A/N: Pre-chaos warning: I recently got a job that takes up quite of my day and week. I wrote this chapter during because they haven't trained me and i just sat there and did nothing all week, but i don't know how busy it's going to get once they do train me. In addition, I have been assigned with the tedious task of making Anime-themed decorative pinatas for Anime Fest and the Paper Maché bastards are being really difficult.
In short: If I miss a week, don't be surprised. I would blame it on the pinatas.
I'll also be starting college classes by the end of August, so don't even think about it if I miss a week after that. Regardless, I WILL keep this story updated. I made myself a promise in the beginning not to be one of those writers who takes months to update. I intend to keep that promise. Once September ends everything should get less chaotic.
On a positive note, I would like to thank everyone who has read/favorites/reviewed this story! Ten chapters may not be much, but it's a huge milestone for me. The most chapters i've ever written before was...five?
For a really bad story, no less. Trust me when I say that that story was terrible and deserves to die. MUCH worse writing than in this story. I think I drew some manga pages for it too, lol. But anyway, thank you all! I hope you are still enjoying the story because it's about to get crazy from here on in.
THE SCIENCE IN THIS IS TERRIBLE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Disclaimer: Don't own any part of Hetalia.
"Is...is that it?" Canada stared dumbfounded at the large image stretched across their screen.
The image showed their enemy's ship. Sleek and very, very large, the vessel looked to be composed of two different contraptions: one the front of a spacecraft that curved down to connect with a dome-like shape in the back fixed with a rudder and keel. The vessel's bow held a single antenna, was defined and ended below the entire transport, but held no figurehead like its shape would suggest. Its entire smooth form reflected various stars in the distance and, frankly, looked magnificent floating in the blackness of space. From the distance they were viewing it onscreen, it could easily be an extraterrestrial cruise ship. England would be proud to command such a ship, even if it held no sails.
Needles to say, the large transport intimidated every nation and struck fear into their chests knowing their mission would not end until they infiltrated the surely planet-sized craft. From what they were seeing, their opponent had more than enough power to render them hopeless should they get caught.
Tony nodded once to Canada's question. "That's it."
England scrunched his nose and his left eye twitched. "Bloody hell...perhaps this was not such a jolly good idea after all."
"England, your British is showing."
"You sush!"
"I don't think you guys thought this through very well. Our resources won't reach you in time to help you infiltrate the ship. We are still trying to safely land the crew you sent back," China, projected on the monitor next to Canada's podium, informed. Mexico had taken the job of securing the safety of the returning crew, so China stepped up to assist the nations in her absence.
Canada agreed with China, but did not voice it. His violet eyes were still glued to the large spacecraft onscreen.
"Um, Tony...you never mentioned just HOW big this enemy would be. You can't really be expecting us to embark on that, right?" He asked, turning to the alien.
"To be honest, I didn't think America would end up on a ship from Velrys."
"So you know this ship's origins?" Russia asked. He hoped the nonchalance was a sign that their enemy's intimidating ship did not hold the same inside, and retrieving America would be a breeze. Tony's now slouched shoulders failed to support his hopes.
"All too well..."
Germany narrowed his eyes. The alien's defeated look did not satisfy him. "You don't sound positive. What can you tell us about this ship?"
"Well..."
Where should he start? Velrys, the planet of sunshine and stardust oozing wealth and great commerce, was known as an orb of utopian bliss. Notorious for abundant resources and its attraction to stardust – the priceless gold of the universe that birthed only when a star died – Velrys' fame spread across the galaxy.
No one ever received permission to learn why, but the planet was littered with the stellar debris on almost every grain of dirt and living cell. Unlike most planets, though, it was highly noticeable and gave off an almost dreamlike image. The cosmic dust was so ingrained into the planet, its people were known to mimic its image with their pale, almost transparent, skin that would often glow during times of great solace and peace, usually when their three moons or meteors reflected off the night sky and caused every citizen to glisten in the moonlight. The planet looked like a chrome pillow laced with sugar and floating glitter, gracing those unused to the feeling with intense euphoria. Visitors from across the galaxy would flock to see the planet and its people shimmer with the stardust. The sight was one to behold, and aliens across the globe craved to own the paradise.
The planet's peaceful picture failed to show the sheer power of its ruler, though. For centuries and possibly longer, Velrys remained untouched by invaders and other unfriendly types. Wars there were famous for lasting hardly a week, and were so common now that the word failed to be used to describe the attempts at invasions. Velrys' appointed leader, simply known as 'Armin,' successfully kept his home and citizens from succumbing to another's power since its creation - a feat amazing in its own right. He is known to plant various traps around his planet and instruct his people in defense, should they encounter a rogue who managed to land safely on their land.
Simply breaking through his defensive barriers and equally deadly offensive second barrier requires a miracle. But, should that miracle succeed in landing you on Velrys, it is often fabled that luck be the only tool successful enough to help escape the wrath of the people. As peaceful as they were, following orders from their king
Pirates and other conquerors alike see Velrys as a challenge, ne that –should anyone succeed in completing – will earn respect and the greatest prize in the sector. Unfortunately, no one has and Velrys remains untouched to this day.
Tony read on from his tablet device until he reached the end of the article. He looked up to the listening nations. "That's basically all I know."
Prussia cocked a white brow. "Didn't you just read that from an article?"
"I've read the article before, dumb-ass. What, did you think I could memorize the entire thing and tell you word for word?"
"Now listen here you little fu - "
"Tony," Germany interrupted, "What can we expect from the adversary? If what you say is true, then this alien is obviously paranoid and wary of strangers. If America managed to convince him to accept a stranger, then he might not be willing to release him easily."
Tony shrugged. "I can't really say since I've never met him. He's powerful and has the support of many allies and resources. The giant ship proves that. He could be an okay guy if he prefers peace, but if the guy happens to be an asshole, we're going to be up against one powerful sonofabitch."
"So what do we do right now?"
"I think we should split up." All eyes focused on Prussia.
"What makes you say that?" England questioned.
"Well, this guy is rich, right? So he's going to have tons of guards protecting his ship."
"He also still has the asteroid field," Tony added. Curious glances made his way and he explained, "We followed it here, which means it's back in its original post. Once it senses us or someone onboard senses us – and believe me, they will – it will come back to finish the job. I agree with fucking whitey."
Prussia almost retaliated at the offensive nickname, but his ego refused to acknowledge it when the alien agreed with his idea. He grinned confidently. "Yeah! Like my awesome self said, we should split up to keep the enemy off-track! One to keep their attention on the ship, while the other sneaks onboard and rescues America."
"That's actually not a bad idea…," Canada admitted, index finger and thumb under his chin. "But is it really safe to split up? If we keep the ship as a decoy, which is very dangerous in itself, then that means we'd have to send one of the smaller escape pods to infiltrate the other vessel. It would be very vulnerable and those onboard could easily die."
All was quiet. Although they'd agreed to the mission knowing the risks and proclaimed to accept it, none of them felt they were ready to risk it all yet. If they were honest, the humans were to be used as decoys before they would, but that option disappeared along with the missing escape pods. At that point, their persons were to be the only expendables available.
In spite of all they'd already been through, the actual mission started with their next move. Their pride as nations, who'd lived past countless wars, refused to allow them death at such an infant state.
"Do you want to save America, or not?" Tony sneered.
"I do! But we can't go risking it all on something we aren't sure of! Unlike you aliens, we are not experienced in space travel and had to work hard just to build this one ship!"
"How sad."
The alien's taunting only enraged Canada. Their previous encounter left a sour note in his gut, and he had not forgiven the alien for questioning his position. They needed Tony, but Canada was confident even he could make a plan now that the enemy was within their sights.
Anger boiled in his stomach, ready to be released. Only this time, all sights were on him. America's absence meant he would be heard. Everyone would listen to what he had to sayrather than politely apologize for not even noticing his presence.
Canada's chance to unleash his rage upon the alien never came, for Sweden grunted and brought everyone's attention to the monitor table he currently occupied. He pointed towards a blinking dotted line, heading straight towards the figure representing their ship.
"Something is heading towards us," Japan observed, his usually deadpanned expression wrinkled with concern.
"It's the asteroid field," said Tony. "We don't have much time, a couple of hours or so, so I suggest you bastards hurry the fuck up and decide what you want to do before your ship gets pummeled. We still need to prepare and crap."
Multiple pairs of eyes met each other, often switching to another color or shade, contemplating their choices.
As much as he wanted to lead, Canada realized their only option was probably their best option, and he'd have no choice but to hand leadership to the much more knowledgeable alien for now.
"A-alright! We'll split up, but who's going with whom?"
"Should we flip coins again?" Spain suggested, holding up the coin used earlier.
"Are you daft? We can't decide something so critical on a coin!"
"Then we will depart on our skills!" All eyes focused on Russia. The beige-blonde turned to his sister and placed both hands on her shoulders, earning a curious look from the female. "You will stay here." Belarus' eyes widened, as did her mouth, but Russia continued before she could protest. "You have proven to be skilled at maneuvering this ship out of harms way. If anyone can steer it to safety while the second group infiltrates the enemy, it is you." Belarus remained wide-eyed, but otherwise quiet. She was filled with joy from her brother's praise.
Russia did not want to use his sister's infatuation to manipulate her, but he knew she would be most useful on the ship – possibly safer as well, so he continued and hoped his encouragement was enough to convince the pale woman to stay. "I trust you sister. Will you do this for me?" He gave his most sincere smile, similar to the one he always wore only truthful (for the most part) in its intentions.
In that moment, nothing was more important to Belarus than her brother. Her mind clouded with his kind words, she nodded, a goofy smile on her dazed face.
Satisfied, Russia turned to his fellow nations. "Then I will be going with Canada, whom I assume will be going, seeing as he is our leader." He looked to Canada who in turn nodded to confirm. Russia smiled his usual smile then, and eyed the remaining nations. "Who is staying with my sister? I suggest those not combat-ready."
Everyone stood frozen, nobody willing to accept staying with the crazed woman. Eventually, Estonia sighed and raised his arm, figuring he was too used to her psychotic tendencies for it to affect him anymore. Japan soon followed, offering companionship to his partner and not willing to jump into combat just yet. Belarus had proven herself to him, so Japan was not as worried about the asteroid field as he was about hostile aliens. Estonia smiled gratefully.
Spain and France offered to stay, as did Sweden, but Tony grabbed his rising hand before it could reach any higher. "I think you should come with us. You look scary enough to frighten our enemy."
Although the comment offended Sweden, he accepted anyway. Finland had informed him once about his naturally scary face; he supposed it might as well be put to use.
"In that case I think I should go! I'm the most intimidating here," proclaimed Prussia.
"Your big mouth would get all of us killed before we could even introduce ourselves." Prussia advanced on the alien until Germany pulled him back by the neck of his uniform. Tony ignored the threat and roughly exhaled, angered that America's kind took so long to decide on something. No wonder their planet was a mess. "Why don't you just let your supposed leader choose? I'm goddamn sick of hearing all of you argue about decisions!"
A pause before, begrudgingly, all attention turned to Canada. Said nation was not prepared for the onslaught of eyes, but seeing Tony's almost smug smirk angered him to no end, so he faced his crew's wrath and called out names for the groups.
"England, Prussia, Estonia, Japan, France, Spain, and Belarus will stay here. The rest will be going with me to meet with their leader."
"What?! How could you leave me out?!" Prussia bellowed. Canada could feel a headache forming from the outburst. He sharply turned his head to the albino nation and focused his irritated eyes on him. "Are you questioning me?"
Prussia shrieked and stepped back at the almost malicious tone of Canada's voice. The nation's usually soft violet eyes were darkened to an almost dark-blue and his mouth formed a sharp frown. Prussia shook his head and lifted his arms in mock-surrender. "N-no way! I'll stay!"
Canada almost felt guilty making the albino, one of the few who recognized him as Canada from the beginning, frightened, but with Tony's scrutinizing gaze and his inner struggle to differentiate himself from his brother,Canada did not feel like "putting up with people's shit" as America would have said. As much as the alien was annoying him now, Tony was correct when he mentioned their constraint on time. They couldn't rush this like they did in the beginning. Whatever time they had left before the asteroid reached them needed to be capitalized on. Any mistakes would be costly – Canada understood that much.
His decision made, Canada ordered his crew to prepare. Food, supplies, fuel – weapons; it all needed to be stocked into packs and onto an escape pod, as well be prepared somewhere on the ship for those staying to utilize.
Steadfast in their assigned chores, every nation prepared each request to the smallest detail. If they were not in the control room, they were preparing the rest of the ship for their mission - nothing could be overlooked.
Seeing everyone follow his orders filled Canada with pride. Is this really what America always felt? He could grow addicted to the feeling. Much of the contentment was knowing that people were not ignoring him, but the idea that everyone basically achieved world peace because of his orders also excited him. It was a great feeling to be noticed.
Just as he turned around, Canada found himself face to face with England, who'd been waiting for him to finish instructing the others. The Englishman anxiously looked at his second former charge.
"C-canada, lad… why did you not put me in your group? You know I can be of use with you."
Images of the revolution flashed through Canada's mind. He couldn't help but feel as if choosing to separate mimicked America's knack for rebellion. I have a good excuse. Of course, England was unaware of Canada insecurities. Should he tell him? It would surely make the Englishman feel better about being left behind. However, Canada did not want England to regain control.
Throughout their trip England took a stand when the duty supposedly fell on Canada. He'd make decisions and enforce them, just as a nation should – all the while Canada stood back or fell unconscious, ignored once more in the battles similarly fought on Earth during the monthly world meetings, only to be acknowledged when it was greed the 'leader' make their final decision.
For once, Canada did not want to be ignored during a national argument. He wanted to kick and scratch as well, and prove Canada held a force to be reckoned with.
If he expressed his insecurities, England would belittle him, intentionally or not – it was just in the tea-loving nation's character to do so. Canada would be giving England permission to coddle him like when he was his colony, just because he admitted to feeling weak as a leader. The wavy-blonde did not want that. He did not want someone's comfort; he wanted recognition.
There were times when each nation faced a large struggle that would define their person. Canada believed it had already happened when he gained independence just as America did, but standing there as a leader of a strong crew, in front of his previous caretaker on a mission to rescue his superpower brother, somehow he knew his real chance was then and would continue until they rescued America.
Canada looked down at his former caretaker. Their heights, although only different by a few centimeters, gave Canada more confidence in his leadership.
"England, I know you like to lead, but I can't have the entire crew go out. It would be best if you stayed here as temporary leader and monitor everyone. I can handle the others."
"Are you sure? It will be quite dangerous."
"So is staying here."
"With that whack lass and gobby albino? The asteroids are the least of my worries at this point. But I suppose you are right…Are you sure you can handle It on your own?"
"I'm America's brother. As much I hate being compared to him, I can't deny we have similarities. I may not be as physically strong, but my country isn't part of the G8 for no reason."
The certainty emitting from those words made England smile. He complied and went to instruct his part of the crew. He figured meddling in a growing boy's life would be pointless at this stage, and let Canada to embark on his own journey.
Four hours later after everyone had been fed, cleaned, rested (mainly Spain), and geared for their part of the mission, the signal went off.
The beeping throughout the ship surprised everyone, but only seconds later all the nations raced to the control room where their final meet up would be.
Tony, having already been in the control room for quite some time calibrating most of their weapons and directional gears, typed a code in and soon the large screen showed an all-too familiar asteroid field heading their way. "It's on bitches! Let's get the fuck out here!" He sped away towards the escape pods.
Canada followed, also leading his group (Sweden, Russia, and Germany) to the same destination.
Everyone's supplies were already there, and they'd changed to their space-travel suits earlier (really the same outfit only fit with slightly thick pads and a helmet supplied with oxygen should they need to exit their ship). All that needed to be done was separate from the ship, and they'd be on their way towards enemy lines.
Tony did not seem bothered and hollered, "Don't die while we're out!" before entering the fairly cramped pod.
Prussia walked by to give Germany a one-armed embrace ('bro hug' as he'd named it) before walking back and allowing Germany to enter the pod next. Sweden followed silently, then Russia after receiving a very tight hold from his passionate sister. Canada stayed behind only a moment to wave to England and the rest of his crew, mouthing a silent 'goodbye'. With a grin he hoped worked as well as America's, complete with thumbs up and shining white teeth, he stepped into the now cramped pod. The door close, sealed, and all that remained was quiet among the team.
Canada decided to break the silence and encourage his teammates. "Ready to save America you guys?"
"Oh for fuck's sake, man. Just dislodge this thing already. We're wasting time," Tony grumbled.
All four nations in the pod glared, but Russia chose not to waste time anyway and pulled the lever next to his left. There was a release of gas, a buckle, and the pod began to slowly float from the The Nation.
Back on the ship, the warning beeping grew louder as the oncoming danger neared their vessel.
Belarus sat poised at the podium, hands on the controls and a determined glare on her face. Spain, France, and Prussia were seated near the front, ready to unleash hell on the space rocks threatening them. Tony had unlocked majority of the weapons for them and Prussia had been all too eager to name the Bad Touch Trio as the offense.
Estonia and Japan remained towards the back, at the ready on a virtual map that would show a proper course to take in avoiding the asteroids and still head towards the large enemy ship.
England stood tall next to Belarus, green eyes blazing and trained on their obstacle. He felt powerful, just like in his pirate days. He almost wanted to thank America for going missing so he could experience that power once more.
"Be ready, everyone! Starship B-47: The Nation will not go down!"
A/N2: Learning time: According to what I read (and when you think about it it's pretty simple), stardust is basically the carcass of a dead star. All those particles eventually combine to create something else. Earth was essentially stardust at one point. The special thing about Armin's planet is that a lot of the stardust did not mix and remained as glowing debris. His people are unaffected, but I would assume that the chemicals floating around the air would act as a harmless drug to anyone unused to being around it. In addition to its drowsy affect, it still glows and would look like fairy/pixie dust in the air, and glitter on a solid surface.
Needless to say, Armin's planet would look like a really gorgeous, shiny digital drawing. The glitter above a lake at night? The northern lights? Yeah, Armin's planet is covered in that.
I also went crazy trying to make England sound more British. I went to the UK Yahoo! and found some hilarious lines in article comments. Forgive me if i made him sound stupid.
Review if i missed or contradicted anything. I miss a lot of stuff, trust me.