Author's note
It'sssssss Christmas time!!!! Ahhh I love Christmas! Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays if you celebrate a different holiday this time of year!
1. This chapter has a LOT of action, hopefully it isn't too overwhelming! There are a lot of nations too... Don't worry, the big group will split soon XD! The events at America's house will happen in the next chapter, along with the... Aftermath of this one!
2. As I have said, I've two endings for this, one definite, and another that opens the door for a sequel. I don't think this story will go over 30 chapters... but you never know! I'm aiming for about 25!
3. Make sure y'all review, review, review! I love to hear what people think, and now that we are at a halfway point, I'd like to know what you think so far and recommendations for later chapters/stories! I also saw the traffic stats for this story, and WOW a lot of people have seen this. Hi story passersby, tell me your thoughts!
With that said, I hope yall are having a great Holiday season (expect around 2 more updates this month!), here is Chapter 15!!
-WindowsXP2005
Chapter 15
At England's house, the morning of May 19th.
Canada flung open the door to England's room, where the room's main inhabitant and Sealand were sleeping.
"Wake up!! He's on his way!"
England jumped up and fell off his bed.
"Bloody hell, I think that's the loudest you've ever spoken, Matthew!" He grumbled.
Sealand tiredly opened his eyes. "Good morning, Mattie." He yawned.
"You both need to get dressed. We've made you a hideout in the basement. Arthur… are you ready?"
England sighed. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Canada walked out of the room. England turned to Sealand.
"How are you doing, Peter?"
"As ok as I can be. What about you, Iggy?"
"The same as you. Let's get dressed and go meet them outside."
Sealand nodded in agreement. The brothers mostly stayed in silence. They didn't typically talk anyway, but this was different. As England put on his tie, he noticed Sealand struggling with his scarf. Tears started to form in the micronation's eyes as he pulled it at every point to make it look perfect.
"Hey, hey! What's wrong? I can help you."
"N-no, I can get it." He squeaked.
He took it off and tried again, but to no avail.
"Please tell me why you're upset?" England pleaded.
Sealand clutched the scarf tightly. "B-before I went to live w-with Tino and Papa, my prince w-would always help me. After I m-moved to their house, T-tino would always help me."
"You don't need to cry, Peter. I can help you-"
"I want Mama to help me!" He cried as he laid back on the bed.
"I-I want Mama and Papa back."
England pulled Sealand up and into a hug. "We'll try our hardest to get them back, I promise. I'll do everything I can to have America bring them back. I'm sure I can get to him!!"
"Are y-you sure you can?"
"I believe so. We can only hope. Here, let me help with your scarf."
England tied it around perfectly, just like Finland had before.
"You have to stop crying, Peter. You can't show America any weakness. Just like Sweden would have. They are probably very proud of how brave you've been."
"You think they are?"
"I'm sure of it. Becoming a fine young gentleman takes work, and it's more than just acting proper. Now let's go outside and see what Matthew has to say, ok?"
"Ok!"
They walked to the door. England was surprised when Sealand's little hand intertwined with his.
"Don't be worried, Iggy. Everything will turn out alright."
He said, half reassuring his brother, half reassuring himself.
England squeezed his hand and gave a weary smile.
"Of course it will." And they walked out to the living room.
"We don't have much time," Canada remarked.
He was fully dressed in his park ranger uniform, his alert purple eyes contrasting with the bright red jacket.
"Is everyone clear on the plan?"
They nodded. "Get into position. He is 20 minutes away, I am sure we can get him. Did your agents secure the plane?"
"Yes. They have it surrounded, and it won't leave unless me or my brother's command it to." England replied.
"Good. Let's go."
Sealand walked down the stairs to the basement.
"Here's some blankets!" Luxembourg passed out one to each country.
Denmark wrapped Sealand up in a blanket and put his arm around him.
"Don't worry Sea, things are gonna go back to normal soon! They are gonna try their best to get Sve and Fin back, then everything will be alright!"
"At least you got us, Sea. We are gonna be ok, just you wait and see!" Wales chimed in.
Sealand looked up at Denmark. "What happens if they fail?" He asked.
The life seemed to drain right out of Denmark as the thought of what could happen crossed his mind.
"L-lets not think about it!! We are sure to win!"
"Don't lie to him."
Everyone turned to Italy, who hadn't really spoken since he had seen Romano's body yesterday.
"If America can kill Sweden, Finland, and my Fratello, what do you think will happen upstairs? Sealand has suffered a lot, I don't think lying to him or yourself is going to make anything better. So what do you think is going to happen, Denmark?"
The southernmost Nordic country was speechless, Italy's amber eyes were fixed intently on him.
"I don't know." He replied dryly.
"And that's what makes me afraid."
Upstairs
A car pulled into the driveway. Scotland held his breath. From the light white curtains he could see golden blonde hair. America.
Northern Ireland was ready to open the door at any notice, with Portugal behind him on the steps. Scotland himself was standing next to the double window. Watching. Waiting. All part of the plan.
He looked closer. America was walking up the walkway, seemingly unarmed, smirk on his face. Scotland wanted so bad to shoot the arrogant look right off his face. The doorbell rang. Immediately, the whole house turned dead silent. You could hear a pin drop from the other side of the house. Northern Ireland opened the door.
"Alfred. What is the purpose of your visit?"
"Hello, Patrick. I'm here to see England. Is he here?"
"England isn't feeling his best, is there a message I can give to him for you?"
"I'm not really in the mood for games today, Patrick."
America slammed the door against the wall, making N.Ireland flinch slightly.
"Hello Portugal. I wasn't expecting you to be here. Have you seen Romano recently? I hear he's a bit under the weather!" America mocked.
Portugal wore a neutral facial expression, but the anger in his eyes was hard to miss.
"Yes. I have."
"Mmm. Kind of a shame, really. Uncle Allistor! What a surprise!"
America turned to look at Scotland.
"You too, kid. Shocked to see ya under these circumstances though."
"And what circumstances might they be?"
Scotland just shook his head. "Iggy's in his office."
"I guess I'll go see him then!" America walked toward the office. "Maybe…"
He stopped in front of the basement door. If he had been able to know what was happening in the farthest tucked away corner down below, he would have seen a shaking Sealand, with Denmark's hand over his mouth to stifle the nervous whimpers of the micronation.
Iceland held Norway's hand like his life depended on it. The close pair of Spain and France were holding on to each other, scared out of their minds.
Germany held Italy close, partly to protect him, and partly to keep him from ruining the plan and trying to kill America on his own.
The two who were the most afraid, however, were Wales and Luxembourg. Every member of their respective families were upstairs, fighting. If they died, no one was left for them. Everyone held their breath until they heard America's steps continue past the door.
"Nah."
He continued walking.
At most, he suspected the other Nordics were down there, not a whole plethora of traumatized men.
He stopped at England's door. This was it. It was time. He knocked on the door. Inside, Netherland's hand rested on the doorknob. He hesitated and looked back at England. England looked back at him, and nodded, full of determination. Netherlands opened the door.
"America. Here for England?"
"Why yes, I am!" He pushed Netherlands aside and stood in front of England's desk. A sinister smile spread across America's face.
"I've been waiting a long time for this, Arthur."
England looked at him gravely. "You have? I thought you entertained the thought of confronting me about some issues, but never thought you had the guts to do it."
"We all have our surprises. Especially you,"
He nodded in Canada's direction, which was right next to England. "Who'd thought you would be able to lead other countries? Where are the others, brother?"
"They aren't here. We moved them a while ago."
"That was a smart decision. An even smarter decision would be to go home, Matt. None of this concerns you. Leave."
"If it concerns you, it concerns me. Alfred, please, please tell me why you would do this?!"
"Is it any surprise, Matthew? But in any case, I better give an explanation. After World War two, no earlier... it must have been around 80 years before... I came up with a plan. A plan for a better world. A world where no one could hurt me, where no one could hurt you anymore. Some countries had to be eliminated for that to happen, and once they are all gone, everything will be better. We'd never have to think about them again."
"Better? Better? This is not better, Al! All you've done is break families, don't pretend like you're doing this for me!!" Canada snapped.
America sighed. "Someday you'll understand, Matthew. Someday, everyone will. But let's focus on the task at hand."
He took a gun out of his pocket. "It's your time, Arthur. Today, justice is going to be served."
"Happily." He responded. Canada and Netherlands looked at him in shock.
"Arthur…? What do you mean?!" Canada asked.
"Of course, if you want me, you have to give up something in return."
"Oh? And what's that?" America chuckled.
"Sweden and Finland."
America's smile faded. "Interesting offer. But it isn't fair. If I get to kill you, you get one."
"Fine. Matthew, will you please retrieve Peter?" Canada glared at him, fully convinced England had gone crazy.
"I can."
Canada stopped in the doorway. "Watch them." He whispered, Just loud enough for Netherlands to hear.
Canada shut the door behind him. He quietly walked down the hallway, and hummed a tune while he entered the basement as to not alert America that anyone was down there. Peeking behind the steps, he saw many pairs of eyes watch him in the darkness.
"England has requested Peter."
Sealand's breathing rapidly increased.
"Shh, shh, it'll be ok, I'm coming with you." Denmark reassured.
The two Nordics got up and followed Canada. Meanwhile, in England's office, the Netherlands watched intently as America inspected his gun.
"I didn't think you were close to the Nordics, Iggy."
"We are not terribly close, but the look in Peter's eyes… is tragic. He never deserved this. He needs his family. It's time I became the brother I should have been. Not just to him though."
He paused, and his eyes got watery.
"You can stop this, Alfred. You can bring them all back and me, Canada, the Frog, we'll help you!! We all just want our America back. Especially Canada, he is so worried."
America stared down at the floor. "Y-your America?" He laughed.
"Your America?!?" He yelled.
"You killed that America!! He's long gone, you are the cruel one here, Arthur, not me!! You were the one who broke the family I needed! Sweden and Finland killed my first family, and you killed my second!! Even her-"
He gritted his teeth and blinked back tears.
"The America that cared about you is gone and IS NEVER COMING BACK!!"
Pure rage flared in his eyes. England was taken back.
"Do you not think I know what I've done? Do you not think I would take back the revolution if I could? Every war, every argument, it hurts me too, Alfred!!"
The tears finally broke out England's eyes and streamed down his cheeks, the water droplets landing on his desk.
"I-it hurts me too. P-please Al, d-don't do this, Me a-and Canada love you s-so much. And she... S-she couldn't love y-you because she w-was created to h-hate you. Y-you are the pers-sonification of t-the people... s-she was the personif-fication of their h-hate."
America fired his gun through the window, making England and Netherlands jump.
"Don't you ever talk about her like that. She would want me to finish what I started. She gave everything she had, her life, to gain her ideal world. I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve mine."
The door opened behind him. Canada walked in, followed by Denmark and Sealand. Denmark held Sealand tightly by the shoulders, eyes focused on America.
"Sealand. Listen closely," England said. "A-America is gonna bring back S-Sweden or Finland. Y-you have to choose."
"What kind of sick game is this?" Denmark growled.
"N-no game, Matthias. L-let Sealand come t-to me."
Denmark reluctantly let Sealand go to England.
"Iggy? What do you mean-"
England wrapped Sealand in a hug. "I'm g-gonna miss you, Sea. I'm s-sorry I wasn't a better b-brother. Now you need t-to choose."
"You're gonna miss me?! No, no, don't talk like that, Iggy, everything's gonna be fine!"
England swallowed some tears.
"And for you it will be. What happens to me is not important. I need you to make a decision, Sealand, before I make it for you."
"No! Arthur, we need you! I need you to help me fight, Arthur! I-"
"Fight? If you need help fighting, you'll need a strong nation, not an old Englishman. America, cede control of Sweden."
"Arthur you can't do this!! You're my only brother, Arthur, you gotta stay with me."
"You are a young gentleman, act like it. No more begging, because I've already made up my mind. Denmark, take Sealand out of the room. He doesn't need to see what happens next."
"Come on, Sea." Denmark grabbed his nephew's hand.
"No! Uncle Den, we can't leave him!!!"
He picked up Sealand and started to carry him out.
"Get off me!!! Arthur! ARTHUR!! DON'T YOU DARE HURT HIM, ALFRED YOU JERK! IF YOU-"
Netherlands shut the door, but loud shouting from Sealand still could be heard from outside.
"Sweden it is then. As soon as you're gone, Sweden will become independent. Understand?"
England nodded. "America... it's not to late..."
"I will finish this. Even if it kills me."
"I understand. Will you allow me to write something down first?"
America rolled his eyes. "Hurry up. I don't have all day."
England quickly scribbled on a piece of paper, once it was mostly full he gave it to Canada.
"I'm all done. Please make sure this gets to Norway. Goodbye, Tim. Thank you. And Matt," England smiled. "Do whatever it takes."
BANG
The bullet went straight through England's chest. He lurched forward and spat out blood. Looking up at his killer one last time, his face fell onto the desk.
The mighty England had fallen.
In the hallway
Denmark carried Sealand upstairs past Portugal to the guest room. He got on his knees to face his nephew.
"Shhh, Sea you gotta be quiet!! I-" suddenly,the sound of a single gunshot rang through their ears.
Sealand froze. England had done it. He had given himself up to give Sealand back his Papa. A slight whimper escaped his lips. Denmark covered Sealand's mouth, noticeable panic rising in his eyes and voice.
"If you make any noise, America could know where we are. Do you want England's sacrifice to mean nothing?!"
Sealand shook his head no.
"Good. Now I need you to quietly go hide in the closet. Understand?"
"Mmm hmm!" Sealand hummed in agreeance rushed inside, throwing blankets over himself. Denmark sat with his back to the hallway door.
"I'm gonna protect that kid, if it's the last thing I do!" He thought to himself.
On the 1st floor
America smirked. The former British Empire, reduced to a bloodied corpse. Time to rest and get ready for his next victim. He would soon have the power to beat anyone in his way. He could already feel himself getting stronger, also gaining control of England's overseas territories. He looked over at his brother.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later then!" And America waltzed out of the room, happily. A sly smile appeared on Canada's face.
"And you've fallen for it." He exclaimed under his breath.
America walked past two bedrooms and the basement to the entrance of the living room, to the entrance of the living room. His narrowed eyes shot between N.Ireland and Scotland.
"Are any of you going to try to stop me? I've given you independence! You should be on your knees, thanking me!"
"We've lost more today than we've gained." Scotland muttered.
"I'll let it slide then! If you don't mind, I'll be goi- ACK!"
A sharp pain stung in his right arm. He whipped around to see Belgium, who had lodged a knife in his left arm.
"What the hell? Get the f-"
Ireland burst out of the cabinet under the kitchen sink and shot in America's direction. One of the shots grazed America's right leg.
"SON OF A-"
He pulled out a knife in his coat and stabbed Belgium in the stomach. She gave a yelp and fell against the wall.
Another of Ireland's shots hit America in the hip, causing him to hunch over in pain.
He took the gun he had used to kill England and shot at Ireland, the bullet lodging itself into his shoulder. After he was sure Ireland was rendered incapacitated and Belgium bleeding out, he turned his gun to the men in the living room.
"DON'T ANYONE MOVE WHILE I LEAVE!! IF ANYONE MOVES SO MUCH AS A INCH, THEY WILL GET SHOT!!" He yelled.
He slowly moved past Scotland and N.Ireland. He backed out the door, looking up at Portugal. Giving one last smirk, he closed the door and ran to his car. He jumped in and started down the road, the deed had been done.
"Seamus!!" Northern Ireland rushed to his brother. "You said you were gonna be careful! You and Iggy on the same day?! How could I be able to move on without you?"
Ireland gave a groan. "I'm- gonna be alright. I g-gotta-"
He clutched his arm.
"Go to the hospital."
"I'll take you!" N.Ireland put his arm around his brother and helped him stand.
"A-Allistor, get Netherlands."
"Of course."
While the two Irelands went to England's garage, Scotland rushed into the office.
"Tim! Belgium needs yo-" Scotland looked down and the body while Netherlands rushed past him. Canada was leaning against the wall, face buried in his hands.
"Emma, open your eyes, Emma stay with me!!"
Netherlands could be heard begging his sister to hold on despite being on the edge of death.
"Arthur…" Scotland walked over and put his hand on his little brother's hair. No movement. He then put his hand on England's face, feeling the pale skin. It was cold. Lifeless.
"I'm sorry Mum, I should've stopped him. You two were so alike, sacrificing yourselves for us others."
He took a sharp breath so as to not start crying and looked over at Canada. His brother had failed him too.
"Don't worry, Iggy. I'll give that American one hell of a time for this."
In the basement
Suddenly, everyone's phones began buzzing like mad with news alerts. Wales picked his phone up and almost choked when he saw the notification.
"The Kingdom of England annexed by the United States, the rest of the UK gains independence!!"
"American ships fire on the Irish coast, but Ireland fires back, halting the American fleet!"
Luxembourg, who was next to him, started shaking.
"American troops invade Belgium, Belgian and Dutch forces are fighting them, but there is not enough to stop the determined Americans!!"
"Attacks occur up and down the North Carolina coastline, a bomb explodes in Charlottesville, the culprits are suspected to be Belgian spies!!"
Despite the grief overtaking the room, the two Nordic brothers saw a glimmer of hope, both of them hoping with all their might that it was true.
"American troops move out of Sweden, the Nordic country has re-established its independence, The Kingdom of Sweden is a sovereign state once again!!!"