Chapter 15: Japan and China

It was a day unlike no other. Nothing had happened to make this say stand out from the rest that had dragged on day by day. And like every other day China sat in his garden, underneath a sakura tree that had been a gift from Japan. He quietly sipped his tea and wondered if today was going to be one of the days that slipped past with no notice.

It wasn't.

But China didn't know that yet. He thought that it was a day like any other, and one that needed no attention. Yet really it was a day that would forever remain engraved in his memory, one that no matter how hard he wished, would never go away.

It was late afternoon when he heard the knocking at his front door. China had been in the middle of playing with his new baby panda and was a little irritated when he had to leave to go and answer it. When he finally got to the door though he was happy to see Japan standing there looking as calm as he ever was.

"Aiyah Japan why didn't you call? I would have prepared something," China moved back, allowing Japan to come into his garden.

"It's okay China-san. I only need a few minutes of your time," China raised his brow at his name, it was always nii-san or Yao-san, never his country name. He didn't say anything about it though.

"Well how can I help you today?" China took his seat under the sakura tree again. Japan remained standing though. "You haven't visited me since the war started."

Japan remained silent, standing perfectly still with one hand placed on the hilt of his katana. Nothing was said between the two as China was thinking that Japan had come to end the war between them. Without warning though, Japan drew his katana, placing it against China's throat.

"My people are ready to invade Nanjing. And we will." China held perfectly still, knowing from experience just what kind of harm that sharp blade could do.

"What are you doing Japan?" China tried to be the calm older brother, tried to talk Japan out of whatever he was planning. It didn't work. China felt the blade press hard against his throat, and he felt a bit of blood seep down and onto his clothes.

"Surrender or face the consequences." Japan said coldly.

"I can't. You know I can't." China said, looking at Japan pleadingly. Japan's eyes were cold and hard though.

"You have chosen you fate then," China squeezed his eyes shut, ready to feel the blade swipe across his throat.

It never came though. Instead there was a burning sensation on his back, as if the muscles had been torn open. His mouth opened in a silent scream, and China landed face first on the ground in front of him. His blurred eyes looked at Japan standing over him.

"You chose this, China." Then wiping his katana on the grass, he walked out of the garden and left China there on the dirt, still bleeding.

China laid there for hours, long after the sun had set in the sky. He cried and screamed but no one seemed to even hear him. When the moon was night in the sky, his exhaustion and pain finally put him to sleep.

-X-X-X-X-

"Panda wants to become one with Mother Russia da?" Russia said as he examined the little panda tugging on his pant leg.

The panda let go and started walking off, looking behind him to see if Russia was following him. When he saw Russia standing in the exact same place he seemed to get a bit angry. He bit at Russia's pant leg again, then everything seemed to click in Russia's mind.

"You want me to follow you?" At these words the small panda seemed to nod, then he began walking in some direction. Russia followed, wondering what was going to happen next.

When they finally got to their destination, the panda pushed his head against a wooden door, then looked at Russia as if he expected the man to open it for him. Russia got the idea and opened the door, watching the little panda trot in before following after him as well. Whatever was here Russia felt like he could handle it. The panda walked right up to a tree and sat down next to something under it.

"Why are we in Yao-Yao's home?" He asked the little panda, having finally recognized the place. He went to sit next to the panda, but froze at what he saw.

China laid under the tree, looking pale and sickly. Who knows how long he had been there before the panda knew to come and get him. There was a long gash on his back, marring once perfect skin. The panda looked at him with wide eyes, as if saying 'help him'. Russia gently scooped China in his arms, being careful not to touch his wound.

"Poor Yao-Yao." He whispered to himself, before gently setting the Chinese man on his bad, stomach down. He went into the kitchen and got a bowl full of hot water and a washcloth. Slowly and carefully, he began to clean the wound.

China shuddered and pulled away at the touch, his eyes finally opening. He looked at Russia with an uncomprehending gaze, not understanding what the other was doing to him. Then before anything else could happen China passed out, his head falling limp on his bead.

Russia gently cleaned the wound, but didn't get any reaction like the one when he first started. When he was done he wrapped China delicately in bandages, then laid down next to him.

"Whatever happened Yao-Yao, its okay. I'm here," Russia whispered into China's ear. It might have just been his imagination, but Russia could have sworn the other one relaxed just a bit more.