This one has some swearing in it
After the disastrous end to the last memory, the nation's were hoping the next one would be happier. Hopefully it would lighten the mood and remove some of the tension suffocating the room.
Most held baited breaths as the screen darkened and an image begin to play.
A wooden boat rocked through rough waters, wind whipping through the ship's sails. Symbols and various colours decorated the ship's hull. Men dressed in metal and rags worked along the deck.
Both Norway and Denmark perked up, recognising the memory instantly. Iceland begin to inch lower in his seat, a blush beginning to stain his cheeks.
"No. This is my ship and my men. I didn't ask for you to come." The tonal and expressionless voice echoed around the deck. A young teenager with violet eyes stood, dressed in metal and a sword hitched at his hip. Blonde hair flopping in his eyes. Norway had barely changed.
"Aww.. No fair." Denmark groaned, leaning over the edge of the deck to watch the churning water in wonder.
Denmark was dressed similarly to Norway, however he had an axe strapped to his back, smaller than the one he now currently owned. The blonde male also looked younger than he had in the previous memory.
"Two in a row for Denmark." England muttered offhandedly.
"Yeah, I thought they would space them out at least." Canada commented, and a few nation's jumped, forgetting the blonde was present. Canada could only sigh.
"This is before the last one." Denmark added. He remember this memory, it was slightly embarrassing; however, he probably deserved it after what happened previously.
"I think everyone worked that out on their own." Norway stated, expression blank.
"Let's continue." Germany put an end to the meagre discussion and pressed play.
"Hey! I see something in the distance! Is that what you wanted to come and see?" Denmark exclaimed excitedly and pointed at the landmass beginning to grow larger in the distance.
"Yes I believe so. Iceland is what my people named it. I was wondering if we would find another personification on that land." The Norwegian explained, pulling out a map and studying the rough outline of what they believed to be the newly found nation of Iceland.
"Get ready to land!" The nation called out to his people before moving to a smaller wooden boat.
Once they had come as close to shore as they could, they anchored the ship and a small rowing boat was lowered into the water. Denmark and Norway were rowing to shore and docking the boat against a large rock.
"Now what? Do we just wait around for the supposed personification to pop out or what?" The Dane asked, growing bored.
"I recommend travelling further inland. And like I said earlier, you didn't have to come." Norway muttered pointedly, before moving further off the beach.
"It's boring back home, reading, writing, politics; eww." Denmark commented before following after the other nation, Norway only glancing at him strangely.
The duo passed through hordes of thick shrubbery and trees in silence, soon finding a small village. There were a number of mud brick structures and people milling about. In the distance a hulking mound of earth and rock stood, smoke billowing from the top.
"Holy shit! Is that a volcano?!" Denmark's tone almost rose an octave in excitement. Norway glanced at him momentarily, before sighing deeply.
"Remind me, why did I bring you along?" The Norwegian muttered and Denmark gasped.
"Hey!" He huffed, before growing excited moments later.
"Isn't that kid who we're looking for?" The blonde Dane pointed at a small boy with light blonde hair and violet eyes, talking to an older women.
"It appears so." Norway commented before moving towards the child.
"Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to be Iceland would you?" The Norwegian asked and leaned closer to the boy.
"How do you know my name? Are you a country too?" The child asked curiously.
"Yes, I'm Norway and that is Denmark. We are your neighbours. My people discovered this island, I guess that makes me your brother." Norway explained bluntly and emotionlessly.
Iceland listened intently, before he grinned. "I've always wanted a brother." Hearing this, the Norwegian crouched down. "I'd be happy to become yours?"
"Yay! I've got a brother! Thank you!" The young child let out a happy laugh before tackling Norway in a hug.
"Hey, can I get a hug?" Denmark asked. Both Iceland and Norway turned to him dumbly.
"No." The Norwegian replied, standing once more, Iceland quick to grab his hand.
"Why are you so mean?" The Dane bemoaned.
Ignoring his company, Norway turned to the child. "Why don't you show me around?" He suggested.
"Of course!" Iceland hummed, violet eyes bright. Both personifications moved closer towards the village.
"Hey! Don't leave me behind!" Denmark commented, running after them.
Slowly the screen became blank once more. Many nation's glad that this memory had been pleasant compared to the last. It was a change of pace.
"You should call me brother again." Norway commented, indifferent about the memory. His statement attracting attention to Iceland, who was currently sinking in his chair, cheeks flushed deep red.
"Not gonna happen. You're not my brother!" The teen shook his head in denial.
"You were a cute child." Ukraine complimented. She had always loved children. Hungary agreeing.
"Thanks but no thanks." The embarrassed teen waved them off.
"Teenagers." China muttered with a sigh, those who heard sniggered.
"Okay can we continue please?" Iceland spoke up, wanting to take away some of the attention on him.
"Sure." Germany replied and pressed play. The room settled down once more and the screen flashed to life.
Australia was shown, slightly younger then his present self. His hair messier than usual. He appeared somewhat stressed as he paced back and forth.
"What could he want right now?" He muttered before entering the adjoining room.
"Australia." The Minister of Defence, Sir George Pearce, nodded in acknowledgement as the personification sat across from him.
"Now, onto why I called you here." The ageing male passed over a document. Australia scanned over the paper before his jaw dropped.
"You want to do what?" The emerald eyed male was taken aback. The room was cramped and stuffy, the male only nodded seriously and directed his attention at a map of Australia.
"Shit!" The Australian cursed and his cheeks began to flush pink. This would be embarrassing. New Zealand sniggered, knowing what memory this was. The nation's were watching him in amusement.
"I'm guessing it's embarrassing?" America asked, a smirk on his face.
"Uh... yeah you could say that mate." Australia was uneasy. Normally it would be impossible to embarrass the Aussie, however, bringing up one of his most humiliating moments would do that.
"Let's watch, I wanna see what this is about!" Prussia grinned at the Australian. The memory was played again.
"With the Great Depression in full force, WW1 soldiers, now farmers in Western Australia, have been encouraged to increase the produce of their wheat crops to help us cope. However we have a pressing issue." Sir George Pearce explained seriously, pointing to the area in Western Australia on the map.
"Yeah?" The emerald eyed male was confused.
Sighing, the Minister of Defence continued. "An excess of 20,000 emus have not only been destroying the crops, but also putting holes in the rabbit proof fence, allowing the rabbits through to cause further problems." Australia shrugged.
"I invited a range of ex-soldiers here to discuss plans of culling these pests. These soldiers have already requested machine guns for use." George continued tonally.
"Don't you think that's a bit extreme mate?" The emerald eyed male sat back in his chair.
"I already have Major G. P. W. Meredith of the Seventh Heavy Battery of the Royal Australian Artillery in command. They have use of two Lewis guns and 10,000 rounds of ammunition." Australia's jaw dropped.
"The Royal Australian Artillery is involved?!" Once again, he was taken aback.
"Of course. Now get ready, this attack is proposed for October if all goes well." The Minister of Defence explained.
Australia couldn't believe his ears. "You want to wage a war against emus. Whatever floats your boat mate." With that the personification excused himself.
Once Australia had arrived home, he put a number into his telephone, waiting for it to ring. After a minute or two, the receiver picked up.
"Hey Zea, you wouldn't believe it." The Australian sounded exasperated.
"Yeah? What's wrong now?" New Zealand replied.
"The bloody Minister of Defence basically declared war on 20,000 or so emus destroying crops in the West." The emerald eyed male collapsed into a chair, resting his forehead on his palm.
The line was silent for a few moments before laughter crackled through. "Bro, that's rough."
"You're telling me. What a waste of fucking time." Australia replied, irritated.
"When is this going ahead?" New Zealand ask curiously.
"October at this rate."
"Ah... good luck with that one bro. Totally wouldn't wanna be you right now." With that, New Zealand burst out laughing again before hanging up.
Throwing the phone into place, Australia swore. "Stupid fucking Kiwi."
Hearing this, the New Zealander punched his neighbour in the arm.
"What? This was nearly a hundred years ago mate!" Australia complained. New Zealand stuck out his tongue. "Still said it bro."
The memory began to fast forward, before it was paused.
"So, let me get this straight, your government declared war on a bunch of emus?" Yao asked, turning to face the reddening Australian.
"Basically." He shrugged.
"I'm assuming this doesn't end well does it?" Canada asked softly, interested in his brother's plight.
"You could say that." Australia replied.
America couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay I'm going to continue now." Germany stated and pressed play on the sleek remote.
Months had passed it appeared. Australia stood wearing a military t-shirt and shorts, along with a pair of boots. He held a machine gun absentmindedly, leaning against a fence that seem to stretch on for miles. Alongside him stood a small group of men dressed similarly, all milling about on a dusty yellow road, close to a homestead. In the distance a few buildings formed a small town, however, the area was relatively barren apart from that.
"Should've already been dealt with, fucken rain holding everything up." The Australian complained. A few men grumbling in agreement.
It wasn't long before a group of emus made an appearance, running alongside the fence.
Instantly, they had their weapons up and were shooting madly. The Lewis guns whirring in the background. Unfortunately, the birds had scattered the moment the shots started.
Australia let out an irritated sigh. Throwing his weapon onto the dusty, dry earth. Furiously wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
"Fuck this! Those birds were out of range the instant we started firing!" The emerald eyed male growled out before collecting his weapon and stomping towards the town of Campion. The other men following after him.
The memory skipped forward slightly, to hours later that same day. The room was silent as they watched in both amusement and curiosity.
Australia and a few other soldiers had encountered a smaller flock of emus, letting out a barrage of shots. This time a dozen or so birds littered the red earth, bloody and lifeless. The rest scattered.
"Finally." A male sighed, kicking the corpse of the closest emu. Australia glanced at him, however, a frown still evident on his face.
"It's not good enough." He sighed in exasperation.
The memory skipped forward once more, slowing two days later.
Australia was shown crouching behind an area of large shrubbery. Others were hidden around the area, machine guns aimed at a dam where around one thousand emus stood. The Lewis guns ready to fire.
Shots began to ring out throughout the clearing, emus scattering in the fray.
"Fuck!" The male manning a Lewis gun exclaimed in anger as the weapon jammed. And before another hit could be achieved, the emus had fled the clearing.
Twelve bodies littered the desert floor, blood spilling out around them. Australia couldn't believe his eyes. "You mean to tell me that out of a thousand emus, we could only kill twelve?" He snorted.
"That's just bad luck dude. Too bad the gun jammed." America exclaimed sympathetically.
"Yup..." The Australian sighed, feeling irritated at reliving something that had pissed him off nearly a hundred years ago.
The memory continued, glazing over another attempt to cull the emu population. Showing a Lewis gun being mounted to the back of a truck, however, the vehicle was unable to keep up with the bird's speed, and the rough road allowing no one to shoot straight.
Australia was frustrated. "It's been six days since we began this operation. We have fired over 2,500 rounds of ammunition, and yet we have killed less than two hundred fucking birds!"
"It's not as easy as any of us imagined. These emus are too intelligent." Major Meredith sighed.
The two were then informed that due to the negative coverage of the events in the local media, and the lack of deaths, Sir George Pearce had withdrawn the military personnel and guns. Australia letting out a sigh of relief.
The memory skipped forward once more, to four days later when requests from the Premier of Western Australia led to the Minister of Defence's approved resumption of military efforts.
"I can't believe I'm out here again, only days after a failed first attempt." Australia muttered more so to himself. He kicked at the dry, desert earth. Finding himself in the field once more, alongside Major Meredith. This time Western Australian farmers and ex soldiers making up the numbers, no military men present.
"As apart of this second effort, the military were happy to provide us with the weaponry, however they would not provide the soldiers." The male had explained to the Australian's questioning glances.
Australia just hummed in acknowledgement. The memory began skipping forward, glazing over two weeks worth of culling. This time, between one hundred and a thousand emus were killed due to a relentless attack.
When the memory slowed once more, it showed Major Meredith seated beside Australia. Both were in Sir George Pearce's office once more. The Minister of Defence sat irritatedly in front of them.
"Even with your numbers Meredith, this attack was a complete failure and waste of resources." Sir George stated and the other two males could only listen silently.
"Not only that, the amount of negative press associated with the attack is harming my reputation as Minister of Defence. I mean other senators are already labelling me as Minister of the Emu War." The male continued coldly.
Australia couldn't help a grin from showing.
"That's good for you mate. If that's all, I'll be taking my leave." To both of the ageing male's shock, the personification stood and continued.
"I mean it's your fault for sending us in the first place, so really, it serves you right. I can't imagine you would be in that position for too much longer anyway." Australia stated confidently and excited the room before either could speak up in protest.
The memory was paused as more than once nation stared at the Australian in shock.
"Australia! You should treat your members of government with respect." England scolded and said male rolled his eyes.
"Can't be fucked and he lost the position in 1934 anyway." The brunette shrugged. The Brit sent a cold look his way before settling down once more.
Germany moved to press play once more.
Australia arrived home, back in the east. He had kicked his shoes off and fetched a beer before sculling half of it.
His phone rang suddenly, shocking him somewhat.
"G'day?" He answered, taking another drink from his beer.
"Australia," The voice scoffed. "I caught you at a good time it seems. Now what is this about an Emu War?" England inquired. Before the Englishman could continue though, Australia slammed the phone back down on the receiver.
"Nope, no fucken way am I dealing with him right now after the last month." The emerald eyed male stated exhaustedly and collapsed into a chair.
America, New Zealand and a few others laughed at the action, whilst England looked offended.
"I can't believe I fucking lost a war to a bunch of emus. I need to get pissed." Australia concluded with a sigh, before moving to fetch another beer.
The screen slowly faded back to the blank colour and most turned to the Australian. His cheeks slowly turning an embarrassed red. There were a few grins and smirks here and there. It wasn't everyday that a nation lost a war to 20,000 flightless birds.
"That wasn't so bad." Canada offered.
"I agree! It was funny though!" America exclaimed.
"Yeah well, after that, they requested military assistance again in 1934, 1943 and 1948, all of which were turned down. They did bring back a bounty for the birds though, which was much more successful. I think around 300,000 emus died between 1945 and 1960. So it did fail in comparison." Australia explained and a few nodded.
"That sounds much more efficient." Germany muttered in response.
"It wasn't as embarrassing as I wanted it too be! I can't get any blackmail now!" Prussia exclaimed and blank looks were sent his way. Germany could only shake his head.
"I liked that one. Anyway, if we could continue?" Russia inquired and the blonde German nodded.
"Of course." Germany pressed play as the nations settled once more.
The screen darkened as the nation's, once again held their breaths, hoping the memory wasn't theirs.
A forest of bamboo and dense red maple trees were shown. A sandy path cut through the bush.
A young male appeared, stumbling whilst walking along the improper path. China, a young teenager, ran his hands through his short dark brown hair.
"Aiyah. What a pain. My boss forcing me to come to this newly discovered island. Supposedly I should find a new personification." The Chinese male gave an exasperated sigh. He had travelled hours across the ocean on a rickety boat, and it wasn't helping his mood.
China could remember this memory as if it had occurred the day before. This memory was special to him, probably his most cherished; the day he got a little bother to care for.
Japan froze, also recognising the memory. He was worried. He hoped the memory wouldn't reveal how regrettable and unfavourable he had acted; he already felt extremely remorseful.
"Hey! It's China again!" America commented loudly.
"It appears so." Russia muttered quietly, watching the Chinese male in curiosity. He seemed tense, the Russian noted.
A rustling in the bunches of bamboo set China on edge. He gripped a small blade from his pocket and whipped around searching for the source of the sound.
"If anyone is there, I recommend you show yourself..." The young teenager let the threat trail off.
He was shocked to see a child step through the bamboo stalks and onto the sandy path.
The young child was adorned in a dark blue kimono, dirtied from the wilderness, having soulless looking brown eyes and short black hair.
"Japan?! Woah! This must've been thousands of years ago!" America hollered, his loud voice once again causing winces and glares in his direction.
"Uhh... hai." Japan replied awkwardly, not liking the attention and not wanting to relive these memories.
"Oh my god! Can you stop interrupting so we can get through this shit!" Romano spat, irritated at the American's constant interruptions.
England sniggered as the blue eyed blonde sat back quietly, looking slightly downcast as Germany pressed play.
China quickly pocketed the weapon seeing that the child posed no threat, approaching him curiously.
"Who are you? Better yet, what's a child doing in the middle of a forest?"
"I am Japan, land of the rising sun." The child explained blankly.
"Japan? You're a personification yes?" The teen asked, assuming he was.
"Hai. And you must be China, land where the sun sets. I have heard about you." Japan informed, tone just as neutral.
"Hey! That's just rude aru!" China exclaimed, offended.
A few of the nation's watching could not help but snigger. China and Japan could not look at the other. There was tension growing between the two and it was becoming more noticeable.
"Why are you alone in the forest?" The young teen inquired, moving closer to the child.
"I am a relatively new country. I'm finding my place." Japan replied surely.
"I see. Would you like some guidance? I'd be happy to have you stay with me, aru. I have lots of experience." China asked kindly, watching as the child looked surprised.
"You would do that for a stranger?" Japan questioned, taken aback.
"Of course! Consider yourself my brother!" The chocolate eyed teen proclaimed, a small smile coming to settle on his face.
"Brother?..." Japan murmured. "I guess I can accept." He took the older nation's hand. Tone becoming monotone once more.
"Good. Come with me. Let's go home." China explained as the two headed in the direction he had came from.
The memory started skipping forward. The nation's watching content so far, no questions needing to be asked yet.
Fast forwarded was the duo's return to China, and Japan settling in. Memories of Japan and China bonding were quickly passed by. In the blink of an eye hundreds of years had passed. When the screen started slowing, it revealed Japan to be about nine or ten, dressed in a white kimono.
China now appeared to be an older teenager. He had only just entered the home.
"You've returned." Japan emerged at the sound of his brother.
"Oh Japan! How have you been? Sorry that took me so long." The teenager apologised. He wrapped the younger male in an uncomfortable hug.
"Good... How was your trip?" Japan asked after shrugging the other off.
"Well... I had this strange encounter with this kid. He was weird, but interesting. Believes he'll be the biggest empire the world has ever seen one day." China reminisced, a peaceful expression on his face.
"An empire?" The child looked intrigued. "Is that even possible? Do you even think he could?" He was honestly interested in the conversation. Having met no other personification than China so far.
"I'm sure of it aru, that kid will do just fine." The older male explained.
"I see." Japan muttered, wanting to meet said empire.
As the screen began to fast forward once more, Germany paused it.
"It seems this memory ties into the one from earlier." England summarised.
"I guess we should expect that. A lot of us have connected pasts." Hungary explained, many agreeing with her.
"I wonder what other memories will be interrelated then." Estonia hummed.
When the conversation died down, the German pressed play.
Japan was shown after the small skip, not much older than before. He sat with his head cradled in his hands, body quivering. He was covered head to toe in bandages, blood staining the white material in multiple places. His skin was pale and cheeks flushed.
The nation's watching blanched, witnessing this scene once again. No one said anything though, watching in an uncomfortable silence.
Hearing something from outside his room, Japan moved to stand. Wincing in pain with every step, he limped from his room to see a tall male occupying the lounge. Instantly, he realised that this must have been the child China had been talking about.
Watching in awe and wonder, Japan couldn't contain a pained sound and found himself staring straight at the empire. Hurriedly, he moved further down the hallway, out of sight, collapsing against the wall, fear on his face.
Japan waited, listened as the two spoke, his heart racing as he tried to shake his fear and panic.
"The Roman Empire?..." He uttered, glancing at the bright teen.
Once the two had left, he pulled himself off the ground, struggling down the hallway once more.
He was conflicted. "I-I never knew he felt like that. Or was suffering to p-protect me..." Japan trailed off, looking to be in pain, leaning heavily against the wall.
"And that s-strange man..." Whatever he had been going to say was interrupted by a wet cough that racked his whole body, blood covering his palm when he pulled his hand away from his mouth.
Letting out a horrified sound, the child couldn't stop the pained sobs from escaping, blood trailing from his mouth.
With that, the screen jumped forward, skipping to another scene. The last image shocking everyone. Glancing towards Japan and China, both males had adverted their eyes, wanting no discussion. The uncomfortable silence stifling.
The scene of China mourning Rome's death played out, both personification's snapping at the other before jumping slightly further. The nation's realised they were seeing more than earlier.
Japan was shown, appearing fourteen, dressed in a black kimono, flicking through a book.
China emerged, gaining the younger's attention, his appearance unchanged.
"I was wanting to visit him, to pay my respects. I wanted to know if you would like to come with me?" The male asked, sounding somewhat upset.
Japan glanced up, before placing the book down. "You mean to Europe?"
"Shì. To where Rome once stood." China muttered.
"I guess it would be beneficial. I have always wanted to meet another nation." Japan stood, expression neutral.
"I'm glad you will be accompanying me. It is quite a journey."
Their travel to Rome was skipped forward, deemed insignificant as it passed in the blink of an eye. Slowing down as the two stood outside of the glamorous city.
The duo marvelling at the differing culture and architecture, magnificent creations such as the Colosseum standing strong.
"It's even nicer than last time, aru." China uttered quietly. Japan watching his brother curiously.
"I think Rome's home was nearby." The male trailed off, making his way past cheerful people milling in the streets, the teen following silently behind.
Soon enough they came upon a house made of mostly stone and marble, standing two stories tall.
"I'm sure this was it." China approached the detailed wooden door, knocking heavily. It was only moments before it was pulled open. Standing in the doorway was a blonde child, maybe seven or eight, blue eyes confused.
"You are France right? We met many years ago. I've come to pay my respects to your grandfather. This is my brother Japan." China greeted, recognising the child in the doorway.
"Ah yes, I remember you. Please, come in." France smiled before moving back inside. Both Asian siblings following quietly. Once inside they noticed a younger child watching them curiously. The child wearing white robes and a cross hung from his neck. Having auburn hair and amber eyes.
"Brother? Who's that?" Italy asked as he moved to France's side. The Italian appeared to be young, four or five.
"This is China. We met once, many years ago. That is his brother Japan. They travelled from the east." The older child explained and Italy nodded.
"Oh, you must be Italy." China realised.
"Sì." The amber eyed Italian hummed cheerfully.
"It's nice to meet you both." Japan stated.
"And you." Francis replied before turning to his brother. "Hey Italy, why don't you give Japan a tour of Rome? I'm sure he would enjoy it." Italy grinned.
"Would you like that Japan?" The child asked and the teenager almost spluttered from being put on the spot.
"Ah... Of course." Japan answered, watching as the young child's face lit up.
"Yay! Come with me!" Italy then grabbed his hand and preceded to pull the older male out of the house. This time Japan did splutter, cheeks growing red at the contact.
A few of the nation's watching chuckled. Who knew Italy could be so impulsive and cheerful at that age.
"Please, I can walk by myself." Japan muttered uncomfortably. Italy then released his hand.
"Sorry, I didn't realise you didn't like it..." The child trailed off upset, tears growing in his eyes.
Japan balked seeing the nation about to cry. "Hey, I didn't mean it. You can hold my hand. You have to show me around remember?" He resigned himself and moved closer to the Italian.
Instantly, Italy cheered up again. Grabbing the teen's hand. "Of course!" He hummed before continuing.
Romano burst out laughing, surprising a few personifications. "Haha. I can't believe you actually fell for that!" The Italian couldn't contain his laughter.
Japan flushed. "I didn't realise at the time." He muttered. Italy sending him an apologetic grin. "Sorry."
A few other personification's sniggering still the duo's actions.
"So wait! This means you two have known each other for centuries?" America asked, turning towards Japan and Italy.
"Sì. It's almost been two thousand years since we met." The amber eyed Italian's statement caused more than a few nation's to blanch. Turning to him in shock.
"You underestimate how old I really am. As you can see, I was alive when Grandpa Rome was alive." Italy explained with a laugh. Something so commonly known, was so surprising, even with memories as evidence. It was strange to consider the Italian that old and act the way he does.
"Let's continue." Germany stated, pressing play. Honestly the German felt slightly jealous. Both of his closest friend's and allies' had known each other for years, whilst they had barely known each other for a century.
Italy continued to pull the Japanese teen through the city, answering his questions and pointing out everything.
"Do you miss your grandfather?" Japan asked abruptly, causing Italy to cease talking instantly. A frown coming to settle on his youthful face.
"Sì. I do. I miss him a lot." This time Italy did cry, sobbing into his hands. Japan, feeling guilty about asking the question, wrapped the child in a comforting hug. As uncomfortable as it was, Japan let a rare smile on his face. Minutes passed before Italy pulled away, wiping at his eyes.
"Grazie Japan." His voice quivered, yet he smiled warmly.
"It was no trouble." Japan felt his walls falling around the cheerful child. The duo then continuing the tour after that.
"This is actually my brother's city now. He represents Southern Italy." Italy explained and Japan's eyes widened.
"There's two personifications?" He asked incredulously.
"Sì. I don't know why but I represent the northern half, North Italy." The child shrugged.
"Like Korea?" The teen had only ever met the two personification's a few times, both of them choosing to keep to themselves, North Korea more so than South.
"Who?" Italy inquired, face scrunched up in confusion.
"Ah... Nevermind. They are also from the east." Japan explained.
Soon the two made their way back to Rome's house, where China and France stood out the front.
"We should go." China explained, tone monotone.
"Of course." Japan nodded.
"Did you have fun Italy?" France asked and said child grinned.
"Sì, Japan is my friend now!" Japan grew surprised.
"Your friend?... I would like that." He smiled at the amber eyed child.
"Yay!" Italy exclaimed.
"It was nice to meet you both. We will meet again sometime soon." The teen bowed, before approaching China. Both Asian's saying their goodbyes before exiting the city.
The memory began to fast forward before it was paused once more.
"Geez, this memory is long." America commented.
"It appears that memory length differs." Canada added, sighing when only half of the nation's present heard him.
France was wistful. He remembered that time vividly. Dealing with it had been eventful. The easiest thing to do was for him to take Italy and Spain to take Romano to care for.
"You were quite young and yet you had the responsibility of caring for another nation. How did you manage?" Hungary asked curiously. Many others sharing her opinion.
France let out a light laugh. "I grew up very quickly after that. Maybe another few hundred years before I was at least aged fifteen." He explained.
"Considering the rate that America grew up, that is nothing." England muttered.
"Germany too!" Prussia snickered. Said male flushed at the mention.
Once the conversation had ceased the memory was allowed to continue.
It seemed some time had occurred since last time. China stood in front of a wooden door, a wrapped gift in his hands. There was a strange uneasy look on the male's features as he knocked unsurely.
Japan emerged from the room. He appeared to be fifteen now, standing just below China's height. Surprisingly, the male was scowling.
"Happy birthday aru." China held the gift out. Momentarily examining it, suspicions present as he gingerly unwrapped it. Japan held up a weapon with a long silver blade. It was a katana. A steel, glistening, wickedly sharp katana.
"Thank you." The teen replied curtly.
"Wait Japan-" China began before the door was slammed in his face. A mixture of weariness and exasperation on his features as he stared at the door.
"What did I do to deserve the cold shoulder, aru?" His tone exhausted. Before moving to his own room.
The memory fast forwarded, showing Japan learning how to use his katana. Skipping the hours spent practising his techniques and how he could hurt someone.
Japan appeared irritated, no hint of peace or calm on his features, maybe even furious.
The nation's understood that the tone of the memory had changed, it was growing serious. The tension between China and Japan was also brewing. Again no one choosing to say anything, watching on in overwhelming silence.
Japan's expression grew cold, whilst China let out an exhausted sigh. He didn't want to see this; to have the memories resurface.
China looked disheartened as he approached the Japanese teen's bedroom, knocking solemnly on the door. It was a few moments before Japan answered.
"What?" His tone was frigid and expression irritated.
The older male was somewhat taken aback by his attitude.
"Jap-" China was cut off.
"I've been thinking." The teenaged nation started. Japan now stood nose to nose with the older. An out of place smirk beginning to form. The other could only watch with wide eyes.
"I've decided that I'm sick of you." The statement shook China to the core. The older male taking a quick step backwards, mouth dropping open in shock.
"W-What are you talking about?!" China spluttered, trying to put as much distance between the two as possible.
"I've had enough of you. I've decided that from this day onwards you are nothing to me; I am Japan; land of the rising sun." Japan spat, glaring at China.
The chocolate eyed male was hit with a pang of grief. The younger's words hurting him.
"Oooh boy. This is not gonna end well." America made the offhand comment, and immediately China and Japan glared at the American. A few personifications shot him irritated looks.
"What? I was just stating the obvious." He muttered.
"What brought this on? Why are you acting like this?" China pleaded in desperation. Japan could only snigger coldly.
"You. I'm sick of you!" Japan growled before launching viciously towards the other male. Quickly pulling out his katana. China gasped before throwing himself to the side, narrowly avoiding the sharp blade.
"Stop this now!" The Chinese male exclaimed, heart pounding in his chest as he hurried up the hallway.
"No! You deserve this!" The Japanese male spat, wildly swinging his weapon about in an attempt to harm the other.
"Why?! Have some sense! Did I not raise you better?!" China exclaimed, letting out a sigh of relief when he came accros his bronze long sword. Quickly, he swept the weapon into his arms, fumbling momentarily with the size, before lashing at the other.
Japan had expected the attack, their blades clashing as the two struggled.
"The way you raised me led to this very moment. Maybe you should consider that." The dark haired male's tone was cold, taking China aback. This slight distraction was enough for Japan; he was easily able to overpower the other.
China let out a spluttered cough when he was booted in the chest, feeling more than one rib break, dropping his weapon and lurching forward in pain.
"How pathetic." Japan sneered at the pitiful sight. A wide and teary eyed China grasping at his chest as blood trickled from his mouth.
"I am superior, and I always will be. You should do well to remember that. For now, you must pay." He stated, continuing on in the other's silence.
Japan then approached China, readying his weapon.
"Japan." China began, voice pained as his eyes fluttered shut, tears staining his cheeks. He was kneeling, head slumped slightly forward. This caused the said male to pause.
"How could you do this to me? We were brothers were we not?" He continued, slowly reopening his eyes as more blood trailed from his mouth.
The Japanese teen's face became blank momentarily, before anger found its place once again.
"We were, that is true. However, we are brother's no more." With that, his katana was thrust through China's stomach. Said male's eyes widening and mouth falling open. Blood beginning to stain his clothes and the floor.
Japan pulled his weapon from the other, the blade completely red. China fell forward onto the floor, unconsciousness creeping closer too quickly.
"J-Jap-" He struggled, blood beginning to pool around him.
"Thank you. I am not sorry though. The next time we see each other, I will be Japan; not your brother." The dark haired male explained, tone loosing its edge.
Japan watched as the other bled out for a few moments more before leaving, the sound of a door slamming in the background.
By now, China was unconscious and bleeding to death, the red puddle surrounding him continuing to grow.
The screen slowly reverted back to its blank state and not a word could be said. The tension within the room sharp. China had his head buried in his hands to avoid pitiful glances and Japan's expression remained cold. He could not face the other Asian.
Everyone else was shocked or horrified. Not expecting such a horrific outcome to what started as a lighthearted memory.
As the silence dragged on, Germany cleared his throat awkwardly. Attracting the room attention, most thankful for the distraction.
"I believe we need a short break." The German started and no one could refuse.
Okay so I'm so sorry it took me so long to get this chapter finished. It's finally here though so I hope you like it.
I was hoping to have posted this before the New Year, however I ran out of time in the end.
I also don't know what I'm doing this year now, after getting my atar I don't even know if I want to go to University, so I may end up working full time for a year yet, which may affect when I can write, but hopefully not.
I hope you all liked what I wrote, especially the Australia memory, I got stuck with that one for so long, so I'm sorry if there's any historical inaccuracies, but I just wanted to get it written before I got writers block again.
Also I'm not sure what memories I want to put in the next chapter, so I'll offer you a choice. Feel free to comment and message me with ideas for them, it'll definitely help me when writing.
1. A Poland and Baltic memory because someone wanted that I think.
2. A Chernobyl memory because that was also in the comments.
3. An America memory, I would need some help with their history depending on if it's picked.
4. A Germany memory, possibly as a child?
5. An Italy memory, like where he beats Ottoman Empire (Turkey) maybe?
Anyway I'll do three of them so please comment.
Thank you so much for reading, commenting and waiting for my updates, even if they take a over a year.
- Ella