Disclaimer: The Hetalia characters and their personifications belong to Hidekaz Himaruya. 日丸屋 秀和

A/N - This is a preview for a possible Nordics story to explain how their gang got together.

Mathias' Rules to Live By:

1) Survive (please!)

2) Live life to the fullest because in three days you will probably be dead

3) Fear crazy-ass, manic Swedish guys

4) Avoid yellow snow

5) Look before you stab

6) Be careful who you piss off

7) All is not as it appears

An Unforeseen Obstacle

"Why not?"

"Because he gave us the ship."

"So?"

"For the last time, Mathias, we are not throwing Berwald overboard!"

It was nearly dusk. Although the evening was still in its budding hours and the sky had not yet assumed that ebony hue, the stars persisted nonetheless to fade into view in signal of the oncoming night.

Mathias was genuinely proud of himself for lasting as long as he had with that stern-faced barbarian in such close proximity. Now, however, his patience was beginning to wear thin. That crazy Swede's icy glare was starting to drill two little holes in the back of his head!

The Danish outlaw went over the events of the afternoon again in his head, trying to find a justifiable reason not to start a mutiny...

Berwald (whom Mathias still refused to dignify with a name and instead chose to refer to only as 'the Swede') had procured the meager band of voyagers a small longboat - one that could be maneuvered by just four men.

The travelers had rowed downriver for only a few hours. Several factors made their passage much easier than they had originally anticipated:

With the combined rowing strength of everyone aboard - Berwald, Mathias, Lukas and Emil - in coalition with the river's current aiding their speed, their task of reaching the open sea by nightfall became a nearly effortless feat... for half of the crew.

As it happened, a couple of hours of rowing proved to be all Emil could take (or rather, how much Lukas would allow him to endure), and although Mathias would never admit it, the strokes from his end of the boat became less and less propellant despite the fact that he appeared to be putting in twice the effort as everyone else.

Both of them were losing strength. Rapidly.

However, when the work became strenuous for the two envenomed oarsmen, Mathias had taken it upon himself to lighten the mood.

He regaled his audience with tales of his past adventures, at least half of which were true. He told jokes, talked about himself and ultimately tried anything and everything to extract either a smile from Emil or an agitated growl from Berwald.

Once he unintentionally evoked an indignant blush from Lukas. Blindsiding the usually somber Norwegian and watching him grow flustered quickly became one of Mathias' favorite pastimes.

"Yep. And that's why I can never go back to Kiel. Those German women are crazy!" Mathias leaned back and stretched as he spoke. "Yes sir, that's why I don't really mind the seafarer's life. I mean, having some beautiful ladies around you isn't bad for a few nights, but out here, a bunch of men surrounded by nothing but open waves, separated from the rest of the world for days, weeks at a time... that's where I can really get comfortable." He winked at Lukas whose face turned a delightful shade of crimson despite his angry glare.

Berwald shook his head disgustedly at the story.

"Wait, how did you escape again?" Emil asked.

"I told you, by hiding in one of the barrels of beer!" Mathias paused. "...At least... I think that's what happened. My memory gets a little blurry after I dove into that barrel..." For a while, Mathias remained quiet and seemed genuinely confused about the large gap in his memory.

Lukas and Berwald each looked moderately amused by this comment.

Thus the evening settled on.

Upon reaching the open sea, Berwald adjusted the sail and allowed the ship to coast for a short while in order to give everyone a well-deserved rest.

The short, overhanging deck near the boat's bow provided not only a storage space, but also a cozy little recess where the youngest crew member had curled up, exhausted, and gone to sleep on a pile of rope.

All other crew members had agreed that when the time came to begin rowing again in a few hours, they would continue without Emil. After all, they didn't want to strain the boy... and he clearly needed his sleep.

So yes, after reviewing all of those events in his head, Mathias did not see one reason why he should not overthrow this ship's so-called captain and replace him with someone else.

Someone more attractive and more Danish...

Unfortunately, he could not convince his newfound Norwegian comrade to agree.

Presently, Lukas rested his elbows on the railing, looking out over the lapping ocean waves with a troubled expression.

Seeing that the Swede was preoccupied comparing maps, and because Mathias was completely oblivious to the vibe which would have told anyone else that Lukas wished to be left alone, Mathias decided to grace the solitary Norwegian with his presence (and perhaps try to persuade him once again to rethink their 'captain's' aptitude).

"Why not?"

"Because he gave us the ship."

"So?"

"For the last time, Mathias, we are not throwing Berwald overboard. We can barely manage this ship with four people! You think three will be any easier?" Lukas sighed tiredly and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, I've already told you we should reach land by morning. You can tolerate Berwald for that much longer."

"And then two days after that? I'd rather die!"

"Be my guest."

"Not funny!"

Lukas shook his head hopelessly, aggravation and stress clearly wearing on his nerves.

"Obviously you need a task to keep you preoccupied, especially with your rodent-like attention span..." Lukas grumbled, "so here. I'm making it your job to hold this."

Lukas shifted and carefully pulled the book out from his pack, only to shove the object forcefully against Mathias' chest.

Mathias looked utterly baffled upon seeing the object. "Wha- me? Hang on to THIS? Why?! I can't even read!"

"Because it has the remedy inside so I know you won't lose it. It's probably the one thing I'd trust you with over Berwald," came the serious-toned answer.

"Why don't you just hang on to it?" Mathias continued to protest, obviously not comfortable with such a weighty responsibility.

There was a long pause between the pair, and Mathias began to realize that this task wasn't just something to keep him occupied. There was clearly significance in what Lukas was asking him to do.

"I don't want to," the northerner told him simply.

Mathias prompted him for more information with an inquisitive stare.

"You wouldn't understand," Lukas continued after meeting the questioning blue eyes. "It just... it gives me an eerie feeling. I don't know how to describe it..." he stopped and shook his head. "Why am I even telling this to you? Just hold on to it and don't lose it or you're dead... literally."

Mathias glanced from the aged book in his hands to the stringent face before him. He could sense the sincerity in Lukas' words.

He decided that rather than argue further that he was the LEAST responsible person to be holding such a precious object... it was better to simply do as the Norwegian commanded and take the book. After all, how hard could it be? The book wasn't just going to float away on him.

But something else was gnawing at Mathias.

"So... if you're afraid of magic, why did you use your grandfather's book to make the poison in the first place?"

Lukas stiffened then sighed. "First of all, there is no such thing as magic," he stated with finality. "Secondly, I made those arrows shortly after our parents died. It was just Emil and me and... I just... wanted a way to protect him. The truth is, I'm a terrible shot. If anyone was trying to harm us... if the enemy got away, this was a way to make sure they would never come back..." Lukas closed his eyes and hung his head, as if ashamed to have created such an atrocious weapon.

Mathias, on the other hand, smiled.

When the Norwegian opened his eyes again, he was offended by the Dane's blatant insensitivity. "What?" he demanded.

"That is perfect irony! I mean, I was the enemy you were trying to keep away, and now you're stuck with me!" he chuckled. "And now the poison which was meant to keep your brother safe is the very thing that's killing him!"

As Mathias continued to find amusement in the whole ordeal, Lukas remained stone-faced. Apparently he didn't find the situation very comical.

Mathias' laughter died off and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Tell you what," he elbowed the man beside him, "I'll teach you how to shoot so you won't ever have to worry about an enemy getting away, if you teach me how to read these damn symbols." Mathias held up the ancient book once more and slapped the back of his hand against the cover.

When this still failed to lighten the depressed Norwegian's mood, Mathias added, "...I meant my promise earlier, you know." He spoke softly and sincerely. "Emil's going to be okay. And you are too. I'll make sure of it."

Lukas turned his face and stared at Mathias curiously. He searched the bizarre Dane's eyes somewhat distrustfully and opened his mouth to reply when-

"Maybe you two sh'ld lie down 'nd make use of th's l'ttle break... . We won't be gettin' m'ny more." Berwald's voice suddenly interrupted the moment, causing both men to jump.

Both blonds looked up at the tall man.

"You see that?!" Mathias erupted. "That's what I'm talking about! What kind of creep just sneaks up on people like that?"

Lukas paid no mind to the Dane and turned to Berwald. "You're right. It's been a long day. We could all," he gave a pointed look toward Mathias, "use a rest."

Mathias deflated, shot his customary glare towards the Swede, and then looked back down at the book he still clutched.

He sighed.

A distinct flapping noise sounded and the wind picked up, causing the sail to snap outward.

"Yeah... I think I'll take a rest," Mathias voiced. But just as they all began to turn away from the railing, Mathias jumped and suddenly leaned as far as he could over the ship's edge, pointing at something in the distance. "What is that?!"

Lukas and Berwald snapped their heads back and looked frantically out into the darkness.

Both men's eyes searched the black waters cautiously.

"...What is what?"

Mathias turned to his crew mates, stunned at their lack of reaction. "Didn't you see it? It was huge! I swear it was just-"

"Don't be making up stories to be funny. I don't want you scaring Emil," Lukas warned.

"But I wasn't-"

A low, growling sound that sent shivers down Mathias' spine cut him off.

"Th'nder. There's a storm comin'," Berwald noted, raising his face toward the dark sky.

Matthias turned his head and scanned his eyes circumspectly over the now-turbulent sea. It was clear that a storm was coming alright, and whatever he thought he saw before on the water seemed to have gone...

but that was no thunder like Mathias had ever heard.

He tentatively made his way to the overhang where Emil had found shelter and lied against the wall beneath it, placing the mysterious book on the floor right beside him.

He listened to the choppy waves and allowed the ship to rock him back and forth.

Lukas had turned toward the ship's stern and was about to make his way over when a large hand stopped him by the shoulder.

He looked up at Berwald calmly but questioningly.

"I know 'is type," the Swede stated with an ominous tone. "'E's a m'nipulator. R'member, he j'st wants the antidote... Don't get too fr'ndly with 'im."

Lukas nodded, pulled away, and glanced back at his little brother once more before continuing on to the boat's stern.

Sleep did not come easily for Mathias.

Though he forced his eyelids shut, his body insisted on staying wide awake. No matter what he tried, he simply couldn't seem to relax.

He forced himself to ignore the heat flashes which surged through his skin. He also refused to wipe the beads of sweat forming around his forehead.

At least I know I'm not running a fever, he consoled himself, because fevers make you feel hot, and I'm obviously NOT warm since I'm shivering all over!

He looked at the goosebumps on his sweat-dampened arm.

His body was clearly just putting itself in balance by perspiring and freezing at the same time.

Eventually, finding he could not get comfortable in his current position, Mathias rolled over and cracked his eyes open.

He was met immediately with the sight of that damned spell book.

Because he still didn't feel like getting up, Mathias decided to pass the time by trying to decipher the symbols on the cover. Unfortunately, although they were clearly part of the same runic alphabet Mathias had had some exposure to, none of these symbols were ones he'd been taught.

Frustrated, Mathias shoved the book away from him. The ancient tome slid across the floorboards and into the moonlight.

"Stupid book," he cursed. "This is all your fault you know. You better get that kid his antidote, or I'm burning y-"

He instantly bit back his words.

For just an arm's length before him, under the pale moonbeams, the book...

seemed...

to...

glow.

Mathias blinked.

Yes, yes it was positively glowing. It was emitting a faint, greenish phosphorescence.

Mathias sat up. "Fuck," he whispered frantically. "I'm sorry, Book! S-stop! Don't do that! Shit. I swear, I won't actually burn you just-"

The soft glow became brighter, more intense. It was a shining beacon that illuminated the entire front end of the ship.

The luminescent essence seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. It became so unbearably bright and intense that Mathias was forced to squint. He placed a hand over his brow to shield his eyes from the light but it seemed to do nothing.

He swore he heard a faint ringing sound.

His senses became overwhelmed. He wanted to shut it out but he couldn't look away.

Finally, he coerced his lids shut and rubbed his eye sockets vigorously.

When he opened them again, the book lie limp, dull and lifeless as if nothing ever happened.

Mathias' heart stood still. He sat there upon the floor in cold bewilderment.

Looking around frantically, he saw Emil sound asleep across the under deck and Lukas talking lightly with Berwald at the opposite end of the ship.

Slowly, suspiciously, he laid himself down once more and promptly turned his face away from the unsettling object.

Once again, Mathias repeated the unsuccessful process of trying to relax himself to sleep.

The boat rocked more violently. Mathias could hear the creaking boards, the crashing waves, the howling wind and... giggling?

The sound of light, high-pitched laughter tickled his ear.

Mathias immediately flipped over to face the book.

Once again, the sight shocked him.

Before him were four, tiny, glowing...THINGS!

Things with wings and little hats and frolicsome smiles! Sprites? Fairies? Whatever the hell they were, Mathias was utterly frozen in place. His heart stopped in his chest and his face became deathly pale. They, too, emitted a dull, greenish glow as they danced before his face.

And all this was not even the startling part. What truly prodded Mathias into action was the ritual the mischievous little imps began conducting next. The tiny floating creatures encircled the book. They began to lift the volume by its corners.

"HEY!" Mathias shouted to stop them. He reached out instinctively and slammed his hand as hard as he could upon the cover of the floating book to swat it out of the thieves' grasps.

He was surprised how quickly the book hit the ground. In just the blink of an eye, all the effervescent sprites disappeared.

Poof!

Gone. Just like that.

Mathias panted; he was scared and confused out of his wits.

Then, Lukas was in front of him.

"Why'd you shout? You'll wake Emil," he whispered harshly.

"I- there were- I saw- FAIRIES!" Mathias finally burst. "Little, glowing, flying- trying to steal your book!" The words tumbled out faster than his tongue could form the syllables.

Lukas stared at him with a confused expression. However, confusion quickly morphed into a grim realization.

Mathias half expected the Norwegian to agree with him - to tell him that yes, little people with wings did exist - but he was caught off-guard when a hand was suddenly placed against his forehead.

Mathias felt his already heated face grow warmer at the touch.

"Damn," Lukas sighed.

"What? What is it? Didn't you hear what I said about the fair-"

"There are no fairies. No such things. Magic isn't real, idiot."

"I saw them, I swear!" Mathias persisted.

"I believe you," Lukas said.

"You do? But you just said-"

"I believe that you believe you saw something; I just don't believe it was really there. ...It's the poison."

"...What?" Mathias was once again hopelessly lost.

"The poison can cause... fever... and hallucinations."

Lukas once again cast a concerned glance at Emil.

"Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. I am NOT whacked out on drugs. Got it? I SAW THEM!"

However, when the Norwegian didn't appear at all convinced by Mathias' urgency, the Dane became irate. Mathias stood up, book in hand, and tried shoving the aged text into Lukas' arms. "Here! Take it back! I don't want your freaky book! It must be making me see things!"

Lukas, however, skillfully backed out of the way, out of his reach.

"It is not!" the Norwegian barked. "And I told you to hold on to it."

"Well too bad! Take it!" The pair continued to move towards the center of the ship's helm. Mathias moved forward as Lukas backed away.

Now, positioned just beneath the longship's mast, Mathias shoved the book aggressively against Lukas' chest.

Lukas' midnight eyes hardened, and he shoved it back with all his strength. "It's your one job! Just do it, you blasted Dane!"

Mathias shoved back. "No!"

The ship rocked.

Lukas shoved back. "Yes!"

The ship rocked again.

The boys continued their little push-and-shove match while the boat continued to sway, dipping deeper and deeper on either side as they continued their little scuffle.

...Or so it seemed to Mathias.

The wind once again picked up. It howled with fury, the waves crashed more violently against the ship, the sky began to downpour and thunder cracked with echoing force in the background.

Finally, the men paused long enough to notice the wildly changing weather conditions. They instantly ceased their fight and both stared wondrously up at the sky.

Another crack of thunder morphed into a beastly roar and Mathias beheld the most terrifying sight of his life.

Looming above them, he saw an enormous sea serpent with large fangs and scaly, obsidian skin blacker than the night sky.

The hideous beast had the head of a dragon and the body of a snake!

It thwapped it's mighty tail and jerked the boat violently.

That's when Mathias gained his voice again.

"S-SEA MONSTER! THAT'S WHAT I SAW EARLIER! QUICK! LUKAS! BERWALD! GET UNDER THE DECK! I GOT THIS!"

He removed his ax from his belt and swung it dangerously in the air in an attempt to ward off the ferocious beast.

He unleashed heated battle cry. "RAAAAHHHHH- Oof!"

However, the next moment... he was on the floor.

Mathias blinked. The torrential rain was gone and only a light drizzle pattered upon his face. The waves were choppy but rocked the boat only slightly and the ferocious sea monster had completely vanished.

The only thing looming above him now was that intimidating Swede, who had apparently tackled him to the floor.

His ax had been knocked a few paces away, out of Mathias' reach.

He panted heavily before speaking.

"Wh- I don't... I don't..." he was at a loss for words.

Lukas appeared over him wearing a disapproving glare. "There are no sea monsters. You're hallucinating!"

Mathias, slightly embarrassed and still beyond confused, nodded slowly.

The weight of the Swedish man was eventually lifted. Mathias rose, only to be grabbed by the shoulders and led forcefully back to the space below the overhanging deck.

But... everything seemed so real, he thought to himself.

Everything had happened so fast. From the glowing book to the fairies to the sea monster... the world was spinning, his head was on fire, and it all seemed so God-damn lifelike. Somewhere in the background, Mathias heard Lukas grumbling on about a fever as they walked to the area with the overhanging deck. A part of Mathias told him that Lukas' lecture about hallucinations were true, but the defensive part of him wouldn't let his guard down.

When they arrived at the ship's bow, they found Emil sitting up, wide awake, looking at both of them anxiously.

"Big Brother, are you okay? Mathias, I heard you yelling. What's going on? Are there really sea monsters out there?"

Mathias shot a guilty glance to the man standing beside him before answering the child with that same, dismissive tone he faked so well. "Oh, uhhh no. No, heh, sorry kid, I was uh, mistaken. Guess this poison stuff is just giving me stranger dreams than usual."

Relief washed over the boy's features and he nodded. His face still looked grim, however. "Me too," he said quietly.

"Ahem. Well," Mathias clapped his hands and threw on a bright smile, "like I said, no monsters, okay? And if there were, you can bet me and your brother here would kick their asses! After all, I am the grandson of a viking!"

Lukas rolled his eyes after hearing that comment for about the 30th time that day.

"Would Berwald help fight the monsters too?" Emil inquired.

Mathias furrowed his brows and stared toward the opposite end of the ship. "No, that Swede would be crying in a corner. We wouldn't need him."

"You can go back to sleep Emil," Lukas intervened. "Everything's fine."

The child gave them a tiny smile satisfied with their answers. He appeared genuinely calmer than when they had originally approached the poor, startled youth.

Lukas kneeled down gently and pulled the blanket up to the boy's chin.

Mathias stood off to the side and watched the tender scene as the older brother coaxed the younger back to sleep.

After a few moments of silence, Lukas rose quietly and he and Mathias watched Emil's chest rise and fall steady as the child sank deeper into sleep.

"Now you," Lukas said, turning to Mathias.

"What? We're going to start rowing again soon!"

Lukas breathed out tiredly. The blond with the curl took a spare blanket and handed it to Mathias. "Here. Now listen: there are no little green fairies floating around this ship and there are no giant sea monsters underneath it. The poison is making you see things and you need to sleep."

"But-"

"Berwald and I can manage the rowing... If you're gonna be of any use to us tomorrow, you'll need your rest." Lukas paused, then continued. "And to make sure you do that, take this." He removed a small vial of lavender liquid from his pocket.

Mathias' eyes flashed distrust and confusion.

Lukas witnessed this and took a tiny sip of the elixir himself to demonstrate its harmlessness.

"See? It's safe. Drink the whole thing. It'll help you sleep."

When Mathias hesitated again, Lukas added, "If you're delirious, it will be easier on Berwald and I if you don't go around yelling and swinging axes at imaginary monsters. I'd rather have you asleep."

Finally, Mathias consented, unable to deny the danger he might pose to the rest of those on board. He nodded begrudgingly and slowly drank the medicine.

Lukas nodded approvingly as he watched the vial's contents disappear. When Mathias finished, Lukas turned to lead the hallucinogenic Danish man to the opposite side of the unreduced. A hand shot out and stopped him.

"Norge?-"

"Quit calling me that stupid nickname," he commanded, annoyed.

"Lukas... why are you doing this? You have Berwald to help you now. Why are you keeping me here?"

Lukas paused and refused to meet Mathias' pleading eyes.

After thinking through his words prudently, Lukas gave his answer. "I haven't decided yet whether or not I should kill you. ...You could have grabbed my brother, held a knife to his throat, and ordered me to take you to wherever the hell this antidote is.

But you didn't. You haven't done anything but act kindly towards Emil... and you've gone along with everything I've asked. I don't know if this is all a long, drawn-out ploy to win my favor or to make us pity you, but I do know that it would be easier for you to simply have taken my brother hostage until you got your antidote. I at least owe you something in return for that small mercy."

...

"Lukas, I swear on my life: It. Was. An. Accident." Mathias looked directly into the young man's eyes and spoke with a sincerity Lukas would never have believed someone like him was capable of. Something in his tone made Lukas almost believe him.

He glanced down at the sleeping child one last time before ordering Mathias to go lie down. "Just come on before you pass out like a filthy drunkard on my brother."

Mathias smiled and complied.

As the Norwegian led him to his space on the opposite side of the under-deck, Mathias chuckled, "You know what? I'm pretty sure the whole time you've known me, I've either been drunk or drugged! I hope you like the sober Mathias when you meet him!" He stumbled a few paces before the other man grabbed hold of his shoulders to steady him.

Lukas rolled his eyes for what had to be the hundredth time that day. He knew that the lack of balance and the excessive giggling were both signs that his sleeping elixir was kicking in.

"Yeah, yeah. Something tells me 'Sober Mathias' the same... only with a bit more coordination."

"You like the drunk Mathias?" the Dane waggled his eyebrows suggestively at the northerner.

Lukas contemplated an answer before simply choosing to remain silent.

Mathias laughed again as he clumsily settled down on the floor and pulled the blanket over him. "Three days, Norsk... Three days and I'll- I'll win ya'. I'm- I'm gonna save... the fairies from th-the sea monsters."

"Still hallucinating?" Lukas inquired.

Mathias stared at him with a placid smile for a long time, wearing an expression Lukas couldn't exactly place.

"I sure as hell hope not."

For some reason, this answer made Lukas blush and he got up to leave hurriedly. "Stupid Dane," he mumbled over his shoulder, flustered.

But the insult couldn't wipe the smile from Mathias' face.

"Weakness, fever, hallucinations... What other obstacles are we going to be faced with over the next three days? Our journey hasn't even begun," Lukas asked himself as he went to rejoin Berwald near the ship's oars.

Historical Notes

* Longships were a type of ship invented and used by the Norsemen for trade, commerce, exploration, and warfare. The longship appeared in its complete form between the 9th and 13th centuries. They were all made out of wood, with cloth sails (woven wool) and had numerous details and carvings on the hull. Some had short decks near the bow and stern as well as a carved-out area near the ship's center for storage pace.