The Hetalia Global Warming Crisis; Get Out Alive
04—The First Battle
"He was probably here to kill America," Ludwig muttered. "After all, this is America's home."
"So then it's his bloody fault an assassin was able to sneak into the meeting," accused Arthur, glaring at Alfred. "It's your damn responsibility to keep us safe while you're hosting the meeting."
Alfred ignored Arthur's lecture and pulled out a handgun from his waistband, which was kept hidden behind his brown jacket. Then he reached into the lining of his jacket and took out a magazine filled with fresh ammunition, quickly loading the pistol. He inspected the weapon, and then held it stiffly, looking around for more danger.
"Get ready, guys," Alfred commanded unusually flatly. "There's bound to be more."
Canada took the dagger from the dead assassin that was meant to kill his brother, and then instinctively fell into place back-to-back with America, the tingling in his spine less tense, but was still there. Australia stood at Canada's shoulder, boomerang held at the ready. At a closer look, Matthew could see a small but razor-sharp blade on one end of the wooden object. He shivered at the damage it could cause if thrown hard enough. England had taken up a position behind Australia, his shoulder brushing America's. He was muttering something under his breath and his hands flickered into signs that no one could understand.
Soon, the other countries were standing with them, each handling their own weapon. France held a whip, nervously glancing around into the shadows. Russia gripped tightly to his metal pipe; China had both hands clasped on the handle of his huge black wok; Germany was unwinding a leather whip, the tip barbed with some kind of steel razor; Prussia, grinning nervously and standing at his younger brother's side, brandished a steel-and-iron Medieval-style short sword; Feliciano was waving a white flag while Romano produced an iron dagger from his belt, teeth bared in a snarl at the unseen enemy; Spain looked at Romano proudly, then hefted his giant axe, which he normally kept strapped to his back; and Japan unsheathed his long-bladed katana, standing ready to fight.
When everyone was ready, it was silent, save for England's soft spoken spells.
A heartbeat later men dressed in black came down to them from the rafters of the great hall, some on ropes, others crawling along the walls. There were about ten in all, their faces covered so that only their eyes shone.
"Ninja," Kiku hissed through gritted teeth, raising his katana and tensing his legs for a pounce.
"Stop!" Alfred ordered, and the countries froze. Beneath their feet was a giant circle of blue light with a complex pattern of lines and runes laced inside.
Arthur paused in his work, hands outstretched, palms down and open, and looked up, an evil, knowing grin spreading across his face. Three of the ninja stepped onto the outer edge of the circle, but nothing happened. The countries fidgeted nervously, afraid to move around inside the magic circle. The black-clothed men took another step within the boundaries of the circle before Arthur clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
"Brisingr!" he roared, and the magic symbols moved about dizzyingly, turning red. The enemies took a final step forward, and went up in flames.
Shocked, the countries waited for the magic to fade and for the ashes of Arthur's three victims to fall to the ground. Then Canada and America raised their weapons, took aim, and fired. Both arrow and bullet found their marks and, as the bodies hit the floor, all the other countries surged forward. England, America, Canada, and Australia stood in a great circle, using their long-range combat skills to help their friends without needing to move from their spots.
Meanwhile, Romano was trying his best to defend his cowardly brother, overwhelmed by four enemies who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Help me Spain, you bastard!" Romano cried out desperately.
"Boss Spain's coming through!"
Antonio leaped in and swung his giant axe in a wide arc. The attackers leapt back, one of them going for Romano while the others tried to defeat the Spanish man, who could barely keep up with them. There was a faint 'zip' and the steel tips of three arrows protruded out from the men's bodies, splattering the startled Spaniard with blood. His opponents collapsed and he caught Canada's sharp eyes. They nodded to each other, and then Romano was at his guardian's side, wiping blood from his dagger. Together, they pushed forward, slashing with their weapons, shoulders brushing and minds connected as one.
North Italy, left and forgotten, was facing two ninja, who backed him into a corner. Whimpering and spluttering nonsense as he pleaded with the enemy, Feliciano waved his white flag wildly. Suddenly there was a crack that split the air. Blood splashed and the enemies fell on top of the cowering country. Standing above them was Germany, the barbed end of his whip coated in blood.
"Must I do everything?" Ludwig complained. He reached down to pick Italy up, unaware of the danger approaching from behind.
"Yo, West!" the albino ran up and swung his old sword, beheading two ninjas in one swipe. Panting and covered in blood, Prussia stood with his back to his younger brother, guarding Ludwig as the German helped Feliciano to his feet. Germany opened his mouth to say something, but stopped as his older brother turned around, looking at him with crimson eyes.
"Must I do everything?" Prussia grinned. He flicked the tip of his bloodied sword at Italy. "He's clearly not gonna do anything. Why not just leave him?"
The German sighed. "We formed an alliance many years ago… I wouldn't leave him alone to die, Gilbert."
The Prussian shrugged and faced their enemies. Ludwig and Gilbert stayed rooted to the spot as they fought for their lives defending Italy.
Russia, France, China, and Japan fought on their own, determined not to work with the other nations. They were doing quite well and soon they were surrounded by dead bodies. Russia smiled sadistically and rubbed at the drying blood on his pipe, only causing the red to smear along his silver weapon. France wound up his whip, and then stored it calmly on his belt. China whacked at his last opponent and hefted his wok, expecting more. Japan flicked blood from his katana and sheathed it, looking around and assessing the situation.
The enemies were all dead, and now the countries could clearly see there were more than ten assassins. The ambushers ranged from fifty to a hundred, the size of a small army. Where they came from, no one could decipher. Japan scanned for any damage done to his friends. Spain and South Italy were close together, surrounded by a pile of black and red. Romano was practically hugging Antonio in fright, and then pushed his old friend away in embarrassment when he realized what he was doing. Germany and Prussia were standing in front of North Italy, who was trembling in a corner. The brothers were panting and doubled over in exhaustion. Prussia straightened, leaning on his sword, and Japan could see his arms, chest and face drenched in enemy blood; he looked more like a Teutonic Knight than ever before. France, Russia, and China were making their way to the head of the table where the countries of (and formerly of) the British Empire were still standing.
Satisfied that everyone was still alive, Kiku made his way over to the gathering nations.
With nothing more to aim at, Alfred and Matthew lowered their weapons, but the American kept his gun loaded, while the Canadian kept his bow strung and ready. Australia loosened his grip on his boomerang, which was sticky with blood. Arthur was in the worst condition out of them all. Although he had not physically fought, the Englishman was utterly spent, and had rested his head on Alfred's shoulder, practically sleeping. Alfred dragged the exhausted country to the table and both of them collapsed into the same chair.
"Just rest now, Arth," the American breathed into England's ear. "I know it takes a lot for you to use all that magic." Arthur relaxed gratefully against his friend and quickly drifted into unconsciousness.
Canada and Australia exchanged bemused glances. It seemed odd that it was England in America's arms this time, instead of the other way around.
The other countries gathered silently behind them, unsure what to do, and too tired to speak out. They looked up when a loud clapping echoed through the hall. It sounded hollow and lonely, a single pair of hands working to fill the silence. Afternoon sunlight sliced through the blinds on the windows and cut through the dim room, lighting up the double doors like a spotlight.
Then the door creaked open and someone walked into the light.
Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya
ASDFGHJKL I suck at battle scenes so one of my friends wrote an extended battle sequence that you can find on DeviantART. It's on my list on chapters if you can find them. Just search for me, WarriorcatzluvMedi and look for it in my gallery...
This chapter is dedicated to Mew I is Dinosaur for being my very first reviewer! Thank you so much! :D
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