Hey... Yeah... It's been a while since I've updated anything, huh? It's nice to be here again. First, I want to say I'm so, so sorry for being absent all those months. There was just a lot of stressful stuff going on in my life, and online classes have been taking a lot of time and energy. I needed to take a break until I could be fully able to start writing again. But things are much better now, and I'm finally back. I know this is another short chapter, but I just wanted to update again. And I wanted to see if I still got it. To be honest, I don't know what my update schedule will be, but I'll do my best to write when I can. Now, on with the show!
South Africa and Morocco have been occupied with their respective phone calls for a curious amount of time now.
Cameroon only use his impressive skills of deductive reasoning combined with what few clues he had to find any possible answer to the question of 'why'. All while he simultaneously watched, with, at the animated interactions between the duo of Nigeria and Haiti. At the moment, they were having a friendly, albeit passionate argument over Haiti's color style again with DR Congo caught awkwardly in the middle.
…It's an argument that had withstood the test of time. Essentially, Nigeria thinks that Haiti should die his hair dark and finally stop spending so much money on hair gel to maintain that slicked back style of it. But Haiti, on the other hand, thought that it made him look unique, DRC agreed, and Nigeria should instead stop wearing something not colored green for a change.
To be completely honest, and you'll find that Cameroon hardly ever wasn't, he didn't entirely comprehend it either.
"Strange. I wasn't expecting you to ever approach me specifically." Cameroon remarked with only so much as a hint of curiosity in his bland tone.
"Well, you are the member of this team I've least interacted with since I've joined," DRC pointed out, in a flat tone so much like Cameroon's. "Might as well take advantage of our break before I go back to a Belgium. Call it curiosity, and a natural desire to get to know the real Cameroon. "
Cameroon snorted, and his mouth cracked a rare smirk, "All valid reasons. Regardless, I'm never unwilling to speak with a fellow member. I don't mind talking."
DRC smiled, or rather gave his attempt for a grateful smile, but he was unused to expressing himself like this and it was the thought that counted. He moved to stand next to Cameroon, where they could both witness the comedic argument between Haiti and Nigeria at the same angle.
"I hope their volume isn't bothering you."
"Non, I don't mind the noise too much. The conversation was just too bizarre for me."They sure are lively."
"Oui. They certainly are, aren't they?"
"It further astounds me that I'm technically related to Haiti." "Speaking of whom,
"You know, sadism and callousness aside, it feels that you're not that different from you pretended to be." "
"You would be surprised how many of our true personalities are not that drastically different." Cameroon said, feeling fondness swell in his chest. "Sweden and I are similar in how we hardly seem to differ from our false selves at first glance. Iceland and Hong Kong behave similar to their 'normal' attitudes, aside from being rather moodier and short-tempered respectively. On the more cheerful side, you might barely be able to make out the differences with Brazil if you catch him in a normal situation. And as you may have noticed with Morocco, he has a strange fondness for maintaining his polite, affable personality."
"Interesting."
"Can I ask you a question? A personal one, I mean."
"You may."
"Why are you so loyal to the Order?"
Cameroon will admit, he did not quite "What an interesting question. I would not expect that to be the first thing you would ask me."
"You were angry when you found out I kept CAR's condition a secret from you and the others even after I joined," DRC explained simply, calmly. "I saw how you seethed while South Africa told me about what happened with that old man. I saw how excited you were to visit that woman's house. It's not hard to notice that you're more passionate about your - our organization than the others. "
"Good observations." Cameroon complimented sincerely, nodding his head in respect.
"Merci." DRC nodded back. "So, are you willing to tell me?"
"I would be glad to. It might also help you understand why our organization is worth such loyalty." Cameroon affirmed before starting, tuning out Nigeria and Haiti's ongoing discussion to fully focus on his thoughts. "There are… several important reasons why I've devoted my life for this organization. Some understandable enough, and some that might perhaps be easier to understand with a more unique perspective. But I'm sure you should be able to understand."
Anyone who was part of their organization should understand.
"The first, I think, is admiration." Cameroon decided, gaze drifting off elsewhere, to memories of a fresh yet distant distance. "You surely must have seen it already. We derive much pleasure from the fear we cause, the helplessness our power and personality induce. And you have had your taste
The corner's "I have. It's… rather euphoric."
"Precisely." For a moment, Cameroon flashed a feral grin before reverting back to normal. "Fear, terror, and all synonyms, they are present in all of living beings. It is present. It is too easy to inflict, easier than inflicting pain. Even our kind is not immune to it."
"This isn't going to diverge into a philosophical spiel, is it?" DRC asked dryly.
Cameroon gave a chuckle; he really did like this rookie.
"Non, don't worry. This is going somewhere, I assure you. Anyway, with all this in mind you could perhaps understand our bafflement and fascination," Cameroon pause for a moment as his mind wandered to the memories. "When we met Austria and Prussia for the first time."
"Was there something special about them? Something no one else had?"
"Oh, oui. You see, they're not afraid." As he explained, a special sort of glee began to steadily rise within Cameroon, and he felt himself smile again. "They have no fear. There is no creature they fear, not even God or Death themselves. It's not a foolish sort of fearlessness, but one you have to deeply admire. They have thrown everything. They have put everything on the line for their ultimate goals. I saw all this the day I met them."
Cameroon will never forget that day. Half naked in the dirt and nails scraped, starving for so many horrible things, he was crawling uselessly when he met the strange pale man with a color of hair and eyes that he had never seen before in his life. For a moment, he had thought this was a spirit, for this one looked too strange to be one of the pale men working – torturing him and his people to death.
Cameroon had glared, but in turn the ghost's calm expression softened in a manner the wild boy had never seen before in his life of freedom. On that unforgettable day, Cameroon met kindness and justice.
"We live to see the fear etched in peoples' very souls of the thought of us. I suppose you could say we were drawn to their unique fearlessness…"
To this day, it never stopped fascinating him. How no matter what would occur with their plans, even if they suffered a setback or two, neither of the leaders were affected by fear.
He wondered if it was natural from the beginning, or if it was something they learned to shed and cast aside. Whichever it may be Cameroon admired them for it.
If he died for such people, and if that death benefitted them, he would go to the next realm that awaited him in peace.
/ / / / /
Germany idly wondered if there's never going to be a day without at least half a dozen surprises sprang at them.
He meant that was a serious question. He meant it all without a single hint of sarcasm. Because really, this was just going to be a common occurrence, he just knew it. Germany's not sure if he should even still keep getting surprised considering how many times his worldview had been messed with these past few days. But he was surprised, and of course, he was baffled because this–
Egypt was back. Up from his deathlike sleep too many days for it to be a stroke of luck. Japan had told – well, Anubis informed him through Japan – that Egypt would be out of commission for about a week. He were still, give or take, five more days until he would wake up, nevermind the time that would take him to be fully on his feet again.
It's just… impossible.
Then again, more than half the things Germany had discovered and/or witnessed over the past couple of painful days were just as impossible as well.
But that wasn't all. When. Egypt actually did know how he revived earlier than supposed to. Germany wanted to take that revelation as good news, truly. Again, Egypt awake was good news in itself. And they would have one less mystery to wrack their heads over to solve, which was always welcome. However, considering everything that had been happening, he couldn't help take the news with just the slightest sense of dread of anxiety.
Germany had learned how terrible the truth could really be.
The way Monaco had informed all of this to him didn't soothe his worries either.
There was no point in theorizing or stressing over it now, he decided. After all, they're about to discuss it in the final group meeting. They'll go over the events and – hopefully – resolve them quickly with ease so they could get to Budapest for the other meeting.
Because Germany will need all the energy he could salvage for that coming storm. The Order may not have attempted anything obvious and large-scale as of yet, but they weren't going to patiently wait for them to get their act together and unite. It's a miracle things were going well for them as it was.
Before he could get to the meeting, however, he made sure to first check up on Liechtenstein; see how the poor girl was doing. Germany was eager to get answers but he had vowed to care for her. She was still shaken, but that was understandable, and hadn't really left her room. But she still seemed better than yesterday.
"We're going to be leaving for Budapest very soon." Germany told her.
Liechtenstein's hands, anxiety clear on her expression. "For the world meeting, right?"
"Ja." Germany nodded, glad she didn't seem uncomfortable to the idea of moving to another location. "It seems that everybody invited will be attending, thank God. You and all of us will be much safer there than here. "
After several moments of letting the news sink in, Liechtenstein's small and spoke quietly. "O-Okay. I'll be sure to be ready."
"Good." Germany nodded again, and he did his best to smile reassuringly for her. "It'll be alright, Lili. Remember, I'll keep you safe, ja?
Part of Germany couldn't help wonder who it was he was truly trying to convince. The odds didn't look very good for their group. And considering who they were dealing with… Still, Germany's stubborn will, the one that dragged him through the worst of his country's times, refused to believe it was all hopeless.
"…I don't want to pressure you, but it would help us greatly if you testified in front of everybody."
Liechtenstein's big eyes blinked before surprise flashed in them. "Testify…? You want me to tell everybody about Vash…'"
"Everything you experienced, ja." Germany said in affirmation. "With your word, the other nations might be less skeptical knowing how…"
He trailed off thereafter, realizing too late the affect his words had on her. The color drained from Liechtenstein's youthful face, and her pained eyes fell on her trembling hands. There was no doubt was it was that was going through her mind.
"Like I said, I know you're still afraid." Germany began gently, well as gently as he could. He's still unused to this sort of thing, but he had to try. "But we need all the help we can get to convince everyone of the Order's existence. If we want to survive, we're going to need more help, including yours."
"It's fine, Mr. Germany. I'll – I'll testify." Liechtenstein spoke up softly, sooner than Germany himself expected, surprising him. But what really surprised him was the shaky courage written on her expression. "I promise I will tell everybody everything I remember. I-It would be the least I can do… after you rescued me from Vash."
Germany looked, and smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Lili."
Feeling calmer now with his talk with Liechtenstein, Germany left the room with the promise of coming by to visit the girl again later. He ran into Italy shortly thereafter, who, after briefly rambling how his brother (who apparently got spelled to sleep by Romania, bless him) was drooling all over the couch, informed Germany that everybody was waiting for him. Good, it was time for the next meeting.
And upon getting to the same living room as last time, Germany was greeted by the very surprise the others told him about. Sitting on one of the chairs, near Seychelles, was a very much alive and awake Egypt meeting his surprised gaze with unabashed calmness.
Fucking hell… Hungary and the others may have informed him in advance what happened, but it's still a shock to see the miracle with his own two eyes.
Still. Quickly, Germany regained himself, cleared his throat
"Egypt." Germany greeted, trying not to sound awkward as he did. "I… heard you came back earlier than expect."
Just as soon as the words left his mouth, Germany felt honestly stupid. Was stating the painfully obvious all he could say?
Thankfully, Egypt seemed to understand. The stoic man looked slightly sheepish, even. "If it is any consolation, I was just as surprised as you are."
Germany couldn't blame him. It must have been a startling experience to wake up as soon as he did.
"You still look rather tired there. How long do you think it'll be before you're back at full energy?" Germany couldn't help ask him, noting how appeared… somewhat pale. His face was… also a big indicator.
"I think I should be completely recovered by tomorrow." Egypt said calmly, though Germany couldn't help detect a bit of uncertainty in there. "But I assure you that I'm good enough condition to be walking around."
It must be at least partially a lie, or maybe it wasn't from Egypt's perspective. Either way, it was clear that Egypt wanted to be here and not in bed while everybody else was active. Which, honestly, Germany could more than sympathize with. Well, as long as he didn't overexert himself
"Well, I can't say this is an unwelcome surprise." Germany admitted with a bit more ease, and he gave a respectful nod to Egypt. "We're glad to have you back, Egypt."
Egypt didn't smile, but his expression conveyed his gratitude nonetheless. "Thank you, Germany."
Well, with that addressed, it's time for everybody to be filled in on what the hell happened with both sides. Germany took his spot standing before everybody. He, for one, would really love to hear what this . But first it might be best to get the simpler events.
And so, Germany, helped by Japan and at a few certain points Canada, explained their failed trip to get England to come to his senses and join them. For the younger nation's sake, he didn't go into much detail into the more… personal aspects of what happened. Canada was still currently dealing with the realizations he had made over his past and himself. All that was revealed was that England said something. The others were quite shocked, nonetheless.
But it didn't exactly to compare to the reactions he received upon announcing that they would be leaving England behind.
"We're just going to leave him?" Seychelles gasped, looking appalled by the idea.
"There's nothing more we can do for him, Seychelles." Germany told her grimly. For all he despised the idiot for his actions and inexcusable behavior, he still wasn't proud of his decision
"I don't mean to doubt your judgment, monsieur Allemagne," Monaco piped up, the girl pushing up her glasses. She looked directly at Germany. "But are you absolutely certain about leaving Angleterre alone where he will be vulnerable to an attack from the Order? Especially when he was already attacked once?"
"E-Exactly!" Seychelles exclaimed. "I-I'm not defending the way he acted, but wouldn't leaving him just be cruel?"
"We're already one harboring mentally unstable nation. We don't need two causing us trouble." Romania interjected in a serious maner, before he noticed the way Hungary was boring holes into him. The man gave his rival a fanged smile. "Ah, but no offense to Bosnia, hag."
Hungary's glare didn't soften. "Uh-huh…"
Already Germany could feel the beginnings of a headache forming. Years and years of meetings filled with the unmistakable foreboding feeling that.
"I can't help but agree with Romania," Now it was China's turn to chime in. "With the way Opium is now, he will only be a liability to us. Not to mention he has done nothing but giving us trouble since this began!"
"Because everybody knows you have been soooo helpful in these past couple of days," Belize drawled sarcastically from her spot between Honduras and Costa Rica. The girl had just been deemed healed enough to leave her room.
China's face turned an unhealthy and he sputtered in outrage. "How dare you, aru? I helped check in on Mauritius!"
"I'm just saying, you're not exactly in the best position to judge who–"
"Before you all begin to argue…" Every occupant in the room froze at the words gritted out by a much irritated Germany, who then took a breath to calm himself. "How about we put it into a vote? All those in favor of leaving England behind so that he won't become a liability for us, please raise your hand."
To no one's surprise, over a dozen hands shot up in the air straight away. Germany knew that, but he was genuinely surprised to see even the nicest. Honduras, Costa Rica, Ukraine, Moldova and Tunisia had their hands raised, although they hardly looked as eager as the others. Ukraine, Honduras and Moldova in particular looked the most reluctant. Moldova's is probably due to his nature as someone who is still sort of a child, while Ukraine and Honduras were just kindhearted people.
Monaco did not act immediately. Instead, she spent a few moments carefully mulling over the decision, after which she reached one and raised her hand.
On the side of the ex-British colonies, Canada had raised his hand without hesitation but his frown suggested that he's still. Belize was of course. Seychelles looked around her at all the hands raised with uncertainty and then sighed, before she hesitantly raised her hand up as well.
"There we have it. By unanimous decision, we will leave England in the care of government…" Germany inhaled and slowly gave out a sigh. "And pray for his safety and sanity in the next few days."
And may God help that bastard.
"Now that we have that out of the way," Germany began again, looking around at everyone gathered. "Before talking about the meeting, tell me everything about these… strange dreams I've heard about."
Yeah, it's short, but please let me know if it's still any good. I promise the next one will be much longer. Please review, if you have a minute.