Hello Fanfiction. Here is the second and final chapter to the most intense story I have and possibly will ever written. More on the bottom.
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3rd Person POV
The worst of times bring out the best in people. The caring side, the bravery. The comfort and the trust. In some cases the family is brought out. In the 11 years since that fateful September day, the world was put back together and pulled closer.
Alfred was more sensitive than ever, even if he kept it hidden. Arthur realized just how much it meant to him to have a family. Even Francis learned a lesson about keeping your family close.
But in the 11 years, one thing has remained the same. The actual day. Alfred closes himself off from the rest of the world, refusing to talk to anyone, or set foot outside. No amount of coaxing can change his mind. Eleven years of pain stayed inside, and it was only a matter of time until the dam broke.
It was on that date, 11 years later, that the water began to leak. As usual, Arthur, Canada and Japan would visit Alfred's house and try to coax him out, only to be turned away. This year, something was wrong the second they arrived. They found a note taped to the front door:
Hey guys. If you're reading this, it means it is September 11. Every year you try to help me, but I push you away, from what you think is anger and hurt. But it's not what you think. Every year, I watch the memorials happen, see people lay flowers on graves and wish I could have done something. I hide, because I don't want you to see me like this. I'm the hero. Heroes don't cry, or let people suffer. And yet, that's just what I did. Thanks for trying to help, but some wounds just can't be healed that easily.
Worried, they went in, only to find it empty. They searched everywhere for their missing hero, only to find nothing. The day went on fading into night. The trio walked along the road, hoping for any sign of Alfred. Then they saw it. A figure stood in front of the memorials, head down, fists clenched. Walking over, they realized that it was their beloved America. He fell to his knees, hugging himself, and the three ran over. Arthur put his hand on Alfred's shoulder, and Canada knelt in front of him, trying to coax him out. Japan put his arms around Alfred and that's when they all realized what Alfred meant.
The countries were formed to protect the people of the country. When a disaster happens that they can't help, the feel like they failed. All of them felt that at some point or another, whether it have been during a war or earthquake. But it is what bonded them together, not as allies, but as family. Together, the 4 walked home, leaving eleven years of grief, pain and anger behind.
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As stated above, this was the most intense thing I have ever written. But even with the intensity, this isn't meant to be a light hearted take on a terrorist attack. It is meant to be a serious tribute to 9/11 with some FACE family comfort, AmeriPan and Franada fluff mixed in. You might be asking why I feel the need to say this. The one review I got for this story told me to steer clear of topics like this for my writing. For all I know, every writer who wrote a tribute or aftermath fic has gotten a review like this. But what insulted me the most about this was that it was a complisult. A compliment with an insult veiled in criticism. Forgive my rant, but it had to be said. Thank you to all who read this story, reviewer or not, and never forget the heroes of this Patriots Day.
