(About five more chapters after this one. Which is a relief! I did not realize how many stories I was posting! Which is not a bad thing, but I do need some of these to finish... Also, is it just me, or have Hetalia fans matured? I thought the internet would roast me alive for this story, but everyone here is chill and enjoying it! Enjoy!)

              "They're back!" Moldova exclaimed as he ran from the house he stayed in with Bulgaria and Romania.

Everyone rushed outside and towards the group. Estonia and Latvia rushed to jump and embrace Lithuania and Egypt in relief. Taiwan ran to Macau and was surprised to see China's body still intact and still alive with Chosǒn taking the body to put on the ground.

"Ah! That would be my axe, wouldn't it?" Australia asked as he approached Lithuania, "It seems a little rusted, but I am sure it will do well!"

Lithuania relinquished the axe to Australia who gladly took it in his hands. Both were surprised to see the axe change once it was in Australia's hands! Instead of a rusted, broken axe, in Australia's hands was a tough, strong, glorious axe that appeared to cut through anything!

"Amazing! Can't wait to take this beauty out for a spin!" Australia commented with New Zealand sighing at the artifact in his hands.

Egypt held the Shield of Afri in his hands, unsure of who was supposed to wield the Artifact. England approached him, but his eyes were on the shield.

"I should've known it would return" England commented, "When France and I were touring Afri, we came across this shield and a little girl. At the time, neither of us knew what to think of it. Instead, we took it and kept the little girl safe from those dark figures who wanted to harm her. I think I know what this means. Seychelles! This is for you!"

England stepped aside to reveal the shield to Seychelles who stared at it in a curious manner. She knew something was different about her, but she could never put her finger on it. She took cautious steps towards the shield and hesitantly placed her hands on it. Egypt relinquished the shield to her and waited to see it transform into a golden shield with jewels decorating it. It shined a brilliant, hopeful, golden glow that only made Seychelles and Egypt stare in awe.

"Who had it this whole time?!" Cameroon asked as he observed the shield.

"We found it in the hands of people who held bad intentions" England answered as he reflected on that day, "In hindsight, we should've returned the girl with the shield to her people, but at the time, we only thought of getting out of trouble and ensuring she was safe"

Cameroon noticed how tense and fearful England seemed to be on the matter. He sighed for he knew it was better that they focus on the now.

"So, the Shield of Afri called to her" Canada said in amazement, "I can't wait for Kenya and the others to find this out! Right, America? America?"

She looked at her twin brother who was looking at the crowd. He didn't see Vietnam and Thailand. He wondered where they were and looked for an answer.

"They stayed behind to ensure we have the Artifacts in our possessions" Lithuania answered in defeat, "But it worked. We do have the Artifacts and know what we need to do to get back at them. What is the next step?"

Thinking about saving the others, America wanted to charge right in, but he was stopped by Russia who put a hand on his shoulder.

"As much as I want to help our friends, we need to do things first" Russia said seriously before staring at China's body, "I believe you know what needs to be done, da?"

America only stared at the body with China feeling utterly relieved to see his body in one piece.

"Ok, but how do I do this? Placing the consciousness of someone into another body is not something I do all the time" America said unsure as he rubbed the back of his head and looked at the body, trying his best to not be weirded out by it.

Taiwan answered unsure, "Well, it won't be easy, but I am sure you can do it. Ah! I was never good at this!"

Macau stepped up and gestured to Chosǒn to suggest, "I believe he has the power to help with this since one of the Dragons of Aisand does reside in him. I don't know how else this will work, but I do know that we will need China's help if we are to save our home, and everyone locked away"

America only nodded his head and said as bravely as he could, "Ok, but this better not hurt me! Not that I am scared of that! Let's get this over with!"

He did his best to remain confident, but he was shaking in place, much to Mexico's and Cuba's enjoyment. Chosǒn was panicked, but America's eyes changed to a golden color as China took control of his body.

"Do not worry" China spoke in a knowing tone, "I know how to do the swap. I will walk through this with you, Chosǒn"

Chosǒn simply nodded and sat between China's body and China in America's body. As everyone observed them, Chosǒn stared nervously at China and his body with a hesitant expression.

"Remember how I practice Tai Chi?" China asked in a calm tone, "How it flows through the world, us, and everything? It has a current that connects from everyone"

Chosǒn only nodded his head in understanding as he followed the current of life and closed his eyes. China smiled warmly and followed Chosǒn's movements. A low, golden glow emitted from America's and China's bodies! Chosǒn gave off a red light as he slowly opened his eyes. A dragon son burst from his form and flew around them!

"Woah" Taiwan said in awe as she looked at the dragon, "It looks like Korea's, but it is colored in a red light. Why is that?"

Macau adjusted his glasses and pondered, "It could be because of his aura. As much as Korea acts like a fool, he can easily adjust to anything and understands the flow to take. Chosǒn is a rule follower and tends to listen to others. He is flowing China's flow"

The dragon flew around China and Chosǒn with it creating a powerful flow. The dragon observed both and let out a low roar. The flow soon turned into a faint whirlwind and created a gentle warmth. China smiled softly as America was staring at this in awe.

"Are you ready to say goodbye?" China asked in a warm tone as he glanced to America, "Xiexie, America. I can't thank you enough for this. You were able to carry out my plans with no trouble"

Scratching the back of his head, America answered with an embarrassed manner, "It was nothing! Glad to help man! We should always help each other no matter if you ask"

China held a soft expression and nodded his head. China walked forward in America's mind and continued to walk until he departed from America's mind. America felt extremely tired and closed his eyes to fall asleep. America's body completely shut down with him falling to hit the ground with a thud.

"America!" Canada shouted until England grabbed her arm to stop her from running towards the current.

She looked to him, but she noticed how he was memorized by the sight of the dragon flying around them. The dragon didn't intend to harm anyone and only flew to transfer the flow of life and current to the other. She gripped England's wrist and waited as the current continued to flow.

The dragon seemed to be relieved that America had collapsed and then focused his gaze on China's body. A red and yellow sphere floated up from America's body, flew across the wind, and descended into China's body. Red and yellow lights flew from America's body with the dragon letting out a roar before focusing on Chosǒn. He was petrified, but the dragon flew right through him to return to his body!

"Ah!" Chosǒn yelled, afraid and not being able to handle this much power right away!

He hugged himself in fear as he struggled to keep the dragon contained!

"If he can't handle that dragon, it might destroy everything here!" Macau shouted with worry as England and Romania shared a knowing expression.

Both held lightning and fire magic respectively as Seychelles ran forward to grab their hands! The mages were stunned to see her with them, but she was holding a scared expression. She was terrified for their safety as well! They shared a concerned expression as China woke up with the jade dragon flowing out of him!

"I've got this" China's voice resounded over everyone as he picked himself up and grinned when the jade dragon flew out of his body.

China stood up and saw the unconscious America and terrified Chosǒn who looked up at him. With a sigh of relief at being back in his body, China kneeled before the scared Chosǒn to embrace him.

"It is going to be ok" China whispered softly while rubbing his hands on Chosǒn's back, "I am here. Your brother is the one who saved us. We are going to be ok. I promise"

China hummed softly to reassure the shaking Chosǒn that everything is fine. He soon sang a soft melody to calm him down as well. Chosǒn slowly felt at peace before falling forward into China's arms. The jade dragon flew above them with a wise expression on his features. China gently placed Chosǒn on the ground with a pleasant expression before turning to the jade dragon.

"Ah, I am sorry about this late introduction" China said with a grin, "But it is wonderful to finally meet you! Yes, I am China, the king of Asiand! It is an honor to meet your acquittances!"

He took a grateful bow as the jade dragon closed his eyes in respect before flying to China and return to him. China only sighed before raising his head to them.

"I would understand if you have any questions regarding everything that has happened" China said in a knowing tone, "I will gladly answer everything and anything you desired to be answered"

No one said anything, but Canada finally ran to her twin and was relieved to see him breathing.

"Uh, I think we need the whole story" Prussia said seriously as he faced the king, "Not to be rude, but we went through a lot. It would be wise if you speak now than holding your peace on the matter"

China only nodded his head and let them gather around him.

"Well, I noticed our father wasn't the greatest man to have lived when he began his conquest of Aisand under his banner. He killed, plunder, thieved, and destroyed so much that it will never be enough to repay. I suppose it is time for the truth, but my siblings and I are not fully blood related to each other. We are either half or distance in a sense. That was another consequence from my father's actions. In the end, the world was upset with him for his actions and repercussions were received to us"

Stunned and listening to China's words, India, Mongolia, and Tibet only nodded their heads in agreement.

"Even though we were young, we knew it was wrong" Tibet said in a solemn tone, "But he would not listen to us either about his cruel, unjust ways"

Mongolia stepped to answer in a frustrated tone, "And it only brought more problems for us. In fact, that's why we started collecting the Artifacts of the World. We paid any price for it and ensured it never fell into China's father's hands. As you can tell, those Artifacts are dangerously powerful and could bring about destruction if the holder deems it"

England reflected on his rage and grimaced at the thought of him doing that. He was very lucky that Romania was able to react and knock him out before anything happened. As he reflected on this, he realized France was the one who would hold him back and prevent him from acting recklessly.

"But aren't there supposed to be eleven artifacts in total?" Canada asked, "So far, we only have about nine and that's assuming the Twins of North America is real"

India chimed in, "Actually, there should be 12 Artifacts of the World, and yes, I believe the Twins of North America do exist. After all, there are no such things as coincidences. Everything happens for a reason"

Canada was hesitant while Mexico added as he spun the Daggers of Latin America in his hands, "You know, as much as tu hermano annoys me, even I don't think it was a coincidence that the daggers came in pairs and look very similar. Almost like twins"

She glanced at the daggers and let Mexico's words sink in before her eyes were wide and she turned to her unconscious twin.

"No way..." she whispered before shaking her head and pointing at herself and her twin, "You mean us?! Are you crazy?! There's no way we have that kind of power!"

China shook his head and confirmed, "You do. There is a reason I made sure you and your brother left the palace. Japan knew that the two of you are the Twins of North America. I also shared your body with your brother. He has untapped power inside of him. I believe it is the same for you as well"

Canada was having trouble processing this with England agreeing with them as well.

"It could be why we encountered you and your brother in our lives" England reasoned, "Some believe that the Artifacts of the World are drawn to each other. Whether the holder wishes to clash or work together, is up to them. I suppose in a sense we did both. I, and I suppose France, did help with taking care of you. We clashed when your brother and I had a disagreement. It definitely wasn't a coincidence that I found the Shield of Afri and her holder"

He turned to Seychelles who was still holding the shield and holding a unsure expression. It was a lot to take in.

"And then that means our encounter wasn't a chance either" Romania said as he entered the conversation and being supported by his brother and Bulgaria, "Though, perhaps I could've been gentle with the fire"

Mexico sat on the ground as he stared at the daggers in his hands. He wondered if their words were true when he thought back to the day he met the twins. He didn't mind Canada, and sure, he clashed with America a few times. In the end, they did get along well.

"So, maybe America being a puta wasn't entirely his fault" Cuba said as he tried his best to reassure Mexico while patting his shoulder, "But that does explain why you were so powerful compared to the rest of us, I guess"

Ecuador only laughed at the teasing and words with Mexico shaking his head at them. Spain and Portugal were standing off to the side with the former not even making a move to talk with the kids he looked after.

"Are you going to do nothing?" Portugal asked with a sigh, "Because I think you are being a fool, right now. At least England had the gall to speak with the two he cared for to a degree"

Spain sighed before shaking his head, "I should be furious at your statement, hermano, pero I am content. They've grown up. They're doing fine without me. Not to mention, I wasn't the best caretake at times, but I am sure that is the same for everyone"

Portugal only stared at Macau as he reflected on his care for a few others to reply, "I think they would be a little happy to know that you care now. The past is in the past, but you can still improve upon yourself in the future. Also, sounds like we are about to get into some serious trouble! I would say what you want to say before everything happens"

Portugal turned away as he patted his brother's shoulder to then walking away from him. Spain pouted at his brother and soon jumped when he saw Romana standing next to him.

"You know, you are an idiota" she snapped effortlessly, "You should know better than to wait. Didn't you want to communicate with your friends and family better? You're doing a piss poor job at it now! Seriously, I wish I was in your situation for once in my life! You're doing nothing right now about it when I want to do everything about it!"

Spain remained quiet and stunned at her words while she was huffing and sighed in defeat. She swiftly turned away and marched forward to give him some space and time to think about his actions and what he should do. Laughing and realizing his answer was simple, Spain walked towards Mexico, Cuba, and Ecuador to finally speak with them.

"So! I see the Daggers of Latin America fell into your hands. Do tus hermanos y hermanas know of it?" Spain greeted as he sat across from them.

He held a smile, hoping nothing too bad would happen to him. His three former students were quiet as they stared at him. Spain still held a smile despite the worry on his expression. He didn't want to make things too awkward between them.

Mexico was the first to speak about the daggers, "Well, it came to me. I got into a fight with America. I was losing and he wouldn't give in! I used all my powers and strength to stand up against him. It wasn't easy, but I did it! You should've seen me!!"

Mexico happily and excitedly recounted the events to Spain who listened in relief. He was delighted to hear about his stories with Cuba decided to chime in.

"Hey! I am the reason we have money! I have great trading ports! I can get us anything!" Cuba pointed out with a laugh, "And I've got good drinks and cigars to share! You should try some next time!"

Ecuador only laughed at their reactions and was happy to be with them again. It was nice to be together without too much stress and fighting involved. They laughed together with Spain feeling relief that they were able to talk to each other again.

Russia turned to China to ask in a confused tone, "But then how did your brother become so vengeful? You're not that and neither is the rest of your family. What happened to him?"

China answered, "I mentioned how my father's darkness followed us, correct? It did through us. It cursed Japan to be angry and take revenge against others. He was not always like this. He is a sweet, caring boy who only wishes to spend his days painting and writing poetry. He loves his friends so much and wants to be enjoying different forms of living. I know he wouldn't want this"

America slowly opened his eyes and sat up with Canada staring at him in relief.

"So, what can we do to save him?" America asked simply as he shook his head at everyone looking at him, "Look, I know we are all upset with him for what he did and I wouldn't mind giving him a punch too, but we need to save him as well. After this, do you still want to hate someone who is different and wants to just live?"

No one could disagree with him and knew he was right. After the fighting is over, they knew Japan would make this up to them. Knowing that a curse did cover the prince, some even believed that the prince might feel awful about everything that happened.

"I am grateful that you agree with this, America" China said in a knowing tone, "But I know not many will agree with this in the end. Also, I will share some of the blame for this as well. I did use Vietnam's birthday as an invitation for you and others to arrive. I used it to draw in the Artifacts of the World. We all play our parts and face the destinies before us. Come! We must bring this to an end and face the unknown future together!"

Everyone agreed with America standing up with support from Canada.

"I think we need to send word to the Afri Traders about our plan as well" America added with a hopeful grin, "I am sure they want to be a part of the action too"

"I couldn't agree more! But how are we going to reach them?" Canada asked with a curious expression.

"Leave that to me!" Cameroon said as he gave them a thumbs up, "I've known of them for a while. They wondered around Afri and did a lot of trades from all corners of our world. I am sure I could reach out to them!"

"Thanks Cameroon!" America said in relief as he leaned against Canada, "I can't wait to see them again. I am sure they want a crack at this too!"

Cameroon couldn't agree more as he rushed to contact them as America sighed with a shake of his head. Canada helped his sit down as Russia, England, and China joined them.

"Are you ready for this?" England asked seriously, "It won't be easy. This will be our toughest fight yet. Be ready for anything that comes our way"

He looked at his brothers and cousins who were preparing themselves as well.

"I am ready to save my papa" Canada said with a nod of her head.

China advised strongly, "And we must work together. Nothing will be accomplished without all of us together. You will have to fight against friends and foes alike. You must not hold back!"

"No problem!" America answered determinedly with a flash of a grin.

Russia towered over them with a knowing tone, "And you will make enemies as well. That will not be easy to live with. People you used to know will hate you or some may like you. It will all depend on what you do"

Canada answered without hesitation, "I know that, and I am ready for it!"

Russia stared at America with an interested expression, England seemed surprised, and China held an intense one. In truth, America had a feeling he would make more enemies than friends after this. However, there were so many people close to him were either in danger or counting on him. He couldn't leave them behind either. Well, there was only one way to answer that!

"Yeah, no worries!" America replied with a loud tone and hopeful smile for the future.

Canada stared at her twin with a concerned expression as he only nodded at her warmly. With that, they departed from each other and planned their final touches on the plan. All that was left is a good night's rest and relaxing evening before the biggest battle of their lives happen.