Chapter 13 'Eureka Stockade'

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia

Edit: 10/08/2018

"Please!" Australia pleaded with England, giving him the best koala eyes he could muster, "I won't take all that long, only a couple of hours"

Australia stood in front of England, who was sitting on the couch, reading a book and drinking a cup of tea. Australia had practically been begging the older nation to let him wander around the gold mining camps for ages. His dad had been a bit reluctant to let him, for reasons unknown to the young boy, which annoyed him slightly. Australia soon found that with the discovery of gold, soon brought the sight of even more people travelling to his home, and he desperately need to see how his home had changed and meet the new people that had travelled from all over the world.

England raised his eyes from the book to look at the pleading look the small nation was giving him, even that damn koala perched on top of his head, seemed to be giving him the same look. The Englishman tried to resist, but soon felt his tough exterior crumble, it's not like he had given in to that look before…okay maybe a few times. When had he gotten so soft? It was the same with New Zealand, he could hardly ever say no to his face when he really wanted something if he did the puppy look.

England sighed maybe it was time to let the boy have a little fun, he had been working really hard with his lessons after all. "Alright, fine. But only for a couple of hours. I want you home before dinner and don't talk to any strangers"

By 'strangers' Australia knew that the term referred to other nations, while he was actually bubbling with excitement at meeting the other nations that had travelled to his home at the sightings of gold. On the rare times he was allowed outside he always had to remain in England's sight, for some reason his Dad didn't seem to trust the other nations much. Even when Australia asked to go and visit his old aboriginal tribe, his father had shot down the idea and always changed the subject.

He had to admit his father's overbearingness had started to wear down on him, with the constant lessons in politics and trade and the lectures of not hiding snakes in the cupboards had become unbearable, even if they weren't the deadly ones. He was practically fifteen based on his appearance and he had even began to grow taller. Surely England could at least give him just a little bit of freedom, it was his home after all, it's not like he was going to get lost like that time he and Zea did in London.

So not wanting to give his father the chance to change his mind he and Steve hurried out the door, leaving an amused England to go back to his book. Australia grinned and relished the feeling of the sun's warm rays on his skin, it seemed to energise him as he walked into the now very busy and bustling town on the outskirts of his house.

Stores and other convince markets were built just near a stream, and near that stream were a cluster of white tents. He watched as people walked back and forth from the large tents to the stream, their shoes stirring the dust beneath them painting the white tents to a dusty red colour. He had never seen his home so lively before, he heard languages that he could recognise and the ones that he couldn't identify had fascinated him. Never in his life had he imagined that so many people would flock to his home in hopes to call it their own, it made his heart swell with pride, and gave him a sense purpose as a nation. Is this what England had felt with his home? Even though his Dad's home was busier than his, he was still happy with what he had, because it was his and so where the people. They were a part of him.

Anxious to explore more, Australia moved and sidestepped his way through the bustling crowds, contently watching his people get on with their lives. It was because of these people that Australia had begun to grow so much, with his growing economy he was almost eye level with England, a fact that he never forgets to point out to the older nation. Australia looked over to his shoulder when he felt Steve's claws retract from his shirt.

"There you go mate," Australia placed his koala friend on the nearest tree so he could eat some of the leaves. Steve had begun to get sick of climbing up the same single tree in his yard all the time, Australia guessed that even he was happy with the change of scenery. Just as Australia was about to continue his exploration he heard shouting coming from the centre of the field.

Curious to see what was going on he walked closer to see a group of people in uniform approach some of the people mining. He was confused, he had never seen those people before and they seemed to be accompanied by some of England's soldiers. He watched as his people either stood watching or fled inside their tents.

"What's going on?" Australia asked one of the men standing next to him watching the scene play out.

"License search," The man told Australia without looking down at him. The man was dressed in a fancy jacket with satin underlining, and a pristine white shirt underneath. His beard masked the lower half of his face, but his eyes burned with determination that Australia couldn't pinpoint the reason.

"The police come down a couple of times a day, whoever doesn't have their license will be sent to jail. It's an outrage" The man explained as Australia saw the horrific scene in front of him. He watched as the police kicked over the poor miner's equipment and proceeded to arrest him, claiming his license was out of date. He never knew this was happening, England never told him.

Australia stiffened as he felt the presence of a nation close by, but it didn't feel like England's or anyone else he knew. It seemed to be coming from the person that was now been approached by the police. The man was a little taller than England and his long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. He wore rich colours of red and gold in an odd style, one had never seen before. He strained to hear the conversation.

"You're a long way from home Chinaman," The man sneered, "Let's see your license"

"I do not have one," The brown-haired man explained in a strange accent, "I am a nation and my boss has sent me here." The man showed the police a letter that seemed to be official and signed

Australia's eyes widened at the man. So, he was the presence he felt. England had told him that other nations would come and go and it was best to stay away, but for some reason he couldn't leave another person like him to be left subjected to the British soldiers. He watched as the policeman threw the letter to the ground and pushed the other nation to the ground. That was when Australia pushed through the rest of the crowd and went to aid the other nation.

Australia stood defensively in front of the nation that was on the ground still, the police looked ready to hit the fallen nation. He wouldn't let him be bullied by his dad's people.

"Oi lay off!" Australia stated determinedly and he stood just little bit straighter, it's what England did when he wanted to exert authority, "He hasn't done anything wrong. He has his reasons to be here, he's a nation"

Australia didn't have a chance to say anything more before he felt a sharp and sudden pain to the side of his face, the force and the shock of the hit had sent him to the ground. A police officers had turned their attention away from the other nation and to him.

"Listen here kid, do you know what the punishment is for interrupting an arrest?" One of the men sneered down at him. This didn't lessen Australia's determination though, he stood back up and looked back up at the men not ready to back down. He inwardly winced at the pain in his face he could already feel the slap beginning to bruise, the pain itself while minimal was going to be a pain to hide from England, he would totally flip if he found out what happened.

The officer looked about ready to punish Australia further, "You little brat! You dare interrupt me? I'll have you whipped for that boy!"

"Benjamin," The other man hissed in warning at the officer that had addressed and struck Australia, "Do you have any idea who you are taking to?! I have seen this child following the Boss around. I don't think it's wise to harm him, if the boss ever find's out you'll be hung"

'They must be talking about England' Australia thought in himself. Just the thought of the older nation at the moment caused Australia to groan, there was no way he was going to be able to hide this from England.

"Consider yourself lucky, next time I won't be so forgiving" Benjamin growled before stalking off the others followed him in tow. Once he was gone, Australia relaxed and turned to the nation that was still on the ground. With a smile he extended a hand and helped pull the man up.

"Strewth, you okay? You went down pretty hard mate"

"Yes thank you aru, I'm China" The man said as he dusted himself off, "I haven't decided if that was brave or foolish"

"G'day! The name's Australia" Australia smiled, happy to make a new friend, "And I'd go with brave, although if that bloke was forgiving I'd hate to see unforgiving"

China smiled slightly at the young nation's antics, it reminded him of his young siblings. Australia, as the nation called himself definitely seemed to be able to handle himself, maybe there was hope for the younger westerner nations after all, given he was raised by England so if the food didn't kill him then he seemed pretty strong.

"What's your home like? Is it bigger than my Dad's?" Australia wondered

"Possibly much bigger, it's been a while since I have been over to his place." China explained.

He spent the rest of the day telling Australia all about his home and some of the other nations that were actually quite close to him, obviously not as close as New Zealand was but still closer than England or Canada. Australia listened with silent awe, he couldn't wait or the day until he was big enough to finally be able to see the world. In fact, he spent so much time with China that he completely lost track of time.

"I better leave you, it's getting close to dark and that's when the police often make an appearance. Zaijian (1) Australia"

Australia waved goodbye before placing Steve back on his shoulder, if they left now he would make it back in time before his curfew. He started to walk back when he saw the man in the fancy coat with satin underlining from before waved him over.

"I saw you before and how you handled those officers, you've got guts kid," The man observed and then asked, "What are your thoughts about the whole licensing system?"

Australia tilted his head in confusion, he knew it was what the people mined the gold were afraid of, well that and the police officers, but he still didn't know what the system was. But he had to leave, if he stayed even a minute longer he would be late and he really didn't want to sit through another lecture. Maybe if he answered the man's questions he would leave him alone?

"Well I don't really know what that is…but I suppose if that's how they treat people than no," Australia answered honestly, "Look, I'm sorry but I have to high tail it outta here I'm already late"

"Fair enough, but we could use someone like you, meet us back here later tonight and you could make a real change kid" The man said before walking off

"Wait!" Australia called out and when the man turned around he continued, "What's your name?"

The man smiled, "The people call me Peter,"

Australia memorised the name in his head, before running back to his house, where he knew England would be furious that he was late.

XxxxXxxx

Australia quietly opened the door and stepped inside, as soon as he closed the door Steve ran off someplace growling which sounded strangely like laughing.

Australia glared at his friend knowing he left Australia to face England by himself, "Bloody traitor"

He heard footsteps getting louder and louder as they approached closer to Australia's position. Australia hurriedly tried to make it to his bedroom before England could see him. He got almost reached the door when he heard the annoyed voice of his dad.

"I thought I told you to be home before dinner and it's almost dark, I had half the mind to go out there and drag you back here," England ranted, "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I'm sorry it won't happen again" Australia rolled his eyes, he had been through the same routine many times when he disobeyed England. His hand was still on the handle to his bedroom, he didn't dare turn around, his bruise was still clearly visible. It hadn't yet healed, and he knew very well what his father's reaction will be upon seeing it.

"You are damn right it won't," England agreed, "I thought you were finally making progress on your punctuality, clearly you need more lessons. Anyway, your dinner is on the table"

"I'm not hungry," Australia called out and tried to enter his room, but his father intervened before he could take a step inside.

"Why are you in such a rush? You will eat your meal or go without until tomorrow morning," England stated firmly, he heard Australia mumble a response but couldn't hear the precise words, "Don't talk to someone when your back is turned, it is extremely rude. Turn around and don't mumble."

Australia bit his lip and silently weighed the options. Either way England would be furious. England saw him hesitate and he sighed, "Oh for heaven's sake"

England walked up to Australia and placed a hand on his shoulder, turning him around. His eyes widened upon seeing the hand shaped bruise forming on Australia's cheek. His hand grasped his son's chin gently yet firmly and turned it to the side to inspect the injury further in the light.

Australia, who was stunned silent at the sudden movement of being turned around, slapped his Dad's hand away.

"It's fine," Australia stated simply, hoping his father would believe the bad lie, "I just fell out of a tree"

England's eyes darkened, "Yes and the tree had a branch that looked like a hand slapped you. Who did this?"

Australia shrank back at his Dad's anger even if his anger wasn't directed at him, "It was to help China," The words slipped out before he could stop them, he just dug himself a deeper hole.

"I thought I told you to stay away from the other nations, they are quite capable to take care of themselves," England eye's narrowed, why is Australia so willing to disobey him lately?

"He was being pushed around by the police about some system" Australia defended himself

"That system is put into place to make sure those people follow the rules. Clearly you need to take notes from them, you went out of your way to disobey me not just once but twice, and that's only counting this week"

"The system is shit! Have you seen what they do, they just push people around because they can" Australia argued back.

"Don't use that language with me! I expect you go to your room, we'll discuss this further in the morning, I have work to do" England dismissed. He watched as Australia slam the door of his room.

Australia sat fuming on his bed. How could England see this as right? But more importantly how could he not tell him? This was his own country, his own people! He hadn't made up his mind about meeting Peter before, but he had now, he wasn't going to sit back while England allowed this to continue. He had no idea what Peter's plan to make a change was, but it was better than sitting around in his room like a grounded child.

He knew he couldn't just walk out the door, England would surely see him. So, he guessed sneaking out the window it is.

XxxxXxxx

Australia walked to the place Peter had told him to meet, and much to his surprise there were many other people there. Peter had recognised him and waved him over.

"Glad you could make it kid, you in?" Peter asked him.

Australia nodded his agreement but before Australia could ask him what they were going to do. The man stood up and began to command the people to start building the barricade with the sticks and branches that lay in a heap on the ground. The people rushed to follow his command, but Australia was left confused, how would building a barricade help them make a change, to stop the police from harassing the people?

But he went along with them anyway, he helped to carry the heavier branches for them, as his inhuman strength still wasn't as potent because he was still growing, it was still stronger than the average human. It was morning by the time they had finished and they were now surrounded by a large circular barricade.

Australia had so many questions and walked over to the man that he knew would be able to answer them as he seemed to be the leader, or at least one of them.

"What are we doing? I don't see how some sticks are going to make a change as you say" Australia asked.

The man seemed to hardly take any notice to Australia's confusion as he simply handed him a rifle, one that Australia seen England keep in his house. His eye's widened as he awkwardly held the weapon, afraid it would go off with the slightest movement.

"But that stick, will help to make that change," The man said as he pointed to the rifle in Australia's arms, "Aren't you tired of being pushed around by this government? They only way we can let our voices heard is through this rebellion"

If Australia's eyes widened anymore they would fall off his face, his stomach filled with dread. A rebellion?! That was the forbidden word in England's house because of what happened with America, sure England never told them outright what happened so he and New Zealand and found out while their father was away for work. This was the worst form of disobedience to England's rules, and he was involved in it.

"Wait! I don't know how to shoot a gun. Someone could get hurt!" Australia stated in a frenzy. He was so dead if England caught him being a part of this. He should have listened to his father and stayed home, this was such a stupid idea!

"Better learn fast then" The man grinned and left Australia to his own inner turmoil. It was at that moment when Australia saw red in the distance and his horror only increased when he saw a familiar face in the incoming British army.

It was that moment that a flag of the Southern Cross was raised was when all hell broke loose and the British had fired. Shots were being fired from all sides of him. The sound of bullets piercing the air echoed in his head and when the first bullet went straight through on of his people it was like a punch to the stomach. The pain flared in his chest, it was something he was not used to. He dropped the gun like it had burned him, he stumbled back in fear of the loud sounds from the gun, he flinched every time a shot was fired.

He looked up, his eyes desperately searching around him, his people were dying the screams of anguish and pain would haunt him until the day he died. He scanned the British army and saw that the one giving the orders to fire had faltered in his commands as green eyes locked onto his own. Australia saw a shadow of betrayal pass over England's face, as if he was reliving a memory, the pain and hurt on England's face almost brought Australia tears.

Another wave of crippling pain overcame Australia as the British had managed to break through the fortress and began to murder his people, some of them fled the scene. It was then England began to approach Australia, and he was livid, furious even, Australia thought a new word had to be invented just to describe the anger and sadness over England's face. But at the same time, it wasn't even like he was looking Australia, it was as if he saw someone else where Australia standing.

"Y-You killed them," Australia whispered in a painfully broken voice. He had never felt the pain of his people dying before, or seen it happen before, and he hoped that he never would again. It was so unbearable, it was like someone was stabbing him in the heart.

Out of the corner of his eye Australia could see Benjamin, the officer he met on the gold fields looking in Australia's direction with a smug look. That man was really starting to grate on Australia's nerves.

England said nothing, but he reached out his hand and grabbed Australia's upper arm and harshly dragged him back home. Australia had never been treated so harshly by his Dad and he would be lying if he said it didn't scare him. The track home was both too long and too short. It was felt long because Australia was grieving the loss of his people and dealing with the pain and he felt like he had abandoned them to the British. However, it was too short because he wanted to delay the argument that would surely surface once they reached home.

Once through the door England let go of Australia's arm and pushed him harshly in the living room. A dark aura surrounding the older nation as he glared down at his son his eyes holding no warmth, only coldness.

"After everything I have done for you, and this is how you repay me!" England raged, his face crimson read with anger, "You join a bloody rebellion!"

Normally Australia would apologise and at that moment he wanted to, this wasn't his intention, he didn't want things to escalate this far. But another emotion had surfaced instead, one that matched England's anger.

Sure, if any of his people had made it out alive, but judging by the pain in his chest it wasn't many, if any. He was horrified that his father would so readily murder his people, all they wanted was something to be changed in the government. And that's what angered the younger nation.

"They deserve what they got! This is what happens when you try to start a rebellion!" England shouted at him, "Your actions tonight prove that clearly you have no respect for me or anything I have done for you."

"What? Since when haven't I showed you respect?" Australia denied, "Tonight was a misunderstanding. I had no idea what they were plannin' until it was too late, and that is still no excuse for you killing them!"

"You are still my colony so yes, I do have a bloody say in what I can and cannot do to your people. I don't want you in my sight for the remainder of tonight, I'll figure out what to do with you later America."

With that, England had stormed off into his study and slammed the door in the process, he desperately needed something strong to drink. Leaving Australia standing alone in the living room, the anger and defiance fell from his face for a moment, a look of sadness and disbelief replacing it.

America? Why would his dad mistake him for America? Being mistaken for his father's former brother cut him deeply, and England didn't seem to realise the mistake that he made. It made everything he tried to ignore real. He might have been young, but he wasn't a drongo, he knew that his dad acted distant towards him at times and shied away from showing him affection when they first met. He knew about the times when England would flinch just by looking at him in the earlier days when they first met. Even if his dad had never flinched or acted distant since then, the memories still hurt.

But he had never been mistaken for him before, and even the way England looked at him was something he wasn't used to. He had only ever seen those emotions once, and that was when his dad got drunk and America visited to pick up his things. Did he really remind his father that much of America? Sure, they did share some similarities, but they were two completely different people.

"It's Australia" came the small whisper. Hot tears leaked over his cheeks as he silently mourned the loss of his people and being mistaken for his dad's former brother.

I am so so sorry this is so late, but to make up for it I made the chapter long. I hope you guys like it, this chapter has given me so much grief over the past 8 months, writers block is never fun :( But anyway, Zaijian- is Chinese for 'Good Bye'

The Eureka Stockade was Australia's first rebellion against the British. I really don't much details about the rebellion but from what I have researched it was because most thought the licensing system and the brutality of the police and government were outrageous so they wanted to make a change and start a rebellion. There were some casualties on the British side, but mostly all on the Australian side, but the Australian's fought bravely and held on but unfortunately, they were overwhelmed by the British. However, their efforts were not in vain because I think they did end up getting rid of the licensing system but don't quote me on that.

I focused more on Australia's emotions during the rebellion, because it's the first time he has seen any war-like actions, and at the start he is scared and doesn't fight. Unfortunately, Australia and England's relationship doesn't get any better in the next couple of chapters which should be posted soon as they have already been written.

But being mistaken for America? That's gotta hurt, poor Australia

Thanks for hanging in there with me! What do you think could worsen Australia and England's relationship? Until next time!