Two long chaps today for Hetalia!
The night went on none resting very well. Iain paced restlessly, far too wound up to even think of sleeping. Arthur was tucked up in bed and seemed not to be in too much pain... Al hadn't left the couch, aimlessly flicking through channels to distract himself.
The flickering light and stuttering noise was starting to infuriate the Scot though... It was taking all his self control not to rip the tv off the wall.
He finally stopped at a news station, smoke and flames catching his attention.
"...catastrophic attack on the east coast of England today. Four cities have been reduced to rubble and thousands injured with many presumed dead. Much of the farmland in the Cambridgeshire area has been torn up, severely damaging this years crops and ultimately, Britain's economy." the newsreader announced in her falsely sweet voice.
Al's breath caught as he choked.
"More on this as the story unfolds," she signed off, letting the credits play.
Iain stood in the doorway, eyes a burning pit of fury. Al lowers his head gripping his hair.
Iain just came forward, picking up the remote and turning off the tv. "That's enough of that..."
Al shivers lightly.
"Come on.." Iain tugged him up gently, steering him out into the brisk chill of the night air.
Al sighs gazing at the stars. The two men just stand there in silence for a bit, letting the night ease them.
"...it's enough to order a lockdown.. Make sure he can't leave.."
"Aye, but I reckon he's already gone," Iain hummed. "Why stay somewhere you plan to blow up? You know they shut down the airspace after something like this..."
Al sighs.
"You might want to get some rest... Everyone's meeting here tomorrow..."
He nods softly.
"Ready to go back in yet...?"
"Yeah.."
Iain put an arm around Al's shoulders, half hugging as they went back in. They both just needed to calm down really...
They settle in. Al crashing on the couch. Iain couldn't drift off, but he stayed with Al regardless. Wasn't like he had much else to do... Mana curled up beside the blonde. Some point during the night Al ended up with a rabbit toe stuffed in his nose.
The sun crept upon them slowly, bringing the day around once more. Al was reluctant to wake. Not that such a thing would occur to an energetic child. Patrick came running down the stairs, jumping on him without a second thought. "Alfie!"
"Ack!" The rabbit jumped scrambling away.
"Oh, lets play tag!" he grinned, giving chase to the rabbit.
Al sat up watching Mana run. Pat ran after him, giggling.
Matt came in, smirking in amusement. *Did I miss something?*
*Jump attack.. Not sure Mana liked it though.*
*Kuma's not too fond of them either,* he came and sat by Al. *You okay..?*
*I guess?* Al sighs. *Caught the news last night..*
*I caught the rerun this morning... Iain said you'd already seen it...*
Al leans on him. Matt wrapped his arms around him.
*How do we find him..?*
*Figure out his patterns then hunt him down...*
But that would mean more bombs.. They couldn't get anything from what they had now, unfortunately...
Al clenched his eyes shut.
"We'll catch him," Iain ruffled Al's hair, having appeared from thin air. "Skin him alive when we do..."
Al smirks slightly.
*The fact that he's serious makes it so much better,* Matt chuckled softly.
They get up starting on breakfast. They all needed something good in them after last night's shock. Al had managed to rescue Mana too. Distracting Patrick with food. Pat sat at the table, grinning as he munched on toast. Mana stuck close to Al.
Molly came down just as they were serving up, saying that Arthur was making his way down. Al glanced up worriedly.
*If he's coming down, it might not be that bad,* Matt gripped his shoulder comfortingly.
Al nodded slightly.
The stairs creaked as slow footsteps shuffled down them, Arthur and Francis coming down together. Al's eyes latched on, observing. Arthur looked very tender and rather pale, but he seemed right enough in himself. Al sighs.
Arthur just gave him that "Please don't worry, I'm fine" look.
Al smiles softly.
They sit around the table to eat. It was a little quiet though. They had the whole world coming soon enough, best enjoy it while it lasted.
They finish and take care of the dishes. Al stepping out to lay on the lawn and think. Nate had started his game now... They needed to counter... But how?!
They needed a way to track him.. Find something that can sniff him out. A spirit maybe? Might work, but who? Most couldn't travel far outside North America. What about Iain's patronus wolf things? Al knew Nate's scent all to well, Iain could tap into his memories to get it?
It was worth asking about, surely? Odds were, the Scot was inside somewhere near Arthur.
He keeps the idea and sits brainstorming for a while. Matt came out and just sat beside him, watching the clouds. Al pitched a few ideas to him. The wolves, maybe accessing his satellite feeds, he chuckles saying he should call the Avengers even.
Matt smirked at that one, chortling softly. *Tempting, but they'd have smacked him down the first time if this was their thing.*
Al smiles. Well it was nice to dream about fictional heroes helping you out at least.
*I'd say looking into the other two though. Satellites are good, especially if he is moving around a lot.*
*I'd need a computer though. NASA would need to connect a feed.*
*We can get it sorted out here, or move back to your place and you can work with them there?*
*I'd rather stay here.. I'm worried about the others..*
*We could stick together again? Might be better if we moved everyone to your's, since you had new security put in around your house...*
*Sounds good. I'm already set up there anyway.*
*We'll get things sorted here then move over...*
Al nods.
"Boys," Molly stuck her head out. "We'll need you in soon..."
Al sighs standing and brushing off his pants.
Matt hopped up too. *Wanna ask Iain now or after?*
*Might as well before the others get here.*
Matt just nodded and followed him in. They join the others. The siblings were gathered in the lounge, Pat reattached to Arthur.
Al pulls Iain off to the side.
"Something wrong?" the Scot frowned softly.
"Just a few ideas I wanted to bounce off ya."
"Alright," he leaned against the wall casually, but you could see the analytically critical mechanisms clicking on in his eyes.
Al went on talking to him.
Iain listened intently, nodded every so often. "Alright... Aye, I could set the dogs out, but I can only manage three per continent..."
"We have to start somewhere." Al smiles sadly.
"Australia only really needs one, so four to Europe and Asia," Iain shrugged, smirking. "It's better than what we had so far."
Al nods.
"I'll get them going after we've chattered to the world."
"Alright."
Nations were starting to arrive now, coming in groups or pairs. Al sat in the corner, observing more than taking lead for once. Mana keeping guard next to him.
They had to use Molly's basement, since her lounge wasn't big enough, but the small cavern under it was.
"Right," Iain took the floor, calling everyone into order. "As you've likely seen by now, the bastard that gave us all grief last year and kidnapped America has managed to weasel his way out of prison"-a few murmurs kicked up among the crowd-"he's already started being a twat again. The east coast of England was hit with a heavy bombstrike last night. What we need is a way to track him down. No laws, we're not arresting him. This time, when we catch him, we wring his neck ourselves!"
The room burst into a wave of agreement, a wall of noise hitting them.
Al's fingers twitched.
"Anything you can do to track him, even if its only in your own country; crack down on all weaponry, so he has nowhere to reload."
The room rattled with nations shouting out suggestions.
Russia glanced over to Al observing. He could tell the blonde was tense, but also determined. Al's eyes were lit with fire for battle. Iain was well on his way, firing up the rest of them.
The meeting continued. All riled up by the end.
The nations departed, each flocking out to do their bit against Nate. East Asia were supplying weapons, Europe and Australia forming an attack team. A handful of the female nations were heading up north to Iain's Highland house with the micronations, hoping it would be far enough away from main cities to be a target. Ivan and Gilbert lingered a while for the twins before leaving.
Soon, they were back to just family, with the addition of Wales now too. He'd insisted on being with his siblings during this, especially since he just sat back last time. Al offered the rest of them to stay at his house, already asking Iain about it before. Not like anyone was going to disagree. Iain had approved the idea earlier. The only thing none of them were too pleased over was the fact that Patrick had refused to hole up with the rest of the younger personifications...
Al sighs softly, but he understood the want to stay. Nonetheless, it had Arthur churning with worry.
They set about sorting some things before preparing to leave. It took going through seeings and roundabouts, but Molly got them a private jet for the trip over, thinking it safer than commercial travel.
They pack up things and load the car. The drive to the airport was short and the plane was waiting for them. They board and sit, the animals with their respective friends. Arthur, Dylan and Patrick snuggled into a corner with Francis while the Celts ran last minute checks.
Al sat petting Mana trying to stay level. Matt sat with him, one hand combing through Kuma's fur, the other clutching to his twin. Al watches the window wondering just where and what the madman was up to.
Iain started the engines, door closing as they prepared for takeoff The flight was mostly silent. No one dare speak first and break the lull.
When they land they pile out and head to the twins' cars left at the airport. Thankfully, the ride from the airport wasn't too long - Patrick was starting to fidget and the Celts never did like being inside for too long.
Al unlocks the door letting them in. They split off to settle into guest rooms before getting started on setting up. Al goes to the computer starting up the security and looking at the satellites.
Nothing to see just yet, save that the Middle East had been hit just a few hours ago. He frowns starting up a tracking program. As soon as the satellite found a match of Nate, Al's computer would send an alert to his phone.
He sat back with a sigh rubbing his face. He stood up joining the others. Matt offered him a weary smile as he walked in. *Sorted?*
*All set, but he hit again..*
*Who got it this time?* his little smile fell as he patted the couch beside him.
Al slumps down next to him. *Middle east..*
*At least they're used to it,* Matt sighed, just pulling his twin into a hug.
Al folded in. They just cling for a minute. They couldn't let stress get to them already. Al sits trying to unwind. Matt rocked gently to and fro, humming soft tunes under his breath.
After a bit Francis came by glancing to them. By this stage, they just curled around each other. He sighs softly rejoining the others.
Arthur and Dylan had taken Patrick out to play in the yard. The child needed air and to run and play. He didn't understand why everyone was so sad.
He sits down on the porch. At least the little ginger could laugh and smile, his voice like a little bell. Francis smiles softly. Arthur lay in the grass, soaking up the last of the sun.
It was a bit of calm while the world raged.
Night crept in, eventually forcing them back in. Al started on dinner. Arthur went up to rest. Francis sat with Matt and Ro. Mana crept to the kitchen with Al. Matt had let Ro snuggle up in his lap. She'd been starting to feel left out again, even though she knew what was going on. Francis sat with them watching tv.
Pat snuggled up in the armchair with Kuma. The bear had an odd fondness for the child.
"How is he?" Francis asks in French.
"Who, Al?" Matt turned and responded in kind. "He's worried but settling down."
Francis nods softly with a sigh.
"I think it was just the shock of it..."
"We'll get through this.."
"No one plans on letting him repeat last time..."
Francis smiles griping his hand. Matt squeezed softly, rubbing his knuckles. They sit there a while.
Molly came to join them after a while, curling up next to Francis. He hugs her gently. The smell of food starting to come from the kitchen.
"Smells good," Molly smiled softly, snuggling in a bit. "The boys are staying upstairs... Keeping Artie company."
Francis smiles playfully.. "Good thing Al got some of my cooking skills rather than his."
"Arthur can cook a few things," she nudged him playfully. "He's better at not burning it now too."
He chuckles softly.
"Do you know what Alfie's making?" she smiled warmly.
"Most likely macaroni at least, he makes it when he's upset."
She hummed, pouting softly. "Think he'll want company?"
"Might work."
She shrugged and got up, creeping off to the kitchen. Al was stirring a pot of noodles. About three boxes worth to feed everyone. He had some beef roasting in the oven.
She watched for a moment before sliding in. "Heya, Alfie~"
He turns at the voice. "Hey."
"Whacha cookin?" she grinned; bumping her hip against his.
"Mac n cheese, and some steak cuts."
"Sounds good," she quickly swept her hair up. "Anything else need doing?"
"Maybe grab a can of peaches or veggies?"
She skipped over to the cupboards and started hunting.
Interesting fact about America's fast meals, most of the country were pioneers at one point, that or they worked hard labor or were at war. You needed a way to preserve something to last long journeys and cooked quickly incase you needed to defend yourself from enemies.
Nowadays, everyone just wanted food cooked quickly with minimal effort. People were busy even today. Though quite a few were just lazy...
He went back to stir the noodles.
"...Paddy was asking to play with you earlier," she spoke softly; keeping a little smile on her lips.
"Sorry.."
"It's okay," she hummed. "Dylan kept him occupied a while before he went to Artie. ...You could always read him his story tonight to make up for it?"
"I'll do that." He smiles softly.
"He'll be thrilled," she giggled lightly. "He really looks up to you, y'know."
Al shrugs shyly.
She just grinned. "Is everything nearly done?"
"I think so." He drains the noodles and mixed in the cheese. Molly started setting the table, humming lightly. They set up and call the others in.
The brothers were still upstairs though...
"Want me to fetch them or take it up?"
"Whichever? I dunno how he's feeling.."
Molly shifted for a moment. "...We'll take it up."
He nods grabbing a plate. She took the other two and headed up to Arthur's room. Al follows behind.
They knock and go in, finding the trio sat together in the bed, chuckling at the tv. Al smiles softly.
"Oh, hello," Iain grinned over his brothers at them. "That for us?"
"Yeah."
"Well, come on over then," he chuckled.
Al walks over passing off the plate. Molly handed over her two too. Al stepped back a bit.
"Where ya going?" Dylan turned, flashing him a smile, wavy dark blond dancing about his bright blue-green eyes.
Al shrugs softly sitting on the bed.
Molly perched by Iain, brightening immensely as she looked at her brothers. "How ya feeling Art?"
"Sore," he smirked, the rest of them laughing.
Al smiles softly.
"Any luck on finding him yet?" Iain asked conversationally. "I've seen nothing."
"Not yet, but he hit Middle East while we were flying.."
"He's taking his time," the Scot frowned
"Wasn't he on the ball for this last time?" Dylan quirked a brow softly. "Why's he loitering?"
Al shrugs. "Might just be trying to find one of us?"
"He sounded like he was trying to draw us out," Iain muttered thoughtfully. "He knows we're attached to our land..."
Al nods. "I'd rather find him on our terms though.."
"You and I both kiddo..."
Al smiles sadly.
"Enough of that now," Molly tutted. "Eat up. You'll need your strength."
Al moves to get up. No one stopped him this time. He went back downstairs to fix himself a plate. Molly joined him a moment later, silently hugging him. He hugged back for a moment.
She let go with a little smile then sorted her own dinner. He sits down with his plate. She just sat beside him. They eat as the others pile in.
Matt flashed Al a reassuring smile as he walked in. Paddy came right up to the American, big green eyes full of hope. "Alfie...?"
"Yeah?"
"Wanna play catch?"
"Sure."
He beamed, running off to fetch a ball.
Wait now? They were eating..
Matt just laughed. "He's been dying to play with you all day."
Al pouts softly wanting his food.
"Finish eating first. I'll keep him occupied."
Al smiles at him continuing to eat. Matt slipped off after the child.
After Al finished he moved off to find them. Patrick was digging through the toy chest Alfred kept in his games room, hunting for the ball Matt had hidden behind his back. Al smirks at him.
*Told you I'd keep him busy,* Matt chuckled softly, tossing the ball over to him.
Al caught it chuckling.
Paddy turned at the laughter, frown turning into a grin when he saw the ball. "You found it!"
Al shrugs at him, leaving the room. The child followed instantly. They went outside and started up a game. It was simple but fun and it lightened their spirits slightly. Patrick just needed to be moving, or he got anxious and restless.
They played for a while till it was too dark to see.
"Hello Mr. Moon," the darkness didn't seem to bother Patrick. He just grinned up at the moon's pale face, waving enthusiastically.
Al sat on the lawn glancing up. As long as he had the stars he was fine. Complete darkness tended to send him back to bad places..
"Patrick, sweetie," Molly called out to them. "Time for a bath, mucky pup!"
Al glanced up to her and leads the way inside.
"Alfie, will you do my bath, pleeeeeeease?!" Pat grinned, swinging off the blond's arm.
Al chuckles. "If you want."
"Yay," he cheered, bouncing excitedly.
Molly just chuckled softly. "Need any help with him?"
"Nah I'm fine."
"Alright," she smiled warmly and went to find Francis. Al takes him up to wash.
Molly slipped into the lounge and sat next to the Frenchman. "Anything on the news yet?"
"Nothing so far.."
"We'll all go mad for waiting," she groaned. "Do we know where he is yet?"
"Matthieu said Alfred was tracking him somehow, but he hasn't shown up yet."
"Iain's dogs haven't seen anything either..."
He sighs softly
"Why so glum?" Iain strode in, his usual wonky smirk thrown onto his face.
"Just anxious I suppose.."
"Then I'll set your mind at ease," he came and perched on the coffee table. "I spotted him."
Francis turns to him.
"Getting on a private plane in Glasgow," Iain shuddered slightly. "Swear I can feel his grimy little feet creeping around..."
Francis frowns softly. "Any clue where?"
"Heading west," the Scot sighed. "That's all they could tell."
Francis nods.
"Are you alright?" Molly scooted forward as her brother leaned back, dainty hands reaching out.
"Fine Mol, fine..."
Francis raised a brow, Iain was notorious for lying about these things.. A trained eye could see all his little signs of unease - tense hands, not looking at anyone, inability to sit still...
To be fair they were all on edge though.. They were all waiting for the moment their land got hit... They sit back watching the news. After a while Al comes back downstairs, Patrick safely tucked in bed.
Iain had slipped out to smoke. Molly lay with her head in Francis's lap, reading calmly to him, Matt and Ro. It kept them all calm.
Al sits with the latter two. Matt pulled him into a hug, snuggling with both of them. He folded in unwinding. And for a short while, everything was calm.