Disclaimer: Axis Powers Hetalia belongs to Himaruya Hidekaz. Cover art credits belongs to Maki Atae. This fic has no relations to any real life nations or figures, nor to any real life events.
Chapter 2: The one who left
-Year 2XXX-
The United Kingdom slowly lost it's standing, to the point it was no longer considered a world power. It's influence soon weakened, day by day. England suffered most of the consequences.
Also, global warming had increased to a dangerous extent. Water levels soon rose, and extreme measures were taken to prevent the impending disaster. Soon, it was announced that the world had managed to improve the situation greatly, and soon, global warming will no longer be a concern. With the direction it was going, the world will be safe for a long time. However, one casualty was foretold:
England. It was predicted that most of its land would sink.
And so, world leaders had all agreed on the solution: to dissolve the UK and England. Whatever remained of the country's territory would be divided between Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The people of England would receive automatic citizenship for whatever country they immigrated to. The royal family had also gave their consent.
All of this was discussed and agreed without the opinions of the 'nations'.
Most of the countries had disagreed, protested, and went against this idea. Many reacted strongly. However, there was nothing they could do. The decision was final.
Soon after, the inevitable happened. One week after the dissolution, England sunk. The country was no more, and one nation had disappeared.
23 years passed.
"And that's it for today's meeting. Remember to not be late for next month's meeting in Washington." Germany said sternly, in his hand a stack of papers, slammed onto the table.
Everyone soon dismissed, leaving the meeting room, chatter all around. Outside, the sky was dull, and the wind hollered, shaking snow off dead branches. It was one of the harshest winters of Europe. Soon enough, it will snow, and be a pain to traffic.
"Germany, let's go back together."
The German looked towards the voice, and found Italy, not really having his usual cheer.
"Italy... What's wrong? You look down."
"Ve... I... I'm worried about America."
They both looked towards said nation. He was sitting still in his seat, eyes hidden through glasses. He soon got up, and left the room. Throughout the meeting he was silent, not uttering even a sound.
"Ah, that's right... Today is... The day that England..."
"That's right... It's already been 23 years, and it passed by so fast. It feels as if though we didn't even have time to mourn... Veh..."
Germany look worriedly at Italy. He didn't like seeing the usually cheerful brunette like this. Italy was one to not hold grudges after fights. So, even if he was frightened of the Briton, he still grieved the man's...death.
"I can't even imagine what America is always feeling, veh... They were so close."
"You're right... Even if they didn't get along well, England was still a brother to him, huh..."
"Veh? You think so?"
Italy looked up, his eyes opened. His first reaction was about their relationship?
"Y-yeah... I mean, England was always saying that..."
"No... I don't think that's the case anymore, Germany."
Germany was surprised at Italy's reaction. It was somehow...serious.
Italy glanced at the direction America went, eyes glazing over slightly.
I'm sure... That that's no longer the case anymore. Right, America?
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When he took notice of his surroundings, America found himself in an airport. London City Airport.
(London, which is now an island, is part of the territory Scotland 'received' after England's dissolution. Apparently said man had protested with all his might, so much that he had to be restrained when negotiations were made)
Crumpled inside his palm was a ticket for a flight from New York to London. He had no luggage but his wallet and his phone.
America scowled. He was really out of it today. He couldn't concentrate on anything, and it was a wonder Canada managed to wake him up today.
(His brother's eyes were tinted red)
He sighed. All of today was spent with him being aloof, head above the clouds, et cetera et cetera. He was also losing his appetite. It had shocked his secretary.
(Today, he had drown everything out in the midst of the meeting)
"..." Having nothing left to do, he began walking out of the airport, and into the city. I wonder if this is how England felt every time my birthday came.
Stop. He stood still on the pavement, snow collecting on his head. He didn't even feel the cold wind slapping on his face. His mind stayed, lingered on that name.
England.
Who was no longer here. Who was gone.
He grinded his teeth together, shoved his palms into his jacket pockets, then continued walking (stomping) briskly.
Why? Why did I come here? Why did I have to think about him? In fact, why am I even wondering what that guy felt? I don't care! I don't care what he felt! I don't care what that selfish guy thought!
I don't care about him! I don't care about a guy who says something like that then just up and leave!
/"America"/
England's face that day flashed through his mind.
Shut up! Why are you making a face like that?
(A face that showed nothing, yet tells it all. A face thatー)
/"Sorry. Iー"/
Why!? Why the hell are you apologizing!?
He angrily passed by citizens, making them look back in worry. He didn't notice his phone vibrating (violently) in his palm. Snow blocked his vision, but he didn't care.
/"... America. Iー"/
Don't. Don't! DON'T!
*CLANG!*
He made contact with cold metal. Or rather, he crashed into a lamp post, whilst crossing a bridge. (It was a surprise he managed to do so, since the lamp is on the railing, not on the bridge)
America laid on the cold snow, feeling something warm trickling down his foreheadーhe was apparently bleeding. He stared at the dull, grey sky, snow falling all around.
Political powers, losing stand my ass... It's all bullshit...
He cover his eyes with his arm, uncaring of how uncomfortable it felt to have the glasses frame pressed down on his nose and eyes.
Why... Why did you leave?
/"If possible, I..."/
"Are-are you okay? You shouldn't lie on the snow like that..." An accented voice sound out, seeming to echo in his ears.
Okay, he really wasn't in the mood for dealing with anyone right now, so he lifted his arm, but couldn't open his eyes. Right, he forgot, despite it not being very bright at all. Still, his eyes took some time to get used to the brightness, the figure hovering over him a blur.
"Hey, do you need help getting up...?"
"No, I'm fine... Wait..."
The American sat up, blinking momentarily. Snow was surprisingly soft.
After regaining his sight somewhat, he could see Big Ben over the road, almost striking nine. America looked over to the figure that just called him. Ah, he could see theirーhisーfeatures nowー
Blond hair, somewhat thick eyebrows, and unmistakable green eyes, comparable to emerald.
His own blue eyes widened drastically, mouth hang ajar. The person before himー
(Big Ben could be heard over the distance, yet somehow still fading away)
The person before his eyes was an exact replica of England.
"Eー!"
"Ah! You're hurt! Come on, get up! We-we need to get you bandaged!" The man yelled, frantically grabbing his arms and trying to drag him up. America however stayed stock still, shocked beyond words.
"N-no, it's fine! More importantlyー!"
"Hah!? 'More importantly'!? There's nothing more important than your own well-being, idiot! Now get up!"
America had no idea why an argument just started, but he felt himself starting to calm down.
(And also realized this person wasn't Englandー)
"Okay, okay, calm down for a sec. I'm fine. Don't worry so much over a stranger."
The man stopped, taking normal breaths. He then looked up, into America's eyes.
(Green, so green, just like the forest. He can feel his heart tighteningー)
"Yeah... You're right... But I'm not gonna stop worrying until I see a bandage over that bloody bleeding wound, so let's go to my house for now! It's close." As he said, that, the man began dragging them both towards a direction. A stubborn person, America can tell.
"Are you sure it's alright to invite a stranger to you house?"
"Don't underestimate me, wanker. If you try anything, I can deal with it." He huffed out, throwing back a glare.
America had to hold back his snicker. Of course, that didn't escape the eyes (ears, more accurately?) of the man.
"Well, if you're sooo 'worried' then let's stop being strangers! What's your name?"
"Shouldn't you say it first?"
"Don't try to teach me about manners, git. I'm English, for your information."
"Okay, okay, I'm Alfred. Alfred F. Jones, at your service. And you?"
The man stopped, pulling out a glistening piece of metalーa key. They had already arrived.
Opening the dark, wooden door, he turned around, and smiled slightly.
"Hello then, Jones. My name is Arthur Kirkland. A pleasure to meet you."
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/"If possible... I'll come and meet you again, one of these days."/
Wow, just one day and 6 follows already? Thank you so much everyone! I'll try my best to update! I hope you'll be able to enjoy this story!