[Flashback begin*]
Germany was hushing us all down after our lunch break. It was America's turn to talk in front of the world. I wasn't really paying attention myself since Denmark was talking about a show we both liked with great enthusiasm. I kept on telling him not to spoil it for me since I hadn't watched the episode yet, but to no avail I had to keep hearing. From what I recall, I saw America talking to France and he was shaking his head happily though he looked kind of tired. He laughed about something as he pat France on the back heartily. Germany kept on barking orders so France was the first to take leave to his desk. America waved goodbye and he was supposed to pick up the stack of papers on his desk. But he didn't.
Maybe that should have been the first sign to let me know what was coming was coming. Since you need the papers in order to talk about what his nation had prepared. But he just left the papers on his desk and instead struts up the stairs and to the stage without them.
I was just thinking, maybe he memorized his notes? Though that's a lot go memorize?
He quickly fixes his tie as he walks to the podium. And right before he walks to the podium he halts for a brief second as if almost hesitant.
I should have seen it coming then and there. Those little mishaps in America's walk. But everything was still happening in terms of people sitting down and hearing chair screech against the floor.
America seemed to fidget a little as he remained halted. I was thinking that maybe he'd now remember the stack of papers and go down for them. But that was too hopeful of me.
He closed his tired baggy eyes and opened them again with a smile. He then turned around to look out to all of us as he took the podium.
It was supposed to be like any other day.
He was about to start talking when...
The noise of a gunshot rang throughout all the air and the next thing we see is him falling backwards. The red liquid spread throughout his mint green vest as he hit the ground. The thud was deafening as it stunned all of us. It really took everyone 10 seconds or so to register what happened and if it really did.
This had to be a joke. And a poor one if anything.
Though I think, deep down in my subconscious, because I saw everything in slow motion, seeing him who had life in his eyes...and how he was smiling just moments before he was about to talk...smiling at all of us...and then... the light in his eyes turn off to a dull blue...as he gently fell back cued me in to what was true and to what wasn't. He really did get shot. It was for real.
He gently fell backwards behind the podium to a place that I couldn't see because of the podium.
England and the front row reacted first as England and Canada became lightning quick and ran towards America. Everyone shoots up from their seats to do the same. Germany was barking. Demanding to anyone where the shot came from. I faintly register Hong Kong screaming, "FROM OUTSIDE THIS WINDOW! HE'S STILL IN THE TREE!"
I'm there still sitting down as I hear bawling arise from the front of the room screaming that America's not breathing. Everything was happening too fast. But to me...everything was slow. I faintly register Denmark descending down the flights of desk, running on top of them and wondering how cool it would be to do the same. Yet, nothing was moving for me. Everything and everyone was far away.
The nations in the back of the room urgently press through the emergency doors as the annoying alarm "WEEEE WOUUUUU WEEE WOUUUUU" rings. Outside, in hopes to capture whomever it was that shot America, are a few of the Nations who sat towards the back. They were yelling to each other but I didn't really listen in anymore. The alarm blares all through the room. It was all so loud that it drowned the hysterical cries in the front. Sweden tugs my sleeve as I finally look at him and as I turn I see threatening tears streaming from his eyes... It was all too horrible.
And in the end, America died that day.
It was hard hearing France make the call to the security and them rushing in.
It was hard to wait for the ambulance and the paramedics lean towards America to only nod that sad nod we didn't hope to see.
It was hard to see the police take his body away for further inspection.
It was all too much like a movie. A movie that America himself would write. I wish it wasn't real and that he didn't write it.
I saw how England, France, and Canada wouldn't detach themselves away from America's body. Screaming, bawling, and yelling incomprehensibly- they never left his side as they all went into the ambulance. I...too wanted to be there. Sweden, Netherlands, and I did find America first after all. I too...felt...like America was family. Even after France and England started duking it out for him long ago.
After not seeing him for a couple hundred years, I didn't feel as close to the new found land. I didn't get to talk to America too much after he started growing into the nation he was today and started attending the world meetings. But he was always polite to me for some reason. I asked him once and he said that he would tell me later. And he did at the park. Right before he...died.
I wish I could see his smiles again. I wish I could see life in his face again. I don't want to see his face like how I last saw him... pale and lifeless. Sleeping. Hair awry. Sleeping with his mouth slightly open and blood trickling down the corner of his lips.
There would be no more loud comments. No more interruptions. No more America... And that was too hard to bare.
He just kept his eyes shut. Unknowing to all the grief he was causing and that's how it remained even on the day of his funeral.
[End flashback*] [Back at Dream Fields with Finland and Finland 2]
...
Finland 2 must have edged closer because as soon as he pat my head I freaked the fuck out. I wasn't aware but I had closed my eyes in remembering all of those things. He looked a little uneasy when questioning, "Were...were you remembering...how your America...
Died?"
I must have started tearing up even more because in his face he made an expression like he soon regretted asking. And I just lost it. He began to console me by saying "there there" and continued patting my head... but it didn't do anything. That was until he began to say these strange words, "Lilik Lilik! Tiv-Tiv-Tiv! Magik-guh Naaaaaaaaaaa! Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! LIIIIIIIIII!"
Suddenly... I felt like I would never feel sadness ever again. I looked up in surprise as I noticed these sparkles of light that had started ascending from the grass below me! I felt so warm and so secure and I couldn't help but to laugh for some reason. To laugh and to cry. It was such a weird mix as I hiccupped away my sadness. Then within a few minutes I wasn't crying anymore but smiling softly. I looked up at Finland 2 who also had sparkles ascending from the grass below him and he looked so relaxed with his eyes closed...as if remembering something too.
"What is this," I ask.
He opens his eyes and declares, "Magic, of course. You're Santa are you not? You have the same magic as I do. Well...I kind of have some of Norway's, Iceland's, China's, Scotland's, and England's Magic as well under my belt as well as all the powers of my 5 consecutive future selves! Except you that is."
I stare with a little fright because is he going to ask me to give him my Santa powers?
He smiles as he then states, "All except you because! I'm actually GOING to give you my powers! That's actually why I wanted to come here in the first place. And the only way I could was through a dream... because... It is only you Finland. Only you who can go the extra mile that the rest haven't done. I can feel that you have the strongest magic of all the Finland's I've seen. And you'll even have a stronger magic with my powers combined! So only you can do something! And fix our failures."
I was so shocked like you wouldn't believe. And the only thing I reply in response is,
"Is being here in my dream really special?"
"Being able to even traverse to another world is a whole world of difficult! But because in my world I had many magic users, who were active with their magic, I am able to use the power they gave to me to come here. And then I had enough power to hop to the other future worlds until your world. Your world is future world number 6 and I've run out of power. But not before I impart with you my memories and powers! I was going to merge with you...but it seems that you still have a fighting chance on your own without me. By the way, your Santa powers are a form of white holy magic. So since your powers are greater than all the rest of the Finland's I've met, I will leave my video memory diaries to you at your disposal anytime. But please see them, after I leave! Ah...dammit...I'm running out of time..."
Startled I say, "Wait! What? I don't really understand most of the things you just said! What do you mean you are running out of time? This is all too interesting to hear! I want to hear more!"
I lean in towards my other self and plead him to stay. He just looks at me sort of sadly when he bucks up. He rises from his feet and says proudly, "I can't stay here too long unfortunately. I've run out all of my powers from jumping to each world. With my last power I will world jump 5 consecutive worlds back to my world. That's where I should be. Cause I'm not supposed to exist here."
He smiles sadly. As he continues while looking softly to the ground, "Just... me being... HERE, like at all, in your dreams is already is doing all kinds of wrong to the fabric of our universe. That's why I'm going to merge my memories with yours and quickly leave. That way you will know all the information I know...I can't go any further anyway so I might as well go back to my timeline. You see, I actually tried jumping into your future world...but there was a block. A block most likely placed by our enemies. So in order to make them think that I failed, I'm going to return to my original world and live out the rest of my days fighting there. I've told the rest of our selves to do the same. Even though they don't have their Santa powers as strongly anymore...though don't worry for that will come back and they'll fight against the enemies in their worlds with hearts ignited! I told them all to keep on fighting the upcoming unnatural disasters of their world because that is what a nation is. To fight for your people! To fight for your land! To fight for your life! Your world!"
I was starting to get pumped so I cheer, "YES! YAHOO! FIGHT ON!"
"But you...unfortunately have lost your America... and for that ...I'm ... sorry. I-I r-really thought! I thought...that... I had come with just enough time to prevent that tragedy from happening again. Because this time I finally know Alma log! Yet, even knowing this and having all the powers of your past selves, my future selves...I still couldn't stop the tragedy from happening all over again. Alas...I'm so sorry..."
"Finland 2... It's okay...it really is. What happened...it happened. But if you're saying we have another fighting chance to right this wrong then I'll gladly take it and help you. Though um... what is an Alma log?...What is that, " I quietly ask while having my pumped up feeling quickly diminishing.
Finland 2 lightens up as he wipes away some runaway tears from his eyes. He instructs, "Well, Alma log is when you gently pull out a part of your soul and place it into a object! It can be any object. So even if your body dies, you can be restored back to your body again. The reason you only tear a part of your soul is because then your soul goes crazy and then wants to reunite with the other parts of your soul. So as long as there is a part of your soul in an object before you die...when you do die, the rest of your soul despite wanting to go to heaven will look for the missing part and thus remain on earth. So when it reunites with the torn part and that object is on your body, your soul can return back to your dead body! It works the same even if your body isn't there or if it decayed if too much time passed. But of course you'd have to Alma log your memories into a fetus and be born again from a human from your land. It also works with exchanging souls with a person in a coma. Though...I'd prefer the easy way of just...you know...putting you back in your body and restoring your life force there. The other methods...become more moral wrong? You know?"
I agree by nodding my head after being slightly grossed out about being born again but not from the land but from an actual real life person...whoaaaaaa.
Finland 2 was starting to become flustered he maybe is realizing that his time with me was coming to an end.
Finland 2 looked at me with apprehension in his eyes before he spoke, "Past me, the me who gave me his power so I could do all of this...all of this jumping...he said to me something really horrible. That's why I started doing this. That's why it all started. That's why I wanted to change his fate. I wanted the future me's to live in a world where he is there...but I failed again... I miserably failed once more...how...unjust of fate."
I pressed, "What is it? Please tell me before you go!"
He chuckled as he said, "I'm not leaving completely. A part of me will always be with you. As a part of you will always be with our future selves. Don't worry about that, " He ended smiling. He continued...
"Present Finland, your America has died. And that was by no mistake. My America died because someone broke entered his house when he was asleep...and they turned on all the Bunsen burners...and they...-l-lit! A match!...A-and the whole house went "Kaboom!" I personally wasn't there so I really don't know if he died painfully...or peacefully? But I hope he didn't feel the oncoming surge of fire rush through his hallways and into his room when his house explod..."
Finland 2 chocked back a sob as he started to shiver. He apologized, "Sorry, sorry! It still sucks to remember how my America died! We all went to the crime scene within the following days and I know you can't imagine it...but Finland...the house was all gone. Only remnants of his stuff were scattered across his lawn and backyard. It was...really...fucking...horrible! And...it doesn't help...knowing how all the other America's died too. The future me's...your past you's...recounted their stories to me while world jumping of how their America's died. And it was never good Finland. It was never good."
Finland 2 becomes awfully tired as the magic circles below us and the rising sparkles stop and slowly disappears. I reach for my other self's hand and press on it gently. I really can't imagine what this self of mine has gone through. I thought that seeing America die the way he died was horrible. But a sleeping America...to then have his whole body eradicated from the explosion...my God...that seems so much worse!
Finland 2 has his whole body shaking when he regains the courage to speak again.
"Past me...Future me.."
"It's okay. You can stop now. If you can't go on. It's okay. I understand," I say softly.
"No! No! I have to let you know. You'll be seeing these memories now. I have all of their memories too! My God...my God. But Finland... you have to be the one to stop this. Past me, had left that on me but I wasn't able to do it. You have to make it right at least! You JUST HAVE TO."
"I will. What is it that must I succeed in at all costs then Finland 2?"
He stared at me very gravely as he placed both his hands on my shoulders. He looked at me for what seemed like minutes though it was probably like 12 seconds...
He stated, "You MUST never LET another AMERICA DIE. Before my past self went back to his respective World, without any of his powers, he told me this...
"America has died 361 times. It was only in the original first world did he not die. And I think the 3rd one too? But then every other reality after that, America has befallen to some sort of bad power, who have always succeeded in taking his life away on a fateful April day. We always know that tragedy takes place on April 4. It's always April 4. May you stop that day from happening."
That's what he told me... yet it still happened. And perhaps the universe is against me because for the first time ever, breaking all trends America...dies on a March above all that? This doesn't seem possible...crap..."
"It's June now...So you didn't come on time anyways. But America died on March 31st..."
Tears fell down his eyes as if he didn't understand. His eyes were wide as he muttered, "March 31st. March 31st? Damn...It's but a wee day from April. So it's not...as much of a change... I came here now and it should be March...but it's June? I came at the wrong month even though it's still March where I'm from? But the months for every world have always been the same. So WHY did it change this time? Crap! It must be the doing of the enemies in the darkness...My heart trembles with so much hatred right now. Damn them."
I chirped in half jokingly, "No heart attacks now. Ahahaha."
Finland 2 glances at me a little surprised to hear me laughing. He then smiles as well.
"This is why you are going to do it Finland of this present. You can laugh at the end of all the troubles. You have the power to stop this endless cycle of so many unnecessary American deaths. You must find the way to stop this. So that America won't have to die anymore. So that the rest of the America's can die naturally in time like the rest of us and our worlds. And so that they can move on in peace towards the next world. I dream for that to happen. I'm sure my past self and every other us, that has had to see America die...believes in that."
The wind surges quietly from the left as the grass blades sway back and forth more ferociously now.
Finland 2 breaks away from me and looks up towards the Azure sky and sun.
"I see. My time is almost up here. Okay Finland, stand up."
I fumble around as I sloppily stand myself up. He starts to chant some other words which I for some reason feel like I know...
"Chiz Lak, Mav Rak! Mi Pa Lee Lee Lee! Nener Ma rah. Cheza Vok Of! Nem Man! NEM MAN! DEEEEEE!"
This weird greenish neon circle manifests on top of the grass around us. Streaks of aurora light encircle us as I begin to panic inside. But on the outside I try to remain strong and not let on my worry. Magic...I wouldn't have ever really know. The only magic I know is the joy to bring to the little boys and girls...the gifts of their hearts...to them on Christmas day...wherever they are. As long as they wish it and still believe...still believe in me... a present will be there to lighten up their world.
I look up at the top of the sphere of swirling color and light, a fog string of green...swirling and twisting together. I feel...a tightness in my chest as I suddenly fall to the grass. I'm beginning to panic when I spot that the other me has also fallen to the grass yet remained chanting while grasping his heart.
I scream to him as the winds roar around us with more viciously.
"W-what's GOING ON FINLAND 2? W-WHY D-DOES MY HEART H-HURT SO MUCH? I F-FEEL LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO BURST!"
Finland 2 stops chanting as he slowly and sadly stares at me...
"I f-feel t-the PAIN. t-too. But this completes the merging. You will take my memories and all I know n-now. You will t-take the other past you's... and a part of t-their m-memories t-too! T-this time...you'll know what to do and stop this cycle...and while you are at i-it...s-stop the other bad t-things f-from happening too! I-I'm s-sure, by now...that I know. I know that the ones that kill America are also the ones that have abruptly ended the worlds before us way before their time. They are up to something...the bad ones...the ones who I never got to know...controlling the world and the environment...leading every nation to a natural disaster... But I feel it in my heart...that whomever this force is...they will continue to do bad things...not in just my world or in yours...but in every other future that is p-possible! T-That's W-why... T-that's why...this time...you're going to turn it all around F-Finland! This is what I truly believe! That this time...or the next time...We won't have to see America die anymore...We won't have to have our worlds end anymore. The last 6 before you, including mine, haven't ended...and they are still in progression...but the last 300 or more behind us...we can't let go in vain. We can't let the bad forces, whomever they are, to WIN! OKAY FINLAND!" Finland ended with a shout as he tearfully smiled.
Shuddering from the immense swirl of excitement and power arising within me I yell out happily while crying, "YES!"
And with that, I saw Finland 2's other face the last time. He smiled while closing his eyes as he at last murmured, "Ike~" and the green swirling threads of light burst into a brighter radiance...and I didn't see anything anymore.
I woke up in my bed. It was still dark. I saw my little dog Susan, sleeping peacefully in her bed by the heater. Every thing was in order in my room. My red scarf still lay on the floor near the chair. I remembered sleepily about my half attempt, early before I went to sleep, of throwing my scarf from my bed onto the chair and failing miserably.
I smiled.
To think that missing the chair from my aim was my only worry before I went to sleep...Now...I feel like...that isn't even a problem anymore. I have much bigger problems now...and what is this? Why is there a number on the left side of my view? But I've seen something quite like this before...
Finland shuddered as he recalled he'd seen something similar in the video games he would play at the meeting sleep away camps.
"OMG. I'M A VIDEO GAME CHARACTER NOWWWWWWWW. FINLAND 2! WHAT DID YOU DOOOOOOOO. Are those MY LIFE POINTS?"
I startled Susan who then perked her little fluffy head up. She smiled as she started to huff and huff with her little pink tongue out. She thought it was morning perhaps and started to get out of her doggie bed when I apologized, "Ah noo, Susan! :D I'm not going to make breakfast yet. You'll have to wait for a few more hours for that. I'm just about to go back to sleep sweetie. :] Sorry Susan."
Susan my most adorable dog, my gosh I can't stop gushing about herrrrr. Well, she stopped huffing happily as she closed her mouth in a form of understanding and sat back down, curling herself into a ball again.
Ahahaha! I need to be quiet or else Susan will tug at my covers next time for breakfast. Ah dear! What a high maintenance doggie. But then again~ I would for her always. Ahahaha.
0%...loading.
Well, I guess Finland 2...is treating the memories like...an actual video game upload? Though...what does that really mean? I wonder though...what he meant about "Merging" and "Alma log." Alma log...will I really be able to know how to do that? He didn't teach me anything...so how am I supposed to change the future then? Arghhhh. What if he doesn't provide that explanation in these memories? How am I going to make America alive again? Wait...the America of my reality is gone now...so does that mean the America I'm supposed to save is in the next one? Ah! Stupid Past ME! YOU DIDN'T GIVE ME ENOUGH INFORMA..."
1%...loading.
Suddenly, I felt shocking vibrations all throughout my body as I clutched my stomach trying to muffle down the weird sensation. Susan is perking up her ears up again...no no no! I'm NOT getting up to make breakfast. I'm not getting up to take her out. It's hot outside. No nononononononn. NOOOOOO.
Okay. Okay. The feeling is fading. Ah. Good. Good. What the hell was that? Am I going to experience that every time another percentage point goes up?
2%...loading.
ARGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I GUESS I AMMMMMM. I AM PEACE. I AM PEACE. ALL IS PEACE. NOT MOVING- NOPE- NOPE NOPEEEEEEE. SWEDEN I WISH YOU WERE HERE! YOU'D SAY SOMETHING REALLY FUNNY TO TAKE OFF THIS PAIN AWAY. ARGHHHHHHH.
[Finland continued fighting himself into silence as he wishfully pressed in thinking the feeling would stop any moment now. And it did. Finland relaxed in his bed as beads of sweat ran down his nose.]
Oh my God. OH MY GOD. Finland 2 is talking to me about the Merging. It's sort of like watching a video in my mind. I guess he downloaded these parts into my mind to sort of professor me through things? ...I guess that this is better than seeing the actual memories of what is to happen...or happened to his world and the worlds.
Finland whispered to himself while beads of sweat pooled on the center of his forehead from the strange sensations.
This hurts! But it's nothing compared to what Finland 2 went through. So okay Video Logs, bring it! :3