Author's Notes: I would like to apologize in advance. Although everyone enjoys my realistic approach to the story, the fact is, There are mythical creatures in the story. This will be fucking hilarious I swear.
I felt refreshed. I was just about to go to bed after taking a relaxing bath in the onsen. It was neat that the school had different style baths for the students, since we were all students from foreign countries. I was reminded of my trip to Japan. It was almost a year ago now. My eyes felt heavy, and I drifted off into sleep, dreaming of various past events.
I opened my eyes and laid there for what felt like forever. I thought I was dream. I did fall asleep, didn't I? I sat up in...bed? I was at home. I felt tears well up in my eyes. So was World Academy just a dream? The tears stopped just before they started as I heard a knock on the door. "Come in!" I called out, after making sure I was in appropriate attire. The door opened gently to reveal...Laddie. "Good morning Amy! Are you ready for seaport village?" He asked, while grinning. It was then I realized, I was dreaming. I was dreaming of the fourth of July before I came. It was a little after I got out of the insane asylum, so everyone in town was trying to make me feel at home again. Which would explain Laddie's over the top mood. I only nodded in response, not sure how to answer. "Okay, well we'll be down stairs waiting for you! Don't be too long." He smiled warmly before leaving.
I watched the human girls go back and forth with the feminine gossip, and couldn't help but feel my tail wag. It had been nearly six months since I was with my mistress.
"Your grandpa sent this kitty for Amy?" Ariel asked in disbelief.
"Yeah! Remember the school wide trip to Japan? She was with my grandparents for the home stay. Apparently he promised her one of the cats." Kiniko responded as both girls played with the damned creature.
"Ooh, he's such a cutie!"
Oh! You probably have no idea who I am, do you? Let me introduce myself. My name is Bella L'Amerique. I am an Inugami, sworn to protect my mistress, Amelia. I am young though, and not very powerful. It has killed me inside to be away from her for so long. First she was in a mental hospital, now she's in a foreign country. To my joy, Amelia's friends have discussed taking me with them to France, so I may see her.
It's a fucking shame this stupid cat will be with me.
"What's his name?" Ariel asked curiously.
"Milkyway."
"Oh! That's so cute and fitting! Your family has weird cats!" She held up the cat to get a better view.
This cat, I can only guess, is a Nekomata, who is also now sworn to my mistress. I'm not pleased at all with trusting this cat, but if I'm going to be with him, for most likely, the rest of my life, I'll have to make friends with him.
"It's dinner time!" Laddie called from downstairs, and the two ladies left us alone.
"Well hello there Inugami." The cat said, circling me.
I didn't move from my position.
"I have a name you know."
"You don't have a tag though."
"I require none."
"...How old are you, like 70?" He asked in disbelief.
"Ten." I stated monotonously.
"What? No way, you're too stingy to be a baby!" He exclaimed.
"I am no child! You are!" I pointed out, his 7 month old status.
"Fine, I'll call you gramps then!"
"I should eat you right now!"
"Whatever, gramps."
Silence ensued, save for my growls.
"I'm going to meet the mistress now, so leave me be." The cat said to me as he curled up on Ariel's bed.
I felt giddy as I skipped along the pathway in seaport village. It was a beautiful sunny day in July, the sky would be clear for fireworks tonight. "Hey look! A music box store!" Ariel pointed out and we all went inside. All around us music boxes were playing and in some strange way, they were all in Harmony. I came across a little music box in the shape of a heart. I remember buying this on the fourth. Something inside me enticed me to buy it just as I did in real life. It was heart shaped, and played a melody I'd never heard of. On the inside, there was room for a picture of a couple and place to set a ring. ( As we left the store, I saw a cat that caught my attention. I don't recall seeing any cats that day, only dogs. I looked to my left, and noticed no one was there, and to my right, the same. I turned straight ahead and realized, the cat and I were the only people here now. I felt my heart tighten in fear. "Don't be scared." It said. Since this was a dream, I'm not surprised it's talking. "Who are you?" "I'm Milkyway! But since you'll be my mommy, you can call me whatever you want." It somehow smiled at me. "To...morrow?" I asked. "Of course! When you go to France!" It was very child-like. Mutt? Who's he referring to? "Well, I hope you enjoy your dream, princess." It chuckled before disappearing. "Wait!" I called out, reaching my hand out, before it disappeared, leaving me back to my dream. "Amelia!" Charm called out. (Lord help me write this part without laughing my ass off) I sighed in defeat, before following. We went to the restaurant my brother used to take me to all the time. The food smelled delicious, like I remember from when I was a child. Everything was nice and calm. Everyone was enjoying themselves having a normal Fourth of July...that is until we heard a cannon go off. My friends and I were the only people not alarmed by this, for some reason. More cannons went off and people began to scream and scramble. We all stood up together, and despite better judgment, we went towards the source of the noise rather than away towards the parking lot. We saw, along the water...A fucking pirate ship. All I could say at this moment is what the fuck, this didn't happen on the fourth of July. "Is it just me or is that the Union Jack those ships are bearing." Laddie said. OK! SERIOUSLY. WHAT. THE. FUCK? That when we decide to start heading for the car, before those ship got too close. Sadly, I got separated in the hysteria, and somehow ended up alone, which was not good at all. The ships finally got close enough to shore, and that's when all hell broke loose. Since I couldn't run away from the shore, I ran along the shore line until I found a replica ship used during the American Revolutionary way. As much as I hated cliches, No one was in there and right now, it was my best bet on hiding. I ran onto the ship, and looked up. It shouldn't have been odd since it was the fourth of July. I somehow felt compelled to protect it. "Check the restaurant, I'll check this boat. Remember! If you find her I want her alive." I heard a voice yell out, making me tense. It was almost familiar. I turn and look over the railing and see what appears to be a first mate and captain, judging by the hats. Does someone have a grudge against me or something? I run into the closest door or hatch, which happened to be the captain's room. I hold my breath to the best of my abilities and listen with anticipation as footsteps slowly walk on deck. "Oh princess...I know you're here." Oh so that's what the cat was talking about earlier. He stopped moving for a moment and I stopped breathing momentarily. I wanted to slide down the door I was leaning against but knew better. He started towards the captain's room and I gasped lightly. It was silent for what felt like forever, until finally I heard footsteps fade away. I took a deep breath and sighed when I thought he was gone. Suddenly the door was swung open and I fell back, and straight into the arms of the captain, who tightened his grip on me. I dared open my eyes to see...England smirking at me?
"I can't wait to see you tomorrow." He said to me.
"I wanted to meet my mommy before I got to see her. I need to learn everything I can about you before hand so I can make sure to make you happy, even if the mutt doesn't like that."
"Come on! Let's get lunch already!"
I turn to and fro looking at my surroundings before flipping in my bed and smashing my face into the pillow with a groan.
Really? An English Pirate invasion at a sea village on the fourth of July? REALLY? Why Mr. Cat, why?It was nine in the morning and I was currently waiting for my friends at their flight gate. They were late, which was not good. We had to check in at our gate in less than an hour. I checked my watch again, before I heard a voice.
"Amy!"
I turned around to see Ariel waving. She was only carrying her purse, which was odd. Then I saw Laddie, Charm and Micheal carrying the rest. I was tackled with a hug.
"Oh, Amelia! It's been too long since we last met!"
"I missed...you...too?"
"We brought a present." Charm said, holding up a fluffy carry on with a dark screen cover.
I peered closer before hearing a small yap of a bark.
"Bella!" I exclaimed, taking the bag from my friend.
If I weren't in an airport, I'd open the pet carry-on right now. I settled for opening the front slightly and petting him from there. I never mentioned it before, but I have a dog by the name Bella L'Amerique. He's almost ten years old now, but still looks like a puppy. He's a Papillion. I felt him nuzzle my hand and whimper, wanting to be released.
"Oh that was the dog." Charm said, turning to Laddie who was carrying an identical carry on.
Laddie held it up.
"This, is your present. From Kiniko."
I looked up at what Laddie was holding, and felt the color from my face drain. It was a cat like I had dreamed about.
"Oh...It's so cute." I hesitated.
"I think we're going to be late if we don't hurry." Micheal pointed out.
We high-tailed it to our gate. As we were waiting in line to get on the plane, Ariel tugged at my jacket sleeves impatiently.
"What?" I said harshly.
She covered half of her mouth in a whispering gesture, and pointed at some familiar looking fellows.
"Oh my god! Don't they look like Hetalia characters?" She asked in hushed excitement.
I looked in the direction she was pointing and stared in shock. It was England, France, Canada, America, and Sealand. Ironic, isn't it? I felt my heart flip and my face turn red.
"Possibly just some cosplayers! Hurry it's our turn!" I pushed her forward.
"But the France has a beard and the England has eyebrows!" She whined in protest.
Of course we had business class, so it was unsatisfyingly cramped in there. We were all in the middle row. Micheal on a seat next to the aisle, Laddie next to him, and me in the middle. I had Bella under my seat and that cat was under Laddie's. In the row in front of us, Ariel and Charm were separated by a seat. I began my attempt at relaxing until someone else sat next to me. I looked to see who had sat next to me out of habit, and instantly regretted it. Of the entire plane, England had to end up sitting next to me. I turned to Laddie.
"How long will the flight be?" I asked.
"A few hours probably." He replied, not really caring.
"Amelia?" I heard England ask in disbelief.
Great, he recognized my voice. I turned to him, faking surprise.
"England? What are you doing here?"
"Well, France invited me." He said, rubbing the back of his head.
Just then, Ariel popped her head up over the seat and gave me a very questioning look. Irritated with her I smacked her hand while whispering in aggravation.
"I'll explain later!"
After the plane took off and we were given the signal that it was okay to unbuckle our seats, I took Ariel to the empty seats next to the emergency exit. I dreaded explaining his to her, because I knew what her reaction would be.
"Okay, explain." She demanded, more than asking.
I sighed, not really wanting to. I decided to leave it at basics until she asked specific questions.
"They're friends from school."
"That look like Hetalia characters?" She almost exclaimed.
I shushed her.
"Yes! Now don't say it so loud." I whispered
"How can I not? You go to school with people that shouldn't be real!" She hissed.
"Look! I don't question it, neither should you."
"I want to go to school with you." She whined.
"Too bad." I said.
I sighed.
"Can you please not mention anything?"
"How can I not?"
"Very easily."
"Fine...but on one condition."
"What?"
"Invite them to stay with us at my family's estate over winter break!" She giggled.
"What? That would be rude, besides I'm sure they have hotel reservations."
"And what if they don't? Please! Do this for me."
I growled, not wanting to consider it.
"Fine! But if they say no, then fuck it." I whispered firmly, and she squealed in response.
After our lovely encounter, we went back to our seats, and considered how I would approach France on this. Yes, France, since he's the one showing the others around. I realized when I was going back to my seat, that Sealand was sitting with England. I smiled slightly, thinking it was adorable that England had a younger brother. No I didn't forget, I just never thought about it. Ariel giggled at me, and I hit the back of her chair, not caring whether it bothered England or not. She knew, since we were younger, I thought it was cute when guys had younger siblings.
"Hey!" She hissed at me.
It was silent for awhile, during that time I tried to sleep. As I was about to fall asleep, Laddie's head fell on mine. I felt irritation bubble inside me.
"Laddie, get your head off me."
"But I don't want to, you make a great pillow." He whined.
"I said get off." I said, trying push his weight off, as he laughed quietly.
I growled after many failed attempts and gave up, crossing my arms.
"I hate you so much right now." I said to him and he laughed.
It was quiet for several moments before Laddie whispered to me.
"Why does that guy sitting next to you look familiar?" He said in slight suspicion.
I panicked internally for a moment, before speaking.
"Probably from pictures I sent you guys." I replied in deep hope that he'd buy into it.
Laddie watched anime like Ariel and I, but he wasn't a huge fan of Hetalia. I didn't think he'd recognize England though.
"Nah, I'm sure I've seen him somewhere else."
He lifted his head from mine, staring at England as he read a book. I panicked more and didn't know how to respond. I was thankfully saved by Charm.
"Hey, I'm going to play my DS with this guy, you guys want to join?" Charm asked, referring to me and Laddie.
I heard Ariel laugh and I chuckled with her. We had an ongoing joke that Charm and America would get along, and we were right.
"Sure." I whispered, pulling out my bag and digging through it for my DS.
"Yeah...I guess I'll play to." Laddie gave in.
After watching America and Charm die constantly at the hands of a boss they couldn't defeat, the plane had landed finally. As we got off the plane I tried to catch up to France.
"France!" I called out, waving my hand in the air.
He turned to my relief and smiled.
"Ah, Amelia! What can I do for you?"
As I caught up to him I blushed.
"Uh...what hotel are you staying at?" I asked, casually.
"Ah it's the hotel just down the street from here." He said as we started walking.
"Why do you ask?" He turned to me.
"Well, uh..."
Ariel suddenly jumped on my back and said something to him in French.
"Ariel, get off me." I grunted, and they continued their conversation in French until we got out of the gate area.
After an agonizingly long conversation, Ariel got off my back and squealed.
"Damn you! Ariel, my back hurts now."
"Who cares? He agreed!"
"But what about the rest of them? Charm and I don't even know what the house looks like!" I waved my arms in exaggeration.
She ignored me, which made me angry. Everyone continued conversations from when we were on the plane. I stood around bored, standing next to Laddie, since he was carrying Bella L'Amerique. Out of nowhere America and Charm both jumped me in a sense. One with their arm around one shoulder and same with the other.
"Ah, I see you get along quite well."
"Amelia, you didn't tell me I had a twin!" Charm said, shaking me.
"Yeah, we're pretty much alike." America stated.
Throughout the talking in the crowds, I could hear Ariel giggle, which in turn made me smile. After getting through all the lovely procedures that come with international flight, we found the driver. As we were lead to a limo, Charm and I, as well as America, England, Sealand, and Canada all paused in shock.
"You weren't lying." Charm said.
Ariel, blushed and covered her face. It was quite embarrassing for her. Amongst a town of well off or poor families, she came from a well known family that grew produce. Laddie was not embarrassed at all however. His father believed in making his children work for their earnings, so it was a privilege for Laddie to experience the high life as his cousin did.
The driver opened the trunk and somehow, fit all of our luggage in there, to our surprise. As we all fit into the car, conversation started again.
"How long have you been friends with them?" England asked out of nowhere, he was slightly red, which I didn't get because it was quite cold out.
In unison we all tilted our heads to side in thought.
"Too long." Charm and I said, while Ariel, Laddie and Michelangelo said
"Over a decade."
"How did you guys meet?" America asked, getting curious, it seemed odd and out of character for him.
"Well..." Laddie said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"NO!" Charm yelled, reaching over Ariel, Michelangelo and I just to hit Laddie.
"Don't talk about it!"
Laddie instinctively covered himself to avoid the hit and just to piss off Laddie told them the story.
"It started with Bullies. Everyone wanted to pick on the new Irish kid. Since Amy wouldn't stand for that, she stepped in, saved his ass, and in the process made a friend, and since Charm hung out with her I started to as well."
Charm sat arms crossed and sunk into his seat in embarrassment. He didn't like people knowing he wasn't the world's best fighter. Everyone laughed.
It didn't take us long to get to Ariel's home, there wasn't a lot of traffic as expected. As we got of the car, Charm went nuts.
"DUDE! THIS PLACE IS HUGE!" Charm screamed and ran around in excitement.
"OH MY GOD! YOU'RE RIGHT!" America shouted, but didn't go nuts.
"This looks perfect for a California house party." Michelangelo said with a smirk.
"NON!" Ariel shouted.
"Mama, would kill me." She said.
"HOLY CHRIST! LET'S HAVE A HOUSE PARTY!" Charm yelled, going crazy over the idea.
"NO! We'll discuss this later, MAYBE! You know what, I'm not even entertaining the idea, NO!" Ariel said, waving her hands in disapprovement.
"Can we atleast play some cool music and dance?" I asked.
"That sounds awesome!" America yelled.
"A party sounds fun." France said.
"Sounds like trouble." England said.
"Well then..." Charm started, turning to Michelangelo to finish.
"YOU'RE NO FUN!" They both pointed.
"Ariel! You're home!" A voice echoed through the house, as the doors opened.