Chapter 1: Library, ASEAN and America
"Five more minutes.." Philippines remarked in her head as she watched the minute hand move across its face. Playing more with her pen in hand, Maria glanced at her fellow classmates as they struggled and wrote or dozed off through the mathematics examination. "I've already checked it once, I think this will do.." she stretched her arms for a bit before returning to glance at her work.
"Oh, before I forget to introduce myself. Hey! My name's Maria Clara Carriedo de la Cruz, Luzon or Luz, to distinguish me from my brothers. I represent only the upper part of Philippines, Luzon, while they, Viz or Vizayas and Nao or Mindanao, represent the middle and lower parts of our home, respectively."
Phew..Am I glad I managed to find some help during the weekend for this, she thought to herself.
..Flashback to the weekend before Finals Week.. Maria POV
I had to stick to our library during the half of my Saturday just to understand some concepts about math and physics. "Professors seem to have planned it out to put exams together at the same date. I'm not exactly bright, or stupid. I can take in concepts..if explained clearly and not as if it's the holiday rush.."
As I was about to place a book back on the shelf, I heard a very..nerve-wracking and irritating voice call to me. "Hey, wrong shelf..". Turning quickly, I faced HIM, a blond Briton who was also returning some books he had in hand.
"England..what are you doing here.." I mumbled angrily and turned back to check the shelf again and the numbering on the book's label. "Oops.."
"What else is the library for? I'm here to study of course, and like I said, wrong shelf." he smirked in triumph as he noticed my surprised expression as I checked the labels.
"Geez. Get off my back, England. I'm busy.." I mumbled as I checked the line of shelves and headed to the opening. "Missed one lane, I'll go to the other side then.."
"I see you're studying for physics as well. Do you need any help?" he asked and I was certainly shocked by his sudden desire to help. Blushing as I turned but frowning as I saw a grin suddenly plaster on his face.
"No. I can handle it by myself. Thank you very much." I turned my back on him and didn't care for his next reaction. "What's up with that smile? Looked like he was mocking me.." I grumbled as I placed the book correctly on the shelf and took out another book about physics and looked back to see England glancing at me as he continued walking away.
Hearing the scrapes of pencil, I snuck a peek over to my neighbour Japan who was sitting on the array of desks, almost crouching on his table, and was busy with his work.
Kuya Kiku or Japan is also one of the top-aiming students. Diligent and calm, he's pretty good when it comes to work and studies and all. Well, he is and at the same time, working as a manga artist, and many more. But he still finds time to hang out with his friends or help in times of need..like me, as he is my tutor. But I must never disturb him when he's in work mode..
"Yo, Kiku-nii.." I approached and took a peek at his work. "Sugoi..as expected of Kiku-nii.."
Kiku looked up as he recognized me, his little sister. Despite our past disputes, we were still close friends. "Ahh. Maria-chan. Domo..sorry, but can you please excuse me..I'm pretty busy and I have a certain manuscript I need to pass over to my manager and some ink tones to decide and-"
"Oh. Don't worry, sorry for bothering you, Kuya (Big Brother). Just wanted to make sure you won't overwork yourself..with exams coming up and all." I said and gave him a peck on the forehead, resulting in a soft blush on the Japanese's cheeks. He still wasn't used to my ways of showing affection. "Don't work yourself to death. Here..", giving him a bottle I had brought with me.
"An energy drink?" he asked, surprised by my actions, but looked up at me with a grin on his face.
"It'll be enough to give you a boost when you're down. You can thank me once you're done..don't work too hard!"
"Ah. Yes. Thank you, I will be sure to repay it someday. Sorry I can't teach you." Japan whispered sadly as he noticed my load of books but I just gave a smile as I turned over to the direction of my selected desk just by the windows.
"No biggie. I'll handle this. See ya, then! It's not pretty much Kuya's fault that he couldn't come and teach me right now..he's been rather busy with both work and studies..yeah..that's it..and then he's got work at the newspaper club and all..I wonder how he'll fix his schedule onto studying for the finals" I kept thinking this over and over again as I was about to sit down on what-I-thought-as-a-vacant-seat, when I heard a meek voice call to me "Err..Philippines.."
I recognized the voice immediately and looked around to greet my friend but didn't see anyone though the voice seemed really close "Canada? Where are you?"
"Here..behind you..or to be precise, under you.."
Shocked, I swiftly turned around on what I was sitting to see myself on the nation's lap. "Gwah!" I shrieked really loudly, as I jumped off him and backed off on some other vacant seats.
Everyone in the library gave a "SSSHHHH!" at me due to my sudden scream and the librarian gave a loud tsk as she glared at me. But I did glare at someone else who was snickering on one side of the library.
I made an apologetic look to the librarian and the rest of them before taking a seat beside the quiet nation "Matthew..you should have told me the seat was occupied!" Matthew and I had gotten close over the times we spent at school, after we were formally introduced by his brother, Alfred. We were classmates in literature and arts so we got pretty close. Although he was all quiet and more in the background, he wasn't much of a bad guy.
"Sorry..you looked like you were deep in thought.." he answered meekly while patting his polar bear on the head "Who?" "I'm Canada, Mr. Kumachichi. At least try to recall my name.."
"Sorry too for sitting on you..my bad." I couldn't help but remark as I laid my load on the table with a soft thud.
"You were actually sitting on Kumakochi." Canada pointed over to his polar bear who just yawned and stretched on his lap before snuggling deeper on his lap and falling asleep.
"No wonder the seat was too comfy. He isn't hurt..is he?" Giving an apologetic look at the pair, I gently caressed the pet's back and it seemed to like the nation's hand as it rolled over its tummy to be rubbed some more. I complied and found it too cute to resist. "Aww..so sorry, little guy.."
"Oh, Kumajiki. You cunning little.." Matthew stopped himself from continuing as he noticed me look up at him. "Never mind..Studying for the exam, I see.." Matthew asked as he let his pet slide over to one of the vacant chairs.
"Yeah. I'm done checking up with the rest but I am having a hard time with physics and a bit of math..Kuya Kiku was supposed to tutor me about this..but he's pretty busy now. So since I couldn't get it alone, I have to hit the books.." I huffed as I took a notepad and scientific calculator from my bag.
Canada put a thoughtful glance to me and shyly mumbled "Want me to teach you? I'm..pretty good with this.."
"Really?..oops.. Really?" I had to stop myself from screaming again before turning my volume down and giving the best smile I could muster. Thank God, now I can save some time!
"Yeah..I'll do what I can to help. I'm thankful for the help you send me at my home." he took out some notepads and a thick Physics book he had lying on the table as well.
"Oh. That. Of course, no problem! Anything to help! For now, you've got a deal! I'll treat you to Pancake House later!" I gave him the thumbs up grin, like his brother did, and was happy to see him laugh.
"That's so Alfred. Deal!" he answered with glee. Nothing more would make him happier than a meal with pancakes.
...Return to the Present...
And thus, I am ABSOLUTELY thankful Matthew had gone ahead and tutored me that day and a lot more although I only asked about solving complicated roots and springs and forces.
For some reasons, I, and the rest of the countries, have been attending World W Academy for the past few months. Not that it was a crazy idea, but it was kind of fun to get along with the others not only during nation meetings but also during class hours.
To explain quickly, today is the last day of final examination week for the 1st semester. Much to the hate of the students, the last day involved literature, physics and mathematics. A hardcore day for most of them, as it was like a large wall blocking them from the start of vacation. Oh, one more minute to go.
BRRRRIIIINNNNGGGGG!
I gave a contented sigh as the sign of the end of the day resounded throughout the entire World W Academy. "Finally...the week's over.."
"Times up, everyone pass your papers. Finished or not finished. Your grades will be posted online and on the bulletin board after next week. Enjoy your vacation." he mumbled and took out his briefcase to leave the classroom as the rest of the class cheered and started to follow suit. But others, like me, had stayed behind to chat up on my friends.
Standing up and feeling a tap to my shoulder, I glanced over to see my neighbour and gave her a smile. "Ate Vietnam..How's the exam? " Vietnam was like the big sister of the ASEAN group although she was also close to the Eastern Asians. Like me, she loves to farm and enjoy nature and serenity, that's why we're so close! She doesn't much have problems, except dealing with a certain American.
"Oh..you know. Hard, and time-pressured. I wasn't able to solve 2 other problems..sadly. You look like you're all right." she noticed as I smiled.
"No..but I did study good enough and I think it's A-OKAY!" I remarked as I mimicked a certain brother of mine, resulting in her making a scowl and then rubbing my untidy hair all of a sudden. "Hey!" I wailed as I had to comb my hair again to fix the damage "What was that for?"
"Don't start sounding like that idiot!" she screamed as she emphasized on the word 'idiot', but Maria got the message immediately.
"What? You mean like Kuya? I can't help it if he was the one who taught me how to speak like that..geez." I mumbled as I took my pens from my desk and returning them to my bag and noticed the others come close to us. "Hey, guys. S'up?" I gave a smirk as Vietnam sent me another glare.
"Finally, the long awaited vacation! And no talking of the exam, puh-lease!" Cambodia remarked as she huffed her frustration of the day "This is like, hell, ever! Who'd want to put physics and mathematics all in one day? Literature was easy, but man.." Cambodia did not like stress or pressure, so maybe the break can help her lighten up. She's pretty much a loudmouth and a bit violent, but she's really a good girl. I mean it.
"Okay, okay. Sorry. Then let's just talk of vacation and stuff to get the exam out of out heads." Laos explained as she rubbed the back of her head. Smart girl, she's one of the quiet and bright ones but stays neutral to us. Guessing from her reaction, she wanted to ask something. But, it was kind of a rule for us not to talk of exams and answers and questions once it's over.
"Got it. But I still don't understand why you think I sound like Kuya, Vietnam. I mean, I have a bit of a softer voice than his." I asked my sister beside me, but was answered by the meek voice of our younger friend, Singapore.
"Well, it has something to do with your accent. Much different from mine's, for example." Singapore explained while stating proudly "Of course, my accent is the true English as I was taught by England."She may be a small nation, but she was a very bright and talented businesswoman. She does act a bit flashy, maybe due to England, but more tolerable.
"As if I can retaliate that. But at least I can speak straight English no matter what.." I sighed as I hated it when they compared me with my American brother.
"Ahh..I didn't mean to anger you..if ever.." Singapore waved her hands in surprise by my sudden glare. She also hated making a bad impression on others.
"No. Not really.I'm not angry, don't worry.." I exclaimed happily as I gave a smile and noticed my other friend as he approached us.
"Aww. Don't bother with little Philippines here..she'll cry if you do" a boy with glasses came over to my side and placed his arm around me.
"Thank you, and don't call me little..Malaysia. And no, I won't cry " I remarked as I removed the arm off me. My Malay neighbour, he always stood up for me here or just stood up to tease me more. He's proud, strong and hardworking too..but much of a prankster. He and Indonesia always seem to gang up on me, although they fight most of the time.
"Oh, you two, vacation's just getting started and you guys want to start a brawl immediately.." Brunei quietly meeked from his chair. Another small nation, Brunei tends to stay quiet and out of trouble. He hardly talked in nation meetings, but always wants to stop a brawl. But don't mess with him or you re going down.
"This ain't a brawl..it's brotherly affection.." Malaysia explained as he patted me on the back. Patting or hitting..
"Yeah..I'm overjoyed by your shower of affections, dear brother.." I sarcastically remarked and crossed my arms.
"Why thank you..I'm glad I can show you my love!" he exclaimed and suddenly glomped me from behind making me flail even harder under his grasps.
"Bitawan mo nga ako! BITAW!" (Let go of me! Let go!)
Myanmar came over and pulled the two apart "Enough you two, you guys are going to cause another mess here.". Another big brother of ours who has great love for animals and sanctuaries. He works with Thailand most of the time with these projects although they fought before. He shows kindness and love too, but I've never seen him angry.
"Oh come on, Philippines is already old enough so don't treat her too roughly." Indonesia, my close neighbour as well as being the calm yet cocky Asian who was the most laid back out of all of us yet shows fierceness in battle, came over and circled his arm over Malaysia, who chortled out in laughter.
"Haha. So she's not little. Only old!"
"Great. Just what I need. Another brother who's looking out for me."
"Of course!" both of them remarked as they chortled with more laughter.
"What's up over there?" Thailand came over to check on us. Thailand had always acted as a big brother to the rest of us and watched over us over the years. Being with a good relation with most of the Europeans even before, he acted like a leader and as the pacifier when things weren't looking good.
"Nothing much..they were just getting bored.." Cambodia chuckled as she patted me on the back.
"And little Piri over here's the perfect catch." Laos explained with a grin.
"Aww..stop messing with me you guys.." I mentioned and tried averting the discussion "So, you girls want to hit the cafe once we get out?"
"Did you forget? We were all supposed to go out and check the new mall, right? With Poland and the Lithuania?" Laos asked in surprise.
I blinked. Oh right. It was time for the Midnight Gala, a sort of get together event for the semestral break. The exams were already over, after all. But what was surprising was that Austria, the head of the event, agreed on a different theme, something that would represent your country's attire. Everyone had expected him to say like a prom night or a masquerade ball.
"No..I didn t forget. I just thought we'd head over to the cafe since I feel a bit hungry and all.." I answered back, although I did forget it a bit due to exams "but I guess we can eat at the mall too. I still need to check some accessories for mine as well.."
"I might agree with that idea..the exam sure makes me want to eat something.." Singapore exclaimed loudly as everyone nodded in agreement.
"Then it's off shopping for us girls!" Cambodia agreed and all us girls cheered in response, not for one though, as I noticed with the one beside me.
"Huh...and you Vietnam?" I asked as I turned to the girl as she fumbled on her phone and looked like she was blushing.
"Well..err, not for me..I've got some plans already.." Vietnam explained as a loud crash emitted from the door of their classroom. And they could never mistake whoever it was.
"THE HERO HAS ARRIVED!" America called out to everyone as they turned towards him. "Hey, Vietnam! Ready to go?"
"Oh. Explainable.." I remarked with a smirk as I turned to my neighbour who had gone completely red. "So that's why you call tell my accent..being with him.."
"Oh. Just leave me be. And don't just come here all of a sudden!" she remarked as the American came inside the classroom and headed over in their direction. "At least knock or slide the door gently!"
Waving first at the rest of us for respect and then turning to Vietnam, well I did hit him once to at least take notice of us before heading over to his girl, "Hey guys! What for! The Hero needs to get to the damsel in distress in the fastest time possible!"
"I am not in distress!"
"She'll be more distressed if you keep acting like that." I remarked as I neared the two. "Yo, Kuya!"
"Ah! Yo, Piri! Haven't seen you in a while!" America exclaimed and hugged his little sister and twirled her around like a doll. "You've gotten heavier.." he bluntly remarked as a punch aimed at his stomach came to him. "Guuuh.."
"Say that again and I'll kill you.." I remarked while cracking my knuckles while America backed off from me.
"Geez. Don't get all mad at me. Wow, seems like my boxing lessons with you worked out well enough." he examined as he raised his eyebrow at her and cocked his chin at the same time and examined my fists.
"Worked well enough for Mexico." I grinned as I stepped back and took my bag as everyone had already stood up and headed out of the door.
A/N: An introductory chapter! The next chapters might get long and will concentrate a bit on friends and denseness. Thank you for reading!:D. I know some of the characters might act OOC and I have OCs soon. Enjoy! Hetalia, po!:D