Patter Patter

Ivan and Yao dashed through the forest, panting heavily. There was a herd of biters hobbling after them at a surprising speed that seemed to pick up by the second. It was mid-day so thankfully there was light to provide them a way to navigate through the trees. Unfortunately, the both of them had been running low on supplies so they were not in the best condition for excessive usage of their precious energy.

"Ivan, hurry!" Yao shouted, his eyes darting left and right to find somewhere they could hide. Ivan ran behind the Chinese man, his speed dropping at every stride. He panted heavily as adreneline ran through his veins. The thundering feet of the herd behind him grew louder and louder to his ears. Where would they go? There isn't any place in sight? They were done for. Truly done for.

"Yao!" Ivan's violet eyes locked on what appeared to be an old cabin in a small clearing. It seemed sturdy which was good against a herd. Yao caught sight of the cabin and nodded. It was some ways away but he knew they could make it. They had to. The Russian mustered up all the energy he could find in his wary body to make it to the cabin. Thoughts bounced around his mind the closer they got to the building.

What if we don't make it? They're coming close... I can hear them... Their footsteps shake the ground beneath me... I'm not going to make it. I can't do this. I won't-

Suddenly, as if death desired him greatly, Ivan felt his foot trample over a tree root on the forest floor, causing him to fall forward.

"Ah! Yao!" Ivan cried out, now lying face down on the dirt. His arms shook as he tried to push himself back to his feet. Yao's eyes widen as he quickly made a turn to go help his fallen friend. Just as the Chinese male got to the Russian, a biter snarled and grabbed at Ivan's ankle. At the feel of its bony fingers digging into him, Ivan screamed.

It has me. This is it. This is the end for me-

Clash

The sound of bone breaking shattered his 'last minute' thoughts and hand which grabbed Ivan now laid limp on the floor, detached from the owner which it once was connected to. Yao stood above, holding a blood coated sword which he always hid so carefully around his back. Without saying another word, the Chinese man grabbed Ivan by the arm and dragged him back to his feet. And off running they went.

"We're not going to make it." Ivan cried, tears falling down his cheeks. He didn't even realise he had begun to bawl as he ran. Maybe it was when he fell that was when he began to cry. Nonetheless, the tears flowed and dripped down his chin. Yao huffed and ran beside him, frequently looking back at the biters behind. Due to the minor set back, they had grown closer to the two humans.

"We are going to make it, aru!" Yao shouted back, handing Ivan a knife. A look of determination shot past his eyes. "Don't give up. No matter what obstacles show, big or small, do not let it intimidate you. Keep your head and spirits high and you can over come anything." A strong smile spread across his lips. Such a strong smile from a former strong nation. A smile which had been shone through the ages from even before most people were born.

"D-Do you thinks so?" Ivan asked softly, the cabin coming closer. He wondered how Yao could stay optimistic about the situation they were in. How he could provide such good advice and motivation as death was crawling up behind him. Yao smiled even greater and nodded.

"Yes, Ivan. We will make it." He let out a soft chuckle. "We will make it to the cabin. It's right there! Keep your eyes forward to the future; the future is always bright. No matter what you do, don't lose sight of your goal. Remember that, Ivan. Don't- Ack!"

Yao was suddenly cut short as teeth pierced through his right shoulder. A biter dug its teeth even deeper into his shoulder, causing a breakage of crimson to spread across his clothing. Ivan's eyes widened at the sight of his wounded partner, more tears welling up in his eyes. Quickly, he raised the knife Yao had handed him and stabbed it through its skull. Yao shoved it off of him once it was lifeless once more and stumbled forward.

The cabin was was finally there.

Once they got to the cabin Yao collapsed against the wall. Blood drenched the right side of his body as the bite in his shoulder shown clear to those who were there to behold it.

"Y-Yao, we have to get inside!" Ivan pleaded, dropping to his knees beside Yao. He looked towards the cabin door. It was so close to them. Only a few more steps and they would be safe inside. The group of biters were ways away but were coming closer by the second. If they didn't get inside quickly, they would be done for.

"No.." Yao said, shutting his eyes tightly due to the pain. He looked up at the Russian and shakily got to his feet. "Go. Get inside. I'll be in there shortly." He leaned against the wall of the cabin and stared at the approaching biters. The bite on his shoulder signified his fate. Once bitten, once injured, there was no going back. Yao knew he wouldn't be able to make it due to this, but he wasn't going to tell Ivan that. No, he had to make sure he was okay before he did anything. "Go, I'll be fine. I just need to catch my breath."

"Yao," Ivan begged again, taking a step towards the door but not taking his eyes off of the Chinese man. He wasn't about to leave him there but the biters were coming closer, "The door is righ-"

"Get inside, aru!" Yao shouted, using his uninjured arm to shove the Russian towards the door. He swayed as he did so but forced a crooked smile. "Get inside. Trust me. I will be there in a bit." The sound of growling and snarling increased to their ears as the biters drew near. Their time was running out. Ivan had to go now or die alongside Yao. There was nothing else to do.

Reluctantly, the Russian backed up and grabbed his hand at the doorknob. Before pushing it open, he gave one last look at Yao. Despite the eternal bleeding in his shoulder and the acceptance of death, the man still smiled and stayed strong through it all. No sign of weakness was shown nor anything related to defeat. He was still standing tall and would do so to the very last moment.

"Hurry." Ivan mumbled quickly before opening the door. Yao made sure he closed it before he made his next moves. The Chinese man gripped the hilt of his sword tightly and limped straight towards the herd of biters.

I've lived a long life... longer than I should have. Many nations had fallen before me while I stood tall. I never thought that my death day would come. The mere thought of it seemed impossible. But that was not so. Every living being and thing must come to an end. It is the way of life.

Yao slashed at the biters who came near him, having them drop dead before him. Some managed to grab a bite at his unprotected body, but that didn't stop him. One by one they fell before him as his sword ripped through the air.

Vietnam... Hong Kong... Taiwan... Japan... Korea... I will soon be with you once more. Just wait for me a little longer. I must stand just a little longer...

Soon, Yao lost all energy to hold up his sword and let it fall to the ground. Three biters left out of the dozen which were slain. The Chinese man never failed to leave the battlefield in victory. Ah but now, now he must give in to his predators and let them devour what they came after.

Goodbye, Earth. At last, I shall fall onto your soil and disappear along with the others. I've seen so many die in my years of living. Soon, I shall experience what they went through and die along with them... I am proud of the life I have lived.

Suddenly, a scream tore through the air as biters snapped at their prey. Ivan felt his heart stop as the scream pierced through his ears. That scream was Yao's. It wasn't a scream of terror nor was it a scream of anger. It was a scream of defeat.

He had fallen. The great and eldest country, China, had fallen at last.

Ivan turned to the door to run out and get to the dying nation. No, this couldn't be happening. Yao couldn't be dead. He couldn't! He was China! He was going to come inside just as he said he would. There was nothing-

Suddenly, Ivan felt but felt a hand grab his arm. It wasn't a dead hand, no it was certainly living because it was warm. The hand was gentle as it made contact with the Russian, as if not to hurt or startle him. Then, the person spoke.

"There's nothing you can do, Sere. He's already gone. You'll be safe in here, Mr. Russia."

Ivan froze. He knew that voice. How could he forget that voice?

"Toris?"

Author's Note:

Oh my, wow, okay this one seems rushed.

I'm sorry, I was trying to fit everything in it and now it seems rushed.

Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed the chapter!

Please don't forget to leave me your comments/reviews! I love to hear them! Thank you!