Charlotte's airport was as lively as ever, the food courts were bustling, the security lines were lengthy, and citizens raced past them to catch their flight. Germany walked alongside Italy with the two states trailing behind them, it bothered him not being able to watch them every second, and he often found himself peaking over his shoulder, but it brought some comfort that he could hear every word they said. At the moment they were debating over some act that was recently passed, which didn't concern him at all. He was beginning to learn quickly that these states were not too different from nations when it comes to how easily they enter arguments. They would fit right in at a world meeting.
Italy reached into his pink shorts and pulled out what was left of his Subway sandwich that he didn't finish in Richmond. Being reminded of dinner, Maryland started complaining how Virginia cheated when she won the right to choose where they ate, Virginia stated that she took a short cut and won because Maryland didn't know the territory well enough. Italy could run when he really wanted to, and food was the perfect motivation, he almost caught up to Maryland when he reached the lobby. Germany was perfectly fine with coming in last, in fact he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Paying for dinner didn't even come close to making up for these states paying for all the transportation, but it was the only thing he was allowed to pay for for now. He must make it up to them sometime soon, though.
Unwrapping the sandwich, Italy shoved most of it in his mouth, "So where are we going to meet North Carolina?" His voice was muffled, yet understandable.
Well at least to Germany it was understandable, "What?"
"He wants to know where we're meeting North Carolina," Germany translated.
"Oh!" Maryland nearly yelled out of understanding, "Yeah, about that... he's meeting us here."
Italy almost dropped his sandwich and Germany stopped walking. Virginia and Maryland pulled them out of the way of rushing citizens, and towards a window in a secluded corner of the airport. "Do you know what will happen if you do that whole weird zapping thingy in the middle of a ginormous place like this?" Italy cried aloud.
"Shhhhhhhhhhh," was Virginia's response to his complaint. "It certainly will attract much more attention than you did just now." Germany glanced over his shoulder to see a couple staring at them in curiosity. Meeting Germany's eyes, the couple averted their gaze.
"New York insisted that I book this flight back to back to save some time," Maryland claimed in a low tone. "Anyways we're not going to do anything that involves our ability. We wouldn't be able to even if we wanted since we'd blow out quite a few power sources. We're just going to have to use our extremely short overlay to explain everything to him verbally."
Italy slumped against the wall, "That is going to take forever."
Maryland shook his head, "We'll probably be able to sum it up before our flight arrives."
"Question," Germany stated. "Does North Carolina even know that he's meeting us here?"
Maryland nodded, "I told him to meet us here when I was on the train heading to Richmond."
"Us? You told him who he's meeting?"
The state shook his head, "Not exactly. Technically I was hinting it, but all I said was a couple of us personifications are coming here."
"And you almost had to lie." Virginia said.
"I didn't!" He called out defensively.
Germany took a step forward before they could enter another childish fight, "So what time is North Carolina coming here?"
Just as he asked, Maryland's phone began to ring, "Ah! If that's not perfect timing, then I don't know what is!" He pushed speaker before answering the phone, "Hello?"
"What. Are. You. Doing!?" A voice hissed through the electronic.
Maryland paused, "So I'm guessing you called after you found us?"
"Of course! What else would I be flipping out over!?"
"Basketball...?" He guessed slowly.
"No! What are they doing here?
"Isn't that being a little rude? You sound like New York," Virginia spoke into the phone as she placed her hands on her hips, "Where are you anyways? You can't be too far away if you saw us."
"I can see you right now, and why are you just stating our official names so nonchalantly when those two are around?"
Maryland bit his lip, "North Carolina, they know. Not just that, there's more to explain. Come out so we can talk about this."
The phone call ended without another word and a minute later a man cautiously approached the group. The man's dry hair was jet black, and his right eye was a red-wine. He wore a cream colored shirt and red shorts with matching sporty sneakers. He silently stepped over on Maryland and Virginia's side and stared at both of the nations like they held a gun against his head. His guarded composure made Germany want to avoid eye contact and he found himself lowering his gaze. He crossed his arms over his chest and stepped back, "Now what's going on?" He stared over at Maryland and his eye started to glow.
Maryland covered his left eye and shook his head, "No. We can't do that here, we'd cancel flights. We're going to explain this to you verbally, so please just be patient with us, alright?"
North Carolina's worried stare flickered to the two nations in front of him before sighing, "Fine. But let me tell you now that this better be really important."
"It is," Virginia promised. The three states slid against the wall sitting themselves on the floor and began talking. Germany glanced at Italy before placing his luggage aside and joining them on the rug.
By the time they explained everything, North Carolina sat with his hands covering the majority of his face in frustration. "Are you alright?" Italy asked.
"Fine," He said curtly. "I just-" He shook his head, "-I just didn't think this would happen."
Virginia patted his shoulder and helped the disoriented state up from the floor, "None of us did."
"Well certainly some of us did since this is happening," Maryland said matter of factly. "We just have to find them, that's why we're going to America's house in D.C."
"Are You serious?" He asked.
"What?"
He turned to Maryland, "Everything aside for now because just, wow, when you told me to meet you at the airport, you never said anything about me having to go anywhere." For the first time, Germany noticed that he carried no luggage.
Everyone turned to Maryland, who who stared back sheepishly, "I-I couldn't" He swallowed and stole a nervous glance at Italy and Germany. "I couldn't find out a way to have you come here with luggage without explaining everything," He explained as quietly as he could.
"Or lying?" Italy asked. When no state responded, Germany gave them a curious look.
Maryland rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah, i-it's sorta a thing I have. a long time ago I just realized that lying really gets me nowhere, so since then I've been one hundred percent truthful."
"He hasn't told a lie this century or last century," North Carolina spoke up.
"Well, why didn't you say anything?" Germany asked. He tried to remain a calmly curious composure, but on the inside he was jumping. If this state wasn't really playing around, then this could serve as a real advantage for the nations. Not only could they possibly narrow down states with this, but they could also learn more about these personifications from an actual state without fearing the information would be false.
"Because I didn't want you abusing it? If that makes any sense." He stared down at the airport's rug, "Sometimes my fellow states or even America takes advantage of the fact that I can't lie. No offense," He said looking back at Virginia and North Carolina.
"It's fine," Virginia claimed, "It's true." She then stepped in front of him protectively, "Ask more than you need to from him and you'll have to deal with me." North Carolina nodded in agreement.
"We understand!" Italy stated compassionately, "So why don't you lie?"
"Well, err," Maryland swallowed, "It's really something that I don't talk about often." He studied his watch, "Anyways we have about ten minutes before our plane is going to arrive, we should talk about the other states and where we're going to find them."
"South Carolina told me she's going mudding, so I hope that you're not planning another flight back to back, because that's gonna take a while to clean up."
"Georgia is probably at her house," Virginia pitched in. "Who knows where Florida ever is, Alabama is most likely at home. I'd have to call to see who's house they're at, but Kentucky and Tennessee are together without a doubt. Also I know exactly where West Virginia is, so that's not a problem at all."
Maryland nodded, "Alright, so we have to lure Florida to a city close to the state boarder to make things faster, and find out where Tennessee and Kentucky are."
"Let's start with Florida. Where do we want her?" North Carolina asked.
"Hmmm, Tallahassee? It's close enough to Georgia and Alabama, which will cut our time a bit."
Virginia started dialing a number on her phone, "I got this."
Germany could barely hear the phone's ringing over the sounds of the airport, but soon a voice said, "Hello?"
"Florida!" Virginia called hastily, "Where are you?"
"...Miami, why? What's wrong?"
"Drive over to Tallahassee right now! Your apartments in Miami and Orlando have been booby-trapped, I just got a confession out of them, but I'm not sure about anywhere else." Germany and Italy exchanged a confused look while North Carolina and Maryland shook their heads.
"What!? Wait, who did it? I just left my apartment in Miami, nothing seems wrong with it."
"I'll give you a hint; they attack at night, and they work in a pair."
The voice paused for a moment before cursing, "Those assholes! How did they even accomplish this! Where is this prank anyway? I could have sworn my apartment is clean."
"It could be anywhere," She cried dramatically. "That's why I'm coming to Tallahassee, then we're going to America's house to sort this out."
"Why America's house?"
"Because we're discussing this with America. This whole thing is getting out of hand."
"You're right. I'll pack and start driving as soon as possible."
"I'll meet you soon! Be careful and don't run into any pranks!"
"Bye!"
When the phone call ended the two nations stared at her dumbfounded, "What in the world was that about?" Italy asked.
"Prank war," Virginia stated. "It's been going on for three weeks now."
"You see? That's how you get somebody to meet you at an airport with luggage!" North Carolina stared over at Maryland.
"Oh come on! There are going to be sixty personifications living in the same house, surely you can borrow clothes from someone! That was an obvious lie and I'm both surprised and disappointed that Florida actually fell for that." Maryland crossed his arms defensibly, "Besides she's probably going to flip when she finds out we lied to her, are we really going to have her feeling anxious the whole time she's traveling to Tallahassee?"
"She'll be fine, I can't say the same about you though, you worry about everything," North Carolina read his watch, "So what time do we have to be on the plane?"
"In about... two minutes," Maryland's eyes widened, "Oh my god, we only have two minutes! LET'S GO!" He pushed himself up from the floor and frantically read a piece of paper with the layout of the airport. Germany scrambled for his luggage and helped Italy gather his. North Carolina grabbed a blue suitcase and Virginia already had her's standing neatly besides her.
They sprinted out of the secluded corner they were in and almost slammed into a driving cart, "WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!" Someone shouted. Germany burst out his apologies as he slid past the cart, having Italy pushing him being the only reason he didn't get run over. The German fought through the crowd and pushed forward the second his dress shoes hit carpet, with the additional traction Germany found himself racing faster than he ever expected to be in an airport. The sounds and sights of the airport blurred together as he charged through the food court. Never before has he used up so much of his breath and energy to catch a flight.
When Germany realized that he couldn't hear or see any other personification he forced himself to stop. Panting, he scanned the area in a panicky rush. "No no no no," he pushed his fingers on his temple as he felt a wave of dizziness slam into him.
While he stood there furiously attempting to remember which direction he came from, Italy and the three states skidded around the corner, darting for him. "Wow! You sure went ahead!" Italy called. "How didn't you win our race in Richmond?"
Relief almost knocked him out of balance when his feet carried him to them, "Where is it!?"
"Right in front of us! We're almost there!" They sped ahead, dodging people, carts, suitcases, and everything in between. When they jumped in line to board the plane, Germany almost tripped over his own suitcase as he struggled to stop at such a fast pace.
A couple citizens gave them a side glance as they stood hunched over desperately trying to regain their composure. "I know exactly how you feel," the woman in front of them claimed, "I always find myself on the opposite side of the airport right before my flights." Failing to be capable of speaking, Italy politely nodded to recognize her comment.
Just as everything was calming down and Germany's pulse reached a stable pace, Maryland's eyes grew wide and he let out a loud gasp. "MY SUIT CASE!" He hastily patted down his pockets, "OHMYGOD! THE TICKETS ARE IN MY SUITCASE AND I LEFT IT BACK THERE, I CAN'T BELIEVE I LEFT IT! WE'LLNEVERBEABLETOCATCHOURFLIGHTINTIMEIFWEGOBACKFORTHESUITCASEANDWECAN'TCATCHOURFLIGHTWITHOUTTHOSETICKETsWHICHILEFTINTHESUITCASEI'MSUCHANIDIOTHOWCOULDIFORGETMYSUITCASE!"
Germany watched the state babble on with a raised eyebrow while Italy stared at him, confused. Virginia exchanged a look with North Carolina before he stepped forward, "I really don't know where to start here, but you need to calm down." He slammed Maryland's blue suitcase at his feet. "Your suitcase is right here, and the tickets are in your hand."
"Wha-?" He blinked at the suitcase and the tickets clutched in his hand, slowly realizing that North Carolina was right. "Oh," he could only say with an embarrassed laugh, "you're right."
"Now that that's over," Virginia said with a horse voice, "Let's get on our plane." The southerner took the tickets out of his hand and handed them to the employee.
XXX
It was 3:38 in the morning the last time Germany checked the time. It was right before two taxis full of eight personifications and all their luggage pulled alongside the road in front of a glorious white house in Alabama. The first taxi carried Italy, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, the second carried him, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Maryland payed for Italy's taxi and Florida payed for His. They watched the taxis drive away in silence. The road was thin, and winded down a hill. The early morning was silent except for a swift wind rustling trees and crickets singing into the night; they seemed to be the only things alive at this hour. The area was very secluded for only being twenty minutes from this state's largest city. The houses were spread out and trees were everywhere, creating the strengthening sense of isolation. Alabama's house and the thin worn down road were the very few clues that he didn't land himself in the middle of the woods. There wasn't even a streetlight in sight.
The white house stood on a neatly mowed hill that sloped backwards, giving it many advantages. The driveway curved to the side of the house where a brick garage sat, supporting the white paneled house. The front deck expanded to the opposite side of the house, having two wide staircases on each side. White columns lined the deck, giving it an old mansion look.
"It's so quiet in this area," Virginia stated.
"I know, it's like everybody's asleep in the middle of the night or something," North Carolina stated dryly.
"This house is amazing!" Italy boomed through the dark.
"I helped build it," Georgia claimed. "I put up the simple stuff like the foundation and the skeleton of it, while Al went insane over the details. You like?"
"It's beautiful!" Italy said to her.
"Well are we going to stand here and admire a house, or are we going to go in it and do what we actually have to do?" Florida asked. "Because it's almost a quarter to four and I'd really like to sit on a couch rather than a plane seat right now."
Germany couldn't agree more with her. Now that he thought about it, it has been almost twenty four hours since the party yacht saw land, which meant he hasn't slept since he woke up the morning before the party. He was too tired to count how many hours those were, but he knew he wanted to sleep soon. He could tell by Italy's swaying that he held the same wish. "Ja, we should go in."
"Can't wait to finally meet another male state so that he can pack clothes for me also," North Carolina said as he walked towards the house.
Georgia let out an obnoxious snort, "You could have asked me for clothes if you wanted. I have this nice purple skirt that would have matched your eyes perfectly." Her peach eye gleamed from entertainment.
Florida stepped forward, "Purple? I'm not sure that would match his eyes at all, NC looks more like the sharp black dress kind of guy. I have one of those if you want to borrow one by the way."
"Oh! I can picture it now, I think he needs some dangerous heels to go with that," South Carolina pitched in.
North Carolina rolled his eyes, "Over my dead body. Sorry to disappoint but you're not playing dress up with me anytime soon. Try Mary, maybe he'll go for it."
The said state flinched, "Whoa, don't drag me into this conversation!"
"Why not? You started it!"
"Did not, you brought it up again."
North Carolina crossed his arms when he reached the stairs, "Yeah you did, when you didn't bother to tell me I'd have to pack!"
Maryland started to mutter a retort when Germany cut him off, "Alright, enough! It's too early in the morning for these loud, childish arguments. I wouldn't be surprised if we woke up Alabama already."
"Well I'm glad I'm not surprising anybody," A deep southern accent said up ahead. Everybody froze to see a shadowed figure standing in the doorway. He must have opened it while everybody was distracted and into the conversation, "But boy does it look like you have a surprise for me."
"Hey Yellow Hammer! When did you wake up?" Florida called casually.
"Not everyday do two taxis stop by my house at this hour. So based on the fact that two nations are standing on my porch, I'm gonna guess this is pretty darn important."
Germany cleared his throat, "Yes, hello, it is nice to meet you, the state of Alabama. Do you mind if we come in? You're not wrong about this being important."
The state hid his face with his bangs, "Sure, why not. We've already made it this far into the conversation so I can't really say this is a dream, as I'm still hoping." He stepped aside leaving the doorway open. As he shuffled into the house with the rest of the personifications, Germany attempted to look upon his face, but his head was still held down. In the moonlight his hair looked silver, but it was too dark to tell if it really were.
"Why is it so dark?" Maryland asked. He was right, as Alabama closed the door behind them they were greeted with darkness, they only light emitted coming from their stars.
"I was asleep, why do you think? My eyes were already adjusted to the dark," His voice was dreary. He sloppily slammed his hands against each other twice and the lights elated.
Italy already found a couch to collapse on, his arms and legs were sprawled over the tan fabric. His eyelids drooped and every strand of his brown hair entangled except for his ridiculous curl. His clothes were ruffled and his breathing was soft. Everyone else didn't look as tired as Italy, but they were very close. Germany felt more drowsy than everyone else in the room looked, but he remained a stiff posture. If he wasn't alert, nobody was, and given the situation he desperately needed to stay alert.
The newest state ran both hands over his face and looked up, "So... did you guys get any sleep? From the looks of it you had a busy day." When he tore his gaze from the ground Germany was finally able to see his face. His hair was a white, tangled mess, and while one eye was a glowing white star, the other was a light yellow color. He wore nothing but a pair of gray sweatpants, revealing toned muscle. His bare feet dragged against the floor as he approached a sleeping Italian, "My fellow states, there's Germany and half of Italy in my living room, is there anything you want to tell me?"
"Wow, I think that was the calmest reaction out of all of us," Florida said. Germany quickly nodded in agreement.
"It's, what, four AM? I'm still half convinced this is all a dream, I'd suggest an answer to my question real soon before I wake up and lose it. What are they doing here?"
"I volunteer Florida," North Carolina yawned.
"Why me?" She asked.
"You're still standing, and it takes so much energy to share."
"S-Share!?" Alabama babbled, jerking himself into alertness, "Wha- there are countries here! How much do they know?"
Florida shook her head and fixated her eyes on his, "You'll see for yourself."
Maryland's eyes widened, "Wait! Before we do that maybe we should-" It was too late. Germany only saw their eyes light up and a stream of energy shoot across the room before glass shattered and the lights were blown out. Italy shrieked; Germany would too if he woke up to that. The room was silent and remained that way for half a minute when Alabama let out a groan. "-unplug everything." Maryland finished pointlessly.
"Too late."
"Somebody find a flashlight or something," South Carolina said. Germany reached for his cellphone and shined it in Alabama's direction.
The state was pushed against the wall from the pressure Florida released, his head was bowed and his face was in his hands. "I-I can't..."
"We know," Virginia said. "It's hard to believe."
Alabama almost stepped forward when Germany called him to a halt, "Wait! There's glass everywhere and you're not wearing shoes. We certainly don't need another glass injury."
"What glass injury?" Virginia asked.
Italy sat up from the couch and stared at Maryland, "He didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
North Carolina lifted Alabama and carried him to the couch, "Who cares about some glass injury if it didn't happen here?"
"Thank you." Alabama clapped his hands together, frowning when the room didn't come alight. He sighed, then started to light some candles. "I'll have to repair those, but we won't be sticking around here for too long, right?"
"We have to meet at America's house with the others," Germany replied.
After all the candles were lit, the state didn't reply and remained still until Germany started to consider he was a statue. The silence was so thick they were almost smothered by it, the daze wasn't broken until Alabama stood so fast, the movement blew out a couple candles. He placed his hand over his eye, but not his star, the free eye. "We're not going through this again," He growled in a clear, low voice. It was then that Germany realized that he was staring at Virginia and Virginia alone.
Every other state seemed taken-aback at his sudden change of attitude, like he has crossed a line none of them have dared to. There was something Germany was missing, he knew then. Something that these states took special care not to bring up. "Alabama," South Carolina's voice was slow and careful, "You should go pack now. You're tired and need some space to absorb the information we've given you."
Virginia's eyes bore into his with pure determination, "No, we're not."
With a hard nod, he looked past her and at Germany, "Carolina's right, everything's a little fuzzy right now, so I'll go get some space."
Germany wanted to know what was going on, now. These states were hiding something, and it seemed to be related to America's attack. Again, what did he mean by not going through it again? "Fuzzy? It appears to me that you were speaking quite clearly." Alabama stopped at the base of the stairs, then shrugged to his question. His footsteps were pounding compared to the noiseless house.
When the state reached the top of the stairs, Maryland warily stepped forward, "Please excuse him. Alabama is a very family-oriented person and can get emotional sometimes when we're at threat. What he said doesn't effect everyone's mission, so I suggest you leave it. I'm going to make sure he's OK." He had to admit the state was certainly truthful, but he didn't try to explain anything that Germany wanted to know.
"So what was he saying then?" Italy asked, But Maryland was already racing up the stairs.
Virginia crossed her arms, "It doesn't matter what he's saying."
Germany matched her stubborn look. He has been part of plenty interrogations before, and knew on instant when a question was being avoided. "Maybe we should call Maryland back down so that we can receive a truthful answer."
South Carolina groaned, "For the love of god just drop it!" Italy flinched at her harsh tone. "It doesn't matter, we ain't gonna talk 'bout it! It's in the past."
The room grew into a heavy silence while Maryland and Alabama were up the stairs packing. Germany's dress shoes echoed as he restlessly paced around the living room, he barely regarded anything else.
We're not going through this again
No, we're not.
What he said doesn't effect everyone's mission, so I suggest you leave it.
It's in the past.
What did they mean? What happened that would bring such a strong reaction when placed in this situation? The conversation was a broken record in Germany's head, and he couldn't sort it out. He soon found himself seated next to Italy on the couch, the Italian was awake, but barely. Defeated and driven by boredom, Germany stared around the candle-lit room.
The new states he has met weren't as tired as everybody else, but they were impatient. Florida glanced towards the stairs every couple of minutes, one eye a dim star and the other an orange orb. He didn't know too much about her, but from the endless amount of arguments during the trip he learned that she knew fluent Spanish and swore in it often. That wasn't too surprising though due to her Hispanic origin, which she talked about often. When she first saw Germany and Italy, she had to be dragged out of the airport, no state would risk using their ability in there and there was no talking to her. Germany wanted to get to know her more- along with every other state- so that he could decide what kind of a suspect she would make. The only thing that seemed threatening about her was feisty attitude.
Georgia wasn't too much of a suspect either. So far she seemed remotely nice, he didn't realize why North Carolina called her peachy before meeting her until he remembered that Georgia was the Peach State. Her other eye was peach, too; he was starting to catch a pattern that these states' appearances reflect aspects of their land. Her brown hair was a mess tied into two braids that brushed her shoulders, well at least he thought they were braids; It was hard to tell since so many strands of hair stuck out of it. At the moment she was trying to redo her hair style into something a little less messier, only succeeding partially.
South Carolina sat on the floor next to North Carolina, drumming her fingers impatiently against the wooden floorboards. She was practically North Carolina's twin. They had a similar round face and muscular body, also the same thick black hair. They were very different in personality though, North Carolina seemed to enjoy urban areas while South Carolina enjoyed the country.
Virginia leaned besides the staircase crossing her arms, she has been in that position since Alabama's outburst. Her expression was surprisingly calm, which was the last thing Germany was suspecting. When Alabama made that comment, she didn't seem surprised, in fact she seemed offended, upset that he would say something like that. He knew how it felt, and knew the exact posture she used at that moment. She made a mistake, one in the past that she could have swore was the right decision, and today realizes how wrong she was. He knew that from his own decisions he has made in the past, the main question is what did she do?
I just don't want everything to fall apart again.
Germany almost fell off the couch when it all clicked together. It was so obvious, yet well hidden without basic knowledge of America history; it looked like his research on the way to Richmond payed off after all. Germany stumbled to his feet, attracting the attention of everyone in the room. He pointed to Virginia with a stiff finger, "Y-You-"
Virginia stepped forward with a challenging frown, "What?"
Germany attempted to regain his composure, but he was shaking with cold realization, "You! The state of Virginia was practically leading the Confederacy! This happened before!"
Italy stood up, he was wide awake now, "What? Are you saying that Virginia attacked America the same way states are attacking him now?"
Germany turned to him, relieved that he wasn't alone in drawing the same conclusion. "That's exactly what i'm saying." Germany studied the state, she clenched her trembling hands into fists. Virginia's eyes were now wide of fear, "Virginia, I charge you with the capturing of the United States of America."
Some states in the room froze, completely shocked into place, a couple studied Virginia skeptically, more stepped beside her, glaring at Germany. Virginia quickly shook her head and stepped backwards, hitting her back against the wall, "N-No! It's not like that- not anymore, I swear! Yes, I did fight against the Union, and yes, I did attack America. But I've realized my mistake! I attacked America to create my own nation, not to over-throw his. The confederacy at the time was fighting on defense; all we wanted was for the U.S. to recognize us as a nation and stop trying to regain us. But we were all wrong! We lost and I have been faithful to my country since, I've changed. Certainly you know how it feels," Germany swallowed hard at that comment. Virginia leaned forward anxiously, waiting for a response.
"We all make mistakes," Italy murmured weakly.
"Mistakes are made," He responded with a hard voice, "but America is still missing, and you're our greatest suspect at the moment. I'm still charging you; when we reach the house you will be searched and questioned, you may give up all known information now if you please."
Virginia's glossy eyes burned with a sharp glare, "Hit me with all you got." Her voice was dangerously low, "I have already confessed my crimes, the ones I've committed back in the 1800s. Accusing me of anything else would be as fair as me charging you for Nazism." Germany visibly flinched, "Trust me now when I say you'll find nothing."
The room went silent as Virginia and Germany stared each other down. The only noise in the house were murmured voices gradually growing in volume as they came closer. Stairs creaked when Alabama and Maryland calmly reached the ground floor, "Hey North Carolina! Guess who asked Alabama to pack some clothes for you? Besides the extra clothes, there is absolutely no reason for all of these bags. I swear he's trying to pack the whole house!"
Alabama followed him down, "You're so over exaggerating."
"Yeah, I am. So did anybody figure out where Tennessee and Kentucky are?" Maryland's voice died when he noticed how the mood changed since he left, "...Alright, no rush we can always figure that out later."
"What's wrong?" Alabama asked cautiously, "I mean there must be something wrong when y'all start acting so wide awake this early in the morning, am I right?" While he nudged Maryland playfully with his elbow, his eyes gave away he was increasingly concerned.
"Italy, we're switching taxis on our way to the airport. I'd much rather ride with the more than interesting state of Virginia."
"Huh?" Italy glanced back and forth between the two personifications.
"Let me translate that for you, Sweet Pea; Your dear friend here doesn't trust me enough to ride alone with you. Who knows, maybe on the way to America's house I'll turn against you and force you to join the Confederate cause," She said hotly, fixating her glare on Germany.
Germany felt his face heat up, "Well since you already took down one nation, I wouldn't be surprised if you tried for another."
Virginia threw her hands up, "Yeah, that's right! There's no possible way any of us are innocent unless we've been complete saints to America throughout our history. Didn't you hear? Taking down our leader and terrorizing nations is like a national sport for us! The hardest part of this all is figuring out which weapon to use to slaughter them."
"It looks like this time you went for gun," Germany replied coldly to her sarcastic outburst, anger burning in his eyes.
Only when Virginia choked on her combat did Germany realized he took this accusation too far. Blinking back tears, she turned to the other states, "Do you see this? This is why we've been keeping our secret for so long. Us personifications are ruthless and greedy, but never forget that nations are the cruelest of them all. I don't know how we're going to work together when we'll most likely be treated like this," Germany shifted stiffly when she gestured to him, "when we reach the house. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go call our taxis so that we can catch our flight." The air was still as she quickly walked out of the house, slamming the door shut behind her.
One after another, each state found an excuse to follow Virginia out of the house. All except Maryland and Alabama, who took their time collecting their luggage. When it was just them, Alabama turned to Italy and Germany, "Look, I kind of see things your way. After all, I thought the same thing when I first found out that America was taken by one of us, but now I really think she's innocent. During the war Virginia didn't go to the extreme. The state responsible for all of this is taking this too far, farther than Virginia would ever."
"Also Virginia wasn't lying when she said that she regrets what she did. If she regrets doing what she did back then, she wouldn't do it now." Maryland pitched in.
Germany nodded with regret bubbling inside of him, "I understand."
With a nod, Alabama left, Maryland started to follow him out, but stopped at the door, "I'll try to calm them down for you. Oh, and Italy, are you still riding in our taxi? I think it'll be best."
Italy glanced at Germany before answering, "Yes."
After the state left, Germany stared at Italy, "well there goes our lead."
"No there goes your lead," Italy blurted back. When Germany gave him a look, the Italian cowered, "I-I mean-"
"Don't," He said with a pain in his stomach. "Just be honest with me, what am I doing wrong here?"
Italy studied the ground, "W-Well I think you're thinking too logically, if that makes any sense..." He looked up at him, "You're trying to find this guilty state through facts, but the problem here is that there are no facts. We know nothing about these states, if someone looked up a Wikipedia page on you and then accused you of doing a crime now based on something you did related to it a long time ago, would that be fair?"
Germany paused, surprised at how much sense he was making, "No. So how do you think we should do this?"
Italy tapped his finger on his lips, his eyes wandering, "Hmmm. I'm not sure, but Alabama said that this state was going to the extreme."
"Which means that never before did any state make it this far," Germany said. "If this is the first time this happened, then this state will make mistakes."
Italy's eyes gleamed in the candle light, "That's good! Then we just wait for a mistake that will give away who it is!"
"Exactly! Or we could try to bring this state into making a mistake."
"How would we do that?" Italy asked.
Germany's mind was running, "I'm not sure yet, but for now what we should worry about is making it to America's house. I'm sure that after we discuss with the other nations we will have a complete plan."
Italy nodded, "Alright! Just promise me that you'll tell me next time you think another state did it. We're in this together and I don't want to be left out."
Germany felt his cheeks heat up and rubbed the back of his neck, "I will, sorry, I wasn't really focusing on anything other than Virginia."
Italy laughed, "I know you weren't. You can be so silly sometimes when you're too focused." Italy wrapped his arms around him in a warm hug, "Come on! We're going North now!"
XXX
Now Germany really wished he didn't wear a suit.
Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead and stung his eyes as he trudged through what seemed to be an endless void of weeds. There was a winding dirt road, but they abandoned that trail long after they left their taxis with their luggage in hand. With their luggage, they passed a bright yellow sign that read, "END OF ROAD." That was the last time Germany has be able to navigate where they were since. All he knew at this point was that they were somewhere on the outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky. It was morning now, and the sun barely shined through the trees above.
Italy whined when his foot sunk into a rabbit hole, South Carolina growled, "Kentucky has to work on making a darn path to his house."
Germany grabbed Italy's arm and yanked him out of the dirt, "Was there a path before?"
The state shrugged, "Who knows. I can't remember, it's been that long since he cleared all these weeds out."
"He's tryin' to grow it out as much as possible," Virginia murmured. "He says it builds character."
"Well this is some messy character," Italy said.
Florida snorted, "Yeah, I think messy describes the character of him and his house."
"'Builds character' my ass," Georgia said with a roll of her eyes, "I say he just likes to make us go through the trouble of getting to his house. I bet he has a much easier way to his house that he hasn't told us about."
"Maybe this is part of the prank war," North Carolina suspected.
Maryland swatted a tree branch out of his way, "I doubt it. The prank war has been going on for three weeks, Kentucky has owned this house for twenty years."
"So? Who says this prank war has anything to do with whether he has another path to his house? I think he's growing this out so that it's easier to ambush us."
Germany looked around, "I don't see anything moving, I don't think he's here. How many states are involved in this thing?"
"The prank war? Well there's all of us, and Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Kentucky and Tennessee started it, and it only went East and South from there. The states West of the river and North of us didn't want to be involved, a wise decision really. It's gotten way out of hand since it started, I'm surprised nobody pulled anything at America's party." Germany blinked in surprise at Virginia telling him this. That was the first thing she said to him since Alabama. "Oh and by the way, Tennessee was a confederate and Kentucky was a border state. Just letting you know in case you're planning on picking out suspects later." Germany grinded his teeth as she passed him.
"So do they know we're coming?" Maryland asked.
Virginia shook her head, "They know I'm coming, but that's it. If this does turn into an ambush, I don't want them to know that we have strength in numbers."
"So what's the chance of this turning into an ambush?" Italy asked shakily.
"Oh, it's not a chance," Italy sighed of relief, but Maryland continued, "It's a definite."
"We'll be fine," Germany reassured him. "It's just a prank war."
Italy shook his head, "Well I'm not sure about states, but when it comes to the word 'war' we go a little too far."
Maryland gestured to him, "He's got a point."
Suddenly the weeds cleared out and Germany was walking on flat grass. The overlaying wilderness opened up to a large green yard with a blue paneled country house sitting on it. Behind the house were horse stables surrounded by wooden fences. Beyond the stables led to some dirt pathways created by tire tracks. It was hard to hear anything above the wind rustling the trees and the horses around the stables.
Italy breathed, "This is so..."
"Quiet?" Florida asked.
"I was going to say beautiful."
Georgia shook her head, "Florida's right, way too quiet."
"Usually if Tennessee is over also, they would be making so much noise, the horses wouldn't even want to come out." Virginia murmured quietly.
"Just as I said," Maryland nudged Italy's shoulder. "A definite."
Germany was not in the mood for playing games with personifications he barely knew, "You're all just being paranoid. I doubt they're even planning anything."
No one was listening to him though. They paused when they heard an engine roar to life, "Kentucky has an ATV..."
Alabama grimaced when the noise repeated, "No, he has two."
Suddenly two ATVs raced around the stables and into sight. From what Germany could catch of them, the two men riding them wore camouflage fitted with black gloves and orange goggles. Germany dropped into the warm grass when he saw one of the men raise an orange gun and fire in his direction.
"Are those bullets!?" Italy squealed from behind a tree.
"No! They're paint-balls!" North Carolina yelled. "Retreat to the woods!"
Germany army-crawled behind some brush and checked his dirtied suit for splattered paint. Soon Italy, Florida, and South Carolina dropped to the ground next to him. "Italy were you hit?" He sighed when the Italian shook his head.
"Where's everybody else?" South Carolina asked.
"Probably hiding elsewhere," Florida muttered while trying to wipe yellow paint off her suitcase.
He peaked over the brush just in time to see the ATVs roar past him. Paint-balls whirled towards him, but it didn't look like any of the states saw Germany. Right now they were just riding along the tree-line and shooting into the woods hoping to hit someone. "We need to come up with a plan. If we all just hide here, these states are going to get impatient. Who knows what they'll do then."
"It looks like Virginia's got one," South Carolina pointed to the blonde.
Virginia stormed out into the open filed with her fist in the air, "TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY! I DEMAND THAT YOU STOP THIS NONSENSE RIGHT NOW! Y'ALL ARE GONNA GET IN SO MUCH TROUBLE WHEN I GET TO YOU!"
Catching their attention, the ATVs whipped around and raced at her, "MAYBE, IF YOU CAN EVER GET TO US!" Virginia jumped as paint-balls were shot at her. The states roared a laughter almost as loud as their engines.
"That doesn't look like a plan to me, it just looks like she's insane," Florida said.
South Carolina peaked over and pointed towards the blue country house, "No, look past them!"
Germany slowly lifted his head and saw Maryland, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina have reached the wooden porch for the house. He glanced over at the ATVs to only see them playfully circling Virginia, who tried to dodge paint-balls the best she could. "So if she's the distraction, what are they going to do to stop them?" He asked.
"I have no idea, but whatever they do it's gonna be hard as hell to get them off those ATVs. If they're lucky they might be able to disarm them." Florida shook her head, "Those boys are never gonna give up."
Germany studied the situation at hand, "In that case we'll have to make them."
"What are we going to do?" Italy asked.
Germany glanced around, a plan blurting out of his mouth, "If they can't get them off the ATVs then that will have to be our job. When North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, and Alabama begin their counter attack, they will distract them and possibly even disarm them like Florida said. Virginia will be left alone and their main focus will be trying to take them down. By now Tennessee and Kentucky have probably figured out it's not just Virginia, but after they see these four states, they'll think that's it and there's no more. We'd have the element of surprise. If we could sneak over to them while they're distracted, we might be able to pull them off their ATVs, and then we'd win."
Italy gaped at him, "You mean that you want us to run up to a moving ATV and pull them off!? How'd we ever accomplish that?"
Florida watched Virginia crouch down to avoid a series of blue paint-balls, "If we're strong and fast enough, we might be able to pull it off. Right now it looks like our only option."
South Carolina nodded, "Alright, Florida and I will run for Tennessee, you two get Kentucky. He's the one with the orange gun shooting yellow." Germany watched the man with the orange gun, he rode a green ATV covered in mud, the other riding a red one.
"When are we going to do this?" Italy asked with a wobbly voice.
Germany stood from the brush and positioned himself behind a tree, ready to run. He heard feet shuffle and the three other personifications joined him. The nation glued his eyes to the scene. While Virginia shouted empty threats at the two pranksters, four states stood by the stables wearing thick gloves and carrying sling shots.
"SO WHAT WAS YOUR BIG PLAN WHEN YOU CAME OUT HERE IN THE OPEN?" The red ATV rider yelled the question teasingly at Virginia. The vehicle then swerved to the side when a brown blur splattered on the side of his helmet, smearing his goggles. He stopped the ATV for a moment to inspect what hit him, Germany was tempted to jerk forward and throw him off now, but he knew better. "DID YOU THROW MUD AT ME!?"
Their attention was drawn to the four states by the stables, "OH YOU WISH IT WAS MUD!" Georgia shouted across the lawn, earning a high five from North Carolina.
"YEAH RIGHT!" Kentucky yelled.
Maryland stepped forward, his sling shot equipped with a brown pile, "TRUST ME, IT'S TRULY HORSE SHIT. IT STINKS TOO, YOU SHOULD SMELL IT YOURSELF." When the manure exploded on Kentucky's chest, Virginia burst out laughing. Their ATVs growled when they charged for the states. Each sling shooter took up different positions in pairs. Maryland and Alabama ran one way, North Carolina and Georgia another. Germany studied Kentucky on his green ATV racing towards North Carolina and Georgia.
"Now!" Germany, Italy, South Carolina, and Florida exploded from the brush, kicking up grass as they charged after the ATVs. Italy whined as they split up and came closer to the raging ATV. They stopped at the corner of his country house and peered at the attack. The rider's back was turned on them and shooting paint-balls towards Georgia and North Carolina. "Italy, I need you to stay focused. We have the advantage here and we will defeat him. He doesn't even know that we know him, let alone know we're standing behind him. You can do this, there is no surrendering."
Italy closed his eyes and took a deep breathe, "OK. I might be able to do this."
"Ready?"
Italy shook his head and held his stomach, "No, but I don't have a choice."
Germany and Italy jumped around the corner and crouched on the ground, ready to spring up and attack. Georgia nudged North Carolina, nodding towards the two nations. Thankfully Kentucky didn't catch on when the states split up and ran to each side of him. Kentucky stopped the ATV to keep both of them in range, shooting at whoever looked to be the first to launch more manure. Germany stared into Italy's amber eyes and nodded, then they both jumped from the grass and sprinted at the halted ATV. Kentucky was firing another round of yellow paint-balls at North Carolina when they both reached the back of the ATV. Italy coughed on a cloud of smoke that exploded in his face, catching the state's attention. He stopped firing and glanced at Italy with wide eyes, "WHA-"
It was too late for him. Germany wasted no time, he leaped onto the ATV and grabbed the man by his collar, then dragged him off the ATV. North Carolina and Georgia cheered, dropping their sling shots and running over to kill the engine of the ATV. Once the engine was killed, half of Germany's hearing was back and he stared down at the new state. Kentucky groaned with his head buried in turned up dirt. A second engine died and Germany let out a long breathe; his plan worked.
Virginia walked up to them, her clothes were smudged with dirt, but it was only her legs that were covered in blue and yellow paint. She carried her shoes by her side, "Tennessee is down. I heard about your plan, not bad Germany."
The German rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah, that was a pretty good idea yourself, being the distraction and all."
Kentucky coughed and slowly rolled his face out of the dirt, "Wha- wha- what are they doing here!?"
The blonde crossed her arms and glared at him, "I told you the reason I was coming over was urgent, and what do you do? Of course you have to set up your next chaotic scheme to compete in this damn prank war you started!"
Kentucky stumbled to his feet and stared at me in confusion, "Well if you told me that one of them were coming here, certainly this wouldn't have been a problem."
A certain fire gleamed in Virginia's eyes that told Germany to step back, "Why is it that you and Tennessee are always doing this!? Certainly this wouldn't have been a problem if you ever listened to me! I know I raised you two better than this, and you're both grounded when you get to the house!"
Kentucky babbled, "You always treat us like children!"
"That's because you act like children!"
He angrily took a step forward, "If you came alone you'd be laughing up a storm right now! What changed? Why are these nations here? What's happening?"
Germany took another step back when Virginia threw her shoes at the grass. She stormed up to him with a glowing eye and without warning blasted him with a beam of light. Kentucky stumbled back as a reaction, blinking furiously. "There, all your questions are answered. Now go get yourself cleaned up, you smell like shit." Virginia stopped to pick up her shoes before stepping up the wooden porch and entering the country house.
"What's wrong with Virginia?" Italy asked.
North Carolina shook his head, "She's just stressed. She'll calm down in a bit."
Kentucky stared up at Germany with a shocked expression, "America what?"
XXX