And another update!
The strategy session had been long and tedious, as each side meticulously went over the details, ensuring they would not lose more than their ally. Eventually, they all settled down to a dinner of canned fish, and went to bed.
In the morning, America awoke first, peering with amusement at Poland curled up with Russia. He poked his brother awake, gesturing to the pair.
"Who'd have thought...?"
Canada considered this, before turning over in his sleeping bag.
"He has no fat...he's probably just using him for warmth." He pointed out, sleepily settling into the blankets he'd set up within the sleeping bag. It was cold out...
America chuckled quietly, stealing out of his sleeping bag and across the cold floor, beginning to light a new fire to heat the place up. After he'd managed to get a good fire going, he sat back, considering their plight; if they were going to take down China, they'd have to destroy Japan first.
It was funny; it didn't seem like so long ago that Japan had been one of his good friends, his gaming buddy. He liked hanging out with him, reading his manga, playing with his cute little robots...
America shuddered, remembering what use Japan had put his robot technology to. He had of course, seen things like that in movies...but the destruction it caused in real life...he glanced down at Canada at this. His brother had been hit not so long ago; the attack had damaged his back more than anything else, leaving awful burns. It was better than what had happened to Mexico when she tried to play double agent, however...
Russia stirred, carefully slipping out of his covers, leaving Poland still sleeping.
"So, you already woke up, Amerikan?"
America shook his head at him.
"You're really fond of him, aren't you? It must get lonely out here..." This made Russia scowl, as he found some more canned chicken for breakfast.
"Is not like that. He not swinging that way..."
America raised an eyebrow.
"So you asked him?"
"Da."
"Al? Can you keep it down please? I'm trying to sleep..." Canada complained, pulling his blanket over his head.
"Yeah, sure Matt." America turned back to Russia, becoming a bit more serious. "I know last night we agreed to different arrangements...but don't you think it would be better for us to lead the charge, since we're stronger?"
Russia looked down.
"I will not change the plan without Poland's approval." It was, after all, Poland's desire to do the plan this way. America looked at him seriously.
"He will die."
"Is his choice."
"Why must you always talk about death early in the morning...?" Poland grumbled, shuffling out of the sleeping bag. Russia turned back to working on breakfast. Poland took a seat by the fire, warming his thin fingers over it.
"Besides, I won't die. I am not some weakling."
Russia looked at him a moment.
"You are not strong enough to-"
"I know what I can and can't do!" Poland snapped, drawing his hands back into fists, glaring at Russia. Russia sighed, looking down.
"Look...am not trying to belittle you...but you cannot walk..."
"That doesn't make me weak!" Poland replied sharply; he looked like he had a mind to retreat, but Russia knew he wouldn't, because the fire was the only source of heat.
"Polan-Feliks...you must be calming down..."
"...Nie." Poland replied, glaring. He spoke in Polish just to spite him, knowing how much Russia hated it. He should not have used his first name, they were not that close.
Russia turned back to the food he'd been prying open, finally spilling the chicken into the skillet he had grabbed. He began to cook it silently, ignoring Poland for the moment. America tried to break the tension awkwardly.
"Can you believe Canada, still sleeping at this hour?" He turned to his sleeping brother, tossing one of the unburning coals at him. "Wake up, lazy!" He was, of course, the only one chuckling, as Canada simply turned over in his bag, mumbling something about leaving him alone...
Poland finally turned to Russia, grabbing his attention with a small smile.
"Look, I know you're worried and all, but it will be fine, I promise. I have a plan."
Oh, I just can't wait to write the next chapters, because I have so many good ideas...