So here's the fifth chapter of the joint story written by me (MewZeairu) and my friend (irene n valley). It's still supposed to take place during WWII but we have some modern technology and such, over look that. Let me explain the writing style:
Italic: Forum/Text conversation, Dreams, Thoughts, Points of View
Italic Centered: Neutral view/Third Person
Bold: Part separators/shouted or emphasized lines.
Underlined: Titles and Documents
It's designed sort of like a texting conversation where one message is sent, then another and so on, so forth. So please enjoy our shared work. Aria Zucaro is my character and Victory Renard is Irene's.
Disclaimer: WE DO NOT OWN Hetalia: Axis Powers OR WWII. WE ONLY OWN OUR OCs.
Rated: T
Full Summary: In the midst of a World War, two unlikely girls meet on an online forum, this friendship being a cursed and near forbidden one. When they find out one another's secret they find themselves in a situation greater than they could've ever dreamed. But what happens when they both find out a secret enemy greater than anything they've ever really known?
No Comet Seen
Chapter Five: On with the Thunder
The grey dawn broke over the Allies' silent camp. Everyone was still sleeping in their tents, except Victory who was at the fire pit, trying to get a descant flame. She could not sleep at all the night before; she had woken up early and was unable to fall back asleep. So she decided to get a head start on breakfast in case England woke up early and tried to cook...
In the Axis camp Germany was finally resting for a little while, Japan and Prussia were up, Japan cooking and Prussia having at strange eye on little Aria. The three Italians were all still dreaming, at least for a little longer they savored their sleep that Germany would soon interrupt.
Victory looked down at her phone and sighed. She knew that Aria would still be asleep. Regardless, still wanted to talk to her, or at least text, but unfortunately, after yesterday, the best option would to try to stop contact between her and the Italian until she settled the little...Problem'...
Late in the night before Prussia and Aria had fallen to slumber he had explained what had happened, she was left dumbfounded seeing as she didn't leave the beach. But Prussia couldn't sleep long seeing as he felt watched by that wicked smile and that silver gun.
XxX
I heard some rustling behind me and immediately assumed the worst. I took out my gun and pointed at the source of the noise, which turned out to just be France and not the strange girl from before. He froze in fear of my weapon. I laughed, put the gun down and said, "Sorry froggy, I didn't mean to startle ya, I'm just a bit on edge... wanna join me?" I gestured to the empty seat beside me.
XxX
I had a strange dream, the sky was a starless velvet black, the moon was full and crimson. No clouds, nothing but this beach and the forest behind. A strange male who looked strangely familiar stood out on the water with the moon behind him, laughing with a gun pointed at me. The air around me... Deader than anything I'd ever known.
XxX
France inched warily over to me as I laughed, "I promise I don't bite! I'm sooooo sorry to disappoint you with not laying defenseless ready for you to molest! But I would like some company..." He shrugged and walked over the rest of the way and sat down beside me on the log I was using. He took out some pans and some eggs and said, "Very well, I will even get breakfast started-" "Before England tries to cook." we both said simultaneously. I looked into his glittering blue eyes and we both laughed together.
XxX
It kept getting stranger though, he spoke my native tongue to me, threatening my life and my family. It was fearful but I couldn't move... The gun was fired...
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I screamed as I shot up from my leaf bed, waking Romano, Veneziano and Germany, who was just getting up. It startled Japan and Prussia as well to the point where Prussia lunged at me and covered my mouth to muffle the noise, the high pitch noise that could possibly echo to the enemy camp.
XxX
I watched France skillfully cook some lovely omelets over the the camp fire in a makeshift pan. We just talked about silly things and enjoyed the beautiful morning. The strangeness in my mind from yesterday was ignored in favor of enjoying the current peace.
XxX
~Italy's POV~
Aria was thrashing about under Prussia's grip, he was trying to calm her down but it did nothing at all! Ve~ it was so scary! She kept screaming and pushing at him, she was even crying! Sorellina! I wanted to hug her but with her like that I'd get hit before I even got close! "Germany~! Ve~ what do we do?" I cried frantically.
XxX
There was some strange prickling sensation at the back of my neck telling me that something was wrong, but ignored it again. By this time America had stumbled out of the tent at the smell of food and he was now brewing some coffee for himself and for me while France and I ate our breakfast.
XxX
~Germany's POV~
Aria's screams and thrashes were getting unbearable to listen to and watch, she seemed to be in a great deal of pain and full of fear. Mein gott what to do? Italy asked me, mein bruder asked me, Japan asked me, all expecting an answer. I had none to give. I pulled the small girl from mein bruder, much to the older Italian's wrath, he yelled obnoxiously but I couldn't pay attention to him right now. I was trying to get her to calm down, for some reason though restraining her wrists made her stop for a little.
XxX
My fingers itched for my phone. For some odd reason I felt talking to Aria, I was worried about her and had a feeling that something was wrong. I left my phone in my pocket, however, assuming that I was just being paranoid.
XxX
~Neutral POV~
Near the Allies camp the girl from before decided to watch Victory, she giggled a little, enough to be heard only by Victory and no one else before slipping to the top of a tree again.
XxX
I heard an eerie giggle and immediately recognized it. I scowled and slammed my plate of half eaten eggs down and walked off toward the tree line. America shouted, "Hey! Where are you going dude? I've almost got the coffee done..." I shouted back in a forced cheery voice, "Just keep it warm for me... I'll be back soon..."
XxX
~Neutral POV~
The girl kept giggling and jumping through the trees, making the slightest noises just so Victory'd know that she was still there.
XxX
I followed the noises and shouted up in irritation, "Show yourself you stupid coward!"
XxX
~Neutral POV~
At that moment she laughed more and hung upside down from a branch, out of Victory's reach. "I am shown, but I doubt chasing me should be your concern. The Axis Princess is in need, you know."
XxX
I growled, "What the hell did you do to Aria?"
XxX
~Neutral POV~
"Nothing at all, it's what her dreams and this war do to her that you should be asking." she said as she flipped back into the tree and ran off.
XxX
"Damn..." I growled and I ran to the beach as fast as I could... I swear, if that b*tch has done anything to my friend I will murder her...
XxX
I'd finally calmed down, being between my fratellos was comfort but the memories still came, the words 'Axis Princess' was the last phrase I heard from the male...
XxX
I came to the edge of the bluff over the beach and I looked down into the Axis camp where I saw Aria, visibly shaken, sitting between her two brothers. I clenched my fist and cursed the strange girl.
XxX
"Ve~ are you alright sorellina?" Veneziano asked, I shook my head a little. I knew for sure that I was safe but... That dream would be a haunting memoir for me surely.
XxX
I couldn't tell what they were saying from my perch on the bluff. But Aria seemed to be calming down. What did the strange girl want me to do? She said I should be worried about "the Axis Princess"...
XxX
Once I calmed I heard, although I knew it was only in my mind, a gun shot and screamed again... My frightened thrashing. I managed to escape my fellow Axis and dart into the trees at a rapid rate... Scared and crying.
XxX
I saw Aria run away toward the treeline and, forgetting that I was once again in enemy territory, I called her name and ran after her...
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
West started yelling and I charged into the forest after her, seeing I was the only one standing and would have no delay in catching her. I heard the girl from last night call out to her... Uh Victory I think. But even the awesome me couldn't figure out what she was doing so close.
~Aria's POV~
I kept running, running, running until I slammed into someone my height... That was odd and impossible though, I was the shortest one for both sides. I stepped back to say my apologies... But it was as if I was looking into a mirror. She smiled and hit me with her gun... Everything went dark...
XxX
I ran around desperately for Aria, I could've sworn she she went this way... But I lost her damn it! What if that freaky other girl got her? I ran even faster and caught sight of Gil from last night, who was also running, presumably after Aria. I called over to him, "Yo Gil! What happened with Aria!"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"I don't know but you better get out of here! West is coming soon!" I said without stopping.
XxX
"Like I care!" I ran up so I was running side by side with the Prussian... Aria was first priority right now, my own personal safety was the furthest thing from my mind...
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"If he catches you it'll hurt her more since you'd be a prisoner of war!" I said to her.
XxX
"I don't care! She needs my help!" I didn't like the idea of worrying Aria, and I wasn't too eager to become a hostage of sorts either, but I was not going to let the psycho girl hurt my friend! So I kept running, easily keeping up with the tall man...
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
I simply sighed annoyed but didn't give up my struggle with her, to even get her to go another way would be good enough as of now, this was the last thing we needed so early in the morning... I needed a beer.
XxX
I slowed to a stop when I reached a clearing in the forest and looked around. How far could she have run anyway? I turned to Prussia and asked, "Where the hell could she have gone?"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"She's Italian." was all the awesome me could say, recalling all the times I'd watched cute little Italy retreat in fear.
XxX
I gave a little laugh, "True true, knowing her powers of retreating she could be half-way around the world by now..." I looked up into the trees and was reminded of this morning. I felt my face darken, "...but I have a feeling that it's something more... You remember the strange girl who pretended to be Aria right?"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Yeah, the awesome me can't forget that!" I laughed inwardly.
XxX
I gave a forced smile, "Well, I ran into her earlier this morning... Here, can you keep a secret?"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Sure." I stared at her then up to where she was looking, before gazing back down to see her.
XxX
I smiled, "Thanks, I wouldn't be telling you this if you didn't she her last night too otherwise you'd think I'm crazy..." I took a calming breath and gathered my thoughts, then turned to look him directly in his crimson eyes, "The strange girl came to me this morning and she told me that Aria was in trouble..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"In trouble...?" I asked and thought about how she woke up, it was the first time she'd done that. Could the pressures of war be getting to her or was it that psycho chick?
XxX
"Yeah, her exact words I think were that "the Axis Princess is in need" and something about dreams and this war getting to her..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Well it's natural, I heard from her brothers that during the wars in Italy when they were children she went into a panic attack, she did the same in the first world war too."
XxX
"It's understandable, but I don't like that the strange girl is the one to warn me... I think it would be stupid to think that the strange girls appearance and Aria's fright is a unrelated..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"I'd call you an idiot if you believed that they were unrelated. Although... That girl sure can run on those tree branches..."
XxX
I bit my lip and asked a rather embarrassing question that's been pressing my mind ever since I saw the girl, "...Umm, Gil? Do you think the strange girl is even... human?" I blushed at the absurdity and looked away.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
Now that just left me dumbfounded. Had someone as awesome as me thought of something like that? Nine. But I was now... Was she? Was it even a she? What the hell was it? "I don't know..."
XxX
I blushed even more, assuming he was just saying that out of pity. But I wanted to prove I wasn't just being paranoid, so I just continued, "Well, I don't know how she
could look so much like Aria, and I always get this weird feeling when she's around... Have you ever felt it?"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Yeah it's like the air becomes dark and full of death, it gets hard to breath and very cold." I admitted, recalling the previous night.
XxX
I grinned, "HA! So it isn't just me! The atmosphere is so overwhelming that it hurts my head..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"I wonder... What the hell is that poser."
XxX
I laughed, "I don't know, but I vote we name it, I'm getting a bit tired of calling it 'strange girl' or 'Aria impersonator' and such!"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"What do we call it then?"
XxX
"Um... I don't know... Aira maybe? Or perhaps Ylicis or something backwards of her name..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Well if we used her first name backwards it sounds almost the same... Use her last name!"
XxX
"Vargas to Sagrav then?"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Zucaro is her new last name you know, it's a protection mechanism from the war."
XxX
"Oh right! So that makes it Oracuz then?"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Just use it regularly!"
XxX
"Fine fine! Zucaro it is then!"
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Okay so the poser is Zucaro, now it's all set.
XxX
"Yup it's settled! Here, let me text Aria and see if she's alright..." I took out my phone and sent a quick text asking if she was alright and tell her that everyone is worried and to come back to her camp.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
At that moment there was a loud and high pitched scream from the trees, I looked up, thinking the worst for a moment.
XxX
I dropped my phone and ran off toward the scream, desperately looking up in the trees to see where it came from.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
I just kept staring and picked up her fallen phone, watching the screen for some sort of reply. But a second scream was heard but... It didn't sound human at all...
XxX
I ran around, trying to locate where the inhuman scream was coming from. The trees had a strange way of making the sound come from many places at once...
XxX
~Neutral POV~
At that moment the forest was in chaos, animals moved recklessly and there was so much motion in the trees. Just at that moment however Zucaro fell in front of Victory's feet, she sat up and smiled devilishly saying, "Looks like the princess escape." before fading away as if she were a ghost.
XxX
I stood in shock for several moments until what she said hit me. 'Aria escaped'. That meant that she was kidnapped, but now she was free! I called back to Prussia and began running toward the Axis camp, "Aria's escaped! She's probably making her way back to her camp! Come on! We have to find her before the psycho Zucaro gets her again!"
XxX
~Neutral POV~
But yet again something surprising happened, another scream was heardbut from right above them as said girl fell, hanging upside down from a branch by her shoelaces. "H-help..." She squeaked. Prussia simply laughed at his ally for a while.
XxX
I sighed in relief and said with an amused smile, "Hey ya Aria! Need a hand?"
XxX
~Aria's POV~
"Actually I need my feet." I said, slightly confused by her concept but understanding enough. I held my skirt so there would be no flashing... I've heard rumors of Prussia's perversion although I didn't really understand it myself.
XxX
I laughed and shimmied up the short distance of the trunk to that I was level with the branch she was caught on. I inched my way foreword, not liking the ominous cracks beneath me and when I was near enough to Aria I held out my hand and said, "Here, let me pull you up so you're upright before we try untangling your shoelaces!"
XxX
I stared at her, for only a second I released my skirt and swung my body up to grab her hand. Pulling myself up and staring at my mess of leaves and shoelaces. Even this place in the tree was hidden by leaves, lucky it was because Germany had finally arrived. "Burder! Have you found her?" "Ja, she's just untangling her shoelaces from the tree branch."
XxX
I held my breath when I saw Germany beneath me. I whispered to Aria my intention of untangling her shoelaces, then preceded to try to tear the leaves away from the string to reveal where I had to work on.
XxX
It was a tangled mess, how they ended up like that was crazy. I heard his foot steps approach, "Wait Germany don't come over!" I shouted, "Why? Your shoes arecaught aren't they?" he asked, suspiciously. "Yes but if you come over you'd see up my skirt!" I near shrieked, his steps ceased as expected... the weak point word.
XxX
I had to restrain from laughing hysterically, so I just let out a couple choked giggles and started working on the knots, there were really bad. I whispered to Aria, "Can you slip out of your shoes without untying them? I don't know how long this will take..."
XxX
"Umm..." I whispered and tried, then shook my head and whispered, "It's on too tight."
XxX
"Damn, I will just have to work with it then..." I whispered back, and began working on the troublesome shoelaces.
XxX
I nodded and watched impatiently, squirming every so often from stress. Germany and Prussia were talking in their native tongue below and a little ways off.
XxX
"Aha!" I exclaimed in triumph. I had gotten one of the shoelaces free and immediately began working on the other ones.
XxX
I stared at her wide eyes and tried to shush her, "Was that you Sicily?" Germany's voice called. "Si! I got one shoe undone!" I replied as calmly as I could.
XxX
I winced, mouthed an apology to Aria and tried working on the lace again as silent as I could.
XxX
I just nodded again and retied my now free she, willing for this to go shorter.
XxX
I took out a small pocket knife and cut out the last knot. I gave a thumbs up to Aria with a triumphant grin
XxX
That was one way to do it, although now my shoe laces were in a bit of a mess. They were shorter, not by much, but shorter nonetheless... How tacky.
XxX
I looked at the way she mourned the loss of the beauty of her shoelaces and I laughed softly. I patted her shoulder and whispered, "I'm sorry! It was the quickest way, I promise I'll get you some new shoe laces later, 'kay?"
XxX
I nodded and squirmed passed her to the tree trunk. Swiftly I looked back at her and whispered, "Stay here for a while and then leave, so Germany doesn't find you." Then slid down the trunk and fixed my skirt.
XxX
I nodded and positioned myself comfortably. I chuckled quietly to myself in relief. Aria is okay. That's all that matters.
XxX
I went with Prussia and Germany back to the camp, unsure if I should mention the kidnapping. Would they believe me to be crazy? Probably... But still... I needed to vent, it was so terrifying.
XxX
Aria was safe. Aria was safe, which meant that I could go back to my own camp and try to figure out more about Zucaro. I would ask England for details on any creatures that could impersonate others or shape-shift.
XxX
When we got back though I was bombarded with questions that I wasn't given chance to answer, so of course I just had to sit and wait for my turn.
XxX
I deemed it safe to come down and I leisurely walked back to my own camp, peeling a fresh orange that was in my pocket.
XxX
It still felt strange though, as if that thing that looked like me was still following me. Staring at me from the trees as I waited for them to conclude their questioning.
XxX
I threw the peels of the orange off into the trees and ate one of the slices. Tried to feel as happy and as peaceful as I should've and I did my best to ignore the looming ominous feeling in the back of my head.
XxX
Soon there was silence, peaceful silence that I shattered with my words, "...Something's out there and it isn't the enemy we know..."
XxX
I made it to camp and saw America almost immediately. "Er, hey there dude!" He looked over at me with a grin and said, "There you are! We were about to look for you, things have been strangely quiet and the Axis are probably planning something. We decided to have an impromptu meeting..." I smiled and said as innocently as I could, "Alright, but I'd like to speak with England before we start..." America gave a strange look, then shrugged, "Sure, whatever Vicky I'll get Iggy for ya..." and with that he barged into England's tent.
XxX
Now I was positive that Germany and Japan both had believed I was crazy for a long time, just didn't say anything and tried to hide it. But the looks that everyone, except Prussia, gave me were of pure confusion. "I-it was so strange... When I was running I ran into the person and they looked like me and then they hit me with a gun!" I tried to explain, although the more I spoke the more their confusion grew.
XxX
I sat down in my spot beside the now dead firepit and America soon came back with England. I waved England over and America left to do some, "Awesome hero stuff." The British nation sat down beside me and gave a strange look. I gave him a sweet smile, but he wasn't convinced. I sighed and answered his unspoken question, "Hey dude, you know a bunch of magic stuff, right?"
XxX
"...I think you need to rest for now. You might've hit your head coming down from the tree, or getting into it." Germany said after a long silence. "Si... just relax for now..." Romano agreed. Now when Romano agreed with a German you knew that he was severely disturbed or drunk. "I'm telling the truth! There's something really creepy out there!" I continued. "Sicily, just go and rest, clear your head." Germany said again as more of a command than statement.
XxX
England looked a bit suspicious and said, "Yes, I am very well practiced in magic... why the sudden interest?" I looked down at my shoes and bit my lip, "Err, promise not to laugh?" he nodded and I took a deep breath and said, "I need to know if there are any creatures you know of that can shape-shift, or more specifically, imitate someone else's looks?"
XxX
"My head is clear..." I muttered as I got up and flopped on my bed with my back to them. I heard whispers from them of 'She is a teenage girl so she could want some attention.' and 'She's possibly just hormonal right now' Hormonal? Ha! They were the hormonal ones.
XxX
England looked thoughtful and said, "There are many, but why are you so suddenly curious? Did something happen? There's something wrong and you have to tellsomeone." I gave a hopefully convincing grin and assured him that everything was fine. Why of all times was he deciding to be observant!
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
After seeing the attitude they had towards Sicily I decided to keep my mouth shut for now. West would say something unawesome like 'You're just beer deprived' Of course I was! I couldn't get any on this damned island!
XxX
England looked me directly in the eyes and said sternly, "Now don't give me that. This war has done a number on you and this business with the Italy's little sister doesn't help things. But I know you well enough to see that something more is wrong." what he said took me by surprise and I just sat silently stunned and looking off into the distance behind his head.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
I just watched her muttering under her breath in Italian, they were obviously very hurtful things and swears since it didn't sound too kind and both of the Italian males stared at her near horrified at some comments.
XxX
I considered confiding everything to England, but America burst out of our main 'meeting' tent shouting, "Awesome strategy chick are you done pestering the boring old limy yet? We got a meeting let's go Vicky!" I growled about the nickname momentarily, but stood up and put on one of my happy masks and said, "Alright! I'll be right there..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
I went back to looking at West who just started talking again. "We have to create a strategy soon, any ideas?" Italy rose his hand and we all just stared as West called on him and he said his signature 'Pasta'
XxX
The Allies and I were all in the large center tent looking over the detailed map I had hand-drawn of the area. We were taking suggestions on how to attack the Axis this time. I was back into my war mode and it was strangely calming in an odd way. I was back doing what I did best. It was admittedly hard, however, to forget my friend, but I knew how on this island, the war was more a game between the immortal nations who couldn't die from an attack anyway. The goal was more to defeat the enemy and try to get information and such.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"That is not a plan Italy." West said with an exasperated sigh as he turned to the rest of us. "On more thoughts, should we allow Sicily to be armed again... After what happened last time with her and a weapon I'm not too sure." We all could recall the the Italians and their military dyslexia, the two males almost blew themselves off, Sicily however managed to throw the grenade for a short distance and the camp almost exploded. It made Japan shiver at the thought.
XxX
America laughed and said, "Dudes! I have the perfect battle plan! England goes in suicidal, France surrenders, China beat up the enemies with his fancy pan, and Russia keeps sending in the cannon fodder while I do what I do best BEING THE HERO!" I glared at him and said, "That's not a plan-" he interrupted with another laugh, "Don't worry! You play a part too! You get to be the distraction and allow yourself to be captured, then we attack them when they're not looking and save the day!" I sighed, "America, this isn't a movie..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"W-well maybe if it doesn't have any possibility of exploding it should be alright..." Japan suggested, even so the insecurity was obvious in his voice. "J-ja. That may be the best method. We can't just always watch her if she's unarmed like she normally is." West said with a nod.
XxX
I took out a tiny pen from my pocket and drew a circle around the Axis's camp on the map, "I vote to ignore America completely until he grows up," "HEY!" he shouted, but everyone else nodded with amused expressions so I continued, "I feel it would be best to do a similar ambush like last time considering the only thing that went wrong was a freak wave..."
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
"Yeah! And then she'd be able to do some surprise thing if they attack outta nowhere!" I said, laughing.
XxX
I looked around the table at everyone and smiled, "All in favor?" and the nations all nodded. I liked having people, important people, pay attention to me like this and be able to rely on me...
XxX
After that and some well wanted extra rest I was woken up and given a small sword to use and practice. It was light and relatively easy, but I still felt uncomfortable holding something that could very well end a life with the right blow.
XxXLater that EveningXxX
It was total deja vu. Once again we were positioned above the bluff again, me once again staying back.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
Italy and Sicily were asleep by the fire, Romano being at her other side half asleep. West attended the fire and me and Japan simply watched with nothing better to do when suddenly the two stood. "They're here again." West said, preparing his pistol. "Hai. I agree." the short spoken Asian said as he unsheathed his sword. Italy and Sicily both woke up, Romano sitting up and the two younger ones speaking in unison, "Say what~?"
XxX
The Allies were lined up on the bluff like before. America gave another heroic laugh and shouted, "Listen to me in my total awesome hero voice guys! CHINA I CHOOSE YOU!" China gave a shout and leapt down to the beach, wielding his wok.
XxX
I was still half asleep and sitting on the floor, rubbing my eye tiredly. But when I saw China running over with his wok I screamed, becoming an Italian sandwich once more as Veneziano waved his white flag.
XxX
China gave a few sound whacks to the heads of Germany and Japan again, and the rest of the Allies jumped down as well and approached the seemingly defeated Axis nations. This time instead of staying back, I was up in a tree looking out over the bluff so I had a good view this time.
XxX
I watched as Prussia stood at shot at China's foot, standing between China, me and my fratellos who were now standing along with me. A swift nudge to my side made me jolt and almost run right there when I looked up to see Romano mouthing the word 'Run' in Italian. Could I really do something like that? I looked to Veneziano who nodded. I gulped... Could I really...?
XxX
Something felt wrong again. I looked away from the battle beneath me and searched through the other trees around me.
XxX
I heard rustling the the bluff, the trees that surrounded it that is. The remaining Allies jumped down and drew closer as I finally took an order and bolted, away from my comrades and into the trees... Again.
XxX
I heard running, but I assumed it was just from the battle below. I climbed up my tree further and took my little handgun from my pocket.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
I glanced as Sicily ran, the remaining Italians stood, Italy still waving his white flag and complaining profusely. Another glance to the remaining Allies as they closed in on us, the annoying blond, America, pointed out the obvious that Sicily had ran.
XxX
The clouds grow dark and heavy overhead and it was difficult for me to see what was happening from my perch in the tree. I heard America's loud heroic laugh and saw his blurry figure approach the Axis powers, seemingly defeated. I couldn't make out Aria's figure, but that didn't mean much. All of a sudden, America was hit in the head with a lightning bolt.
XxX
~Prussia's POV~
I just started laughing, that was a priceless ordeal. Even members of his own team were struck by laughter at the sight. "Hey you're as fried as one of your burgers!" someone said. And, it was seemingly true. Keseseses.
~Aria's POV~
I heard lightning strike from the camp but I didn't turn back, I just kept running. The smell of rain was in the air as I ran, I knew that it would be pouring soon. I stopped after I knew I was near the middle of the forest. The thunder was pouding and the rain had started, I was being bathed by the water that fell from the heavens, a false security. Until I heard more rustling...
XxX
~Neutral POV~
America's hair stood on end like some cartoon as he stood their in shock. However another nearby crack of lightning shook him out of his shock and he cried out, "MORE RUNNING AWAY!" and took off toward the woods as the rest of the Allies scattered as they too ran away.
~Victory POV~
I felt the heavy rain drops fall and soak through my light clothes as I attempted to scramble down my tree without slipping. There was some freak lightning storm and staying up in the highest tree would be a very dumb idea. It was now too dark to see anything and the rain clouded my vision so I ended up slipping a little. Above I saw a single bolt of lightning whip the top of my tree, and the thunder afterwards was deafening. I smelled smoke and looked up in horror as the tall tree I was in caught fire. I fell a couple branches down in my haste to get out of the tree.
XxX
~Japan's POV~
The Allies retreated, again. I stood and gazed at my comrades, noting the missing Sicily-san. "Alright, quickly. Let's find Sicily before she runs into them." Germany-san stated as he sprinted towards the tree line. The rest of us followed. He was correct, she would probably be able to get off easy with the majority of the Allies but if Russia found her... I doubted there would be much if any mercy for his enemy...
~Aria's POV~
I turned around and around, an eerie laughter kept sounding around my location and it scared me. I backed into a tree and decided I'd try and climb, until I recalled the rules for lightning. Stay close to the ground. It was probably a good idea to be in the forest, as long as it didn't set fire- er... too late. The smell of burning wood was filling the air quickly. A tall tree must've caught fire.
XxX
I slipped and fell down the last fifteen to twenty feet to the ground and fell in a heap at the base of the burning tree. I had a couple burns that would need to be looked to later and the usual amount of basic scratches and bruises, but nothing too serious. I limped away from the burning tree when a burning branch crumbled and fell inches away from me. Once I was a relatively safe distance away I sat down with a wince. I looked back to the tree I was in. Despite the very heavy rain, the tree was burning like a huge torch, I knew that everyone on the island would be able to see it easily.
XxX
I tried to run and slipped on the wet tree root that was sticking up from the ground. My shoelaces were caught again, I tried and tried to pull at my boot but it only tightened. I couldn't escape. Then there were feet, I looked up to see that same person from earlier... My heart nearly stopped.
XxX
I knew that it was likely the fire would start spreading, so I got up with a gasp of pain and looked around. Aria was probably lost in this forest given how dark it was and how scared she looked. My Allies were scattered and Zucaro, our wild card, could still be out there. I made my choice. The Nations could fend for themselves, I started walking toward where I hoped the river was in hopes of running into Aria and helping.
XxX
I got to my knees and attempted to struggle but she moved closer, a barely visible smirk on her features, "So small and frail Axis Princess." Visions of my nightmare returned to me in a fast rate, powerful and frightening. I screamed as loud as I could, it came out high pitched and so very loud. The forest echoed it, surely the whole island could've heard it with how badly the girl cringed before me. In her recovery I worked at my shoe and got it free.
XxX
I heard the shrill shriek of my friend and started blindly running, the raindrops falling on my burns made them sting painfully, but I didn't care. Aria was in trouble, and I was lucky not to have faceplanted into a tree with how reckless I was in my attempt to find and save her. I reached the riverbank where we first met. The clearing was empty and I stayed long enough to vaguely notice that the river was swollen into a rushing torrent, as I got my breath back. I knew the scream had come from the other side of the river, I stood a moment to think of how i could cross it.
XxX
~Italy's POV~
"Germany!" I cried as I clung to his muscly torso tightly, "Germany! Germany!" "What is it?" he shouted, scary. "That scream! It was my sorellina! Ve~ I know it! I'd know it anywhere!" I was panicking but Romano looked frightened as well. Whatever made Aria scream like that had to be very scary!
~Aria's POV~
To my feet instantly she had already recovered. I couldn't see, my clothes were sticking to my body, my shoe was loose and I was cold and weak. This was a recipe for disaster. But I turned and ran. Her feet, I could hear them chasing me but they became heavier, when I glanced back it was a man, not a woman. It rose my panic... But not nearly as much as when I skitted to a stop right near the retreating Allies.
XxX
~England's POV~
"DUDES! LOOK AT THAT BADASS BURNING TREE!" America shouted. I had found him and China, but the other two allies were messing. I looked up to where he was pointing and noticed the giant tree that was lighting the area like a giant torch. I shouted over the loud rain, "You Twit! Isn't that the tree Victory was in-" "OH CRAP YOU'RE RIGHT!" He darted off toward the tree with China following close behind, wielding his wok. I was about to follow when I thought I saw a small figure off just a bit further out into the thicker trees "Victory?" I called out to the figure uncertainly.
~Victory's POV~
I walked up to the bank of the rushing water and shrugged. 'Eh, well I'm already wet from the rain... What's a little more water?" I took off my heavy coat and tied it securely around my waist; took a deep breath. And jumped into the water.
XxX
I couldn't respond but I knew the owner had to be England... he scared my fratellos a lot, but I didn't find him as fearsome. Intimidating, well I could give him some from that category. I tried to get up and run again after I fell only to feel a shocking pain race up my leg... Biting my lip to suppress a cry I grasped it to feel it swelling already, I must've twisted it. Water was on my face but I couldn't tell if it was tears or raindrops, maybe both. I couldn't see or move too well so I scooted against a tree and curled into a ball to silently cry. I was lost, alone and an enemy was near by, nonetheless I was also being chased by a loony, what else could go wrong... er... At least it wasn't Russia...
XxX
~England's POV~
America and China were long gone, so I looked back to investigate the mysterious figure which seemed to melt into a nearby tree. I called out again when I heard it whimper pitifully. I approached and said in a soothing voice, " Hey there... there is no need to be frightened dear..." I walked further and was soon close enough to indentify it as the little Italian girl, Sicily.
~Victory's POV~
I kicked violently to reach the surface, I had severely misjudged the surprisingly swift current of the river that not too long ago, I had played in with my friend and her brother. I struggled fruitless to keep my head above water as the strong current pulled me under once more.
XxX
I listened to the footsteps of the Englishman, they soon stopped but he was close. Truth be told... I was more afraid of the thunder than anything else. Everything else was truly scary but the rumble of the thunder erupting was even more viscous in my mind. I couldn't help but whimper every so often from pain and fear, a shiver rain through me making me almost speechless. For the sake of being polite I glanced up at the blond, my chin rested on my knees and my forearms covering my mouth.
XxX
~England POV~
Enemy be damned! I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I turned my back on a frightened little girl! I knelt down beside her so I was eye-level and I continued trying to sooth and comfort her, "Everything is alright... Are you hurt anywhere?"
~Victory's POV~
By the time I dragged myself out of the swift river, the current had swept me far downriver and I did not recognize this part of the island for the life of me. Based on what I knew of the rivers path I figured I was far south of my own camp. Even with that knowledge I had lost my bearings and had no clue where Aria was from here. Far far up ahead I saw the dark smoke from the burning tree and I started walking toward it, desperate for some kind of marker.
XxX
His eyes were pretty, such a pure emerald green that they were nearly glowing. I could see them even through the rain... They reminded me of fratello Spain, just sort of different. England's didn't carry the passion and joy that fratello Spain's did. "M-my ankle..." Was all I managed to say before the thunder growled again making me squeak and cringed, now that I thought of it, the small dagger I was given was gone.
XxX
~England's POV~
Without thinking I put a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder and gently with the other one, roll up her pants leg to reveal her badly swollen ankle. I took out some bandages Victory had made me bring and I asked, "Would you like me to fix it? It might keep it from hurting so much... It looks badly sprained and should be wrapped up to support it..."
XxX
"S-si... please." I twitched a little. My eyes traveled around, watching the surroundings as best I could. Before I knew it though I felt pressure on my ankle and the pain had ceased ever so slightly, enough to allow movement at least. But that's when I saw the figure who had chased me step out from behind England. My breath caught in my throat and I began shaking uncontrollably.
XxX
~England's POV~
"Ah! There we are, good as new. Does it feel better?" I looked up from my work and noticed that she was shuddering violently. "Are you alright?"
XxX
I saw a flash of silver pull from the person and tackled England as a loud bang was heard. The bullet surely wounded the tree and I was awkwardly laying on England, well this surely had plenty of explaining to do. "Damnit I missed." the person said, a definite male's voice but with my country's accent, "Surely I'll hit the Princess this time though."
XxX
~England's POV~
I silently stood up, effortlessly lifting up the little girl and leaned her against the tree and placed myself between her and the shooter all in a single moment. I took out my own pistol and aimed it at the mysterious shooter.
XxX
"Oh a challenge I see?" the person said. Their voice was so cold and cruel, filled with hatred that I couldn't even begin to grasp. His gun was aimed at England now, guilt was filling me since he was risking himself by standing in between me and the strange man.
~Germany's POV~
After that scream we went into the direction, we heard a gun and instantly felt the ominous air. Something wasn't right, my hand itched at my pistol, just in case we ran into any Allies.
XxX
~England's POV~
Something about the person's voice made me feel strange and cold, but I didn't even twitch at the weapon pointed at me. I held my ground, whoever this person was, there was no excuse for trying to kill a scared little girl like this. I smirked and said, "You could say that." I flicked the safety off on my gun and pointed steadily at him. "Now drop your weapon."
XxX
All I could do was watch from behind England, a second piece of steal... the person had two guns... This couldn't be good. "Drop your own." the person said, their voice sent me into a trembling fit.
~Germany's POV~
As we continued walking we heard speech, it was an unknown voice and then... England? Ja. That was England. From where we were we could see a strange figure holding two guns pointed at England who only had one, but what caught my eye was the fact that a smaller figure stood trembling behind England... Sicily.
XxX
~England POV~
'Damn. This isn't good...' I didn't let my doubt show however and didn't move my gun. Now time for some serious bluffing..."I'd rather not if you don't mind... Unless you would like to test which of the two of us has the quickest trigger finger I would suggest you do as I say."
~Victory's POV~
I had met up with America and China who insisted I go back to camp to get my various burns and scratches taken care of, but I had heard a gunshot and I wanted to make sure everyone else was alright before I took could relaxed enough to even think of helping myself. America recognized my stubbornness and knew it was a lost cause, so he led China and I back to where they left England.
XxX
Fear or not, at this moment I was deciphering if England truly was insane but instead decided that it wasn't the time to be thinking such things. I took another glance around the surroundings for any sign of hope. That was when another gun was fired but it wasn't from England nor the stranger but instead from the direction I hadn't bothered to pay attention too. A familiar German came into view, pistol aimed at the figure's head. "England. What happened here? Who the hell is this?" he asked, obviously angry. "Germany..."" I muttered under my breath, partly relieved, partly frightened. ...Was this a temporary truce...? Or would they ignore the guy and start fighting right here?
XxX
~England'S POV~
I saw Germany approach and I felt myself tense up, even after he fired the gun at the stranger (instead of me) I kept my own pointed at the strange man. I figured that I would not engage him in conflict under such circumstances, but if the German tried anything I wouldn't hesitate to turn the gun on him. "What happened was that this girl needed some help, she has a sprained ankle that I bound up when this stranger decided to try to kill her."
XxX
~Germany's POV~
'What's the point in killing someone who has trouble tying their own shoelaces? She poses no threat to anyone... at least that I am aware of.' I thought, taking a glance. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that she could do anything to harm someone let alone would. England might've even remembered it from the first war, they were on the same side that time after all... "I see."
~Aria's POV~
The person laughed again and said, "Looks like the others are joining here as well." before somehow fading into nothingness. I cringed, that was one of the creepiest things I had ever witnessed. But the feeling of death didn't cease in the air, I still felt as if I couldn't breathe.
XxX
I ran alongside of America and all the rest of the Allies we had found, we were approaching the clearing where England was left and I heard voices. Not only that, but I had that sickening feeling I had begun to associate with Zucaro. Worried for my friend, I burst into the clearing and found myself facing the Axis powers, with England and Aria up against a tree. "Err...hey?" I saw how pale Aria looked and I ran to her side "oh my gosh are you alright? What happened?"
XxX
I couldn't take it anymore, breathing, thinking and then the pain in my ankle from just standing on in. Then, for one reason or another I had forgotten until that moment, thunder roared again. I screamed and curled into a ball holding my ears, trembling... thunder... my mortal enemy.
XxX
I fell down besides Aria and hugged her tightly around the shoulders. I think I heard the nations talking amongst themselves but I didn't care, I just did all I could to try to comfort my friend. I even hummed a couple soothing lines from an old lullaby to try to calm her...
XxX
"Ve~ but I want to see my sorellina~" I heard Veneziano say but I didn't care, I didn't move. It was scary. So scary. "So everyone's gathered? Lovely." That same voice was back, the tree right about my head as well, my head shot up to see them and began trembling all over again.
XxX
I shouted up angrily at the cool voice (not letting go of Aria of course), "You evil festering stool! How could you scare her like this! How could you anyone want to hurt her?1 Tell me what do you want from us! Why are you even here!" I would've gone on yelling but I saw that Aria was still trembling, so I to focused my energies on her. I kept an eye up in the trees as I went back to muttering comforting nonsense and humming snippets of lost lullabies to my friend.
XxX
A laugh. Cold as Antarctic air. "Because to get what I want I need the Axis Princess gone. And that pathetic excuse for a soldier just so happens to gain defenders left and right." Okay that was low. Just low.
XxX
I said with far more confidence then I actually felt, "It's called friends! And it's obvious that you can't understand why we would protect her, because there wouldn't be any gain in it in your eyes. Do what you will, I will never let you hurt my friend you pathetic excuse for existence! Do your worst!"
XxX
"A-ah Victory, you shouldn't tell things to-" started when all the trees but the one I was leaned on caught fire. I heard animals making sounds, chirping and squawking. I stopped, my eyes widening as their laughter heightened. Suddenly I wasn't scared anymore... no, no... I was rather irritated. To the point where I shot to my feet out of Victory's grasp and glared up, " What the hell are you doing burning down the forest? Animals live here!" "It's cute how you believe I care." Oh hell no.
XxX
I stood up too with an amused smirk at my friends rare moment of frustration. I looked up to the trees and shouted, "If you think showing off like this and making other living beings suffer is going to intimidate us you are wrong!"
XxX
A flash a silver, but not a gun. It was thrown at us. A sword? "Move!" I shouted, nearly toppling over as the blade grazed my boot and landed perfectly between us. "Intimidate? Funny." The more I heard the cries the more irritated I got and I guess I snapped because I heaved the sword from the ground and slung it back up, "GO AWAY!" ...it just grazing the person's face. Everyone in the clearing froze.
XxX
I froze in surprise, then started laughing, "Ha! What did you say about that 'pathetic excuse for a soldier' again? I hope this teaches you not to mess with us!" I wonder why everyone says how American I am... It's not like I have a big mouth, can't read the atmosphere, and don't know when to shut up like Uncle America...
XxX
I just started at my friend, what a big mouth she had right now! I knew that I couldn't very well 'read the atmosphere' but I knew when to hold my tongue at least! "Shhh! You're talking too much Victory!" I said, as scolding as I could get my voice, which wasn't very much."She's a pathetic excuse for a soldier, just has a possible bad temper." he smirked more and then there was a light. "Watch my trick." Everything got darker...
So I hope you have been enjoying it te story so far. Please R&R. So we'd love to hear from you guys, any comments, critiques and such are appreciated just don't be rude. The main plot and plot twists are coming up shortly.