Disclaimer: Hetalia is the intellectual property of the genius Hidekaz Himaruya. This is just a fanfic I'm writing using his characters and I have no intention of making anything off of this. Though any Original Characters that show up are my own creation, so don't steal! It is bad!

First I just want to say that I'm sorry the updates are getting wider (and probably will continue in this pattern for a while). In between classes, my part time job (and my desire to look for a second one because my first one isn't paying enough), juggling ideas for this story and for another fanfic in another fandom, and being a total perfectionist that wants to create a very good story, I haven't been able to dedicate all the time I'd like to in order to get it rolling.

But worry not, dear readers! I won't ever give up on this nor let you down! I love you guys and thank you for the reviews, favorites, follows, and support!

Without further ado, here it is!

Interim: Hope

It had taken a few days of nonstop running, but she finally reached the outskirts of Washington D.C. The animals were her only companions and the greatest help she could ask for. She could see the city's activity of locals going about their daily lives and tourists taking in the rich history and scenery. This was the city symbolizing her heart, her being, her very soul, and it felt euphoric to see it through her own eyes instead of her shared memories with Alfred.

But most of all, she knew help existed there. And Matt.

A bird on her shoulder chirped, sounding rather concerned. She looked sad.

"I'm sorry, guys," she said firmly, "but I can't stay with you. You've all known that. You have to let me go from here, alright? I know he'll take good care of me."

It wasn't that the animals didn't trust the northern brother. They knew that he would move Heaven and earth to keep from making the same mistake, but they doubted those filthy men from across the ocean would have learned anything. The thought of losing her to the same circumstances would be anathema to all of them.

She could sense their worry and tried to placate them.

"Look, everyone, I know it's hard. But I'm not going to let that sort of thing happen to me. And even if they tried, I'm not going to let them off the hook, and he won't let them get off easily a second time. I think you can count on that."

But the animals had one more up their metaphorical sleeves, looking down at the ground clearly saddened. She returned the emotion.

"I know. I'm going to miss you all too," she admitted, tears flowing from her eyes.

And so, with a heavy heart, they gathered around each other for one last hug before she ran off on her own into the city. The animals released their calls into the sky, saddened by the fact that they would never see her again, but also optimistic that the new child of the land would bring about a new age of hope and prosperity.

The new America kept running, ignoring how tired her small feet and lungs were. She couldn't, wouldn't stop until she reached her destination and finally find him. Even as people stared at her, finding it odd a little girl was running across the city by herself, she paid them no mind. All she thought about was him.

Matt.

Matt knew from the start that he would have to take over his brother's duties, alongside his own. He knew it wouldn't be easy either, but he knew he had to do it. For Alfred above all else.

He looked over numerous financial reports. He wasn't an economic scientist, but he had to shoulder this, and not let Alfred's memory be in vain. His desk was an absolute mess, covered everywhere with documents, paperwork, little cups to hold pens, staplers, folders and a few cans of energy drinks that left him a bit twitchy from being so wired up on caffeine.

His eyes burned from looking and reading the graphs. He had decided to help fund a few "green energy" projects in the hopes of creating new jobs, and hopefully helping banks stay open and not lose the funds people invested in them could provide a remedy to this situation. But it was like slapping a band-aid on a broken leg and everyone knew it.

Matt tried to ignore that feeling he had that this was only the tip of the iceberg of his newfound stress. He had to wonder to himself if Alfred would have a successor and if there would be a new personification of the US. In a way, he almost didn't want there to be one; he almost wished Alfred would come back somehow, impossible as it was. Alfred being gone for good just felt like those assholes still "won" in the end.

No matter how many times they groveled, begged, bargained or felt guilty, no matter how empty it would make him feel in the end, he wouldn't and couldn't ever forgive them.

They didn't deserve anything but his hatred.

He was shaken out of his sullen thoughts when a young man came in practically running and out of breath, clearly having some kind of news to deliver to Matt.

The young man said between pants, "Mr. Williams, I have news."

"Whoa, hey, what's going on?" Matt asked him.

"It's the White House," he said. "There's this kid there asking specifically for you. A little girl."

For a second, Matt's brain went blank before he found himself again and immediately grabbed his coat and started running out the door. He had a very strong feeling in his gut that this little girl could be the one. But he had to see it for himself.

He wasn't totally sure if he wanted that girl to be what his gut said she was.

Within ten minutes, Matt was at the White House. Surrounded by staff and politicians alike, Matt heard their stories.

A Secret Service agent said, "I was just walking Bo out on the lawn and she was there at the front gate. Bo just started running towards her, pulling me along for the ride. That kid was demanding to see the President and you especially, Mr. Williams."

The First Lady herself said, "I was shocked at how she looked. She was covered in dirt and looked famished. She kept talking about seeing you, and that you were the only person she trusted. She refused to eat or take a bath before seeing you."

Matt rushed down the hallway towards the room she was staying in. He steeled himself for the inevitable and opened the door.

He almost gasped. She was the same exact girl he saw in that nightmare he had over a week ago, although unharmed other than the small cuts on her hands and arms, and the obvious blisters on her feet. Her light brown hair was matted down and dirty, and she looked hungry and exhausted. As soon as she saw him, her blue eyes lit up and like any excited and happy child, she ran up to him.

She stopped cautiously in front of Matt and said, "I've been looking for you."

She reached over to him and Matt, despite himself, touched her hand with his. He could feel it – familiar warmth, mixed with sadness and pain. But most of all, there was hope there. And despite his grief for his brother, Matt realized another, stronger emotion – love.

"Are you okay, Matt?" the girl asked.

Tears began to run down Matt's face, and immediately he scooped the little girl up into his arms and hugged her tight, happy that his brother's legacy lived on and that this girl existed. She returned the embrace, shedding happy tears of her own, and glad to know Matt hadn't rejected her.

And most of all, neither was alone.

The girl was finally willing to eat and take a warm bath, and after being supplied with new clothes, she and Matt were able to talk.

"I don't know what happened," she admitted. "I just woke up in the middle of a field, and looked like this, all grown up and surrounded by animals. They helped me find my way here and to you."

Matt raised an eyebrow at her statement that she just literally popped out of thin air. Of course, it probably wasn't impossible for their kind. And for that matter, even the older nations weren't completely sure just how they worked in general, and Matt wasn't about to ask anytime soon.

"How long did it take you?" he asked.

The girl replied, "About four days. I ate when I needed to eat, and slept when I needed to sleep, but other than that, I just ran every day with the animals. They were very helpful."

'Just like with Alfred,' Matt thought to himself, musing how the girl inherited Alfred's attributes. But that also brought more questions. Namely...

Matt carefully asked, "Do you share Alfred's memories, by any chance?"

The girl looked down at the carpet and tears began to flow from her eyes. She could only barely nod yes to Matt, which horrified him. This alone confirmed that she remembered everything, including The Incident and that fateful day. And it brought another layer to Matt's rage and hatred towards Alfred's attackers. Not only did they kill his brother, but they also had to subject an innocent girl to those things.

She looked at Matt, crying, "I keep having nightmares about it. I know that I have to be strong, because Alfred wants it for me, but I don't know what else to do, Matt. I don't want to make any mistakes, and I don't want other people to hate me for things that weren't my fault. I can't trust anyone."

Matt felt his heart break in two at this sight. She shared not only Alfred's memories but also several of the emotional connections he had with those events. She was clearly scared and in many ways, insecure. She felt she had no one, but that was not right. Matt immediately grabbed her into a tight comforting hug.

"You don't have to worry, sweetie," Matt whispered to her. "You are not alone, because I am here for you. I won't let what happened to Alfred happen to you, and I swear on his memory, if those bastards try anything on you, I won't let them off easily a second time. I know you're scared, but I also know that you're braver than anyone I've ever known. You survived in the wild for four days, just to find me. And I won't fail you. I promise you that, little sister."

The girl looked at Matt again, this time with tears of joy in her eyes and she hugged him back tighter. She whispered, "Thank you, Matt," over and over again.

Matt smiled and said, "Come on, honey, let's go home."

"Where?" she asked.

"I have a house here in D.C. It's not a lot right now, but this weekend, I promise you that I'll get you stuff for your own bedroom, clothes and other things. I'll also get you enrolled into a school too. How does that sound?"

Her smile, ever so beautiful and radiant, grew and she replied, "I think it sounds awesome!"

Matt took her hand into his, and after explaining things to the president and getting into a couple scuffles with the White House staff, Matt made himself clear – the new embodiment of the USA would live with him. He made a promise to his brother the day he died that he would look after Alfred's successor and he would take it upon himself to raise her and be there for her.

He would not fail Alfred, and he would not fail her.

In God's good name, he swore on it.

But he also knew he would need some help. And Matt knew the right people, or rather, Nations to call for this.

Elizabeta angrily hit the punching bag several times, trying to blow off some steam. It didn't really work, and in a weird sort of way, she felt sorry for this inanimate object having to serve as a stand-in to the ones whose faces she would've loved to pummel to the dirt.

When she saw Alfred come back to the world meeting that fateful day over a month ago, she just knew deep in her gut that something was horribly wrong. No nation would skip out on meetings for nearly six months, and act like the complete opposite of their usual self. Seeing nine countries nations Alfred considered friends and family acting suspicious should've raised more red flags for her.

She just chalked it up to the economic recession and stress, and let it be.

When Matt showed her and all other nations the video recording of Alfred's suicide, Elisabeta hated herself for not investigating further, for not listening to her gut feeling.

But she hated Alfred's assailants even more. With every fiber of her being.

Elizabeta also hated that she couldn't avenge Alfred's death. She hated how she had to keep up her economic and diplomatic ties with those bastards. She hated how she had to go on like nothing was wrong, because damn it all to hell, it wasn't fucking alright.

She would've probably punched the bag until it was torn to pieces, but she heard her phone start ringing, shaking her out of her thoughts. When she saw it was Matt calling she knew she had to answer. She felt that she did owe him in a way. She couldn't fail him again, so she picked up.

"Matthew! Hello, how are you today?" she asked him.

Matt replied, "Well, that's kind of a hard one to answer. I'm calling because I need your help with something very, very important, Elisabeta. I think you would be the best person to ask for it."

Elisabeta's curiosity piqued as she wiped sweat off her forehead. Help? She could do that.

"What do you mean? What is this very important thing?"

Matt seemed to hesitate on the other side of the line before answering in a solemn tone, "The thing is, it's happened. A new personification of the US has appeared, and she is in my house right now, sleeping after spending nearly a week in the wilderness trying to look for me. I made a promise to Alfred after he died that I would look after her, but I know I can't go at it by myself. I need help, and I know you're one of the best people to ask for it."

"Me?!" Elisabeta asked. That was surprising in itself. Matt was asking her to help him raise a little girl. She still remembered how she was so convinced she was a boy when she was younger, and that her penis would grow out eventually. She hardly considered herself worthy of being a good caretaker (if Feliciano's lack of a spine and willingness to go with the assault on Alfred was of any indication), but at the same time, she realized that the new America would need a strong female presence in her life, and Elisabeta did owe it to Matt and Alfred. She needed to atone for her own mistakes, but she wouldn't, and couldn't allow herself to be selfish.

"How soon do you need me to come?" she asked.

"As soon as possible," Matt replied simply.

"Alright," Elisabeta nodded, "I'll come to Washington D.C. by tomorrow at the earliest. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you so much, Elisabeta. It really means a lot to me."

"You're welcome."

Elisabeta ended the call, and quickly grabbed her things. She had to book the soonest possible flight to the US capital. She knew what she had to do.

Katyusha's head and eyes hurt from looking over so many documents and paperwork, and that did nothing to alleviate from her distress, grief and anger from the events of the last couple of months.

She was no stranger to her brother's insanity. Ivan had always been on the emotionally unstable side, and had gone through a lot of hardship. Invasions, political and social problems, war, and personal loss had taken their toll on Ivan's general mental well-being. But he did have his tender side; Katyusha knew that Ivan really did care about her and Natalia, even if he wasn't good at showing it, and his adoration for his sunflower garden showed he had a caring nature underneath his harsh exterior.

But never in a million years would she ever have imagined he was capable of what he did seven months ago.

When she personally confronted him, Ivan claimed he did it to save everyone, that Alfred's mistakes were dragging everyone down and he needed to learn his actions had consequences. He did it to save her and Natalia. Katyusha remembered that day all too well.

"Pardon my language, Ivan," Katyusha spat, her tone venomous, "but that is a load of bullshit! If you really did love us like you say you do, you would not do things that would hurt our friends! Even after everything you said and did to each other during the Cold War, Alfred was still willing to see you as a friend and let bygones be bygones! And you do this to him?!"

Ivan became desperate as he reached out to his sister, "Katya, please, listen to me! I did this because I love you, and love doesn't come without sacrifice!"

*smack*

Katyusha's hand burnt slightly and she was rather shocked with herself, but she also felt a strange sense of... satisfaction. Ivan gawked at her, mouth ajar and jaw loose, as his hand shook to cover his now pink cheek.

"If that is what you call love, then I don't want it," Katyusha snarled, white hot tears of rage now flowing from her eyes. "And never call me Katya again. That was name only my brother could call me, and you are not my brother anymore, Ivan. Goodbye and good riddance."

As she walked away, she could hear Ivan desperately call out to her, begging her not to go, to listen to him, anything. But she never turned around. Just the mere sight of him made her sick.

It wasn't exactly satisfying though. She despised the fact that there wasn't much she could do. She wanted them to be punished accordingly, but things weren't that simple. She wished she didn't have to depend on any of their imports but her economy was barely able to stand on its own. It aggravated her, but it also gave her a desire to want to be more self-sufficient and reliant. Show them she was not a weak flower.

She was shaken out of her thoughts when her cell phone started to loudly ring. She almost would've rejected the call, until she saw on the caller ID that it was Matt. Maybe that could bring her spirits up, even though she doubted it. Matt clearly was still hurting; everyone was hurting. But she answered, because she needed to hear a familiar voice from someone she actually liked.

"Hello, Matthew! How are you?"

Matt replied, "Well, that's kind of a hard one to answer. I'm calling because I need your help with something very, very important, Katyusha and I know I can trust you to be someone that can do the job."

Katyusha became curious with Matt's odd answer, so she pressed "What do you mean? What is this very important thing?"

Matt seemed to hesitate on the other side of the line before answering in a solemn tone, "Well, it's happened. A new personification of the US has appeared. A little girl, who said she literally came out of thin air to inherit my brother's position. She spent nearly a week in the wilderness trying to look for me, and is in my home now, sleeping. And I made a promise to Alfred after he died that I would look after his successor, but I know I can't do it all by myself. I need help, and I know you're one of the best people to ask for it."

It felt like a stone fell into Katyusha's stomach. A successor for Alfred had appeared, and Matt was asking for her help in raising this little girl. She honestly didn't know what to say now. She knew it would be the right thing to do, to say yes and help. But there was also another part of her, an angry part that almost didn't want to see this little girl; she almost didn't want a successor to appear in fact. Alfred being gone forever just felt like her brother had won, and she didn't want him to have any of that satisfaction.

But, in the end, decency and good nature came through. Katyusha could not blame that girl for who she was, or for the circumstances that necessitated her existence. She was innocent in all this, and only deserved a chance at a good life, being loved by caring people who were willing to teach her to do good in this world and to live up to her predecessor's legacy.

"Oh, Matthew, I'm very glad you called me. And it would be an honor to help you. I want to meet her and help you in any way I can. When do you want me to come?"

Matt answered, "As soon as possible. I know it's on short notice, but I would really appreciate it if you came within the week."

Katyusha wrote this down in a spare piece of paper, and replied, "Got it. I'll book the next available flight to Washington D.C. I'll see you soon Matthew. I can't wait to meet her."

She was sure Matt was smiling as he said, "Yeah, she's a real sweetheart. She can't wait to meet you either. I'll see you soon."

"Goodbye, Matthew. And please, take care of yourself too. I have a feeling you're quite stressed, and you shouldn't forget about yourself."

"I won't."

With that, they ended the call and Katyusha quickly got down to business. She could not fail Alfred again, and she would not fail Matthew. That was a promise.

Two days later...

Matt anxiously waited at the airport for Katyusha and Elisabeta to arrive. He hadn't seen them since that meeting, and he really hoped they would keep true to their promises. He didn't doubt they would do their best, but he did not want his new little sister to ever get the impression that the other nations hated her for being Alfred's replacement.

As soon as he saw Elisabeta in the crowd, he smiled and approached her.

"Matthew!" Elisabeta beamed as she took him into her arms and tightly hugged him. Matt returned the embrace, glad to know there were still good nations around that he could trust.

"How is she?"

Matt replied, "Well, she's doing alright. She's mostly just trying to get used to her new life, and really wants to start school soon. I've been trying to make whatever free time I have with her matter, which is the most important thing."

Elisabeta smiled, glad to know the new America was getting accustomed. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw another familiar face.

Katyusha, as soon as she saw Matt talking with Elisabeta, looked a bit surprised there was another, but she brushed that aside as she ran up to Matt, embracing him tightly.

Matt returned the embrace and said, "Katyusha, I'm so glad you were able to come too. It really means a lot to me that you're here."

Katyusha smiled back and replied, "Oh Matthew, when you said you needed help, I couldn't say no. And when you told me about the situation, I couldn't just stand idly by. I really want to meet her too."

Elisabeta quickly asked, "By the way, Matthew, does she have a name?"

Mat raised his eyebrows at this, and realized Elisabeta raised a good point. The girl didn't mention having any name, and he hadn't thought about what to call her, aside from America. She needed one. Matt shook his head, adding, "Not yet. We should do that as soon as possible."

Both female nations nodded, and once they each picked up their luggage, Matt took them to his car and they began driving from the airport and over to his new home in Washington D.C.

It was located in the middle of a quaint little suburb, and decently sized for the two inhabitants. There was a perfectly manicured and grassy front lawn with a large tree that had a tire swing put in, likely for the girl's enjoyment, and a small patch of flowers. The front porch was well kept, with a swinging couch and a few pots of other flowers. The inside was well kept as well, furnished with comfortable furniture, entertainment, and décor. Matt definitely went out of his way to ensure he and his new little sister would be comfortable here.

"Sweetie Belle, they're here! Come on out!" Matt called out reassuringly.

From the hallway, Elisabeta and Katyusha heard the soft footsteps of the young girl slowly make their way towards the living room. They both softly gasped.

She was so beautiful. Her short light brown hair was kept back by a white headband, perfectly framing her dainty heart shaped face, and her bright blue eyes were wide with slight apprehension. She was a little tall, but didn't look much older than ten years of age physically. She was wearing a blue shirt with the My Little Pony characters on it, denim knee length shorts and white socks.

She just stood at the end of the hallway, glancing at them. Matt walked over to her and gently said, "Come on, Sweetie Belle, don't be shy now. Katyusha and Elisabeta are very great and kind people. They're friends."

The girl nodded and walked over to the two women, and in a painfully shy, subdued voice, said, "Hi."

Elisabeta knelt down and said, "Hi there, dear. I'm Elisabeta. I embody the nation of Hungary. Matthew said you're excited to start school soon."

She nodded, smiling. Katyusha joined in.

"And I'm Katyusha, otherwise known as Ukraine. Matthew said you couldn't wait to meet us. And we were very excited to see you too. You're more beautiful that I could've ever dreamt," she gushed, gently running her fingers through the girl's hair.

The girl blushed and bashfully said, "Thank you, Katyusha. I know Alfred saw you both as very nice people, and I'm glad to see that it's still true after meeting you and Elisabeta in person myself."

Both women couldn't help but feel their hearts melt at this. But at the same time, they both felt some heartbreak. The new America was very overtly polite, and seemed very scared. Scared to look like a repeat of Alfred, who may have been flawed, but was at heart a very good natured man. They didn't want her to be a wallflower. They couldn't let her be a doormat to the bastards that hurt her predecessor.

Elisabeta quickly said, "Well, I have a good idea for what we can do right now! Matthew, you said that she still doesn't have a human name yet, correct?"

Matt scratched his head and admitted, "Well, I did look through some name lists, and I've found some nice sounding ones, but I haven't been able to make any decisions."

"Well, why don't we let her look over the list? Let her choose her name?" Katyusha suggested.

The new America chirped, "Yeah, I like that idea."

Matt decided to let it be so, as he sat the girl down in front of the computer, which had a website up on it listing girls' names. She looked over the list, every letter in the English alphabet, keeping track of the names she liked by writing them on a sheet of paper. Some sounded good for a first name, others for a middle name. But she wisely decided to take her time. There was no rush.

She had her choices narrowed down eventually. But out of all the names she wrote, one name in particular stood out as a worthy candidate for her first name.

It had American origins, and its meaning was "beauty." She loved the way is sounded in her head when combined with her last name of Jones.

"Kenna," she said. "Kenna Jones."

Matt let the name sink in, and it did have a nice ring to it. He asked, "Are you sure that's the name you really want?"

"Yes," she nodded.

Elisabeta said, "It sounds beautiful. It's a perfect name for a wonderful girl like you."

The newly named Kenna beamed, and then said, "How about a middle name? I'm sure you guys can think of something."

The three adult nations thought long and hard about this. Matt wanted something that would honor his brother, aside from Kenna's desire to be known as a Jones. A feminine form of 'Alfred' sounded a bit cheesy, but something close. Something that went well with Kenna and gave off strength. He then remembered one girl's name that meant "to strive or excel." It was inspiring and beautiful at the same time.

Matt let it roll off his tongue out loud, "Kenna Emily Hope Jones."

Katyusha smiled, "I think that sounds absolutely perfect. It's strong, inspiring and beautiful, wouldn't you guys agree?"

Elisabeta gave her approval and Kenna happily nodded, the smile on her face so beautiful, it was absolutely heartwarming to look at.

"I love it," Kenna said. She then repeated her full name, "Kenna Emily Hope Jones. That is my name."

Matt smiled and said, "Yes it is. But you're still my Sweetie Belle," as he playfully ruffled her hair.

"Matt!" Kenna cried out. Everyone laughed in response to this. There was nothing wrong or awkward about any of this. It was all perfect, natural, and nice.

And hopefully, it was also the start of more new and great memories.

One week later...

Kenna nervously fidgeted in the car as Matt drove to the building where a meeting for all nations was being held at. Very few nations knew why it was being called and why it was absolutely mandatory that they come. Kenna really hoped to make a good first impression. She was dressed quite formally, in a white blouse, a dark blue blazer and shirt with white stockings and black Mary-Jane shoes, and her hair kept back by a white headband. But looking good was one thing; her personality and demeanor were another matter entirely.

Matt could sense her worries, and reassured her, "Don't worry, Kenna. You should not worry about what they would think of you. You don't have to let them walk all over you to be liked by them."

Kenna flatly said, "I know, Matt. But I'm worried. How are they going to react to the fact that I exist though?"

Matt really didn't know the answer to that. He just quietly parked their car, and prayed it would go well.

I know, it might disappoint some of you, but Kenna is not going to take any actual revenge against Alfred's attackers. The nightmares from the last chapter were more a reflection of their guilt, and they were warnings letting them all know that if they learn nothing from what they did to Alfred, Kenna herself isn't going to let them off so easily.

And don't worry either, for Kenna will not be a passive wallflower. She is shy and scared, but keep in mind, she's still a little kid who was literally born yesterday, and is shouldering some very heavy things that most adults wouldn't be able to handle. Avoiding spoilers for the general plan here, but I do promise you, her character growth will come in time, and through the story, she learns to become a strong and confident woman who is more than worthy of being Alfred's successor.

Also, if it's not too much trouble, if there is anyone willing to be a beta-reader for me, I would really appreciate it. All I ask is for someone who isn't afraid to be critical in a constructive way, and be willing to give suggestions for things that might seem out of place with the big picture of the story. Let me know if any of you are interested! ;)

Once again, love you guys for your support! Kizuna, out!