Choose Your Player
Chapter Four: A fortune Cookie of Lies
***xxxXxxx***
Once again, there was silence. Eyes were widened, frozen in horror. But, it was soon interrupted by a swarm of questions.
"Scheisse! What the **** was that!?"
"What did it mean – aru?"
"Portals…!? Veh~…"
"Angleterre, is this your doing? So this is why you really invited all of us to this creepy ass house of yours!" England balked at the Frenchman's accusation.
"You believe this was my doing!? Preposterous! This is all that wanker's fault!" He pointed a shaky finger to Alfred, who was sitting on the bed and hugging his knees while shivering. At the sight of Arthur blaming him, the American jumped up in alarm and frowned.
"You know for a fact that it was not! It was that *****in' witch hag I met on the street!" He flailed his arms from being flustered.
"What woman?" Germany finally managed to rip the frightened Italian from his arm and walk over to America. After a quick glance at England and a subtle nod in return, Alfred proceeded in telling him everything that had happened the day prior. Once finished with telling his story, the blonde felt outrageously stupid. They would probably degrade him, tell him that he must have been hallucinating or it might have been some of his friend's poisonous cooking that had made him see what he had seen. But to his surprise, none of them had the reactions he had been expecting. "So, I suppose that all of us are now a part of your predicament… And to be completely honest, I still have no idea what is going on exactly."
"Well, I'm not too sure if any of us understood what that message meant, man. At least, I didn't. But, everything will be alright because you got me, and I'm the hero!" Alfred suddenly declared with yet another annoying, nasally laugh.
""This sucks – aru! I can no longer say that he speak nonsense because we all saw that freaky spirit!" China cried out in frustration. Yet after a moment of thinking, he thought better of it. "Oh! That right. I guess I can still keep calling him idiot…" He held up his index finger for emphasis, and it only made Alfred even more angry with him.
"Enough!" England raised his hands in finality. "We need to focus on the matter at hand. No more talk about various idiotic things. I suggest that each of us gather into at least groups if two. It's not as if something will be attacking us during the middle of the night, but the voice said that we should watch our backs. We're not taking any chances with what has already happened thus far." Everyone seemed to agree on what he said, mumbling their replies with a lack of enthusiasm and slight hesitation. The groups were as follows: Britain and Japan; Italy and Germany; Canada and France; then finally China, Russia, and America. Out of the group of three, no one was happy with how things had turned out except for Russia. America had even begged to sleep with Britain, but the old grump refused "to go to bed with insane hooligans". (His words, not Alfred's.) Japan was the only other person England trusted completely other than Canada, and it appeared that France was not going to give his past territory up so easily.
Alfred's only choice was to rest next to the large country that was Russia. China shivered just as much on the other side of Ivan. Russia only grinned as he grabbed the two of them and pulled them into his warm yet chilling embrace. Teeth could be heard chattering among the countries. This was going to be a long night…
xXx
"Are you sure that we should be doing this, Gil…?"
"Ja; he hasn't been to visit us in three days! Three days! What is that about!? He's our friend; we need to see if he's okay!"
"I know that Francis is our friend, Gilbert, and England would never allow him to remain in his company for so long, but…"
"Will you two just shut up and stop complaining!? Why the **** was I even dragged into this?" The personification of Southern Italy threw up his arms in outrage. The three of them stood out in the English countryside, sunlight beating down onto their backs. The light made Romano's hair turn a bright red, almost resembling his face at the moment. "Spain, you idiota, why do you have to pull me into every single thing? I mean… what's even the point of me being here?" Spain looked over to Prussia before giving a feeble reply.
"Well, your brother's sorta there as well." Lovino's eyes went wide.
"Excuse me!?"
"The Axis went on a mission to infiltrate the Allies' meeting… three days ago." Romano pushed the brunette out of his way, fuming as he walked in no particular direction.
"**** that **ino muto! This is what he gets for listening to that *******o di patata!"
"Come on… West ain't that bad!" Prussia laughed. "Besides, he has the awesome me as a bruder!" This earned yet another laugh, but the other countries were not amused.
"Don't worry, Lovi. We'll find him eventually. I'm pretty sure that Arthur's estate is not too far off."
"Well, it better not be because my hand is itching to slap someone in particular upside the head!"
xXx
With the morning came a great downpour of rain. Water pelted on the roof and eventually woke everyone up from a surprisingly deep sleep. All of the countries eased into getting up but did not fully awaken until a large boom came from downstairs. They jumped up from their beds, looking unruly as the threw on robes and ran down the large steps. 'What was the cause of all of this ruckus!?' you might ask… Well, the answer was a certain Brit standing in the lobby while soaking wet.
He was dressed in his own robe and slippers, now a darker green from the ever constant weather and mud caking his once light blue footwear. Arthur was piping angry but oddly silent. He was dripping water all over the floor, but it seemed that he didn't really care at the moment. No one said anything as they gathered at the bottom of the staircase. At last, the host nation calmly spoke.
"The gates are locked, and there is no way to climb over – not even the walls… I tried the key; it would not work. So, I attempted to break the lock… No matter what I tried,… I couldn't get out…"
"We're stuck here then!?" Italy wailed out in horror.
"Are you serious, mon ami!? You tried everything?" England nodded and showed everyone his hands, and they winced at the sight. Red streaks ran across his palms, burnt severely.
"This is what happened when I grasped the railing at the gate…" It was silent until Germany gave a few inspiring words.
"We must not give up! Let us try everything that we can. Even if it may not work, we should not give up!"
"I agree with Germany." France stepped forward and carefully grabbed Britain's wrists, turning them over in his hands. Arthur was too distraught to argue. "In the meantime, why don't you have China see to your injuries?" He nodded more to himself than Francis. China came over to them without saying a word, guiding England by the shoulders and showing him to another room.
"I'm going to look at the gate myself." Germany was already dressed and ready to go. Before anyone could ask how he had done so, the buff country continued speaking… "I'll need some to come with me and some to stay here with England. Italy, America, and… France get ready then follow me." The three grumbled as they did as he asked. While they returned up the stairs, Japan leaned over to ask his ally a question.
"Ano,… Germany-san, why did you ask them specifically to go with you?"
"Is it not obvious? I asked those three so that they would not get in the way of Britain's recovery…"
"Germany-san!" Japan's eyes filled with admiration.
xXx
Thirty minutes had passed, and Spain, Romano, and Prussia finally discovered a path. It appeared to be a paved road that was nearly obscured by roots and vines. From above, it would look like the rest of the forest, overrun and wild.
The air began to stir, a warm front blowing in from the horizon. Dark clouds formed, clashing and booming with thunder and lightning. The three braced themselves as a sheet of rain appeared over their heads out of nowhere. In an instant, they were soaked to the bone and shivering.
"Mein got, it's really coming down! Anyone have any bright ideas!?"
"Follow the road and stay underneath the canopy as much as possible! Come on, Lovi, let's go!" Spain grabbed Southern Italy's hand, who fumed even more.
"Alright; this day officially sucks!"
xXx
Germany's group walked through the courtyard, their shoes crunching on the gravel as they went. The weather refused to let up, tormenting those used to warm climates. America was the first to venture towards one of the walls, and France as well as Germany ran after him.
"Alfred, don't touch that just yet!" Francis was slightly panting by the time he reached him and held him back.
"Why not, dude?"
"Did you forget what happened to Britain's hands!?" While they reprimanded Alfred, Italy looked back to the mansion. It seemed so eerie, desolate, and empty from this angle, a completely different atmosphere than that of inside the house. Two windows were lit up from the lights inside. Feli could not place it, but he felt that something was definitely wrong. The gate stood but ten feet away from him, clanking from the onslaught of wind. And yet, there was then shouting. At first, Italy believed it to be his comrades arguing, but they had looked up as well. Turning around, he saw three figures standing outside of the gate. They were fumbling with the lock, able to tough the entrance when those inside could not. There were gasps, and the gate was opened. With a glimpse of the outside, Feli smiled, but it was soon interrupted by a raging fist.
"What were you thinking!? Stupid idiota!" Northern Italy was tackled to the ground by South, being harshly slapped upside the head.
"Lovi!? Hey, wait! Ow!"
"You were gone for three days! What the **** were you doing!?"
"Fratello!" Feliciano whined.
"Three days!?" Germany and France shouted in unison.
"Francis, there you are; give me a hug! I missed you so much!" Antonio came over and embraced his friend. "What Lovi said was true, amigo. You and everyone else have been missing for three days…"
"You! This is all your fault!" Romano finally finished complaining to his younger brother, his anger now focused on Ludwig instead.
"And how exactly is this my fault?"
"If it weren't for your stupid operation, Feliciano would have been at home and safe three days ago!"
"I still can't believe what I am hearing. Each of the Allies arrived at seven in the evening. We snuck through the kitchen window at around nine thirty. That happened yesterday. Not three days ago- yesterday!" Germany put his foot down and finally managed to hush those who had still been talking. "What has been happening…? What is that blue light about?"
"Um… blue light?" Spain inquired.
"Don't worry about it. I'll explain everything once we-." There was a loud slam, and the gate was shut. All was silent as they saw Prussia dusting off his hands and whistling. He looked up and grinned like an idiot while waving.
"Hey, West!" Germany fumed in outrage and stormed over to his older brother.
"I swear to gott, I will MURDER you!"Prussia looked very confused by what the blonde was so angry about, but he was not about to stick around when Germany was furious. The albino quickly backed away, crimson orbs widening in fright.
"You imbécile!" And now, France was after him. Gilbert quickly darted away as Germany, France, and America proceeded in hunting him down. The other three countries remained standing there and watched. Romano suddenly sneezed, rubbed his arms, and shivered.
"And, now I have a *****in' cold…! Great!"
"Come on, fratello. Let's go inside, where it's warm."
"I have to agree with Feli; let's go." They then began walking back towards the mansion.
"We need to see how England is doing anyway." Italy added. Spain furrowed his brow.
"What happened to Britain?"
"You will just have to see for yourself."
xXx
"They have been gone longer than I anticipated. Do you think that we should go look for them?" Russia asked his question as he crossed his arms and glanced out the window. Japan looked up from the gauze he had been unrolling.
"I don't believe that would be necessary, Russia-san. Besides, we must have patience. Germany-san said that they would return shortly. Let us have faith in his word." With finality, he cut the gauze and handed it to China.
"Japan, Russia, would you two step out and grab Britain some new clothes?" The countries that were being addressed looked up when China said his first words for that morning.
"Hai; we will. Let us go, Russia-san." At first, Ivan was hesitant, but he then nodded his head in agreement. They could feel the Asian country's stare as the two of them left the room. China soon closed the door behind them.
As they walked down the hallway to England's chambers, Russia began talking to Japan in a low voice, so as not to be overheard.
"Do you think that China is alright? He has been acting rather strange ever since we woke up this morning; do you not agree?" Kiku stopped walking as soon as he finished his inquiry. Russia halted a few steps ahead and looked back with a childish grin that morphed into a serious stare. "You used to live with him, Japan. Does his behavior seem peculiar to you?"
"I… He has been rather quiet… Do you believe that he is acting odd, Russia-san?"
"Well,… he is much different than usual. Very unusual compared to our meetings and when he is at home."
"And… how do you know how he acts at his house?" Russia allowed his smile to return.
"Because I stalk him." Japan stiffened and had sweat running down the back of his neck.
"Russia-san, I don't know if I should be more frightened of the situation at hand or you at the moment…" Ivan giggled, but his eyes went wide as a scream pierced the air. Japan's instant reaction was to look back from once they came and sprint back to England and China with Russia in toll.
xXx
Arthur coughed as smoke filled the air and tears pricked his eyes. A thin blade had been sheathed into his left shoulder, causing him to pant from surprise and a great deal of pain. China stood before him, puffing opium between his lips.
"My name is Xiao Wang… You are more observant than our Oliver; that is for sure." He bent down and flicked Arthur in the forehead. England growled in annoyance. "Now, as for the dagger in your shoulder…" Xiao sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed Arthur's wrist as it came up to hit him. Instead, the evil China reacted with breaking it and striking Britain in the face. Arthur cried out in pain."Listen to me! It's your fault that my counterpart never arrived to his full potential."
"What are you on about?"
"Because of that **** war, you deprived him of industry and business. Opium is a drug; it could be used for medicine. Your Alfred's people do it all the time for severe cases of cancer! Look at me, and see progress! This is what he could be: prosperous, powerful, and feared!" The door slammed open, and the two of them saw Japan and Russia in the doorway.
"England-san!" Kiku unsheathed his katana that he had at his waist. He raised the blade at China and glared. "Who are you, and what are you doing to Britain-san!?" As Japan had been shouting, Xiao lunged for him. The younger nation met blades with China just in time.
"How dare you defy me?" Russia was about to help him, but Japan spoke first.
"Russia-san, please go help England-san!" Ivan nodded after a brief moment of contemplation. He ran to Britain's side as the Asian nations fought. The clanging of metal against metal could be heard from the spare room they were currently using, but the others were still outside. They would have no clue about what was going on inside of the mansion. In other words, they would have no back up…
Russia busied himself with quickly but carefully remove the knife from Arthur's shoulder. England cried out as the blade was removed and blood spilled out from his wound. Ivan was fast to wrap it and apply pressure. The dagger had went directly through, a clean cut. A wound like this would not be fatal to a nation, but the sooner it healed the better.
England and Ivan fled from the room and retreated to the hall attached to the staircases. Britain was eased to sitting on the decorative love seat sitting in between the stairwells.
"Russia, go back and help Japan. Do whatever you can; I'll be fine here alone. The others should be here any minute. Now, go." Ivan could not argue with the Englishman's reasoning, so he immediately did as what was asked of him.
xXx
Kiku was thrown to the ground and kicked hard in the gut. He coughed up blood and grew dizzy as the possessed China delivered blow after blow. They had abandoned their weapons long ago and resulted to hand to hand combat instead. Japan gasped and clawed at Xiao's hands as they gripped his throat and lifted him into the air. A sadistic grin appeared on China's face, and that image terrified Kiku. He almost thought it was over because he was growing weak and losing oxygen fast. Japan would not die entirely, he would never be defeated until his civilization ceased to exist. The hardest part of physically dying was the recovery. After being broken down, it was difficult to be built back up again. Different injuries took a shorter or longer amount of time to be renewed. Recovery is what scared Japan the most of "death".
Kiku was about to pass out when Russia bolted back into the room with his pickaxe. Out of surprise, Xiao accidentally dropped him to the floor. Kiku fell and gasped for air as a sickening yell and impact could be heard. Japan instantly looked up, and his eyes widened.
The axe pierced China's chest, crimson poured from the gaping wound as Russia pulled it from his torso. Kiku's mouth hung open in a silent scream of terror as China fell. The nation's eyes became unglazed, and the injury vanished as quickly as it appeared. And just like that, what had been chaos morphed into shocked tension.
***xxxXxxx***
(A.N.) I have no idea why, but every time I write for China I can hear his voice in my head clear as day… And, in this I wanted him to be a bit delusional if you could not tell.
Sorry for the long LONG wait! I cannot express how sincerely sorry I am for the extreme gap between chapters on this story. Honestly, I might just have to say that the story is on hiatus between each chapter. I do truthfully have all of the other chapter's content planned out in my head! It was just China's part was really getting to me… I couldn't come up with a very good reason for him to attack the 1p's, so the best I came up with was the Opium Wars because that is what immediately came to mind. Don't worry though, not all of the 2p's will be out for blood! *sweat*
On a side note, 3,203 words! The longest chapter I have EVER wrote! I don't know why, but it gets me pumped when I get past my current record.
~Ame-chan777