Signs of Another War
A Really Strange Thing
Six hours, now, don't get so excited…
Six…
"Wow, I really do love your cooking, Austria-san!" Liechtenstein said happily as she swallowed her food. Austria smiled while Hungary whispered to him and Switzerland, "Keep her happy, she's been worrying all day…"
Switzerland grinned and said, "Liechtenstein, did you know that Hungary has a lot of clothes that she could lend you? You could play dress-up!"
Hungary glared at him, but then smiled. She remembered how she used to dress up Italy into girl's clothes. It was fun and now she could play dress-up with Liechtenstein to keep her happy. "That sounds like a brilliant idea, Vash." Austria said.
Liechtenstein drank water and answered, "That sounds fun, yes." Not long after, they had all finished eating and Hungary had led the other girl into her bedroom to keep her from worrying about the war.
Austria went to the window and closed the curtains swiftly. "The fact that war would start in a matter of hours on sunset scares me as well," he said quietly to Switzerland, who was sitting on the couch.
"It scares all of us, you know," Switzerland replied, "I just can't believe you're staying neutral for Hungary."
"I have to! It was my promise," Austria snapped sharply. His expression then softened, "She cares about me and I just can't take that for granted. I only said I'd join the war if I really needed to, which isn't any sooner."
There was silence as they contemplated about what could possibly happen in the war. The mere knowledge that the twenty-first century was more advanced than the previous ones did not comfort anyone further.
After a while, Switzerland whispered softly, "I understand now. You're doing this for Hungary and not for yourself. This isn't just because you want to be safe, but because you want to keep someone else happy. I've never shown Liechtenstein how much I valued her openly."
"Vash, that-"
"I never showed you, either."
Austria gaped at him, "Wh-what?"
He chuckled and said, "Yeah, well, thanks for helping me understand. You're a great friend, you know, Roderich. I'll be sure to tell Liechtenstein that she's a great sister and then I could prevent myself from being a tsundere in the future…"
Austria stood there, bewildered, where Switzerland had been in front of him a few seconds ago. He was blushing lightly as he yelled, "Hey, Vash, you idiot! Come back here! Does it take a war to soften you up?!"
And Switzerland turned around, a hurt expression on his face. It softened, and he laughed. He and Austria laughed until Hungary and Liechtenstein went outside of the bedroom and stared awkwardly at the other two. War really was a strange thing. War- could bring people together.
Five…
Iceland looked up when he heard a loud, clicking sound. He saw Denmark, loading hand guns and huge rifles.
"Yo, Ice! Care to give a helping hand?" Denmark called over to him, putting one set of guns in a big case, "I just love preparing for war though I know my weapons are sort of limited."
There was no response as Iceland just sat there, staring at Denmark. Another sound joined the clicking, which was a loud tapping sound. Norway was approaching them, holding a bag of hand grenades. He asked Iceland, who he saw first, "Do you know how to fix these? When I throw them, they won't explode."
There was no response as Iceland just sat there, staring at Norway. Norway looked quizzically puzzled at Denmark, who just shrugged as if to say, 'I have no idea why he isn't saying anything.' And then he helped Norway and went back. After a while, Finland walked by and said enthusiastically, "Hello Denmark! Hello Iceland! Hello Norway!"
"You seem really cheerful today, Tino," Denmark observed, putting the last rifle away.
Finland looked down at his shoes and blushed, "I was worrying too much about the declaration and stuff so Berwald told me to try and clear my mind of the war, which is going to take place in about four hours and fifty-four minutes."
"You don't have to be scared…" Iceland whispered sincerely. Everyone looked at him, surprised. He never spoke with much emotion. "I'm scared too."
Denmark grinned and, slinging his axe over his shoulder, said, "Don't worry, my friends, I shall protect you!"
They all laughed until Sweden came by. "What the hell are you guys doing? Let's go in the house; I'm going to show you something."
After the five of them were all seated on the couch, Sweden pulled out a box. "Okay, I'm going to show you something you've never seen before."
"Stop the suspense, Berwald, we're getting curious," Norway snapped playfully, eyeing the box curiously.
Sweden opened it and there, before their very eyes, was a long piece of rolled paper. He got it and opened it, reading out loud, "The Plans and Attack Targets of Russia."
"Where did you get that?!" Denmark exclaimed, jumping up from his seat, "Did you personally steal it?"
"What the- of course not!" Sweden answered, "It was part of the plans which Latvia brought back. The other countries photocopied it or whatever and sent it to everyone who could need it. Well, the Asians are an exception since they said we couldn't trust them unless China leaves."
Finland spotted something that fell to the floor. "What's this?" he asked, picking it up. It was a small picture of five people staring at the camera. It was a picture of them.
"That's nothing!" Sweden said, blushing as he grabbed it back.
"Berwald, that was a family picture!!" Finland said, smiling as he tried to jump and get it back, which was a failure, seeing the height difference between them.
Denmark rushed over and tried to get it too and none of the three noticed Norway and Iceland exchange mysterious glances. After a while, Finland started bugging an irritated Sweden to claim his love for all of them while Denmark laughed, rolling over on the floor.
Iceland sighed, getting the dropped picture on the floor, and handing it over to Norway. Norway smiled at it and pocketed it, sitting down next to Iceland.
Not long after, the atmosphere became solemn once again as they all felt the war draw nearer as another hour ended…
War really was a strange thing. War- could bring out people's emotions for each other.
Four…
There was a box. It was a very long box, mind you, and when the man with blonde, slick-backed hair and soft, icy blue eyes opened it, a long piece of rolled paper came out and the label had said, 'The Plans and Attack Targets of Russia'.
He read a lot of confidential and shocking information until he read a name that perked up his interest. It read, 'Next, Italy Veneziano shall-'
"Germany! Germany!"
Germany turned around, putting the paper down on the table, and found the voice to be Italy's. He was running towards him with two white flags on each hand.
"Germany, I made you something!" Italy said happily.
"If you're giving me one of those flags, then I swear I will-" Germany started.
Italy gasped and said, "How did you know? Are you psychic?" And then he laughed nervously as he waved, running away and saying, "Bye, Germany!!"
Italy ran off, leaving one flag with Germany. He stared at it for a while and realized there was writing on the white flag.
Dear Germany,
Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for helping me out when I'm in a pinch and for tying my shoelaces. You know, you're super muscular and really macho and I like it when you come to my house to play during summer and pitching a tent with me in the park. I won't forget you when I become friends with Russia because you didn't forget me back then.
From, Italy Veneziano
After a while, Germany let the information sink in as his eyes widened, realizing what Italy had done. I won't forget you when I become friends with Russia…
"I-Italy!!" Germany exclaimed, running to where he last saw him disappear. When he ran out of the house, Italy was nowhere to be found.
Suddenly, Spain and Romano walked by, hearing all the noise. "Hola, mi amigo!" Spain greeted. He stared at Germany's white face and looked around, asking curiously, "Donde esta Feliciano?"
Germany could not speak. He looked up and whispered, "Feliciano's gone. I- I think Russia tricked him into joining him somehow because of… of this."
Spain took the flag and looked at it, confusion evident on his face. He was one of the many who could not understand Italy's handwriting. "You could read this encrypted message?"
"Shut up! It isn't encrypted, you fool! It's Italy's last letter to me. It says he was going to be friends with Russia!" Germany yelled, slightly annoyed.
"Are you sure that is all that's written there, Ludwig?" Spain inquired, looking at the long paragraph, "Or if you don't want to tell me what else is written in this long paragraph, then it's fine. Some things are meant to be kept secreto."
Romano grabbed the flag and said huffily, "My brother was always a stupid idiot. Making friends with bastards, cooking pasta, and mass-producing white flags are his only specialties."
While Spain tried to keep his former colony's mouth shut from insulting his brother, Germany sighed, looking down at his feet. He knew the war was coming and Russia had more tricks up his sleeve than anyone else knew. He also knew that Italy Veneziano was worth more than what Romano said he was. Something was going to go wrong, and he was sure of it.
Spain was thinking the exact same thing. He knew that he couldn't stay neutral because of the threats Russia was giving. He knew that Italy Veneziano meant more to Germany and Romano than the impressions they were letting out about him as well. He also knew that he was caring a lot about Lovino more than before and that wasn't just because of the past.
Germany gasped and grabbed the long piece of scrolled paper from the long box he was reading from just before Italy interrupted him. He paled and almost fainted when it read, 'Next, Italy Veneziano shall join me in an alliance through secret intimidation and threats'. Spain looked at it in surprise while Romano started shouting about bastards that always trick his brother.
War really was a strange thing. War could make people do- and think about- things that were secret; what others couldn't know about.
Three…
"England!!"
America grinned as England turned around, annoyed. "What do you want, America?"
"France is calling you. He said-"
"Yes, I know what he said! Let me guess, he said, 'Tell Angleterre to stop working and relax like I'm doing.' Well, no! I am not going to rest until this war is over!"
England frowned as America said, "Wow, you're good at guessing, England! How did you know? Did your eavesdropping fairy friends tell you?"
"Get out, you git. And stop mocking my fairies!" England hissed angrily as he grabbed his pocket gun and loaded it.
America gasped and cried, "AH! ENGLAND'S GONNA SHOOT ME!"
"Well, I will if you don't leave right now."
"You're really going to shoot me?" America asked blankly.
England sighed and put his pocket gun in his pocket, saying, "Of course not, you twat. Now, go tell France, 'I will hit him if he doesn't stop goofing off, looking at himself in the mirror and groping other people's arses like a bloody git all day.'"
America laughed and left, leaving England in the room. He ran to France, who was in one of the biggest guest rooms, combing his hair. "Yo France!" he exclaimed.
"Ah. Amerique, has Angleterre decided to sit down in his little corner drinking tea instead of pacing and thinking of useless plans for the war?" France inquired, turning around from the mirror and flashing a wide smile.
America shuddered slightly and said, "Well, his exact words were-"
"Let me guess, 'He will hit me if I don't stop goofing off, looking at myself in the mirror and groping other people's arses like a bloody git all day?'"
"How did you know? Seriously, he guessed exactly what you said too!" America cried, surprised.
Looking at himself in the mirror, France laughed, "We know each other well, Amerique, but not exactly in the nicest of ways. You should know that."
America imagined France and England attempting to punch each other for a hundred years and chuckled. "Yeah, well, I'm going to Canada and the others."
As he walked towards the kitchen, he could hear a few voices penetrating the silence of the afternoon. "Yo everyone! The hero is here to save the day!"
Canada, Sealand, Latvia, and Poland turned to look at America. "Alfred, what's up?" Canada asked, "Have you, Francis, and Arthur decided on the war stuff yet?"
"Yeah, yeah, we already have. Alliance a few days after the declaration and attack when need to. Well, it's more complex than that but I don't really care as long as I save the day," America said coolly, grabbing a soda from the fridge.
Sealand stood up and said rather heatedly, "Why can't I join?"
"England said you're too small to join the war, remember?" Latvia pointed out, "And I can't join since I'm sure Russia's going to hunt me down as soon as he knows where I am."
Sealand huffed angrily and then said to Latvia, "Anyway, I won't let you get captured by anyone!"
"Well, I am not joining any alliance unless it's with Liet," Poland said loudly, "All I'm worried about is that monster of a country Russia."
Silence reigned as they all thought about the threats of the war. Suddenly, two more people entered the room. France winked at all of them and sat down beside Canada while England grabbed a cup of tea.
America noticed that everyone looked either worried or feigned calmness. He stood up from his position in the chair and said, "We're not scared, are we?"
Everyone stared at him and England said, one eyebrow raised, "What makes you say that?"
"Well, you all look a lot like it."
Canada hugged Kumajirou and whispered softly, "Of course we're scared. Aren't you?"
"No, heroes don't get scared or worried!" America cried defiantly.
England shook his head, mixing a little sugar with his tea. "You don't have to pretend to be alright, America. Even if you don't feel scared or worried, you are. And you'll find that I am right," England said, sipping from his tea.
Sealand stuck his tongue out behind his older brother while Latvia attempted to suppress a small laugh. They both started to get close to each other and hung around together a lot. The thought of Russia hunting for Latvia was inevitable yet they spent as much time together before the war as possible.
Poland rolled his eyes at all their silly antics and put his empty coffee cup in the sink. He was quite calm in the outside but deep within his heart was a large hole. Lithuania would not survive Russia any longer and that was what Poland had thought.
France grinned and shuffled closer to Canada, who was holding his small, white bear in a death grip. Kumajirou now found its way into Canada's arms almost all the time and everyone had noticed. He didn't know that that was what attracted France closer to him- because he seemed quite scared. Even though the French nation was still very active in his usual activities (which I shall not mention), he held concern and fear as well.
England brought his cup to his mouth daintily, pinky finger up. He was gazing fondly at America and he realized how much he cared about him. The younger nation was mostly concerned about being a hero and was very ready for the upcoming war but then England knew how large an amount he could suffer, which scared him.
America smiled lightly and shook his head, thinking about what England said. After a while, he realized that he was scared. He was worried. Well, as a hero, he wasn't supposed to show it, was he? And he didn't. As he looked at everyone in the room, his eyes locked with England's and he saw that no matter how well he hid his fear, those emerald green eyes would always see it.
War really was a strange thing. War- could differentiate the intangible truth from the inevitable facade of lies.
Two…
Around the small, low, wooden table set down upon the floor were three people. Korea, Hong Kong, and their guest Greece were waiting patiently for Taiwan to finish cooking their dinner.
Not long after, the girl opened the sliding door and brought out noodles, soup, and other delicious food. Korea cheered, "Yes! I thought you were going to take forever, Taiwan. It must be really hard for you to cook food that originated from me."
Taiwan scowled while Greece laughed, used to the Asians' silly antics by now. Suddenly, a rather loud thump echoed from upstairs and they all looked up, startled. "What was that?" Taiwan gasped.
"It's most probably China dropping a book or something. Or maybe a bird crashed onto a window," Korea shrugged, grabbing a bowl and chopsticks. Hong Kong looked around curiously. "Anyway, where are China and Japan? We can't start the meal incomplete; it's not usually done that way."
"I'll go get Kiku," Greece said instantly, knowing exactly where his friend was. He always walked around the back garden, behind the sakura trees and the vine wall.
"I want to call aniki!!" Taiwan cried immediately, beating Korea to it. She went upstairs to look for him while Greece went on his way outside the door. As he opened it, he faintly heard Korea calling out to hurry up so they could eat.
There was a slight breeze blowing softly and the sakura trees seemed as if they were dancing gently to the wind. Greece decided not to call for Japan, knowing that he would probably not answer.
Suddenly, he saw Japan's figure, leaning on a rather large and beautiful sakura tree. "Kiku!" he yelled.
Japan turned and saw Greece walking to him. "We're going to eat already, let's go."
"Alright. I was just getting some fresh air. This place is rather calming and I like it…" he said quietly as he straightened up, brushing a few stray petals from his hair. Greece scanned him from head to toe and muttered, "You're worried and scared, aren't you? I could feel that you go here whenever that is so."
Japan looked up and nodded, realizing how close they both were. He felt his cheeks burn up slightly and looked down again. Greece gazed at him and grabbed his shoulders, saying firmly, "I'm here for you, Kiku. You know that. And I… I…"
They started to lean closer together and Japan thought for a second that Greece would hesitate and pull back, which they both considered for just a single nanosecond. Dark brown eyes met light green and just when their lips were about to meet, a cry came from nearby.
Korea was running towards them quickly, unaware that he had interrupted a rather intimate moment. "Taiwan went to China's room- and he wasn't there!"
Japan gasped and exchanged worried glances with Greece, running back to the house. There, he found Hong Kong trying to calm Taiwan down and bolted up the stairs. When he opened the door to his brother's room, he thought it looked alright- but no China.
Everything was neat and clean and he noticed soon after that it was because of the absence of a few material objects. Taiwan trudged up slowly behind him and whispered hoarsely, her eyes stinging with tears, "I just found this note on the bed…"
Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Greece, and to whomever else you may show this to…
I am sorry. I have decided to leave and stay with Russia. He had stuck with me before as a friend for a really long time. You would not understand- any of you. We were closer than friends; we were like brothers. That's why I can't just refuse to join him in the war when he is calling me because I just can't. Please, just understand. This is what's best for all of you and for me.
-China
P.S. Take care of yourselves...
"N-no!" Japan gasped, tears cascading smoothly down his face, "I didn't want him to, I wouldn't let him… But he did!"
Taiwan sobbed quietly beside him, Hong Kong comforting her, while Korea stared at the note, happiness erased completely from his face. Greece was leaning on the doorway, looking sadly at the scene unfolding before his eyes. It wasn't meant to be like this; Kiku and his siblings weren't supposed to cry for Yao.
And that was why he came there in the first place. He approached nearer and stood behind Japan, ready to hug him and comfort him. That was what he did, Honda Kiku crying silently on his shoulder. Greece would never let anything hurt him any longer. He loved him.
War really was a strange thing. War- could make people choose rash and hurtful decisions with unknown reasons behind all the tears.
One…
The room was cold and he didn't like it. The cool air stung his face uncomfortably and his hands felt stiff. He stood up and looked outside; it was raining. It was unusual since the last time it rained at his place was a few weeks ago and all he had experienced was moderate weather. This temperature was just cold.
And it was probably too cold for his liking.
He left the room and looked at the sun, which was going to set in a few minutes. The rain and the clouds were blocking it out and instead of an orange, pink, purple, and red, bloody sky-
It was dark. And he liked it despite the hated cold. It matched the occasion perfectly. When his boss would issue the statement to the whole world on international television, then the bombs, missiles, and cannons would take their part. The rest of the world would not expect the surprise attack. The looks on their faces, the screams of terror that would come out of innocent civilians' throats and the anger of the other nations- it would be priceless.
Russia exited his room and went to the wide hallway on the left. He peeked through a tiny hole on the large door to his right and saw his boss getting ready to appear in front of the whole world. Meanwhile, he knew that the other countries would know that he was the one behind it all, that he was the ventriloquist controlling the puppet, that he was, indeed, the boss.
Only forty minutes were left until the sun would completely set and then war would start. Russia smiled and walked to the other building, knowing exactly where his servants were.
"Lithuania, Estonia," he cried softly as he climbed up the roof of the building, "Where are you?"
Estonia jumped and turned around, seeing exactly who he was dreading to see that very moment. "R-Russia… What is it that you want?" asked Estonia as casually as possible.
"I want both of you to go with me to Europe and help attack," Russia said as Estonia nodded. Lithuania did not turn around since Russia came and gave no reaction to his previous statement. Russia looked at him wearily as if used to it. He knew that his servants would act rebellious and hard-headed towards him at times and added, "Lithuania, you too will come. No objections, I want both of you there."
Lithuania turned around and gave him an unreadable look, leaving the roof. Estonia sighed and told Russia quietly, "He's still mad about what you did to Latvia. And I'm not surprised that he's upset about how you drove away Poland."
Russia did not mind it these days when Estonia would be a smart ass to him but then retorted, "He'll come around, I'm sure, when he joins the rest of the world, which would turn out to plead and beg me for forgiveness on their knees. Latvia and Poland- well, let's just say that they will understand the same thing as well…"
Nothing was said as a few minutes ticked by. Estonia checked his watch and gasped, "Russia… Fifteen minutes left until it all starts!"
"And it will be worthwhile."
They both went down and walked to the other building where Lithuania waited for them sulkily. Russia's boss was prouder than ever as the lights, cameras, and everyone else were ready. Ten minutes were left and it was impossible to say that they were unprepared.
Another few minutes passed and time had come.
Some say the rain had stopped. Others said that it was a complete downpour. Most would tell that it was simply just a sad sunset.
War really was a strange thing. Enough explanations said, because obviously, it really is and whatever happens, it always was, is, and, of course, always will be.
Unless the world would do something about it, then the consequences could be avoided- yet some say it is inevitable, intangible, and impenetrable.
Strangely, nobody really knows.
Author's Note: I am very sorry I took a long time updating this story because I had a rather difficult time coping with school. Well, it paid off since I got high in my quizzes and managed to go back to writing at the same time! Anyway, I decided to cut this story in three (like a trilogy, you know?). The next chapter would be the last chapter and my sequel will be coming out after I write a few one-shots or two in order to have a break from chaptered fics.
I hope you people are enjoying this story and the best you could do is read, review, favorite, alert, message me, or simply just enjoy. :D
-Pasta W 19.
