"The advancement from them is becoming too much." Arthur stated at the table.
"Too much?" Alfred scoffed, "More like too deadly. This wasn't what we thought would happen."
"They're desperate now and they will take any means to survive this." Yao noted.
"Then why do what they are doing? They can't gain what they want, it's done. We have the hand on them, don't we?" Feli asked.
"There are times in war Feli that some people will take drastic measures in order not to lose." Ludwig gave a quiet reply, "WWII was on. When the Nazi's realized the truth and what would come to them, they wiped out villages and survivors of the camps just to slow the advancing enemy. This is what Genesis is doing now."
Silence filled the room as Feli sat there, more worried than before of the terrorist group. Gaining Rome was to be the good thing, that they had beat them to the catch and be farther ahead of them...but now?
"Sate nani o shiyou ka?"
"Je ne sais pass."
The deep defeated feeling was overcoming the room as they all sat there. The very world they were trying to protect was falling, either with them or against them. He was terrified himself that things would be worse if they, themselves, didn't act soon. A soldier came forth, saluting them as he handed Arthur a note, quickly being dismissed.
"Shit." was all he let out, rubbing his face as his features turned grim, "They have Istanbul and Reykjavik now. Fuck!"
His heart clamped shut. Sadiq just got back his capital just to have his city taken away and now Emil's was taken as well. What more did they want?
"Gentlemen, I think it's time for last resort." Ludwig announced.
Feli waited for the protests, the shouts of disagreements and other plans, yet the room was quiet. No fighting or bickering, nothing. Just the harsh reality upon their laps. He felt his own lips tremble at the thought, he knew he wasn't the only one, he could see the others from his peripheral. A lone tear slipped past Ludwig as Ivan covered his eyes. Alfred held back and wiped his nose as Arthur let out a shaky breath with Yao and Kiku laid his head down upon the table as Francis wiped his eyes. It was their only option left. And it was killing them all.
"For our wives and children." Ludwig announced, his voice trembling, "For the freedom of the world."
All he could do was nod as the others placed quiet hear, hears. He knew it was all that was left. It just killed him of what it was.
He found himself back in his home. His mind floating back and forth between the meeting from earlier that week. He couldn't help but let it sit there. It really was all that was left.
Shaking his head, he walked towards the bedroom knowing Chloe was readying for their day out. He was hoping to make it a memorable one for her. One that she wouldn't forget. He remembered her face when he placed his ring on her finger, how she just glowed in happiness as tears slid down her sweet cheeks. He wanted that again for her, he just hoped she'd be away by the end of it. Lovino promised to help him. To make sure everything went to plan and that he'd watch over things.
Entering the room, he found Chloe sitting at her vanity, her eyes glossy as she gingerly touched her neck. His heart sank as he watched her loath herself once more. Walking up to her he watched as she wrapped a small chiffon scarf around her neck, hiding what laid beneath it. He quietly grabbed her hand, pausing her rush to tie it up. He pulled the cloth free as her neck was bare to him. There upon the delicate white skin of her throat laid a ridged pink scar. Unnoticeable unless on top of it, yet it sent her back into her self-loath. He gently kissed the mark, gaining a shudder as she tried to speak.
"How can you kiss that?" she finally got out.
"I can kiss it like I kiss your belly. I find them both beautiful." he told her.
"How can you find me so?"
He hated when she talked like that, so low and hateful towards herself. He saw nothing but beauty in her and he wished she could see the same.
"Chloe." he spoke softly, "You are beautiful to me. That will never change in my eyes. You were beautiful the first day I saw you, right to today as you are still breathtakingly beautiful before me."
Her sparkling green eyes were full of tears as she finally closed them and laid her head upon him, shaky breaths escaping her as he rocked her in comfort. Kissing her head and rubbing her back, he let her get it out of her system. Enjoying the feeling of his wife in his arms. The daunting thought of later came to his mind as he tried to shove it away. Praying he wasn't noticeable with her, that she would become suspicious of his actions.
"I'm sorry Feli. I know you think that way, it's just hard for me to get there."
"I know bella, I know. It's why I tell you every day." he smiled against her hair.
"And I love it." she giggled, "Alright enough sobbing. It's time to head out, yes?"
"That it is." he smiled at her, "Beware the Ides of March, sì?"
"Only in Rome." she laughed at him as he finally lead her to the door.
Once at the Roman Forum, she awed at the sights as the place was lit to life as people placed flowers upon the statue and recited Julius's words and dresses as the Romans once did so many years ago. She was so enthralled as he tried to keep up with her. The actors upon the stage took great care of the act. Portraying the even to the best as possible. Chloe's eyes never left them as he watched in awe. Once she became Rome, she wanted to learn everything she could about his fair country, about him. She sat in the library for hours on end, reading book after book, even bringing them to bed as she would find something interesting and as of its truths. He spoke to her about grandpa and how he and Lovino were separated and how they differed from each other. He spoke of all the wars and what they held and lost. She was struck with it all. Truly wanting to be the best she could be for Rome itself.
The chime of the church went off, sending a sickening twist to his gut. It was time. Taking her hand, he led her down the main drag of the street, watching as everyone around them mingled and laughed, enjoying the day as they did.
"You like today Chloe?"
"But of course. I was in my very own heart today. Learning more than I could've imagined." she smiled, "Thank you Feli. It was amazing."
There was his smile. The one he loved on her so much. Oh, god he hoped it burned in his memory for all eternity and-
"Feli, are you ok?"
"Che cosa?"
"I said, are you ok?" she repeated, "I was asking you what we were doing next and you were lost in thought."
"Oh! Sì, sì. I am. Just thinking how pretty you are." God, he prayed he wasn't obvious.
"Alright. But you do promise to tell me if anything is wrong, right?"
He wanted to tell her. Wanted to let her know what was going to happen, but he couldn't. It would kill her, "Sì, I promise. And there's nothing wrong. And to answer your question, we are going with Lovino and Briana to Sicily to have dinner and enjoy family, Diego will be there already so it's just us left."
"Alright, sounds like another god night then." she moved forward, squeezing his hand.
"Chloe?"
She hummed at him, "Could I get a hug and a kiss, por favore?"
"Feli? Are you sure everything is ok?" she asked, "You're starting to worry me."
"It's fine. I just have a need to hug and kiss you in the heart of Rome."
She gave a small chuckle as she came and wrapped her arms around him. The soothing warmth of her body gave him comfort as he tilted her chin to kiss her. No matter how many times they have shared these moments, it felt like heaven every time to him. Her sweet taste and small hums sent him on a soaring path, high above the sky, threatening to never come down. Which he wouldn't argue if he got to hold her. Breaking the kiss, she nuzzled herself into the crook of his neck, holding him tightly as he gripped onto her for dear life.
"Ti amo Feliciano."
"Is breá liom tú ró Chloe."
"Hey, you finally got the Irish down." she smiled at him.
"It took me long enough but I got it."
"Feliciano! Chloe!" they heard someone yell.
Looking over he saw Lovino standing next to the car, nodding at them to hurry. Well, her to hurry. He tried to hold his emotion, to be strong for her and for what was to come.
"Hey, Chloe. I saw something at the one stand. I'll meet you over with Lovino in a moment ok?"
"Sì, ti aspetto." she smiled, walking over to Lovino.
That was it. He watched as she walked away, her hips swaying in stride as her red hair bounce around her shoulders. The happiness that radiated off her was nearly damning as she spoke briefly to Lovi. He saw his brother look at him, a mournful glance in his eyes as he raised his hand, signing to Feli that he loved him. It was taking everything for him to stand there, but knowing she was leaving with a smile on her face, one that he helped her gain was all he needed.
A shot blasted in the air as people began to scatter. Fear filling the air as Feli felt his legs give out from under him. It was too soon. They were early and she witnessed it. He saw as Lovino wrapped his arms around Chloe as she reached out for him, screaming his name as tears fell down her face. Fear and heartache written upon her tear soaked cheeks as her voice began to fade from his ears, Lovino trying his best to place her in the car as the members of Genesis surrounded him. He was praying they all made the right choice, especially for the capitals and cities. He just hoped she would forgive him as his world finally went dark.
Ladies and gentlemen of the world, all nations wide.
Brie pressed herself against the iron bars of the Eiffel Tower as the heavy stream of tears left her, she just couldn't understand it.
"Porquoi Francis, porquoi?" she sobbed out
It is upon heavy hearts we deliver this message to you all.
She could hear Iryna singing the lullaby to the boys, yet she was far in her mind as she smashed the mirror with the pipe. Screaming out her anger and hurt of Ivan's actions. How? Why? How could he, why would he? She screamed once more as the last panel shattered and fell to the floor as she followed behind it. Her knees pressing painfully into the glass as she cried into her hands.
On this day, the Axis and Allies had made an agreement with Genesis.
Amber watched from the oval office as the Marines brought down the large flag outside, slowly killing the lights around the White House, leaving the nation dark. A wave of unease and heartache hit her as she felt the tears fall.
"I don't know what I'm doing. Alfie, what do I do?" she cried out as she was answered in silence.
As we speak, the war is on a temporary hold.
Juliet threw the papers of the desk in frustration as she tried to find answers in the piles, just to be greeted with nothing.
"Mommy?" she heard Thomas enter the room. "Where's daddy?"
Quickly collecting herself, praying she could keep it together, she knelt before the boy, "He's away on business baby, he'll be back soon."
He looked at her carefully, the same way Arthur would to her, "Mommy... daddy's not coming back, is he?"
Juliet couldn't hold it back as she gathered her little boy in her arms and cried, "It's ok mommy."
"I'm sorry baby, I'm sorry."
With this hold, brings a darker term for us all.
Marie's knuckled bled upon the hard wood desk, staining the papers beneath as she tried to collect her mind as the box called to her, begging her to use.
"Don't Marie, you have two reasons upstairs to leave that box alone." Gilbert warned.
"Why did he do this Gil?" she asked as her legs collapsed under her, feeling her brother-in-laws arms wrap around her, "Why did he leave us?"
The world is in a darker state as we speak to you all, one that has a darker shadow than believed.
Nora scavenged every camera and code she could find upon the laptops, praying what the TV was saying was wrong. That it wasn't possible what she was hearing, but as she searched, it seemed inevitable.
"No Yao, please. Don't do this. Not now." she began to cry as her hand caressed her belly, the baby moving within, "Don't do this, please Yao. We need you. I need you."
That with his hold, comes the harsh reality of the war and what is to come, along with the facts.
Harper pressed herself against the cool tub, her eyes clamped shut as the tears flowed past her lids. That wasn't the phone call she was expecting. There wasn't any way that was true, but it was before her as she gripped the little white stick tighter in her hand, her sobbing growing harsher and louder as the reality sunk in.
The Axis and Allies have given in, surrendering to Genesis to stop all terrorism acts until justified and possibly surrendering the total war itself.
Chloe tried to break Lovino's grip as she reached out for Feliciano. His body laying upon the ground as Genesis came over to him and gave her a sickening smile. She begged and pleased to fight for him, to get him before they did but her pleas were found on deaf ears as he finally got her in the car. Just for her to watch them carry off Feli, away from her and his beloved country.
Now, we urge all families to be together during these dark times. Love as much as possible. And pray for everyone around you.
God help us all.
She couldn't tell how long she cried for as the girls and here all sat around the room, she knew it was long. Her eyes burned in proof. She wasn't alone though, Harper's own tears fell here and there with hers as the others tried to keep theirs hidden.
"You realize he'd yell at you for eating that?" Juliet broke the silence as Nora dug into the strange jelly.
"He's not here to yell at me so I can..." Nora staggered off as her words echoed through them all.
She watched as Nora threw the cup down on the floor as she tried to hide her emotions, "I never thought I'd miss his nagging."
"Don't we all?" Amber spoke up.
Silence filled the room as they all agreed. It was true. How each of their husbands hounded at them for something, so small and minute that it would nearly break them not hearing the constant nagging. Chloe tried to collect herself, but all she could see was Feli being dragged off. What did the boys think they were doing? Looking over at Harper, she saw the woman stare off in the distance, her hand gripping something tightly to her chest. Looking closer, Chloe felt her heart twinge in hurt as she nudged Harper's fingers open. Finally, Harper looked at her and then to her hand, unfolding her fingers to have the positive test stand out.
"Harper?" Chloe finally got out.
"Mein Gott."
Harper looked at the test, her eyes filling to the brim with tears, "I... I was going...to tell him…at dinner."
The woman shook as a heavy sob left her body. Chloe wrapped her arms around her as Nora joined, rocking and soothing the distraught woman.
"This cannot be it!" she heard Brie yell, watching as the woman stood up in a huff. "There has to be more that we are not seeing."
"What more do you expect Brie?" Lily questioned, "It's been three days. The men aren't coming back. They surrendered to Genesis. Never telling us a goddamn thing!"
"But why thought?" the woman asked.
"It's a good question we will never know." Marie stated.
"Girl?" Amber said aloud. "Do the kids know?"
That rocked her, the little ones didn't know of their father's surrender or their plight as things unfolded before them.
"Liberty does now. She won't sleep in her bed, she had to be in our and on his side. She hasn't let go of his pillow or stopped crying into it." Amber stated.
"Thomas does. God, I think the boy is stronger than I am." Juliet said, wiping tears away.
"I think Adeline knows. She's been very quiet and going into his office every day. Gilbert has found her asleep in his chair."
"Jeanne does. I think she hides it from me that she's hurting due to it. His shirt hasn't left her hand since that day." Brie nodded.
"Yēsū. There must be something that can be done. We're capitals for god's sake. There-" Nora nearly yelled.
"And what, pray tell would that be?" Marie cut her off, "We have nothing to get them nor find them. We are lost in this world and there is nothing we can do about it. Capital or not."
"Capital." Brie whispered to herself, pacing the floor.
"Da, capital. What a term if you can't do shit to help your nation." Lily scoffed as others nodded.
"Non. What if us being the capitals is the answer?" Brie questioned.
"How in bloody hell do you mean by that?" Juliet asked.
"Think about it. We are women of worth, we survived things that most would never come close to. Are things that no one can imagine either. Does it make sense?"
"None actually, where are you going with this Brie?" Marie asked.
"I agree with her. We are normal women in everyday jobs." Amber added.
"Oui, that is true but we are more due to-"
"To what?" Juliet interrupted, "Do you hear yourself, you're talking like a daffed loon. Come on now Brie look at us. A barista, a veterinarian, a diplomat, a nurse, a computer analyst, a counselor and no offense darling, a former stripper turned reservation chairman going to do to stop a massive terrorist group?"
Juliet made a point to them all yet Brie just smiled at her, "You didn't let me finish. We may have normal lives. Family. Jobs. Children and husbands, yes. But what before all this. What brought us to the countries we are a part of now?"
"Our dreams." Chloe answered before she realized.
"Oui. Our dreams. So, I was wondering, besides nightmares of our husbands and such, what have you dreamed of girls?"
Silence befell the room as a strange hope filled it, "I have seen the women writing their books and showing the world how Italy is really worth the fight."
"Sophie standing and fighting to the end along with Hanna."
"Tomoe battling, fighting for what she knew was right as Tokuko held herself as things fell apart."
"My two trained and proved that they were worth as Wu proved to the world that she could do it."
"Catherine riding to battle, never afraid of what may happen as the same for Anastasia."
"Elizabeth walking the courts and along the battlefield, watching her country grow."
"Sacajawea leading the world forward as Harriet found freedom, Annie and Calamity proving girls were just as tough as boys as Amelia took the sky."
"And I have seen Marie face the masses with her head high and Jeanne riding to battle, knowing she was fighting for the right reasons." Brie nodded to them all, "So what if they never really left us, that the spirits are just laying quietly within us until the time is right? That the time we need to get to is now, when the world most desperately needs them."
They all leaned in as Brie continued, "We were chosen to become capitals. We suffered the hardships of it and made it to what we are today, learning becoming so much more than any of us could have imagined. Now if this is the case, we have queens, soldiers, warriors, leaders, diplomats, philosophers and saints. We are what made our countries history, we are what makes them stand out from the others. We are the reason Genesis was afraid of them and why they wanted their hands on us."
"Dear god she's right." Lily said.
"If that is the case, then what do we do?" Harper asked.
"Ja, agreed?" Marie added.
"I believe we need to channel the girls within and bring them forth as we fight the bastards that took our husbands."
"But we don't even know where they're at Brie, how can we find them?" Amber asked, as Chloe saw Nora nodding as Chloe followed suit.
"There has to be someone that could find them, something that could pinpoint them better than satellites and maps."
"Actually, there is." Juliet said, her eyes sharp and curious.
"Who?" they all asked.
"The only nation that removed himself from the war and all contact from the outside. The one that made an impenetrable wall of snow and ice to protect his wife and daughter and a user of magic." she told them, "Lukas."
Brie smiled as the others joined her, confidence and hope filling them all as the thought of getting their husbands back, "We'll then, off to Norway."