Chapter 5 Corruption
In the heart of Gran Colombia, Bogotá, the three countries stood together in a long, poorly decorated hallway. The capital building, located in Colombia's territory, was starting to reflect the current turmoil that surrounded the Gran Family.
The eldest brother of the trio, wrung his sweating palms so tight his tan skin started to pale. His cheerful amber eyes didn't shine as they usually did, but who could be happy when the fate of your family relied on such an important gathering? Nervously glancing across the hallway, Venezuela held his gaze on his sharp-tongued sibling who propped himself against the wall. Next to the eldest, Ecuador was respectfully relaxed against the wall. The only thing that could be heard were the angry voices behind the door Colombia leaned next to.
A smile crossed the elder brother's face as he tried to lighten the mood. "Some week huh?"
"They're trying to split us up brother." Colombia instantly retaliated.
Venezuela gulped as he tugged lightly at his jacket's collar. "S-sí, but that doesn't mean we still won't be familia."
"Panama, wants to leave." Ecuador spoke up. "She says that if she can get America to agree, she'll be gone soon."
"So familia means nothing." Colombia growled coldly.
The words stung like acid in the older brother's heart. His disheartened gaze fell to the floor as a sigh escaped his mouth. Already his family was on the verge of falling apart…or already had. When the war had ended some twenty-thirty years ago, repairs in economy and government were still in need of mending. The system wasn't working, and ties were growing thinner than before. Right now his boss was discussing with his brothers' employers that he would no longer be a part of Gran Colombia… Soon Ecuador would follow, and Panama was already fighting to get what she'd always wanted… Gran Colombia would only be a name in the sand, washed away by the tides of reality.
Unless… A smile formed upon the Venezuelan's face as the perfect plan devised in his head. He'd keep a positive outlook on this whole situation and do all he could to keep relations between the independent nations stronger than ever! Just because they couldn't be a big happy family living in Colombia's house anymore, didn't mean they still couldn't be close. "Yeah!" He shouted out.
"What?" Ecuador and Colombia questioned the sudden outburst.
"Oh nothing…" Venezuela replied just as the bosses entered the hallway.
The Gran Colombian Trio straightened themselves as their leaders gave them expressions ranging from unconcerned to angry to apologetic. Venezuela sighed already knowing the deed was done. Gran Colombia is no more…
*CUE HETALIA: AXIS POWERS THEME!*
A scarce crowd gathered in a small town in Colombia. Amongst the common people two abnormals moved swiftly, avoiding others who lived their daily lives. Looking closely, one could see that a third party was following the best she could, but her dearest colleagues were ways ahead as they knew their route perfectly.
The green clad gentleman turned to his spectacled companion, as the two approached a stand-offish tent lying towards the edge of the town. "I say America, you've done a fine job of obtaining her trust. But how do you suppose you'll get her away from Colombia?" The thick-eyebrowed male inquired.
His American counterpart laughed with certainty, until he realized the question that was asked. Wait, he didn't think that far. Keeping his assured appearance up, America turned to Panama and smiled. "Simple, we'll just write a letter to Colombia telling him our demands and he'll back off."
"And that'll work?" England paused outside of the makeshift camp. The younger brother opened the large tent's flap for the lady in the group and nodded. "Worked for you, didn't it?"
It took a moment for England to assess what his brother said, before he realized how wrong he was. "No it didn't!"
America: *chibi-style!* Hetalia!
"Alright bros, this has gotta be the most strong-worded letter that'll guarantee the freedom of my main girl Panama! Isn't that right?"
"Sí! Because Colombia is being unfair by oppressing all my major decisions!"
"Correctamundo. Now England how about you get to writing?"
"Why me? I'm only here for support."
"That's what a bra is for. You gotta do more if you're a part of this team."
"This was your bloody idea, why don't you do it?!"
"Well…I…Don't want to! Besides no one writes letters anymore! We send e-mails!"
"Then send a strong worded e-mail and get on with it so I don't have to be here anymore!"
"England, bro, don't be that way!"
"I'll be any bloody way I choose to be, you're the wanker who made this mess, now you do your job of cleaning it up!"
"What are you two arguing about? You sound like little kids!" Panama intervened.
At this point, America and England were nose to nose ready for the other to take the first punch (Swing first). Realizing the very awkward close space between themselves, they backed down for a moment, but not without shooting glares at the other.
Panama frowned and turned to England first. "You're supposed to be the big brother and be supportive of your little brother's ideas." America snickered as the Englishman received his lashing, but cut it out when the woman turned her golden gaze to him. "And you're supposed to be the hero, which means you have to be the bigger person!" Letting out an annoyed puff of air, Panama folded her arms and turned away from the men. "If you're going to waste time, por favor don't let it be mine. I have a country to form-"
A sudden explosion sounded from the outside their tent, cutting off the end of the woman's phrase. All eyes in the compact space turned to each other, then to the exit. "What was that?" England asked first.
"Obviously an explosion." America growled, growing serious as another sound of fire erupted. "We're under attack."
Panama was the first to rush out of the tent already seeing the battle commence before her, and in the midst her 'favorite' brother fought with his fellow comrades. "COLOMBIA!" She shouted, obviously enraged.
The hazel-haired man froze for a moment before he formally grabbed the Liberal fighter and properly hand-cuffed his hands behind him. All around members of Colombia's Conservative Party were arresting the opposing Liberals.
Finally the chaos that only started a few moments ago ended quickly and those captured were taken away. Colombia smirked from his standing point, restraining the belligerent until an official came by to properly detain him.
"Has the rebellion begun already? You only just agreed, like, an hour ago!" America's eyes shone with pride. "Wow, you're really getting a move on."
"¿Qué? No, esto es diferente. We're in the middle of a civil war…Corruption with Colombia is another reason I want to leave. I want everyone to be treated equal and fair, America can you really promise me those things?"
England refused to encourage the young nation, so now America was on his own. But since when has he ever needed help from England to support those who couldn't do it themselves? Hmph, he didn't even know why he asked that jerk to come in the first place. "I promise to do all that and more for another nation in need, Panama. I swear on my good name, and freedom!"
"For freedom!" The two cheered out loud.
"Libertad y orden can only be promised to those who stay with their older brothers and stop listening to American fairy tales!" Colombia's gruff tone announced his approach.
The blonde frowned in offense. "Hey! Freedom isn't a fairy tale, dude! It's real life, and if you don't let my friend have hers then we'll have a problem."
"Ha. It is as if you've got your head in the clouds. El más grande usted es el más duro usted se cae, and like those before you. You will fail." A tinge of hurt flashed in the Colombian's honey eyes, before his glare turned even colder.
Panama's glare softened as she thought for a moment; the Spanish Empire…Her familia… It used to be so big, but they've rebelled and separated from Spain…She wouldn't be as big as America, but if she followed his large footsteps…could she fall too?
"I know that won't happen, because America is a strong country with tough will and determination! His people will stand up for what's right! And if freedom is what's right, then America will fight to the bitter end for it!" England cut in. His green irises snuck a glance to the younger country, before he finalized his speech. "Trust me I know."
For the second time, America was caught off guard by England's supportive words. He was right, he was built 'for the people, by the people'. And the people didn't just stop where his home was, that included everyone else in the world too! "Do your worst, Colombia. You won't stop us!"
Their opponent huffed as anger deepened in his honey-colored eyes. "You agree with them?" He directed his words towards the younger sibling.
A moment of thinking and Panama hooked her arm with America and England's. This silent act was enough to spark the separation from Colombia and the rebellions that were soon to come.
A scowl spread on his face as he reached for the hilt of his trustee sword. One last offer. Just one, and this whole thing would be nothing more than a wasteful war with him winning in the end. "I'll give you one more chance, sister," he growled drawing out the sword fully. "You can stay here with me and all of your criminal actions will be pardoned… Or leave Colombian grounds initiating war between our familia."
"Go ahead and kill them, but you'll never stop me from getting what I want, brother!" Panama shouted back.
America and England exchanged a sharp glance before glancing down at the shorter woman. "Wait, what?!"
"So be it!" The male whistled to his remaining cohorts, drawing their attention towards the untouched camp ground. "Arrest them!"
Translations
Familia -Spanish- Family
Por favor -Spanish- Please
¿Qué? No, esto es diferente -Spanish- What? No, this is different
Libertad y Orden -Spanish- Freedom and Order (Colombian motto)
Cuanto más alto, más dura es la caída -Spanish- The bigger you are the harder you fall
A true moment in history: The civil war (The War of a Thousand Days) was already going on by the time America had shown up. In history, America steps in (due to interest in Panama's Canal) and the war ended with a Treaty… However, this war did not have anything to do with Panama wanting her independence…it was just a little something I wanted to add into the chapter. Just know some of the Liberals were Colombian as well as Panamanian…but Colombia's government and those who were for it were Conservatives.
Another truth: During this time America was really imperialistic. They wanted everyone to have a chance of freedom and would pick fights with Spain and other belligerent mother countries who 'owned' the smaller ones. If I paid well enough attention in history class, America wanted everyone to have a stable government without corruption, so throwing away all the old rules of the small countries, they introduced democracy in their government. Panama, was not one of these countries…America only wanted to control canal and if earning her freedom was gonna get them that canal, then so be it.
Last truth: America must have some legit connections…The Internet wasn't even thought of around this time…let alone computers…
Messed up chapter no matter how you look at it. Start with the end of Gran Colombia (technically supposed to have fallen before this moment in time, but eh it's whatever). Then we move on to America constantly reminding England that he's free to do whatever he wants and England can't stop him…not something you'd do if you need someone's help… Last we've got the tainted relations between Panama and Colombia. Well, Ecuador tried to tell him, and now Panama is gonna fight for her freedom and not hold back…too bad Colombia doesn't know how to stop either.
Until next time on: Total Takeover
Raphadile loves to Adventure