Solving of the Countries (Book 2)

Chapter 104

      "What do you mean by that?" Russia's tone was sharp.

    "But reaaaally, what are you looking for? I'm serious!"

     Third definitely didn't sound serious. Cruel and mocking was more like it.

Russia already knew he was there to batter against him. Nonetheless, he felt that there was more to his question than trying to pass him off- something that Third achieved by his mere presence alone.

     "I'm not looking for anything," Russia responded, cross. He tried turning away from Third, but the disembodied man had whisked himself in front of Russia, stopping him.

    Third grinned at him, sharp teeth, all smiles. "That's a lie and you know it."

     "I'm looking for my sister," Russia snapped, and walked right past him. Third chuckled, and Russia swore he could almost sense him turning his head to look at him.

    "Is that so?"

"What are you trying to say?" Russia stopped. He didn't want anyone to hear this conversation. As of now, he only knew that the Academy was empty.

      "Merely that you don't even know what you want. But I do."
  
       The Nightingale kept itself well-hidden, though Russia felt that Third knew that the National was there.

     "Russia, I'm merely offering to help you seek what you've always wanted."

      "You don't know what I want," came the quiet reply. Russia, for a fleeting moment, wondered if he himself knew what he wanted. He definitely didn't want Third to be wording it out. Was it because he worried that... Third might actually be right?

     This temporary lack of confidence caused Third to almost, quite literally, shake with glee.

    "Oh Russia, your expression is so readable. Even when you try to hide it with an icy exterior."

     Third paused, smiling even wider than Russia could ever believe him capable of doing. "Like I said, I'll fix  something for you." (Chapter 94)

    And with that, Third faded away. And almost simultaneously, a memory flickered at the back of Russia's mind.

      "Weird," Russia though, turning away.

.

.

     He had the feeling that he forgot something important.

.

       BRICS felt an inward twitch. Something was dimming. He checked in his Core. Of the five colors that swam inside, he just barely managed to catch a glimpse of Russia's color fade in and out. Unusual.

      He opened his eyes. Back to reality, though the image not gone. Someone was tampering. He didn't notice that WHO was watching him, a bit concerned with the staring-into-the-abyss vibe that BRICS was giving.

     She went up to him and tapped his shoulder. "Hey, is anyone in there? Or did your consciousness just dive into oblivion when no one was watching?"

     "I..." BRICS thought he was forgetting something. Was it some sort of meeting with someone? With who?

    WHO poked harder at his ribs. BRICS barely reacted but he looked at her.