Thanks to Thinker90 for reviewing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.
Chapter 2
Philippines ran straight from Malaysia's room to the meeting room. The only time he could catch his breath was when he used the elevator. He clutched his phone in his white-knuckled hand. Something like this… they couldn't take any chances.
He burst into the meeting room, interrupting the current speaker. Germany stood from his seat, and Philippines sighed in relief.
"What is the meaning of this?" Germany demanded.
Philippines didn't answer. Instead, he jogged up to Germany and handed his phone to him. Germany read through the article while Philippines tried to catch his breath. There was a pain in his side, and he made a mental note to get more exercise. Germany's expression went from an angry scowl to a worried frown, and he lowered the phone as he looked at Philippines.
"You suspect that Malaysia may be suffering from this too?" Germany asked.
"I'm just saying, we need to be sure," Philippines said. "If he's also infected…"
"What the devil is going on?" England demanded.
Germany looked around the room and sighed.
"Twenty of Malaysia's people have been admitted to the hospital within the last twelve hours," Germany explained. "And that's only the capital. They seem to have the same symptoms as Malaysia. Three are dead, and two are in comas. But the worst part… It's an unknown pathogen."
Philippines flinched as the room erupted in an uproar. He couldn't blame them, but he didn't expect the response to be so loud. Germany had his eyes closed, his eye twitching every few seconds. Before he could demand for the room to return to order, a gunshot echoed throughout the room, forcing everyone into silence.
"Calm down," Switzerland said, putting his gun away. "The last thing we all need is for everyone to be panicking."
"The ceiling…" Germany whined, staring at the ceiling.
Switzerland rolled his eyes, before he focused on Philippines.
"So, we need to figure out if Malaysia is infected with this pathogen or not," Switzerland said. "If not, then there's no need to worry; he'd only be reacting to the sudden state of his people. If he is infected, then we'll need to see if this disease is contagious, and exactly how contagious it is. He hasn't been coughing or sneezing, has he?"
"N-no," Philippines stammered. He couldn't recall Switzerland ever being so… matter-of-fact before.
"We can assume that the pathogen isn't attacking the lungs or nasal cavity, for now, and it also means it's less likely that he passed it on to anyone else. Still…"
"We'll need to go into quarantine," Germany said. "Nothing serious, just no one leaves the hotel until we have all the facts. Try to limit your contact with the humans as much as possible. And if anyone else starts experiencing any symptoms, let me know immediately. I'll call the nearest hospital to arrange for equipment. Switzerland, France, can I trust you to help?"
The two nations nodded. And as the host nation, Germany would, of course, have the best chance of arranging with the hospital.
"I'll help too," Turkey said. "Anything to help us all get home faster."
"Thank you for your offer, regardless of your motives," Germany said. "So, any news on Malaysia's condition?"
"His fever is still way too high," Philippines said. "We gave him some water, but he threw it up almost immediately after."
"You should try ginger tea," China suggested. "It should help soothe his nausea while also keeping him from dehydrating."
"That's not a bad idea," Japan said. "If you don't mind, I would like to be involved as well."
"Very well," Germany said. "Philippines, I want you and the others to stay with Malaysia. Only leave when it is necessary, and when you do, I have to ask you to wear a mask, just in case this is contagious."
Philippines flinched, before he nodded. He supposed that they should have thought about it. Germany removed a small notebook from his pocket and started writing something down.
"Let's see…" Germany said. "We should probably get some surgical masks, just in case. Fluid if it turns out that Malaysia really can't keep anything down…"
Germany continued with his list, before he placed the book back in his pocket. He then looked over the room at large.
"Alright," Germany said. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will have to put this meeting on hold until at least this afternoon at three. While the meeting is important, we have to deal with a potential health risk. Please, for the love of all that's good, don't do anything stupid!"
Philippines couldn't help but smile. Some of the nations looked relieved that they would be getting a break from the meeting, while others seemed worried. After all, if this managed to spread among the nations, then they would have another pandemic before the end of the week.
"Philippines," Germany said, "I think you should return to Malaysia's room. Only leave for emergencies. What is the room number?"
"Room 421," Philippines replied. "Thank you."
And now Philippines had the unpleasant task of informing the others that they wouldn't be allowed to leave. Singapore especially wouldn't take it well.
…
Malaysia had gone back to sleep, and Singapore couldn't help but stare at his brother. Malaysia was flushed with his hair soaking wet, clinging to his face. Singapore resorted to wiping his face with a wet cloth in an effort to cool him down, but it didn't seem to be working. At least Malaysia didn't throw up the little bit of water he'd drunk again.
He flinched when someone knocked on the door, though he didn't move. Thailand went to answer it. Singapore watched as Malaysia whimpered, curling up. The others were right. Malaysia did look a bit like a kitten.
"Okay, I got some medicine," Indonesia said. "Is he okay?"
"He threw up again," Thailand said. "And I think his fever is even higher. But there's something else you should know. Phil found an article on his phone. Apparently, some of Malaysia's people were hospitalised, and there's an unknown pathogen involved."
"Damn. That's not good. Do you think…?"
"Phil went to tell Germany about it," Singapore said. "If anyone is enough of a control freak to figure out what to do, it would be him."
"Right. So, should we wake him up to give him his medicine?"
"Well, he'd need to get medicine in his system, so… Yeah."
Singapore reached out and shook Malaysia's shoulder. Malaysia's eyes scrunched up.
"Ow…" he muttered.
"Sorry," Singapore said. "Indo's here with your medicine."
Malaysia's eyes opened, and Singapore flinched when he saw how bloodshot they were.
"Okay…" Malaysia groaned. "Could you please… turn the lights off? It's too bright, and the buzzing…"
Singapore turned to look at Indonesia and Thailand, who were staring at Malaysia in alarm.
"Mal…" Singapore said. "There aren't any lights on."
Malaysia blinked, as though he didn't quite understand the significance of Singapore's statement. Indonesia stormed over, and it took Singapore a moment to realise that he had a thermometer in his hand.
"Open up," Indonesia instructed. Malaysia flinched.
"You don't need to shout," Malaysia groaned.
"I wasn't."
"He's probably overly sensitive now," Thailand said. "This should tone down when he feels better."
Singapore said nothing. He watched as Malaysia sat with the thermometer in his mouth. It was a digital thermometer, so they would know when it was time to remove the device. But with every second that passed, Singapore couldn't help but feel more anxious.
Singapore jumped when the beeping eventually came. He snatched the thermometer out of Malaysia's mouth and stared at the three digits.
"This can't be right," he said. "This says… forty-one point three."
"What?" Thailand asked, as he and Indonesia came to look over Singapore's shoulder. The three stood there for a long time. "I hope Phil manages to make arrangements with Germany."
Malaysia looked towards the end table and grabbed the glass. He held it out to Singapore.
"Thirsty," Malaysia said.
Singapore took the glass without a word. Normally, he would have a problem with the way Malaysia asked for more water, but he decided that he would be empathetic this time. Malaysia was sick, and a fever that high would naturally mess with his mind a little. And him being thirsty was natural.
Singapore handed the glass back to Malaysia after refilling it again. Indonesia handed Malaysia a pill, and Malaysia stared at it for a long moment.
"This is for the fever," Indonesia explained.
"Remember, slow sips," Singapore said.
Malaysia placed the pill in his mouth and took one or two big gulps, which Singapore accepted because it was for the pill. Afterwards, Malaysia did in fact start sipping slowly. Indonesia removed a pill from a different packet and handed it to Malaysia as well, who repeated the process.
"That's for nausea," Indonesia explained. He took another packet out of the pharmacy bag, and from that packet removed a spray bottle. "This is for the sore throat. Three sprays."
Malaysia frowned as he stared at the bottle, and it took a while to figure out how the nozzle worked, since it wasn't a standard nozzle. Finally, Malaysia managed to spray the medicine at the back of his throat.
"I also got a few other things," Indonesia explained. "This is the best I can manage over the counter."
Singapore examined some of the contents of the bag, and he removed two contradictory packets.
"Are you expecting diarrhoea or constipation?" Singapore asked.
"I'm prepared for either possibility," Indonesia said. "For all we know, the medicine of one would lead to the other."
"Please," Malaysia groaned. "Don't talk about…"
His eyes bulged before he leapt out of the bed and ran straight to the bathroom. Singapore winced when he heard the familiar sound of Malaysia's retching.
"And there goes the medicine…" Singapore said.
"Well, it's a good thing I thought about it," Indonesia said.
Singapore removed another packet from the bag. He glanced sidelong at Indonesia, who only shrugged.
Thailand went to answer the knocking door, and Malaysia emerged from the bathroom, looking paler and with darker circles around his eyes. Singapore almost dropped the medicine. In all their years, he'd never seen Malaysia look like that.
"I'm sorry," Malaysia squeaked, his arms wrapping around himself. He was trembling, and Singapore had the mental image of a scared kitten. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Singapore said. He handed the packet over. "Do you think you can manage this?"
Malaysia stared at the packet for a long time.
"I-I can't read this," Malaysia said. "Everything's… blurry."
"It must be the fever," Indonesia remarked. "Can you put one of those pills in your butt? Because I don't think we have that kind of relationship."
Malaysia was silent for a few seconds before he retreated back into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Philippines walked up to them, a frown on his face as he looked towards the door.
"I spoke with Germany," Philippines said. "He's getting in touch with the local hospital. He said something about getting IVs, so hopefully that would work. He also said that the four of us should stay with Mal, and we shouldn't leave unless it's important. He also said we should wear masks when we go out, just in case this is contagious."
"Isn't this a bit excessive?" Indonesia asked.
"Remember what we said about the unknown pathogen?" Thailand asked. "I can see why they'd be worried."
"Also, Switzerland, France and Turkey would act as the doctors," Philippines said. "Then Germany and Japan are also helping out."
The bathroom door had opened while Philippines had spoken, and Malaysia stood there, leaning on the door. He stared at Philippines, and Singapore went over towards him. He placed his hand on Malaysia's forehead, and Malaysia jumped at the contact. Singapore frowned.
"Your fever is way too high," he said. "You can get in bed, but I don't want you under the covers. You need to cool down."
"I-I can take a shower or something?" Malaysia suggested.
"Wait for that pill to be completely absorbed," Indonesia said.
This time, Singapore suspected that the flush on Malaysia's cheeks had nothing to do with his fever.
"Do you want to try some water again?" Singapore asked.
Malaysia nodded, and Singapore went to refill his glass. When he returned, Malaysia was sitting on the bed, his knees pressed against his chest and arms wrapped around his legs. Philippines was stroking Malaysia's hair, though the other didn't react.
"Here you go," Singapore said, handing the glass to Malaysia. He watched as Malaysia took one big gulp before he started with the slow sips. "How's your throat?"
Malaysia shrugged. He looked up when someone knocked on the door, and Philippines went to answer it. Singapore hoped that it was Germany and the others.
"How's he doing?" France asked as he, Turkey and Switzerland entered the room.
"He threw up the medicine," Indonesia said. "We gave him a suppository, so now we're waiting."
"That's not a bad idea," Switzerland said. He was carrying a medical bag. "We just went for some supplies. I take it you haven't tested his heartrate, blood pressure or glucose levels?"
"No," Indonesia said. "We did check his fever, though. Forty-one point three."
France and Switzerland winced. Singapore narrowed his eyes when he saw all three of them don surgical masks. It felt a bit extreme, in his opinion. But then again, if Malaysia was infected by an unknown pathogen, then he supposed it was a necessary precaution, lest they dealt with another pandemic.
"Let's start with the blood pressure and pulse," France said, approaching Malaysia with the measuring device.
Singapore watched as the cuff was inflated. Malaysia was only distressed when it became a bit too tight. When it deflated, France stared at the reading with a frown.
"This is worrying," France said. "His blood pressure is low, but his heartrate is high."
"What exactly are the readings?" Switzerland asked, taking out a pen and notebook.
"Blood pressure: seventy-five over forty-three. Heartrate: ninety-eight."
Switzerland wrote it down. France put away the blood pressure monitor and fetched a glucose monitor after putting on gloves. Malaysia shrank back with this one, eyeing the pin that came with the machine.
"This might sting a little," France said. "But it's just standard procedure."
"N-no," Malaysia stammered. "N-no n-needles!"
"Don't be a baby," Singapore admonished. "It's just a little prick. It would literally take a second. You passed out earlier, so they need to check on your sugar."
Malaysia whimpered as France took his hand. Singapore thought the hold was gentle, and did not deserve such a reaction. France pricked Malaysia's finger, earning a shriek from the Asian. Singapore grabbed his shoulders to prevent him from moving away as France managed to get some blood on the monitor's strip. Malaysia cradled his hand against his chest when France released it.
"…We need to get food in him," France said. "His blood sugar is two point three."
"Damn," Turkey swore. "How are you still awake, kid? Even for a nation, that's pushing it."
"This next part isn't going to be fun," Switzerland said. "We'll need to draw some blood."
"N-no!" Malaysia shouted, shaking his head. "N-no needles!"
He clung to Singapore, who tried to pry him off him. The others were watching the scene unfold.
"This is ridiculous," Singapore said. "You're a nation! Are you saying that a stupid old needle is the worst thing you've ever dealt with?"
Malaysia whimpered. Switzerland came closer with the required equipment. Malaysia gave a small shriek before he jumped out of the bed, attempting to run towards the bathroom for safety. However, he fell to the ground before he could reach the door.
"I think he passed out," Thailand said.
"Idiot," Singapore muttered.
"Well, this turned out great for us," Turkey said, before he went to pick up Malaysia. "And we won't have a sedative interfering with the blood tests."
Singapore watched them as they went through the process of drawing the blood, but when he saw the blood he looked away. Indonesia also looked squeamish. Philippines was on his phone, and Thailand was the only one that appeared comfortable enough to watch the procedure.
It was strange how seeing Malaysia's blood disturbed him like this.
"You should get in touch with one of us when he wakes up," Switzerland said. He handed the notebook to Singapore. "Also, after he's awake, I suggest you check his blood pressure every three hours or so, and you should test his fever regularly too. I would have suggested that you test his sugar too, but I think we should avoid that as much as possible."
"Alright," Singapore said. "We're sorry for the trouble."
"Yeah, well, until we know what we're dealing with, we've got to be extra careful," Turkey said. "We wouldn't want to have to deal with an international incident, right?"
"Oh no," Philippines said, his eyes widening. He was still staring at the screen. "I tried to check on the progress. People in Kuala Lumpur have been warned to be extra careful. The hospitals reported twelve more people admitted with high fevers and vomiting. And that's just in the last hour."
"Seriously?!" Turkey exclaimed, reaching for Philippines's phone, which the shorter male managed to keep away with the expertise of one who knew how to defend one's phone. "Anything else?"
"Well, a few other towns and cities also reported people with high fevers. The CDC has already been contacted. It's unclear if they're suffering from the same disease that the other victims are suffering from."
Singapore had moved in behind Philippines and stared at the phone. He was looking at the article, and he was looking at the details that Philippines had not mentioned. One victim was reported with a rash around their torso. Singapore frowned, before he went towards Malaysia and lifted his shirt.
"This doesn't look good," Singapore said.
"What's wrong?" France asked, moving closer. "Oh. I see. Do you think it's related?"
Malaysia's chest was red and swollen, with a clear rash forming further down. Singapore frowned. Malaysia didn't say anything about being itchy. So, what other symptoms were there that they were unaware of?
France, Switzerland and Turkey being the medical nations is a reference to Doctors without Borders, the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, respectfully.
I would like to point out that I am in no way a medical expert. I have done a bit of research on symptoms, treatments and procedures, but it would be more than likely that I misunderstood or misremembered something. So please, have patience with me.