Germany had noticed that his house had gotten rather quiet. All the nations that were there were unusually silent and broody. Maybe it was because he had still made them all clean up his house at the crack of dawn. Perhaps that was the reason?
"How is this?" Denmark asked Germany, sitting back wearily after he scrubbed a trail of blood from the carpet near the stairway.
Germany loomed over the Dane and was pleased he couldn't see anymore red. But then he frowned, knelt down, and brought his eye closer to it. Shaking his head, he stood back up. "No, there's still a little bit left. Continue."
Denmark groaned but did as he was commanded.
He wasn't the only one who was tired of cleaning. Turkey had approached Germany so many times about his job, which was to clean the blood from the ruined paintings. "It's not like it's any use anymore you know." he complained. "I thought you wanted to throw them away since you can't even fix them."
"Yes, but having dirty trash is completely unacceptable." Germany said sternly. "What will people think if I threw out bloody garbage?"
Turkey only stared after him as Germany continued his round through the hall, checking up on everyone and making sure they didn't slack off.
"And what are you doing?" asked Switzerland roughly as Germany towered over him, watching him scrub the walls with an intense look.
"Managing."
New Zealand, who was helping Switzerland, glanced at Germany and was somehow reminded of America and his 'managing' back at Estonia's house. Germany caught him staring at him and sent him a questioning look, at which New Zealand shook his head hastily and returned to getting rid of a stubborn stain.
The doppelgangers that they had disabled were tied up tightly (Germany was good at tying people up, according to Austria who had lived with Germany for a while). The last they all have heard of the doppelgangers, they were in the basement and Germany left the swords in their throats and pinned them to the wall, just in case.
"Germany, how are we going to cover these bullet holes?" Hungary asked him wearily, pointing to the holes in the wall.
Germany gave the holes a thoughtful gaze and said nonchalantly, "Buy new paintings and hang them over it?"
Hungary and Germany swept the wall with their eyes and noticed that they'd have to buy quite a bit of paintings and they'd have to hang them in odd places. Germany didn't think he could see a painting hanging down by everyone's feet. In fact, it probably wouldn't even be hanging at all.
It was about eight in the morning when Germany's clean-up crew started to doze off. Germany gritted his teeth in irritation. Sure they were up since three in the morning and sure it was five hours later, but surely they can't be that tired already, right?
Wrong.
However, the solution was simple; food.
Germany left the hallway for a moment, found some of his loyal servants that stayed in the house despite the danger cooking in the kitchen, and ordered them to make the most appealing dishes as possible.
And sure enough, after Germany opened the kitchen door to let the smell of cooking food waft to the second floor, the nations started to come into the kitchen in a dream-like trance, like mosquitos being attracted to light.
"After you eat and drink, return to cleaning." Germany said loudly as the last person slipped into the kitchen.
No one complained; the food was like a valuable treasure to them. It was fuel to their energy and it actually smelled pretty good.
"Germany..."
Germany glanced to the side at Japan. "What is it?"
"What are we going to do with the doppelgangers? Do we leave them there?"
Germany shook his head, chewing on his wurst thoughtfully. "No. I have plans for them. I have to double check something and I'll be needing help. We're interrogating them."
"Ooh, West, you have to let me do that with you! The cleaning's almost done anyway so screw that." Prussia exclaimed, standing up with his fist pounding the table.
Germany shook his head and Prussia sat back in his seat, mumbling how he never gets to have any fun anymore. "I'll handle it alone first. If needed, I'll ask for certain people." Germany said.
Germany left the kitchen way before the others; he wasn't particularly hungry and there was nothing else to do. The doppelgangers were still in their place in the basement, much to Germany's relief. Although their blood still kept spilling from their throats, it didn't mind Germany because the basement was the only place where he didn't bother to clean.
It had bothered him at first but after hundreds of years of trying to keep it clean, he gave up and allowed the room to be the only one to stay filthy (of course, there were annual basement cleanings so it wasn't as dirty as the other countries' basements).
The doppelgangers flinched every other second in reaction to the pain they couldn't feel. Their eyes were glowering at Germany and he could feel the killing intent in them, despite the fact they weren't supposed to kill the originals. But that doesn't mean they can't torture us either. Germany thought bitterly. He was able to withstand torture, but some of the other countries probably weren't able to. No matter what, he must protect them and do what he can.
The first doppelganger he wanted to interrogate was Dark Japan. Even though Dark Japan was tied up (twice actually; all the doppelgangers had two ropes binding their limbs), Germany couldn't help but feel suspicious. He grabbed the hilt of the kampilan and pulled it from the wall with a few sudden jerks.
Dark Japan's head moved with the blade and he made a scratchy, gagging sound as the scarlet blade slid out from his neck. At once, the wound closed in and there wasn't a single trace of blood on him.
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Which do you prefer?" Germany asked in a low voice.
Dark Japan fixed an icy glare at Germany. "Niether. You can hurt me physically but I will never feel the pain. Emotions can't feel pain."
That was a problem.
While Germany was thinking of a way to squeeze information from Dark Japan, a familiar voice brought his attention to the door of the basement.
"Ve, Germany! I'm back!"
"Italy?" Germany turned around to see Italy flounce towards him. Italy pounced on Germany and gave him a big hug, at which Germany tried to push him off but Italy's grip was like iron.
"Ve, it was very scary in Chicago but America, Big Brother France, and England protected me, ve." Italy said earnestly. Then Italy released Germany (to Germany's relief) and glanced at Dark Japan. "Japan!" he cried out happily and went to hug the doppelganger.
"Wait, no, that's not-!" Germany yelled out but he stopped himself and looked at the strange scene before him.
Italy still hadn't realized that he was hugging Dark Japan and not the real one; how he didn't question Dark Japan's red eyes (well, it was dim in the basements so Italy probably didn't notice it yet) was a mystery. He dind't even ask why he was tied up either.
But that wasn't the surprising part; the surprising part was that Dark Japan started to flail a little, hissing dangerously. "Let me go!" he snapped at Italy, who only tightened his embrace. "No, don't...don't!"
"Aww, Japan, why are you so grumpy, huh?" Italy asked with a smile. "Here, I'll give you another hug to make you feel bet-"
"NO!"
Italy was taken aback; he stared at Dark Japan for a while and then he jumped violently. "Ve, Germany!" Italy ran back to Germany and hid behind him, pointing to Dark Japan with a shaky finger. "That's not the real Japan, Germany!"
Sometimes, Germany felt like Italy always had to state the obvious.
Dark Japan was visibly shaken; Germany glanced from him and then Italy, who was just as shaken as Dark Japan. He raised a hand, hovering it over Italy's head. Italy glanced up, frightened. And then Germany lowered his hand and placed it on Italy's hand (avoiding his hair curl, of course) and patted his head gingerly. "Good work, Italy." Germany murmured.
"Ve, Germany called for you, Liechtenstein." Italy said cheerfully to Liechtenstein, who was holding a bucket of water for Switzerland.
"Did he?" Liechtenstein asked, looking back at Switzerland.
Switzerland nodded at her, allowing her to go. "I'll be fine. Go."
Liechtenstein carefully placed the bucket full of pinkish-water and followed Italy through the even more crowded hall. Ever since some of the missing countries and the micronations returned, Prussia, who had was in charge (it was self-proclaimed but he was Germany's brother so they agreed reluctantly) had ordered them to start cleaning.
Although the ones who looked like they needed to rest, he sent them to go rest. ("Who knew he could be reasonable too?" asked Austria to Hungary, who rolled her eyes jokingly.)
Italy and Liechtenstein stopped Korea, who was helping Hong Kong carry in one of the new paintings Germany had ordered to cover up the bullet holes. "Germany called for you." Italy said, smiling.
"Did he, da-ze? Okay, after I help Hong Kong, okay, da-ze?"
Italy and Liechtenstien watched as Korea and Hong Kong carried the new painting and hung it up on the nail that Lithuania hammered in. Then Korea joined Italy and Liechtenstein, saying, "So where is he, da-ze?"
"I have to go get the others, ve." Italy said. "Just a couple of more people."
Italy managed to get Denmark, Thailand, and Russia with them and the six marched down to the basement, where Germany was waiting for them.
"So what's this about Germany?" asked Denmark curiously. He glanced down at Liechtenstein, who looked intimidated under the gaze of the doppelgangers. "How come she's here?"
"You'll find out soon." Germany coughed. He turned to Dark Japan and asked, "Now, would you like to do it the easy way or the hard way?"
"I won't say a word."
"Have it your way. Italy." Germany snapped at him and Italy flounced to Dark Japan and nearly crushed him in his hug.
Dark Japan cringed as Italy kept on saying, "Ve, ve, ve..." over and over. Not only did the sweet, kind tone annoy him, but it also added impact onto the embrace that Dark Japan found...torturous.
"Huh, so they can be tortured, ana." Thailand said thoughtfully. "I never thought it would be like this though, ana."
"Italy, up." Germany ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Italy sprung up in a standing position and saluted Germany.
"Now, unless you want to be hugged again, tell me." Germany said slowly. "The invasion of my house...that's not true, is it?" Germany needed confirmation; he had always had a feeling that Korea brought back false information. Escaping the doppelgangers alone was not an easy feat. Perhaps they had Korea go so that he'd leak that information.
Dark Japan looked at Germany and then the others. The other doppelgangers avoided Dark Japan's eyes and Dark Japan scoffed at Germany. "I'm not sure."
"No, you're sure of it." Germany said calmly. "Italy-"
Dark Japan's eyes widened. "Wait."
Germany had never thought he'd seen the day where he called for Italy and have the enemy truly terrified. It was a miracle.
Dark Japan looked away, bowing his head. "We only told Korea that so he'd leak this information to you."
I knew it. Germany thought. "And it is false, isn't it?"
"Germany, back in Chicago, we found out that was wrong information, ve." Italy told Germany. "Korea was there. He learned the truth."
"True story, da-ze." Korea confirmed.
Nodding, Germany continued. "Do you have plans for anything else?"
"No."
Germany narrowed his eyes. "I see...Italy."
"Yes?"
"Hug him."
"Okay!"
Germany sighed to himself. He never thought he'd lead an interrogation quite this way. It wasn't something he expected but it worked. He glanced back at Liechtenstein and beckoned for her to come forward. She did so nervously and peered at the next doppelganger, which was Dark Vietnam.
Germany pulled at the sword that held her to the wall and her wound also closed up. She spat at him once she could speak again, "Go on. Do your worst."
"Like I asked just now, is there anything else you doppelgangers planned?"
"No. There is nothing else."
"You lie. Liechtenstein. Please hug her."
Liechtenstein hesitated for a while, but with a nod from Germany, she stepped forward and pretended that Dark Vietnam was the real one. Dark Vietnam's eyes twitched in annoyance when Liechtenstein hugged her and she tried to push Liechtenstein away.
"Care to tell us the truth?" Germany asked her.
"No."
Germany frowned. Liechtenstein was still too subtle. Maybe he'd have to excuse her from this and replace her with someone else. He glanced back at Korea, Thailand, Denmark, and Russia, who were watching. Thinking them through, he motioned for Liechtenstein to stop and step away.
"Denmark, you're up." Germany said him. "And make sure the hug is so tight that she almost can't breathe...if she could breathe anyway..." He wasn't sure if doppelgangers needed air, which they probably didn't seeing that they were 'emotions'. But then again, who had heard of emotions bleeding all over his carpet? No one.
Dark Vietnam gritted her teeth as Denmark approached her and tried to shake him loose at once; it was difficult to shake someone loose when you're tied up.
"Ready to talk?" Germany asked.
Dark Vietnam hissed and Germany motioned for Denmark to hug her even tighter.
"Get away, stop it." Dark Vietnam shrieked.
"Sorry, but Germany won't let me." Denmark grinned at her.
Dark Vietnam started to flail just like Japan and Germany asked her one more time. "Ready now?"
Dark Vietnam gave Germany a death glare but when Denmark started to poke her cheek, she snapped, "Fine! I'll talk."
Denmark let her go and she sighed, catching her breath.
"Vietnam's hatred, could you really break that easily?" Dark Japan hissed as Italy hugged him. But he seemed to get over Italy's embrace and Germany hurriedly replaced Italy with Denmark and hoped that Denmark could bring him to talk as well.
While Dark Japan grimaced at the Dane's warm hug (and he tried to bite Denmark's finger when Denmark poked at Japan's cheek), Dark Vietnam scowled, "We may not be invading you for now, but we've picked targets."
"How many?" Germany demanded, writing the information down on his notebook he pulled out from his pocket.
Dark Vietnam didn't speak. Germany glanced at Italy and Italy started forward. But before he could reach her, she snapped, "Roughly twenty-one so far."
The interrogation continued; all the doppelgangers now had someone attached to them, and Germany still found it odd to see his enemies so squeemish just by a hug. Denmark was hugging Dark Japan so tightly that Dark Japan had yelled out a few times. Dark Vietnam flailed her limbs and shook her head so violently that her ponytail came undone as soon as Italy pecked her cheek. (Again, Germany never thought he'd see the day where an enemy was terrified of Italy.)
Dark North Korea was a tricky one, and Germany had a feeling that he would be very hard to break down so he assigned Russia to him. It seemed to be slowly working; even though Russia still had some of his darker side (Germany wondered how strong Russia's doppelganger would be but decided not to find out), he was still able to get some information from Dark North Korea.
In fact, Dark North Korea had even snapped and yelled out when Russia started to stretch him out.
Dark South Korea was struggling with South Korea. Germany wondered what would happen if he put one original and his or her doppelganger together. Italy had mentioned that he had gotten rid of Dark Italy by accepting the fact that he has hatred and that he didn't want to hate anymore.
Or something along the lines. Korea was a cheery fellow; maybe he could get rid of his doppelganger as well.
Dark Estonia. Germany had a certain sense of distaste for him. He had caused them a lot of trouble with his who 'I am the real Estonia' trick. Thailand was taking care of him, and Thailand was doing a good job; Dark Estonia started to flail and kick, just like Dark Vietnam.
Liechtenstein still looked nervous with the doppelgangers but she eventually got over that and took over for Thailand whenever Thailand was called to go to Dark Japan and take over for Denmark because Germany found it irritating that Dark Japan kept on cringing in the middle of his confession due to Denmark's constant poking and prodding.
"Okay, that's all the information we needed. Leave them alone everyone." Germany called. The doppelgangers leaned their head against the wall, panting. They seemed too worn out to keep their malevolent image up; they looked like they had, well, gotten out of a torturing session.
Collecting up his notes, Germany was concerned when he pieced everything together. At lunch, he stood up and made an announcement and soon, he wasn't the only one who was concerned.
"From what we got, the doppelgangers have established ranks and divisions among each other." Germany said, drawing everyone's attention away from their lunch. "The leaders of the divisions are..." He looked down at his notebook and said, "Division One, led by my doppelganger and, apparently, the co-captain is Dark Prussia. Makes sense..." he added under his breath.
"Oh yeah, you hear that guys? Even my doppelganger is awesome!" Prussia declared.
"I thought you said that only you were 'awesome'." Austria murmured, dabbing his mouth gently.
"Yeah but that was before. Now that I know he's leader, he's awesome."
"Co-captain."
"Same difference." Prussia waved Austria's remark away.
"Division Two. The captain is Dark America-"
"Cool, my doppelganger is a captain." America exclaimed and Prussia gave him a high-five.
"That's not something to cheer about." Germany scolded them. "Co-captain, Dark Sweden."
"Sweden?" a few voices questioned. Everyone shot a sideways glance at him curiously. He rarely ever talked and the fact that his doppelganger was a co-captain made him more mysterious.
Sweden looked up from his lunch and swept the table with his indifferent eyes. "I've been in a lot of wars." he said and that was that.
"No kidding." Denmark sighed, ruffling his hair wearily. "Ah, but we're still on good terms now, right?"
Sweden glanced at Denmark and for a moment Denmark was afraid he was going to say no but to his relief, Sweden gave him a curt nod.
"Alright, your doppelganger is my sidekick!" America exclaimed, raisng a hand to give Sweden a high-five ("Again, why are you happy about this?" Germany growled.).
Sweden stared at the hand for a while and then he lifted his hand and returned the high-five.
According to Germany, Division Three was led by Dark Russia and his co-captain was Dark North Korea.
"What a frightening pair." Belgium said quietly. "Ah, no offense..." she added hastily to Russia.
Russia directed his smile to her. "No problem." Belgium wasn't sure if it was a real smile or not, but she assumed that a lot of people don't even know if he was really smiling or not either. She left it be and uneasily looked back at Germany as the rest of the information was being distributed.
Division Four was led by Dark Japan as captain and Dark Mongolia.
"I remember when Mongolia used to be so big and strong." Hungary murmured wearily. "He and Turkey kept on picking fights with me as a child..."
"My bad, but I just can't help but to fight, you know?" Turkey smirked.
Division Five was led by Dark China and Dark Vietnam was his co-captain.
Division Six was Dark France with Dark DRC, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Division Seven was Dark England and Dark Afghanistan.
"There are several other countries that are assigned to each division, and each division is targetting three places." Germany said.
England raised a hand.
Germany nodded at him to speak and England stood up. "From what we learned from Iceland's bird-"
"The name's Mr. Puffin, for your information." Mr. Puffin growled from Iceland's shoulder.
"Be quiet. You're annoying everyone." Iceland muttered to Mr. Puffin.
"Yes, well, Mr. Puffin found out that they're planning to wipe out the majority of the world, keeping some people alive so that we countries still exist, and start over." England said seriously. "They say they feel like we're doing a poor job of running the world and that they want to take over."
"Typical bad guy thing to do, isn't it?" America asked.
"In the end, it's all about power, aru." China sighed. Then he raised a hand and asked, "Do you know where they're starting to attack first then?"
"They're starting to wipe out the world by attacking twenty-one places." Germany said as England took his seat. "Since we've evacuate our people to the country-side or to another country that has land to offer, they may be safe for the time being, but that still won't stop the doppelgangers. They will attack the the top twenty-one most populated cities, even though they are abandoned. Or should be abandoned, if everyone did their job right."
The countries shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
It was a long lunch, and the majority of them never finished their food. They had lost their appetite. From what Germany knew, each division had their own hideout and the weapons were located there and not in Chicago.
"How many hideouts do these things have?" America groaned. "Do we have to go to all of them?"
"I'm not done talking." Germany said sharply.
There was more. The attack on the world would start soon; they only had three days left.
"Aiya, and what have we been doing all of this time?" China exclaimed in disbelief. "How can you be talking so calmly here, aru? We need to go save the world and our people, aru!"
"Already three days, da-ze?" Korea had too exclaimed. "Time goes by too fast, da-ze."
"Germany, what do we do?" Italy cried out in alarm.
Germany slammed his fist down on the table to prevent the other nations to cry out in alarm. "Everybody, shut up!" he roared. "This isn't the time to lose your cool! Stay calm and focus on what we have to do! I know where their hideouts are, and we have a captain and two co-captains here with us. That will delay their plans for a little bit-"
"How the fuck do you know that?" Molossia asked, bewildered. Germany had temporarily forgotten the micronations were with them as well.
"He's right. We have no way of knowing whether or not they can continue on with their plan or not." Seychelles said nervously. "They're tricky and they can do the unexpected."
"They can, like, easily replace them. A lot of other countries had, like, a lot of hate and bloodshed too." Hong Kong murmured.
Germany silenced them again with his fist slamming into the table. "What did I just tell you all? Shut up!" He took a moment to recollect himself and he then said as calmly as he could without exploding, "This is what we're going to do and I don't care if you don't like it or not, but this is how we're going to do it. We'll hunt them down. We've been sneaking around them only to be chased. This time, we have to chase them down no matter what. No trying to escape. All or nothing. There's no backing out."
"There you go, West." Prussia cheered. "About time. All of this 'trying to be discreet' nonsense has been bugging me. They know we're here, we might as well use it to our awesome advantage, am I right or what?"
"But don't be reckless." Germany scolded Prussia. "That's not what I'm implying. Be cautious and be on alert, but when you need to fight, fight for your people. Fight for your pride. Fight for your honor and your friends and comrades. Fight for your family and fight for yourself, because we're all that's left."
Silence. The nations exchanged looks with each other. Then, a sly smirk broke out on nearly everyone's faces (the more stoic, serious ones did, however, share a small knowing smile).
"So...what's the plan, da-ze?" Korea grinned as the other countries cracked their knuckles.
After the pep talk during lunch, America set off in hopes to make dealing with the doppelgangers easier. He gathered up Russia, Japan, Italy, and France and with their arms linked to each other, marched around Germany's house to try to recruit more members.
Of course, before France could officially join, he had to make amends with the others. France was hesitant about Russia, like everyone else. America poked and prodded France from behind to urge him to be nice and friendly to Russia and that Russia would be the same.
France's tension went away after he became friendly with Russia and Russia returned his smile with what he hoped to be a real smile. He didn't even feel any dark, sinister aura from Russia. France assumed that was a good thing and he truly tried to get along with Russia, which wasn't too hard to his surprise since Russia was really giving his all to try to be friends.
"So why didn't you do this earlier?" France asked him.
"My bosses told me to use force to make friends." Russia explained. "So I tried but I don't think it works as well as this."
France laughed nervously. "Your bosses sound so scary, mon ami."
"Yo, England! You wanna join now?" America asked England after catching him in the hall.
England blinked in confusion for a moment and then he remembered that America was talking about the Best Buds Group. "Er, I'm not sure. Give me more time."
"Alright. Later." America tugged at Russia's arm (they were still linked together by the elbow) and led the Best Buds Group away from England, who stared after them. It was an odd looking group, but they seemed very happy and uplifting.
Should he...?
Uh, let's not be so hasty. England thought. All of a sudden, the word 'hare' popped up in his mind and he shook to clear it. He probably should avoid using the word 'hasty' or he'd never forget that memory.
America then ran into Switzerland and Liechtenstein and asked if they wanted to join.
"I'm neutral." Switzerland said at once.
"Yeah, but everyone's joining so you can still be neutral." America said earnestly.
"Um...America?"
America glanced down at Liechtenstein with a bright smile. "Yup?"
Liechtenstein fiddled with her thumbs for a while. "May I join?"
"Of course! Our goal is to get everyone to join!" America said, giving her a thumbs up. "The only thing you have to do is to forgive all our members if they had done something to you and be friendly with everyone and mean it."
"That's too much to ask for." Switzerland muttered but Liechtenstein nodded.
"I'm willing to be friends with everyone." she said bravely.
America gave her a high-five and said to Switzerland, "You still up to join?"
"I'll pass."
"You mean you'll pass this moment to join and take another moment to join later, right?"
"No."
"I'll take that as a 'yes'!" America grinned. He laughed as Switzerland gave him an annoyed look.
Japan had a feeling that with the way America was urging everyone into the group would bring a negative effect, and so Japan murmured to America, "Perhaps it would be best if I take over."
America nodded at Japan. "Sure. I'm thirsty from talking all the time anyway. I'll be back buds. I'm going to go find myself a soda. You think Germany has some coke in his fridge? Or maybe a hamburger...oh, but that's not a drink...well, now that I think about it, I want a burger too..."
America walked down the hall deep in thought towards the kitchen as Japan said to Switzerland, "America means well but sometimes he can be demanding. To help better relations with the countries in the world and to help simmer our doppelgangers, he wants everyone to become best friends with each other. So if you would please consider this offer, it would be much appreciated."
Switzerland glanced at Liechtenstein, who was shaking hands with Russia, and then at Italy and France who waved at him.
Sighing, Switzerland muttered, "If it's for the good of the world...I suppose."
Japan bowed a little. "Thank you. We are pleased to have you join."
And so Liechtenstein and Switzerland joined the BBG. When America came back from the kitchen a half hour later ("What took you so long?" France had asked him, to which America responded that he lost track of time.), they set off for more recruits.
So far, when America was raiding the kitchen, Japan had managed to get Lithuania and Poland to join. Russia was particularly happy when Lithuania joined and Lithuania was relieved to know that Russia's bittersweet personality was generally more sweeter.
Poland only joined because Lithuania did, but soon, he started to talk and chat with France, talking about clothing and fashion with such gusto that it sent the group laughing (except Switzerland, who was only sticking around because Liechtenstein wanted to help recruit countries).
"Would you like to join the Best Buds Group?" Japan asked Denmark and his brothers as they passed by.
"The Best Buds Group?" Denmark asked curiously. "What's that?"
"Our goal is to get everyone to be 'best buds' with everyone." Japan said. "Not only will it help better our relations with each other, but it will help simmer our doppelganger's strength."
Denmark glanced back at the rest of the Nordics and grinned. "What do you fellows say, wanna join?"
"I think that's a great idea." Finland exclaimed. "I'll join."
Denmark received nods from the other three and extended a hand to Japan to shake. "You got yourself a deal."
The Nordics then froze when they noticed Russia in the back. Japan hurriedly explained in a low voice that he was much more friendlier and to not worry. "He truly wants to make friends." Japan whispered. "I once shared your concern but America changed him somehow. Please trust America."
"Is that supposed to be a good thing?" Denmark joked. "Alright, I'll trust your judgement. I can't say the same for the others but I'm in."
But the other Nordics too agreed to try to get along and the group, once again, grew.
America smiled to himself as he watched the members greeted the new members warmly. He laughed to himself when he saw the relief flow through the Nordics as Russia smiled and waved at them.
"World peace, here we come." America mused.
The division captains and co-captains are only based on my point of view as some of the countries with some of the most blood-shed and/or history. I know there are several others but I merely followed a chart on Wikipedia (who happens to be my best friend for this story, other than the Google search engine).
The chart stated the death toll of a country or two in whatever war and I reasoned that because of the high numbers, the incident/war/battle ended up leaving quite a bit of...well, hatred. Honestly, I was a little nervous writing this because I'm afraid I might offend people (how would this chapter offend people, I'm not too sure but it's possible).
I usually don't write author notes (the small parts about history and that one part about archaic English don't really count as author's notes for me) but I feel like I need to here before the story gets into the next story arc/chapter/segment/etc.
Whenever the story is finished (which won't be for at least another long while at the rate I'm going; have you noticed the chapters are getting slightly longer? It's because I'm trying not to put too many chapters in the story or it'll be intimidating), I will be going back to fix typos and errors I missed/felt too lazy to fix right now. I'll be adding in more history lessons so if you're interested you can go back (you don't have to but, you know, adds a sense of understanding and stuff).
I also think that I should illustrate some parts of the story for you guys to see. Since I can't post pictures in the story itself (which I think would be kinda cool but oh well) I'll probably post links at the end of the story so you can see the scenes that have been playing in my head. Again, you don't have to and you can keep the image you already have in your head but it's up to you.
Longest chapter and author's note I have ever left. I feel like it will ruin the story, but I just thought I'd like to talk to you guys as one. So, thank you for reading and supporting me thus far. I really appreciate the reviews left for me (they make my day) and I hope to see you guys for the next chapter, in which a new arc begins.
And America might be right; one day, we may be able to gain world peace.