Last chapter, guys. Thanks for sticking by even after FanFiction screwed up chapters 8 and 9 -_-

Anyway, this is a rather short chapter, but I hope it serves as a nice epilogue for you! So, enjoy!

The countries we able to recover from their injuries. Lithuania's wounds healed and scars formed. They would probably never go away. Latvia fully recovered from his concussion and America's head injury healed up. All that was left was the World Meeting in Italy.

The days flew by and soon, the five found themselves on a nonstop flight to Italy. The World Meeting was to be held in Rome that month. They were all excited, but nervousness also filled the air. This was it: the day that the Baltics would leave Russia for good. And there was nothing Russia could do about it. They had tried to declare Independence before and,while the other countries accepted it, they always found themselves back in Russia. But today was different. They were going to leave for good this time.

All the papers were filed, all the evidance collected. They were ready. And there really wasn't anything Russia could do about it. Russia was in a corner at the moment. The proud scars displayed on both America and the Baltics would prove to be the most deciding evidence. America had told the other countries prior to the meeting what had happened. Most were on his side.

"I believe that the Baltics should have full Independence," America was saying, "Something they have yet to experience. We all accept that they are free countries, but they always end up under Russia's rule. They have yet to have a chance to grow stronger as they have always been stifled by Russia. Now, they deserve to be free." He sat down and examined the room around him. Most countries nodded their head in agreement.

"I would like to say something also," England said as he stood up. He surveyed the room and continued when no one tried to stop him. "I know that at these World Meetings, we are countries and not people. And we need to do what is right for us the country and not us the person, correct? But isn't child abuse illegal in most countries? Look at what Russia did to Latvia! Latvia might be a country, but he is also a child. We need to think morally on this. We wouldn't let one of our people's child be assaulted like this. Why should it be any different for a country?" England nodded a 'thanks' and sat down.

The group certainly had a winning argument. All the Baltics stood up and discussed what happened at Russia's house and why they escaped. Many of the countries were shocked and appalled by the events. Even America and England who had heard the stories many times couldn't help but cringe. It was just too horrible.

Finally, the testaments ended and Germany stood up. His usually gruff appearance changed. He now seemed saddened and his face looked at the Baltics with pity. "I believe that we should move to make Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania free and independant countries," he stated, "And that is something at all the countries have to accept. There shouldn't be a choice."

There was a vote. Only on country silently voted against it and that was Russia to no ones surprise. Germany signed the documents and passed copies to all the countries. Russia reluctantly signed it. He didn't have a choice anymore. He was being forced to sign it.

The meeting eventually came to an end. For once, something had been accomplished. But maybe, that should have been accomplished a long time ago. It didn't mater now. All that mattered was that the Baltics were now free.

America, England, and the Baltics returned to America's house for a week. Now it was truly a vacation. America showed them all the sights of New York such as the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Latvia enjoyed the zoo most of all while Estonia and Lithuania enjoyed the two people carriages. They seemed to be growing even closer. Their past together would never change, but they could choose their own future.

Finally, the vacation came to an end. All the nations were flying back to their respective countries. England's flight left first. The Brit waved goodbye, but America tackled hugged him and pulled the surprised nation into a huge kiss. Blushing, England shoved him away but instantly felt guilty. So he reached up and placed a peck on America's cheek telling him he'd come visit very soon.

Latvia's flight left next. He cried a little but the other two hugged and kissed him until he stopped,promising to visit. They meant it. They planned to all get together every weekend. Latvia left and it was just Estonia and Lithuania.

"I'll miss you," Lithuania frowned.

"I'll miss you too," Estonia agreed, "But I'll see you next weekend." Lithuania smiled at this.

"You need to help me pick out a house," Lithuania said, "I've lived in Russia so long, I don't even have a house of my own in my own country anymore." He blushed and looked down at the ground. "And I... Want to get something that you would like also."

Estonia smiled at this. "Of course I'll help," he smiled, "I'll be sure to get you the best house at the best price! Something that we'll both like. But you have to help me pick out a house also."

Lithuania smiled. "Flight 383 to Lithuania boarding at gate B-4 and Flight 263 to Estonia boarding at gate B-6," a woman's voice announced over the loudspeaker. Estonia gave a sad smile to Lithuania.

"Good bye, Toris," Estonia said.

"Good bye, Eduard," Lithuania returned, "I... Love you."

Estonia blushed. He brushed a strand of hair away from Lithuania's face. An ugly scar marred his face where a bloody gash once was. But Estonia kissed it. He kissed all the scars on Lithuania's face. He then worked his way up the country's arms kissing all the discolored scars, cuts and bruises. Finally he came back to Lithuania's face and looked right into the tear-filled green eyes. He pressed his lips against his. Lithuania returned the kiss. They broke apart and squeezed in one last hug.

The two waved goodbye and boarded their respective flights. They left America after many weeks of pain and suffering. But now, they were returning to their home countries not Russia. And they were returning as free countries, not slaves.

The scars would always remain, but that was fine with them. They wanted to proudly display their scars. To spread love, hope, and inspiration to the world. But also, they never wanted to forget. They wouldn't; they couldn't. The journey was etched into their very being; right into their soul.

Now, they are forever free. They learned many things after this ordeal. Latvia learned what true compassion felt like. America learned how to be a true hero. England learned just how much he cared for children. And Lithuania and Estonia? They found love. They found love in compassion and good deeds. But most importantly, they found love in themselves. And that, my friends, is the best kind of love.

The End

And that's all folks~! I can't thank you guys enough for reading this! I hope it was to your liking. I'm not seeing a sequel in the future, but you never know. For now, though, I do plan on starting a Prussia/Canada fic. It will be a while, though. School and stuff...

Anyway, I hope you read my future fics! Thanks so much for all of your kind words! I love you all x3