Well this took a long time to update but I hope the length of the chapter will satisfy! anyway, yay! winter vacation! no school and no finals! haha now I have more time to update! I hope you all enjoy this chapter! reviews and feedback's are always welcomed!
and many thanks to SeeNoEvil121 for the tips and help
Rating: K+
Warning: Foreign language (just a itty bitty bit), irritated countries (we can all guess who that will be!)
Disclaimer: I do not own Axis Powers Hetalia, nor Disney's Hercules, nor the lines of the movie!
Oh and before I forget... the list of who's who on the story...
Cast:
Narrator... Austria
Hercules... Prussia
Philoctetes... Switzerland
Hades... France
Megara... America
Pain... Romano
Panic... Feleciano
The Gods
Zeus...England
Hera... Poland
Nessus...Denmark
Hermes... China
Demitris... Netherlands
Mortal parents
Amphitryon...Spain
Alcmene... Hungary
The fates
Clotho... Norway
Lachesis... Cuba
Atropos... Belarus
Muses
Calliope... Canada
Clio... Japan
Melpomeme.. Russia
Terpsichore.. Lithuania
Thalia...Finland
Titans
Lythos... Turkey
Hydros...Sweden
Pyros... Korea
Stratos... Latvia
Cyclops... Germany
Crew:
Belgium, Egypt, Estonia, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Sealand, Seborga, Seychelles, Taiwan, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ukraine, Wy, and everyone in cast.
Operation: HERCULES!... commence!
It has been weeks since the casting of characters, and things aren't exactly going as planned… but then again has anything? Germany begins to take over the order and control of the play. As he doesn't have to show up until the end, he figures he might as well help poor Greece.
"Now lets go over that again" Germany says, a bit frustrated by now. He raises a hand, counting down with his fingers as he says, "3.… 2.… 1!"
"On… behalf of my son, I would like to thank you for the gifts" England reads from his script to the other "gods", standing before him holding out a hand towards the fake baby in Poland's arms.
"And like, what do we get him? I think we should totally like, get him a pony!" Poland trails off as England interrupts.
"Shut up! I'm suppose to say that, and it's not a pony you twit! It's a Pegasus! Speaking of horses, where's Uni?" England looks around for the unicorn in question, thinking that perhaps seeing his "imaginary" friend will calm his irritations. Honestly, a 'pony'?
Germany is about to interrupt when France enters the scene.
"What an adorable site mon ami! And I would like to give this child a little gift of my own…" France winks at England, and attempts to grab the child from Poland, but England slaps his hand away.
"I'm sure anything you give him would be no good!"
"I'm sure what you're feeding him is ten times worse then what I will give him!"
"CUT!" Germany rubs his temples in frustration. "Why don't we take a break, and we will continue with Hercules and Megara's scene?" he suggests before the argument can escalate. Germany doesn't have to say it twice. As if that simple statement has been the six words they've been waiting for all day, everyone abandons their work and runs like wild animals to the food stand at the far end of the theatre. Germany grumbles, slapping his forehead with a hand in exasperation. One would think nations would act more… well civilized.
"Hey Germany~" Italy approaches the irritated blond cheerfully, offering a full plate to the nation. "I bought you some pasta and wurst." The mere mention of wurst made Germany snap his head up like a dog and rise, running to the table with new found enthusiasm. Italy watches, shocked, and a bit uncertain. "Ve~ Germany? Oh well more for me!" With that the Italian man takes his seat and began his meal.
"This sucks! I should be playing the hero! Why the hell am I playing a freakin' girl?" America yells out as he is called to the stage after his break. He is most obviously less than pleased at the casting. It must be some cruel sick joke. Obviously, they're jealous that he's the hero and they're not. England probably planned the whole thing, as far as the American is concerned. America ascends the stairs, mounting the elevated stage and stands center as he crosses his arms over his chest unhappily.
"Because you complain like one!" A smirking England replies as he walks across the stage, clothing and needles in hand. America turns on the British man with a scowl.
"Oh, shut up! At least I'm not married to Poland!" he shouts back as England disappears behind the curtain.
"Like, what about me?" Poland asks, stepping out of the Foyer as his name is apparently called. He looks around, confused, then goes back inside when Lithuania calls for him.
"Can we start now?" Germany finally asks as he and Greece sit on the first row of the theatre, scripts in hand. It seems to be nothing but arguing and complaints with everyone in this show. Did it never end?
"The awesome Prussia is here!" The Albino calls out. He shoves the curtains aside and steps through rather dramatically, his arms held out briefly before he bows to the non-existent audience. America stares at him venomously. Prussia was doing this on purpose.
"I hate you…" America grumbles, turning away from Prussia to walk (or rather stomp with clenched fists) to the far right of the stage. "God this is so not cool!" Prussia follows behind him with much more enthusiasm, almost bouncing with each step as he catches up to the taller American and falls into step beside him.
"Now, now stop being such a drama queen and lets start!" Prussia says as he puts an arm around the American. He looks over his shoulder to his younger brother and winks. Germany puts his face in his hands. This is not going to turn out good.
"Very well... let's begin..." he says hesitantly.
(~x~x~x~)
Out of all of the things to complain about when it came to America, Germany can't complain about character. He's honestly rather impressed with America as the young blond falls to the floor, scrambles to rise again only to be scooped up by Denmark.
"Not so fast, sweet heart~" Denmark tries to suppress a laugh but is unsuccessful as a giggle slips out at the thought of calling America such a thing. America on the other hand is far from amused - not by the words but by the way Denmark had his arm around his waist. Pulling him a little too close for comfort.
"I swear Den- Nessus! Let. Me. GO!" America says through his teeth. He would love nothing more than to turn around and kick Denmark where it hurts, but doing so would result in having to do the entire scene over again. He'll have to put up with it as Denmark continues.
"OOhhh, I like them-" Denmark doesn't get to finish his sentence as America elbows him in the stomach. Denmark scowls at America. "What the hell, man?"
"Oops. Sorry. my arm must have slipped." America says, feinting innocence. However, his glare belies his tone.
"Oh, Its my turn… Um… what was my line?" Switzerland cuts in as the two begin to scuffle. He's not used to acting in general, and now he has to act, hyper, and…well hyper. Definitely not Switzerland. In a monotone voice, he says, "First just analyze the situation, never go out there with out thinking.." Denmark and America stop their fighting and look at him, surprised. He obviously needs a lot of help.
Prussia marches forward, a wide grin on his face. He stops just a few feet away from Denmark and America and makes a superman pose as he says "Halt!" Damn, I feel so awesome! He thinks to himself with a confident smirk.
Denmark gets back into character almost immediately, dragging America with him as he walks toward Prussia and stops only inches away. "Outta my way!"
"Well pardon me… um… Sir, but can you please back off. Your contaminating my awesomeness. Oh, and release the young lad-" Prussia doesn't have a chance to finish that last word as America interrupts.
"Keep moving, Jr." He says hastily. He obviously doesn't want to be called a lady.
"Don't interrupt the awesome hero! Anyway aren't you a damsel in distress?" Prussia likes where things were going… he just needs America to say those few words…
Apparently America knew where things were going too because he grumbled the words 'I hate you' and resumed acting… "I'm a…damsel" he says getting quieter as he said the 'D' word. To think, a Hero degrading himself to the damsel in distress. Could things get any worse? Prussia leans forward, cupping a hand around his ear.
"What I couldn't hear you" he says. He's obviously having fun. America stares at him for a moment.
"I'm a damsel.." America says at last as he shoves Denmark, "I'm in distress" he shoves Denmark again. America isn't going to give Prussia the satisfaction of seeing him squirm. He plays along. "I can handle this… Have a nice day~" He adds flirtatiously. Prussia looks at him uncertainly. This wasn't where things were suppose to go...
Germany looks at the scene playing before him with a small frown then turns to Greece and sighs… Both knew this was as good of a performance that they are going get out of everyone and at least most of them are doing their lines properly. Great... the blond thinks to himself. Before them, the scene continues.
Prussia unsheathes his sword valiantly, but the forgotten Denmark interferes and knocks Prussia to the ground with a sweeping punch to the face. The force of the blow surprises the white-haired nation who now lies on the ground in shock with a hand to the side of his face.
Silence engulfs the entire room and all eyes turn to Switzerland.
"Oh, right… um, you're sword! Get you're sword!" he says, reciting his lines quickly. He considers his words after a moment, his brows furrowing in discontent. "Wait swords aren't sufficient, you should use a gun!" he corrects himself with much more vigor. Who knew discussing guns would make the Swiss man so enthusiastic?
Prussia offers Denmark a venomous glare as he starts to rise to his feet. "Sword… right," he mutters, his hands searching the imaginary water for his fallen blade. "A hero is only as good as his weapon!" he announces, spinning to his feet with nothing other than a paper fish in his hand.
Denmark's laugh makes his grip around America tighten, the 'damsel' in question offering an irritated expression to all around. After the (rather pathetic) fighting scene between Prussia and Denmark (with advice from the ever helpful Switzerland) It is finally time for America to come into the scene and make things… cool.
Germany finds himself at a loss for words as the first act at last comes to an end – not because of major problems with the cast, but because of the performance of the young American. He plays the damsel in distress so efficiently... it's as if he's made for the part. Of course, he'll never let America hear him say that.
"I think it's good so far," Greece says as he stares blankly at the now empty stage. Germany looks at him incredulously.
"Are you serious, Greece?" he asks, baffled by the comment.
Greece shrugs his shoulders as he stands up. "It's better than I thought it would be," he says. Neko-chan at hand, he walks toward the stage.
Germany, surprised by Greece's sudden leave, stares, waiting for the nations' next moves. As it turns out, the cat-lover finds a cozy area by the far end of the stage and lies down to rest. The blond co-director pinches the bridge of his nose. At lest he can relax a little bit before helping the stage crew with the sets. Germany gathers up the notes he and Greece have been taking since the beginning of act one. They have a lot to go over.
(~x~x~x~)
"Hey, Germany, I was going to ask you where you want the-" Turkey doesn't get a chance to finish is statement. The sight before him as he walks toward the director's table makes him forget his question altogether. The normally stern and serious Germany is resting with his head in his arms on the table, eyes closed. Turkey walks toward him and fixes the pile of notes with a small smile. "You've worked hard," he says briefly before leaving the sleeping figure to his rest.
It is during their second break (of many more) that Canada makes the decision to speak to the directors. He walks toward England, Germany, and Greece, who are muttering about what the next order of business should be. Perhaps costumes? Another scene? The Canadian clutches his jacket in his arms – a replacement for his bear (how he missed Kumajiro, or was it Kumijoki?) and hesitates a moment before finally speaking.
"E-excuse me..." he says quietly, hoping beyond hope that he won't be ignored. England shoots a glance at him before rolling his eyes and returning his attention to the other two.
"Oh, America, what do you want?" he asks with a scoff. He's in no mood to be dealing with the whiny, "I want to be the hero" idiot at the moment. Canada drops his head.
"I'm Canada..." he muttered. The three men stare at each other and remembering the apparently invisible country's name, they turn their eyes to him. It is Germany who breaks the silence.
"Oh... right. Canada, I'm sorry. I didn't notice it was you without your... bear," he says apologetically.
Great... Canada thinks to himself halfheartedly. They don't remember who I am but they remember my bear? I'm gonna make them remember who I am... The Canadian nation clenches his fists softly, frustration building. The other nations stand up and wait for what Canada has to say patiently.
It's not acceptable that they never remember him – that everyone always thinks he's America! It seems he's about to voice this opinion, but instead, with a weak smile, he says, "It's okay... but can I say something?"
"Sure, go ahead..." Germany replies after a moment, gesturing for the three of them to sit. They comply, looking at Canada expectantly.
"Well I was just thinking of having a read though. So we can get to know our characters and… and remember our lines." Canada looks at the floor not wanting to see their reactions to his plan. They've obviously thought of it already- no, they've thought of something better! Needless to say, he isn't expecting the reaction he gets.
"Brilliant idea, Canada!" England bursts out. He begins gathering the scripts and hands one to their little group. There is a noticeable excitement in Canada's eyes, pleased that he is able to help. That for once he isn't ignored.
England rises to his feet and pushes a stack of scripts he's collected into Greece's arms while simultaneously pointing to the stage. "Germany gather everyone to the center of the stage and have them sit in a circle. Greece start handing everyone a script, and Canada?"
"...Yes?" Canada responds, standing, waiting for orders.
"Tell your stupid brother to stop arguing with Cuba!" Both nations turn towards the direction of the blond American and the dark skinned Cuban, who seemed on the verge of fist fighting.
Canada sighs heavily and turns away from England toward the arguing nations. "Okay..." he mutters.
(~x~x~x~)
Within a few minutes, the entire cast and crew is gathered in the middle of the stage in a large circle. Some of them choose to lay down, some sitting cross legged – whatever is most comfortable as they sift through the scripts they've been given and fidget with the highlighters in their hands. They're talking to one another, curious. Who knows what they're doing here?
"Now, can I have your attention!" Germany calls out above the noise and the constant chattering dies out at the sound of his voice. He waits until they are all looking at him before he continues. "After a suggestion made by Canada…" Everyone stares at Germany, constant looks of questioning appearing on their faces as they try to remember who Canada is… does a Canada even exist? Germany continues, "We will be going though the whole script to get familiarized with our characters and lines…" Everyone groans at the news, not fond of the idea of reading over one hundred and fifty seven pages.
"Okay so let's start, scene one act one narrator" Germany directs despite the louder groans, coming from the not so trilled group consisting of Denmark, America, The Netherlands, and Cuba. The narrator begins despite the noise.
"Long ago in a faraway land of ancient Greece…"Austria starts, his voice loud and clear through his German accent, all fall quiet as he continues, "there was a golden age of powerful gods and extraordinary heroes. And the greatest and strongest of those heroes was the mighty Hercules, That is where the story-"
"Would you listen to him? He's making the story sound like some Greek tragedy!" Everyone's gazes turn towards Finland as he stares down his paper, memorizing the lines he's just read.
"Lighten up, dude" Lithuania continues as he too stares down his paper. For some reason 'dude' doesn't sound so good coming from him.
"We'll take it from here…darling." Canada recites the words remembering that they are only a script, but still he has never used 'darling' to anyone before. He gazes to Austria in flustered cheeks. Hungary is angry, not because of what just happened but because she didn't have her camera to record the whole thing!
"You, go…" Austria hesitates and looks at every muse. They certainly weren't what he was about to say… "You go girls…"
The complaints begin right after Austria's last line as Japan asks "Do we have to sing the musical numbers as well?"
Germany considers this for a moment before coming to a decision. "Yes, I think it will keep the young children focused on the show" he says over the cacophony of 'what's?' and 'no ways!'
"You guys!" England yells over the loudest main cast. "You guys should have expected this."
"But some of us can't even sing…" Canada says, though he can sing pretty decently, he is referring to his twin brother
England turns towards the cast, arms crossing over his chest, tapping his foot on the ground before coming to a stop when they settled down "Well I suppose you guys just have to learn how to sing"
(~x~x~x~)
"Aw man are you serious? I have to sing THIS to Prussia? That's so not cool!" America says. They've gone through at least half of the script by the time his song finally comes up and he is not happy to say the least.
"You should be happy to be singing to an awesome HERO like ME." Prussia replies, emphasizing on the two words intentionally to fire up the American. It works as America scowls at him.
"Whatever Prussia, you should feel happy you even got a part! You're not even a country anymore, why are you even here?" America rubs a sore on his lower back, tired of sitting for so long.
"For your information, not-so-awesome-America, I am EAST Germany, and I even have territory with your twin… isn't that right birdie?" The Albino searches around for the Canadian, as he hopes to get approval. The Canadian simply nods.
"Oh bloody hell, can you just get going on the song already?" England snaps, obviously annoyed. America is stalling and they still have several scenes to go. "The sooner you do your part the sooner you'll be done with it."
"Fine," is the only answer America offers his former bushy-browed guardian. "If there's a prize for rotten judgment. I guess I've already won that…" he says lazily. It's obvious by his tone of voice that he has no intentions of actually singing.
"It would be better if you sang the song, da?" Russia asks with a smile, knowing that the American is bothered by him singing such a girly song.
"Yes, I think Russia is right, you should sing it so you can remember it that way!" Finland continues. The others nod their agreement.
"Yeah you jerk! Sing the song already! It's my favorite!" the voice comes from behind America as he props up his head and turns to see Sealand behind him humming the song from memory
"Seal'd… wha' ar' you doin' 'ere?" the expressionless (and usually quiet) Sweden asks as he gets up from his spot.
"Sealand how many times must I tell you that you shouldn't set foot in this theatre as long as we are rehearsing?" scolds England as he too does the same as the gigantic four eyed country.
"Come on! I wanna participate too! I mean I AM a country!" the small micro nation pouts as he crosses his arms and bows his head. Maybe the 'child' act will convince the other nations.
"Aaww, maybe we should let him and the other micro's help." Belgium says. She's starting to feel bad for the kid.
"Yea, we could use all the help we can get… right brother?" Lichtenstein says as she looks toward her brother Switzerland.
England and Sweden look at each other, not fully knowing why, but they have a bad feeling about this entire situation.
"What do you say boys?" Hungary steps in-between the two standing nations with her hands on her hips – a stance that means that going against her would be a bad idea.
Sweden raises his hands with a sigh in an obvious 'I surrender' position and glances at the shorter male nation before going back to his spot next to "his wife". England's eyes follow the tall nation and realizes, that even such a giant emotionless-glaring nation is afraid of Hungary. He turns back to see the glaring woman.
"So England? What's your answer?" she asks as she takes a step closer. There's a strange threatening air about her.
England, (secretly petrified) suddenly takes a step backwards and replies "Fine… tell Wy and Cyprus to come in tomorrow" and walks away. Never had he ever had to endure two of the scariest nations in existence before.
A cheery Sealand runs to Finland and sits on his lap, then steals a quick glance at England and sticks his tongue out triumphantly. He's won this war
The read-through continues without further interruption and America realizes he has no choice but to sing. With a defeated sigh, he complies. It isn't until he is through that the angry America puffs his cheeks as he stands up and storms off the stage.
"I'm gonna get a burger!" he says briefly as he exits the theatre. Everyone's stomach hurts, not because they have just eaten a little while ago, but because they are laughing at the American's musical performance. Clearly they have a lot of work to do… and it isn't even evening yet.
And this concludes the second chapter of O:H! (Operation: Hercules!) I hope you all enjoy it! and let me know what you think! Hasta la Pasta!
Q to R: should I put the cast and crew list on every chapter from now on?
Mon ami- My friend (French)