Everyone looked back at Sealand's ship, shrinking into the distance with every second. America did a fist pump of victory, "Oh yeah! That was the most epic escape EVER! Thanks Whale!" The white whale bellowed in response, shaking the passengers.

"Who ever thought your completely idiotic friendship with a sea mammal could be of any help?" Britain mused.

"Alrighty sheila! Set a course for Norway!" Australia kicked the whale's sides like he was riding a horse.

"Not to ruin the optimism," Germany muttered, "But is anyone concerned that ve don't have a plan besides me?"

"We've made it this far and I've just been making it up as I go along." said America.

"And so far we've gotten chased, captured, and nearly eaten by badly colored demons..." France listed.

"And gotten soaked..." Canada sighed, wringing out his jacket.

"Okay fine, point taken..." America muttered.

"I think first we need to find this island," Japan pointed out, "Maybe if we get there quickly, we could ask Norway-san to help us."

"And maybe find out more of this dragon monster, da?" Russia smiled, back to his creepy old self now that they were away from Belarus's aura of doom.

"Ve! Dragons are scary! I don't want to think of big scary dragons!" Italy whimpered.

"Then take a nap." Germany suggested.

"Okay!" Italy flopped backwards with his head down in Germany's lap and fell asleep instantaneously.

"Maybe we should all get some sleep?" France yawned.

"Good idea, aru" China said, "But who's going to drive this thing?"

"Hold on," Australia bent over and made a strange warbling noise toward where the whale's ear might be, the white beast bellowed and shook in response.

"She knows where to go! We don't have to worry bout a thing." Australia said, he leaned back and pushed his hat over his face.

One by one the nations nodded off. Canada had his lap full with Kumajiro, and Jessie had clambered up onto Australia's chest and clung to his shirt. The whale hummed quietly, and was the only one to notice that the stars no longer shone in the sky...

((###))

The nations woke to sunlight and cold salt spray on their faces, they were still relatively in the middle of the ocean, but a tiny strip of land could be seen in the distance.

"Ve crossed an ocean in one night?" Germany muttered.

"This whale is amazing, aru!" China said, patting the creature. The whale gave a happy purring sound.

"Cool and all, but it's FREEZING!" America shouted.

"Everyone needs nice jackets right Kamajojo?" Canada smiled, snuggled down in his furry coat. The bear gave him a first bump.

They quickly made it to land, leaving the whale at the beach with instructions to stay close by. Soon they were trekking through a forest, it seemed WAY too quiet and the lack of sound was making everyone uneasy.

"Hello!" Italy yelled, "Mr. Norway you here?"

"Quiet down Italy! Don't tell the vorld that ve're here!" Germany swiped at him but Italy ducked. They found a gravel road to follow, and it began to snow.

"I hate snow." Russia smiled.

Then everyone froze. They could hear footsteps coming along the gravel path. A figure in a thick cloak approached them at a steady pace.

"Okay mysterious dude!" America tensed, "If you're here to stop us you are so going dow-"

"Is he always this loud?" Norway took off the hood and looked at Britain.

"Yeah pretty much," Britain sighed.

"Hey Norway!" Italy smiled and hugged the expressionless man, "We were looking all over for you!"

"So I heard," he grunted and shoved Italy off, "What for?" He studied their faces with a cold stare from his empty blue eyes.

"The whole world's going to hell mate." Australia said, "Literally, Russia's little sis has gone bonkers see?" He gestured toward Russia.

"She had some sort of plan that involved your country," Japan said, "Something about releasing a Dragon?"

Norway said nothing; his gaze was cold but looked from the group to the road and woods around them, hinting nervous. "I think I know what you mean." he finally said, breaking the tension, "But we can't talk here." With an epic cape swish Norway turned and began walking down the gravel road.

The nations looked at one another and followed the seemingly emotionless man.

Their silent walk ended when the gravel road curled outward toward a large house. It was made of wood and stone, and seemed ageless like many of the nations themselves. Norway pushed open the door, hung up his cloak on a peg in the wall. He led the nations into an open living room area; a stone fireplace sat smoldering on one wall, a leather couch and several chairs gave everyone a place to sit.

"So," Japan cleared his throat, "Do you know what Belarus was talking about Norway-san?"

"I don't understand why everyone thinks this dragon business is so terrible, aru." China folded his arms.

"Not all dragons are as kindly as yours..." Britain muttered.

Norway was the only one standing, he stared blankly out the large window, "I know what she means." he said, "There is a legend from my mythology of long ago, about a dragon called the Níðhöggr."

"The Nidhogg?" Australia said, "I think I've read about that..."

"Guys?" Canada mumbled.

"Right," Norway turned and looked toward a painting on the wall, "The Nidhogg is a mighty dragon that is trapped below the earth and eats the roots of the world tree..."

"Still don't believe the whole, we live in a magic tree thing." America said.

"Shush will you!" Britain smacked him, "Let him finish."

"This dragon is said to cause chaos, and only one person can control it," Norway paused, "the queen of underworld. Hel."

"Okay, so since there is no such thing as this crazy goddess we'll be fine right?" France asked.

"Um, guys?" Canada tugged on America's jacket.

"Wait," America said a bit too loudly, startling Kumajiro, "If Belarus is the new queen of hell..."

"That means in all technicality she can control the dragon!" Britain jumped out of his seat.

"And use it to take the rest of the world!" Japan finished.

Germany stood and looked at Norway, "Is there any way to kill this Nidhogg?"

"Ve! We should just run away and not fight the big scary dragon!" Italy wailed, tugging on Germany's shirt to no avail.

Norway shook his head, "There might be a way. But I'm not so sure it will work..." a sad look filled his eyes as he reached a hand into his pocket.

"GUYS!" Canada shouted. Everyone jumped at the sound of his voice and looked at him.

"What's wrong cousin?" Australia asked.

Canada looked a little more than worried, "Kumaburo smells Belarus's scent..." he said quietly. The small white bear growled, snuffling and bearing tiny teeth.

"But, but what does that mean?" France whispered. The nations tried to wrap their heads around the news.

"Sorry you guys..." Norway said, everyone turned towards him and saw he held a white whistle in one hand, and green light was swirling around his other hand, "I don't mean it. But I can't let you leave alive..."

Germany lunged for Norway but he ducked underneath his reach and fired a magical bolt that sent him flying into the others. The shrill sound of the whistle hit their ears, and howls were heard immediately afterward. Norway opened a green portal below his feet and leaped inside.

But before the portal closed it spat out three wisps of green smoke that materialized into three gigantic trolls! Each hulking being stood nine feet tall, wild greenish hair hung around their terrible tusked faces. One held a heavy stone hammer; the others had wooden clubs as long and thick as tree limbs.

The howls came again and two large shapes crashed though the windows. Twin wolves, with dark grey pelts and dagger teeth, stood amongst the broken glass.

Between the trolls and the growling demon wolves the group was surrounded.

No escape.

"Ah crap not again!" America said.

(( And Norway joins the party too! Except he's a bad guy? Whuut? D: I know you guys are probably hating me now, but please wait to hit me after the epic-ness! More coming soon! Promise it won't be so late this time...)