Sealand, Part 1

Hey guys! Sorry that the previous chapter was so short – I wanted to keep Canada's only part simple. Here's Sealand's debut now. Don't worry, he isn't going to spontaneously die- like so many nations so far... (I apologise for my lack of mercy... I regret nothing.)

I've been fighting illness, snow, and... other things, so these updates have been very irregular. I'll try to update more often, but it's difficult! (As France would say...)

This chapter is set December, 2009- at the beginning of the war.

Anyway, enjoy... and yes, Sealand can walk on water in this.

Also, a short amv that has become the summary of my story (in memory flashbacks- they come in later chapters): .com/watch?v=37t8oa82Z4w

The song is Pieces, by Red...

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"Finland?"

No answer...

"Finland!"

The phone's cut off.

I try redialling, but no one answers.

Concerned, I try to phone Sweden.

Again... no answer.

Is my line down? Maybe the power has gone...

I run up to ground level and gaze out to the sea- east. In the direction of the Nordics. I look for any sign of trouble; I heard about the invasion of Russia, but that's all I've heard. England wouldn't tell me anything about it apart from that it doesn't concern me. But it does. So yes, I'm only a small country, but I have people I care about. Latvia is really close to where the invasion is, and Finland and Sweden- where are they? What happened to them...

With a small hesitation I leap down from the platform, landing on the water lightly. Finding my balance on the surface, I run forward; I mustn't dawdle if I'm going to be of help. I may not be very big, but I'm still strong, and I can stand up to anyone. Even Russia! I first heard the news a few weeks ago, back in November. It's December now, and it's a little difficult to run when the wind is so strong here. I'll be alright though. Fully kitted for winter, I continue to keep a steady pace along the water, jumping over bigger waves to land on the other side. I've ran longer lengths before; I tried the Atlantic once to visit America and Canada, but I got tired half way and ended up having to be 'rescued' by America in his helicopter. I insisted that I didn't need saving, but thanked him for the ride anyway. It was a little embarrassing because it made my water-walking skills look silly, but he said it was cool so I suppose it didn't matter. England was livid when he found out. If he knew I was running to see the Nordics at a time like this, he would be furious.

I wonder what America and Canada are doing right now... Last I heard, they were preparing for their defence against Russia. I hope they're alright. But I don't think they're having any problems yet. I must concentrate on finding the Nordics instead of worrying about them.

After a while of sprinting along the deep blue waves, I notice that the air has become icier. Then, after a few more miles, it begins to snow. For once, I'm not excited about it. I'm getting a bad feeling... Something isn't right.

My fears are only heightened when I spot land ahead- Denmark. Bellowing smoke rises from the shore, like a terrible omen. A warning- telling me to run away. But I continue forward. What could have happened? Is he alright?

... and if Denmark is in danger... what about Finland and Sweden?

They're a lot closer to Russia... No... please tell me they're alright...

I finally reach the shore, squinting through the snow falling thickly in front of me, to gaze at the local town. Everything seems perfectly alright here... It's strangely quiet. Not a sound apart from the distant roar of smoke up ahead, closer now.

So I keep running forward. I try to call Finland again, but again- no answer. Another nation springs to mind, and suddenly I feel very ill. Latvia. I dial his number as I continue through empty streets.

-it rings.

I skid to a halt, causing snow to spray up from my feet. Surrounded by the cold, in an unfamiliar town, I wait. My heart thuds painfully in my chest.

... then someone answers.

"Hello, Peter."

It isn't Latvia. My heart stops beating, too petrified to move along with the rest of me, as I manage.

"... R-Russia...?"

I can almost hear the crooked smile in his voice as he says, "I haven't heard from you in a while. How are you?"

"Where's Latvia!" I demand, "What have you done to my friends!"

"It counts who you mean... because some of them were very naughty, Sealand. They were going to tell on me."

"Because you're invading them!"

"I'm not invading, I'm protecting myself. Everyone's invading me."

"But- wh-why would everyone attack you-? What have you done with-"

"He's dead."

I lose my voice. Something is caught in my throat.

"-and Estonia too. They're both dead. They were going to hurt me, I had to-"

"You're wrong. You're lying."

"No, they're dead. I cut across their throats with a kitchen knife."

I let out a small whimper of horror, unable to believe what I'm hearing, "No- NO! You're lying- shut up- you're lying-!"

"You can come and see for yourself if you want. If you see Lithuania, tell him he's not going to get away from me. I'm better at hide-and-seek..."

He hangs up. I throw the mobile away from my ear and into the snow in panic, screaming blindly. He's lying. He can't have killed them. Nations can't die. That's stupid- impossible!

Russia... couldn't have...

Latvia... please tell me you're not dead... you can't be.

I look again at the smoke rising from the land ahead, dark and menacing.

...and for the first time since I got here, I consider turning back. I can't do this on my own. I'm... scared.

But if I turn back, I could be leaving my friends in danger.

I couldn't do that. I have to find them. I need to find them. I know he's still alive- he has to be.

I make my way forward.

I have to find them. Before it gets dark...

Fears are products of the self conscious.

Every fear has a root.

It will not go away unless conquered.

The conquest itself depends on ourselves.

The strength lies inside.

... Conquer the fear.