I would like to apologize for taking so long to update. Life got really busy for me. I'm a freshman in college for engineering so I have a lot on my plate. It also doesn't help that my muse is all over the place. I will try to get the next chapter out sooner but no guarantees. I hope you all enjoy the chapter.

P.S. To make up for the long wait, this chapter is the longest one yet.

P.P.S. Still don't own Hetalia .

Why Are We Doing This? a.k.a. England And France Can Work Together After All

Katrina rolled her eyes when she heard the voice,

"It seems like my brother is in a rush. He should stop worrying. E Tsi is stronger than he would think. Though it might have something to do with the fact that he didn't see E Tsi at her worst. E Tsi was at her worst during the American Civil War."

Most of the Nations had no idea what Katrina was talking about. The exceptions were Canada (who lives next to America and watched over Al a few times) Russia, France, and England (the last three interfering the way foreign powers do).

"I was not aware that America-san had a civil war."

Katrina seemed uncomfortable with the topic but she replied anyways.

"Most people don't but that's because America was still isolationist at that point and most people don't bother to learn about American history during that time period unless they're required to for a class. I know a lot of Americans who only know the basics of American History as it is."

Germany was still curious about America's civil war but decided against asking more.

This was because one of the few sensible things his brother had told him was that asking questions about wars especially civil wars can be insensitive and you want to be careful not to hurt anyone like that.

It seemed Katrina was thinking along the same lines.

"Our Civil War was pretty bad and I don't want to talk about the memories from that time. I guess this is the perfect time to tell you that you guys passed my trial."

"And what was your trial, aru?"

"Surviving my driving. Unlike the Italians of your group, I'm aware of how people don't like my driving…Though that may be because my family isn't afraid to tell me the truth about my driving."

"I feel like there is more to it aru."

Everyone looked at China oddly except Katrina who laughed instead. China waited for her to calm down so his question could be answered.

"Congratulations Nations. You just passed my trial. China was correct when he said there was more to my trial than just surviving my driving. Though surviving it was definitely part of it."

"I've bloody well had enough of this. Tell us what we have to do next and what exactly your damn trial was. I would like to save America as quickly as possible."

England was very close to beating someone up. That someone most probably being France.

France recognizing the look backed away very slowly.

France knew how to read the face of his longtime rival because he was always the victim of England's frustrations.

Katrina pouted but quickly became serious.

"I'm not entirely sure if this is the case for the other trials but my trial had two parts. The first part is kind of obvious. Survive my driving. All of you did that even if you feel a bit sick now."

"I fucking knew it. You were trying to kill everyone."

Romano's outburst surprised no one in fact they were surprised he hadn't yelled earlier. On the other hand Katrina wasn't so pleased.

Her eyes narrowed to slits before she hissed out,

"I don't appreciate unfounded accusations. If I was trying to kill you, you'd be dead already. How I drive is none of your business. Also you weren't affected the same way the rest were."

"The second part of the trial was testing how much we really cared, wasn't it?"

Canada's soft voice caused Katrina to calm down. She smiled slightly but it didn't seem to reach her eyes.

"I apologize for losing my temper. It's just…hard having to deal with the fact that E Tsi isn't here to explain this all to you. The original plan was to give to the trials when E Tsi decided to. She was going to be your guide and we would just be in charge of the trials. We did have this back up plan in place but we never expected to use it."

She suddenly turned away and marched towards the building. The Nations rushed after her. As they approached the cabin, they noticed certain details about the structure.

First, it showed very little sign of wear and tear but it was obviously much older than it seemed due to the fact that it had a similar design that the other cabins from the original Roanoke colony had but there were distinct differences.

A bald eagle was etched on the side and it was obvious that someone had taken great care while working on it.

Japan decided to stop in front of the eagle to analyze the carving.

Katrina noticed Japan admiring the carving and smiled at him. However it was a cold smile that made Japan fear for his life.

"Kai carved that in 1949 as a gift for E Tsi. He wanted to get her a gift after he officially became part of the family."

"Who is this Kai-san?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Now hurry up. The sooner your second trial starts, .the sooner E Tsi can explain this properly to all of you."

"Calm yourself brat. If I remember properly, your mother can take care of herself. She'll probably ending up saving herself. She'll probably only need them to get her out of her initial bindings."

"Doesn't mean he won't torture her and try to break her. He's done it before. The stupid cowboy actually had to dye his hair and we had to use magic to change his eye color to make him look like E Tsi because of her injuries. We were lucky that last time we were able to save her. This time, he's made it so only Nations can save her."

"You mean to tell us that America had someone else pretend to be hi- her to get out of meetings."

Of course that's what Germany would focus on.

Katrina turned around to glare at Germany, her eyes once again red but this time she didn't bother to answer the question.

It was then that the Nations realized that they were still in front of the carving and the cabin didn't seem to have any doors or windows.

"How the bloody hell are we supposed to enter a building with no exits or entrances?"

Katrina rolled her blood red eyes before biting on her thumb*. England almost lunged at her but was stopped by France and Canada.

She then took her thumb and pressed it on the eagle carving. Slowly the carving turned blood red before the carving sunk into the building and a door appeared in its place.

"I hate having to do that but unfortunately I don't have a knife on me or I would have used that."

This caused England to calm down because he realized she wasn't intentionally trying to insult him.

"By the way, I was trying to insult the limey."

England charged at her but she sidestepped and he fell through the door.

Katrina laughed and another voice though this one much deeper joined her in her laughter.

"That has to be the best prank you've ever played Kat. I think you've managed to end up on top of the mainland competition with this."

Katrina smiled her eyes taking on a red-violet color,

"Thanks. I didn't mean for that to happen. I just was trying to get back at the limey for hurting E Tsi so much."

The Nations who had slowly followed Katrina into the dark room balked at what Katrina just said. If this was her trying to get back England for hurting America, they could only imagine what might happen to the rest of them.

"Honestly Kat, stop scaring them. You've finished your trial no need to keep torturing them."

The Nations looked around trying to figure out where in the dark room the voice was coming from. (The only light in the room was in the area they were standing).

Katrina laughed,

"Well, I wouldn't be torturing them so much if someone hadn't made me give my trial first instead. After all, the person who gives the first trial has to become the guide if E Tsi isn't here."

"Yeah, well, I'm no good as a guide. I'm not nice enough and anyways you're better at explaining things. After all, you're used to explaining the Midwest to people."

"Ve~, what is the Midwest?"

"A region of the United States. I would tell you more but it's time for your second trial."

With that, the door slammed shut behind them and disappeared.

"Good luck with Louis. I can't wait to see the results of this trial,"

Katrina vanished with a laugh in her voice as the lights came on and a figure in the middle of the room became visible.

"So you people finally gained some sense and decided to learn about the U.S., did ya now?"

The speaker was a red haired France. At least that was what he seemed like at first glance but he couldn't be France because France would never let himself be caught dead in torn jeans, a t-shirt, and combat boots.

This must be the Louis, Katrina had mentioned before abandoning them.

On closer inspection the red hair may be like France's and Canada's hair, but Louis looked more like a tan version of England without the eyebrows.

Louis's amber eyes held a certain look of disdain for the group in front of him.

"You're the Nations that are going to save E Tsi. I have trouble believing it. It seems like you guys barely passed Kat's trial. How do you expect actually passing the rest of them?"

The Nations were starting to feel annoyed. At every turn, America's children were insulting them and they had only met two of them so far. Who knew how many more there were?

Romano was more irritated than the rest of them. He hated getting belittled by others.

"What do you know you bastardo? We passed that puttana's trial just fine."

Before Romano was done talking, Louis had already moved and held a knife to Romano's neck.

Spain almost charged but Louis's eyes narrowed and he lowered the knife and let go of Romano.

"I should slit your throat for the insult you just gave my sister however I'm not allowed to."

Louis moved back and returned to the center of the room as the rest of the room became illuminated.

All along the sides were scenes of war. Some of them were familiar but others weren't.

Italy whimpered and almost bolted but Germany grabbed his hand and gave it a slight squeeze.

Romano rubbed his neck and he was well aware of how close he had been to dying. Death might not be permanent for Nations but it was still annoying.

What bothered him was the fact that Louis had said he wasn't allowed to kill him.

Why not? What was stopping him? Was it America or was it something else?

Romano was not the only one bothered by the fact. In fact, all of the Nations noticed it but the only one brave enough to ask was China.

"What exactly did you mean when you said you're not allowed to kill Romano?"

Louis looked at China for a moment before sighing,

"Of course the oldest of your group would be the one to ask. How many civilizations have you seen fall, old man?"

Before China had a chance to answer, Louis had already started explaining what he had meant by his earlier comment.

"E Tsi assigns us sectors of the government. For example I'm in charge of the navy. I can't kill Romano because he's mafia and that's part of Kat's division. However I could kill those three."

The three were England, France, and Spain.

The three former pirates blinked for a moment trying to figure out what Louis meant. Spain was the first one to realize the meaning of Louis's statement.

"You run the navy and because of that you deal with pirates and all three of us were pirates at one point or another."

Everyone looked a bit shocked for a moment before Louis burst out laughing.

"Maria was right. You're not as dumb as you seem. I guess your conquistador past was useful for something."

Spain growled under his breath. Whoever this Maria was, she had entered the top of his hit list. No one brought up his past unless they wanted to die.

Louis's grin widened at Spain's reaction. Spain's anger amused him and everyone else was shocked that the easygoing Spain was angry.

Louis noticed his thoughts and shivered. He had spent way too much time with Kat and Maria if his thoughts were anything to go by.

He decided to focus on the task on hand and worry about that later.

"Don't worry conquistador, you're not part of this trial. I want to fight against the two pirates that fought for 100 years and are still not over it. One condition, you two are going to have to fight together."

"What!? There's no way I can fight with the frog/Angleterre."

Louis just raised an eyebrow,

"Does it look like I care what you guys want? You're either going to fight against me together or all of you are going to fail my trial and won't be able to move on and that'll make the rest of my family and I very upset. After all, E Tsi the reason all of us are alive today."

England and France still looked murderous at the idea of working together and Louis seemed to realize that.

"Look, I didn't make the rules. E Tsi decided we would have to make the two that had the most history together fight with each other and the two of you have interfered with each other's history so much that you guys have something together in textbooks at least once a century."

England and France started protesting but were silenced by Louis's glare.

"I'll give all of you five minutes to get ready. Weapons are free game. I'll be using my knife so plan accordingly."

England and France looked at each other with hatred and lust in their eyes while practically everyone rolled their eyes at the UST rolling off of the two of them.

"Get a room you two. The awesome being that is me is getting annoyed with the sexual tension you two have been giving off for the past millennium."

"I do not have sexual tension with the bloody frog. You couldn't pay me to even kiss him."

France laughed,

"Keep telling yourself that Angleterre and maybe you will believe it someday. You know you want me so stop denying it."

England almost started yelling when Canada decided he had enough.

"You two will work together or I will make sure neither of you are able to sleep with someone for the next ten years. I want answers and I want to save Al and I can't do that if you two idiots don't pass this trial."

Germany was reminded of a time during World War 1 where Canada had scared them all. There was a reason why Germany feared Canada and Prussia thought Canada was awesome.

Russia was also feeling a slight bit of fear because it reminded him of the times he had played against Canada in hockey.

England and France immediately stopped arguing and started working on a plan to defeat Louis. After all they did have some experience together on the battle field.

Matthew watched carefully as Arthur and Francis, discussed their plan. Looking at them like this reminded him of how well they worked together when they put their differences aside.

It was starting to seem like these trials were something Al had created to bring the Nations closer together and in reality he wasn't too far off.

Just as the fight started, Nanuq struggled out of Matthew's grip and walked off to one corner of the room.

"Kuma, where are you going? Come back here," hissed Matthew as he ran after his bear.

"Not my name. It's Nanuq and if you want answers follow me."

Nanuq entered a room and after Matthew entered, the door disappeared.

"Laknulhá, what are you doing here?"

Matthew turned around to face Katrina, startled by the fact that he had been addressed as her uncle in Oneida.

Katrina smiled sadly,

"You didn't realize that we consider you family did you?"

"How could I when I don't even know who my own twin is?"

"Be quiet Canada. You know nothing of the situation. Let the forgotten child explain."

Nanuq grumbled but it was Katrina's reaction that held Matthew's attention.

"I am not a forgotten child. I am one of America's daughters. Just because a lot of people forget the Midwest exists outside the U.S. does not mean I'm forgotten."

Matthew smiled softly. He knew what it was like to feel like you were forgotten. He would love to talk to her a bit more but he needed to get his questions answered.

"Why did Al hide her gender and your existence from me?"

Katrina froze in surprise at being asked such a question. She was obviously not ready for such a question but she did her best to answer.

"I think it was to protect you. After all, the Croat made a deal with E Tsi to not touch you so long as you didn't remember. Knowing E Tsi's real gender would open up a door for your memories of a time long past to come back and if that happens, without the aid of the other Nations, you would be killed by the Croat."

"So the thing that kidnapped Al is called the Croat."

Matthew whispered to himself softly. The term reminded him of something but he couldn't remember what.

"Thing is a very accurate description. The Croat is what can happen when a person becomes desperate to live forever. I would tell you more but E Tsi is the one who truly knows everything. I think part of the trials is to help you find your lost memories."

Matthew sighed,

"So you can't really tell me much more about what happened to my sister. Why don't you tell me more about the family instead?"

Katrina brightened instantly,

"I can't tell you everything because you have to meet them with the rest of the Nations but I can tell you that there are eight of us and we're the reason E Tsi acts up so much during meetings. For example, this one time, we…"

Maybe none of Matthew's questions had been answered but at least he was getting to more about the family Al had hid from him.

Louis had noticed from the corner of his eyes that his uncle had gone to talk to Kat but before he could dwell on it, England and France attacked.

Louis wasn't really trying as he fought the two Nations that were equivalent to being his grandparents. His reasoning was that if the Nations passed the trials, E Tsi could be saved sooner. After all, E Tsi's safety was more important than his pride.

He did feel a bit guilty that he had made Kat become the guide instead of him but he knew Kat was the best guide to offer.

After all, she was the one responsible for the spying network in the U. she was the most diplomatic.

Louis was jolted out of his thoughts when England and France somehow managed to land a hit at the same time.

Unfortunately for them, they also managed to cut a few strands of his hair.

Louis was furious.

"You really shouldn't have done that."

Louis no longer cared that this was a trial, he was going to kill the bastards.

*biting on her thumb*- Shakesperian insult that I somehow managed to fit in.

puttana- bitch (Italian)

Laknulhá - my uncle (Oneida)

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I think I answer a few questions and I hope I raised some questions as well.

Please Review and give me your input.