[Edit 5.16.20] This underwent heavy editing. The content is essentially the same but definitely worth the re-read for the new details. Enjoy!

After disappearing from the meeting, Americas went back to Arizona's house. He teleported everyone to California's beach house with no issues. Delaware told him the locations of the rest of the states and he quickly picked them up as well. Soon, everyone was settling into their temporary rooms and rejoined in the enormous dining room.

Americas wanted to make sure everyone had a say in his decision. They would choose what and how much he would reveal to the countries. He knew the states weren't quite the same as the nations and with how fragile a nation's lifespan was, he could only deduce the states' were fragiler. He absolutely could not endanger them.

Everyone sat around the equally enormous dining table with Americas sitting at the head. Right as he was about to start, he felt an energy form to his side. The air rippled next to him and all of them recognized the familiar shimmer. Before the figure could properly form, he was already surrounded by half the states. Americas chuckled as exclamations of "Uncle Rome!" flew around the former Empire.

Americas's lips upturned into a rare, genuine smile at the sight. He always enjoyed Rome's visits. He was one of the few empires he could properly converse with. Along with the fact that Rome spoiled his kids and in return they looked up to and adored him, well Americas couldn't help but favor him a bit more than the rest.

"Ah bambini, as much as I'd love to spend more time with my favorite personifications, your padre and I have some very important business to discuss," Rome said with a pointed look at Americas.

The states showed their disappointment on their faces, but nonetheless they reluctantly let go of Rome. Americas sighed. He wanted to get a plan going already but he trusted Rome had something important to say if he was willing to interrupt. He stood up and led Rome to the kitchen.

"While I go talk to Uncle Rome, I want you guys to start brainstorming the next plan of action. Remember, I'll be fine with whatever you choose as long as it doesn't put you guys in danger. Del you're in charge, Penn you're second." Americas called out. The two states give word of confirmation and start to settle everyone back down. Satisfied with their response, Americas takes Rome past the industrial kitchen and into the smaller, side kitchen.

"You want something to drink?" Americas asked.

"Si, grazie! Would you happen to have any wine? Oh, perhaps some made by my dear nipoti, ah that would be marvelous," Rome said. Americas chuckled in amusement. His nephew never changed.

"Of course. Let me see what's available," Americas said.

He walked over to the storage closet and input the code to unlock it. Even though he was technically legally underage in his country, he could handle his fair share of alcohol. However, some of his states were actually physiologically underage so he limited their alcohol consumption. He looked around to see what was available.

"Hmm… Sorry Rome, it doesn't look like I have anything Italian, or European for that matter. How about something from Sonoma, Napa, Carmel Valley, Santa Cruz…" he trailed off glancing towards Rome.

"Anything red is fine." Americas nodded and pulled out a bottle along with some brandy for himself.

While Americas went to grab glassware and poured out the drinks, Rome sat down at the kitchen island and discreetly wiped his sweaty hands. He had no idea how he was supposed to broach the topic, much less how he was going to break the news. Rome had protested against being sent on a suicide mission, even for an already dead empire. But he supposed it was his fault for breaking the no contact rule in the first place. Everyone reasoned he was also the best option because he was so highly favored– to the point where Americas had modeled his children's nation after Rome's own empire.

He was barely given an hour to think of a plan before being sent to the wolves. Regardless, if he had weeks to plan, there just wasn't a way of escaping. The least he could do was try to mellow out Americas with a drink and maybe give himself some liquid courage as well. But it would take more than one drink to get either of them tipsy, much less drunk. So that plan was already failing.

"Well Rome, why are you really here? As much as I'd love to sit down and have a nice talk about how everyone's doing, I have more important things to worry about. I'm sure you already know, so what's up?" Americas asked as he set the wine glass in front of Rome and took a sip of his brandy.

Rome picked up his glass and swirled the wine around, choosing to stare at it instead of looking at Americas. He took a long sip and gathered enough courage to start talking.

"The council saw everything that transpired in the past few hours and sent me to help out with the current situation. All the empires agreed there was only one course of action."

Americas raised an eyebrow at his words. He was no doubt suspicious about Rome's reasons for dropping by. The empires never helped anyone unless it benefited them. Their help always came with a price.

The empires, unfortunately, never finished growing up before they were replaced by the nations. At their height, they were manipulative and selfish. Regardless, the continents still loved them. They had also gone through a similar phase when they were younger so they chalked it off as part of their healthy development. The empires could never truly pose a threat to the continents so they just dealt with the bratty behavior like any other parent would. So even hundreds of years after their death, they maintained their adolescent personality.

"Hmm, I see." Americas hummed nocommitally. "And what does the council believe that is?" he asked coolly. Goosebumps formed on Rome's arms. This was already going badly. Trying to delay the inevitable, Rome looked away and took another sip of wine.

"Rome?" Americas prompted impatiently after being met with several more seconds of silence.

Sighing, Rome decided it was a lost cause to try to delay his mission any longer. If anything, it'd make things worse on his end. He gulped down the rest of his wine in quite an unbefitting manner before facing his uncle. He always considered himself among the bravest empires, but when it came to the continents, he felt like a little kid all over again. Rome also saw what Americas could do with only a nation's power and that didn't reassure him. Dead or not, he was intimidated to challenge his uncle.

"Umm, well… Uncle Americas, er…" Rome hesitated. At Americas's insistent glare, he hastily added, "You see, we were watching everything unfold from upstairs and well we unanimously voted that you havetorevealyourstatesinordertoprotectyouridentity."

Americas's eyes narrowed at Rome's declarations. His eyes turned cold and Rome could feel his every word and action being dissected. It felt like Americas was staring straight into his very being. Rome squirmed under the scrutinizing stare and once again looked away to try to relieve some of the pressure he felt. He didn't want to be on the receiving end of those cold and calculating eyes. He jerked his head back up in surprise when he heard the harsh laugh fall out of Americas's mouth.

"If you think for one second that I would risk my states for some measly protection, well think again. Have you forgotten what happened to your mother? Obviously you've all been off planet for way too long. As a continent I am telling you that if you want to be involved, y'all better come up with a better plan or there will-" Americas's rant was abruptly cut off by Rome's outburst.

"The council is willing to reveal the states themselves if you refuse to cooperate!"

Everything was still for a second before the tension grew thicker. Then Americas grabbed Rome by his front, leaving him with no time to react. He pulled Rome off the chair and shoved him against the wall. Rome's instincts screamed at him to get away but he couldn't budge under the grip Americas had him in. He quickly gave up and went limp, staring at the ground in fear.

Americas growled in discontent and grabbed his hair, pushing back Rome's head so he was forced to look into those deadly, unforgiving eyes. Americas's intense stare was too much, so he broke eye contact and looked away once more. They had gone too far. The council crossed a line they should never have even thought of approaching, and yet they did. He couldn't rectify their mistake no matter how much he pleaded. Despite being dead, Rome knew Americas had powers to make them all regret every being formed.

Before Americas could start, they heard footsteps running to the kitchen. A surprised "Dad!" was heard from the entrance of the kitchen. Americas face softened as he saw Delaware standing there.

"Delaware, go back to your siblings. I'll be done here in a minute," Americas said, turning back to glare at Rome.

"But dad-"

"Del Jones. Go. Back."

Delaware sighed and looked like he was going to give up. Rome's after life was over. Unexpectedly, the state stepped farther into the room.

"Papa, please. We made a decision." Rome turned to look at the state. Delaware was employing full use of his puppy face. From the wide eyes to his pouting mouth, he played the part perfectly despite having the body of a teenager. Americas wouldn't be able to resist him. Rome was saved after all.

Americas shoved Rome against the wall one last time before letting him fall to the ground. Rome sighed in relief, he owed this state his life.

"Go tell the council exactly what I thought about their decision. Next time I won't be in such a good mood. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir."

With that, Americas walked over to Delaware. His personality completely shifted and he was back to being the friendly and caring dad.

Rome was left alone to contemplate whether or not the council had made the right choice. Despite the risk, he knew they weren't going to let it up. But having a plan and executing a plan were two completely different things. Especially if Americas was opposed to it. Rome hoped to all the deities that they could pull it off. Otherwise, the world wasn't going to be ready for the storm that lay on the horizon.

Hey guys, it's been a while but here is your promised chapter! So there should be maybe 5 more chapters and then this story is done :'( Wow okay so shout out out to Swordsman of the Eclipse for the amazing idea of bringing Rome into this. They just expanded my universe by a lot and let me tell y'all, this story is now going to be 20x better. Again if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to review or PM me and all who do get a sneak peak!

Reviews:

Guest (1; Mar 12 2017): Thank you! Your wish is my command ;)

Mapleshade2: Omg thanks! Yeah, tho in the future, it might change a bit, hint hint.

Guest (2; Mar 12 2017): Well more like 2 months sorry :/ I ahd so much school work to worry about as well as my AP exam but now I should have more time to write :)

Guest (3; Mar 13 2017): Here ya go!

Guest (4; Mar 13 2017): Aww thanks! Glad you like it!

Mousey-Mouse: Woo, thanks! I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

EnderSorceress: Thanks so much, I always look forward to your reviews. Ayy, I love minecraft! But my brother is always playing Call of Duty on our Xbox so haven't played in a while :(

Guest (5; May 5 2017): Thanks! Here's your chapter :D