Chapter 9
I had to go back to my old way of time gaps with the Xs because the lines weren't appearing in the document on the site.
My version of Kenya is a young (at least appears to be), sassy black woman who is usually really funny and goofs around a lot. However, she can be really sentimental.
Cameroon was colonized originally by Germany until the end of WW1, then was given to France and Britain.
December 1, 1975
Some time had passed, and some were doing better than before. America and South Korea kept the fighting at the minimum, though neither was fully sure on whether or not America still didn't want the baby. England and Japan were doing much of their usual routine, though England still remained oblivious to the pregnancy, and Japan's anxiety was going through the roof. Russia and North Korea were doing better than the latter would have expected. North was stuck to the house under Russia's orders; or rather he was over cautious about North's health even if the other often tried to leave the house undetected. When he was caught or really needed to leave the house for a special doctor visit that Russia had set up, he was always escorted everywhere. Poor guy couldn't get a little bit of peace and quiet. Though he supposed that this was for the better, as he was still on guard after Russia's abusive spell. The other communists had learned of North's pregnancy and were quite content, even Vietnam wanted to give the child some clothes when it was older.
Today would be the last world meeting so the nations could prepare for the holidays. It was held in Geneva, Switzerland, and the recent snowfall had left the country in a pristine blanket of white. The gray mountains stood like a container for the people, yet it was as beautiful as they were during the spring. The city was in a hustle to get Christmas shopping done, or tourists were taking their time discovering the city. Switzerland himself was greeting the other nations into his home, where the meeting was to be held, and he seemed to be in a happy mood. Well, as happy as a Swiss can be.
Japan walked slowly down one of the large halls, passing some dinning halls that other nations were in having some late breakfast or catching up with others. Some made plans to have Christmas parties, since America, for once, was holding off on parties so South and him could work on their problems, or at least that's what everybody assumed since the arguments and glares quieted down since the last meeting. Japan was beside himself. Not really paying attention to where he was going.
He looked up from the floor and looked around. He was close to one of the back gardens Switzerland had, and he noticed a dark figure sitting on one of the benches that should have been overlooking a large floral pattern, but instead was looking out towards the bleak landscape. He walked out, shivering slightly at the cold, and walked toward the person. Japan noticed it was a dark-skinned woman, one of the African nations.
"Ano? Do you know where the meeting room is?" Japan asked the woman.
The woman turned around to face him. She had her hair tied into little braids and pulled back into a ponytail. Her skin was very dark in comparison to other African nations. Her dark brown eyes looked into his very soul, so deep and like it were full of emotion at first. Though now it seemed like they were dried pools that have spent all of the emotion they were given.
"A little ways down the hall and to the right." She gestured towards the area she was talking about.
"Thank you, um…" Japan tried remembering who she was, but no name came to mind.
"Kenya." The woman answered.
"Right, arigatou, Kenya-san." He bowed to her. As he looked at her again, he realized she wasn't wearing a lot of winter clothing, and was shivering a little.
"Ano… aren't you cold at all?" He hesitantly asked, sensing she wanted to alone but couldn't help that she maybe needed someone there for her.
She looked at him, gazing her eyes up and down, as if studying him. She then shrugged, "Only a little."
"You don't want a jacket?" He pressed further, possibly stepping onto thin ice.
She shook her head, "No, I'm fine."
They were silent for a minute, neither sure what to say or if Japan should just leave. Then Kenya moved over to leave some room, "If you want a seat… The meetings won't start for another 20 minutes anyways."
Japan took the seat, feeling slightly guilty that she has to sit in a cold spot after just warming it up. They stared out towards the landscape. While it was pretty out near the city, it felt hollow out towards the southern part. The mountains looked dull and very gray. The trees were almost black sketches against the white snow, which in some parts were slushy and dirty from tree branches and dirt that had been pulled up.
Japan spoke up, "I don't mean to intrude, but… you seem troubled."
Kenya looked up at the sky, letting some snowflakes fall onto her face. The white contrasted so deeply with her skin, yet it seemed to fit so well. Her eyes looked like reflecting pools, though now it seemed pain resurfaced from the depths that had been desperately hidden for many years.
"Don't we all have troubles? Whether it's political, personal, trivial… no one has no troubles. It's just a matter if we want to talk about it or not, that separates us from others." Kenya spoke in a slight laughter, though it was dark and nearly empty, with a tinge of pain.
Japan looked at his hands that were folded in his lap. He felt a little comforted by her words. Yet he felt even more stuck between a rock and a hard place. He didn't know whether he should tell England about the child, yet he didn't want to hide it forever. He decided to take a chance.
"…You don't mind if I… ask for your help? Will you?" Japan looked out of the corner of his eye.
Kenya turned her head, at first with a blank face, but then a smirk grew on her face, and her eyes lit up. "Let me guess, it's about the baby?"
Japan, shocked that she knew, was at a loss for words. "H-how did y-you know?"
She chuckled, with true humor, "You're looking at a trained mother here. You can't hide something like that from me."
Japan looked at the ground in embarrassment at being caught, "Don't tell England, okay?"
Kenya quirked her eyebrow in humor, "Oh? Why not?"
"…I don't know what to do."
Kenya's expression changed to one of sympathy. She sighed, "I know how that feels."
Japan glanced down again, and then pulled his head up again, "Wait, you are a mother?"
Kenya looked at the sky again, then down towards the mountains, and sighed deeply with great pain, "Once."
Japan let it sink in. She had a child and then lost it. That's one thing no mother would want. He looked at her, "I am sorry."
Kenya was quiet for a few moments, then she glanced at him from the corner of her eye, "I want to tell you a story, Japan. And I want you to listen carefully, because this may help you."
Japan looked at her with a divided look. He didn't want to bring up painful memories. He didn't even know he would be put in this situation when he woke up this morning. Yet, he felt he needed to know, that she could possibly help him.
"When you're ready." It was all that was needed.
"Well, it's cliché, but once upon a time…"
X-X-X
Late 1200s
Kenya
Told in Kenya's point of view
During the early 1200s, I met the most handsome man. You know him as Cameroon. We barely got to meet each other, as travel wasn't that common. Yet, we talked. We became friends. Then, we fell in love.
I didn't know I was pregnant with his child until half way through, and yet I still didn't tell him. That was my first mistake.
I was scared, like most women. I didn't know what to do. I panicked.
I was tempted to rid myself of the baby. It was such a taboo for my culture; to have a child without a husband, and they would have harmed my child if it weren't for the fact that, back then, they knew I was their country. At least, the representative of them.
I had a beautiful little boy. Not too skinny, not sick. Perfectly healthy. I named him Tumaini. It meant, "hope." But I often gave him a nickname, Tengi (Ten-gee). I just felt like calling him that, and when he was older, he adopted it like it was his first name. It was like a little pet name.
Cameroon didn't know, not until Tengi was 2 years old, and by then it was about the 1400s. He was down right angry with me. He often yelled at me, saying I had no right to hide his child from him. I tried telling him that I panicked, that I didn't know until half way through, but he didn't listen.
It nearly caused war between us two, even if there wouldn't have been any logical way for it to happen without causing a huge uproar with the other nations. They found out soon afterwards. Some were sympathetic for me, and others said that I was the devil for hiding a child and said to get rid of it.
But how could I? He was already 2. He did nothing wrong. Yet they said his birth was his wrong. How could he have controlled that? I couldn't harm him. I was already so attached to him that I often kept moving around my country, either running from my own people, or nations who tried to meddle in business that wasn't theirs.
Eventually, our tribes came to an agreement. Cameroon would get visitation for 2 years and then Tengi would come back to me for 2 years. It was still so unfair for him. The poor child. He would be settled down and then he would be forcefully ripped out and placed elsewhere, only for the same thing to be repeated. Cameroon said it was unfair, too, but we couldn't fight anymore.
Oddly enough, we still kept dating, I don't know how he was forgiving me, or if I had mistaken it for forgiveness. Yet, we did it for the poor boy. Even now, when we are dating still, I can't help but feel that he still hadn't forgiven me for that injustice.
Later 1500s
Tengi was only 6 around this time. He was a good boy who did what he was told to do. We slowly started making amends with each other, and I could tell Tengi felt relieved by that. Can you imagine? Having to be a child, who is completely powerless, yet feel responsible for why your parents can't get along? Feeling that you are the reason for the anger and hate?
He was a quiet boy most of the time, except for when he was around me. He was so much like me. Just often goofing around, pretending to be who ever he wanted. Such an active imagination. He seemed to like being with me so much more than Cameroon.
I remember he told me, "I don't fit in there. I don't like it. It's not like here." I felt some what bad that he didn't like that way of life or his father as much as me, and I feel Cameroon knew that, but I couldn't help but smile at him, knowing he felt so happy here with his mama.
Then, one afternoon, I told him to go and get some water from the river. It wasn't too far, and he wanted to take a walk to think. He liked thinking, and he often came up with great ideas when he took walks and communed with nature. It would have only taken him 20 minutes to bring water back.
He didn't come back. Not even an hour later than normal.
I started panicking. I ran outside of the hut and towards the river. I couldn't stop, not even when I saw Cameroon coming down the road towards me. I ran past him, not even giving a second glance. I dashed through the tall grass, stumbling and catching myself on roots and rocks, until I finally came to the river.
I fell to my knees and screamed. A hyena had caught my poor little boy. It had him in his jaws, and he looked so lifeless. Cameroon was behind me and I couldn't hear him, whether he said anything or I couldn't hear over my own screams and sobs I didn't know.
It was then that one of the many lions that roamed the plains appeared. It had grabbed the hyena and threw it against a tree, leaving my poor boy on the ground. The lion helped Tengi up and walked him over to us.
I didn't give any time to really see the wounds, and scooped my son up and turned towards Cameroon. We both ran towards the path that ran parallel to the river a ways away. The lion had followed us, as if it was overseeing Tengi and keeping watch over him.
Some people that were walking towards us, a few people coming from South Africa for a meeting with me, and saw us and our terrified faces. South Africa, the representative of said country and a very close friend of mine, saw our son and ran towards us, gesturing to his people to come with him. He and the others patched him up right there the best they could, and we headed towards the house, almost sprinting.
It wasn't until later that night I came out of a haze. I didn't remember anything after coming to the house. South Africa was there, filling me in. Apparently, I had collapsed after some of his people were continuing treating Tengi, and was hysterical. I kept repeating, "I'm an awful mother! I shouldn't have let him go alone! It's my fault!" I wept and… Cameroon, for the first time since the 1200s, actually held me in an embrace, and he wouldn't leave me alone.
Cameroon had told me, "It's not your fault. We both knew he wasn't a dumb kid, and that this was just awful luck. You believed he would be fine, and he would have been if it weren't for the wrong timing for the hyena. Don't blame yourself."
It was the first time that I felt so reassured that I wasn't doing something wrong. Yet, I still blamed myself that, if he didn't make it, it was still my fault.
Then a miracle happened. Though it could also be considered an ill omen. His wounds healed before our eyes, all except for the worst that had sliced part of his neck. They left thin scars, much like ours would. We knew then that he was immortal, at least for everything that wasn't life threatening. I cried with relief, even if he might be bed ridden for a few days, at least he was alive.
Late 1800s
Tengi was 8 years old when the white men came from Europe. I was so afraid of what they would do to us. Cameroon was already under German rule, and Great Britain was closing in. I didn't want him to know or find my son, or he would be mistaken for a normal young boy and forced into slavery.
Even if Morocco was already under French rule, he came to me and said, "I know it might not be safe in my country, but it would be safer than here. If you want, I will take him under my wing until we can finally rid ourselves of these Europeans. I want to help, all you need to do is accept it."
I weighed that option heavily. I was so scared for his safety, yet I couldn't keep him here. I knew Cameroon would have questioned it, but I needed to do it.
Later that week, Morocco came and picked up Tengi to bring him back, I waved goodbye and gave him the last hug I would. As Morocco and Tengi drove away, I saw tears on my son's face. I cried right there, after they were out of sight. I tried remaining hopeful that I would see him again.
But it wasn't to be.
X-X-X
"…I really shouldn't have said all that." Kenya looked down at her feet. "I only meant to tell you that it's better to tell, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous. It's what happened to me."
She looked up, looking at Japan in the eyes. "I don't know you well, but from the bottom of my heart, I care enough to make sure you don't go down the same road I did."
Japan held back tears, "Thank you, Kenya-san."
They were quiet for a while. Japan then spoke, "If you do not mind me asking… What happened to your son?"
Kenya was quiet for a while, and then she spoke, with a heavy voice and tears in her eyes. "I hadn't seen him since. We exchanged letters often. He was taught to write and to read by Morocco. He had so much fun up there, he said it was one of the best places he had been to. Then one day… the letters stopped coming. He had disappeared one day, and no one knew where he went. I remember Morocco had apologized so much, and he kept looking for him on his own. Then World War One came, and so did World War Two…"
Japan looked down at his feet. "Do you… think he's out there still?"
Kenya looked at him, with weak conviction, "If I honestly believed hope still existed, I wouldn't be here, sitting on my ass and moping about. I would still be out there looking for him. But… sometimes you have to face reality. If he did make it… then he is one lucky boy. Cameroon and I have given up on ever finding him. The only thing I can say is… if he is still alive… that he is living his life the way he wants."
They were quiet for a while before Kenya spoke again, "You know, that meeting will be starting soon, and your suitcase is still out here."
Japan looked beside him to see his suitcase was still there, and he had a presentation to do this morning. "Thank you, Kenya-san."
He got up to leave, but then turned around, "You know… thank you, for everything. Please, don't give up looking, I know you'll find him."
Kenya looked up, in slight shock, but then it turned into a soft smile. She nodded, wiping tears from her eyes as she did so. Japan walked back inside.
As he barely entered the hallway, he ran into Cameroon. "Gomen-" As Japan started speaking, Cameroon cut him off.
"No, no, that's my fault. I wasn't paying attention." Cameroon rubbed the back of his head, giving an awkward laugh as he did so.
Japan noticed a little black box in Cameroon's hand. "If you don't mind me asking, what is that?"
Cameroon gave a small sigh, "I was going to propose to Kenya. It's… I don't know when to do it. And… I want her to know that I don't blame her for… certain things that happened between us."
Japan looked thoughtful at the African nation, knowing full well what those "certain things" were. He then looked at Kenya, and, slowly, a smile grew on his face. He had to pay back Kenya for her help. "I think now would be a good time."
Cameroon looked at him curiously, "You think so?"
Japan nodded, "I think she needs something to make her day brighter."
Cameroon nodded, "Well, wish me luck."
Cameroon walked outside and up to Kenya. Japan watched from the window. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he just need to watch. Kenya showed a confused face when Cameroon started talking, probably his little speech that he started. He then knelt to the ground and pulled the ring out. The look on Kenya's face was of pure joy and shock. Cameroon stood up and handed her the ring. Kenya wasted no time putting the ring on her finger and leaping into the other's arms. He twirled her around and Japan could hear laughter through the walls.
"This is quite special, da?"
Japan turned around quickly to see Russia leaning on the wall near the meeting room. He decided not to make a scene and just agreed. "Hai, it is."
Russia looked on, and gave a soft smile. "I wonder how North would react if I did that."
Japan looked at Russia blinking a few times in shock. "You mean proposing?"
"Da."
Japan chuckled some, "That's an interesting question. Who knows since he's so bi-polar." Japan stopped himself, fearing he just insulted.
But Russia laughed it off, though on the inside he winced. "Da, but I love him anyways."
Japan paused for a second, then gave a soft smile. "I'm sure he does, too."
A few seconds later, Russia glanced over at Japan, "Did you know he's expecting my child?"
Japan whirled to face Russia, "Nani!?"
Russia laughed, "Da. I can't wait until it comes!"
Japan stared at him a few seconds, and then he gave a small laugh. Then, North Korea came around the corner, "Russia! The meeting's starting soon! Get your ass over here!"
Russia laughed childishly, "I'm coming."
As Russia approached the Korean, the latter tugged hard on the scarf and dragged the other into the meeting room. Japan gave a slight laugh at the scene.
Those two are certainly an odd pair. Japan thought.
Then he realized, "The meeting's starting!?" He rushed in. Telling England is going to have to wait until later.
End of Chapter 9
New updates will be coming out every Sunday.
