Singapore smiled as the supercomputer began running more smoothly, allowing for him to begin uploading the data he had taken from the Hegemony. Soon, threads of code began flooding the gleaming screen.
Malaysia shook her head. She never was able to make sense of it all. She preferred flesh and blood to cold circuitry. She paced the room as her brother continued manipulating the data to receive the desired results.
"Vietnam and South Korea have heeded our warnings and are throwing up an emergency defense" said Singapore, finally turning away from the computer. "I have downloaded the secret contingency plans from England."
"What's in those plans?" asked Malaysia.
"I only know that the codename is 'Fulcum Magicis'.
"Fulcum is a Roman military codeword" said Hong Kong. "It roughly means to lock shields"
"And what's with Magicis? Magic? As in magic-users, or magical creatures, coz we have armies of those back home" said Malaysia
"Yes, it all makes sense now" murmured Singapore.
"And?" asked Hong Kong.
"England wants us to rally the magical beings of the world to fight alongside us, seeing as we're hopelessly outnumbered on our own"
Back in Guyana, the three were preparing to disembark on the journey to Peru, which required a detour into Brazil, a wildcard. Maria had driven Alfred crazy with her insisting on smearing his entire body in mosquito repellant.
"You didn't do that for Honda"
"You know he has touch issues"
Japan broke in, saying that the preparations were done and that they were ready to go. "Let's save that for later", he said, noticing the building tension. "Brazil will appreciate the chemistry".
France had parted ways, telling them he would be keeping in touch while he took care of a minor problem. France was his usual self leaving the "minor problem" a mystery to the trio.
The lush Amazon rainforest captured the imagination since the first wave of European invaders. Some believed they were entering the fabled territory of the fierce warrior women who gave the land its name. Others saw in it the mythical Eden. All saw the gold and glory that could come from taming this savage land and, like a bejeweled siren, the jungles lured in wave after wave of conquerors, always taking her dues in death from disease and wild animals. South America fell, but she did not fall without a fight. The Amazon was more than a place, it was a state of mind where the beautiful and the deadly intermixed, blended into each other, beguiling with enchanting visions before tearing at hapless throats.
Kiku had to mentally stop himself from taking pictures. Alfred was more keen on looking out for crocodiles in the waters they skirted. Maria held a "been there, done that" look on her face that told she was impressed, but not that impressed, by the local scenery.
"It's nice, but Palawan is just as beautiful without being half as dangerous", said Maria. "I swear I saw a jaguar just now"
"Or maybe it's the blinged-up lady from Jibaro" snickered Alfred.
"I'll outscream her and snatch her wig if she shows up"
"I bet you would"
They had walked a little bit further when they were met by a strange threesome: A jaguar bounded towards them, leaping and then changing shape into a young man. A cowboy and a beautiful woman surrounded by stars flanked the morpher.
"Ah, Kotal Kahn. I see you've brought Erron and Jade with you as an entourage" remarked Alfred.
"What?" the young man replied, genuinely confused.
Japan rolled his eyes. "Still trying to keep the mood light with pop culture references". He exchanged glances with the trio. "Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela"
"You weren't at the Conference" noted Maria.
"Much good it would do for us to be dragged into a silly conflict between America and whoever has become the latest "villain" for him to overcome", snipped Venezuela.
"We've seen how America treats his so-called 'Allies' once all's been said and done," added Argentina.
"But surely, you see how things are different?" countered Japan. "That nuclear attack on Lisbon was no act of wanton terrorism. China sought to nip the New Allies at the bud.
Brazil cocked his head. "I think you'd be more clever than that, Japan. How can nuking our mere personal forms achieve anything? You and I both well know that any of us killed outside our own borders merely respawns in a set period of time. Doing what you claim would only justify your silly little attempt to relive the glory days, as it were".
"We're making ourselves a moveable feast for the mosquitoes," complained Venezuela. "We did, however, agree with France to help you reach Peru. If that will straighten your brains out from this neo-imperialistic silliness."
They reached Brazil's little Amazon outpost near Llanos de Mojos, the ruins of an ancient city that was certainly pre-Columbian. Japan was astounded at the pleasure of seeing the fabled lost cities with his own eyes.
Brazil noted their enthusiasm. "These ruins are often credited by foolish American documentaries to the work of aliens. How you slander our shared mother with your thinly-veiled disbelief that people not of white skin are incapable of anything!"
Maria winced. "I like Ancient Aliens, but I never saw it that way…"
"Coming from the girl who believes the son of a dictator, I'm not surprised" snuck in Venezuela.
"I'll take Marcos over Bolsonaro anyday, thank you for your input" Maria held up a hand to signal that the conversation was over. PERIODT.
The massive stone complex looked like something out of a movie. Maria steeled herself for the possibility of killer ants, rolling boulders, and statues that came to life.
"Not to worry, meu amor, nothing here will attack without my signal", said Brazil. "We'll get you safely to Peru via an underground tunnel"
Maria fondled the vial of potion in her hand, and made a decision.
They arrived at the mouth of a tunnel, where Argentina beckoned them to enter. The sun was just setting on the side opposite of the tunnel.
"Here's to a safe trip!" said Argentina.
Japan drew his sword. "Cut the bullshit, Argentina"
Alfred and Maria looked at each other.
"Peru lies west, so why would you have us enter an eastward tunnel?"
Venezuela snickered. "I told you they weren't that stupid"
"So, this whole setup IS like Mortal Kombat X!" said Alfred. "Anyway, it's three-on-three, right guys?"
Maria answered with a gust of wind. Alfred and Kiku were thrown back into the tunnel, which was really a prison cell with magical sigils. A prison for a god, or at least a powerful spirit.
Like a Nation-tan.
"Zon't" Alfred gasped. "Zon't zo it"
Maria stared them in the eyes. "Hail the Hegemony"
Brazil laughed. "Now it's a Marvel comic! You've made the right choice, meu amor. The West is dying. The Hegemony has shown us a path to the future"
"Okay, you've convinced her, can you stop flirting now, you cad?" said Venezuela.