Toris knew there was something wrong when the Russian came rushing into the house, breathing heavily. Everyone of the household stopped and looked at the man who, for once, was out of breath, and looked wide-eyed and panicked. No one knew why until the man took a few seconds to regain speech. "W--we have to run! G-get your coats on, da. Bundle up--quick! Hurry!" It took not a moment for everyone to rush, gathering the clothing on.

The three Baltics, Russia's two sisters. The five of them quickly pulled on hats, coats, boots, gloves, and other items used to protect from the cold. While, the one that had rushed in was helping them pull on this and that when a pause occured in their rush. When they were ready, they were heading out the door when they saw the blizzard outside.

"W-we can't go out in that, we'll get lost!" A voice came from the six, and they saw the Russian's frown.

It was then the scarf he loved so dearly was taken off, and a loop and tie was upon each neck, starting at the back with Ukraine, and to himself. They were firm knots, each and every one of that surprisingly long train, and he looked at them, for once the smile gone, his features grim. "Grab to the person in front of you and hold onto the scarf, da. We're going to be running--try not to trip."

They didn't argue as the Russian took off, holding tightly to the fabric that bound them all together, rushing at a slower pace than he could so all of the others could keep up. He picking a path through the knee-deep snow, going as fast as he could as that freezing air and ice stung their faces, the wind robbing them of their warmth when it could. The cruelty of winter at its peak, wishing nothing but to lure them into the dark embrace of death.

It was a time after their start that the smallest of them all, Latvia, tripped and fell into the snow, stopping and jerking the line. "S-stop!" Was the cry from the front, and they all paused, but knew how dangerous it was when it was cold like this.

Quickly the Russian untied himself, going to the fallen shaking nation and lifting him up, getting him out of the scarf and into his arms, pressed against his chest to give warmth. The youngest clutched to the elder's chest, holding with all his might. It was quickly that he went and reattachted himself to the line--less than a minute and they were running again.

They soon realized why they were running as the sounds of gunshots were heard when the wind died somewhat. Everyone realized why Russia had gotten them from there. This was life or death, even for them.

Their running continued, until they were cold to the bone, sore beyond reason. Nothing but will kept the group going, it seemed. Their pace had not slowed, they had not given up. It was a surprise when a door was opened, and they were tugged almost violently inside. Ivan slammed the door shut. Latvia was set down, shaking and shivering, his lack of movement had caused him to be the coldest of all.

They all checked each other for frostbite, a fire or two lit, the cabin becoming bright. It was old, abandoned, and dusty as could be--but it seemed to be the only safe place for the moment. With some of the layers soon shed, several of them collapsed to the ground, huddling together to warm up as the room around them did too.

Ivan finally returned to them, slinking down a bit away from the group, catching his breath with his panting companions. The time without words was just filled with thoughts and questions, when finally someone had regained their breath.

"What happened...?" It was Toris who asked.

The Russian took a minute or two, regaining his breath. His smile did not return when he replied. "...I'm not sure, Toris." And even his voice, dark.

Ukraine was worried, fretful now. "W-what's going to happen to us, Little Ivan?"

His eyes closed, taking in more gulps of air to please his aching lungs. "We're going... to Siberia."

"S-siberia?!" A few of them gasped, knowing only the cold horrid tales that had always been told of that place--somewhere where the sun never shined.

"Why?" Was Eduard's question towards the Russian, having been the most defiant of them all.

There was a deep frown. "It's the only place we won't be found. This isn't a time to argue."

"W-will we be safe there?" Was the soft voice of the Latvian, almost crying at this situation.

Ivan didn't answer them, he looked away at the door.

"Will we?" Natalya joined in, not knowing if her brother could save them.

"...We will rest now, da. In three hours we'll start off again towards the next point."

Now the group had been given indirect, hidden words in those orders to not ask any more, so they curled up to sleep and rest themselves before another stretch would be taken to the cold depths of Russia. Fear laced their minds and hearts and they all fell to their exhaustion.

When they woke, they started off again with haste, running and following the Russian who knew this way for reasons unknown--but it was his own land he trekked, why would it be strange?

But, what would happen to them?

Charan-Amaya: So my friend suggested something--'Why not not continue a story until you get a certain amount of people that actually want you to write more'? So, that's what I'm going to do with this one--and if you suggest something--I MIGHT put that in there and give you credit for the woven-in-idea. So then. Want to know how many 'PLEASE CONTINUES' it'll be?

FOUR.

That's right, four and I'll spout out a new chapter.