Chapter 10
The countries gathered in the living room, lounging themselves in the sofas but still the gloomy atmosphere were over their heads. Italy helped Wales to make coffees, teas and appetizers to fill their empty stomach. Just on time when they placed the repast on the table, Germany and Ireland came back from placing Scotland in his room.
"How's Alba, Eire?" Wales asked, concerned. "He's sleeping. I think his fever will last for two to three days." Ireland said and flopped on the vacant seat followed by a short groan. Germany sat beside Italy and took a sip of his coffee. It was already 10 o'clock pm; dark ominous clouds were covering the full moon, ready to shower the rain anytime soon. Italy was stretching his stiff body and took another morsel of appetizers, France was gently rubbing the blonde hair of Canada who is already fast asleep while placing his head on France's shoulder, Germany and Japan were drinking their coffee and tea silently, Northern Ireland was tolerating himself not to sleep though his head was swaying up and down in some random time, eyelids were heavy and gridelin eye bags were visible, while Wales looks pensive while sitting on the oak stool, submerged in his deep thoughts.
The ticking sound of the clock echoes in the silent room, not until finally Wales stood up from his stool. "Guys, I think we should rest for today and continue this matter tomorrow. Besides not all of you finish the paper works for the World meeting that will hold 3 days from now." Some nations stiffened, the reminder made them to sigh. " And I think all of you are tired and doesn't have enough stamina left for you to nation-hop to your respective homes, we will prepare rooms for you"
"I can go back to my home. My bruder is probably waiting for my return" Germany said and started to prepare himself. "Ve, me too. My brother will scold me if I won't go home immediately" Italy said while rubbing his cheek, already imagining that he was scolded by Romano.
"I will stay here." France said "I need my beauty sleep now or else I will damage my beautiful appearance. And I think that goes the same with Amerique and petit lapin" and gazed to the younger nation. America just gave a short nod for reply and returned to his deep thoughts. Wales nodded knowingly and looked at the Japanese man.
"And perhaps, you will also sleep here tonight, Japan...?" Wales wasn't sociable with other nation, especially the Asian countries so he wasn't sure if he said the correct country name and he doesn't know why but he felt that he sounded awkward.
Japan stood up and gave a short bow to Wales, "I'm sorry for your concern but yes, I think I need to sleep here tonight for my back is aching so much." Wales reeled back, bashful for he wasn't used to the polite manners that Japan showed it to him. "It-it's ok Japan, no need to worry so much so please raise your head, eh"
"Thank you very much, Wales-san" and Japan bowed again and sat down on his sofa. Wales harrumph and return his composure, still tinge of pinkish color were visible on his cheeks. "And you North- oh" the elder countries noticed that Northern Ireland finally gave in to his sleepiness, curling himself while leaning his body against the sofa arm.
"What a cutie pie, he is" France said while observing the sleeping country and grinned. "You better place him on a comfy bed"
Wales nodded and gazed at his brother, "Eire, he's your brother, bring him to his room" Ireland jolted a bit and was about to spat his tea from his mouth. "Why don't you bring him? He is also your brother?" Wales placed his hand on his waist and released 'tsktsk'from his lips while swaying his finger side to side. "I will guide our guests to their room. Your job is easier than mine" he scoffed. Ireland glared at him and sighed. "Alright, alright" and walked towards his little brother. As soon as Ireland was standing before North, he knelt before him and carried his brother in his arms. Soon he noticed that all the nations' attentions on him, he did his best and make sure that his face isn't turning red. Immediately, he strode out the dining room, ignoring all the sneers behind him.
"That was cute" Japan commented. Wales and France nodded, completely agreeing what Japan said, still their grin were on their faces. It was their first time to see Ireland carrying his younger brother affectionately and that's what they observe from him.
"Ok, guys I will guide to your rooms" Wales clapped his hands twice. "Then, we will be also taking our leave" Germany and Italy stood from their sofas while Italy munched the last sandwich on the plate. "Oh, before that" Wales turned his body to Germany and Italy. "Please don't blab about this matter to other nations. We want to avoid chaos and problems as much as possible, especially you, Italy" then the Celtic nation gave his straight stare to the stiffened country beside Germany.
"We understand" Germany agreed. "Of course, Wales. I won't tell to anyone, ve~" Italy replied with his frail voice. Wales sighed, not completely trusting the Italian, but he shove those thoughts away and smiled. "Anyway, thanks for the help."
"You must also rest, Wales. We will help you until we save England. I and Italy will come back here tomorrow before or after lunch and continue to solve this matter. Is it alright with you?" Germany asked. Wales's eyes widened for Germany's courtesy and concern then smiled again. "Sure, no problem and thanks again." Germany nodded and looked at the hovering nation. "Let's go, Italy"
"Good night everyone~" then the two countries left the mansion.
The other nations stood up too. France tapped the head of Canada gently to wake his little brother, not long Canada blinked his eyes few times, as well as his pet. "Canada, Wales will lead to our rooms and there you may sleep again, ok" Canada blinked his eyes again then nodded. He was tired of crying after seeing England's deteriorated state. America silently stood up and followed Wales while inserting his hands in his pocket of his bomber jacket.
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Few minutes later, after Wales assisted everyone to their rooms, each country started to prepare to sleep. Japan and France had their individual rooms while America and Canada shared the same room because there weren't enough guest rooms in the mansion. Soon after leading them to their rooms, Wales immediately head to Scotland's room to check him.
France, after he took a light bath and changed his clothes that he borrowed from Wales, he decided to visit America and his little brother. He can't stop but feel worried for the two of them. The grim faces that they made after the magic won't stop appearing in his thoughts. So, as an elder nation, he should cheer them up.
France cleared his throat as soon as he stood at the front of the door room where North American brother stays. He wasn't sure how to start when he will meet the younger nations. Finally, after resolving his thoughts, he gently knocked the door.
"Amerique? It's me, France. May I enter your room?" He entreated. "Sure" he heard a voice from the opposite side of the door. Sighing in relief, France pushed down the door lever and slowly opened the door.
"Yo, France, what's the matter? It's already late" France saw America sitting on the side of the bed where Canada and Kumajirou is sleeping. He was already wearing his comfortable clothes while his bomber jacket was on top of the velvet colored wing chair that was placed near the veranda window. France gently closed the door and sat on the bed that is vacant for America.
"How's your feeling? Are you feeling alright now?" France asked with concern. America gave his taut smile and replied. "Yup, I think I'm alright now. Thanks" America tried his best to show that he's ok but his melancholy gaze and voice won't deceive the French man. France could perceive lies for he had used them longer and more clandestinely than the younger countries but he decided not to press it further. America then downcast to his younger brother who was sleeping soundly beside him. "But I'm not sure with Canada. Before he went back to sleep again, he started weep. He finally returned to his sleep few minutes before you came." Then America heartily rubbed Canada's head. France followed the gaze of America; he could see the eye bags under his younger brother's eye. He cried so much, huh.
"You came to ask the situation of England, right?" The sudden words of America stiffened France. The French man smirked and gazed at America. "How did you know?" He inquired. America stopped his action and returned his gaze to France. "Instinct?" He said as he shrugged his shoulders, he wasn't sure either. France smirked at his wittiness. "Well, you're half correct.
"Oh, then what is the other half?"America inquired."I came to also confirm you two, if you guys are alright and it seems you've answered this question already" America chuckled "Yup, we are okay now. Sorry for making you guys worried. I'm fine and I think Canada will be alright too."America reassured.
"So..."
"So?"the American prompt as he arched his eyebrow. "Is it alright for you if I ask about England?"France inquired warily. America stiffened a moment but immediately fades away and gave his taut smile. "Sure"
France hesitated a bit before he asked then finally speaks. "What did you see?" America was silent for few minutes and did a downcast gaze to the floor. "He... he was lying on his pool of blood and was covered with a lot of bruises and wounds all over his body "that first sentence dour France. "Blood? His wounds are not healing?"He inquired. America shook his head and his expression turned solemn. "I think his healing ability undermine by the continuous experiment of the scientist."France noticed that America's hands grip tighter. "And-"
"And what happened?"France prompted in apprehension and his consternation towards his immortal enemy became serious. "He- he was crying... He's broken..."America stammered and his expression looked painful a moment when he said that."Angleterre is broken...huh..." The two went silent, contemplating in their thoughts... Angleterreis a type of person who won't weep that easily even he experience a lot of tortures. But if he is broken internally, that would be a different story... it means he really needs our help as soon as possible...his train of thoughts cut when America finally started to speak.
"Well, we already know where he is and we'll be making a plan tomorrow. The only thing we can do right now is to pray from him "America said, giving his sentimental smile. He wanted to burst his emotion and cry but he won't. Not in front of France or anyone. He is a hero after all. He must not show his weakness and his fragile appearance. France's eyes widened in surprise when America said those words.
"You've became mature, Amerique.Angleterre will be proud of you." Those words stung the heart of America, barely holding his emotions and trying to appear nonchalant. Barely. "Probably, yes. And if yes, he won't immediately admit it "America said followed by small chuckles but then he was surprised when suddenly France wrapped his head with his arm, placing his head to his shoulders. This was completely unexpected move from France. "America, you don't need to hold your emotions. It's not wrong or bad to cry for your former brother. "Those kind words started to wavered the emotion of America. He felt warm from France's words and embrace.
"I- I'm not that worry about England. H-he is a country after all, s-so he won't die-" he tried to make an excuse but was interjected by France.
"Amerique" France voice softened "its ok. No need to take the entire burden by yourself." That's it, those words finally break down suppressed emotions of America and his eyes started to fill with his tears that he held up for a long time since he saw the atrocious state of England. America felt that his hot tears are running down to his cheeks and his body trembling. America muttered under his breath for he wasn't able to control his emotions.
"Damn it! Why?!" he whined and he took his Texas off and buried his face to France's shoulder. He didn't want to show his puling face. "Why?! Is it England?! Why he had to suffer this all by himself?! He-he is dying?!"France embraced America tighter. He was also barely holding his emotion and at the same time, France was a bit astonished for he didn't thought that America was so grieving that it's enough for him to lament for England this much.
"It's ok, Amerique. It's ok. We will definitely and surely save, Angleterre" he cooed like what he did to Canada.
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France left the room of America and Canada after the American calmed down. He thanked France for comforting and letting him to gush out all his emotions. France sighed in relief that America gained his composure before he left.
While he was returning to his room, he recalled what America said to him.
"France, please don't tell to everyone that I cried"
"Why?"
"B-because it's embarrassing! A hero won't cry!"
France eyes widened and smirked. "All right all right, I understand"
"Promise?"
"Promise.
On the way walking through the penumbra hallway, he bumped with Ireland, who was yawning and scratching his head as he saunters toward his room. "Oh, France. You didn't sleep yet?" Ireland inquired wearily. He was exhausted too.
"Yeah, you too?" Then a snap of thoughts entered his mind, making a grin on his face. "I'm sorry, I totally forgot that you were busy carrying your lovely little brother to his room. How sweet "he sneered. Ireland's cheek turned tinged pink but he tried to appear nonchalant.
"Anyway, get back to your room, France. We will be busy tomorrow" Ireland said as he passed by the French man, avoiding his eye contact to him. "Yes, yes. I will sleep immediately as soon as I reached my room." And there was a small pause "Bonnenuit, Ireland. Happy dreaming about your precious Northern Ireland" France taunted with a grin plastered on his face. Those words halted Ireland from walking further and immediately whipped his head in miff to the direction of the French man. But when Ireland faced back, iready to chase after that mischievous country, France had already dashed to his room, shutting the door and locked it as the 'click' sound of the door lock echoes throughout the hallway. Ireland just sighed exasperatedly, noting to himself that he would surely smack him on his head tomorrow.
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Wales was sitting on the Erythraen Victorian armchair that was only few inches away from the bed where Scotland lays, feverish. He was crossing his arms against his chest, having a deep thoughts circulating in his mind while scrutinizing his brother who is currently panting and sweating in his sleep. Wales couldn't help but to worry about him and change the wet cloth on Scotland's forehead whenever it became warm. It was a bit intolerable.
Few moments later, suddenly Scotland jerked and groaned in pain as he clenched his hands while grabbing the blanket over him, making several big wrinkles on it. He curled himself; body trembling and the gritting of his teeth were tight and strong. Wales lurched from his chair and leaned his body forward, holding both shoulders of Scotland.
"Alba?! Can you hear me?" Wales shook Scotland slightly, perturbed but it seems Scotland couldn't even hear him but after few moments of struggles, the painful strain of his expression gradually eased, returning his peaceful mien and went back to sleep.
Wales sighed in mixture of relief and worry then reclined back to the sofa. He lay his hand on his forehead to ease his stress headache. "Sasana..." Not realizing that he had already entered in his deep sleep.
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Next day
America blinked his eyes when he heard the birds chirping outside the window. He groaned as he turned his body to face the ceiling while looking it with his dull and bleary eyes, still buffering why he is sleeping in unfamiliar place not until he recalled everything. He immediately rise from the sleeping position, groped for his Texas at the beside desk then checked the time through the grandfather clock that was placed beside the door. It was 6:15 am. America sighed in relief for he didn't oversleep like he always does. Easing his tense, he fixed his bed hair, grabbed his bomber jacket and head downstairs for breakfast for he needed something to eat to stop his hunger. As he thought deeper, he hadn't eat much yesterday because of the shocking scene he witnessed.
America shook his head and immediately set aside those heavy feelings. He doesn't want to remember England in bloody and deplorable form. Setting those feelings aside, he entered the dining room. As he took his first step, the aroma of cinnamon from the French toast greeted him, making him to smile and grumble his stomach.
"Oh, you're awake, America." America heard the voice from the kitchen. It was Ireland. "Good morning, Ireland!" America greeted with his big smile. Ireland seemed a little surprise which made the American to arch his eyebrow. "Did I say something wrong?" He inquired.
Ireland chuckled while waving his hand "No, no. You didn't say anything wrong. I just didn't expect that you would immediately regain your composure"
"Oh" America knew what he meant. "Who do you think I am? A wimpy kid? I'm a hero!" He said proudly while placing his hand on his chest. "Yeah, yeah, sorry about that. Anyway, have your breakfast. It is only you, Canada, and Wales who didn't eat yet."
America sat on the chair and grabbed one piece of French toast. "How about the others?"
"France and Japan left early this morning as soon as they woke up. France left after making this breakfast for all of us." Ireland answered while reclining on the chair as he sat opposite side of America. "Oh, France made this? Cool" and munched his food.
"Both of them said that they will come back before lunch after finishing all the paper works that they didn't finish so that that they could concentrate in rescuing England" Ireland explained while placing his fingers at this chin. America almost drowned while drinking his coffee, stunned by the Celtic nation's word.
"Crap, I also didn't finish making my report yet" America exclaimed.
"I won't accept you to help us rescue England if you don't finish your report, got it?" Ireland said. America looked at him in surprise and was about to say something but Ireland made the move first. "And that is final, America" then he grinned. America wasn't able to find any words or sentence to talk him back so he ended up shutting his mouth. He immediately ate his breakfast, eating almost two-thirds of it, leaving one-third of the breakfast for Canada and Wales.
"I will immediately come back!" America exclaimed before he dashed out from the mansion. Ireland giggled as he watched the American left. He found that funny and silly to see how desperate America is to help his brother. His thoughts were cut off when he heard some footsteps from the hallway not until he saw a sleepy Canadian, embracing his bear in his arms, appeared.
"Good morning, Canada" he greeted. Canada and Kumajirou gazed at Ireland with their heavy eyes. "Good morning Ireland. " Canada greeted back with his usual soft voice.
"Who?" Followed by the typical question from the bear. "I'm Canada..."
Ireland smirked with their silliness and funny relationship, still wondering where they met and how come the bear couldn't remember his owner even if they were together for how many centuries. Anyway, he invited Canada to eat his breakfast and motioned him to seat. Canada complied then sat on the same spot where America had sat.
"I heard America's voice before I came here, where is he?" Canada asked
"He went back to his house to finish his report for the World Meeting tomorrow. I said that if he won't finish his report, I won't allow his to join us to rescue England." Ireland explained then took some sips of his tea. Canada chuckled, "That was very smart of you, Ireland. Good thing I already finish making my reports before going to movies with others... where are the others by the way?"
"Same as America. They went back to their houses but they will come back before lunch" Canada hummed understandably and started to munch the French toast while his bear drinks the milk that was prepared by Ireland. There were few minutes of silence until Ireland spoke.
"So..." Ireland started awkwardly "How are you, Canada? Are you feeling alright now?" Ireland could feel his cheek getting hot for he wasn't used to this kind of conversation. Canada gave his small smile and nodded. "I'm fine, Ireland. Sorry for making you and others worry. Yes, I'm fine" Canada replied, making a relief to the Celtic nation. "I won't wimp again. I will do my best to give my fullest to save England"
The words that Canadian said surprised Ireland. He thought that it was his first time to hear those kind of words from the gentle, imperceptible Canada and it didn't sounded weak but strong, full of courage and determination. "A-at least I'm good at making strategies and long-range shooting" Canada stammered, a bit embarrassed what he opened while rubbing his cheek. Ireland smirked and placed his chin on his hand. "That's good to hear from you"
Few minutes later, they heard some trudging footsteps from the stairs, then from the hallway, and moments later, Wales entered the dining room. He was rubbing his behind neck, annoyed while muttering few Celtic words as he sat one sit apart from Canada.
"Good morning, Wales" Canada greeted with his usual soft and weak voice. "Morin' Wales. What's the matter from early in the morning?" Ireland inquired. Wales groaned in miff but managed to reply with his calm voice though complain could be perceived. "Before I could notice, I slept on the sofa while looking after Alba yesterday. Because of that, my neck and back hurts so much" then slowly stretched his neck, wanting to avoid the tingling pain but failed. He winced as the wave of pain was felt throughout his neck.
"Damn it!" He muttered. Ireland and Canada just chuckled then continued their breakfast. Wales serve him a tea before he could take some French toast. "Where are the others?" Wales asked the same question as Canada inquired. "They went back to their homes to finish their reports for tomorrow's World Meeting. They will return before lunch" Ireland gave the same explanation. Wales just nodded knowingly not until a snap of thought entered his mind.
"DidSasanamade his report?" That question made a moment of silence between the three countries. Predicting what is answer; Wales did a face palm to his forehead then sips his tea.
"I will work on it as soon as I finish my breakfast. Work again, huh..." Sighing in exhaustion, he did a grim smile. He doesn't know when and what time he could finish the report. He hoped that England prepared or at least finish half of his report.
A moment later, they heard ringing sound of a telephone from the hallway, getting all the attention of the countries. "I'll get it" Ireland said then placed his tea cup on the table and sprinted outside. "Who's that person might be calling in this early hour?" Wales inquired as Canada just shrugs his shoulders. The two left countries continued eating and munching their food. As expected of France, even his simple breakfast tastes really good and light. He must be really practicing and passionate in cooking, they thought. After another few minutes, the two finished eating their breakfasts and started to clean the table. On the way of cleaning, Ireland came back while wearing a grim grin plastered on his face.
"Who was the caller?" Wales inquired while wiping the table "And why are you wearing that grim expression?" Ireland sighed deeply and placed his hand on his forehead. "It seems like Prussia, Spain, and Romano will be coming here later"
Wales's eyebrow twitched in miff. "Who blabbed it?"