England paced around the decorative living area of the large hotel he was in. His dress shoes had skid over the rich red velvet rug spread on the floor for hours now.

He was tired, really tired, but he couldn't keep his eyes closed for a mere second. England ran his hand through blond strands that were soaked with sweat; he considered turning the air conditioner up, but he couldn't get past the pacing trance he was in to do so.

Yes, it was only the humidity that was causing his sweat, he tried to convince himself.

In reality; he simply just couldn't stand this time of the year. In the beginning of every July, he was always completely out of it. His nerves would become uncontrollable, and he would have very painful aches.

The worst part was that he was in the country that started all of this pain. France dragged him to his bloody party too. That Frog. Almost every country (including himself) was in North America from the first of July to the fifth. They first celebrated Canada's birthday party (which America insisted that he set up for his brother every year. Canada did not mind one bit, enjoying how America made it a surprise party every year, even though he saw it coming.) They would then enjoy and tour Canada for a couple of days before traveling to the United States for America's birthday party.

Most nations usually stayed an extra day, since America's parties often didn't end until early in the morning, and most of them had record hangovers and couldn't deal with the annoying airport regulations with such a headache. Some countries stayed for a little longer; enjoying the stress-free time off and touring New York City, but England couldn't bother to stay past the fifth.

Right now what he should have been doing was getting some sleep so that he could go to the airport and go home with some energy. After all, the yacht that America's party was on didn't see land until four in the morning. England still could not bring himself to fall asleep though. He had never changed out of his suit either, for the second that he had closed the door to the hotel, the pacing had begun.

He was agitated, and not at anybody else but himself. He hated how he couldn't bring himself to talk to America at the party. Every time he was about to approach him, America would go off with one of the countries or one of the guests. That was no excuse though. The truth was that England was avoiding the American the entire time. He didn't start to feel guilty until France caught up with him sometime after the firework show and told him America was looking for him. He really should have told him 'happy birthday' or at least gave him some kind of sign that he cared and wished him a good time.

He should call him, he thought as he paced around the room, but he didn't know what he was going to say. England stole a quick glance at the clock.

12:00

He let out a groan and turned his head away. That was it. It was noon and he has been pacing around the room for hours now. His crisp suit was drenched in sweat, and his straightforward mind was clouded with thoughts. It was about time that he took care of himself. After a quick shower and a change into more comfortable clothes, he would figure out what to do about America. For now though, he had to push the pressing issue to the back of his mind. England stumbled into the master bedroom and zipped open his suitcase. There wasn't much of a point in putting his clothes away when he was leaving that night. England smiled as his eyes landed on his union jack bandana. Maybe he should dress casually. His flight would leave at nine, but he would probably have to get there at seven to go through security, so he had around seven hours.

England laid his bandana, a black pair of pants, and a red tee-shirt onto the bed, then he hopped into the shower, first checking to ensure that France was not hiding somewhere. Hey, he had his reasons. It would not be the first time he had found that frog in his room.

The hot water pounded his back as he closed his eyes and thought. He had no idea why America bothered to spend so much money just to celebrate his birthday. Not only did he pay all expenses that made the party, but he also insisted that he pay the hotel bill for everyone, which ended up being at a very expensive hotel might he want to add. Then there was still Canada's "surprise" party, which he spent almost as much as he did for his own. Even though America was annoying, he had a big heart. No wonder why the boy was so deep in debt! Maybe if he didn't spend so much he would have some money to pay off everything that he owes! He still couldn't understand why he did it every year. It could possibly be to impress them or maybe because he wanted to boast about how large and flashy his parties always are. Either way, England could never see himself throwing such a big party every year. His was discreet and low-key. Until the alcohol kicked in.

The shower was warm and soothing, and England was happy to have all of that sweat washed off of him. He quickly got dressed and considered pulling on his leather jacket that he usually wore with the outfit, but quickly decided against it; it was way too hot outside. After getting dressed, Britain returned to the living area and stared at his phone. He sat down on the white leather sofa and flipped it open. There were plenty of new messages from France, but that wasn't anything new.

France was always sending him the weirdest text messages. It was mostly just him blabbering on about how beautiful the day was, how beautiful he was, which country he was in,and what he was eating. In fact, England couldn't remember the last time France sent him a serious message. It was as if France had chronically mistaken England's number for his own inane personal blog. He clicked on their conversation and scanned over the new messages with little care.

Frog (don't answer):

That party was amazing! I am ready to crash though, I hope I don't pass out in the taxi

I'm so tired that I can barely move. I'm at the hotel, room 14b on the 30th floor if you want to stop by again ;)

How do I set the alarm clock on my phone? I want to be awake by 8

I hate electronics

Never mind, Canada showed me. It's so hard to work these things

Had a nice sleep, how about you?

Just took a shower and got dressed, I look fabulous right now! I'll send you a picture if you want!

[New image from: Frog (don't answer)]

Just stopped by America's apartment, he wasn't home. Is that weird, or do you think that he is still returning the boat?

It's hot today, but it feels nice. I heard that it's going to pour later, but that's in the afternoon

I'm eating at the best dinner ever, the food is so good! America can't cook gourmet food, but when it comes to simplicity he ranks at the top. The waitress is hilarious also!

Just finished eating at the diner

Going out with Canada, Japan, Italy, Romano, Spain, Germany, and Prussia to tour New York, do you want to come?

England rolled his eyes at all of the ridiculous messages that were sent to him. If France hates electronics so much, then he doesn't see why he bothers to text him every bloody time he does something! England shook his head and continued scrolling through his phone. He paused when a new notification caught his eye.

Seven missed calls from: America

England felt his stomach tighten, he couldn't help but wonder why America had called him. He took a deep breath before dialing the boy's number. As the ringing started, England's throat went dry and he shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He didn't even know what he was going to say back to him. Just as he was about to hang up and forget about calling him back. The phone clicked and he held his breath instantly. A bright voice replied, "Freedom speaking!"

England pulled the phone away from his ear to avoid America hearing him let out a shaky breath. He then brought the phone back to him and masked his nervousness with his usual head strong voice, "Is that really how you usually answer the phone?"

America let out a loud laugh that hurt England's ears, causing him to wince. "Only when I know that it's you who's calling! So what's up?"

"What's up? You called me seven times, that's what's up."

"Oh yeah! Dude, where were you the whole party? I called because I thought that you jumped off the yacht and drowned." England could almost picture America's huge and naive smile as he talked.

England hesitated and suddenly found the red rug a very interesting sight, "Well, I was there."

"And?" America's teasing tone vanished as he waited for an answer.

He took a deep breath, "I might have... avoided you the whole time."

The was a tense silence on both sides of the line, England thought that America hung up before he heard a sigh, "Dude, why? What do I do every year that gets you so upset?" The voice sounded sad and confused, making England instantly feel even more guilty than he already felt.

"America, y-you didn't do anything this year that upset me. I enjoyed your party, I really did. Also New York is lively as always and it's always nice to return."

"But you never stay!" America complained. "You book a flight the second the party's over!"

"That's not true!" He quickly defended.

"Oh really? Your flight leaves tonight, doesn't it?" There was a pause, for England didn't have to answer a question America already knew the answer to. "Yeah, that's what I thought." America replied, sounding a bit like a kicked puppy.

"Well sorry that you're used to getting everything you want," He snapped back at the American. "You're such a spoiled brat sometimes! You throw the biggest parties just to celebrate your bloody birthday, which is not really your birthday since you weren't born on that day, might I just add. You get a pile of presents, you do whatever the hell you want no matter what anybody says, and you are always getting your way! So I'm sorry. I'm bloody sorry that the second you can't get what you wish for, you pout and force others into doing what you want. If I want to leave after the bloody party, I'll leave. There isn't anything that you can do about it!"

There was no noise after England's rant, he couldn't even tell if America was breathing on the other side of the phone call. "Alrighty then..." America murmured after a minute in uncomfortable silence.

England instantly regretted his words, "America I didn't me-"

"No, it's fine," America said, almost cheerfully dismissing him. He still sounded a bit upset, but England couldn't tell if he really was or not. "If you wanna go back to Europe, then do so. I'm not stopping you." He paused for a moment and his voice became serious once again, "Look, I was really searching for you because I wanted to say I'm-" he cut himself off as he heard a door shut. England heard it too, he must have missed America putting him on speaker. "Hang on a sec, kay?"

"Is somebody there?" England asked. He wouldn't know who would be visiting America since almost everybody was still sleeping due to the long hours at the party, had went home already, or had gone touring the city with France.

"Looks like it, must be somebody giving me a late birthday present, I'll be right back!" Something didn't feel right. If it were a guest, wouldn't they have knocked instead of just barging right in? He didn't know much about Americans, but he was sure that walking into somebody's house without notice would be considered rude even here. England started to wonder how they even got into the house anyways, he was going to hit America upside the head if he regularly left his house unlocked. "Oh hey guys, you came early. You know thatchya supposed to come tomorrow, right?" America could barely be heard through the phone since he was a distance away. England became even more concerned as he continued listening at the edge of his seat. He was one hell of a detective, and something was definitely out of place.

"Guys?" His voice shook as he called out, "What are you doing?" England jumped as a loud crash could be heard.

"AMERICA!?" He yelled through the phone.

"STOP! DON'T YOU DARE, YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" America screamed empty threats at his attackers. England could hear feet shuffle, objects shattering against a wooden floor, punching, kicking, and bodies being slammed into the wall. Someone let out a pained scream before stumbling back to their feet. A few muffled cracks could be heard, along with wet coughing. From the sounds of it, America was putting up quite the fight. England wasn't sure if it was enough though. America was a strong country, but it sounded like there was a hell of a lot more than a couple people attacking him.

The noise suddenly shifted. England inferred that the phone must have gone flying to the ground. Suddenly a body plopped down on the ground next to the phone. Hands fumbled with it for a moment then it was held up to the person's ear. England could hear raspy panting through the call and hesitated for a split second before speaking clearly, calmly and directly. "Who is this."

The person swallowed and with a cracking voice spoke up, "Yo England, dude…. it's me. I'm OK. I think I got them all, I don't know how long they'll be down though."

England was so relieved that his stomach hurt, "America, I'll save the questions for later. Just get out of there. Now. Go somewhere safe, and I will meet you there, alright?" He closed the door to his hotel room behind him and began racing through the hallways.

America's panting was sharp, and he started to wonder how badly injured the boy was, "Alright. I'll. See. If. I can. Get... Up. And..." America grunted and the phone clanked against whatever he used to heave himself up. His feet started thumping against the wooden floor and Britain could only guess that he was walking. "It's hard to breathe," America whimpered through harsh breaths, "I think they broke my ribs, and a couple more bones. They can't stop me….I'm the hero…I'm almost to the door and-"

BANG

England stopped in his tracks and held his breath at the sudden sound of a gunshot. America screamed and the phone crashed on the ground with him. England had a horrible sick feeling in the pit of his stomach while he waited for something to happen. The phone was grabbed once again by a pair of shaky hands, and he could hear America's uneven breathing, "America! Were you shot!?

America let out a pained moan before answering, "Yeah... my back... I don't think... I can meet you... I'm... sorry."

"AMERICA! NO DON'T GIVE UP, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, JUST GET UP!" Tears were streaming down the Brit's face and his voice cracked as he yelled into the phone.

"Before I go... just remember... whatever happens... after this... it's not their fault..."

BANG

America screamed in pain after another shot rang through the air. The phone plopped onto the ground and with a loud thump America collapsed again. His breathing slowed, and it seemed like he was fighting for consciousness. "It's... mine."

"AMERICA!" His breathing stopped and everything went quiet, England didn't move a muscle and waited for any sign that America was still alive, but there was nothing.

Footsteps could be heard and they got closer and closer to the phone. Then they stopped. The phone was picked up, and put to somebody's ear. He could hear the person panting. From what he knew, the person sounded a little disoriented, but not dizzy enough to not be able to shoot a gun. They said nothing.

"Whoever you are, this is your chance to walk away without this situation getting ugly. If you do anything to that boy, I swear on my life that it will be the last thing you ever do, because you will not get away with this." His voice was terrifyingly calm, and it was seeping with the promise to kill.

He was expecting some kind of a response, and was hoping that they would say something to determine who this was, but there wasn't. The only response his threat had was a click, and the call ended. England didn't even know what to do anymore. He stood there numbly staring at his phone in some kind of a trance. His perpetually busy mind froze, leaving him immobile. He stayed like that for a couple of minutes before he felt a sudden buzz. England glanced down at his phone.

One new message from: America

Now he could clearly hear his heart thumping as he pressed on to view the message.

The personification of the United Kingdom,

I apologize for this. I was not expecting you to insist on becoming involved with this little event. I am not certain if I should invite you to play the game or ban you from it, but no worries for me. No matter how you react to this, Alfred will no longer be the personification of the United States of America. The game will be won by the time you figure out the rules and the players. Don't blame yourself though, that's Alfred's job. It would be much safer if you were to forget about this and return to your country, but based on that friendly chat we just had, that isn't going to happen. If you're still willing to join the game in search for your former brother, then I advise you not to drag anymore personifications you care about into the game with you. After all, everyone who plays the game is going to get hurt, for only one of us can come out on top, and that will be me. I would wish you luck, but the truth be that I do not want you to have any. Goodbye for now, I might see you sometime, but you wouldn't want that to happen, for that little meeting would result in your death.

- The winner of the game.

England read it, then reread it, then reread it again. He had so many questions, but no answers. He tried to call the phone again, but it immediately went to voicemail. The attacker must have broken the phone the second the message was sent. Britain's hands were shaking now as he dialed a number, he bit his lip as he heard the ringing.

The ringing came to an end and a smooth French accent answered the phone, "Angleterre, mon cher! Have you decided that you want to tour the place with us after all? Or maybe meet up with me later?"

"France, where are you right now?"

France paused after hearing the seriousness in his tone, "I'm on the Empire State Building with the others, why? Is something wrong?"

"Very wrong. Meet me at America's apartment. America is in serious danger."

He was expecting some joke about how America probably ate his cooking or something of the sort, but no snide comment came. "Alright, I will bring the others also." France replied quickly. No matter how much the frog irked him, he had his heart in the right place. England thought about what that person meant about not dragging the others into this "game" he so often referenced. He decided to ignore and hung up on France without saying anything.

As he raced out of the hotel to jump into a taxi, he wondered about this person. This person was definitely dangerous, and they knew about the personifications. This combination was deadly. It was almost a given that they knew how to execute a nation also.

England had thought that they could have been a government official possibly, but the most probable and plausible explanation is that they themselves were a personification.

This person also had help; England heard America fighting more than one person earlier.

From the little that he had heard and seen, it was fairly clear that they were intending on taking America's role as a nation away from him somehow. England didn't know how exactly that would be possible, but he was determined to stop it.

Also there was the ominous "game" the message alluded to. Apparently there were rules, and players. He didn't know anything about it, or how to even begin "playing."

But he was going to find out. His people have always been seen as a testimony to tradition. Proud. Stubborn. Dangerous. No three words could better fit him. He was the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Whoever was playing this "game" had better watch out, for he was coming.

England stepped out into the sunlight and caught a taxi. He gave the man directions to America's apartment to meet France. Little did England know, he had taken the first step, blindly playing himself right into the hands of the chessmaste.

XXX

Author's note: And to America's apartment they go! Hey guys! Sorry about the short chapter, but next chapter is going to be really long, so bare with me please. Thank you for the reviews/favorites/follows/views by the way! I wanted to post this chapter this week because in just 6 days I'm going on vacation to the Cayman Islands! They drive on the left side of the road there! So I may or may not be able to post the next chapter by then, if not then I won't post anything before the 19th. Don't worry though I will try to fit it in there!