The nations remained quiet as Russia told his story. Their faces shifted from curiosity, to shock, to dread as the events "passed." They kept the silence even after Russia announced that he was done with the story. It was- after all- a lot to take in.

"How many of the 2ps are aware of Ian's prans?" Japan was the first to speak up.

"I had thought it was just Oliver, but Yang seemed to know about Ian's operations as well- so I really don't know… They might all know…"

The other's exchanged worried glances, questioning the *cough* "loyalty" of their own 2ps.

"We totally need to strike back! I'll of course lead the charge and be a hero as always!" America declared proudly.

"We should make preparations for this first. Since we really don't know what we're getting into, we need to prepare for anything," England said, "Russia, you said that Ian didn't have difficulty killing off the 2p!nations, so it shouldn't be difficult to fight back, correct?" England wavered before uttering the word "killing," possibly because of a reluctance to do so, or perhaps because of the nagging doubt that it was- indeed- possible.

"Um, yes, I did say that- but that's not to say that it's easy. Ian had to sever their connection to the country completely beforehand by using psychological trauma or Oliver's magic-"

"Oliver? Using magic?" England asked, "He never uses magic- I mean he CAN, but I think he hates magic entirely!"

"W-well, he never seemed to be too keen about it- but he certainly uses it. Erm, anyway, Ian almost always has to convince the 2p wholeheartedly that they aren't a nation and never were. Which is ironically the exact same way to kill a real nation, but it seems to be much more difficult."

"So that's vhy bruder doesn't remember anything," Germany said, mostly to himself.

"But what about China? Surery(surely) China was not so easiry convinced?" Japan asked

Ian shook his head, "No, but Oliver knows a spell. A sort of memory spell it would seem. It changes your memories, I think. China kept muttering, trying to fight it, but then Oliver…" Russia trailed off. He could guess that no one wanted to hear exactly how China died.

England sighed, "I'm sorry. This is my fault then."

"'ow do you figure, Angleterre?"

"Oliver was present while I was working on that spell. I didn't figure he'd listen since he wasn't fond of using magic- but it appears I was wrong. At the very least I know a counter for the spell- although it's short-ranged and would be almost useless on any kind of battlefield."

"How does the sperr work, Igirisu?" Japan asked

"It replaces one's memories with false ones. The castor can plan out each memory in detail, or they can single it down to a certain type and the 'victim' fills in the blanks. The latter tends to be much more convincing."

"The most convincing ries are the ones we terr ourserves…" Japan said.

"You said that the counter-spell is short-ranged, is that also true of the spell itself?" France asked.

"No, the spell itself has a rather long-range if cast on an individual, however it can also be cast over a small area- affecting anyone inside. But it's still a relatively small area unless-" England sighed, "Russia, you said that Ian told Oliver to 'get the other magic-users?' Do you think he could have meant the 2p!magic trio?"

"I-I don't know. Erm… what would it mean if he did?"

"With the other two, the trio could certainly cast the spell over a large enough area for a battlefield," England sighed again

"But vait… can't you just do the same thing vith the counter-spell?" Germany asked, for once involving himself in matters regarding magic.

"The counter spell still has a smaller range, and in order to keep it up, Romania, Norway, and I would have to remain on the sidelines without breaking concentration."

"So it is possibre, but not very usefur?" Japan clarified.

"Yes."

The nations thought in silence for a short while before England's tea-cravings got the better of him.

"Dammit, I wish I had some tea to help me mull some of this over!"

"I-if you want, I could make some…" Russia offered,

"I doubt America has any…" England muttered before accepting the offer.

Russia went off to America's kitchen and try and figure out how to make "instant" tea… and how the faucet worked… and how to turn on the gas stove… And eventually France left to go and help the poor anachronistic nation. (("Anachronistic" is my new favorite word! I'm going to use it a lot in the Doctor Who crossover I plan on writing once I finish this! Oh, by the way, it means "misplaced in time" to put it simply!))

A few minutes later, the nations turned their heads to the staircase as Prussia(AKA Gilbert) came downstairs, looking surprised to see so many people in a previously nearly empty room.

"Prus- oh, erm… Gilbert! How are you feeling, dude?" America corrected himself slower than Germany had, but even so, Gilbert didn't seem to notice.

"Um… I'm fine… I guess. Erm, who are you exactly?"

"Ame- Alfred!" again, America was slow on the correction.

"Oh, right… erm sorry… I mean thank you. For letting us stay here and loaning me your clothes!"

"No problem dude! Feel free to stay here until you're feeling better- or as long as you like!"

"Thanks…" Gilbert murmured quietly very uncharacteristically of him- an obvious symptom of whatever was plaguing him, most likely the sudden memory switching and the after-effects. ((See, he's not just OOC, there's a legit reason!))

Gilbert sat down next to his brother and quietly apologized for interrupting whatever it was they had been doing. The nations kept mostly quiet still- not wanting to send Gilbert into another fit by talking about nation things as well as still brooding over Ian and his plans.

A moment or so later, France and Russia returned to the room.

"Ah, sorry it took so long! I'm not used to this time I guess." Russia said, still managing to look cheerful. "Anyway, France helped me, so I hope it didn't turn out to bad!"

Russia stepped into the circle of chairs and couches to set the pitcher of tea on the table. And Gilbert screamed.

Germany of course comforted his brother immediately calmed down, but he still stared at Russia with terrified eyes. And why wouldn't he? Russia looked exactly like Ian- the one who had kidnapped and tortured him.

And it probably didn't help that Russia had uttered a nation name a moment ago, which likely conflicted with the memories implanted in Gilbert's head. America gave Russia a nudge and Russia immediately went to apologize- as he didn't notice Gilbert was even in the room when he had entered.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Russia spoke as if Gilbert were a child- which he did look like the way he was clinging to Germany with tiny, tiny tears in his eyes. "I'm Ivan. You must think I look a lot like my… brother, Ian. I'm really sorry for what he's put you through…" Russia said while extending a hand to the frightened German.

Gilbert just looked at it for a moment- his hands still grasping Germany's clothing. He eventually found the courage to lean forward and take the Russian's hand. He was surprised at how gently Ivan shook his hand- like he were a fragile china doll that would break apart if he so much as sneezed.

Ivan smiled. He was so happy that a different kind of tears almost formed in his eyes. He couldn't really explain it- he was just so, so happy that Gilbert had taken his hand and stopped crying. He really was like a tiny child…

((Sorry for the long, long wait. I really am. I've been busy lately and kinda depressed, so I haven't been working on any of my fanfictions recently. But I have an idea for another one, so I figured I'd finish this one since it's nearly done. That's right! Nearly done! Well, when I say "nearly," I really mean like 5 or 6 more chapters… Maybe 10… Anyway, we'll see how much I get done before I get tired and have to go to bed…))