(Friendships are not talked about enough in stories and fiction. Or, rather, those plotlines are used less than it was before. I love shipping and true love stories as much as the next person, but there should also be stories to express friendships. Enjoy!)

           Belarus returned to the palace and found Slovakia leaning back in a chair and holding a dumbfounded expression. She should be thankful that the Slovakian was an idiot who didn't either hear the commotion occurring underneath the palace, but she was grateful at least. She then recalled the guards working for Prince Japan and decided it would be better if she remained here to not attract suspicion.

"Ah! You're back beautiful, scary lady!" Slovakia greeted as he flashed the best smile he could.

She was so tempted to silence him, but she had to remain calm and answer, "Yes, unfortunately I am here. My colleague fell ill, so I took her home. I shall wait here for my siblings to return"

"And keep little old me company?! I am honored!" Slovakia expressed in delight and swooned as he hoped Belarus would catch him.

She stepped to the side and let him fall flat on his back as he whimpered in pain. With a huff, she stared at the fancy, golden staircase where her siblings and Switzerland climbed to meet with the prince. She hoped they were safe compared to the recent skirmish she went through.

Russia, Ukraine, and Switzerland stepped into the throne room with Czechia leading the way and bowing to reveal Prince Japan sitting on the throne.

"There was a fight here" Switzerland whispered cautiously as he examined the scorched marks that were from Hong Kong's fireworks.

Ukraine commented, "There aren't many guards present. That is rather strange for a prince especially considering the recent burning"

"Da, please keep your guards up. We do not know what to expect now" Russia whispered back as he took a bow to the prince, "Privet! How are you, Prince Japan?"

Ukraine and Switzerland followed Russia's example before staring at the prince. Ukraine felt a chill while the Swiss held himself back from drawing his pistol. The prince's expression was so dark and cold that all three believed they would've frozen on the spot! This says something since Ukraine and Russia were so used to the chilly weathers from their home.

"Kon'nichiwa, Duke Russia and Duke Ukraine" Prince Japan greeted as he rose from the golden throne and bowed to them, "I do apologize for everything that has transpired. It has been rather hectic a few days ago. I am currently trying my best to restore order to the kingdom and find my siblings. We were separated during the attack from those North American Twins we graciously took in"

The trio made note of this information as Russia took a few steps forward to speak with the prince.

"Ah, that is very tragic" Russia spoke as he tried his best to express his sadness, "Is your older sister one of the siblings that escaped? I am supposed to meet with her to discuss the possibility of marriage"

Right now, all they could only gather information on the situation at hand. From there, they could use it to their disposal and find the best outcome for everyone.

"Yes" Prince Japan spoke as the darkness and curse contorted inside of himself, "She was taken by those wretched North American Twins. They snatched her the moment the chaos broke out. It is rather tragic. If it were to me, I would've let you take her hand right away. Since she's taken, I doubt the marriage will be able to continue"

Ukraine was furious as he stood up and marched in front of his older brother with Switzerland also beyond furious as well.

"Excuse me, but why would say that about your own sister?!" Ukraine snapped in frustration, "This wasn't supposed to be a marriage of convivence! This was supposed to be a test to see if they were a good match! If not, we would've left!"

Russia was surprised to hear this from him as Switzerland snapped in agreement, "I agree! We don't know if she even wants this either. If she doesn't, then that is no reason to continue this!"

Prince Japan raised a brow at them. He couldn't understand why they would care so much about her well-being when they knew nothing about her. And yet, there is something odd about this meeting. For some reason, he believed he should've been in control of the situation. Whenever his eyes fell on Russia, a powerful, cold power was slowly stirring inside of him.

"Please it is not matter to me" Russia spoke as he held a little sad expression, "I am a little sad that she not here. At the very least, we could've become friends with her. Well, if that is all, then there is no reason for me to be here, da? Should I take my leave?"

Ukraine and Switzerland stared at Russia with expressions that caught them off guard. What was he thinking?! As for Russia, he had another goal. If he couldn't become friends with China and Vietnam, perhaps he could befriend Prince Japan or at least keep him close.

As for Prince Japan, he was breaking as the darkness poured from the cracks of it. He wasn't sure why he didn't want to lose Russia nor his allies.

"Actually" Prince Japan spoke as the dark thoughts finally came to an agreement, "I want to work with you more. I don't know if you could track down the North American Twins or inform me of where they could be, but anything would suffice. I wish to find my siblings and bring them home after all. I am sure you would understand, Ukraine"

His eyes narrowed as he held his arm in front of himself for protection. Switzerland was even tempted to pull out his pistol for protection only for Russia to take a step forward and offer his cold hand to the prince.

"Da! I can do that! You will have nothing to worry about, my new friend!" Russia spoke in delight as he waited for the prince to shake to confirm their friendship, "After all, we should stick together as friends!"

The prince was hesitant, but he knew he would need more allies eventually. He would start with the Eastern dukes and their company.

"If you can search for them, that would be wonderful" Prince Japan spoke as he shook his hand, "Thank you, my new friend"

Russia was delighted that he nearly crushed the prince's hand! He held a strong expression until the Russian duke let go of his hand. He held a creepy grin that was trying to hide his delight at fooling the prince and for gaining a friend. Ukraine was tense as Switzerland didn't enjoy this.

Suddenly, the doors burst open with Czechia running up to them before bowing with a distress feature on her expression.

Feeling his older sibling instincts kick in, Ukraine asked gently, "Are you alright, dear? What happened?"

Czechia shook her head at him before bowing to the prince to speak in a quick manner, "I am so sorry, můj princi! Something has come up! We need you to come with me! Tví přátelé will have to leave!"

She was so anxious and worried that made the pair of older siblings concerned. They wanted to stay and find out as much as they can, but Russia was the one to step in again.

"Ah, then we shall take our leave as well" he spoke in a friendly manner, "We shouldn't keep our new friends busy. That would be rather rude. Well, let's go everyone! Please talk with us soon, my friend! We will do what we can to find those annoying North American Twins"

With that, Russia, Ukraine, and Switzerland left the throne room quietly and turned away from them. As they were leaving, they reunited with Belarus who curtsied to them as Slovakia straightened up and bowed to them with a sad expression when he noticed they were leaving.

"Aw, why does the pretty lady have to leave so soon? Can't she stay and keep me company?" Slovakia pleaded as Belarus was ready to end his life right then and there if not for Ukraine for holding her back.

Russia wasn't pleased with this either, so he said in a dark tone, "I suggest you learn when to keep to yourself and not say anything that people don't like. Don't worry! We can still be friends! Isn't that great?"

For once, Slovakia understood the threat and nervously replied, "Oh? Sure thing! We can be friends! Ha, ha! I should find Czechia! She's hopeless without me!"

He turned and fled from them as Russia was satisfied and walked out with the biggest grin on his face. Ukraine was relieved nothing came of it while Belarus was satisfied with the outcome. As for Switzerland, he would make sure his little sister wasn't as close to them as before. They left the palace without any issue, but Japan couldn't help but feel the cold flowing throughout his body. That cold power flowing through his body and fought back the controlling darkness, almost freeing the prince. Unfortunately, the darkness was able to rein control over the prince before he could be free from his control. Prince Japan struggled against the darkness who turned them to follow Czechia to the basement and found a mess.

Germany, Netherlands, and Turkey were exhausted from the fight with Feliciana taking care of her injured boyfriend as she held a distressed expression. Croatia was preparing medicine and food for them to eat and recover for them. Czechia and Slovakia were standing to the side, nervous to even speak anything. The darkness noticed that Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova were not present in the room which did frustrate him.

"Where is he?" Prince Japan asked darkly when he noticed their lack of presence.

Seeing no one was willing to speak of their betrayal, Feliciana spoke bravely as she held Germany's hand to give her some strength and comfort, "They betrayed us and helped Prince Chosǒn escape. We are sorry, Japan"

The prince wanted to reassure his dear friends that this was fine, but the darkness shook his head. With the darkness gathering in his hands, the prince drew his katana and pierced the ground in utter frustration at this news. His friends took cautious steps back from him to avoid any of his strikes and debris!

"How could you lose the Fire Tome of Europa?! He's an important piece to our conquest! Why did you lose him?!" he shouted as his katana was dripping with darkness as he waved it at them.

None of them spoke as Germany sighed. Everyone turned to him as the prince glared at his friend with a serious expression, daring the German to even stand against him.

Feliciana helped Germany stand up as he spoke, "But there is some good news, I suppose. We captured your older brother, Korea. We also captured a few more people as well. They sided with him and helped with Taiwan, Chosǒn, and Thailand escape"

They walked to the cell to lead the prince to see a frustrated Poland who grabbed the bars of the cell with Denmark siting against the stone walls as a glare was present on his features. Korea was sitting in the far cell, meditating and keep his cool.

"He is holding a dragon of Asiand as well" Netherlands spoke as he confirmed with a nod, "Since he has it, this means that you should have that power. With your oldest brother dead, then you only need to stop him from using his powers"

Korea only opened his eyes to stare at his brother with a serious expression. It was as Korea though. His brother was holding such a cold expression that dark view that was not his. This expression was not his. This was someone else. Knowing this, Korea had full confidence on what to do.

"Oh? Do I have that power? I thought you only lost because you couldn't handle me!" Korea taunted with a smirk.

Netherlands glared at Korea with Japan staring through the bars of the cell with a sharp expression. With a silver flash of his katana, Japan clashed the blade against the bars with a piercing glare to intimidate the Korean who only held a defiant expression accompanied with a grin.

"Sorry, but you think that will scare me?" Korea said as he used his height to tower over him, "That won't, and I have nothing to fear since my plan worked while you failed!"

Thrusting the katana to strike Korea's side with darkness dripping from it in a similar fashion to leaky pipes ready to burst. Korea gripped his injured side as he fell to his knees, but he never faltered with staring at his younger brother. He knew right then and there that this wasn't his brother. His brother never had this tainted darkness that could bring suffering to others when he did that naturally by being his brother. This was someone else. A powerful being that has immense power was in control of his brother.

As for the being in question, he was startled as he withdrew his katana to not find the dragon present in the Korean!

"Where is it?!" Japan shouted in frustration, acting out in a manner not known to his friends and family, "Where is the dragon!?"

Korea chuckled before starring with a smirk, "I knew the moment I awakened that power it would be important, so I gave it to someone and hid it in a safe place which is out of your hands, agma!"

Japan glared hardened as he swung the katana against the bars to nearly break the bars holding it with Korea's strong gaze never faltering. With a huff, the prince turned away, leaving the Korea to his wound and the cell. Netherlands spared a quick look to the injured prince and his little sister before departing as Feliciana and Croatia went to help care for Korea.

The rest of Japan's team gathered in the kitchen to wait for his instruction. They were frightened by his display of power and anger which was not normal for the Japanese prince. They were correct for the prince was not in control of himself. The darkness had wretched control and was beyond furious with this development! It was bad enough that those pair of twins are present and now he lost both the Fire Tome of Europa and one of the Dragons of Asiand! Well, if you want something done right, you must do it yourself.

"I know our next step" the prince declared as everyone waited for his orders, "I will head out and find the missing Artifacts of the World. Czechia and Slovakia will remain here with Netherlands and Croatia and run the country in my place. I will find those artifacts to ensure my rein is secured! Everyone else will depart to find those artifacts and my siblings!"

Out of fear and intimidation of the prince, they accepted his orders and carried out their duties. Prince Japan requested for Germany and Feliciana to be with him as he began his search for them. After all, it would be rather easy for him to track since the prince was holding one of the artifacts as well.

"That is why you cannot open Helflame! You are not related to me!" Romania's voice declared as he ripped the Fire Tome of Europa out of a sizzled Bulgaria's hands with Chosǒn waking up to see the sight before himself.

Chosǒn only stared at them with an expression of fear as Romania was working to put out the fire burning Bulgaria's hair. Thankfully and with some concern, Moldova happily approached the prince with a warm expression, completely not phased by the sight at all.

"Hiya prince! Are you feeling any better?!" Moldova asked with a wave of his hand with Romania turning his attention to the prince before putting out the fire completely.

The Romanian mage turned to the small tea tray and took a cup to warm it using his hands by casting a warm fire underneath it. He handed the cup to the prince to enjoy a nice, warm drink. He proceeded to do the same thing with two other teacups to serve to his best friend and little brother. As Chosǒn took a sip from his cup, his eyes were staring at Fire Tome of Europa dubbed Helflame.

"I know you want to learn more about my tome. However, before I explain the history of it, we need another plan of action. So, what do you want to do first, Prince Chosǒn?" Romania offered as he took the last cup to warm up and have a drink for himself.

There were a lot of thoughts running through Chosǒn's mind as he thought about what to do next. His older twin brother did risk everything for him to escape as well as gave him something to hold onto. He stared at his hands to see a faint red and blue light glowing that did not go unnoticed by Romania.

As for Romania, he stared at his tome and pondered something about it. Although Bulgaria was an idiot for even trying to cast a powerful spell, something else happened. The tome glowed a light that Romania had never seen before. It was both yellow and blue. To him, that meant that the other two Tomes of Europa were also present in this country. This was further supported with Korea who awakened one of the Dragons of Asiand. Romania couldn't believe that the Artifacts of the World were in one part of the world at all! He wondered if this is what his meeting with China was supposed to be about.

"I need to stop him" Chosǒn spoke in a timid manner, "But I don't know how. I know I will need help, but I don't know who else to turn to"

Romania clutched his tome to answer strongly in hopes of reassuring the young prince, "We can help!"

Bulgaria raised a brow at him in utter confusion as Moldova stared in admiration of him with the best friend asking, "So, how are we going to do that? There are three of us. We can't do much against the combined might of Germany and Japan"

As Chosǒn sulked with agreeing, Romania answered determinedly, "My tome was glowing a powerful light. I am sure if we follow those lights we will find the other two Tomes of Europa! With those tomes at our side, we will be able to handle anything! Of course, this is up to you, Prince Chosǒn!"

Realizing he didn't have a lot of options and knew that he needed to get away from the palace at the very least, the prince answered as bravely as he could, "Yes, that will be a good idea. Let's find the Tomes of Europa together!"

And so, the prince, Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria departed together to follow the yellow light to the Lighting Tome of Europa.

Thailand awoke to a loud sound of a hammer striking against a table and found Lithuania and Estonia still asleep. Noticing that it wasn't them, Thailand decided to see for himself where the noise came from and was surprised to see Latvia working on something late into the night with Egypt sitting next to her to keep her some company.

Latvia turned to Egypt to receive a warm cloth to wipe the sweat off her face before greeting Thailand, "Oh! I am sorry about that. Lithuania and Estonia are used to the noise, but I do forget that we now have another guest. I was making something for you!"

She returned the towel before taking a deep breath. Egypt went to stand with Thailand who was curious about what the blacksmith was up to.

"Ahem!" she spoke as bravely as she could, "P-presenting Prince Thailand's own weapon is m-me! Master Blacksmith Latvia!"

Thailand blinked at the little introduction she gave herself as she stepped aside to reveal a golden krabong! The prince examined the weapon and was impressed with the details and how light it truly felt in his hands.

"That is what Poland would do" Latvia spoke in a timid voice, "She would do everything she could to hype us up or give us comfort. I know her absence is hurting Lithuania the most, but I will not lie and say I don't miss her even if Estonia pretends to be fine that she is not with us. Even though you're holding back your anger and strength, I know you want to unleash your frustrations. I do think that will be helpful for our journey"

As Thailand stared at the weapon in question, he tossed it around lightly before spinning it around to strike the air in front of him.

Egypt commented, "You know, out of your siblings, you don't act like a prince. In fact, I've noticed how you were ready to fight but didn't act on it. That hesitance will not help you in the future"

Thailand only felt the weapon in his hands and then let their words sink in.

"It is true" Thailand spoke softly before turning to them, "I am not a prince of this land. I was only disguised as one to watch over them in case anything happened to them. I want to find them since it is my duty to protect them"

He was surprised to see Lithuania and Estonia standing behind Latvia and Egypt with understanding expressions. Estonia held a map of Asiand and presented it before Thailand to examine.

"So, this is the map of Asiand" Estonia spoke as he pointed it out, "Where do you think your family could be?"

Thailand examined the map thoroughly and at the various locations. To be honest, Thailand wasn't sure where most of his family members could be, but he did know Macau the best. Macau would definitely find the answers behind this situation. Thailand knew of a grand library in their home and pointed it out to them.

"I am sure Prince Macau will be at the library. He would look up everything to find a solution to this" Thailand spoke in a reasoning tone, "So, please help me reach that library and help me find the answer"

The Baltic trio and Egypt shared a nod as Latvia finally fell asleep by leaning against Estonia who only laughed.

"Well, before we depart, we should get some rest. We can leave first thing in the morning, together" Estonia suggested as everyone agreed.

Thanks to their conversation, Thailand was able to sleep peacefully before they departed when the sun rose.

"So, where do we go from here?" Ukraine spoke as he was in the room where Taiwan and Liechtenstein were resting with Russia, Belarus, and Switzerland observing the younger sisters.

Belarus explained everything that had transpired on her end to them as Russia informed her of what he agreed to do with Prince Japan. Ukraine went to prepare some soup and waited to serve it to the sisters before the group decided on their next course of action. Taiwan smelled the soup and stirred to find Ukraine holding it in his hands.

"May I have some, please?" Taiwan asked as she hugged her hungry stomach.

"But of course!" Ukraine spoke as he sat next to the princess and handed her the soup with his older sibling instincts taking over.

Switzerland shook his little sister awake and decided to prepare her some soup as well. With everyone awake, they began to discuss their next action. They were silent until Russia noticed the distressed features on Taiwan who ceased eating her soup.

Russia kneeled next to the princess as he spoke in calm tone, "Are you ok? Do you want to speak what is on your mind?"

She stared at the group and hugged herself before putting the soup down. For the first time ever, Taiwan was truly by herself. She didn't have her siblings with her nor their guidance to help her. This was the moment she would have to do things by herself. She was shaking in place as she finally cried. Everyone felt sadness over the girl, but it was Belarus and Liechtenstein who each placed a hand on her shoulder for comfort.

Taiwan stared at them with a hesitant expression as Belarus spoke in a gruff manner, "You cannot do anything to help your family like this. If you want to help your family, finish crying and take a stand for goodness sake"

The princess stared at Belarus who barely paid her any attention and only looked at her two older siblings with a serious expression.

"But that doesn't mean you're going to be alone on this either" Liechtenstein spoke with a firm nod of her head, "Because we understand too! We have family and friends who need our help. This also means we have each other to lean and depend on! So, Princess Taiwan, we will be there for you and help as best as we can to save them!"

Taiwan was speechless before she tugged on Liechtenstein's arm and held Belarus's hand. She pulled them in a hug before crying with them. Switzerland took a few steps away from them with a sigh.

He turned away to give them their moment before speaking, "So, your highness, what do you want us to do?"

Once Taiwan finished crying, she looked at everyone before answering slowly, "I think I need to find Vietnam. It seems like my big brother doesn't want her to be found or come back. We should do everything we can to help her at least! Oh! And she should be with those twins too! They'll definitely help us!"

She seemed confident with her answer as the group before her finally relaxed.

"Da" Russia spoke with a nod of his head, "We shall track the twins and your big sister. Though, we should be careful with our notes. For now, we should rest for we've earned it!"

With his idea spoken, Belarus took the finished soup from Taiwan and Liechtenstein before pushing both to the bed to sleep in! She placed the bowls away before joining them. Taiwan laughed as she pulled the Belarusian duchess and Liechtenstein girl for a hug.

Believing they would be fine on their own, the three boys left the room and went to theirs to rest.

"Ah! It is good to see Belarus have friends!" Ukraine spoke in relief as he fixed himself up for bed.

Switzerland scoffed, "Sure, but wait until those friends become a burden and drag you down to hell with the lack of funds they give you!"

Ukraine nervously laughed at the Swiss man who went to his bed to rest as Russia was laying on his bed and staring at the ceiling. Belarus made friends somehow despite her personality and her tendencies to look down on everyone, she finally made some friends.

"Friends" Russia whispered with a small smile on his face, "I do hope that I will make friends with other too!"

As he finished that thought, he finally let sleep take him despite Switzerland snoring and his older brother muttering to himself. Russia hoped to find a few friends for himself to have.