((Don't let the chapter title confuse you, this isn't over yet. 1 more chapter after this one and then 2 bonus chapters!))

Russia stared in surprise as Ian fell forward to his knees, releasing his grip on his 1p's throat. A splatter of blood came from his lips as he coughed. Behind him stood Japan, katana in hand.

"That ris for China," he said dramatically, "Are you ar-right, Russia-san?"

"Y-yes," Russia said quietly, "I-is he d-dead?"

"Nuhhh-" Ian mumbled in response.

"Should we take him back to the others?" Russia asked

"I'd rather spirr his guts here, but you may have a point," Japan said

The two nations dragged Ian back over the hill and to the other nations. He grunted lightly when his head hit the ground but otherwise remained motionless. The nations just stared at him with expressions varying from shock to fear to pure rage.

"We need to decide what to do with Ian," Japan said.

"I say we kill him now," America said, sitting with England again.

"Yes," Italy said weakly, clinging to Germany.

"I'm rather fond of the idea too," Japan said.

"I'll second that," Switzerland said quietly, holding Liechtenstein a bit closer.

The four of them seemed to advocate for killing Ian- for obvious reasons. But while there were a few murmurs of agreement among the nations, no one was completely sold on the idea.

"So?" America asked rather impatiently, "Is that it? Anyone going to object?"

"U-um, I... I m-might," Russia said quietly- no one but those next to him even heard him. He was encouraged to speak up, "I-I might... o-object..."

America gave a disapproving look, but let Russia speak anyway.

"I-I just think we should at least try to limit how many people-" Russia paused, glancing briefly at America and Italy, "I mean we should try to limit the casualty list..."

There were more murmurs of agreement and even some exclamations of "yeah," or "I agree."

"Fine," Japan was the first to step down, "I wirr rest my case,"

It took a while longer but soon Italy lost his anger and stepped down as well. Only America refused to give in. He was kneeling beside England, holding the latter closely to himself. He had obviously lost the most from all of this- no one was disputing that.

"America..." Russia said

"Fine! God damn it, just fine, already!" America gave in, turning his face away, "Do whatever you want with him..."