Chapter 5

"America where exactly are we going"?

"To my secret place"! America shouted pulling Japan along. Japan wasn't sure what was going on, but he decided to just trust America. He always thought ever since he met America for the first time that he was just a naïve little kid that knew nothing but happiness and had no idea what the real world was. Although the more that he thought about the careless America the more he thought; maybe... it would be nice to live life... with eyes closed?

The whole time they were running America would always look forward with his head held high. Japan would look up and see the smile on his young face, and the sun rays that would light up his eyes and make his blond hair look like flowing gold. It inspired him, and made him feel special to be in his presence and to have his hand held tightly by America's big hand.

Eventually they got to a tall wooden fence. America stepped back a few steps and than ran and leaped onto the fence without breaking a sweat. He sat on the top and then reached out his hand to Japan.

"Okay grab my hand".

Japan looked up at the young country and saw a bright future with in him. A wild and free future that will allow him to spread his wings wide through this vast blue sky.

Japan smiled, or at least tried to, as wide as America's as he grabbed his hand tightly. America pulled him upwards onto the fence and asked him "Okay just hold tight to this".

America guided his hand to the post of the fence and Japan held it tightly. America jumped down, turned around, and held his arms up.

"Now jump! I promise I'll catch you".

Japan readied himself as he leaped, filled with trust, into America's strong arms. America caught him and then place him down on the ground.

They both turned and saw before them a semi-tall field of grass. It reached up to Japan around his waist. For America it reached only up to his knees. He stood there taking in the fresh air and then shouted "Okay let's get going! Don't worry about the ticks as long as your wearing long pants they shouldn't bother us, but to be safe I'll check you later"!

America then began to pull him along again through the field of tall dry grass. When they eventually reached the center of the field America let go and began to spread his arms out wide as far as he could. Japan gazed upon his figure as he resembled him to an eagle soaring freely through the sky.

The wind blew through his golden hair as he embraced it. His cowboy hat flying backwards being held down by a string loosely tied around his neck.
Japan was mesmerized by his figure and became lost in thought until America gave a small laugh "*chuckle*".

"Huh? What was that laugh for? You usually shout out your feelings"?

"I was just thinking that it was funny. Only a couple years ago did I think that every time when I'd come out here I had always thought that the grass had grown shorter, but in reality it was the other way around. The grass wasn't growing shorter; I was getting bigger".

"Well that would only be natural. Wouldn't it"?

"Of course! Haha! But... I just can't believe how much time has passed. Everyone I see is so surprised by how big I am because I used to be such a small country. I mean the grass used to be up to here only a couple years ago"! America stated holding his hand up to his chest.

Japan couldn't understand America's reasoning to tell him this, but he knew that he didn't speak like this often so he decided to soak it all in as best he can. Not knowing what to say Japan asked "America... Do you not want to grow up"?

"No! Of course not! I've always wanted to grow big and be a big country! It's just... back when the grass used to be over my head...", America gave a long pause and his expression sad and somewhat remorseful, "that's when Iggy and I were... we were still...".

For the first time Japan had heard a and saw a deep sadness in America. It bothered him quite a lot for Japan had always relied on America in some way to make living just a little more worth while.

"Take aim men and, Fire"!

"Huh!?", Japan franticly looked around to see where the voice was coming from, "What was that"!?

America's sentence was cut off by the thundering sound of an officers voice and the sounds of multiple gunshots. Then the voice roared again "Again! Fire"!

"Japan get down"!

"Ahhh"!?

America tackled Japan to the ground dodging bullets at great speed. Japan was only a few inches away from getting hit, and for America the distance was even shorter. America was hovering over Japan protecting him from any more gunshots. Japan gripped onto him and asked startled "America! Are you hurt"!?

"No". He replied glaring at the gunshots that came from the other direction.

It was hard to see beyond the tall grass as Japan tried to peer his head over it trying to see what America was. Still a little startled Japan asked "What was that"?

"That... was the practice rounds of gunshots from military soldiers".

"But why? Is Britain planning on going to war"?

"To tell the truth I really don't know", America curled and bit his lip with his eyebrow pointed down with disappointment, "I can't tell what Iggy is thinking at all these days".

Japan was befuddled by how much of a serious face America was making. He has surely seen things change in his allies and he felt troubled about them.

"The only thing I do know is that these soldiers came from Russia".

"Russia"?

"Yeah I'm not sure why Iggy would accept him. He's a ruthless tyrant. I never liked that big boned vodka lover".

"Big boned... vodka lover"? Kiku questioned.

"Ah! It's nothing. Forget it".

The shooting seemed to subside for the moment and when America heard the commander shout "Reload"! He scooped up Japan in his arms and sprinted out of firing range.

Only looking forward, America ran towards the fence, but in the process tripped over a rock and fell forward on his face. Japan felt the sudden weight shift and panicked.

"America"!

"Waahhh"!

Japan flew forward tumbling through the grass a little. He pushed himself up and ran over to America who had his face down in the dirt.

"Ugh! America"!

Japan turned him over realizing for the first time how heavy America was and checked to see if he was conscious. He looked down worried at his scrapped and bruised face. Japan didn't know what to do. He panicked and placed his ear to his chest. He could hear the beating of America's heart. It was loud, clear, and surprisingly calming.

Japan was relieved, but still was unsure. He hovered over him supporting himself by putting all his weight on his left arm that held still next to America's head. He was staring down with wide eyes at America's unconscious face. Japan thought that he looked so peaceful when he slept, although without the cuts he would look better.

While off guard Japan lowered his face towards America's. His short black silky hair fell forward by the side if his face tickling his soft cheeks. When he got close enough, only centimeters away from their noses touching, he called out softly "Ameri- *grabs* ahh"!?

America suddenly grabbed Japan's left wrist tightly a stared up at him blankly. His expression was so serious at least for him. America's eyes seemed darker and muddled than his usual bright blue eyes. To Japan his gaze was almost frightening and it drove him mad not being able to tell what he's thinking. He was frozen stiff from shock and scared in a way.

America waited for a little while until he gripped his wrist tighter and pulled Japan in quickly for a kiss. America had his eyes shut, but Japan's was still slightly open. They eventually began to slowly close because even though it took a moment America's kiss was unwanted, but it suddenly became warm and calming.

Japan never really felt such emotions towards America, probably because of the age difference, but he felt the sudden urge to return those feelings. He was going to close his eyes and embrace into the kiss but before he can even close them he opened them wide when he felt something creeping into his mouth.

Japan quickly tried to close his lips and pull away but America caught his chin and pulled him back over. Japan smacked his hand away and shouted "America!? Stop"!

America didn't listen to Japan's request and pushed him down by his wrists and forced his lips back onto him. America's weight was too heavy for him. He couldn't possibly push him off.

Japan was frightened. He couldn't understand why America was doing such a thing so suddenly. He allowed the forced kiss for the moment. As America pushed his tongue in again Japan's body began to feel as if he was burning up. Just from his kiss Japan's cheeks were flustered.

When America pulled back Japan gasped for breath with his lips glistening with saliva. America stared blankly down at his confused flustered face as he straddled his waist.

After Japan caught his breath he asked stuttering his words "*pant* America... why"?

"..."

America didn't answer nor did he seem like he had any intention to. With the same apathetic gaze he roughly unbuttoned Japan's shirt. Japan freaked when he suddenly grabbed him "Wait! Ahh"!

He felt up Japan's flat chest and licked his collar bone. Japan flinched and moaned from America's actions, but snapped back to reality when he was suddenly flipped over.

"Ahhhh"!?

America flipped him on his stomach and than quickly pulled him upright so that he was sitting on his lap between his legs. He grabbed Japan's right wrist tightly and held it to his mouth that seductively licked it. Japan trembled as he couldn't break free from America's hold.

"Stop! America? Please"!

"..."

America still never replied to Japan's begging calls. Instead he started to nibble on Japan's wrist and then lick it to soften the skin. Japan struggled and tried again to tell him to stop.

"Ow? That hurts. Stop it".

"..."

Still no answer from America's tightly closed lips.

America's eyes were still the same dark color as they started and never seemed to go back to their original bright color. Actually they seemed to be growing darker.

One more time America took a big bite and broke through Japan's skin allowing it to bleed down his arm. America's pink tongue licks up the blood savoring almost every drop.

Japan was exhausted, he couldn't take much more of this torment. With a weak husky voice he begged "America... please... stop", Japan's eyes became teary and in fright he shut them tightly, "This isn't... like you... at all"?

America seemed to have paused for the moment. He dropped his wrist, ceased to hold him down forcefully, and wrapped his arms around his small waist while he buried his face in the pit of Japan's shoulder.

The tension died down for the moment and Japan was relieved. He looked down at America's head that he could see from the corner of his eye and he still couldn't tell what he was thinking. America's blond hair covered his eyes so Japan had no whether they were dark or light.

Eventually America shifted his hands lower towards Japan's belt and when he got the chance tried to undo it. America without being gentle tried to pull his pants off. Japan wasn't just scared or confused he was down right furious. He begged him again, one last time, "Stop it! America"!

"..."

Japan still got the same response he absolutely hated now; America was quickly driving him to the edge. He gritted his teeth and twisted his face with anger and frustration, which always came as a rare side to him, and socked America right in the lower jaw with his elbow shouting "I Said Enough"!

America's grip loosened and Japan lunged forward trying to escape his tight hold. He struggled to put his clothes back on that then just gave a depressed stare at the silent America.

America was holding his face not saying or doing anything. Japan felt upset to see him this way. Even though he was scared to approach him again, the thought of him begging his closest companion made him inch closer towards the silent figure. Japan crawled slowly towards him and while keeping a certain distance he said "America"?

"..."

"..."

Now they were both silent; not sure what to say. Until America softly replied "... Don't call me by my country...".

"Uh? America"?

Japan leaned in closer and America pulled him into a strong embrace. Japan struggle at first, but noticing how gentle he was this time he decided to listen to his words first. Although still deep in the pit of his stomach was this annoying pain and emotion that wouldn't go away. With tears almost about to overflow, but he held them them Japan spoke "Why? Tell me why? I'm so confused right now. Please... tell me America why you are acting this way".

America was silent for a moment until he whispered "... Please call to me... as if I was human... Kiku"?

"Huh"?

Japan didn't understand at all what America was uttering, but then he noticed that America was gripping his shirt tightly and shaking. He could feel the muscles on America's face twist as he said with a strained tone "Please... I'm begging you".

Japan took a deep breath and let go of his anger for a moment to fulfill America's request. "... Alfred".

Alfred stroked the back of Kiku's head and replied "Thank you".

"..."?

"Listen Kiku... I know everything is confusing and just seems insane right now, but... just for now can you treat me as if we were human"?

"Uh"?

Kiku relaxed himself and saw that this big mature body of flesh and bones was still just a child. Not a naive, reckless, or useless child; just a child.

He wrapped his arms around his neck trying to comfort him, and asked calmly and sincerely "Alfred... why? Is there specific reason"?

"There is, but... if I told you... I fear I won't be able to stop crying".

"Hmm..."?

"I'm sorry Kiku. I'm so sorry. It may make me sound stupid, but it's the truth. I can't tell what's right or wrong anymore. I can't understand anything anymore! Dammit Iggy! Why would he do such things!? I don't understand! I thought we were brothers. Aren't we"?

"..."

"Are we... Kiku"?

Kiku was stricken by Alfred's rant that all he could was speak his mind. No words of encouragement or lies. Just the plain old blunt truth.

"I... don't know".

Alfred started shaking, his throat began to burn and his nose was runny. He pulled Kiku closer for tight hug. Alfred was a strong boy, he always was so when embraced him Kiku felt the wind get pushed out of him. Alfred's arms were so constricted that Kiku felt that he was going to get crushed, but he decided to put that behind him. He decided that at least until these tears are all used up I will share this pain.


Chapter 6

"Hey… Kiku -Aru?", the voice of a young man spoke, asking for Japan's presence. He leaned over Japan's sleeping face and asked again "Hey Aru…? Listen –Aru, no one must ever know why you were given a human name; or else they will wonder and question".

The young man's figure was hazy in Japan's image. Although the memory was when Japan was in a deep trance as if he desperately wanted to just sleep; unafraid to close his eyes. He can't remember the man's expression, but he could remember his tone of voice. It was sad and concerned, but Japan never noticed it before. He thought the man talked as he always did, and Japan has just noticed the meaning of his words.

"I'm afraid that such a situation between countries can only be ended with blood shed. I do not want you to get involved with that. Understand… aru?" the man looked at Japan and nudged him in the shoulder "Hey? Are you listening –aru"?

"Hmm… too tired for lecture… we'll discuss this matter another time".

Japan rolled over on what felt like smooth, soft, clean wood and buried his face into his arms. His voice was getting quieter, but he could still hear that man's voice in the background. It was laughing in a way to his response.

"Haha… but you never finish whatever you put off, you can never make up your mind –aru", the man was now silent. He didn't say anything until he finished giving a soft warm pat on Japan's little head, "I want you to grow up as you were meant to grow up Kiku. You must be a country, but I also want you to live part of your life as human… as you were meant to be -aru. I want you to be different from other countries… I want you to be special –aru".

Japan's sense of sight faded and all that was left was hearing, but that soon vanished as he drifted to sleep. The strongest sense was touch. He could feel someone playing with his bangs. A soft hand brushed them out of his face to reveal his forehead. Then something soft, warm and moist touched his forehead. It made a kissing sound when it pulled back and the sound was close enough to hear what the man was saying "I… love you… Kiku –aru".

"I love you too… big brother", Japan was moaning as he slept in his futon as Loan watchfully gazed down at his sleeping exhausted face. She was annoyed by that fact that Japan was stubborn enough to not give the full details of Japan's last encounter with America and Britain, but knowing it was Japan she tried hard not to push him too far into a corner.

Lone was sitting in human form next to Japan's futon and the suddenly transformed into wolf form, spun once, and then nestled herself next to him.

After a short while Lone licked the side of Japan's face with her warm moist tongue and said softly "Kiku… it's time to get up".

"Hmm?", Japan lifted his head a little to show his half open eyes.

"Britain has requested your presence".

Japan couldn't look Lone in the eyes when she brought up anything related to Britain or America. He hugged his sheets tightly and asked "When does he want me to arrive"?

"As soon as you can".

"…", Japan looked Lone in the eyes that time. He let go of his sheets and stood up from his place of rest and replied "Then we'd better get ready to go".

After a travel of a week on water and land Japan was able to make it to the assumed homelike country of Great Britain. When Japan could see the Britain's castle in the distance he would always smile and look out in the distance looked forward to seeing his allies, but this time in Lone's view, Japan could even force himself to smile. His happiness seemed to fade the closer he got to the kingdom.

When they reached the main gate Lone was prepared to stay with him the entire time, but to her surprise Japan ordered "Lone? Is it alright if I may ask you to wait out here for a while".

"But why? I'll stay with you Kiku. I feel like I need to", Lone replied trying to convince Japan to change his mind.

Japan just shook his head and said "I feel like I should handle this on my own… I want to handle this on my own".

Lone wasn't going to leave, but Japan looked at her and begged "Please Lone…"?

"Hmm… alright, but please… don't force yourself to do anything you don't want Kiku".

Japan replied with a small nod of his head. Lone stayed outside in the courtyard as Japan was escorted in side. When he reached Britain office he prepared for the worst, but it actually wasn't all that bad. When the doors opened America popped out and shouted "JAPAN"!

America leaped off the couch all excited. Japan gave a small smile of relief and walked over to give America a hug, but before he could America quickly changed the subject and ran over towards Iggy.

"Hey Iggy! Why did you request for Japan"!?

It was as if America was avoiding any physical contact with Japan; or he was scared to touch Japan at all, which was good for Japan to see that he had some reaction to their last encounter together.

Everything was going fine so far. Japan expected the situation between America and him would slowly calm down. America's actions were probably just part of the phase of growing up. Although when Japan gazed over at Britain he suddenly felt challenged. Britain's eyes weren't welcoming, they were cold and ominous. He smiled when he gestured "Japan please sit", but to Japan it felt like a façade.

Japan reluctantly sat in a chair facing symmetrically in front of Britain's desk. Britain had a porcelain tea cup resting on a matching plate with steam flowing from the surface of the liquid. With that fake looking smile Britain asked "Tea"?

"No thank you", Japan replied.

Britain frowned at Japan's response and then just put it behind him. He put his smile back on and said trying to be calm "I brought you here just to discuss something".

While putting sugar into his tea he asked "Japan do you know how countries are born"?

"Well no. Not really"?

"Correct!", Britain said suddenly with a strange smile across his face while pointing his finger in the air, "It's because no one has ever seen a country being born before".

Japan was startled by Britain tone of voice. He never thought that there was a correct answer to his question. Feeling small Japan just kept silent and let Britain speak, while America was watching with a somewhat concerned expression on his face.

"In truth I have no idea how I was born, or how America was born, or how any other country was born. Japan… do you know how you were put on this earth"?

"…N-no"

Japan suddenly felt chills running up and down his spine and it frustrated him not knowing why. He gazed over towards America who was in the corner of the room ironically being silent.

"Japan is an ancient country that is described by its history and religion".

Britain took a sip of his tea putting it carefully to his mouth with his pinky finger sticking outward. He then placed it back down on the table and with a creepy smiled asked "Oh how I wonder what kind of history you made on that island country of yours all by yourself"?

Japan started to feel nervous as small packets of sweet leaked from his pores. He tensed up being scared from Britain's strange actions. America put down his things and shouted rather childishly "That's enough Iggy! You're scaring him"!

Britain had no response to America's cry as he continued to cast an ominous shadow over Japan as he sat there in that chair. He sat there unable to move as Britain took his time making long strides towards him stating "Your land is outcasted by the ocean and the raging tides separate you from the rest of Asia. You're known as the land of the rising sun".

Britain stood there in front of Japan gazing down at him with cold eyes. He leaned in closer and pinned his arm above Japan's head with his hand in a fist. Only a few inches away from Japan's quivering face he asked with a deranged smile and low voice "Just how was your country born in such solitude? On that... lonely... little island of yours".

"*smack*"!

Britain's arm was pulled away by an over towering America. America's eyes were narrow and thin with his eyebrows pointed down. In a low reprimanding voice he said "England that's enough. I won't have you going around scaring our guests with such a look in your eyes".

"Our guest!? *shove*"!

Britain shoved off America's grip and shouted "He is my guest! Like you would have any guest!? Your still just a foolish child! I am your commanding country! You obey my orders! I rule you"!

"*crash*"!

Britain reckless swung his arms around in a fit and threw his tea-cup at America's head. His blond hair was drenched in brown tea and the one side of his face was dripping blood. America gazed down at his older brother with still serious eyes, but with a saddening glare. Britain looked up at him shaking with anger and a lust for control and power.

Once Japan saw the blood he threw his frightened face into his hands and screamed "Ahhhh"!

His hands were shaking and his mind filled with madness as he saw a past he deeply regrets.

He could see it so vividly even though it happened else where. A man no bigger than him on the ground with his back towards him. He was shaking in pain from a large gash across his back caused by the insanity of a frightened false conscience of a god. Japan was holding his proud and prized katana, a symbol of his honor, tightly in his hand with blood splattered across his face. He couldn't help, but stare one last time at this man's quivering figure. The man shouted desperately;

"Kiku"!

Japan could do nothing but run in the opposite direction. Leaving the rage and lust for power behind him as if it were nothing but a fleeting nightmare lost in the darkness of his mind.

"...an! Jap...! Japan"!

Japan looked up at America who was holding his hands tightly while yelling his name. He came to and looked beyond America's shoulder to see Britain wiping a bit of blood trailing from the corner of his mouth. Britain glared at both of them blindly and spit out bloody saliva. He than grabbed an old pirate sword he had used back in the day to strike down his enemies. He snarled at the look on America's face and stated "America... you're still just an idiotic brat. Aarrrhhh"!

Britain swung his sword blindly. America pushed Japan out of the chair and stopped Britain's blade with his bare hand. Japan looked back skittishly over his shoulder to see America and Britain tussling on the floor. When America got the chance he shouted "Run"!

He hesitated at first, but Japan got off his knees and ran. He ran down the stone steps as quick as he could, saying to himself "I have to find Lone"!

America straddled Britain's waist still holding his sword back with his bloody hand. He leaned in closer and said "Enough of this brother! It isn't like you!? What's the point in startling Japan like that?! What do you have against him all of a sudden"?!

"Haha! You really have no idea what Japan really is don't you? Japan is no ordinary country; his origin is much different from how you and I were born".

"Still that is no reason to threaten an ally"!

With a deranged smile Britain laughed at America for his stupidity and being so naïve. He spat in America's face and explained "I am Great Britain. I will someday rule this world and to achieve that I want to know what land I am taking. I want to know what the little island called Japan really is. I must know it! I am a King"!

Britain hit America in the stomach as hard as he could with his knee, causing America to lose his grip on Britain's sword. Britain quickly swung his sword and slashed America's face. America's held pressure to where he was cut as Britain watched as his little brother crawled helplessly on the ground. He grunted and shouted at his guards "What are you morons doing?! Get him! Bring Japan back here and lock him up! I don't want him escaping! And make sure to separate him from that wolf spirit of his".

~To Be Continued...