Chapter 2

Her eyes snapped open. She frowned and tilted her head. Who was this red-haired boy with the scar in front of her? And why was he wearing such funny clothing? And where was she anyway? It looked like she was underground, that was odd. She couldn't remember being somewhere underground. Her eyes widened. In fact, she couldn't remember anything at all!

"Are you okay?" The boy asked.

She looked around. "I, I don't know." She said hesitantly. A look of confusion crossed his face. He looked like he was going to say something when another boy ran in.

This boy was blond and wore a blue and white sailor's outfit. He also had oddly thick eyebrows. His bright blue eyes were filled with worry. "We have to leave. Now." The first boy stood up in alarm.

"They're that close already?!" The other boy nodded. "Alright," He turned to her. "Can you stand?" He asked. She nodded l, and with some support from the second boy she shakily stood up. "Peter will help you, but we got to hurry."

She wasn't quite sure who or what they were running from. But as they made their way through the earthen passageways she felt the need to protect them. Both of the boys, Peter and the other one. And as they finally found an exit and came up aboveground, she made up her mind that she would protect these two as if they were her own family. No matter what.

They found themselves in a clearing. Towering above them were trees that had they been alive been magnificent. But now they were only a skeleton, a glimpse into a life that once was. Peter looked upwards in amazement. He noticed that Erland and the girl were doing the same. "It's beautiful." The girl gasped softly. Indeed it was. The bare branches connecting to each other to form a ring to look into the sky. It was like a portal to another realm that they only dream of what it was like.

Something wet hit his nose. He looked up again and a raindrop landed in his eye. "Looks like it's starting to rain. We better find some shelter." Erland nodded in agreement. He chose a direction and they started to walk.

"Stop right there!" A French-accented voice called from behind them. Well shit.

Francis peered down the deep hole. "Are you sure they went down there?"

Natalya only nodded. "Yes, I'm sure of it." And with that, she walked to the entrance and jumped. Francis signed in defeat. Looked like he was going to have to go down. "Are you coming?" She called.

"Oui, I am." He responded and took the leap. Carefully, he slid down the dirt wall. Nearly crashing into Natalya on landing. She stood there looking very perplexed. He hat she was a great tracker so something must be off for her to be looking like this. "Is something wrong?" He asked, coming to stand beside her.

"Well, they obviously came down here. You can tell by the footprints. They appear to have been doing something before they leave that way." She pointed to the side tunnel that excited the surprisingly spacious room. "But the odd thing is that from this indentation here and disturbance of dust is that there was already someone here. And this third-person joined them. Although it does appear that they have a bit of limp like they are injured or haven't walked in a really long time."

Francis frowned. "That is quite strange, but there is only one way to find out. Follow them."

It felt like ages till they finally saw some natural light. Not the dim glow of the light Natalya had conjured up. Yes, magic was real and had become increasingly popular after the last devastating 200 years. Although most of it was very weak and not all that strong. And unless you had extensive knowledge and/or quite a bit powerful most spells were only the common household ones. Simple spells and such.

Snuffing out her light, Natalya stepped out into the light with Francis right behind her.

After her eyes adjusted to the change in the light she saw that they were a large clearing. And to their amazing luck. The two boys, plus a new person, a girl, they had been following where there. Only several metres away from them. Francis glanced to her and she nodded.

"Stop right there!" He called. The group froze and slowly turned around. Ahhh, she recognized the blond kid who was supporting the girl. Whom she for some reason also vaguely recognized. The red-headed kid with the scar she didn't recognize but he looked very unhappy.

"Hello, Sealand." She said, her voice laced with annoyance. Sealand had been the only micronation other than Seborga in contact with the nations over the past 20 years. So just before the disasters died down. Nobody knew if the other micronations were alive or not but this seemed to prove that just maybe they were.

Peter just frowned. "Ugh, why do you have to say that in such an annoying way? If you're going to use that tone you could at least use my human name." He looked to the redhead and he nodded. "It's Peter by the way."

The ginger stepped forward with a serious look on his face. "And I am Ladonia. But you may call me Erland." Francis and Natalya both frowned. Just what do they think they were doing? And who was that girl with them and why did she look so familiar? The boy, now known as Erland spoke up. "And just what do you want with us?"

Natalya and Francis exchanged looks. She nodded. Francis stepped forward. "Were you spying on us?" The boy stayed silent. "Now if it wasn't you, we'll let you go on your merry way. But if it was, you'll have to come with us. And if we found out you lied…" It was left unsaid, but the threat was clear.

"And if we said nothing at all?" He asked with an edge to his voice. Francis stepped forward, hand going to the sword sheathed at his waist. A flame burst to life in Natalya's open palm.

"Then, we'll have to take you in by force. So what will it be?"

Author's Note: Wow, I finally finished the 2nd chapter. Stayed tuned for the next chapter because that's when things really start happening. Also, thank you to AnimeAddicts7 for the funny comments. This website wont let me use line breaks. :(