2
"Canada is dead."
"Who?"
England glared at the questioner. "Canada," he explained. "Mine and America's little brother. He died last night and I have reason to believe that it was not an accident."
From his seat next to England America looked up with confusion in his teary eyes. The others seemed equally confused. France, however, just looked incredibly shocked. His mouth opened and when no words came out he closed it again and looked down at the table wide-eyed. The whole room had a air of astonishment about it.
"I'm sorry, Opium, but I have to ask." Every pair of eyes turned to look at China. "How did he die?"
England glanced down at his brother who was trying hard not to cry before responding. "I believe… he was suffocated."
A mutter swept through the crowd of nations, a mutter full of questions and worries. He looked around waiting patiently for them to stop and his eyes fell on France. The blond was staring at America with an unreadable look in his eye. America didn't seem to notice.
As the mutter slowly died away a single question came forth. "Who did it?"
There was no answer to be had and immediately people started looking at one another accusingly. Who would and could kill a nation? And why? France got up from his chair and walked around the table to where the Brit was standing. He looked around at the crowd and put and hand on England's shoulder, turning him away from prying eyes.
"I think," he said with a wavering voice. "Perhaps I should talk to l'Amerique. We were both very close to Mathieu and I don't think he should be here while we are discussing this."
England nodded. "Good idea. I've never seen him like this."
They turned back to the room and France kneeled down next to America. He said something to him quietly and with a quick exchange they left the room, closing the door behind them.
The group watched them go silently.
Germany stood up then and cleared his throat attracting the attention of the room. He looked out at the confused faces. Last night England had made a call. When Germany had answered the Brit told him everything, so next to England and America he knew the most and, being the man he was, had decided to take charge.
"We have informed very few people about this…tragedy," he said. "Naturally we told Canada's government as well as our own. We don't want this getting out to the press, so no one must tell anyone. Until we find out who it was we would like everyone to stay here. For safety's sake of course."
A low rumble of dispute filled the silence and Germany put up a hand to silence them. "We have informed your bosses of the situation and for the next while you will remain here where we can keep an eye on you. No one is to leave or make any connection with the press. The rooms and kitchen are at our disposal. So please go unpack your things. We'll meet here again in an hour to discuss what to do next."
The nations erupted into noise as they stood up and began to talk amongst themselves. None of them knew who Canada was, but each of them was quick to point fingers. They were all certain it was everyone else.
As this went on around him England shouldered his way over to Germany who had been blocked from view by the ruckus. When he finally reached the blond he was talking quietly with Japan who looked incredibly troubled. After a quick few words Germany placed a hand on Japan's shoulder and nodded to something England couldn't here. The smaller man bowed slightly and said something that might have been a thank you and disappeared into the crowd.
England moved closer and had to tap the taller man on the shoulder before he was noticed.
"I'm sorry, Germany," he said loudly. "But I was just wondering what you were planning to do? I mean it's not like we'll be able to find out much."
"Ja," Germany replied. "But I want to keep an eye on them for a while. Perhaps we can figure this all out."
"I hope so. This whole thing just makes me so anxious." He looked over his shoulder at the nations. Was one of them a killer? And if so, who would be next?
Not much happened here, this was more of a secondary intro I guess, but stuff will happen, I swear. This thing will live up to the warning. And guess what I learned today? Canada technically has 2 official national anthems! Who knew.