind..." The computer purred.
For a while the nations stared at the screen.
Alfred coughed. "Okay...so your computer is...uh...smart."
The monitor hummed. "Many computers are smart. Just like many humans are not."
"I think we're getting off track." Francis laughed nervously – not wanting to witness a computer / nation breakdown in relations. "I will explain. This computer was designed to help the world get along with one another. It does this by randomly choosing to nations and putting them into an alternate universe where they are – how do you say...'better acquainted'."
"Dude. It looked like they were dating." Alfred blurted out, his face scrunched up. "I mean – if they want to I'm totally cool with that - "
"I'm not!" Ludwig grumbled( perhaps a bit too loudly ) from where he had wrestled Gilbert into a headlock. Russia's face looked no different then normal, appearing to not quite care either way.
But personally he was a bit disappointed.
Maybe Ludwig will need more 'persuading' for a date?
With an irritated growl Vash rose to his feet, motioning for his sister to follow. "If we're not getting with this meeting then I see no point in staying! Play around with this nonsense if you want but leave us out of it!"
"Brother? Oh! Um, bye!" Lili stammered, the smaller nation racing to catch up with her hot-tempered sibling.
It didn't take long, the door was locked.
"Oh. I'm sorry. Did you miss the part where I locked you in? I apologize. I should have announced it." Sheila intoned with a mocking cheeriness. "Silly me."
Hungary and France shared a sudden, almost panicked look. Japan discretely moved from his place and made his way to the front. "Um." He whispered. "Ms. Sheila. Please be kind to Mr. Switzerland. If he wants to leave we should let him."
The computer scoffed. "I am afraid I can not make exceptions. It is against my protocol."
"Open the door." Vash growled, pointing one of his multiple hidden guns at the screen. "Now!"
"Ms. Sheila! Please open the door!" Japan urged, eyes widening at the fearful prospect of being trapped in a room with a very angry Swiss and his mobile arsenal.
"Not until everyone has gone through their 'pairing'."
Vash gave an ominous growl as he took aim. "Then I'll make you!"
Russia had always wondered what it would look like if the world for one moment thought as one. That day he found out, because in the next moment him along with every other country at the conference were shoved under the heavy wooden table, jostling each other for the safest spots.
Excepting him of course. Strange. Everyone else was so crammed together but no-one was touching him.
Except Belarus.
"AAAHHH!" Ivan yelped, jumping away and into England, Norway and Estonia who were behind him who in turn screamed bloody murder and nearly jumped out from under the table. Their yelling was suddenly drowned out by the sound of Vash opening fire on the uppity technology – causing bullets to richochet around the room to a backdrop of Sheila's laughter.
"Sorry. But it seems my creators were smart enough to anticipate your anger. I commend you on your aim however; it is indeed excellent for a carbon based life-form."
"Don't egg him on!" Several voices yelled from under the table. Finally Francis ( of all people ) stuck his head out of their safe place and tried reasoning with their runaway system.
"Now look, mon petite. We are trying to foster love and understanding not hatred and unsightly bullet wounds. So could you please allow the Swiss to leave? It will do none of us any good to keep him here against his will."
"I will let him leave."
"Thank you - "
"As soon as I'm done running the simulations. Now the sooner you nations get a move on – the sooner you can leave."
Hungary groaned. "This isn't a good idea, Sheila!"
"Too bad. I am actually having a good deal of fun. So if you would not mind indulging me for a bit we can get this show on the road."
"Fine!" Vash snapped, lowering his weapon. Soon the nations crawled out from under the table and into the relative safety of the room.
"Ahem..." Japan coughed slightly. "So...who is next then?"
With a happy click the computers circuits kicked into gear. A few tense moments later the names appeared in bold white letters on the black screen.
Ukraine and Lichtenstein.
"The HELL!" Vash screamed, brandishing a machine gun.
"Funny, you must hate living." Ivan growled pleasantly as his lead pipe cracked the table.
"SCATTER!" Alfred yelled as everyone dove back under the table.