A/N
Hello again! I'm so sorry for being this inconsistent with my update days . . . sometimes it's one week, sometimes two. Hopefully the next chapter will only take one, since I'm on a week-long break, but I can never be sure.
As promised, this chapter picks up and pretty much introduces my plot for the rest of the story, so be prepared for some major action! (Actually, don't. I'm absolutely terrible at writing action at this point in time. I will improve . . . eventually)
Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone that reviewed, followed, and favorited! You guys make my day!
Disclaimer: Last I checked, I didn't own Hetalia. Nor did I own any country-based character, for that matter, so, unless I fall most randomly into a pool of money the size of Rhode Island, nay, Long Island tomorrow, I probably won't own anything other than the idea for this story in the near future.
As a small, yet VERY IMPORTANT side note:
- thoughts are still outlined by dashes. -
'these italicized quotes are the equivalent of flashbacks . . . you'll see what I mean.'
- These, while still thoughts, are actually of the inner voice in Japan's mind. He comes in at the end of the chapter and will be present throughout the story. -
When you get to the flashback quotes, just imagine that they are the product of all the characters as a collective. No one person is reliving their memories, but rather everyone together. It'll make sense when you get there . . .
Warning: Contains Romano, fulfillment to the minor (I repeat, MINOR) violence promised at the beginning, and the inner workings of Japan's mind.
Please enjoy~!
Chapter 4 - How Regrettable
The passage of time can be a very agonizing ordeal to withstand, as Japan soon found out. He had started marking out traps, placing all sorts of vine knots that would leave unsuspecting intruders dangling from a foot, just as planned. However, he found himself distracted often.
The slightest sound would draw a twitch, and, even though it was just the natural inhabitants of the island, that did not stop him from jumping out of his skin at anything louder than the scuffle of shifting debris on the forest floor as thousands of organisms moved about. In other words: everything. Every few seconds, another sound would go off nearby and he would find himself pausing in his work. The trap would lay temporarily forgotten as he strained his ears for a follow-up sound, proof that the creature was coming closer.
Nothing.
Japan found himself wishing that he wasn't alone. Even if it was with someone annoying like Spain, at least then he would have a reason to be steadfast and not run away. Being strong can be so much easier when there's someone there to be strong for. Not, of course, that he couldn't be strong for himself, but even then it was for the sake of his people and not for his own person.
A particularly loud crash sent him bolting for cover behind a tree, cowering for a moment before re-emerging, face red with shame. He could not quite grasp why he was so scared, especially when armed with a katana. A very, very sharp katana. His allies were not all that far away, either. Just because he was alone and Russia was stalking around the island, most likely looking for him, did not mean he should be quaking in his boots and hiding. The Asian continued to reassure himself, slowly returning to the more open area he had been standing in before.
Unable to shake off the feeling that something bad was about to happen, Japan set to work on the traps once again. Only twenty minutes have passed since Spain left.
Meanwhile, Somewhere on the Island:
"You are sure he has left the beach, comrade?"
"Mhmm."
"Where is he now?"
"Walking through the forest along the beach. I don't know exactly where, but it's only been a few minutes since I last saw him, so he can't have gotten far."
"I thank you, then. I should probably go have a little chat with him, da?"
"Promise me you'll only talk?"
"Da, I promise."
A sigh. "Thank you."
Spain:
Walking to the other side of the island was rather pleasant, very quiet and scenic. He had gotten the vodka with ease, and was now heading back, enjoying the view. Romano might not have, but at moments like this Spain wasn't thinking about his Roma~. He was worried about Japan. Something didn't seem right, although, just like the Asian, he could not quite comprehend why it didn't.
Perhaps it was because of Russia. That was it! Spain was uneasy about leaving Japan alone with Russia, nothing more.
He remembered his friend's reaction when he had heard about the big nation the night before. Spain hadn't expected him to react that way. Worried, yes, but not scared-worried. Just . . . worried.
An uneasy feeling rose in the pit of his stomach. – Perhaps I should hurry – he thought, increasing his casual walk to a light jog. Before he knew it, his protective instincts had kicked in and he was running towards Japan's location, hoping the latter was alright, that nothing bad had happened.
Japan:
Time was still passing agonizingly slow, even for someone as patient as he. Why had he not forced Spain to let him come along? Anything would have been better than waiting for the Spaniard to show up, even putting up with his boundary-indifferent harassment for a whole hour. He had given up on setting traps a few minutes before, feeling he was no longer able to set them proper. Better to quit while he was ahead rather than mess up a few and alert Russia about the rest.
Japan found himself staring at a few plants that he had never seen before growing just a few feet away. He shuffled over quietly, examining the plants with caution. – I wonder if they have any medicinal properties – he thought, not sure if he could touch them yet. He ended up deciding it would be best to wait, especially because he could not know if they were poisonous until he had an allergic reaction of some sort. A loud squawk startled him out of his musings; a bird taking flight. He realized with horror that he had zoned out again.
Drawing his katana as a precaution, Japan tried to find a place that would give him a fair amount of protection for his back. He couldn't have whoever it was sneaking up behind him like Spain had the day before.
But, before he could find protection and pinpoint the enemy, two arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him into a hug. It seemed somewhat familiar, so Japan only stiffened for a moment before sighing in relief.
"Spain-san," he started, slightly annoyed, "I know you are happy to see me again, but would you please let me-"
Japan twisted in the other's arms, his voice dying off as his brown eyes met with brilliant violet ones.
A smile spread across Russia's face, "You will become one with me, da?" And, before the Japanese man could recover, he felt icy lips press against his.
On the Beach:
A loud cry rang through the trees, startling Germany and the Italy brothers. It wasn't like the other cries they hear periodically from the various animals. If fact, it sounded oddly . . . human.
Germany reacted first, rushing to grab his gun with muttered curses. Another cry rent the air, and nobody could misplace the origin now.
"Japan!" Italy cried, pulling out his white flag and running into the forest with Romano close behind. Germany ran after them, ignoring the pain shooting up his leg.
' . . . I cannot let that man find me. . .'
A third yell desperately rang through the trees, but abruptly cut off. The three arrived at the clearing just in time to see Russia pulling Japan into his arms. The katana lay discarded nearby, dropped and forgotten. Even though their friend's face was hidden by Russia's scarf, his arms still hung limply, swaying with the Russian's movement.
'. . . It will be the end.'
"You fucking bastard!" Romano screamed, absolutely livid. "Leave Japan alone, goddammit!"
Meanwhile, Italy began waving his white flag at mock-speed. "Please give Japan back, Russia!" his voice growing more hysteric with each word, tears threatening to spill. "I'll even let you keep the pasta! Just give Japan back!"
The Italian's voices overlapped, making it next to impossible to discern what either was saying. Germany, however, took the most straight-forward approach and fired a warning shot into the air to silence the others before pointing his loaded gun at the large nation. "If you don't give our ally back I'll shoot," he threatened.
Russia gave the German a friendly smile, "Da, comrade."
Germany stared at the other incredulously, "You'll give Japan back?!"
The Russian's smile turned darkly innocent, "Nyet, I was agreeing that you would shoot." He turned to leave.
'. . . You may never see me again.'
"Bastard!" Romano yelled, perfectly mirroring Germany's thoughts. He shot at the large Russian, trying to stop him from leaving. However, despite his bulky size, Russia was anything but clumsy or slow. Germany hadn't counted that Russia would be fast enough to dodge a bullet, and almost didn't shoot a second time. Already it had become harder to aim, now only able to see the Russian for a few seconds between trees.
A second shot rang out, a third, then a fourth. Russia was moving away, almost out of view. – Damn he's fast – Germany cursed, growing increasingly panicked as each moment passed. – Only Italy will be able to catch up with him at this rate – he glanced at his ally, who had fallen to his knees, sobbing pitifully as he continued to feebly wave the flag in his hands. – That's not happening anytime soon – he thought grimly.
Russia came into view once again, and the German aimed for another, final shot. Putting all his hope in this last bullet, he rapidly fired the gun. The Russian stumbled slightly, a hit! Germany went to run after the Russian, hoping to God he could catch up. However, while he himself was raring to go run after a stalker who kidnapped his friend and save said friend as promised, his leg was not. He had put too much strain on the healing muscles, so, with a final pulse of pain through his shrieking nerves; his leg gave out underneath him. The German stumbled, taking the brunt of the impact with his arms as he fell.
"G-Germany!" Italy cried, shuffling over to the nation's side. Germany tried to wave him away, mumbling that he was fine. He would have managed to pass it off too, had it not been for the clear wince of pain the moment he moved his hand. Not that the German cared.
'. . . It will be the end.'
Japan was gone.
'. . . You may never see me again.'
They had failed him. Their friend, who had believed they would protect him. Why hadn't they listened? Japan had been so worried ever since they learned Russia was on the island, and they had done everything they could to protect him, yet he had still been taken away. – Wait, – Germany thought – everything? Where's Spain? – he looked around, realizing he hadn't seen the Spaniard since that morning. Suddenly, said nation burst out of the trees and froze, looking around the clearing.
A few seconds ago with Spain:
The phrase 'incredibly worried' pretty much summed up Spain's existence, now more than ever before. He had caught the tail end of the screaming and then heard a gun going off near where he had left Japan. His pace increased yet again, and he found himself praying as he ran, hoping he had made the right choice. Germany, Italy, and his Roma~ were there to help after all. Surely they could hold out a bit longer until he got there to back them up . . .
He burst through the trees into the small clearing, and his gaze naturally fixated on his Roma~. After all, as depressing as it sounded, Spain could always count on Romano to cuss him out, calling him tomato-bastard and yelling about how stupid he could be. As long as that happened, everything would be alright. His stomach clenched in fear as Romano stared at him blankly for a moment, dazed at what had just happened; frozen as a statue. The Spaniard let his gaze wander over Germany and Italy crouched on the ground, who had turned to look at him, until he saw something.
Japan's katana. The one thing he never left behind. Spain had only been around a day and he still saw how enamored the Asian was with that sword of his, keeping it clean and sharp, doing complex dance patterns and drills to refresh his skills. The island nation would never leave it lying around, exposed to the elements.
– Russia has taken him – Spain realized. – He took him and I wasn't here to help. What an idiot I am, Romano is right. –
'. . . We are not splitting up. That is the last thing I wish to do.'
Guilt crashed over the Spaniard, wishing he hadn't left Japan alone. Suddenly, Romano came to his senses as he saw Spain standing there.
The Italian was so mad he could barely see straight when he saw the tomato-bastard staring at Japan's katana. He rushed forward, grabbing a fistful of Spain's shirt and growling, "Where the hell were you, Antonio?"
"Huh?" Spain whispered, wishing he didn't know why Romano would use his human name.
"Antonio Fernandez Carriendo, you have five fucking seconds to tell me why the hell you weren't here with Japan or I will never forgive you," Romano hissed, his grip tightening. Germany rushed forward to separate the two before the Italian strangled the Spaniard.
"I was getting these," Spain said softly, holding out the brown bag, not daring to rub his neck as he looked at the others sheepishly.
Germany grabbed it, pulling out a few decent sized bottles of vodka. "Why?" he asked.
"To bait the traps, amigo," Spain said with a weak smile.
"Bait the traps?" Italy asked, clueless as always.
"Sí. I thought that Russia would be caught much easier if there was something to draw him to the traps. Japan stayed behind to set them up. I thought it would be more time efficient," Spain whined, more to himself than the others. Italy seemed satisfied with this answer, as well as Germany.
Romano, however, wasn't convinced. "Where did you get these, tomato-bastard?" he demanded, waving one of the bottle in the Spaniard's face.
"At the Convenience Store on the other side of the island, Roma~!" Spain exclaimed, sighing in relief, glad Romano had calmed down a bit and gone back to his insults.
"Wait, what Convenience Store?" Germany demanded, having no idea what the nation was talking about.
"The Convenience Store America and China built on the other side of the island, of course!"
"They're here?!" both Germany and Italy yelled.
Spain nodded, glad he could at least give the others some useful information, "Yep! All the Allies are!"
Italy and Germany stared at the Spaniard for a few minutes, shocked. Their enemies had been on the island this whole time? Why had they not realized this? Or, more appropriately, why had they not suspected it?
Suddenly, an idea struck, and hope blossomed in Germany's heart. Although his plan was far from perfect, considering their current circumstances, he couldn't care less. They were going to get Japan back.
Tokyo, Japan - The Human World:
Japan woke while someone was wiping his forehead. His head still felt more than a bit fuzzy from what Russia did to knock him out back on the island, so he was completely shocked to find himself staring at the Emperor's assistant, who was in the midst of placing a damp cloth on his forehead. She jumped when he opened his eyes, quickly leaving to inform his boss that the nation had come to.
– I'm in the Human World? – he thought, dazed. – How long have I been out? A day? Two? – His thoughts were interrupted when the Emperor arrived, telling Japan to follow him. He complied, still confused and wondering what was going on. The last thing he remembered was Russia grabbing him and then . . . nothing. How had he gotten back home? No, a better question was where was Russia?
Before Japan could actually voice any of these questions, the Emperor swept into a room, which he followed into, only to find Russia and the Russian's boss.
"R-Russia-san?" Japan asked, jumping slightly as he turned to the Emperor, "Hirohito-sama, what is Russia-san doing here?"
However, his boss ignored him in favor of greeting Russia's boss. "Stalin, it is nice to see you again. I hope to find you well?" The Japanese nation blinked in surprise, not sure if he had heard his boss correctly.
"Why yes, Hirohito," Stalin answered politely, his hardened lips twitching into a smile while Japan stared at them in silent shock. "I am glad we're having this conversation at last. I must admit I was quite . . . surprised when you allowed your country there to sign the Tripartite Pact and ally with the Axis Powers."
The Emperor sighed, "No more surprised than I was, I assure you."
A flush rose, unbidden, to Japan's cheeks, and he hung his head in shame, wishing his hair was longer so it would hide his embarrassing blush.
Russia smiled, butting into the conversation, "Yes, but that is all in the past, comrades. We shall be getting to the matter at hand, da?"
"Yes, yes. Don't be so impatient, Russia," Stalin muttered impatiently. He turned to the Emperor, "So, since we have already drawn up all legislature and other documents needed, we just need a plan for how to actually unify our countries."
Japan froze, pinching himself to certify that he wasn't trapped in some sort of out-of-control nightmare. No such luck. Russia leaned forward, eager to contribute to the discussion at hand, and the smaller nation could not help but shudder at the smirk on his face.
"We will have a wedding, da?" Russia proposed, sounding as if it had already been decided.
"A wedding?" the Emperor asked.
"Da, a wedding. After all," Russia continued, "a wedding is a symbol of unity, da? So Japan and I get married, and the countries will become one. It happens all the time with the other nations, like Comrade Finland and Comrade Sweden."
"But Russia-san," Japan interrupted softly, wishing he had a better point to nitpick on in order to point out the flaws with this plan, "it does not always work that way. Their countries have been independent for over a hundred years, even though Finland-san and Sweden-san have stayed together. It hasn't changed the separation. What if, like them, it doesn't work this time around? The 'symbol'," Japan's lips curled almost unnoticeably in disgust, "would go to waste."
"Da, Japan, but this is different. You have seen first-hand that our decisions influence our people, just look at when you joined the war. Your people joined too, even if they didn't understand why, and this marriage will be the same. We will become one, and our people will as well, da?"
The Asian sorely wanted to contradict Russia, but, being excellent at reading the atmosphere, knew he was just one misplaced word away from crossing the boundaries. He had already vaulted the line by running off and joining the war against his boss's wishes and did not need to make matters any worse with a nervous tongue, so he bit his lip and kept quiet. However, he did catch the Emperor's eye, signaling that they needed to talk in private.
…
"What do you want?" Emperor Hirohito asked bluntly. "There's no way you can get out of this. Stalin and I have already begun to merge our counties diplomatically."
"I am not marrying Russia-san, Hirohito-sama," Japan stated, just as bluntly, although a pleading gleam had begun to show in his eyes.
"Then how do you propose you and Russia symbolize the unification? A symbolic marriage is the most direct way." The man glared pointedly at the nation, tapping his foot with impatience as he waited for Japan's answer.
– He's right you know – a small, logical voice murmured in the back of the nation's mind.
– Shut it – Japan thought irritably.
– But it's true. That symbol would be the most binding, more so than just going and living in Russia's house as, like you were planning– the voice argued.
– Your insensitivity to my feelings continues to amaze me – the Asian commented dryly. – Particularly since you are me. –
– Your inability to make a proper decision still amazes me. Remind me, since when did you get the right to finalize decisions? I could take control again, it wasn't all that long ago when I was in charge anyway – came the counter.
– Look, are you going to be helpful or not? – Japan demanded. – There's no reason for us to be arguing right now, Kuro, especially since I am in the middle of a conversation. –
– Do you even have a plan for how to circumvent this, or are you just going to leave your answer as a no and expect him to accept that? – Kuro inquired.
The nation shuddered at the suggestion. – I would never do something so inconsiderate and you know it – he replied frostily.
– Then what is your plan? – Kuro asked. Then, when he received no immediate answer from his counterpart, sighed – At least give him a good reason to consider your side, so he'll think about it – he advised.
Japan gawked at his internal self, - I will. – A pause – Arigato, Kuro. –
During this internal conversation, the Emperor was staring at Japan in impatient silence, wanting to get back to the negotiations. The nation snapped out of his reverie a few seconds after entering, but it was still annoying to be kept waiting.
Before Japan could offer his argument, however, he sighed and snapped, "The marriage will take place in a week. If you come across any way to bond yourself to the other nation without having to actually marry him, I will hear it out. Now, excuse me, but I have a meeting to attend to." And with that he left the room, subtly rubbing his temples.
The Japanese man stared at the door as it shut, wondering where that outburst had come from. No, more importantly, how was he going to find a way around getting married to Russia in less than a week?
A/N
*Evil chuckle* Yes, I'm basically marrying Japan off to Russia. No, there will be no way to get out of it (not that he won't try XD). Although, if anyone has any suggestions for things that Japan could think of to get around it, please share!
Just to clarify some things, think of Kuro as Japan's logical side, the inner voice nobody likes butting in, yet can't stop listening to (in Japan's case, at least). And, as for the mysterious person talking to Russia, who do you think it is? The person will be revealed with time, but I'd still like to hear theories. ;)
For another small warning, this story will be told with two different basic plots. Germany and Co trying to rescue Japan, and Russia and Japan's life together.
Now, if you'll please excuse me, I have a wedding to plan. (Suggestions for any extra ceremonies and such are, once again, welcome. I'd love to add to what I already have planned!)
As always, please review~!
