(A/N): Hey! Hey! Guess what? Hey! Hey! Guess what? Imma flippin' alive!

...I know. I know. Lazy authors never prosper, which is why I am trying my hardest to do better! I mean look! I did update!

Lucky for you guys also. I have a better grasp of what this story is...or what I hope its gonna be. This is one of my first fanficts and it's not like I've been getting anywhere any time soon. Who knows how this will turn out?

I do hope that I have gotten better. Trust me. I may haven't really been updating but that doesn't mean that I have abandoned this website! I have been reading mucho awesome stories and thinking about my fanficts throughout all this time. And don't worry! If there are any fans out there like like my story Hetare.I am happy to announce that I have been working on the next chappie! I also have had many great ideas for Embracing Freedom. I get so excited just thinking about it! And please tell me that there is someone out there reading this! I like to think that mah readers care about my author notes!

And now...Another random Author Note Thingy from Neo herself!

This chappie's topic...Name That Quote!

Hope you guys have watched the Hetalia anime! Cuz here's the drill! I will name a quote from any character(from Axis Powers or World Series) and you, my faithful reviewers, have to tell me who you think it is!

Ready?...Go!

"It's hard to tell who you are. You should try to act more Canadian."

Who is it? Who is it? Leave it in your review! If you're the first to review AND you have the right answer, then you win! And if you win, you can PM me and suggest another topic for the next Author Note Thingy! Plus, I will post your name up here to show your Hetalia fan spirit!...And please don't cheat. Nobody will make fun of you for having the wrong answer because you had to guess!

And now...You can read! Thank you for playing my little game!

I paused. Stepping back from the bookshelf for a second to admire my work, feather duster in hand. The shelves were completely devoid of dust. I smiled .

I bent down to pick up part of a stack of dust-free books, grunting quietly as I hefted them up and quickly placed them on the lowest plank of the shelf.

Breakfast had ended without much progress. Lithuania and Estonia couldn't ask more questions, especially with the warning vibes the Russian seemed to be giving off. They practically said: Be careful. You're traveling on a land full of mines.

I sighed. Brushing the dust off of my apron. I know that my brothers and I have to do chores around Russia's house, but do we necessarily have to wear aprons while doing it? Oh well. I guess I'm in no position to complain...At least, I wasn't stuck with the pink one. I couldn't help but quietly laugh at the image of a certain disgruntled Estonian as he had to clean up the tables while wearing a bright magenta, frilly apron.

It wasn't my fault that some of Poland's clothes somehow got mixed up in the whites before being washed...Or wait. Was I on laundry duty that day?

...

...What he doesn't know won't hurt him.

After a couple more minutes of lifting heavy books and setting them back onto the shelf. I sat down, the small smile disappearing almost instantly. No more distractions. No more jokes. My chores are done.

The cold feelings of dread, which I have been stubbornly pushing down for the past few hours, suddenly returned full force. I gave a distressed moan, putting my face in my hands.

I'm scared...

Russia scares me. The amnesia scares me. The extent of my friends'/brothers' worry scares me...Everything scares me right now. I don't know what to do. My brothers and I didn't have any time to talk after breakfast, for we had to immediately start on chores. It also didn't help that the chores forced us happened to be at different places in the mansion.

I couldn't shake the feeling that Russia did that on purpose.

I should have known that something strange would happen to me here eventually. I may know more about Russia than most others, but he will always be a mystery. A tightly locked away mystery. I guess it's safe to say that Russia definetly has something to do with my amnesia and unexplainable pains...but a part of me also thinks that there is something more to this dilemma than meets the eye. The other Baltics said that Russia was also passed out next to me when they went down to the basement to check on him, but they didn't see or hear anything else suspicious. It's like there was a third group or person involved, but there isn't any proof(other than both of us being knocked out)

I guess what scares me the most right now is that I have no idea what to do.

I slowly got up, sniffling a bit. I screwed my eyes shut as I began to feel them water. No. I won't cry.

I walked out of the room, feeling completely and utterly depressed. Maybe Estonia and Lithuania are done with their chores now. What do they think we should do now?

I sped up, fueled by a new determination and goal. I walked quickly through the hallways. I think I heard Lithuania muttering to himself about having to shovel the snow outside. I'll find him, then Estonia, and we'll figure out a plan B.

I was so wrapped in my plan that I turned right to enter a new hallway instead of going downstairs to avoid the room that I always tried to avoid no matter what.

And that's why when I passed by a pair of fine, dark, wooden doors, I heard that heavily accented, cheerful voice.

"Ah! Little Latvia! You are done with your chores, da?" said the familiar Russian voice from the study room to my right.

I froze mid-step. No. Please no. Just keep on walking...

But I couldn't. I was frozen in the place. The only thing I could do was stiffly turn around and greet the tall Russian man shakily. I waved slightly as I did so, but it looked more like a small, twitchy seizure than a greeting gesture.

In response, Russia seemed to smile more and close his eyes happily, leaning back in the nice office chair by the work desk in the far corner of the room. A moment later, he opened them, staring at me with an unreadable emotion that sent an involuntary jolt of fear through my spine. Hopefully, he didn't notice that.

Unfortunately, he did, a small frown appearing on his face. Mild concern shined in his eyes, but the unreadable emotion was still present. It seemed...Calculating. The frown lasted only for a moment, for the cheerful smile broke out again on his face. He calmly stood up and walked out of his study room to face me. Looking down at me, the intensity of his sharp, violet eyes increased tenfold.

"It is true, da? You are finished? If that is so, I could use some help if you are willing."

Translation: Follow me and do whatever I say or else.

It really isn't hard to stay on Russia's good side. Basically, everything he says is a command or some sort of topic that will led to him indirectly forcing you to do something. It may seem like he is giving you an option, but it's all an illusion. Everything is an illusion with Russia. Just when you think you understand him, something new happens to prove you wrong entirely. I'm a quiet and shy person, which gives me the excuse to observe and watch others from the sidelines. Therefore, I am pretty good at judging people by their actions, but Russia will forever be unknown to me in some way. I can't help but wonder if Russia understands everything he does himself. He always claims that all he wants are friends. The very idea of it scares me. To not have control of your own actions...So many things in life scare me already.

Not giving me a moment to reply, Russia started walking down the hallway. I reluctantly followed, staring dejectedly ahead. Why didn't I just take the stairs earlier?

I followed him through the hallways and down the stairs. I stared desperately at the front door as we passed it. If I had paid more attention, I would have been out there doing something productive instead of following the creepy Russian to who-knows-where.

All of a sudden, I bumped into something up ahead, falling back on the ground with a small gasp. I looked up to see Russia who appeared even taller and scarier since I was on the floor. For once, his smile was not in place. Instead, a small frown lined his face. His bright violet eyes stared deep into my significantly darker ones. The analyical glint was back his eyes as he studied me.

A few silent moments passed. My hands started shaking, so I balled them up into fists.

Finally, Russia spoke, "I'm assuming you understand why we are here?"

I blinked and looked away warily to examine my surroundings. I was shocked to find that I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice that I was following Russia towards the basement. Sure enough, it was quite darker than the rest of the house and we were in that old hallway that led down to that room. I leaned over a small bit past the tall, bulky Russian to see the very door itself, waiting at the very end of the hallway like a nocturnal predator.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and my head started pounding along with my heart in tremulous harmony. Yes, it was a dark hallway. Yes, there was a scary door at the very end. Yes, I was with a nation that even strong nations like America and Sweden were wary of. But that wasn't what scared me the most right now. It was the fact that this entire situation felt so...familiar. Plus, the other Baltics did say that this was where they found me and Russia.

The fear was eating at my heart. I didn't want to go there!

I looked up with Russia with pleading eyes, but when his expression didn't change from its uncharacteristic stoicism, I gave a shaky sigh and slowly got up to stand on my own, whole body quavering violently.

The next thing that happened was something I would never expect to ever happen in reality. Russia tentatively placed a hand on my shoulder and, surprising, I didn't collapse from the weight of it. In fact, I could barely feel it. I looked up at the Russian's face, mouth slightly open in shock. I was even more shocked to see him looking kind of sheepish, averting his eyes shyly. Was he trying to...comfort me?

"Lithuania told me what happened here yesterday. He also said that you were passed out nearby."

"W-Wait." I interrupted, much to my own surprise. "Y-You don't remember either?"

Russia stared at me in complete, open shock. I had never seen the man try to comfort someone, or show any sort of off-guard emotions. He was always a cold man with a fake, warm outer shell...And here he was, looking as vunerable as I had ever seen(or will ever see) him.

His expression soon turned angry and I cringed and threw up my arms in a pathetic attempt to sheild myself. I heard a swear in Russian and a loud crunching noise. My eyes snapped open to see that Russia had his entire left fist embedded in the wall. He looked sheepish as he gingerly pulled it out, but didn't look hurt. He stiffened when he saw a few chunks of splintered wood fall onto the floor.

"Forgot that this place was so old..." he said in Russian. When you have lived with him long enough, you tend to pick up on the language. And what I mean by that is that he forced us to learn it. I remember back during WWII when we were a part of the Soviet Union. I only knew Latvian before he took over my country. I was forced to learn Russian and refrain from speaking in my native language at all times. The same went for all the other countries in the U.S.S.R. He also "taught" me and the others English as well.

Of course, I use my language much more often than I used to...just not in front of Russia.

Russia watched me out of the corner of his eye, gauging my reaction. Surprisingly, I was only shaking a little bit as I reluctantly met his gaze nervously.

Without another word, the man turned on his heel(surprising quickly for someone of his size) and began to walk towards the door. I hurried along after him, for once, feeling safer in his presence than I have ever been.

I stared at the doorknob as Russia turned it and pushed the door open only for it to stop halfway open.

When I saw the impatient look on his face, I knew what was going to happen. I deftly stepped back. Bracing his shoulder against the door, he gave a grunt as he shoved the door open, clearing it straight off its hinges.

I could only stare. Russia was acting awfully...unstable and unaware of his strength. I think it's his way of showing unease or a sign of him being distracted by his thoughts. As much as it seems like he is on my side this time, it would be smart to stay out of his way. I'll have to stay vigilant.

He entered the room and I followed after him, stopping at the doorway in mid-step. Do you know those moments where you feel as if you have no idea what to do, so your body is at war with itself? One part says to go forward, while another says to back up. That's the kind of moment I was having at that time. My right foot touched the floor on the inside of the room, then slide backwards hesitantly.

I saw Russia walk over to an open part of the small room where mysterious lines were carved at least five centimeters deep into the wood. Fearing the wrath of the impatient Russian and feeling relieved that I didn't have to explore that area of the room, I scrambled in the opposite direction towards the bookshelves.

Yes, this is definitely Russia's basement. I confirmed as I stood at the base of a bookshelf that was about twice as tall as I was. It was made of dark, old wood but appeared sturdy enough. It had to be because of the rows of thick, leather-backed books with yellowing pages and, surprisingly, dust, even though Russia supposedly spent hours down here cleaning alone.

Maybe Russia was not just "cleaning" down here. I thought with a flash of suspicion. I glanced out of the corner of my eye to see Russia bent over the side of the mysterious circle. The action was immediately followed by a growl of frustration as part of his scarf fell from shoulder, brushing silently against the ground and obsruing his vision of the floor in front of him. His hand flashed upward and grabbed it in his frustration. However, as if finally realizing what he was doing, his grip eased off. I noticed that his hands were shaky as he carefully unwound the cream piece of cloth from his neck. He folded it with gentle hands in an achingly slow process. Finally, he set it on the ground next to him as if he was holding a fragile human baby. His fingers smoothed out the cloth, trying to ease away the wrinkles he caused earlier.

While Russia continued his work, I rested my gaze upon the article of clothing. I learned a long time ago that it was a gift from his big sister, Ukraine, and was centuries of years old. Despite that, it looked no more than a few years old, looking worn in some places. I could even see the barely noticable stitches where a hole had been. I shivered. I remember that hole. Poor Lithuania was just trying to clean up breakfast dishes like usual and apparently, he didn't see that the scarf, which Russia had accidently left at the table, was caught between two of the stacked plates he was carrying. He didn't see the scarf and the fact that it had snagged on the chair until it was too late.

In his panic, Liet tried to hide it, hoping that he could talk to Ukraine later that day and have it fixed. That was the biggest mistake he could have ever made.

I could only watch in sorrow as my brother came to bed that same day with a black eye and countless bruises.

That was back during the era of the Soviet Union though, specifically during the second world war.

Those were some nightmarish days...Anyway, back to the present.

His back was to me so I couldn't see his face but I assumed it was thoughtful as his hand glided delicately over the wooden floor. Cocking my head to the side in thought, I turned to watch him. I unconsciously leaned forward to see if I could catch a glimpse of what he was looking at.

My eyes widened when I saw the deep, obvious, oval-shaped burn mark that blackened the wooden floor.

Before I knew it, my feet took me closer to the circle. If Russia noticed my approach, he didn't voice it. His violet eyes were practically glued to the floor, a glint of frustration was the only emotion I could see as I passed by as quiet as a mouse.

Was it just me or was it getting colder?

A big shiver rocked my already tremulous body as soon as I stepped inside. I was getting bad vibes about this circle. It seemed...unnatural? Supernatural even? Either way, I didn't like it one bit. It felt like a cruel winter night in a forest where you had the feeling that you were being watched, yet when you turn around, you see nothing. And yet, you can't calm down because it's that sixth sense.

My upper body shook with gasping, slightly panicked breathes.

You know something is there. It's either unnecessary paranoia or actual instincts.

I developed a small headache in my temples. I reached up with shaky hands and weakly began to rub them.

But you can never tell. One thing that is known about the unknown is that they are pretty good at remaining unknown. All I knew was that I couldn't stand this anymore. It was quiet. Way too quiet. And something was there. My heart hammered in my chest and my head pounded with the force of a large drum. I was trapped in the quiet stages of silent hysterics! Turning around stiffly, I opened my mouth, shyness forgotten, to tell my thoughts to the other one in the room, who didn't seem to notice my small panic attack and was studying the rings of the circle, when it happened.

I quivered violently as an unfamiliar feeling washed over me. The world around me seemed to pulse or distort for a second and black dots danced in my vision. My heart sped up even more and blood roared in my ears.

What's going on?! my panicking mind screamed. My body was frozen in shock. I couldn't move even if I tried. My eyes twitched and suddenly, I was able to move again, but all I did was fall back on my bottom. The circle around me flashed a sharp, purplish-black color when my vision distorted again along with a painful throb between my eyes. I screwed my eyes shut in pain.

I was startled by my back hitting something. I jerked my head to the side only to regret it when my already sore head collided with the wall of the room. I had been unaware of the fact that I had scrambled backward in a pathetic attempt to escape the pain. I entered the fetal position and bowed my head forward, pressing it forcefully against my knees as if that would stop the agony that pierced my mind like a coiling chain of thorns. Every second, it tightened, sinking the thorns in deeper and making a world of only pain.

All of a sudden, the pain almost instantly evaporated in a flash of warmth behind my eyes.

...

What?

I stayed in that position for a few minutes. My pounding heart and mind refused to be calmed but it was considerably better than before. I gingerly opened my eyes and groaned from the pain caused by screwing my eyes shut so hardly. It was then that I noticed my position. I was curled up on the ground, knees drawn up against me and hands firmly clutching my head in a painful grip.

I slowly removed my hands from my head, doing so carefully so as not to trigger another headache. I laid there for another five minutes. My mind felt fractured. I couldn't even begin to comprehend what just happened.

Russia. I thought dully. A few seconds passed by. Then, the gravity of the situation came crashing down on me like a rain of stones.

I whipped my head around to scan the room, too scared and shocked to react normally to the pain that flared up in my head at the abrupt movement.

"R-Ru..." I winced at the horrible rasping sound that came out of my throat. I cleared my throat and tried again,"M-Mr. R-Russia?" I said, my voice small but much clearer.

Silence. Where was he?

I stayed there for a moment. My eyes slowly analyzed the room. I strained my ears to listen to every sound that would indicate that the Russian was nearby. The heavy footsteps. Muttered Russian words. The clinking of a vodka bottle. Anything.

A strange feeling involuntarily settled in my stomach. My frown grew a bit more. I was...worried. It's no mystery that Russia scares me to death, but...I can't just go off without making sure he was okay too.

If I can even "go off" and do stuff in the first place. I thought with a grimace as I tried to awkwardly stand up. I didn't feel any of the soreness that I had earlier today, surprisingly, except for the delicate feeling my head seemed to be sporting. It was like one of those moments where you had a headache, so you went to rest for a while and seemed to be cured of it. However, when you were done resting and got up again, you could sense that the slightest intense movement of the head could send another one ringing through your skull.

My eyes were shut at the time, but when I opened them, I wished I could have kept them closed.

Underneath me, in a bunch of tiny, shredded pieces, was what once was Russia's precious scarf.

(A/N): Yep...This is not good for little Latvia-kun. Why do I like putting my favorite character through such torture again?...Oh right. It's cuz I'm an author.

Anyway, it's 10:09, I was supposed to be in bed nine minutes ago...but I wanted to finish this up:P

Anyway again, if you didn't read the Author Note Thingy, READ IT NOW! I just wanna do this fun thing for you guys:)

Hasta luego personas~(btw I'm in Spanish III !)

-Who are you? I'm Neo-chan!