FOR THE PERSON THEY LOVED THE MOST
Romulus Vargas never gave a thought that the imperial palace where Wang Yao resides for the meantime was vast. After all, the representative must live close to his/her leader. Ancient Rome was waiting for China in one of the palace's garden overlooking a man-made pool with floating water lilies. In the middle of the pond was a red and gold gazebo where three concubines of the emperor were talking in hushed voices and sending him seductive stares, which the ancient nation was having difficulty ignoring lest his head will roll within the palace. His tea brought by one of the servants remained untouched and was now cold. He was not fond of drinking teas. Still waiting for China, Rome shifted his attention to the lying scroll in the wooden table. The message stayed the same – the Germanic nations were mustering strengths.
"My apologies for making you wait, Rome" China asked for forgiveness and his long jet black hair cascaded as he bowed, mesmerizing the nation before him. The gentleness in his voice could mistake him for a woman.
"I didn't know that you will also be here, Rome-donno" Japan bowed also. China had a meeting with Japan regarding the growing animosity between their people.
"So am I, Signore Honda. I did forget that you are still an Asian nation. You are one of the dearest friends of my granddaughter" Rome paid his respects to China and Japan and the two Asian nations took the seats opposite him. China picked the sprawled document on the table and his fears had been confirmed.
"It is true then that Germania and his grandsons are mobilizing in great numbers, but why?" China put down the paper, he was now concerned on the safety of his nation and his neighboring Asian countries. The Germanic Empire has a mighty army that can rival or even surpass that of the Ottoman Empire especially that the grandsons of the ancient nation were all gifted in warfare. The rallying of their soldiers at such a great speed was a critical issue that every country should address immediately.
"I already gathered several intel from my most trusted people and all of them were the same. Germania and his grandsons are scheming behind our backs. They wanted to expand their dominion" Ancient Rome fell silent afterwards, deep in thought of the possible plans that Germania will consider. He should know by now Germania's decisions since there was the time they were friends before all became soured between them. However, Germania could sometimes be unpredictable.
"To execute their plan they needed to invade other countries as well if they wanted to enlarge their supremacy" Japan was now troubled of an impending war. Last thing on his list he would like to engage was to fight another nation for power. He knew how futile and hopeless a war could bring to a country, especially to their populace.
"With their astounding arrays I can also think of that Germania might divide his legions to conquer several countries at once" The assumption of Rome shocked both China and Japan.
"But aru! That's… It can't be" China slammed the table with his right hand and the tea of Rome spilled over.
"Rome-donno may be accurate in his assumptions, China. We should begin laying out counterattacks against them"
"You are right, Japan. We should already alert the other nations as well. You should be more cautious going out of Italy, Rome. Germania could certainly target your nation especially that Holy Roman Empire harbors deep feelings toward North Italy" China failed to see the exchanging glances of Rome and Japan. The rest of the nations except Rome, South Italy, Spain, Turkey and Japan were unaware that there was no more North and South Italy. Italy has been reunified. North Italy relinquished the status as a representative and his elder brother was the current personification of Italy.
"That is what scares me the most, Yao. That Holy Rome might come back for my Feliciana. I care less if he loves her with all his heart, but I do not want my North to become a victim of their schemes"
"What if we joined force with Turkey? Turkey has the greater chance of withstanding the might of the Germanic Empire" Japan proposed. It was the most plausible decision he could ever think of given with their present stance. China also agreed on the proposal of Japan.
"I am not fond towards the Ottoman Empire but I think it is worth a chance. If this plan goes well with Turkey, we may stop the German Empire in fulfilling their grand designs"
"Rallying nations under one banner against the German Empire might be the best thing to do under these circumstances, but Germania is no ignorant. He is the best fighter that this world could ever have" China stated as a matter-of-fact. He still clearly remembered the zenith of Germania's strength. He was unstoppable in the battlefield and unnumbered warriors perished during his peak. That was the era when the entire world was in absolute bloodlust and insatiable for power.
"What if they are already anticipating such joint of arms, Rome-donno?"
"Time is our enemy here. We must act quickly before they can begin conquering other lands" Rome spoke through gritted teeth as the resenting image of the unwelcomed visitor pestered his chaotic mind. I can be the best ally you can have or the worst enemy you could face, Romulus Vargas.
"Are you feeling unwell?" China quickly noted the sudden change of behavior of Rome. "Stay here for awhile, Rome. It is a long journey for you to travel all the way here from Italy, especially in crucial times like this"
"I am burdened by Germania's drastic actions. When the world was already enjoying a long-lasting peace, of all people that will disrupt the tranquility, it will be him" Rome lied hastily.
"You are not alone, Rome-donno. We will stand by you no matter what happens" Japan pledged his alliance with the ancient nation. Italy has a special place in his heart, especially the former representative of North Italy – Feliciana Vargas. Forsaking the country is like forgetting the very person that made his life special. And Japan does not want to forget North Italy even if she was gone forever.
"If Japan already swore to fight alongside with you then count me in. I will not leave any Asian nation fighting alone. This is a global matter that every country must answer immediately before it becomes too late"
"I do not intend to drag anyone of you in these circumstances"
"I do not want any more countries to submerge again this world into cruelty, strife and death. We have long been gone on that doomed era where nations and their populace alike starve for power, land and wealth. Where all humans were treated like vermins" China recoiled whenever those unspeakable years were brought into conversations. The very reason why nations that lived during that era did their best to create a peaceful world for their people to atone the sins of the history. China's gaze settled on the younger Asian personification sitting beside him. He could not risk losing Japan and the rest of the Asian nations from the calamity invoked by Germania. Oh, aru… Please let it be me that will suffer not Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and the others.
"Even if Feliciana will personally prevent me from intervening in this matter, I will not leave her all alone on this fight" Japan looked straight to the eyes of the Ancient Rome, sincerity blazing at his stoic eyes. "She is more than a friend. She is my family"
"You will have my lifetime of gratitude Japan for being a great friend to my Feli. I know she will be utterly delighted to hear this, Signore Honda" Rome continued feigning the existence of North Italy.
"How are the two Italy handling the issue, Rome? Especially North, it is a difficult time for her right now" China only saw North thrice. She was a child nation at that time.
"North and South are heavily guarded every day, especially my dearest Feli. She rarely smiles these past few days because of what was happening. I do not know what we will do to ease her pain" Rome sighed, his forehead creased with anguish.
"If only our world is not in jeopardize, I would like to offer your grandchildren to visit China for awhile. I would like to meet North Italy and give my thanks to her for making friends with Japan. Japan seldom has friends because of his quiet disposition" Japan might be a discreet personification; however China observed a change of behavior on him when Kiku Honda met Feliciana Vargas.
"If the events turned out the other way we might enjoy the pleasure that was bereft from us" Rome sighed sadly. If it did, Feliciana might still be a representative and we will be a complete family. Fuck that bitch!
"Just remember, Rome-donno, we will be here for you. We will prevent the madness of the German Empire even if it requires us swimming the oceans and seas, traversing the hills and the mountains just to aid you in battle" Japan vowed solemnly. The bravery and loyalty of Japan to his fellow ex-nation was an invaluable compliment that they do not deserve. After all what he did at the past that ended in the dissolution of North Italy, he was a selfish bastard. He sacrificed Feliciana, he lied and hurt Romano and now a growing threat to his friend-turned-enemy Germania. His sins cannot be forgiven even if he spent a lifetime of atonement.
"That is too much from you Japan. And also to you China"
"We are all nations. At the end of the day, it will be us, nations, that we will be there for one another" China smiled a reassuringly smile to the ancient representative. The two of them survived countless, bloody and inhumane wars – what was more to come for them. The more they will fight for a peaceful tomorrow now that they have someone to protect to.
"We will keep in touch with you, Rome-donno. Let us hope that Germania and his grandsons will not mess with our bit of a correspondence" Japan used humor to alleviate the grave situation. He waited for the awkward silence to ensue but a burst of laughter from China and Rome spurted.
"That was the first time you joked, aru" China wiped away the tears of laughter that formed in his eyes.
"I agree, China. Our friend here is serious all the time" Rome and China laughed again, so was Japan.
"It is one of the things that North Italy taught me. Always smile. Never forget laughter. Hold on hope all the time. Even the most difficult situation will end" Japan nostalgically relived the memories he had with North Italy and the promise she left for him, after the Japanese learned of her dissolution.
Cherry blossoms drifted from the sakura trees that dotted the vast garden of the imperial palace of Japan as North Italy waited under a tree for her friend to arrive. North Italy gazed sadly at the petals being blown away by the breeze, realizing that the blossoms' fate was akin to her. Time was over for those flowers, time was thru on her and both of them will be forgotten as it is. New flowers will replace those fallen cherry blossoms and she has been replaced by Lovino as the sole representative of Italy. She owes Japan the whole truth of her unexpected visit in his country, another pang of pain in her heart. She was interrupted from her reverie when a running, excited Japan greeted her.
"Is there something wrong, Italy?" Japan's cheerful demeanor faded when he saw a lachrymosely North Italy standing before him. She took tentative steps toward Japan and he cradled the man's hands into her smaller hands, droplets of tears fell from her eyes. "Italy! You're scaring me. Please speak to me!" Italy's grip on his hands tightened.
"Kiku-san, always remember that I love you so much. And I am forever grateful that you are my dearest friend" North Italy kept on smiling despite the tears that rolled down from her eyes, leaving trails of sadness in her cheeks.
"Why are you crying, Italy?" Japan was utterly alarmed on the cryptic behavior of Italy. It was foreign to him to behold his friend crying all her heart out. Italy was not upset; she was more than upset his judgments articulated. "You're scaring me, Feli" Japan did not know how to comfort the crying representative as he cupped her wet face, dabbing away her tears. The words that slipped from her lips toppled down the happy world he have with Feliciana. The spring in his heart bloomed by a certain happy-go-lucky Italian was heartlessly painted with winter as their blissful memories was frozen for indefinite amount of time by the brutal reality of life.
"I am no longer a representative, Kiku" A painful silence dawned on them. Japan tried to process the truth that North Italy confessed. Perhaps Italy was joking, but no. Losing the status as a representative was not a joke for them and Italy was not the type of person to make fun of it. The sakura blossoms that mantled the stone pathway of the garden danced beautifully in the wind, shrouding the two inconsolable nations in a pink veil of comfort and understanding.
"But why, Italy?" Japan pleaded for further answer. He needed clarifications. He cannot understand why of all the nations that should lose the status it should be his friend.
"There is no more North and South Italy, Japan" Feliciana smiled bitterly. Tears after tears made its way down her face as she recalled the jubilee of the Italian populace and her unfortunate life thereafter. She never felt so much pain as she saw Lovino being congratulated by their people while she was ignored by their own government, except for Spain and Rome who both embraced her and shared the similar pitying expression on their faces. It was useless to have two personifications now that Italy has been reunified.
"It can't be. You must live!"
"I will live but not as a representative anymore. I will become an ordinary citizen of my country; have their same, normal life"
"What happened to your brother?" It was unnatural for Kiku to wish any ill intention to a person, but it was unfair that only North Italy will suffer the most.
"He is the sole representative of Italy" Feliciana trailed off, eyes downcast unable to look straight in Japan's penetrating gaze. "I'm sorry, Japan. This is too overwhelming to you. But I cannot keep it confidential anymore not now my days are numbered. My heart can't take it anymore" Feliciana sighed despondently. A small portion of her burden lightened a bit, but it will take time for her to truly accept the new chapter of her life. Will she be able to learn to move on?
"They are so selfish…" Anger stirred in the deep recesses of his heart. How could her own people do that to her? The more he pondered on it, the more he got furious on the choice of her people. "Would you like to stay here for the meantime?" Japan blurted suddenly, rationalizing that Italy might need a sanctuary to heal her pain.
"Well… As much as I consider Italy my home, it feels that it is not my home anymore"
"Then stay here, Italy!" Feliciana stared at him with incredulous eyes, surely she heard him correctly. "Your brother and Rome-donno might understand if you remain in Japan for awhile. If I need to explain your stay, I will do so. You are my friend and family, Feli" North Italy took a deep breath and a timid smile graced her soft features.
"Guess I need healing right now. But can I really move on when I go home?" North Italy absent-mindedly twirled a cherry blossom petal that went astray between the two.
"Moving on is a process, Italy. And part of moving on is acceptance" Japan gently removed the petal from the slender hands of North Italy and the two of them watched in peaceful silence as the blossom was blown away from the palm of the Japanese. It floated higher and higher into the azure sky, unbeknownst to where the wind willed it to go. "When you realized there are no more vestiges of pain when you go back home, that is when you finally moved on" Japan encircled his arms around the ex-nation, becoming conscious that Italy was small and fragile under his arms. He seldom expresses his feelings but Italy needed him. She might not be a nation now but that doesn't mean he cannot protect her anymore. "You are not alone, Italy" Japan released Italy from his embrace and he dearly held her small hands onto his. Feliciana could not contain her happiness — that for a five simple words from Japan held so many promises for her.
"Thank you, Japan. Thank you!" For the first time after that fateful gathering in that claustrophobic room, North Italy smiled a genuine smile coming from the bottom of her heart.
"How I absolutely wish that the events turned out differently. Feliciana will surely love to go here. We do not have these kinds of sceneries in our home and I know that she will be thrilled to see such beautiful places and people" Ancient Rome heaved a sigh. He was certain that it is one of the dreams of his granddaughter – to visit far-flung places and indulge in various cultures. But then… Surely, he made her dream came true when he trusted her welfare to Turkey. Only five of them knew the dissolution and presumed death of North Italy, but only Rome and Turkey kept the secret that North Italy was still alive.
"The fate of this world is governed by the actions of our governments and populaces, Rome. Whatever their decisions will be it will greatly affect us representatives" China looked deadpan. He lived more than enough to comprehend the foolishness, arrogance, greediness and sadism of humanity.
"Poor us representatives" Rome gave a half-hearted shrug and the trio became silent. A royal guard approached the gazebo, curtsied to them and he whispered something to China. China nodded and he muttered back to which the guard understood. He scurried away.
"The Emperor wants me to grace again his presence" China stood up from his seat and he straightened his bright red and gold long-sleeved robe with intricate design of bamboos and lilies.
"We'll just go on our way, China" Japan and Rome also stood up from their respective seats.
"I may quite tarry a bit" China and Japan was surprised as Rome was in his usual cheery self. Faint giggles from the three concubines could be heard as they sent salacious stares to the broad-shouldered, muscular nation. Rome really can't stand anymore the furtive glances from the ladies.
"That's not a great idea, Rome-donno" Japan shook his head, he was aware of the three vices of Rome.
"I suggest you better leave alone the concubines of the Emperor. He's very territorial of what is his" China chuckled, his eyes glinted wickedly.
"How many concubines does your Emperor have in his palace? Surely if I date two or three of his women will not hurt his ego?"
"It is basically acceptable for an Emperor to have many concubines as much as he desires aside from his wife. If the Empress fails to produce an heir, a concubine can fulfill the primal duty of the Empress" Wang Yao stated matter-of-factly, and he added with a hint of mirth, "Aside from his carnal needs" Japan stared in utter bemusement at the two ancient nations laughing in some sort of a private joke.
"Not only Rome-donno will be inflicted by the Highness' wrath due to his inappeasable wants but also a certain representative that has been summoned awhile ago still tarries in a kinky conversation" Japan smirked playfully, reminding China of his presence to his Emperor. China was absolutely appalled!
"You better accompany Rome out of the palace, Japan. We do not know where he might wander to" Wang Yao admonished, "The last thing I wanted to deal with is appeasing the anger of the Emperor. I cannot guarantee the safety of a particular person" He gracefully scurried to the library where his Emperor was waiting, his long black hair billowing on the gentle morning breeze. When China was an insignificant speck of red from the distance the three concubines from the opposite gazebo brazenly approached the two personifications.
"A pleasant morning, my Lords" A concubine with a raven hair pleasingly tied with a bejeweled hair ornament and with skin as white as glistening snow greeted Rome and Japan in her kitten soft voice. Her two companions of astonishing beauty batted their eyelashes and half of their faces were masqueraded behind their large fans. Rome was grinning from ear to ear absolutely enamored with the loveliness of the ladies. The ladies were unquestionably stunning; three goddesses that stepped out from a long-forgotten myth of the ancient world now present willingly themselves to him. Lucky bastard! He has a harem of such divine beauties all to himself!
"Please do not be shy to us, my lords. We rarely see visitors in the palace. It's a fresh breath of air chancing upon the two of you" Another raven-haired lady with a strikingly rosy-white skin murmured meekly, her cheeks pink and a small smile crept in the corner of her small lips.
"Of course not –" Rome was cut-off midsentence by Japan.
"We are not, ladies. We would like to spend time with you, but…" Japan sent Ancient Rome a we-must-go-now stare before continuing, "We are such busy people and we came here for official purposes" Japan's tone carried an unmistakable warning, leaving no room for arguments. Romulus scowled at the younger nation and the maidens appeared crestfallen. Or else another enemy will come knocking on our doors… The ladies stepped aside to make way for Japan and a dejected Rome followed behind, he shook his head and smiled bitterly to the women with mesmerizing loveliness he will never have the chance to spend time with. The salacious ancient nation beamed impishly from ear to ear and he sent flying kisses to the concubines, leaving three giggling flirtatious ladies on his wake. He waved to them and they waved in return their undeniably contagious mirth was carried in the summer breeze – a faint trace of autumnal scent was wafting across the imperial palace, summer was almost over.