Author's Note: Oh, I forgot to mention this, but since almost every other country besides the US uses the metric system, if any character mentions measurements, it will be in metric units, like Poland did in the last chapter. Unless it's America. But I doubt he will mention measurements...

Anyways, it is now time for some ASIAN ACTION!

Chapter 9:

And still, the war is not yet over...

The Asian nations were desperate.

Russia had been attacking everyone he could reach. On the western front, the nations of Europe were all sending troops to patrol the relatively short border (6492 km) between them and Russia. But on the eastern front, things were much different. With a border with Russia of 11743 kilometers, Asia had almost twice as much to defend. And considering the fact that most of Asia was still developing, only China, Korea, and Japan were able to send a substantial number of troops to defend the border, placing them at a distinct disadvantage.

So far, they were holding out well. But they all knew it wouldn't last.

The day Russia broke through their lines was the worst day China had ever experienced. Even worse than those days when his family had left him.

Even worse than the day Japan had betrayed him.

Even worse than all those years he had spent alone, with no contact at all with the outside world.

This time, it would be permanent.

Japan woke up that day to a bright sun filtering through his window. Pochi was sleeping at his feet, his fluffy little paws tucked under his head.

Japan's normally expressionless face broke out into a smile. It was a beautiful day.

He rolled out from under his covers, quickly dressed, and went to Korea's room. All the Asian nations were all staying at China's house for the time being, and there was a meeting today. Knowing Korea, the youngest Asian would probably be 3 hours late if someone didn't wake him up.

Japan gently pushed open the door to Korea's room. "Korea? Korea, time to get up. China-san will be mad at you if you don't get to the meeting in time."

But there was no reaction from the other nation. Japan frowned. Usually by this time, he would already have been assaulted by a jubilant Korea, shouting that "Aniki's breasts are mine, da ze!"

Something was wrong.

Japan stepped lightly into the room, going over to Korea's bed. The younger nation looked... feverish. Japan hesitated, then put his hand on his brother's forehead. Yes, he was quite warm. A worried expression flitted over his face, and he went in search of China.

China was in the kitchen, making breakfast. He turned to see Japan in the doorway. Though the other nation's face seemed emotionless, China had known him for long enough to know he was worried.

"Japan, aru. What is wrong?"

"China-san, Korea is burning up with a fever."

China almost dropped his wok. "WHAT? Why?"

"I have no idea..."

"Well, let's go see him, aru. It may not be used much anymore, but traditional Chinese medicine is still very efficient."

After grabbing his bag of medicinal supplies, China followed Japan to Korea's room. The younger nation's condition seemed to have worsened considerably in the few minutes since Japan saw him last. He was shivering and muttering random phrases in Korean.

China frowned. "This isn't a normal sickness, aru... Is something the matter with his country?"

Suddenly, Japan doubled over in pain. "Ahhh..."

"Japan!" China rushed to catch his falling brother.

"Ahhh... China-san... It's Russia..." Japan managed to choke out.

"Russia? Oh no. He has invaded your countries, hasn't he, aru?"

"Hai..."

China's face hardened into a grim expression. "Then we shall just have to push him out aru."

After the invasions of Japan and Korea, China fought against Russia with all his military power. But it was not enough. The northern country was ruthless in conquering land, slaughtering the joint Chinese-Japanese-Korean forces. The day soon came where Japan and Korea simply could not hold out any longer.

Their leaders surrendered, handing over their countries to Russia.

China was tending to Japan and Korea when suddenly, both jerked upward and gasped. He stumbled backwards, taken by surprise.

"Aniki... It hurts..." Korea whimpered. But it was not in his usual whiny tone of voice. No, Korea seemed more... resigned.

Japan shuddered a little. "It's... only... temporary..."

China looked on, confused and concerned. "What happened aru?"

Japan turned his dark gaze onto his older brother. "We are... surrendering..."

China was horrified. "No, you can't do that! Do you know what will happen-"

"We know... China-san. But... this has been... going on... far too long... Death... will be a... welcome reprieve..."

Korea nodded. "Aniki... don't be sad... We've had... much longer... than those... poor Europeans..."

China felt tears in his eyes, but he refused to let them show. "No, I will not lose you again! The first time was hard enough..."

"Ahh... about that..." Japan managed to smile a bit. "すいません, Yao-san... I wasn't... the best... little brother..."

"Me neither... 미안 해요..." Korea coughed weakly, and China finally couldn't hold it in any longer. His tears spilled out in a frightening rush. He hadn't cried like this in millennia.

"No," he whispered. "You were the best little brothers in the world. Kiku, Yong Soo... please don't go..."

"We... have to... Aniki..."

"Hai... See you... in the spirit world... Yong Soo..."

The siblings smiled at each other, holding hands, and faded from the world.

Korea - surrendered to Russia - gone

Japan - surrendered to Russia - gone

Author's Note: This chapter jumped around points of view a lot... sorry about that...

Some explanations: The border length at the beginning was calculated assuming that Mongolia and all the countries ending in -stan, along with the Baltics and Belarus, were part of Russia. Sorry about the random nerd-ing, I had to. Also, Korea's statement about the poor Europeans was a reference to their countries' relative youth compared to Asia.

The title comes from Japan's character song, "Excuse Me, I'm Sorry".

Translations:

すいません - I'm sorry (Japanese, pronounced "sumimasen")

미안 해요 - I'm sorry (Korean, pronounced "mian haeyo")

Hopefully I'll get this done in the next 2 weeks... I'm going to be in China all summer, so internet access isn't guaranteed after school ends...