The Lilly & Rose
APH America and Liechtenstein
They walked for what seemed an eternity. Liechtenstein looked up at the vast shades of red and gold that painted the ever dimming sky. It was like a fire slowly dying into a blue sea. The pink clouds wafting in the gentle warm breeze; it would have been beautiful if her heart weren't so filled with worry. Oh how she wished her big brother was here now.
She sighed and looked to the painted palomino horse she sat upon as it slowly scuffed its hooves in the dry dirt of this vast, barren landscape. "Herr America?" she asked quietly holding her hands close to her chest. "You've been walking an awful long time. Shouldn't we stop?"
The tall young man who led the horse looked back over his shoulder with a weak grin. "Nah, we can't stop till we r-reach the next town, and its getting dark, so w-we gotta hurry." He answered determinedly wincing from the pain in his side. "But you're hurt." Liechtenstein said reaching for his shoulder. America winced again, but fought to hide his pain and looked back with a kind cocky smile. "Don't worry about me Liechty! I'm fine. I could go all night if I had to. Heroes are like that." He smiled with a weak laugh. He then clucked to the horse. "Come Macaroni, pick it up boy." The horse bobbed its head sleepily its ears twitching to its master's command. It only snorted a reply shaking its neck, as if trying to keep itself awake.
"But what about your side?" Liechtenstein persisted. "Wha' this?" America looked down to the bloodstain running down his cotton shirt. "Ahh that's nothing! Just a-a scratch. I'll be…" but before he could finish one of his legs gave out and he stumbled forward to his hands and knees. The horse startled tossing its head snorting as its reins were jerked and the man who had been leading him dropped suddenly to the ground.
Liechtenstein patted the creature's neck then quickly jumped out of the huge, awkward, leather saddle and rushed to America's side. America sat there on his hands and knees panting, one hand clutching the broken arrow shaft which protruded from his ribs, the other kept a firm grip on the reins tangled in his fingers. His glasses slipped down on his nose, his eyes squinted in pain, trying to catch his breath. Then he felt something warm touch his shoulder and he turned to look. Liechtenstein looked to him, fear and concern drowning her pretty green eyes. She whimpered uneasily looking to his hand as blood oozed between his fingers.
"I'm ok." He panted forcing a confident smile. "Just stepped in a prairie dog hole is all." He lied. "Why don't you ride Macaroni for a while and I lead him, you've been walking for hours and you need to rest." Liechtenstein offered. America shook his head. "Thanks Miss Liechty, but you don't need to be leading a horse out here. This terrain's rough and dangerous. Besides," he said as he gingerly got to his legs. "I promised your brother I'd look after you and let no harm come to ya." He gently placed his hands under her arms and lifted her back up onto the horse with one fell movement. "And that's just what I aim to do." he patted her leg giving her a wink then clucked to the horse again. "Alright Mac, lets go. Get up." He commanded encouragingly dragging the tired painted horse behind him.
Liechtenstein sighed placing her hands on the odd horn like protrusion from the saddle, and rested her worried eyes on the horse's white mane. Ever since she and America had gotten separated from the rest, she had been dreadfully worried about her brother. He had broken his leg back in the canyon where they we attacked. He had ordered her and America to keep going to the next town and eventually get help there, but mostly to get his little sister to a safe place. He entrusted America to this task. Mostly because he was the only option, other wise here never would have.
While riding for the town, they were ambushed and Liechtenstein had been thrown from her horse, Lady, who ran off. America fought back and fended their attackers off, but not before an arrow caught him in the side. Liechtenstein had helped him as much as she could, but now they were all alone, no food, no water, in the middle of an unforgiving desert, walking towards a town called Dodge. Her on horseback, America leading the weary horse on foot.
They had walked for had seemed an eternity…
Soon the sun faded beyond the horizon and a cool blue, black, and purple curtain of glittering stars covered the empty sky above. The canyon's huge rock faces jutted out form the ground like ancient tombstones, the gentle breeze hissing through withered grass that stuck up through the hot sand. The young girl gazed up at the stars in wonder and awe. The millions of flickering white lights mesmerizing her. She had loved to gaze at the stars in her fields back home, and had reveled in their splendor and magic. But here, under this blanket of diamonds, all she could think about was how far from home she was, and how awfully alone and cold she was. She shivered hugging her shoulders. "D-don't worry Miss, Liechty. W-we'll be there…Ugh…soon. Just you wait." America encouraged, as if sensing her fear. His steps were growing slower and more uneven as he walked, Macaroni nearly falling asleep as he shuffled along. "How much further?" she ventured to ask, more to rid themselves of the eerie silence than anything else. Besides the wind across the planes, there were no other noises as of yet, and it frightened her.
"N-not too far." America answered. "Just over those hills here." He pointed a leadened hand to the vast stretch of land before them… Those hills looked awfully long, and vast. More like planes than hills in her opinion. She wished they weren't so far away. Then she heard smothered groan, and America staggered forward. "Herr America?" he didn't answer but his feet scuffled underneath him and became tangled up, and he tripped drunkenly over the dirt and tumbled to the ground, still clutching the reins.
"America!" She quickly hopped off the spooked horse and ran over to his side. He lay there curled up like a dead bug, unmoving. Liechtenstein gulped nervously and gently shook his shoulder. "Herr A-America?" she whimpered. His body shivered and he groaned lifting his head to her. "Damn prairie dog holes." He cursed, lying again, trying to hide his pain. Liechtenstein watched as he rocked over and tried to get up. "We g-gotta get to Dodge before…" his arms gave out and Liechtenstein caught him before he fell forward. "Please Mr. America you are hurt." She said as he struggled to sit up on his knees. "No I aint." He panted gripping his side. "I'm f-fine really." He tried to reassure with a stupid smile. But then his eyes rolled back and he slumped forward, and Liechtenstein caught him, his face falling into her shoulder. She wriggled one arm out from under him and patted his shoulder comfortingly. He was quite heavy.
"You need to rest." She said simply in her sweet little innocent voice, rubbing her hand along the brown leather vest that covered his back. "B-but Liechty…" He began tilting his head so he could see her. "A few hours wont hurt will they?" she answered simply. America blinked his eyes still gazing at her. "Besides, I'm sure your horsey could use a rest," America looked over the Macaroni who, shook his neck and swished his tail sleepily. "Please Herr America? I'm tired too." She asked innocently. America sighed, how could he say no to a face like that?
"Alright. But just for a few hours, then I'll be good as new I promise." He panted. "Den lets make camp." She said happily. America shook his head. "Alright, but not here, doll. Too out in the open." He said hitching himself back up, as Liechtenstein tugged the reins pulling Macaroni closer to them. "Where den?" she asked as America guided the horse alongside them and grabbed hold of the stirrup. He pointed to a rocky outcrop not far from where they were. "Those rocks'll make a nice spot. Good cover just incase ya know." He said as he hulled himself up to his feet using his saddle and the horse for support. He quickly clasped hold of the horn and dangled weakly by one arm, while clutching his side with his free hand. "Can you walk?" the young girl asked. America winked and laughed weakly. "Course I can! Mac here'll hold me up, I'll just use him as a crutch for now. Save my strength for when I need it to protect you from things!" He smiled.
Despite his toothy grin and bright eyes, Liechtenstein could tell he was in a lot of pain, and was more hurt than he was letting on. America's pride would never allow him to admit he was weak or hurt, but that was all right, he didn't have to admit anything, Liechtenstein understood. She smiled nodding, then grabbed the horse's reins, and gently tugged. "Come along Macaroni, lets go boy." She chirped pulling the horse slowly along. The horse snorted and moved off slowly after the little girl, America hobbling and leaning against the creature's shoulder for support. "Watch for prairie dog holes!" he called.
They did not have to walk far before they reached the gathering of rocks, along side the huge boulders that made up the rocky outcrop. America slumped down resting up against a huge white bolder panting, while Liechtenstein hitched Macaroni to a nearby fallen log, then dug through the saddlebags for anything that might be of use. They had lost most of their supplies during the attack, and her horse Lady, had been carrying most of the food and water… Switzerland didn't trust America with their food.
She found America's canteen and untied his jacket from beneath the back of his saddle. She walked over and handed him the canteen and draped his leather duster over his chest. America gulped down the water thankfully, licking his lips. 'Thanks Liechty." He said wiping his mouth with the back of his black gloved hand, then handed the canteen to her, "You want some? I bet you're thirsty too." He offered. She looked to the canteen. America pushed it further towards her. "Well go on, drink." He encouraged with a laugh.
"Danke." She said and took a sip then handed it back to him. America screwed the top back on then placed it next to himself as Liechtenstein stood. "I'll find us some firewood." She said. "I'll help too." America started to get up, but fell back with an uncomfortable groan gripping his side. "That's ok, you rest I'll be back." But as she turned to leave she felt something grab the hem of her skirt. She blinked and looked back to see America holding onto her his eyes stern and desperate, sweat dripping down his face. "Its…Dangerous…Alone." He panted heavily swallowing a hard lump in his throat. Liechtenstein only smiled gently. "I won't go far I promise." She said confidently. America looked to her, his bright blue eyes locking to her emerald green ones. The innocent warmth and truth in her eyes caused the young man to melt back with a hard nod. He let go of her skirt and rested against the rock. "Be careful; holler if trouble finds you." He said and unholstered his Navy colt. "So I can find it and beat the shit out of it." He grinned happily spinning the cartridge clicking it into place.
"I will!" Liechtenstein closed her eyes with a big smile shrugging her shoulders then scampered off. America hitched himself up keeping one hand on his side his other arm cocked at the ready, the long cold pistol held gently in his hand, glinting in the moonlight. He then turned to his horse as it munched away on the sagebrush.
He clucked to it gently. The horse pricked its ears, and America gave a small whistle as if he were calling a dog. The horse nickered and walked towards him obediently then lowered its head to his hand nuzzling his wrist. America reached up with a bloodied hand and rubbed the long soft white muzzle. "Atta boy." He mused gently as his horse rubbed its head against his hand. America then reached up and grabbed the crown of the bridle and pulled it from the horse's head. The horse gladly relinquished the leather headstall and shook its neck. He patted the horse's warm neck as the reins slipped over its ears, leaving a bloody handprint on the white fur. He then looked back to where Liechtenstein had gone folding the leather bridle, placing it at his side. "Keep an eye on her Mac." He said to the horse rubbing its chin, "We gotta keep the little lady safe." The horse nickered again then turned and stated to graze on the sagebrush near by.
Liechtenstein kept her word and stayed with in view of the camp gathering twigs, and bits of tumbleweed and sagebrush. Her brother had always told her to never wander far from camp and from protection. She hummed her national anthem to herself as she skipped about filling her arms with prickly plants and twigs. It always made her feel better when she hummed it, for most of the countries it was that way. But whenever she got nervous or scared she would hum her little tune and almost instantly she felt much better.
She then heard something, and she lifted her head to the lonely rocks. "Herro? Is somebody dere?" she asked nervously. Nothing answered. Only the wind in the buffalo grass. Liechtenstein gulped and took a bold step forward to look harder… She swore she saw a shadow move amongst the rock crags….
"Yo! Liechty! You alright?!" she heard America call. She looked back over her shoulder, "Ja! I'm alright!" she replied then looked back to the rocks. Only still, silent, darkness. She turned and headed back to camp her arms full of potential kindling, unfortunately there was not much in the way of larger, longer, lasting wood.
"I'm back." She chirped happily and placed the bunches of twigs and brush down in a small dirt circle America had been absent-mindedly carving and scuffing with the heal of his boot. "Find any food?" America inquired with a smile wincing from the pain in his side. Liechtenstein shook her head, "But I did find all dis." She said as she began to pile the kindling on like her brother had shown her. "But dere's not much else." She sighed. America cocked the safety back and reholstered his gun the rubbed the back of his head. "Yeh, it tends to get like that out here. A lot'a sand, rocks, and brush. Little else. People called it the great desert at one point." He said. "My home doesn't have any deserts. At least not like this." Liechtenstein said looking out at the vast land before her. America sighed and looked over to a small tree that's roots were wrapped around a large bolder. "Hey, that tree would work for fire wood." He commented trying to hitch himself up again, but the pain that shot through him, anchored him to the ground. "Gah…S-stupid arrow." He mumbled under his breath. "Its ok Herr America, I can get it." Liechtenstein said. America looked to the tree then to her. "You'll have the chop it up a bit." He said his eyes huge with question. "That's alright. Big brother showed me how." She said confidently with a cute smile tilting her head. America cocked one eye brow, "Well uhh ok if you're sure…" he sat back against the rock reluctantly. "There's a hatchet in my saddle bag. Mini ax looking thing, can't miss it." He said. Liechtenstein nodded and ran over to where she tied Macaroni. She froze… "Herr America. You're horse is gone." She said nervously. America smiled and laughed. "No he's not he's around here somewhere, just call him." He said with a broad smile. Liechtenstein blushed and lowered her eyes. "I'm afraid I don't understand." She said shyly. America winked at her, "Here, I'll show you." And he stuck fingers in his mouth and gave a short sharp whistle that echoed out across the land.
Soon a whinny replied and the paint cantered up out of the darkness. Liechtenstein smiled and patted the horse's neck then searched through the saddle bags for the ax. "That's an amazing trick." The little girl said as she lifted the ax wrapped up in the bag. "How did you teach him to do that?" America shrugged, "Teach all my horses to." He said simply. "Aren't you afraid they'll run away?" Liechtenstein asked as she rubbed the paint's face. "I give them no reason to run away. I trust them. They trust me." America responded bluntly. He then sighed and shook his head with a smile. "I never hobble my horses." He stated.
"What does dat mean?" Liechtenstein asked as Macaroni nuzzled her then when it realized she had no treats he walked calmly away to continue his grazing and she made her way over to the tree. "Hobble? Well, it pretty much means to tie up a horse so they can't go no where. I don' ride with a bit either and I only hitch'em to posts when I have to, and even then. " He said then looked to his feet hugging his side wincing as he breathed. "I…I don't believe in keeping something tied up…That's meant to be free." He said softly looking back to his mustang. Liechtenstein gazed at him. "Free." She whispered under her breath. Freedom…America's trademark and greatest irony. Liechtenstein looked back to the horse as it munched away contently on the grass, the cool pale moon light reflecting off its pale gold and white patched fur and shiny leather saddle. She smiled, the horse did seem happier there, as if that's where he belonged, able to come and go as he pleased, wild and free…Just like his owner.
Liechtenstein then took the small ax in her hands and turned her attention to the tree. She raised it and gave a good swing with a tiny grunt. Crack! Thwunk! She hit her marks quick and clean, and in no time had cut the tree of several long strips of firewood. She then paused to catch her breath turning back to America who stared at her in awe as he leaned against the rock weakly. "Wow…" was all he could say. Liechtenstein smiled modestly and gathered up the wood, rewrapping the little hatchet so its blade was safe. She rested it against a near by rock to return to the bag later, and got to work with the fire. It was getting awfully cold out here and she could feel goose bumps pricking up on her arms. Once she got the wood stacked properly, she quickly grabbed two rocks and started to crack them together. Nothing… She bit her bottom lip and tried again smacking the stones together. Then two warm hands wrapped around hers and she looked up to America who leaned out before her, his hands on hers. He smiled kindly, "Like this," he said and guided her hands; with a few good cracks several sparks went flying and caught the dry foliage, and soon a small flame erupted into a blazing white and red light. "See? There we go. The rocks around here are kinda picky." America said, just before he flinched and fell back against the rock panting hugging his side. "Danke herr America." She said then looked to him worried. He glanced back up and smiled. "You're quite handy ya know miss Liechty." He panted. She smiled feeling very proud of herself. Wait till she told Switzerland that she helped America! He'd be so proud.
ARARARAROOOOOOOOO! A loud chorus spit the night air and Liechtenstein yelped looking around. America laughed at her, "Its alright." He said. "Its only coyotes." She looked back at him hugging her hands to her chest. "They won't bother us so long as we got the fire going." He said. She nodded looking back over her shoulder then back to the fire. She hugged her shoulders shivering as a cool night breeze blew in from over the rocks. "Cold Miss Liechty?" America asked. She looked to him as he hitched himself up doing his best to scoot closer to her. He tossed his large duster over her shoulders. "There ya go, nice and warm." He said sinking back down in his back against the rock. Liechtenstein looked to the jacket then to him. "But what about you?" she asked. America sighed flinching from the dizzying pain. "I'll be f-fine. T-this is my home remember? I-I'm a lot more used to its climate than you." He said rolling over on his side uncomfortably trying to escape the pain.
Liechtenstein hugged the huge duster close around her shoulders then looked back to the wounded young man. Everyone was always saying how much of a jerk America was. How selfish and controlling he could be, and how foolish. How he was a nothing but big bully who only did things to further his ever growing ego, and who used others for his personal gain. The ass hole of the world Switzerland called him. But… As she sat there hugging that jacket close, all she could see was kind young man who just wanted to be good. Who cared enough to give his all to protect her. who let her have his horse to ride so she wouldn't have to walk, even though he was hurt, who gave her his jacket for warmth when he himself was cold… This was not the America the others spoke of. Liechtenstein smiled blushing. She had never known America personally, only by reputation. She had met him once or twice during the wars but never really had a chance to get to know him. Now she found the American nation to be quite generous and kind, despite his obvious flaws. A bit loud, arrogant and cocky perhaps, but he wasn't such the bad guy everyone made him out to be. He was actually very…Sweet.
America closed his eyes listening to the sound of the fire crackling and the crickets chirpings amongst the rocks. He shivered coughing softly, then felt something drape around his shoulders. He glanced back to see Liechtenstein sitting next to him, her thin shawl now placed across his shoulders. He looked to the shawl then to her. "You don't have t-" he began but Liechtenstein shook her head cutting him off. She said nothing but smiled warmly at him and placed a delicate hand on his hair. America sighed and rested his head back in the dirt groaning softly curling his knees to his chest more, doubling up in pain.
"Dat arrow needs to come out." Liechtenstein said leaning closer to examine the wound. "Err…I broke it though." America groaned miserably. "Have ta wait and get a doc in town." He sighed. "I can take it out for you. Dere's still enough of the shaft left I think." Liechtenstein said confidently placing two fingers delicately on either side of the splintered wood. America winced from her touch. "Y-you know how to?" he asked nervously, his voice shaking from pain and a hint of curiosity. Liechtenstein nodded her little blue bow bouncing in her short blonde hair. "Big brother taught me how."
"Man. Your brother's taught you a lot of stuff. He doesn't mess around does he?" America chuckled. Liechtenstein cocked her head confused. "Mess around?" she inquired. America shook his head. "Its an expression doll face." He smirked. Liechtenstein looked back to the arrow and pressed her fingers against his side testing to see how far down the arrow was. America sucked in a hissing breath. "Gah…" he groaned. "It needs to come out, you could get very sick." She said her eyebrows lifting in worry. America coughed then sighed. "Alright Liechty. If you say so." He stretched out so he was lying flat on his side. "Do what you got to do…Just do it quick please." He shuddered his breaths becoming quicker. Liechtenstein smiled and patted his shoulder. "I'll do my best." She said cheerfully pulling his brown vest from his arm and rolling his bloodied shirt up. America gulped nervously gripping a long blade of grass in his fist. "It…It's not gunna hurt is it?" he whimpered rolling his blue eyes back to her. Liechtenstein sighed and patted his head gently pressing it back into the dirt forcing him to look ahead. "I'll try to be gentle." She answered. America groaned miserably. "That means yes." He whined putting one of his black leather gloves in his mouth, his teeth clenching down on the soft succulent leather at the tips of his fingers.
Liechtenstein moved so the firelight could shine on the wound better and she could see. She then took the broken shaft in her fingers and tried to pull. America yelped kicking his feet fitfully. Liechtenstein could not help but laugh at him, "I haven't done anything yet." She said. "Yes you did! You pulled on it." America argued panting like a whipped dog. "And it hurt too." He continued. Liechtenstein coaxed him back down and patted his shoulder as the young man laid back down putting the fingers of his black glove back in his mouth. "It will hurt more if I don't take it out." She insisted, then looked around and saw America's pocket knife sticking out of his back pocket. She fished it out and flicked open the large blade. America's eyes followed the knife then he turned. "What are you going to d-do with that?" he stammered drawing away from the glinting blade. "Its too deep in your side." Liechtenstein said then sighed sadly. "I'm going to have to cut it out."
America's eyes widened and he gulped hard. "You s-sure? L-lets not be hasty now." he asked nervously, his glasses glinting in the firelight. Liechtenstein nodded reluctantly and placed one hand on his shoulder holding him down. "Ja, I am afraid so." She said lowering the blade to the soft skin. "Try to hold as still as you can, it will be over soon." She said encouragingly patting his shoulder. She knew well the rumors of America's super strength and had seen fractions of it already on their journey, and the idea of trying to keep him still was almost as suicidal as wrestling a great grizzly bear. She gulped now growing nervous herself. "Are you ready?" she asked trying to keep her voice calm. America nodded and turned his head away and bit down hard on the leather and clutched the dry grass in his fist. "Alright then… Hold still." And with that Liechtenstein pressed the knife into her friend's side.
America gasped and yelped kicking one leg in pain but did his best to hold still. Liechtenstein bit her bottom lip as she cut as deep as she needed to, then with a soft slurp twisted the arrow free. "I got it!" she chirped victoriously her one hand bloodied the arrow dripping red. "W-whoopie." America groaned panting as he unfolded in the dirt blood pooling under him. Liechtenstein placed the arrow on the ground beside them then quickly tended to America. She took her shawl and wrapped it around his side tying it off looking around for any plants that could be used to help stop infection. America cocked one eye looking up at her, blinking his tears away. She smiled down at him, "You were very brave." She said sweetly. America smiled eyes twinkling. Though he had matured faster and gained his independence earlier than she had in actuality she was older than him in foundation. She could still remember the rumors of him when she was very little. So it was hard to believe sometimes, but despite his appearance and strength America was still a child amongst their kind in all actuality.
America sighed and closed his eyes his breathing leveling out. "Wonder why someone shot you." Liechtenstein said for the first time since the whole incident picking the arrow back up. America opened his eyes and reached back taking the arrow gently from her looking it over. "And why an arrow?" she asked thinking back to all the "Cowboy and Indian" stories she had heard. America grumbled tossing it. "Whoever they are don't know jack." America said. "They're tryin' to make it look like Indians did it, but they're too stupid to know that's the wrong shaft on the wrong arrow head. Besides they tied it wrong." He explained irritated as if a nerve was plucked inside him. "So it wasn't Indians?" Liechtenstein asked. "Course not!" America exclaimed regretting it as he coughed relaxing. "Just an easy scape goat. Bastards." He mumbled. "N-now quit askin' questions and try and get some sleep Liechty." He continued cutting her from thinking on the matter further. She nodded and sat close beside him draping his long duster over both of them. America looked up at her. "And um, hey," he said softly. She looked to him. "T-Thanks for ya know. Patching me up and all." He said humbly hiding the blush forming on his cheeks.
Liechtenstein smiled feeling proud of herself. "You're welcome herr America, feel better." She said then leaned over, not thinking anything of it and kissed his cheek. "Good night." She said and curled up snuggling her back against his. America turned bright red in the face and blinked. "I-I… uhh… Night Liechty." He stammered. Macaroni nickered softly to his owner swishing his long tail. "Oh shut up." America grumbled to him blushing then closed his eyes and fell asleep as well.