The Depths of Deception
By SkyleafAlchemist19
Note: Read Weight of the World and The Shattered Soul first or you will be extremely confused.
Summary: The nations (plus one) have escaped Remnant and returned to Earth. An unaware RNJR seeks answers while America struggles to navigate a world he doesn't remember, Pyrrha scrambles to adjust to a world she doesn't know, and Canada fails to return to a life he once considered normal. But Remnant and its war are not done with them yet. Sequel to The Shattered Soul.
Main/Prominent characters: America, Canada, Pyrrha, Ruby, Jaune, Nora, Ren, England, Japan, Germany, Russia, Prussia, Italy, France, Weiss, Yang, Australia, Romano, Cuba, China, Qrow, Ozpin, Oscar, Blake, Sun, Mercury, Neo, Roman, others.
There will be a few minor OCs for plot's sake. They most likely won't even get names.
Pairings: Pretty much none. Don't expect romance except for the plot-required norm (aka Pyrrha and Jaune, etc.). I can't write romance and I'm not going to try. Expect family relationships and friendships abound. (Seriously, whenever I try to intentionally write a pairing it's horrible. :P)
Genres: Adventure, angst, hurt/comfort, friendship, family, some humor, mystery, suspense.
Warnings: Some cursing. Violence and blood. Potential angst/hurt/comfort. Potential spoilers for RWBY. Major AU elements for RWBY in particular.
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or Hetalia: Axis Powers.
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Chapter One: Nothing But the Truth
"I know that you are both confused, so I'll try my best to explain."
Canada rolled out a map onto the table and pressed it flat with steady palms. Large landmasses covered the paper, broken apart by huge blue oceans, and the continents themselves were sporadically colored, each individual country marked in legible black ink.
"This is our world. As I told you before, we are on a completely different planet called 'Earth.' Earth is home to hundreds of countries and billions of people, with more cultures and languages than I could count. Unlike Remnant, there are no Grimm hunting humankind, no Faunus to speak of, and very little magic. Instead, we only have ourselves as our enemies…" And that animosity could be turned on Remnant should our bosses demand it. "As a result, most of us are more… prosperous. We do not need to fear monsters in unknown regions, so we could explore and grow, filling our world with cities and nations. One of those countries is the United States of America."
A forefinger tapped a large outlined landmass on the map that lay nestled between two other countries. "This is the land you represent, Alfred. It… used to be the only one you represented. But because of the actions of certain parties on Remnant, you are now the personification of two nations: America… and Vale. I don't know if you remember, but Vale was attacked and her Aura was split between her and her attacker, causing her to go into a coma. Atlas— the nation and its representative— feared that the rest of Vale's Aura would go to her attacker— Cinder Fall— when Vale died, so they sought to put the rest of Vale's Aura in a safer place. They chose to put it in you."
There was no reaction from his audience, so Canada continued. "You and I were taken by Atlas and held captive for months, experimented on until they were sure that the transfer of Vale's Aura would be successful. They used me as the guinea pig and forced the dying personification of Mantle's Aura into me—" Icy fire raced through his veins, ripping apart his insides and forcing its way into the recesses of his soul as he screamed and screamed and screamed— "—and when that was successful, they tried to transfer Vale's Aura to you. I interrupted the process and we escaped, leaving Vale's Aura in three pieces. One in Vale, one in Cinder, and one in you."
"The man in charge of our captivity, Ironwood, and his associates— Ozpin, Glynda Goodwitch, and Qrow Branwen, with Ozpin as the leader— found you and wanted you to accept the rest of Vale's Aura to achieve their goal of keeping it from Cinder. You agreed, but were given time because there might be… consequences. Shoving two souls into one body— shoving a nation into another nation's body— could have disastrous consequences. Yet even without accepting, you might not have a choice anyway because the Aura could seek you instead of Cinder. You wanted to help anyway, but Ozpin wanted to wait until the Vytal Festival was over. So Vale's Aura remained in three pieces… until Beacon was attacked."
"That night, Vale's body— Amber— was killed by Cinder. The Aura inside Amber went to her, and upon realizing that you had the rest, Cinder tried to hunt you down. Pyrrha, Gilbert— Prussia— and I fought Cinder and killed her. As a result, the remainder of Vale's Aura went to you, America." Canada could not bring himself to look at his brother. "You were alone when it happened. We lost you. We didn't know where you were but we weren't about to leave Remnant without you. Qrow steered us in the direction of Mistral, and eventually we found you. That was our only goal. To find you. We planned to leave right after and… we did. And... And so here we are."
The explanation felt lacking— skipping and omitting important pieces of information and events— but it was all Canada could manage at the moment. He finally risked looking at his brother, and cringed at the blank look on his face. America did not wear neutral expressions. He was an open book, showing his emotions with hardly a care. Though, Canada had to admit to himself, America did not always show what he truly felt. Sometimes he covered hurt with smiles and laughed so he would not cry.
Now, America did not plant a grin on his face. Instead he shoved his feelings under a cool stare that belonged on Japan or Germany's face, not his. Yet even that stare could not mask the furious glare America shot at them all, his lips set in a scowl. Canada might not feel intimidated… if it wasn't his brother's blue eye that was glowering at him, his green one covered by the bandages France had just finished placing over his wound.
America did not look at people with such open mistrust. He did not sit in a chair with his back to the wall so that none of them were behind him. He certainly did not sit with only Pyrrha and Canada at his sides, glaring at anyone who crossed the invisible line in the room he had drawn, the obvious distinction between us and them clear to Canada's strategic mind. The twin understood that he was one of the 'us' in that equation. It did not make him feel better because England, Japan, Australia, and France should be as well.
Canada had to wonder what America would do if Italy tried to approach. The Italian was too busy hovering at the unconscious Germany and Prussia's sides, waiting with bated breath for them to awaken. Because nations tended to be injured a lot— usually because of other nations— the infirmary in the building was as functional as a real hospital, with doctors, nurses, and a few other practitioners on standby in case anything went wrong.
Said practitioners had already tended to Germany and Prussia, seemingly successful in providing an antidote to the latter's poisoning. Though relieved, Canada did his best not to look at the bandages wrapped around Prussia's abdomen and Germany's torso and shoulder, the blond-haired nation's injury more visible while the white-haired brother's might be worse.
Normally he would not worry much— the ability to regrow limbs and organs was one of the many perks of being a nation of Earth— but magic was unpredictable. Germany had lost an arm and Prussia's internal injuries had required surgery. If they did not recover completely, Italy might never forgive himself. Perhaps that was why England had refrained from giving the Italian a tongue-lashing about ignoring his warnings when they entered the infirmary.
"So… I'm America." For the first time since comforting Pyrrha in the hallway, the superpower spoke. His tone, like his face, revealed none of his thoughts. Canada met his gaze as steadily as he could, and was stunned— and relieved— to see a flash of vulnerability there. When his brother spoke again, it was only loud enough for him to hear. "I don't even know who 'Alfred' is. How am I supposed to know America?"
Canada did not have an answer to his soft, desperate question. He could only reach out and take his brother's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry about it. We'll figure this out." he promised.
He was rewarded with a tiny, grateful smile that was heartwarmingly familiar. Finally he could see the emotional nation that was his brother, and not the distant stranger that had his body. A blue eye flicked to England, Japan, France, Australia, and Russia— who were lingering but not close enough to be intrusive. Then he winked, pointing at his bandages.
"So how long do I get to be a pirate?"
A chuckle bubbled free of Canada's chest, startling him, and he was equally surprised to hear a light snort from Pyrrha. The champion had been eerily silent. Canada hoped it was because she simply did not feel the need to speak, and not that she was holding back what she really wanted to say to them. Regardless, the three exchanged small grins and Canada rolled his eyes at America's expense, and for just a second, it was almost like they were back at Beacon, before all this.
Sadly, England overheard. "A while. You should wear an eyepatch once that comes off."
The smile vanished in an instant, replaced by that disinterested look Canada was beginning to despise. Pyrrha visibly flinched and her expression grew closed off as she recalled recent revelations. Canada winced internally, making a mental note to speak with her later. And apologize.
"Why?" America challenged.
Of course, England reacted to his mistrust in a very England-like way. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because people will question why one of your eyes is suddenly green." He snapped.
America's blue eye narrowed dangerously and light flickered in his palms.
"That might be a good idea for now." Canada mentioned before a fight could break out. "It'll cause fewer questions."
To his relief, America backed down, crossing his arms and nodding. "Sounds good. The last thing I want is others asking questions when I don't know anything."
"What do you remember?" Japan dared to ask. The tension in his shoulders suggested he was bracing himself, and Canada did his best to do the same.
"Mattie— Matthew is my brother." America said instantly, and the violet-eyed twin felt like he could fly. "One of my names is 'America'. I'm the personification of a nation— two nations, apparently. My weapon is called Cobalt Striker." His blue eye went to England and hardened. "England was my brother. Then he pointed a gun in my face."
"We were at war, you brat!" England snapped, getting in the superpower's face.
"Nice to know." America snarled back, blue eye flashing green.
"Enough, you two!" France said, getting between them with his hands raised. "Amérique, please understand you do not have all the facts. Angleterre, stop antagonizing your amnesiac brother."
The two stepped away from each other, and it was only then that Canada saw Pyrrha was on her feet, weapon in hand. The javelin was pointed in England's direction.
I really need to talk to her— to both of them. "I think you all should leave." He said aloud, looking to everyone who wasn't his brother, misplaced friend, unconscious, or Italy. "I'll clarify some things with these two. The others are probably getting sick of waiting."
France nodded in agreement, placing a warning hand on England's arm. "Very well. I will inform the others what happ—" The dark look on America's face made him pause.
America met his cautious stare with a glower of his own. "It's none of their business. Vale, Atlas, Remnant…" He reached up, placing his hand over his covered green eye. "…they don't need to know about any of it."
"Well we need to tell them something." England said, irritable tone likely covering something else. Canada knew the nation well enough to be able to tell. America no longer did, and glared defensively at him.
"Mattie and I were captured. You rescued us. The end." He said flatly. "They want more answers? They can come talk to me." The angry glint in his eye said just how much 'talking' would be involved in that conversation.
"I do not think that is a good idea, America-kun." Japan said hurriedly.
America blinked. "What did you call me?"
Japan hesitated, but pushed on. "America-kun. –kun is a suffix used for friends."
A dark look flashed across America's face, sending a chill up Canada's spine. "Friends." He said flatly. "Huh."
This is all so wrong, Canada despaired.
"Before we go, there's something that needs to be said." France broke back into the conversation. His gaze flicked between Canada, America, and Pyrrha before encasing the other nations as well. His normal flirtatious attitude and bluster vanished, replaced by a sternness that made Canada's back straighten instinctively. "This is not Remnant. This is Earth. The rules are different here, as are what is considered 'normal.' People here do not have Semblances. They do not have Aura. And it needs to stay that way."
His gaze locked onto America and his tone grew eerily firm. "No matter what, you cannot attempt to unlock anyone's Aura here. No matter the circumstances, no matter whether they are human or nation, no matter whether it is a matter of life or death: Do not unlock their Aura and do not use your Semblances openly. Doing so could shift the balance of this world in a terrible way. While it is true some would benefit from having such abilities, it is as Canada said. We do not have a common enemy, so we would only turn on ourselves. Divisions would form between those with power and those without, a market for trafficking individuals with powers would spring up, and governments would gain an interest in creating superhuman soldiers. We already have weapons capable of destroying continents. We do not need people with that type of power. Do you understand?"
Careful not to look at Russia, Canada understood all too well. He could see the message was not sinking in as well for his amnesiac brother and Pyrrha. They only knew Remnant and the mindset of Remnant where humans were mostly united against a common foe. He'd have to teach them otherwise and make them understand just how dangerous special abilities could be for Earth. His stomach twisted at the thought.
At least it's not Ruby.
The twisting in his stomach became a gaping pit as he thought about his friends back on Remnant. They'd left them in the middle of a battle, surrounded by fire and Grimm. Were they alive? Had they been saved? What did they think happened to the nations and Pyrrha? He could guess the answer to that last question. They vanished in the midst of an explosion, leaving little trace behind.
Is a Dust explosion capable of vaporization? Probably.
"We'll be careful." Canada promised when the other two said nothing.
The slight raise of France's eyebrows indicated he noticed but he did not call them out on it. Instead he smiled briefly. "Good. Now, let us go see to the others before they run out of patience. Come, Angleterre. You can be my shield."
Ignoring England's indignant spluttering, France dragged him out of the room. The other nations followed after him, leaving only Italy, the unconscious Germany and Prussia, Canada, and his two silent companions. As soon as the door clicked shut, America looked to Pyrrha.
"Are you doing okay?" he asked in a soft, gentle voice that sounded more like Canada than the boisterous nation America used to b— Matthew knew.
Unlike with the other habits America had adopted, Canada recognized his brother in the tone and some of the knots in his stomach eased. If Pyrrha was surprised by the question, she did not show it, only giving a reassuring smile.
"I'm fine." she said though Canada could tell she was anything but. A gloved hand reached up and brushed a loose lock of red hair away from her face, her normally neat ponytail in tatters thanks to her circlet being ripped from her head. "I'm still… processing, but I'm fine."
"That's okay. I'm still processing too." America said sympathetically. "But we've got each other so we'll figure this out. And we've got Mattie to help us." An arm snaked around Canada's shoulders, giving him a friendly shake and the smile he gave Canada was all America. Uncertainty flashed through his expression just as quickly. "I can call you 'Mattie' right?"
I do call you 'Mattie', right? Canada knew he wanted to ask.
"Yes. Of course." Canada said. "Matthew is my human name. You'll just have to call me Canada around the other nations and during certain political settings."
"Can-a-da." America tested the word, visible eye narrowing in thought. "Sounds familiar." Abruptly, both his arms wrapped around Canada, squeezing him tightly, and he pressed his face against his brother's shoulder. "I'm sorry I don't remember you, bro. I'm sorry I don't remember any of you."
Canada struggled to swallow the lump in his throat, shaking hands rubbing slow circles on his twin's back. "It's okay. I'm certain you'll remember everything eventually. And even if you don't, you'll always be my brother."
America said nothing and merely hugged Canada tighter. That left the violet-eyed twin to look helplessly at Pyrrha, who met his gaze steadily. She bit her lip, fingers twitching, and reached out. One hand went to America's shoulder, while the other gripped Canada's left hand.
"I suppose we'll all have to learn to adapt to this situation." She said, and Canada couldn't tell if she was putting on a brave face. Her eyes softened and Canada knew he and America had been forgiven for any lies— and omissions of information— they had told her. The other parties— both here and on Remnant— on the other hand…
Despite himself, Canada's thoughts drifted back to Remnant once more, and to those they had left behind. His heart constricted, taking his breath away, and he closed his eyes, pressing his cheek on the top of America's head.
I hope they're okay.
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France was unsurprised that the conference room was in chaos when they returned. So focused on their shouting match were the present nations that it took them over ten minutes to notice the others had come back. The Frenchman took that time to speak softly to his companions.
"Remember, only the vague basics for now. We do not need to cause a panic."
"A stubbed toe would cause this lot to go into a panic." England scoffed, eyeing the still-arguing nations irritably.
"Da, that is true, but a stubbed toe would not make them want to go to war with another planet." Russia mentioned cheerfully.
"Which is why Remnant will not be mentioned." Japan reminded him sternly.
"You still owe me an explanation you know." Australia pointed out.
Russia smiled. "You will get it. They will too, in time. We won't be able to hide this forever."
"We won't have to." England growled. "Only long enough for America to regain his senses."
France knew it was not that simple. The America they knew had been merged with the personification of another world. His mind was a mess of lost memories and half-remembered feelings at this point. In other words, the America that once existed might not come back. Similar situations had happened before, after all. France pushed away those thoughts and put a hand on England's arm.
"Angleterre—"
England shoved him off, frowning at Russia. "How did you get sent home anyway?"
The large nation sighed unhappily. "I landed on my stone when that big Grimm threw me. What a shame. I would have loved to continue to fight and punish those naughty children that had America."
"What a shame." England echoed unenthusiastically.
China finally noticed that they were standing there and stood up, slamming his hand down on the tabletop. "About time you got back, aru! We want answers."
If France were not a nation— or maybe if he were less used to people staring at him— he might be intimidated by the anticipated attention focused on him and his companions. As it was, Australia was not in the complete know, Japan was not the type to take control, England was still frothing at the mouth, and Russia was Russia so it was left to France to respond. He pushed a loose lock of hair behind his ear and crossed his arms, completely serious for once.
"As you all know, America and Canada were captured by a mysterious organization more than nine months ago. We discovered their location and rescued them."
"Like, why weren't we informed?" Poland demanded. "We totally should have been told about this stuff."
"We did not want to give the organization time to move base. We had to act as quickly as possible to rescue Canada and America." France said.
"What's wrong with America?" Lithuania asked, clearly concerned. "He did not seem to recognize us."
France grimaced. He hated the idea of lying to America's friend. England answered before he could try.
"Use your heads." He spat. "He was captured. Do you think they left him in a cell twiddling his thumbs? They experimented on him, you gits!"
Green light crackled around the tip of the staff he still carried and more than one nation jumped, leaning back. France shot England a warning look and he scoffed, but quelled the bubble of magic. Something was odd about the occurrence but France could not put his finger on it.
Austria eyed them critically. "Did you really need to retrieve them with… whatever that light was?"
"This group was dangerous. We needed a quick escape if necessary, and it did prove to be necessary." France let them fill in the blanks on their own, guessing that most were thinking of the obvious injuries sported by Germany and Prussia. The thought of the brothers made him grimace but he covered it up with a sniff. "Enough questions. We will give you more information later. For now, I would like a shower."
"Oh no you don't." Romano growled, standing up and jabbing a finger at them. "You didn't tell us who did it. Who captured them?"
Dozens of eyes bore into the knowledgeable nations, waiting with bated breath for the answer. France knew they were waiting for people from a country to be blamed, resulting in them turning on the offender even if they had nothing to do with the whole mess. If he told the truth, that rage would come even easier because their world would not be at war with itself again. Instead some distant planet none of them knew existed was their enemy, and they would unite against it. That was why one more tweak of the truth was required.
"It was an organization called 'Atlas'. They were a group of shamed scientists and former military from a mixture of nations who disagreed with how personifications were unable to be scientifically exploited for human gain. They wanted to experiment on us and try to unlock our secrets for themselves. You know what I mean. Healing factors, low-level empathy, immortality. They wanted to unlock all the little perks of nations for themselves." He could almost fool himself into believing his bared teeth were from triumph, not the rage of failure. "They did not succeed in their goals."
But they had succeeded. Atlas had gotten what they wanted. And now America and the Earth might pay for it. That was why the other nations could not know about what happened yet. It would be too easy for them to become overwhelmed by hatred and a need for revenge, dragging the whole planet into a war it could not afford. Not because they might lose, but because as much as France wished otherwise, there were innocents on Remnant who did not deserve to get blown up by nukes. And nuclear weapons were definitely what the governments of this world would send to deal with a world filled with demonic monsters and the super-powered people who hunted them.
"Have they been taken care of?" Netherlands asked stoically.
"They will not bother us again." England stated but France had to wonder if it was actually a vow.
They may be on Earth now, away from Ozpin, Salem, Ironwood, and their forces, but they were not one hundred percent safe. Remnant still had access to the technology that allowed them to steal America and Canada in the first place, and France was willing to bet that at least one party would try to get their new 'Vale' back, and maybe even 'Mantle' too.
The thought of them coming after his adorable brothers again lit a fire in France's chest and he snarled without realizing it, unknowingly causing a couple nations to recoil in surprise. He met England's similarly enraged gaze and was in complete agreement with the Brit for once. Even if Canada shut them out and America mistrusted them, they needed to do everything in their power to protect their brothers. They needed to do whatever it took to keep Remnant out of their world.
And if Ironwood, Atlas, Ozpin, Salem, or their minions came to their planet? They were not unaware anymore. They would be ready. And they had learned from their mistakes during the Pict invasion. New procedures and agreements had been put in place to prevent such a catastrophic outcome from happening again. This time, they'd readily unite against a common foe to fight for their world, against those that had harmed two of their own.
Remnant may have Grimm, magic, and Semblances, but Earth had survived worse. They'd survived the worst of humanity, over and over again, evolving and pushing forward to what they were today. If Remnant attacked again, and their secrets came to light, Earth wouldn't let history repeat. Remnant wouldn't stand a chance. France sincerely hoped it wouldn't come to that. He hoped Remnant and its people would be content to leave the Earth and its nations alone.
He knew that unless some miracle happened, Remnant would not leave them in peace yet. They'd already been dragged into Remnant's war, and it would come to draft them again soon. With villains like Salem, well-intentioned manipulators like Ozpin, and military-minded men like Ironwood after the twins, it would only be a matter of when.
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A/N: Here we goooo! I'm excited for this one, guys. :D
You know, some people might argue that if there was a war between Remnant and Hetalia's Earth, Remnant would have the advantage because of Aura. No, not really. At all.
A few things to consider:
Remnant has monsters Earth would not want getting to their planet.
To fictional governments, nukes sound like a great way to prevent that possible outcome. Just look at Avengers, Independence Day, Godzilla, The Iron Giant, and other stuff like that.
If Earth decided not to nuke them, people on Hetalia's Earth are also capable of having Aura unlocked so there goes that advantage.
Earth technology won't explode if you sneeze on it.
Earth's inter-nation communications won't go down if you knock down one building. (In hindsight, the setup for the CCT is really stupid... Like really, really stupid.)
Do I need to say more? But I mean, this is all just random babbling in response to arguments that don't exist yet. It's not like there's going to be a war in this story between them. There isn't. There isn't. Why don't you believe me? :)
Please review.