It had started out small; A few protests here and there, no big deal. Protests were a common occurrence, normally nothing to pay much attention to. But then it began to spread.
That wasn't to say the people had no reason, they did. There were ample problems: The economy, rising gas prices, terrorism, and the environmental crisis, to name a few. They had plenty of reason to protest. But quickly the protests were becoming riots.
By the sixth month of rebellion, only a handful of peaceful demonstrations were left. That's the thing about humans- Peace doesn't come naturally to them. Everyone wants to be at peace, or so it seems. But deep down, everyone wants the same thing: To be in charge. To have control over their environment. Because there are unknown factors when people put that power in the hands of others, and in the entire world, there is no greater fear to be found than that of the unknown.
It was when the nuclear weapons came out that governments began putting their national embodiments into hiding.
"So what're we expecting as far as atomic bombs?"
"They're definitely going to be used.
"No shit they're gonna be used Matt, who's gonna use 'em first?"
"We're expecting one of our boys in the Middle East, but… We can't be sure, you know?"
"Yeah…"
There was a brief silence on either end of the line as the information sunk in. The Canadian's quiet hum broke the silence.
"So where're they sending you, eh?" he inquired, still pleasant despite their situation. Alfred loved that about his brother; He had an attitude that could calm anyone down. Although it wasn't very effective at a time like this.
"You know that's classified information," he chuckled teasingly. "You never know, some Canadian terrorists could be out to get me."
Matthew smirked at the other end of the line. "They must be keeping you under pretty close watch if you can't even tell your own brother where you are."
"It's nothing against you, Mattie," mumbled the other nation with a subtle sigh. "It's just… It's wartime, y'know? We all have to be careful."
There was an uncomfortable silence on either end of the line. The two men hadn't been this quiet with each other in decades. After what felt like a small eternity, Alfred spoke up again. "I'll call you next week, yeah?"
"Okay." He hung up. No goodbyes. Despite their hopeful outlook on the future, a goodbye at such a time would have felt wrong. It would have felt final.
Two days later, an EMP was detonated over North America, cutting off all electronic communication in the affected area. There would be no phone call next week.
Hey there! So, a few warnings here before we begin this whole fic:
1.) This is post-apocalyptic. Set about three years after the end of a world-wide outbreak of nuclear war. While I'm going to try to be as scientifically accurate as possible, I am no expert on nuclear after-effects. While I do appreciate the help, if you could please refrain from pointing out my scientific inaccuracies, I would be much obliged.
2.) Although Sweden and Denmark do not appear in this first chapter, they will be the main characters, although other official characters will be making appearances.
3.) There will be violence, and some bloodier scenes.
4.) Probably a lot of chapters, although they'll be longer than this in most cases.