Ultimate Sacrifice
*September 11, 2013*
~Washington DC~
A yellow taxi stopped in front of a large white Victorian home; in the yard of said house was the American flag as well as variations of the flag through the years surrounding it. The car door opened.
"Thank you!" Sealand beamed and closed the door.
Sealand abandoned his suitcase in the foyer as he let himself into the home of America, who was hosting the next meeting tomorrow. Thinking himself sneaky, Sealand snickered and launched himself out back.
"It is I! Sea-! land…" Sealand paused, eyes wide.
America was nursing a beer sitting at the front of his backyard. The yard: a cemetery with at least a hundred grave, maybe more. Such sadness shocked the micro-nation; after all, America was always so happy. America glanced at the other.
"Hey kid," he said, holding his beer up in greeting.
"What is this?" Sealand whispered, walking over to the other.
America was silent a moment. "A country's ultimate sacrifice," he replied quietly.
Sealand jerked back to the graves. "I don't understand," he said gravely, he felt like he could cry.
"The ultimate sacrifice to a human is when they give their life for the sake of others," America said, "a country's ultimate sacrifice is when they lose the people who fight for them."
"Who are they?" the boy asked, grabbing the other's shoulder, needing something to hold him down.
America smiled wistfully and pointed to the grave directly in front of him. "Though a replica, that's George Washington, the first to believe I'd be free. And next to him is Abe Lincoln, the guy who helped me during the Civil War. And that's John Kennedy; I liked him so much I took his middle name," he said.
Sealand frowned. "All of your presidents?"
"No, only the ones who truly meant something to me and my people," America explained. "A lot of these go to friends with whom I served with and left."
Sealand looked at him. "Left?"
America nodded sagely. "You can't tell them of who you are. You've got to leave them behind," he said.
Sealand silently sat down. "I don't think I want to be country anymore," he whimpered.
American patted his head. "Sure you do," he replied encouragingly.
Sealand trembled. "I don't want the ultimate sacrifice," he whispered rubbing his tears away thought they kept falling.
America gritted his teeth but reminded himself that the kid didn't know. "The ultimate sacrifice, while sad, is the ultimate honor," he said.
"How can this be the ultimate honor?!" Sealand demanded. "It's only the ultimate sadness!"
America smiled. "Because then you know," he said.
Sealand was surprised into silence. "Know?" he finally asked.
"That you did something right," the man replied. "All those men and women gave their lives to me because they believed in me and everything I stand for. Same for the others and someday, you too."
America tapped Sealand's chest, over his heart. "Pass the tears and emotion, you'll feel it; in here."
Sealand silently placed his hand over his heart before becoming determined. "He'd strive for that, one day.
End.
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Bonus Scene – September 12 –
"Sealand you stupid git!" England shouted, "What have I told you about-?"
England froze in shock. Sealand was hugging him, something he'd never done before. "
"S-Sealand?" England asked.
Sealand tightened his hold for a moment before pulling away with a smile. "Hey Jerk-England! When I become a nation you've got to give me pointers so I can get the Ultimate honor!" he beamed.
England's eyebrow rose. "How in the world do you know about that?" he asked.
"Mr. America told me and I'm gonna get it. Me and my people are gonna be strong and believe in our morals and values til we're a nation!" he said.
England smiled softly. "I hope you get it," he replied.
Now End.