A/N: Warning: There's quite a lot of cursing in this one courtesy of a certain character.
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Chapter Four: The Next Move
"Are you sure?" Qrow asked solemnly.
Jaune felt a burst of irritation at his question but he took a breath, keeping the anger under control. "As I can be. You saw the picture. Once Ruby's awake we can confirm it's her."
He glanced from the open book to the where Ruby still slept, quickly drawing his eyes away. It had taken surprisingly little coaxing to get the librarian to let him borrow the book. Maybe it was the hysterical look in his eyes that convinced her to let him go. Either way, Jaune had taken the evidence straight to Qrow and his team, hoping to get more information from the Huntsman. The man wasn't exactly being forthcoming but the remnants of Team Juniper were less willing to be kept out of the loop this time.
"So which one is she?" Nora asked bluntly.
"If I had to take a guess, I'd say she's Mistral." Qrow said after some thought. "If she were Vacuo, she'd go there when things went south, not spend time dragging Vale across Anima."
His name was Alfred, Jaune thought angrily. Then Qrow's words fully registered. "You aren't sure which one she is?" he demanded, surprised.
"If Neo truly is a nation, how did you not know about her?" Ren added.
Qrow leaned back, sighing heavily. "Mistral is a special case. So is Vacuo, in a way. Their identities are both unknown to us. Even Oz didn't have a clue. For Vacuo, it happens sometimes. The loose system they call a 'government' there doesn't keep an eye out for reincarnations of their nation, content to wait for them to show up on their doorstep one day. Once that happens, the Headmaster of Shade Academy informs Oz. It's been eighteen years since the last Vacuo vanished and the new one hasn't revealed him or herself yet."
Jaune nodded in acceptance. Qrow had already told them flat-out that Francis was not Vacuo, despite Emerald's claims he was. Jaune did not know how Emerald and Tyrian got that false information, though he supposed it did not matter anymore. Thinking of Francis made his heart climb into his throat so he pushed thoughts of the man and their other fallen friends away, focusing on the present.
"And Mistral?" Jaune pressed.
Qrow took a hefty swig from his flask. "Mistral is damn near impossible to locate. Ever since the Great War, the Mistral Council and other officials have refused to believe the nations exist, not even their own. Especially not their own. I don't know if it's stubbornness and pride because they feel Mistral lost them the war, a law those idiots feel no need to change, or a curse. Either way, they deny their representative's existence. We haven't been able to find Mistral since the war."
"Apparently Vale found her and chose not to tell you. Imagine that." Jaune said snidely.
Qrow ignored his tone. "No matter Vale's reasoning, her discretion helped in the long run. We didn't know where Mistral was, but neither did Salem."
"Except she does now." Nora said. "Remember? That Tyrian guy said he had the location of Mistral."
A heavy silence fell over them.
Qrow swore. "Dammit."
"It might not be as bad as it sounds." Ren assured them calmly. "They know Mistral's location, but maybe not her identity."
"I doubt that." Qrow growled. "They have contacts in Mistral. Anyone could have picked up this book and figured out Roman Torchwick's little sidekick Neo was Mistral. If they knew before Beacon, the Relic would be gone already, but we need to assume they know now."
"Which Relic is in Haven?" Jaune asked.
"Knowledge." Qrow replied. "Shade has Destruction, Atlas has Creation, and Beacon has Choice."
The irony of the last one was not lost on Jaune and he scoffed. "Vale's Relic is Choice, huh? How fitting. So what do we do?"
Qrow glanced towards his niece's room and grimaced. "We give Ruby one more day to wake up. If she isn't conscious by tomorrow, we have to meet Leo— Haven's Headmaster— without her. Neo wouldn't go to the capital, which means she's likely in Wind Path or Kuchinashi."
Nora's aqua eyes brightened. "Fantastic! We can search the cities, ask around a bit, kick some butt, and—"
Qrow shook his head, silencing her. "It's not that easy. Both cities are hives for criminal activity. As people on the correct side of the law, we won't have the connections to locate a criminal in a city of criminals."
The word reminded Jaune of everything terrible Neo had done to his friends, Beacon, the city of Vale, and Remnant in general. His anger spiked.
"How the hell is Mistral's personification such a monster?" he blurted. "She nearly killed Yang, she took Ruby's eye, and she kidnapped Alfred."
Qrow grimaced, lifted his flask, and sighed upon realizing it was empty. "Not all the personifications are nice like Vale. They reflect their people, but their personality is all their own. The Faunus in Menagerie can be the nicest folks you've ever met, but I've heard their personification is a violent piece of work. If Neo is Mistral, I wouldn't be surprised to hear the messed-up state of her Kingdom's underground drove her crazy, and her government's denial of her existence probably didn't help matters."
"She hurt Ruby." Nora echoed Jaune's earlier words. "Aren't you angry?"
"Of course I am." Qrow growled, red eyes flashing. "But I know my mission. If Neo falls into enemy hands, we could lose the Relic of Knowledge, and possibly Haven Academy and the city."
"So you're saying we have to find Neo… and protect her from Salem's forces." Jaune felt bile rise in his throat at the very thought.
Qrow smirked, no amusement in his expression. "That's what it means to protect the world, kid. You have to do things you don't like." He glanced Ruby's way again and sighed. "When Ruby wakes up, leave it to me to tell her about all of this."
The distant look in his eyes showed he was speaking as an uncle, not a superior, so Jaune merely nodded. He did not envy the man. Even with her loving heart, Ruby would be hard-pressed to accept that they might have to protect the one who took part in Beacon's fall, maimed her, and nearly murdered her sister. In fact, Jaune couldn't say Ruby would accept it. Heroes didn't protect bad guys, after all.
This is getting complicated. The world isn't as black and white as it was in school.
Qrow stood up and stretched, cracking his shoulders. "Now that we've got a plan, I need a damn drink. Don't call me unless Ruby wakes up."
"You going to tell us what happened to her yet?" Jaune challenged.
"Nope."
Qrow strode out the door before any of them could protest. The three teenagers stared at the closed door and sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Nora released a heavy sigh, shoulders slumping visibly.
"You know… this isn't what I thought our heroic journey to save the world would be like." she murmured.
Ren put a comforting hand on her shoulder, leaving an empty space between them, and all Jaune could see was the person who was not there.
The knight clenched his fists and sighed. "I don't think any of us did."
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Germany still wouldn't wake up.
Neither would Prussia.
Italy had not expected them too, but he had hoped they'd be okay by now. They had been unconscious for days, but at least they were recovering. Germany's arm was growing back. His bicep was nearly fully formed, and England estimated his whole arm would be regrown in another week. The Brit didn't say it aloud, but Italy knew it was only taking so long because of the magic involved in the portal. Magic whose rules and possible consequences Italy had been warned about but ignored.
"Oi, bastard!" A plate of pasta was shoved under Italy's nose. "I made you this."
The despondent Italian took the plate and slowly looked up at his big brother. Romano scowled back, jabbing a finger at the spaghetti. "You gonna eat that or not?"
"Yes. Thanks, big brother." Italy mumbled.
He quietly ate the food without his usual enthusiasm, feeling his brothers eyes on him the entire time. When he was done, he set the plate on the bedside table, knowing better than to hand it to Romano and expect him to do something with it. To his surprise, Romano didn't leave, instead standing just behind Italy as he studied Germany and Prussia's silent forms, expression unreadable. Then he scoffed.
"You need to stop moping around like a sissy." Romano growled. "The potato bastard is going to be fine. Stop acting like he's dead."
Italy flinched.
Romano huffed and crossed his arms, scowl clear on his face. "What I don't understand is why you went on this damn mission. You're not a fighter."
"Germany, Germany! Can I go too?"
"Let me come, Germany. I want to help rescue America and Canada."
"I promise I'll help, Germany. You can count on me!"
Italy clenched his fists, his own words echoing in his head. "I was selfish. I went with them to show Germany I could be useful and brave like him. Instead I ruined everything." he choked.
"Stop thinking so highly of yourself." Romano sniffed. "You're not capable enough to be responsible for everything that went wrong."
Italy didn't hear his backhanded encouragement. "I am. It's my fault. I'm the one who was scared so I attracted all those Grimm!"
Romano stared at him, visibly startled. "You attracted the what?"
Realizing his mistake, Italy grabbed at his hair. "And I'm doing it again! I'm messing up everything!"
Romano watched him mutely, biting his lip as his brother cried. He sighed audibly. "I can't believe you're making me do this you son of a bitch." Romano muttered. He sat angrily in the chair beside Italy and glared at him. "Did you hurt Germany?"
"Yes. I pulled him through the portal when he was unconscious. England warned me not to do that." Italy said miserably.
Romano muttered a few curses and tried again. "Well, what would've happened if you didn't do that?"
Images of red eyes, black fur, and sharp teeth flashed through Italy's mind. "Germany would've been taken." he whispered, shuddering.
"So you saved him." Romano stated. "He was hurt, but he'll recover. If you hadn't saved him he'd be in enemy hands." He hesitated. "And you should know by now that you don't need to impress the bastard, Feli. He likes you already."
Italy blinked at him, with teary eyes, slowly processing what he said. Slowly, he smiled and launched himself at his brother. "Thank you, Lovino!"
"Don't touch me, you bastard!" Romano spluttered.
He tried to shove Italy away, but the younger brother didn't mind. Romano was right. Germany would not be upset with Italy, who had stayed with him during the battle no matter how much he wanted to run away. It was still Italy's fault for getting Germany and Prussia hurt, but he had done the best he could in those circumstances, and because of him the brothers were back home, on Earth, instead of being dragged to a Grimm's lair or Salem.
Italy hugged Romano tighter, not even bothering to pretend he wasn't shaking. He was so glad to be home. Remnant was a nightmare. The Grimm were terrifying, and the world took so much from so many of them. America lost himself, Canada and England almost lost their brother, and Italy nearly lost Germany and Prussia to the Grimm.
He was glad Romano didn't know about any of that. He was glad that Earth was so safe by comparison. If Earth ever became like that scary world, Italy was not sure if he could cope. Whenever he fell asleep, his nights were filled with the screams of the people of Vale as the Grimm invaded their city's streets, with Tyrian's laughter as he tried to kill Prussia, Germany, and France, with the roar of flames as they devoured Kuroyuri. Italy would take the scariness of Earth any day compared to the horrors created by Salem and her cohorts.
Germany was hurt because of Italy's stupid mistake, but he was home. They all were. So Italy would listen to Romano. He would cope, not mope.
Though a part of him wished he could just forget it all.
XXXXXXX
America rubbed at his eyepatch irritably as he walked, only to get his hand smacked away by Canada. He pouted at his violet-eyed brother, prodding him in the shoulder. "Mean."
"You shouldn't rub it." Canada scolded.
"But it's annoying." America complained. "Why do I have to wear it?"
"Because people will notice things and ask questions. Especially if your eye starts to glow." Canada reminded him firmly.
"But my other eye glows too." America whined.
"Not as often as your left one." Canada's hand snapped out, grabbing America's wrist lightly as he raised his arm towards the eyepatch. "No."
America huffed. "Pyrrha, Mattie's being mean."
The champion chuckled lightly, hiding her smile behind her hand. "How cruel of him." She said, solemn tone contrasted by her tiny grin.
"Don't enable him." Canada groaned. "We're going to be stuck in a small cabin with him for hours."
"Py-Py finds me too amusing to stop me. Sucks for you." America crowed.
"This is why I don't go on trips with you." Canada sulked.
"You know you love me, bro." America chirped.
"Yes I do, bro." Canada mimicked his accent mercilessly. "Unfortunately." He muttered under his breath.
The genuine— though sarcastically delivered— affection made America's eyes grow watery but he blinked the forming tears away. No need to get emotional over simple, real, not-a-lie care. He was tougher than that. He looked ahead towards their destination, visible blue eye lighting up upon spotting their transport.
"Cool! That's our plane?"
"Yes." Canada said stiffly, as if he were bracing himself.
America grinned. "Can I fly—?"
"No." his brother stated.
America drooped. "Awwwww…."
Pyrrha coughed suspiciously. "We will be the only ones on the aircraft, correct?"
"Yes, it's a private plane sent specifically for us." Canada informed her.
America thought about that, tapping his foot. "Those are more expensive. Do we usually fly private?"
"It depends on the circumstances." Canada admitted. "For personal stuff and normal meetings we usually fly public, but we fly private if we need to get somewhere in a hurry or…" He trailed off.
"Or if a certain personification has amnesia and can't risk going on a public plane, and his friend doesn't have proper paperwork yet?" America finished, only partially joking.
Canada cringed.
"That was a joke, bro." America said quickly even though it really wasn't. "Self-depreciation is funny. Haha."
"Right." His brother said, lips thinned.
"Does the plane have any weapons?" Pyrrha asked, changing the subject.
"No. They're not necessary. And it's civilian." Canada explained.
"I see. It will be strange to be able to fly without fear of being attacked by Grimm." Pyrrha admitted, though she did not appear as confident as her words implied.
"If something not-Grimm from here fights us we can take it out." America reassured her. He flicked his fingers for emphasis, remembering just in time not to create any lightning between his fingertips.
Canada noticed the familiar movements. His eye twitched. "Alfred, if we are ambushed please don't blast our enemies from the sky."
"Why not?" America questioned. "Freak lightning storm. No one will think twice about it. And they'd have attacked first!"
Canada put a hand to his forehead, rubbing it furiously. "We won't get attacked."
"You don't know that." America and Pyrrha said at the same time.
They looked at each other. The twin could hear his brother muttering angrily under his breath in what was probably French if his limited research was accurate, his agitation slowly mounting. If Alfred wasn't mistaken, the temperature was dropping as well. Mattie was such a hypocrite.
America wisely chose to drop the topic. "So why aren't we being swamped by nations? They were eager to try to see me at first." He held up a hand when Canada opened his mouth. "Don't deny it. I heard the others scaring them away."
"We told them you were still recovering and would probably attack them if they tried to give you a surprise visit." Canada informed him reluctantly. "They've been giving you room."
America's eyes narrowed, his left one burning slightly behind his eyepatch. "Do they think I'm weakened?"
Canada didn't notice the intensity behind his question. "No. Merely needing some rest back home."
"Hm." America grunted.
"What about the ones who were… with us when we came back?" Pyrrha asked hesitantly. She scanned the empty yard. "I expected Arthur and Francis at least."
"They're in the conference." Canada said dismissively. "It's not something they can simply miss to say good—"
"Alfred-kun!"
America slowed down and turned to see a black-haired nation— Japan, if America remembered right— running towards him. Japan halted in front of him, breathing a little heavily as if he had run a long distance. Once he'd caught his breath, he straightened and bowed quickly.
"Alfred-kun, I was wondering if I could speak to you for a moment." He requested.
America hesitated. They were in an open, public area, and Canada and Pyrrha would be nearby. Surely there would be no harm in it? Alfred glanced at his brother and held out his bag.
"Can you take this on board?" he requested.
Canada's gaze flicked to Japan but he accepted the luggage. "Of course. Don't take too long."
America and Japan watched them board the plane and an awkward silence hung over them. Japan seemed like the quiet type by nature, but America could tell even he found the lack of conversation uncomfortable. Before America could try to break the ice, his companion spoke.
"You are leaving?" Japan asked.
"Er, yeah. We're heading to America." Alfred said.
"I see." Japan frowned. "I was informed you would depart later today."
The others must have said that to keep the nations from trying to talk to me, Alfred realized. "Sorry I didn't tell you." he said, not quite sure if he meant it. "So what do you need?"
"I came to say goodbye, of course." Japan told him. He paused, shuffling his feet awkwardly. "I am supposed to be in the meeting right now."
America blinked. "Are you saying you skipped out on the conference to say bye to me?"
Japan's ears turned red. "Yes."
America nodded slowly, struggling to withhold a snort. Unable to contain himself, he burst out laughing. "Dude, that's awesome!"
"Is it?" Japan asked, torn between amusement and mortification.
"Definitely." America cackled. "I can't believe this. You're playing hooky! It's such a not-you thing to do, haha! You're so going to get lectured, Kiku."
Japan smiled. Despite it only being a slight upturn of his lips, it lit up his face, making him seem thousands of years younger. "I'm glad you find joy in my future suffering, Alfred-kun."
"Of course, dude." America sniggered. "As your friend, it's my job to laugh at your inconvenience." His mirth faded as solemnity took hold and he looked Japan straight in the eyes. "Are we really friends?" He asked bluntly.
"Yes." Japan stated, no hesitation in his voice.
"I believe you." America admitted.
Brown eyes softened. "What happened to make you have such little faith in my claim?"
America winced.
Japan quickly backtracked. "I apologize. It was not my intention to offend you."
"You didn't." America reassured him. "And I know this is late, but sorry for being so snippy when you mentioned we were friends earlier."
"You are forgiven." Japan informed him calmly. "I can tell you have been hurt."
America grimaced but quickly covered it up with a smile. "Seriously, though. You'll give me a full rundown of the chewing-out you get, right?"
"Of course." Japan said gravely. "I would not dare deprive you of such entertainment." He held out his hand. "May I input my phone number into your cell?"
"Sure." America handed him the device.
Japan went to the contacts and paused, brow furrowing. "My number is already here."
"Really?" America took the phone back, looking at the name that was pulled up. Kiku Honda. "Huh. Weird. Mattie must've put it in or something." He looked behind him to see his brother standing in the entrance to the plane, arms crossed and one eyebrow raised. "Someone's impatient. I'd better get going. See you soon?"
Japan readily bumped fists with him. "I will come to your house as soon as I can." Hesitation flashed across his stoic features. "If I will not be intruding, of course."
"You're always welcome, Kiku." America said warmly. A loud cough sounded behind him and he rolled his eyes. "I'd better go before Mattie has an aneurysm."
"Indeed." Japan said solemnly. "Goodbye, my friend."
"Bye."
America ran onto the plane and found a nice seat by the window— only after being barred from the cockpit by Canada, the party-pooper. As the roar of the engines started up, he spotted the lone figure on the ground and waved, smiling as Japan waved back. The other nation kept waving until the plane lifted off, leaving the airport and ascending into the clear blue sky.
America slumped in his chair, taking a deep breath, and met Pyrrha's eyes. She briefly smiled at him before looking away, attention turning to a book Canada had given her for the trip. Feeling purple eyes on him, America turned to his own distraction, content to leave Canada in peace for a couple hours before bringing annoying sibling hell upon him.
They were on their way to America.
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A/N:
Me: I need to spread out these updates like a responsible author.
My brain: The story is done. There's plenty of chapters. You got all these nice reviews. People are excited. You are excited. Do it do it doitdoitdoitdoit-
*sighs* I always get like this. I have no self-control. This is what happens when I don't feel pressured to update, haha.
You know what's fun? I kept second-guessing myself and had to keep checking if it is "capitol" or "capital" for the main city of a country. Even now I'm not 100% sure. Back to Google I go…
(someone help me please I'm so confused) XD
Thanks to everyone who read, commented, showed support, etc!
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