The countries were all gathered for their monthly world meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Nothing was being accomplished, as usual, with England and France beating each other up, Italy making white flags, Japan sensing the mood, and all the other countries arguing loud enough that the walls resounded the sounds back. America, for once, wasn't arguing and wanted to bring the meeting back under control.

"I actually have something to say which everyone needs to hear!"

He glanced at North and South Italy. "I wonder how they will react to the news?"

America stood up and yelled at the top of his lungs, "EVERYONE LISTEN TO ME!"

The other countries promptly ceased and America continued in a normal tone.

"I have some…interesting news to share that will affect all of us to some extent. I was strolling in Central Park when something strange began to happen. A gray fog swept over the area, so thick I couldn't see two feet in front of me. I stumbled around, feeling for a tree when I ran into someone, literally. Immediately, the fog cleared and I was face to face with a man supposedly dead but very much alive. We fought and then he ran away screaming in Latin."

America stared at the Italian brothers as he said, "Your Grandpa Rome is alive again, and he seems to want his empire back." South Italy's eyes widened in shock at the news, while North Italy began to cry. All the other countries' attention was on the brothers, except one.

England's eyes stared vacantly at the table, his face white as a sheet and his heart feeling as if it was beating out of his chest. His breath came in short, sporadic gasps as he felt the cell walls closing in on him. Memories began to flood his mind before he could lock them safely away. His lower lip began to quiver and his body started to tremble. He felt as if he was five years old again, frightened and insecure.

America glanced away from the Italians and noticed the older country on his left. His eyes filled with concern; he had never seen England exhibit fear before, and it worried him.

"Hey, England," America asked gently, "are you okay? What's wrong?"

All the other countries (France, Russia, Switzerland, Canada, China, Japan, North Italy, Germany, Spain, and South Italy) turned towards England and were shocked at the change that had occurred.

"Mon lapin Angleterre, you look terrible. Perhaps you should go lay down," said France as he stared intently at England.

Russia pulled out a pick-axe and smiled, "Maybe if we scare him, he will feel better?"

Switzerland's eyes popped, "Are you kidding, Russia? He's shaking; I think he's already scared enough!"

Canada softly said, "We should just leave him alone; that helps me all the time." None of the countries heard him.

"I have very good medicine, I could give him some," China piped up.

"Peace and quiet are the best medicine," said Japan quietly.

"We should make him pasta!" North Italy chimed.

"I say that we watch him slowly slip into madness," Germany and Spain muttered in sync.

"I don't see why he's so affected; only a fool would think a dead man can come to life!" shouted South Italy.

This last comment brought England's eyes back into focus as he responded, "No, only a fool would be unwilling to believe something America saw with his own eyes." He said it absently, and then rose from his seat.

"Excuse me, but I'm going to leave now. Here are my papers; you can call me cell phone if you have any questions." This sounded automated, mechanical even, as if only a small part of his brain was engaged in what he was saying. His haunted and half-crazed eyes locked on America as he left the room.

America fought the urge to follow him and endeavored to change the subject. "Anyway, there's no need to worry; England's being a drama queen. The world's first hero will save everyone!"

France, who had been pondering what could have evoked such a reaction from England, had cast his mind back several centuries and had awoken repressed memories. "No, Mon ami, you were not the first hero."

America whipped his head around to stare at him. "What are you talking about, man? Of course I'm the first hero! Who would it be if it was not me?"

The other countries waited for France's answer.

"It is a long story, one I doubt you all want to hear."

Every country pulled their chairs in closer, eyes alight with anticipation. France smiled at their reaction, knowing he had awakened their interest with a few well-placed words. He looked at the Italian brothers and said, "This story makes you Grandpa Rome sound as if he is completely cold-hearted and ruthless. Do you still want to hear?" Both nodded yes.

He turned to Germany and told him, "Your ancestor is in this as well, but in a more favorable light." Germany leaned forward, anxious to hear.

France finally addressed Spain, "You will remember this: it was when we first met." Spain's eyes widened with the horror that England's had held.

"This is the story of the world's first hero, who fought for his very survival. He was a prisoner whose spirit was free, and who won the hearts of the people. He was the spark that ignited the fire that burned the Roman Empire to the ground. He was only five years old, yet he shot his lethal arrows with a skill unrivaled. He was the Child Gladiator…and he is England."

A/N: Okay, from now on, it will be written as if the events of the past are happening in the present, because France isn't omnipresent and some scenes won't have him in them. If someone could give me a suggestion how old France and Spain should be in the past, it would be greatly appreciated. Eventually, I'll return to the present to tie everything together. Until then, it's ChibiEngland XD! Please Review!

French Translation: Mon: My

Lapin: Rabbit

Angleterre: England

Ami: Friend