It was official: Every nation agreed to remain in the United States and rescue America. Japan respected England for giving them the choice to leave, but at the same time he didn't know how he would have felt for any nation that took the offer. Leaving to their home countries now would be abandoning America, and he wouldn't stand for that, especially after England told Japan what happened to France.
Japan didn't see how this state could have sabotaged their car and contacted France with the time span of at most twelve hours of planning. It was obvious that at least one of the guilty states was among England's party since someone had to put water in the gas tank, but the question was who told them to do it. Japan had a feeling that the state behind this wouldn't have ruined the car themselves, even if they were a New England state. He doubted this state would risk giving the nations physical evidence when there were only ten states that could have done it. Somehow this state was capable of seeming to belong to England's party, but at the same time didn't. England would have noticed if a state was calling France through a voice filter, he said he was watching them all carefully while France was heading towards Massachusetts' car. However, wouldn't one of the nations have noticed any state who was talking to France over the phone? Japan had no idea where this state found the window of time to do this without getting noticed.
However they did it, they succeeded, and as far as Japan was concerned every personification was at least a little shaken from it. Ever since Seattle when Russia told the states what happened to France, their spirits dampened. Japan realized that America wouldn't have been the only one being abandoned if one of the nations decided to leave. Not even blacking out the last state on the map lightened their mood when they reached Montana, and the flight to D.C. wasn't better.
"How much longer before we're getting picked up?" Montana asked, kicking a rock across the road leading to the airport. She had long blond hair, a sky blue eye, and an easy going composure. She was the only state who was up for conversation during their trip. Probably because she received the information in a second hand way. Not even California wanted to share with her, claiming that while she was "the most capable sharer," she didn't believe she had the concentration to not cause any damage to their surroundings.
"Soon," Japan checked the time on his phone. When they reached D.C. he called England who told him that two cars would arrive in about thirty minutes. Based on how much time passed, they could be showing up any second now.
"Good. We have a lot of information to review, it will be much easier once we reach the house." Japan almost flinched when Nevada spoke, his voice only catching him off guard because the state hasn't said a word since Seattle, instead choosing to indulge in his work of recording conversations and writing possible theories.
Russia rested his hands behind his back and tilted his head, "We? I don't mean to sound rude, but I don't remember any of us inviting you to help with this investigation."
Nevada glared at him, "That's because none of you did, but you will. I'm sure New Mexico made it clear to the other nations that she's helping by now. As her partner, I'm going to help as well. So yes, when I said 'we' there was no mistake."
Japan could sense the beginning of an argument, but before Russia had a chance to respond, a red car came speeding around the corner, and skid to a stop in front of the group. Every state close to the curb leaped back, and Japan jolted. A black van soon pulled up behind the red car. Japan could dreadfully guess who was behind the wheel of the red car, but he didn't know who was driving the van.
"Ciao!" Italy cheered as he rolled down the red car's window, "Germany told us to pick you up while everyone's eating."
Utah raised his eyebrows, "We actually threw together a meal? I'm surprised."
Prussia jumped out of the van and walked up to Japan and Russia, "Sup loosers? You missed all the fun!"
Nevada placed a hand on his hip and narrowed his eyes, "Define fun."
He smirked at the state, "I watched a movie with half of you guys, what else would I be talking about?" His remark seemed to settle the state, but when his blood red eyes met Japan's, he knew the Prussian wasn't just talking about a movie. "Anyway you have a lot of catching up to do."
"We know," Russia said, "I can't wait to hear all about everyone's trip." He gave Prussia a large grin, one that seemed way too wide in Japan's opinion. "How was your trip with Canada?"
Japan almost forgot how he ended up with Russia in the first place until Prussia laughed uncomfortably. Oh yeah. He practically jumped into Canada's lap before Japan even had the chance to ask to be partners. If only he could have went with Canada instead, maybe his experience would have been much smoother. Then again, he didn't know what kind of states Canada had to deal with. Prussia shrugged, "It had it's ups and downs, and as in ups and downs I mean way too many elevator rides. Why is it that every state lives in a damn apartment, and why do they have to live so many floors up?"
Washington grinned for the first time since the call, "We like heights, they supply better views." She looked between the two cars, "So who's riding in which car?"
Prussia looked at Japan, "How about you ride with me and half the states, and Russia rides with Italy and the other half?"
Japan watched him carefully, he couldn't decide if he made the offer as another attempt to stay away from Russia, or to make up for leaving him with the Russian by keeping him away from Italy. Japan probably would have left him with Russia out of spite if Italy wasn't the other option. The nation drove like a maniac, and Japan couldn't handle another ride with Italy behind the wheel in his life time. "Yes, that sounds good."
Russia smiled, "Fine by me! Alaska, California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona can ride in Italy's car." Each state glanced up when he said their name, none of them too happy to be riding with Russia, but a few perked up when Italy was mentioned.
"Then Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Idaho, and Montana can ride with Prussia and I," Japan said. Prussia nodded and went around to jump in the driver's seat.
Oregon patted California's shoulder with a ghost of a smirk on her face, "See you at the house, enjoy the oh so very cramped ride." California started towards the small red car and groaned. If this really was Massachusetts' car then Japan didn't want to know how the New England states crammed in there for their long road trip. Japan was thankful for the plane rides, even though they were long and uneventful.
He climbed into the passenger's seat and shut the door behind him. Prussia gave him a wink, "Thanks for being the one stuck with Russia instead of me! So were your states as crazy as mine? Because we had our handful of crazy ones."
Japan shook his head, "It depends on what type of crazy you're talking about."
The van door slid open, and the five states climbed in the van. Prussia glanced at Washington and raised his eyebrows, "Woah, your hair is pink!"
She blushed and twirled a string of hair around her finger, "Yeah, I dyed it."
Oregon laughed, "She'd have the same hair color as me if she wasn't such a hipster." Washington elbowed her as a response.
Hawaii leaned forward and studied Prussia through the car's mirror, "How are your eyes so red? What part of you made that happen?"
"Huh?" Prussia asked, starting the car. "Nothing made me have red eyes, I was just born like this." He squinted his eyes at her then said, "How about you? What's up with the bright orange? Also how do you states get your stars in the first place?"
She let out a light laugh, "It's the lava from my volcanoes! Alaska's is pretty similar since he has a lot of volcanoes as well, only his eye shows the smoke instead."
"And the star?"
She shrugged, "It's a very long story, and not mine to tell. I just received my star when I became apart of the union. If you want to trace its origins you're going to have to look much farther back, and perhaps a little more to the East."
"Fair enough," Prussia said. Then the red car in front of them jerked forward, and raced down the street. He cackled as he watched the car speed away, "Italy's a riot behind the wheel! Let's hope he doesn't get pulled over," he then pressed on the accelerator, and they were on their way.
XXX
Japan remembered America mentioning he had a house in D.C. During one of his visits Japan suggested staying at his house, but America claimed it was a little far from the white house, and that it'd be easier to stay at a hotel. Japan now understood why America didn't want him to visit. As England said, the house was a good thirty minutes from the airport, the two vehicles only drove through the city for a short amount of the ride before entering a maze of long winding roads surrounded by trees. America's actual driveway could have been a road itself since it was so far back.
Idaho cracked a grin when the trees grew thicker as they continued driving, "Almost there! I can't wait to see everyone again, it feels like we haven't been together in forever, but that's probably because this trip was so long."
"There it is!" Montana cheered when America's house came into view. Japan gaped when he caught sight of the mansion. Even though it was only two stories tall, the house was long and wide. Japan could see fifty people easily living in the house, and maybe there was room to spare. Besides an excessive amount of bedrooms, Japan wouldn't be able to guess what was in that house. Prussia and Italy parked inside of a spacious garage which fit Massachusetts' car, the van, America's car, and New York's sabotaged Toyota.
Japan opened the door and hopped out of the van. Italy jumped out of Massachusetts car and ran up to him, "Japan! I missed you, how was the trip?"
He gave him a bow of greeting, "There weren't many delays, thank you for your concern."
Italy grinned, "Good to hear! The Southern states were fun to travel with. Let's get you inside! You have a lot of catching up to do in all honesty." Japan meant to ask what he was talking about, but then Italy and Prussia moved to help the states unload their luggage. Japan sighed and looked at the door leading to the interior of the house. With his own luggage on him, he decided to head right in, as the others weren't too far behind him. He turned the handle and walked through the door.
He was greeted with six states spread around the kitchen cleaning, and England leaning against the pantry door watching them. One of the states glanced up and offered him a grin, "Hey! Everyone's here now!"
England whipped his head up, and looked at him, "Japan. It's good to see you again, I'm assuming you had a safe trip."
One state rolled his eyes, "Yeah, who knows what evil states are in the West. The Mormon didn't go bad, did he?" The state next to him snickered.
Arizona walked through the door and tossed a muffin to him, "Ohio, take the muffin, shove it down your throat, and choke on it."
He looked at the muffin and raised an eyebrow at her, "Alright, I didn't know a lovebird could be so grouchy. Did the Mormon go bad after all?"
Utah placed his luggage at his feet, "No, I didn't 'go bad.' I would apologize for Arizona's reaction towards your attitude, however I was quite bothered by your remark as well, so you should be the one giving the apology. We had a very long trip, and receiving the news about America didn't help in the least. I would appreciate it if you toned it down."
Ohio placed the muffin on the counter and gave him a slight glare. The state next to him raised his eyebrows and blurted out, "Wait, y'all heard 'bout what happened in America's room?!" England glared daggers at him, and he cringed. "Oh... you must've been talkin' 'bout France's phone call. My bad."
Nevada leaned forward and studied him, "Tennessee, what happened in America's room?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, "uh, I don't think I'm the right one to be askin.'" Nevada didn't break eye contact with Tennessee, causing him to shift uncomfortably where he stood.
England loudly cleared his throat, "All questions will be answered after you become more situated. Before you leave to do that you should know the front of the house and America's room have been blocked off, no state is to go in those areas unless given permission by a nation. States must be under a nation's supervision at all times, the exceptions being sleeping hours and business in the bathrooms. During sleeping hours states are prohibited from leaving their rooms unless there is a state of emergency." The Western states snarled at his words, but England didn't react to their hostility. Japan imagined he had to deal with every group of states this way. He stretched his neck and scanned the crowd, "Is California there?"
The golden blonde strode forward, "i-is there a problem?" She folded her hands together and watched him carefully.
"Your room has been blocked off due circumstances that require a search. You will have to room with someone else, preferably someone who is already rooming with a nation," England said as if he repeated the statement several times that night.
California blinked, "Excuse me? Is there any particular reason?"
England nodded, "Yes, but since we don't know who is behind this we cannot disclose that information."
"We cannot disclose that information?" Japan took a step back when she spat the words back at the English nation. For someone who brushed off every complication with a grin, she sure knew how to get angry. "Cut the formal bullshit. What happened that caused my room to be blocked off? I didn't even do anything! I just got here!"
Ohio placed a hand on her shoulder, "They're doing this to all of their escorts. New York, Maryland, Louisiana and I probably voiced every argument you can think of right now. All we know is that this has to do with what what occurred about four hours before you arrived. We'll get you caught up after you unpack and everything."
California faltered after hearing his words. She sighed and ran a hand through her gold hair, giving England a slight glare, "Fine. But thanks to you, I don't know which room I'll be unpacking in."
"Depends on who Japan and Russia are rooming with," England responded.
Hawaii wrapped her arm around Japan's, causing him to flinch. "Japan! You and I can share a room, right?" She gave him a wide smile, and the corners of her eyes crinkled.
Japan nodded, "Yes. Sharing a room with you would be nice," He had no reason to say no. For some reason Hawaii has been exceptionally nice to him, which was odd since he was initially expecting the opposite. Every time she looked at him she offered a friendly gesture, even after the states found out what happened in the East.
Russia scanned the group of states who shifted where they stood, none of them wanting to make the same offer Hawaii did. Alaska's eyes shifted back and forth, refusing to meet Russia's curious gaze. There was a moment of silence throughout the kitchen that seemed to last a life time, then Nevada broke the silence and stepped forward. He sent them a critical glare, "You hypocritical Internationalists drive me insane at times." He gestured to Russia, "you're passing up an opportunity to room with a nation, honestly? I bet you'd jump at the chance with any other nation."
His response was silent, a few states twitched at his words, but none of them were bothered enough to prove him wrong.
He rolled his eyes and continued with a dry voice, "Whatever. Russia, you can stay with me. I don't think I could possibly care less. Look at this glorious Isolationist greeting this foreign nation with open arms, what a fine day. If only an Internationalist could be this damn generous," He held his arms open as an exaggerated gesture.
Russia gave him a smile, "It will be nice to stay with you, I hope you have room for my metal pipe." Nevada didn't seemed phased by the expression, instead he cracked an amused smirk.
California clapped her hands, "So Japan, do you mind another girl joining your party? No offense, NV, but you drool in your sleep and I can see you spreading your diagrams all over the place being annoying. Good luck, Russia." Nevada stuck his tongue out at her.
Hawaii gave Japan a thumbs up and he nodded, "I don't see a problem with you sleeping in Hawaii's room as well."
England nodded, "Now that that's settled, I'm sure you states know your way around. Lead Japan and Russia to unpack, Germany will meet you up there to give further instruction."
California pressed her lips together, "Great, you hear that everyone? Further instruction, because the rules we've been given already clearly aren't enough to hold us down."
Washington snorted, and pushed herself in front of the crowd. "Follow me! This house is pretty big if you couldn't tell, you can hold my hand if you're afraid of getting lost."She laughed at her joke and led them to a wide hallway lined with windows and paintings.
"Where is this leading to?" Japan asked.
"This leads to almost everything!" Washington cheered, "Welcome to the main hallway. This is the center of the house, because it opens up to the only staircase leading upstairs. We were on the same boat as you since this house was pretty developed when we joined the union, so we got lost easily. Eventually you'll be able to navigate this house blind, but for now it's best to start mapping things out in your head using this hallway as the base."
Japan looked around the house in awe, it was beautiful. The wallpaper was so detailed, the picture frames looked handcrafted, and the paintings on the wall looked like they were painted by professionals. Almost every detail of the house was perfect. Japan's jaw almost dropped when the hallway lead to a large staircase that split halfway complimented by a more than impressive glass chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
"This is the only way up and down the stairs," Hawaii explained. "As you see the staircase heads in two different directions. The right side of the upper floor is where the bedrooms were originally built, and the left side is where more bedrooms were built when there wasn't enough room to build any more on the right. Our rooms are to the left, it's the same with Louisiana's group, and maybe Ohio's. I don't know who Canada and Prussia are staying with, so I can't say which side they're on."
Japan followed the states up the stairs and to the left, Russia glanced all around the house during their walk, probably trying to take it all in like Japan was. The top floor had no main hallway, and instead was a complicated maze of never-ending bedrooms. Eventually they found their way to the most Western bedrooms at the edge of the house. Japan was thankful being in a hallway lined with windows, at least then he had some sort of a marker for remembering where he was staying.
"This is where the bedrooms for the last of us were built," Nevada said. "Since not every state on the West was admitted so late in history, not everyone is in the last hallway. Russia, follow me and I'll show you my room." He, Russia, and Oregon separated from the group.
California slumped, "I'd be staying in the same hall as them if my room wasn't blocked off. So can we start unpacking now?"
Japan nodded, "Yes." Each state went to their separate rooms, Hawaii led them to a door decorated with a poster of a volcano, and a decorative dream catcher hanging from a nail. "This is my room, once you get to know everyone you'll be able to take a guess at which room is theirs based on how they decorate their door, but mine's pretty easy to remember."
"Who else is in this hall?" Japan asked.
"The last ten of us admitted," She said. "In order, there's Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and I." She pushed open her door and let Japan and California in.
Her room was painted a light turquoise color, and had pictures hanged all over the walls of sea creatures and scenery around the islands. A flower-patterned surfboard was attached to the wall above her bed, and a small lava lamp sat on her nightstand. She had a clunky dresser with drawers popping out from holding too many clothes, and a desk cluttered with makeup and spare pens. California shook her head, "I thought America said he wanted the bedrooms kept clean!"
Hawaii gave her a sheepish smile, "I know. I promised America I would clean it after the party, but since there isn't a party does that mean I don't have to clean it?"
"If you don't clean it then there won't be any room for us! Where are we going to sleep, anyway?" She glanced around the room that didn't seem as big now that Japan thought of sleeping here with two other personifications.
The Hawaiian pointed at Japan, "You can have the bed!"
"I-I can?" Japan asked. He gave her a slight bow, "I show you my gratitude, but why me? It's your room after all."
"Well, you're the nation, and our guest!" Hawaii countered. "Besides, I doubt that many states are going to be so polite, so I think it's best to accept kindness wherever you can find it. Us Isolationists can be rude."
Japan placed his suitcase on her bed, "So, you're not an Internationalist?"
She opened her luggage and laid the open case on her desk chair, "Nope. Don't get me wrong, I always wanted to meet another nation, but I just never thought it was a good idea to expose our secret. In my opinion it would create way too many problems. If I were just showing my existence alone to the nations, I'd be all for it. However making this decision involves all of us, and I have to think of every state when I cast my vote. So maybe I'm ready to finally meet nations, but not all of us are, you know?"
He sat on the bed and looked at her, "I never thought of it that way. You're very considerate when thinking this over."
Hawaii beamed at him, while California placed her hands on her hips, "Well I think that if we're waiting for every state to be ready to meet nations we'll be waiting forever! This is just something we have to push, or else we'd get nowhere!"
She stared at Hawaii waiting for her to deny what she said, but instead the state walked over to her closet and started digging through her stuff, "California, I'm not going into this debate right now, frankly they're annoying and there's no need to debate until another meeting comes up. Let's talk about something else! Japan, I feel bad since you're going to be hearing the same arguments about what states think of nations over and over again.
California shrugged, "That's true. So Japan, can I ask a question?"
Japan played with the hem of his sleeves, unsure what to say. He didn't know what she was going to ask, but then again this left an opening to learn more about these states as well, "Only if I can ask you two a question as well."
California glanced at the bedroom door and slowly slid it closed, "Sounds pretty risky, yet fair." She moved aside some makeup containers and sat on top of the clunky dresser, "So what do you think of us so far?"
"Huh?" Japan blinked at the question. "What do you mean?"
She bit her lip and tapped her fingers against the wood, "I always wanted to know what a foreign nation would think of us. So what do you think? Do you think we would be able to get along with the other nations well enough?"
Hawaii looked up from where she was crouched in her closet and waited for Japan to reply. The nation placed his hand on his chin, "You states are very... contrasting. It's not a bad thing either, I just thought that was a surprise. I figured that you states would be quite similar to each other since you're all apart of the same country. I honestly can't say my overall opinion since I didn't meet every state, do you mind if I give you a more in depth answer once I become more acquainted with everyone?"
California gave him a large grin and nodded her head vigorously, "Of course! Take your time, as long as I eventually get an answer consider me satisfied. So what do you want to ask us?"
Japan furrowed his brows and stared at the two, "Well, you know almost everything about how we function as nations since you learned from America, but I know nothing about how you function. I think I should try to understand since we're both different personifications. Why can't you travel beyond the United States? Nevada said it was prohibited, but that's not completely true, is it?"
Hawaii cringed, "I was hoping you wouldn't ask that." She looked at California, "Are we allowed to answer this?"
California shrugged, "Like hell would I know. Let me ask," she cupped her hands as if she were going to yell, but what she called out was barely loud enough for Japan to hear, "hey stuck up Isolationalists, any of you." Hawaii giggled, "It's totally cool if we tell Japan why we can't visit other countries, right?" Unsurprisingly, no one answered. She pouted and winked at Japan, "Aww, looks like they didn't hear me. How about I tell you now and ask later?"
"Sounds good to me," Hawaii said with a slight smirk. "We tried so hard to get their attention, what a shame."
California jumped from the dresser and gave him a mischievous grin, "What if I told you that no one ever prohibited us from leaving the United States?"
Japan leaned forward on the bed and stared at her with unblinking eyes, "If that were true, then why haven't you ever traveled before?"
"I never said I didn't, but I couldn't leave after I entered statehood," She answered.
"Why?"
Hawaii closed the door to her closet and brought a bundle of hangers over to her suitcase, "It's because no one prohibited it, but once we wear the flag, we die when we set foot on another nation's land."
Japan barely knew how to respond to the newly acquired fact, "D-Die? How does that happen?"
California placed her hand over her neck, "We simply can't cross any borders. We tried it so many times before. First it feels like someone's choking us, and we can't breathe. Then our star burns out, and we can't see in that eye. I heard that stripes burn through skin like acid, but I don't have a stripe, so I can't say for sure. Of course none of us actually died over the border, I never stayed around long enough to see if I would die, but I have no doubt that we would. Almost every state who tried this never tried it again after they barely made it back to the U.S. alive."
"That's insane," Japan blurted out. "Did any of you actually cross the border long enough to get two feet past the border line?" He realized after asking the question that it was something stupid to ask, since these states were probably in too much pain to notice anything.
However, California didn't laugh off the question. Instead she knitted her brows together and stared at the floor, "Only one state was able to do that. He was one of the few who kept trying after he figured out he couldn't cross. He cheated fate and succeeded, but for a price." She glanced at him and placed a hand over her ocean blue eye, "No one knows how he did it. He crossed the Canadian border, but the price he paid was his right eye. It never grew back, and every injury he received outside of American soil was received as if he were human."
The room fell silent as he tried to process the information. He figured that these states lived by different rules, but this was the most extreme case he could think of. Why would their stars and stripes come with such restrictions? He wanted to ask more, but he refrained.
Hawaii started hanging her clothes up, "We live under an odd set of rules, but we manage. We found out that this rule doesn't apply to oceans and air transportation, as long as we don't set foot on the land. We still haven't taken many long voyages on sea or anything, because that is way too risky if something were to happen."
California jumped when she heard a pair of footsteps down the hallway, and hastily said, "Alright, I admit that I got way too caught up in story time. I don't care if you tell the other nations what I told you, maybe it will be helpful, but don't tell them who shared this information."
Japan nodded just as someone knocked on the door, "Who is it?" Hawaii asked, sounding as if they were conversing about the weather moments ago.
"It's Germany, I came to inspect your room." Japan felt a wave of relief wash over him when he heard the German's voice. He entered Hawaii's room, and his stern eyes widened when he met Japan's, "Japan! England told me you were here, welcome."
He then stared around the room with wide eyes, this was most likely the most disorganized room he ran into today. Hawaii shifted, "Sorry about the mess, I'm trying to clean it now, I haven't sorted through this place in a while. I'm Hawaii, and she's California."
The blonde laughed and shook his hand, "Nice to meet you. Glad to see everyone else's rooms are getting searched too, but I'm still not too happy about mine being blocked off."
Germany nodded stiffly, "Yes, I'm sorry about that. I'm sure it won't stay this way for long, I would be surprised if you have to sleep in this room tomorrow night."
A Hollywood smile was sent his way, "Finally! That's what I wanted to hear! No more pissing or moaning from me, because one nation finally decided to hand out some useful information. The only thing that would make this better is finding out why our rooms were blocked off in the first place."
She looked at Germany expectingly, but he ignored her implied question, and turned his attention to Japan, "I just finished searching the rooms in the hall Russia is staying in. Him and the state Nevada are waiting for you, so you can find your way back to England."
California stuck her lower lip out, then abandoned her efforts to get any more information out of the German. She leaned against the turquoise wall, "See you later, Japan! We'll just be here having our stuff searched. What a bore."
Hawaii laughed, "On the bright side we get food after this. I'll be looking forward to eating anything but another muffin from Starbucks, have fun with England, Japan."
Japan gave them a slight wave and entered the hallway. Nevada was leaning against a window, it was almost odd seeing him not carrying a single piece of paper. Russia looked no different than he was before, he still wore his thick jacket and his creepy smile, "Hello Japan, how is Hawaii's room?"
"It will be cramped before California can return to her room," he admitted, "but besides that I see no problem."
"Good," Nevada said. "Now let's go, I'd suggest learning your way around fast. Based on how you're treating your escorts, I doubt many states are going to volunteer to show you around." Japan didn't believe that, all he had to do was ask an internationalist and they would probably be more than happy to lead him around the house, but he let the comment hang in the air without a response. Nevada led them through the hallways and down the stairs until they reached the kitchen. He ran a hand through his dark hair and opened the fridge, "What do we have?"
One state tossed another plate into the soapy dishwater, "We have exactly 14 sandwiches left. I would know, I had the pleasure of being in this kitchen since we started making food, and being in the kitchen afterwards to clean up!"
The state rolled her eyes, and Nevada laughed, "Nice to see you're in a good mood, Indiana. So if there's twelve of us and two sandwiches left, who didn't eat?"
"Colorado and Wyoming," Indiana answered, watching the tiled ground.
"Japan and Russia," England called. He stopped listening to the states' conversation and turned his attention to England. Italy stood next to him and waved at the two. "Follow me, I'll catch you up. Italy, keep an eye on these states in the kitchen."
"Can do! Just leave it to me," Italy strode ahead and sat on a part of the counter that no state was using.
England gestured for Japan and Russia to follow, and they did. He led them down a series of hallways, Japan counted five turns before they finally stopped in front of two metal doors pressed next to each other. "This is the lab of the house, mostly used by New Mexico from my own observations."
"And Nevada," Russia murmured, "they're partners."
He nodded, "I'll keep that in mind, let's go in." They followed England into the lab. Japan was greeted with white tiles and white floors. There were screens everywhere; TV screens all along the left wall, two computer monitors off to the side, and there were three open laptops in view. The left wall was made of up thick beige filing cabinets, only leaving space for a slim storage closet. The back wall had wide windows that slid open in case of fire, there were fire extinguishers next to the doors, and a smoke detector on the ceiling. Centered in the lab were four identical counters, England stood in front of one and looked at the two, "Tell me about your trip first, and then I will explain what happened since that state called France."
Japan nodded, and started to talk. He told England about each state he met and each city they went to. He told him about the Penthouse, the apartments, Idaho's house, the walk around Seattle, Montana's house, and the reaction to the news of America. Russia made a few comments, but mostly let Japan do the talking.
England seemed surprised to hear this state took the time to have a conversation with Washington, "What did they say?"
Russia pulled a thin sheet of paper from his jacket, "Their conversation is originally on Washington's phone, but here is a written copy." Japan recognized the atrocious hand writing, and he decided not to ask him if he took that piece of paper with Nevada's permission.
England took the piece of paper and read it over, "Thank you. I'll try to make this brief, but things will be detailed when I get to the important parts. When New York's car broke down, it took us a while to figure out it was sabotaged. The problem was pointed out by New Hampshire; the only state in the area who had any knowledge of mechanics as far as we know. France planned to ride with him to the mechanic and have him admit he sabotaged the car on a hunch, but when he realized that France was purposely drawing him out to admit such things, he got mad and left France alone. The moment he was alone he got a call that we for the love of scotch cannot trace, and a filtered voice told him of their terms. Afterwards we eventually reached the house and things were... shaky in the beginning. We didn't have much order before Germany and Italy arrived."
Russia tilted his head, "That sounds interesting, so what happened to America's room that caused you to block it off?"
England slumped and reached for a slim remote sitting on one of the counters, "That was due to this state's latest move, or should I say Capital's latest move." Two screens attached to the wall turned on. Japan jolted when he realized that most of what was on both screens displayed blood. One screen showed a balcony with bloodied bald eagles spread across the ground, and above the balcony doors were words written in blood. The second picture was a close up of five finger prints printed onto the glass balcony door with blood.
Japan held his stomach and stared at the screens with bulging eyes, "What is that?"
"That's what Capital can do, and this is what you missed while you were picking up the last of the states."
XXX
Author's Note: I DID IT. I UPDATED ON THE 4TH. I am so shocked with how short this chapter is, well on my standards this is short. Thank you so much for all the birthday/graduation wishes! Now everyone is in the loop! Your move, Capital. Sorry this chapter wasn't as eventful as the others, I figured that it was necessary to kind of wrap up the introduction of all the states. Please let me know who your favorite state is and why I'm dying to know this stuff. And if you want to make a request on which states you want to see more of please do so, because there is a 100% chance I will show more of a state if requested.
Thank you so much for having the patience to let me introduce every state to you! I had so much fun creating these OCs and I'm seriously shocked with how popular this story is since there are so many characters that aren't in Hetalia itself. You guys are the best! Next chapter officially takes off with the full investigation, and I am so excited! I hope all you Canadians had a wonderful Canada Day! And I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July! For those of you not in the U.S. I hope you have a nice day in general, and I'll try to update soon!