Cards hit the table as the winner stared at his opponent with a poker-face. Said opponent was his older half-sister Michigan, who was staring down at the cards with an open mouth and plate-sized eyes. Then she glared up at him, slamming her hands on the table.

"You cheated!"

"Do you have proof?" the personification of Nevada, Zachary Jones/Martinez asked calmly. He waited for Clarice to answer, in the process watching the older girl stammer and blubber, before giving up.

"I will win next time Nevada, just you wait!"

"I'll be waiting hermana mayores."

"Michigan, Nevada, if the both of you are done, I need your help!" America called from downstairs. Michigan puffed out her chest before hurrying downstairs, Nevada behind her.

Now, you may be wondering how Mexico is Zachary's father. Well, that's because he was a part of the Mexican Cession, parts of the southwestern United States that were ceded from Mexico after the Mexican War, soon leading to the birth of Nevada's territory in 1861. Though, Nevada was also a part of Alta California before that war, so he possessed some Spanish blood as well.

In appearance, Zachary possessed his mother's blonde hair, except paler and her blue eyes except when his other personality is in control, but possessed his father's tan skin. He also wore many ear piercings and had a few tattoos on his body, making him look more punk and even a little emo. Understandably, he was wanted by many females, but the main part of him didn't really care about that.

Hope you remember that Nevada possessed a split personality. Well, that personality was more of a womanizer, hot-tempered, greedy, and a fighter due to all his state's dark history and current reputation. However, also because of the chaos of his cities, like Las Vegas, the main personality was more laid-back, poker-faced when playing a game of poker (which he wins every time, no matter who he's facing), and very level-headed when dealing with someone who may annoy or terrify a normal person.

Which means he is pretty calm about the situation with the other nations and their reputation of trying to place all the blame for their problems on America instead of on themselves.

"If you ignore them Mother, then soon enough they'll realize that them complaining like children won't work with you," he said.

"I know, but sadly that may give me away," America replied grimly. She wanted so bad to go along with her son's advice, really she did, but knowing how the other nations operate it may only make matters worse for her and the country itself.

Zachary stared at his mother. "When do you think you'll bring down the mask?" he asked.

"When the time is right, but...when that will be I do not know," America answered. "Perhaps I'll show the true me to them when they ask for it. I'm not afraid of them fearing me, but I'd rather not get reckless with your safety."

Even Zachary wasn't naive to the possible risks. He knew how possessive and power-hungry the other nations could be. To be honest, that scared both him and his other personality, and after that the both of them understood why their mother was hiding from them.

However...

"You know we can take care of ourselves Mother. You did train us to fight yourself," Zachary pointed out.

Yes, she did teach them to fight, though most of the time it wasn't by choice. For the thirteen colonies, including Texas and Vermont, she had to train them in order to prepare them for war, but with the younger children, she wanted them to be able to defend themselves if the need came for it. She didn't have those martial art schools for nothing, and she was able to perform all forms of them.

"I know, but the last thing we need is another war," America said.

Zachary stared at her before sighing. "That's true."

Although it's a little late for that, Happy 4th of July everyone!