Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Canada was standing next to the princes guarding her. He had been her guard for almost 1 year, he started when he was 20. He had to train so hard. He never imagined he'd get so far, but it might have been for his family's higher status.

Today was the day the war was finally over and the army came back. Every family had to enlist their first born child into the war when he was little, but king Russia changed all that. Despite him being very cold he cares a lot about his country, Canada respected that.

He was guarding king Russia’s sister Ukraine. She was wearing a military uniform and had recently cut her hair to her shoulders. There was a crowd surrounding the city gate waiting for the army to arrive. After five minutes the gate finally opened. Cheers erupted from the crowd. At the front of the rest of the Army was King Russia in his usual bear skin coat with his military uniform underneath. Right next to him was the famous Crimson River America. He wore his smiling mask, it looked more like a smirk which made it more unsettling. Nobody knew who he was or what his face looked like. All they knew is that he was born in the Russian Empire and that he was the most powerful country humans alive. He also wore a custom made uniform made specifically for him. They came in their horses while most of the other men came in walking. Most of the soldiers disappeared into the crowd going home, while the higher ranking officials went into the palace. Where Canada and Ukraine were. They were in front of the front door of the palace.

As soon as Russia reached the entrance he hopped off his horse followed by America went to greet my sister. “ Privet Ukraine”. “ welcome back” she responded with a smile on her face. Russia could tell she felt nervous. Of what you ask? America she never liked him very much. She doesn’t trust him, she doesn’t even like how he sounds so happy but is really strict. She doesn’t see why her brother keeps him around so much. America bows to me

“ hello princess Ukraine”. He looked up, and started looking at Canada. Russia understood why he did that “ he is Uki’s new guard, I think he has been for one year not too much.”.

“ Oh I see,” he responds. “ his name is Canada, the son of France and Britain '' . that seemed to interest him “ ahh so that's why he looks so similar” he looks down to Canada. “ so you must be very strong” he says in a somewhat mocking way. Canada gulps, America can be really intimidating if he wants to and this is one of those times. Ukraine saw what was happening and stepped in

“ He is, i’ve seen him fighting.” she turns to Russia. “ we have to meet up with the rest of our siblings”.

They all walked to the Throne room to meet up with the rest of their family. Belarus, Kazakhstan and Estonia were there. As soon as they saw their brother they all ran to him and hugged him. Russia nearly fell down but managed to keep himself balanced. A faint smile appeared on Russia’s usual stoic face. “ Welcome home!” they all shouted.

“ alright, alright . can you please get off.”. They did as he said. “ because of my return i will have a feast. People of high status and generals are invited. We shall celebrate this victory against the german empire.” Russia announces. He turns to Canada.

“ your family will also participate”. He nods.Ukraine heads to her room. “ ugh, i’m so tired”. Canada chuckles. Ukraine feels heat rising up to her face. Oh god why does that happen.

“ We still have the big dinner, you can’t be tired now”. He’s got a good point. “ That's why I'm going to sleep”. She shuts the door and goes to her bed and falls asleep while Canada stays guard outside her room.

Chapter Text

Ukraine woke up to the knocks on her door. “ We have dinner in one hour and you have to get dressed” she recognized that voice as Canada. “ the maids are already here”. Ugh why do i have to get ready an HOUR earlier, this sucks. “ okay, let them in”

She gets out of the bed and a second later the maids grab her and drags her to her dressing room. “ Let me go” she screams trying to get out of the grip of the maids. Canada is worried about what they're doing to her.

After about 45 minutes she comes out of her room. Her dress was a tan with pearls around her waist and some smaller ones on the top. She’s wearing big diamonds for earrings, they made her ears feel heavy. She looked back and forth in front of her room. Where is Canada?. She asks one of the butlers nearby. “ umm. Do you know where Canada went?”. “ Hmm. I think he’s probably with his family, after all he has to get ready and arrive with them.” i guess that makes sense. Why didn’t he tell me, maybe he told my brother. She started walking to the dining room. It was quite a long walk. Her heels were killing her. When she got there she was surprised to see a lot of people were early.

There of course was Russia, America, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Estonia. surprisingly China and his brother Taiwan were there. China is the head of the police and security, his brother also helps him a lot. Though their arguing is very annoying, they always disagree about everything. General North Korea and General Japan were there. They were just silently standing.

More and more people started coming in. which also included Canada's family. His family consisted of his father Britain, his mother France, and two younger siblings New Zealand and Australia. He sat with his family while I sat next to Belarus and Russia. Russia was next to America.

Russia was wearing his hammer and sickle earring ( just one) and was just wearing his white military uniform without his coat. The flaps on his ushanka were tied up. He seemed to be just waiting for a few people to get here. After about 10 more minutes everyone was here. Everyone was just talking amongst themselves. Russia talked a little with his sibling catching up. But it was mostly his siblings doing the talking. He just listened and stared at America for a bit just curious about what he was doing. America was just looking around, not talking to anyone. That's what he usually did, he didn’t like to talk very much. It seemed like he was trying to be invisible.

“ America” he turned to face Russia. “ Don’t you want to see your family?”. “ I don't have a family” he responded in a monotone. “ oh”. I believe he is lying. no . i know he is lying.
“ I was wondering if you could give lessons to Ukraine and Kazakhstan”. he thought for a second before responding “ I would gladly take it, but can I train Canada as well?” Russia’s eyes narrowed. Canada huh.

“ Why Canada?”. “ I see he has potential and could be an even better guard for your sister if he trained more” he said in a matter-of-fact way. Russia agreed, training 3 people shouldn’t be too much for America.

The rest of the evening everyone talked and drank. They even played a couple games. Most people were flat out drunk and were escorted out by the butlers. The only ones that remained were the royal family, America and Canada. And they all soon went to their quarters to rest.

For the next few weeks Canada, Kazakhstan and Ukraine had one-on-one lessons with America. Canada was very strong but not very fast or agile, Ukraine on the other hand was fast and agile but not very strong, while Kazakhstan was well rounded and his wings added another advantage.

Ukraine and America were on their lessons and today Ukraine was gonna spar him with all she's got, only with a little bit of a warm up, but nothing to tire her out. Belarus and Canada were on the side watching the two get ready for their fight. Well it wasn’t really a fight because America was just dodging the attacks while Ukraine was trying to at least scratch him, obviously America was going easy on her so she had a chance.

“ Ready?” America asked. “ Yeah” she responded. Lifting her sword ready to attack, America wasn’t even in a defensive stance, he was just standing in a relaxed posture. He’s really arrogant, but it’s understandable; no ones ever beat him.

Ukraine ran straight towards him feigning a swing to the front and quickly moving to the side and swinging. America quickly used his sword to deflect it. Damn. She tried kicking him but he moved just out of reach. she used that opportunity to try to jab him with the sword it missed and he hit her with the hilt of the sword on her back. She hit the ground with a thud. That hurts.

“ Fuck” she mutters. “ Is she okay?” Canada asks worriedly. Stepping forward, but Belarus stops him by grabbing him by the sleeve. “ she’s fine, America would never injure her too badly”. She sounded like she doesn't care but you can see in her eyes that she is worried about her sister.

“ Get up quickly Ukraine” America demands. “ in battle when you get hit to the ground you have to stand back up or you're dead” . she grunts “ yeah, yeah, i’m up”. She wobbles a little but manages to stabilize herself.

He lunges at her. She manages to dodge his attack but is having a hard time staying up right. He attacks again this time going for her head. She defects it and jumps back. Damn, i need to keep him away. She starts running around him trying to find a good place to attack. She lunges at him. He dodges but she keeps on swinging, non stop for a full minute before she collapses on the ground.

“ Ukraine you have lots of stamina and speed but don’t just waste it all in one combination, it's not efficient if it doesn’t work try something else.” he said kneeling down. She groans. This sucks, he’s too good. She signs and stands up. Belarus and Canada rush to help her. “ Are you okay?” Belarus asks “ does anything hurt?”. She nods and points to her back and arms.

She turns to America. “ Tell my brother that I'm going to my room”. “ yes ma’am” he says bowing and walks away. “ damn he’s good, i need to take a nap” she murmurs.

“How are they doing?” Russia asks. “ Well, Kazakhstan is very adaptive but is having trouble fighting with his wings; their heavy and drag him down but making them disappear uses a lot of stamina”.

“ And what of Ukraine? I heard you just sparred her". “ She is very agile, fast and has a lot of stamina but she easily gets frustrated when she doesn’t accomplish things and ends up making lots of mistakes and using up all her stamina”. He pauses. “ she told me to inform you that she is resting in her room”. Russia hummed and closed his eyes. He rested his face in his hands.

“ Are you tired sir?” America asked. “ no, just having some trouble adjusting to the amount of paperwork and sitting” he sighs. “ it’s so boring”.

America chuckles “ it is quite different from being in the front lines. Quite peaceful” he says looking around. After a minute of silence Russia spoke up.“ The new Queen of the German Empire, Germany is coming in a week. I know people here don’t like the German royalty very much, so I need you to personally escort her in, and protect her from anyone that may hurt her.”.

“ yes sir” America bows. “ also make sure my siblings are informed as well. You are dismissed”. Russia rubs his temple. This is going to be a long week.

Chapter Text

Winged figure enters the Throne room. Kneeling in front of the King. “ sir, the Queen of the German Empire is arriving in about one hour”.

Russia nods. “ thank you Poland” he turns to America and smiles. “ I think it’s time you go and accompany her”.

“ yes sir” he responds and nods. Russia turns to Poland “ Can you fly him to the Queen”

“ Of course sir” she responds happily. Poland compared to other winged people she had very large wings which helped her fly for longer and higher. She was used to spy on the German Empire to get intel.

she has a personal grudge against them. Her father had been killed when she was about 8 years old by the Third Reich’s men. She managed to escape to the Russian Empire by flying away.

She walks toward America and grabs him by the arms and flies out of the window she came in from. Despite what she looks like she is very strong, carrying America is a piece of cake. It was silent throughout the flight, until they landed. They found the Queen and America stood mounted on a horse and went next to her. Poland saw that she was very good looking, that's kinda expected of her, she is a royal after all. She had long hair, and had glasses, which made her look very intelligent and serious. Poland quickly left, leaving America with Germany.

Germany analyzed America. America noticed “ what’s wrong Queen Germany?”. She thought for a second “ you’re the Crimson River?”

“Yes ma’am” he responds. “ you are younger than i expected”. She paused “ why did you take this job, don’t you hate me?”

“ Now that I have met you, you seem like a very smart person. It would be a waste to get rid of you. Plus in war it's different. I was supposed to kill the other side and vice versa. It's different now.”

“ oh…” she said thinking about what he just said. “ I understand”. After that the rest of the way was silent

As soon as they entered the city America heard the sound of an arrow being shot. He quickly turned around and caught it. It was aimed at him. Two more came from a similar direction. He deflected on and caught the other. He was about to chase after the shooter until he saw a glimmer of a knife. It was a distraction. He quickly turned to where it came from. There was a hooded figure, he sprinted to Germany past all the other guards and was about to strike when his wrist was caught by America’s.

America’s voice was angry and demanding “ let go of the knife”. The mysterious figure didn’t drop it. “ now”

The hooded figure took off his hood. His flag had two thin blue stripes on the top and near the bottom with a six sided star in the middle. It was Israel. He was an assassin used during the war. He was from the German Empire but his whole family was killed by the Third Reich personally. He had hid in a secret room and managed to survive. He wants to kill all of the royal germans.

“ How could you defend a German bastard! They killed thousands of us, especially her father, you killed thousands of them, how are you defending her” he yelled, outraged.

“ it is king Russia’s orders for her to get to the palace unharmed”. America looks down to the knife. “ Drop it”. Israel spits on his mask. America tightened his grip on his wrist. He didn’t drop it, so America broke his wrist. Israel yells in pain. Dropping the knife to the ground. He turns to the other guards. “ make sure he doesn’t escape, he needs to confront the king about this”. They quickly run towards Israel grabbing him and restraining him. He tries to fight back but there are too many of them.

Germany seemed unfazed by the whole thing. “ not scared?” America asks. “ Well no, I am being defended by the most powerful person. Plus, I'm not scared of dying”. They continue their way to the palace. Once they got there, they dismounted their horses and walked towards the entrance. America led Germany across the palace to the Throne room where Russia sat.

As soon as the doors opened to the throne room Russia lifted his head from his hands. He had been having a bad headache ever since he had come back.

America bows “ We have arrived”.

“ I have called you here Germany to discuss your surrender. You may stay a couple nights as it is a long trip”. She nods.

“ You will still have control of your own country and may govern as you want, but if you do something against us we will not hesitate to remove you by force.” he pauses “ there will be some officials that i will send that will watch over you”. He smirks and adds. “ so don’t do anything bad”.

Germany bows. “ yes sir” she responds.

Everyone left the room except Russia and America. “ Are you tired sir?” . Russia scoffs “ net, just have a headache and I want you to call me Russia in private.”

“ yes s-Russia”. Russia signals for him to come over and stand next to him. Russia rests his head on the American’s side. He feels America tenses up, but doesn’t do anything about it.

“ America, you have never told me about your past life. Even when we were at war. But can you answer some questions?.”. America thinks for a second “ Sure”

“ Do you have a family that's still alive right?”. America was hesitant but answered. “Yes”

“ Were you trained by someone before enlisting into the army?”. “ yes”

“ why do you hide your face and your identity”. America lowers his head and answers in a lower voice“ that's private”

Russia smiles and lifts America’s face to face him. “ if it’s too private i won’t pry, i know you always have a reason”. Even though Russia could not see his face he was sure he smiled. “ of course sir”

“Now” Russia claps his hands “ I have to finish some work”. Russia stands up and walks towards his study room, America follows right behind him. Once they get there Russia asks “ you captured someone that tried to kill Germany”. “ yes”

“ I will hear what he has to say tomorrow in the morning”. “ okay, i will inform him”

“ Canada did you hear the Queen Germany arrived not too long ago?” Ukraine asked. “ No, I did not. But now that I think of it, all the ruckus before was them getting ready for her?”

“ pretty sure it was, anyways what time is it?”. “ i think almost noon”

“Aww really, you have to go to have you lunch break”

The Castle employees have Breakfast, Lunch and breakfast prepared for them each day. They also live and sleep in a specific area of the castle.

“Yeah I guess I better get going” he chuckles. “ bye” “bye Canada”

Canada enters a building. Inside a huge dining room, full of other guards. They were all just talking. Canada makes his way to Mexico, sitting next to him. Mexico worked mostly night shifts but in the morning he would sometimes help in the kitchen. The chefs like him a lot, and allow him to make his own food. He sometimes makes some for Canada.

I think people think I'm a spoiled brat, I think that's why most people don’t usually hang out with me. But it’s fine I have Mexico and the Norwegian siblings to keep me company. Norway, Sweden were soldiers that took jobs as guards. Finland was dating one of the Royal family members Estonia, he was a general but he acts more like a Guard for Estonia now, I think he only comes here for his siblings. Denmark had been a guard for his whole life and the youngest Iceland was a maid. She is really sweet and nice.

After they ate they talked for a bit before returning to their jobs. “ hey Canada” Ukraine yells excitedly. “ Tomorrow you and my brother have your private lesson with America”. “ yeah, i’m kinda scared” he chuckles

“ good luck with him, he is really good. None of us have even scratched him hehe”

Yeah we’ll see what happens tomorrow. I hope it goes well.

Chapter Text

“Ouch! That hurt” Canada yelled. “ sorry but i have to treat these before they get infected, America sure did beat you up didn’t he” Belarus responded.

“Yeah I got my ass kicked hehe” he said rubbing the back of neck. Ukraine who was quiet spoke up “ you know he never beats me and Kazakhstan up as bad as you, you even broke an arm” she said looking at his cast.

“ that's probably because you’re royalty”. Ukraine rolled her eyes “ yeah of course”. Then a few seconds later Kazakhstan comes in. He just has a couple of scratches, a few of them are really deep. He sighs and sit down on a chair

“ No luck” he says looking down. “ are we ever going to beat him, he’s just too powerful, even if he is just going easy on us, the only one that he has to go all out on is Russia”

“ Talking about Russia, isn't he over hearing who ever tried to assassinate the Queen?” Ukraine asked. “ Yes, I think that is happening right now,” Kazakhstan said.

“ Israel is it true that you tried to assassinate Queen Germany?” Russia stated in a loud voice.

“ yes sir” he responds with his head down. “ they killed my family…….. So .. WHY CAN’T I KILL HER?” he yells.

“ lower your voice” America demanded. Israel gritted his teeth.

“ You have helped me countless times during the war, I can't thank you enough, but you still have to follow my orders.” he paused for a second. “ i will let you off easy, you will be monitored until the Queen leaves the city”

“ Yes sir” he responds.

Israel was escorted out by the guards. He didn’t resist this time.

America and Russia went to check up on Canada and Kazakhstan. When they got there they saw Kazakhstan with bandages all around his wings and body. Canada with a cast and several cuts. Belarus yelling at Kazakhstan and Ukraine just sitting quietly.

“ Damn you beat them up good” Russia whispers to America “ This is nothing compared to what I had to face, I bet it was the same for you” Russia hummed in response. Kazakhstan noticed them and called out for Russia

“ Brother, Belarus is torturing me” he said crying. “ it wouldn’t hurt if you stay still”. Belarus was getting pissed and she couldn’t take it anymore. She punched Kazakhstan in the face

“ oww, WHAT THE HELL, THAT HURT”. He said rubbing his cheeks

“ Well that's what you get for pissing me off”. She turned her attention to America and Russia. “ What are you guys doing here?”

“ I just wanted to see the state of which America left them” he said, looking at Kazakhstan then to Canada. “ which is not a good one” Belarus laughed “yeah”

After a few minutes America and Russia left to talk to Poland. “ Poland i need you to check up on Germany once a month when she returns to her country just to make sure everything’s fine” “ Yes sir” he exclaimed. She was always excited and happy to do anything Russia assigned her. That's why he liked her so much.

After that they headed for the library as Russia had nothing to do for the rest of the day. “ I haven't been here for years” he said. “ I wonder if I can still find my way through this maze.”

They spend the rest of the day there, just exploring and reading books. At some point America fell asleep. Russia would just look at him thinking about taking off his mask to see his face, but he couldn’t. He should respect his privacy. But he couldn't control his hand. It was headed for the mask but right before it touched it he stopped. He retracted his hand and went back to reading his book. Little did he know America was awake, waiting to see what he would do. When it was dinner time Russia had to go back to the dining room for the royal family to eat. As they were walking back he suggested “ you should go eat with the rest of the workers in the castle, get to know them.” America thought about it.

“ Are you sure it’s fine?”. He said finally.

“ Just try it once” Russia tried to encourage. “ If you don’t like it then I will let you eat in your own quarters.”

America and Russia parted ways.

It took America five minutes to finally get to the huge dining room. As soon as he entered all the talking ceased. All eyes were on him. The famous Crimson River. He simply walked over to where Canada was sitting. Canada was shocked. Why is he here?.

“ hello Canada” America greeted. “ uhh hi” Canada said shyly. Before he said anything more a group of guards stood beside them.

“ I heard you’re the Crimson River, I wanna challenge you, fight me and my friends” he said smirking. “ I'm afraid I can't do that” America said with annoyance in his voice.

The guard got pissed. “ Are you scared?” Then he lunged at him, soon following behind him his friends. America swiftly knocked them all out with one blow.

This was a waste of time, I shouldn't have come here.

He raised his sword pointing it to everyone. “ I will not tolerate nobody” he said angrily and walked out.

After Russia was finished eating he sent a butler to bring America to his room. He arrived shortly.

“ How was it?”. America hesitated but answered honestly “ it was a waste of time s-Russia, they just wanted to fight me, and it felt kinda awkward”

“ figured” Russia stated.

“ sit down America i’m pretty sure you’re tired”.

“ not really Ru-”

“ Just sit down anyways” Russia interrupted. America shut up and sat down on the couch. Russia soon joined him with a cup of tea. Once he finished it he sighed and laid his head on America's lap.

“ I'm tired” he said, closing his eyes. America was frozen. He didn’t know what to do. So he just sat there saying nothing. Russia wasn’t wearing his Ushanka today so his hair was exposed. America couldn’t resist the urge to touch his hair.

It's so soft.

Once he realized what he was doing he retracted his hand, embarrassed. They sat there for a while until Russia woke up, but by them America was long gone.

Chapter Text

Weeks had passed and Queen Germany had long left the palace and returned to her kingdom. America continued to train the royal siblings and Canada. It was Canada’s turn today.

“Canada from what I heard you had an older brother right?”

“ yes sir that’s right” he seemed surprised by the sudden question.

“What was his name?”.

“ Thirteen Colonies, he was drafted when he was nearly 13 years old. He died a few months later” he said looking down. America noticed the tears on his face threatening to fall.

“ you shouldn’t cry, it happened years ago, don’t dwell on it” i felt something change in Canada.

“ you’re wrong,” he said in a quiet voice, raising his sword with tears in the corner of his eyes. then he said in an even softer voice “ especially when you could have saved them”

America though it was funny, Canada had never experienced death.

he’s so naive 

“Let’s get started”.

Canada lunged at him. With full force. He ran straight for America then feigned an attack quickly going from behind. It surprised America, he was very fast. America dodged, right after he saw Canada attacking from another spot. Canada was hitting him with a fury of attacks.

It was different from what Ukraine was doing, he was more calculated. He suddenly jumped back. Walking around America.

I can’t go too easily on him this time.

He ran circles around him until running towards him. Jumping in the air to hit him. America blocked it. He quickly threw a kick. America grabbed his leg and pulled it. Canada was ready for that and tried to punch him.

What? did he expect me to do that? I can’t let him hit me.

America quickly grabbed his arm and sent him flying to the other side. Canada quickly adjusted himself and jumped off the wall. Sending a flurry of attacks towards America.

America, getting used to it, started to just dodged his attacks with ease. He jumped back for a second before coming back to the right side of america. He tried to punch him but got his arm deflected and he sent a kick towards his rib cage. When that got deflected he sent another kick. While America was focused on the kick he swung his sword at the same time.

This is my chance, he’s distracted.

Right before the sword hit his head he moved his head. Missing by 3 inches. With that final swing America punched him in the gut really hard. He spit out blood and was sent flying.

I can’t stand up, my stomach hurts.

Canada tried to stand up properly, he couldn’t fight like this. He didn’t have the energy not for a while. But when he finally looked back at America. He was looking at the ground, seemingly at nothing. Canada wobbled over and also stared at the direction he was. His eyes widened. It was a piece of cloth from America’s mask that tied it to his face.

Had I cut that off?

“ Was that me?” Canada asked. America finally looked up.

“ Yes, that was you. I did say clothes count so that counts as a win.” Canada’s surprised face soon turned into one of pure happiness. America just stood there for a minute in silence.

“ sorry for asking you about your brother before. I know it’s a hard topic for you”. Canada looked at him surprised.

“It’s okay, it happened a long time ago anyways” he says and sighs. He collapses on the ground. America knelt down. He put a hand on his shoulder.

“ you do deserve this Canada”. Canada smiled, he just hoped America was returning the gesture under that mask.

Ukraine hugged Canada and congratulated him for the win. “ How did you do it? Teach me” Ukraine pleaded.

“ I guess I was lucky hehe” he says, rubbing his neck. Kazakhstan and Belarus were also there, they congratulated him but returned to their duties quickly.

After they left Ukraine asked Canada a question. “ Do you think we will be able to defeat him?”.

“ no, not by ourselves. But I think I have an idea”. Ukraine raised an eyebrow. “ what do you have in mind?”

After weeks of training together and working on combinations together they were ready to challenge America. Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Canada walked alongside each other ready to challenge him. As soon as they were in front of the throne where Russia was they asked to speak to America. Russia nodded his head in agreement.

“ America, we want to challenge you in five days” Ukraine said.

“ we?” America asked. “ Are you guys working together? That’s a good strategy. Who’s idea was that?”

“Mine” said Canada, stepping forward.

“ I accept your challenge. I hope to not be disappointed” he chuckled darkly. After that the trio dismissed themselves and left.

Poland was preparing herself for the long journey to the German Empire.

What a hassle, but it’s necessary. If I can't do it, who will?

Once she was finished she told one of the maids near her to inform the King that she was heading to the German Empire for the check up. The Maid nodded and walked away. Poland walked to the garden and took off. Flying above the castle, nearing the clouds.

It always feels nice to fly. It would be better if i didn’t have to bring this suitcase though.

She thought looking down at the thing in her hands. It was a two day trip, she could make it in one day but she left late and didn’t want to fly during the night. She made it to a small town to rest. She asked around for a hotel to stay in and soon went to sleep. She woke up at 6:00 in the morning. And dressed up more formally, just to look nice, and flew away.

She got there 3 hours and 40 minutes later. As soon as she got there guards stopped her from entering, she stated her reason for being there and entered. There were lots of servants running around the castle. Seeming to have a lot of work.

Damn they must be working them hard.

The maid escorting me showed me to my room. I unpacked my things and jumped on the bed. After an hour of just laying there. A servant knocked at the door saying Germany was ready to see me. I walked down the halls till I went into the throne room. It was all full of papers.

I didn’t know you had to do this much after a war.

Behind the walls of papers was a young woman of the age of 27 or 28 sitting working endlessly to fill out the papers. Huge bags under her eyes.

Is that the queen?

As soon as she heard someone walking towards her she looked up from the paper she was working on. “ you’re Poland right?” she said in a monotone.

She reminds me of Russia.

“ yeah that's me, i was sent by King Russia to see how things are around here” i said looking around “ pretty busy right?”

“ Yeah, it is” she sighs and stands up. “ I guess I should fill you in on what has happened in the last few weeks.”

“ come with me Poland” She showed Poland around telling her about recent events, how crime is much higher, and that she trying to get rid of all the corruption.

She seems like a good queen unlike her father

“ i know you're on a mission but you can always go sightseeing, we have many good spots”. Poland’s eye light up.

“ thank you ma’am” she says happily.

I want to visit my childhood home and just see how much the german empire has changed.

“ i hope to visit my old home” Poland said in a whisper. Germany overheard this comment and asked.

“ Are you from here?” Poland seemed hesitant but eventually was honest. The queen isn’t a bad person.

“ Yes, I was born in the German empire, but I fled.” Then after that it was pretty silent. Germany would just say few thing and Poland would just listen. Germany personally escorted Poland to her room.

“ thank you Poland.” she said, lowering her head and pausing. “ for being friendly and talking with me” she lifted her head and on her face was a small smile. Poland felt heat rise to her face.

“ It's fine,” she said, rubbing the back of her head. “ you don’t seem like a bad person anyways”. After that it was silent for a few minutes. “ see you tomorrow Queen Germany” Germany nodded back.

I can’t wait to visit my old home.

Chapter Text

Poland had been working the last few days just checking up on how things were, talking to some of the people assigned to keep an eye on Germany. She now understood why Germany thanked her, everyone she met was very cold or just didn’t care. Poland was getting ready for her day to explore the capital of the German empire.

She had lived there before, but it must have changed over the years. She might visit her childhood home. When she was walking down the hall, she encountered a young woman with glasses. It was Germany. Poland bowed.

“ Queen Germany”. She lifted her head to make eye contact with Germany.

“Poland I heard that you were going to the city” she paused for a second as if wondering if she should continue what she was saying. “ may i accompany you, maybe show you some places” she said in a lower voice. Despite talking in a monotone her body language showed that she was kind of nervous.

“ of course you can queen Germany”. Poland responded eagerly, Germany felt heat rise up her cheeks.

what and odd feeling

“ you can just call me Germany if you want”. Poland though about it for a second before responding

“ if that is what you want me to call you that, then i will” After that they walked towards the city. Nobody really knew what Germany looked like. The Third Reich liked to be very secretive, the only thing people knew was that she was a woman who wore glasses, had long hair and was very good looking. So when they were openly walking down the street no one recognized her. It was strange for Poland.

“ how come nobody recognizes you?” Poland asks

“ My father was very secretive and I never really went out of the palace. All I did was study and get trained to fight.”The last part surprised Poland.

“You know how to fight? No offense but you don’t look like it”

“It’s fine, while i’m not the best i can hold my own” Poland hummed in response.

They walked to a fountain, on top of the fountain was a statue of a famous King, Prussia. He was riding a horse with his sword pointed to the sky. For something that was old it was well maintained.

“ Prussia was quite famous if i remembered correctly” Poland stated

“He was, I actually got to meet him, but he was very old. He died when I was 10.”

“ he lived that long, i thought he died earlier” Poland said amazed.

“No he did not” she said looking back at the statue. Germany stared at Poland for a minute analyzing her.

“ What was your job in the war?” she asked without thinking about it. It was about a second later when she realized Poland probably wouldn’t tell her that. “ It's fine if you don’t answer” she said looking down.

“ No, it’s fine.” Poland though for a second.

“ Well I first started out just a messenger delivering messages, then I became a scout because of my really big wings. But i get assigned a lot of other things too, like this assignment” Germany nodded. After a second of silence Germany asks

“ do you want something to eat?”. Polands eye lit up

“ of course i’ve been starving” They head to a small restaurant. They sat down and waited for the waiter to come. They sat there in silence until the waiter came. They both ordered their own foods. After they ate Poland was gonna pay for her share when Germany told her to keep it and that she was going to pay.

“ I have plenty of money to spare. You don’t need to trouble yourself” Poland, although opposed to it, eventually agreed seeing that Germany wasn’t gonna back down. As the day was ending Poland had one more stop. Her old neighborhood. It was the same as she had left it, it was abandoned. She had so many memories here. Germany must have noticed her sullen expression and asked.

“ This was your home?”. Poland nodded

“ I guess there were unpleasant memories, right.”

“Yea”. She looked at the yard. I used to play a lot there with my father. After a good 20 minutes Poland decided she had seen enough and decided their little trip was over. Germany was walking next to Poland talking. They were headed to Poland's room.

“ How much more time are you going to stay here?”

“Mmm, probably gonna leave tomorrow”. Poland wasn’t sure but she thought she saw a little bit of disappointment flash through Germany's features. It was so quick she thought she had imagined it.

“ well i guess this is a goodbye”

“Yea, bye Germany” The next morning she spent it packing her stuff getting ready for the travel back. She hoped to make the trip for one day. She left early in the morning. She actually managed to get back before it got too late. She entered her house.

It was quite small, she lived by herself, so why would she need more. She entered her bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. Oh how i miss my bed.

Germany returned to her quarter after a bit of working. She was a workaholic. That was probably due to her childhood of just studying and working. It wasn’t that she liked to work more like she wanted to be useful.

Her thoughts quickly went to Poland. The winged country. I’m glad I got to spend some time with Poland. She seems like a nice person. And plus she is the only person that is actually friendly with me. Eventually her thoughts head her to her father. It wasn’t very nice to think of. It plagued her.

Chapter Text

I had an older brother named east. He wasn’t as smart as me but he was still really fun to play with. My father was always hard on me, making me work all day, while my brother did basically nothing. I was personally tutored by my father so couldn’t just run away. Because of that I had always thought my father preferred him more than me. But now that I look back, it was the opposite.

Germany was sitting next to her brother hearing him ramble on and on about how to sword fight and what he learned. He wasn’t very good but he still somewhat enjoyed it. But they were interrupted by their fathers voice. “ Germany, you should be studying not talking with your brother”.

“ But Vater” Germany pleaded.

“ You have to study to become a good leader, you were born with a talent to use it” he said. Germany crossed her arms and pouted

“Fine” as soon as she was out of the room Third turned to his son

“ you, don't distract your sister” he turned around and left, heading in Germany's direction to make sure she was actually doing what she was told. East sighed and went the opposite direction. he didn't want to deal with is father

Years had passed and Germany had grown to be stuck in her room all day studying and reading. Sometimes she would have lessons to learn how to fight. She wasn’t the best but she wasn’t bad. She could beat the average person. Which third was very proud of.

Germany was 13 when her brother was enlisted into the army. He was 16. She remembered crying and yelling for her brother to come back. She would cling to her father begging him to let him back. Third would just stare at the distance and say he can’t.

For a long time I thought my father had no choice in sending my brother to war, that he was forced to by the law. That my father had faith that he would survive. That turned out to be a lie. My father sent him out on purpose. He despised my brother. Hating how he couldn’t even kill a fly, couldn't even fight very well and overall wasn’t as skilled as me. He sent my brother to die. And I can never forgive him for that.

Germany was walking down the halls of the palace. Making her way down to her fathers office. Her face showed one emotion, pure hatred. When she opened the doors to his office. She found him sitting on a chair behind his desk. Twirling his knife around his fingers.

“ Guten tag Germany” he said. Smiling and showing his sharp teeth. Germany didn’t react, only responding.

“ Guten tag”. She paused. “ you should just surrender” Third tilted his head

“ and why would I do that?”

“ because it would make things easier” she said in a matter-of-fact way. He chuckled darkly “

it doesn’t matter if I surrender or not, I'm dead” he said pointing the knife to his neck. Hinting at the motion of killing himself. Germany quickly realizes what he is going to do and snatches the knife from his hand.

“ you don’t get to die the way you want to”

“ and why not?”

“ because you have to pay for what you have done.”

“ like what?”

“ like sending my brother to die”

“ oh, you figured that out, well you should be glad. He was only distracting you. I don’t understand why you liked to hang out with him”. Third reich paused and looked at Germany. “ he was useless” Germany snapped and sliced his neck.

“ tschüss”.

blood splattered everywhere. Germanys uniform and face were covered in blood. Her face became emotionless. 

I have to surrender and make things right.

Chapter Text

Canada, Ukraine and Kazakhstan were getting ready for the fight. They were just stretching and chatting a little.

“ do you guys think we’ll be able to beat him?” asked Canada.

“ Probably not” Ukraine sighed.

“But we can try to cut a piece of his clothing” Kazakhstan added.

“ yea we could try, but remember he said he’s going hard on us this time. He’s actually gonna try to attack us” Canada stated.

Just then Belarus walked in. “Hey guys, are you ready? Just make sure you guys don’t get too hurt.” she said walking off. They followed her till they got to the arena to fight America. He was just sitting on the floor with his legs crossed. When he heard footsteps he stood up and bowed.

“ Canada, Ukraine, Kazakhstan. I go all out this time, don’t disappoint me.”

While he said he is going all out I don't think that's true. He is still holding back.

“Ready guys” Ukraine says.

“ yea” Kazakhstan and Canada reply After they get in formation American lunges.

He’s so fast

He jumps towards Kazakhstan. Swinging his sword. Kazakhstan barely dodges. He activates his wings and flies up. Leaving Canada and Ukraine on the ground. After that America loses interest in Kazakhstan and leaves to fight Ukraine and Canada.

They both start circling him. America just stays in the middle not doing anything. Waiting to see what they would do. They run toward him in a line. Ukraine behind Canada. Canada tries to hit America but he just blocks it and almost sends his sword flying. Canada keeps on trying to no avail. After a few more swings he tries to kick America which he blocks easily. But behind him is Ukraine. With the sword pointing toward America only a foot away. But somehow as if he had eyes in the back of his head America quickly moves to the side. Ukraine falls on the ground but quickly gets up.

“ Are you okay Ukraine?” Canada asks.

“Yea” When America was busy with Canada, Kazakhstan picked up Ukraine and launched her in the direction of America. Before they even had the chance to catch their breaths. Ukraine was hit hard on her neck. She got knocked out. Canada realizes this quickly and jumps away.

I didn’t even see that attack.

Ukraine is out. Canada runs around the arena a couple of times unsure of what to do. Kazakhstan flies down and starts attacking America. America seems to not care and just dodges. Kazakhstan almost hit him but America cut his wing. Kazakhstan falls down on his face. Before he could get up America put his foot on his back.

“ don’t” America warns As soon as he finished that Canada attacked him from behind. America swings his sword to deflect it. Canada’s sword goes flying. Canada's eyes widen.

What? How?

America kicks Canada in the stomach and he goes flying in the other direction. He hits the wall and starts spitting blood.

“you did well, don’t beat yourselves for this” America says He walks away. Later Belarus comes over and starts yelling at them.

In the throne room Russia got a letter from North Korea. Asking him to send a soldier to accompany his brother and Japan on a mission so that they would come back okay. Japan wanted to find her missing family members, more specifically her uncle, the Japanese empire.

“ What is that?” America asks.

“ the letter? North Korea is asking if he would allow anyone to accompany his brother and japan to her mission to find her uncle”

“ Who is her uncle?”

“The Japanese empire” America was silent for a second before he responded

“ let me go with them. I have always wanted to meet him. I have heard stories of him. Please allow me to go”

“ i guess you can” Russia says

“ Why can’t North Korea go?” America asks.

“ i already assigned him with something so he’s busy”

“Ah” America responded “ When are they going?”

“ in a few day i think. i’ll tell you when don’t worry” Russia kept looking through paper, one in particular caught his eye. Poland's report on the German empire. He opened it and started reading. After he realized America was still there he allowed him to go back to his quarters.

America walked silently through the halls. The servants would avoid him. They were all scared of him. He went to his room and sat at his desk. Taking off his earrings. They were a gift from his teacher, he had a red sun with rays coming off of it. 

Chapter Text

Japan was standing right next to South Korea with a disappointed expression on her face. Why is he bringing so much stuff? He noticed her look and explained.

“ Look, I need all of this. Unlike you I have never really experienced much hardship. I am too spoiled to live without all of this.” he said in an innocent voice.

“ South tone it down with all that stuff, we can’t possibly carry that around, you know it’s just gonna be you, me and whoever Russia sent.

“ I know, but I can't live without it” South whined. Japan mentally slapped her face. South rolled his eyes.

“ Fine, I guess I can leave my violin and some other stuff.”

Thank god.

“ Anyways, who is that person Russia sent?”

“ I don't know” Japan responded.

Right after she said that a figure appeared, apparently out of thin air. Japan’s eyes widened.

“ hello General Japan, South Korea” America greeted

“ Hello crimson river, America”. Japan responded. America bowed. South Korea just stood there a bit scared but also curious. He had never met America personally but had heard a lot from his brother.

“ h-hello America” he responded

That’s who Russia sent?!

“ are we heading out?” America asked. Japan's eyes narrowed

What is he doing here? Why is he going with us?

As though America read her mind he said. “ i’ve heard a lot about your uncle, I have always would have wanted to meet him”.

They headed off. First they went to where Japan used to live with her uncle before the war. They started by asking the neighbors. They said that not long after Japan was enlisted he left too. He never told anyone where he went.

“ I haven't been here in years” Japan commented. South hummed.

“ i suggest we go to the office or his bedroom or any notes” America suggested walking off.

“ Are you going?” South asked Japan. Japan clutched the hilt of her sword hard. Her knuckles going white. Eventually she snapped out of it.

“ Yeah” she responded. America and Japan were searching through some paper he left. They found nothing.

Damn, nothing.

“ Is there anywhere he liked to go for vacation or a place he really wanted to visit?” South asked

“ South it’s been years I don't really remember much. Only that he used to live in the mountain in seclusion, was he really good at sword fighting. He only came back here when he found out that my parents died.” America lifted his head.

“ There are thousands of mountains around here so that really doesn’t help.”

“ I'm tired guys, can we go out to eat?” South asked. Japan sighed

“ yes we can go, we’ll search the rest of the house tomorrow”

They went to a restaurant that South picked. South was stuffing food into his face.

So good.

Japan was looking from the side, disgusted. “ Could you not South” she said, annoyed.

“ But I haven’t eaten all day” he whined. She rolled her eyes. America was just quietly looking from the side, not adding anything to the conversation. Japan turned to him.

“ aren’t you gonna order something?”

“ I'm good in Japan, I have already eaten before this”. America really didn’t need to eat or drink much. He was trained for that.

South Korea ordered them some drinks, saying they needed to have some fun. South Korea got to the point of being drunk and Japan tipsy. America didn’t drink anything as expected. South started asking around if anyone had a violin with them. He somehow found someone willing to lend.

South started playing on the violin. While he could play many other instruments he loved the violin the most. All the transitions were smooth. With a very serious expression on his face he played the violin, even while drunk he never made a single mistake. After 20 minutes of playing the violin he stopped and returned to his normal drunk persona. Clinging onto Japan. While she was trying to push him away she was blushing but if it was the alcohol was up to debate. America noticed that the two of them were very close. Why else would South go with Japan?

Seeing them America chuckled to himself. While he would occasionally get some stares for wearing a mask, people were too drunk to even mind him. Japan eventually got out of Souths grasp and headed over to America.

“I think it’s time to go back”

“En” America responded. America walked up to South.

“ We have to go now” he said in a monotone. South shuttered.

So scary

South almost immediately sobered up. “ yea, right behind you”

The three headed over Japan's old house. Japan went to her old room. It was exactly like she had left it, not a single thing misplaced.

She remembered under one of the drawers she hide some stuff that she wrote under there. She decided to go look inside it. Only she knew what was in there and that it even existed. Most of the things in the drawer were horrible drawings, writing about how cool her uncle was. What she learned from his lessons. She chuckled at some of the things she wrote. But she noticed something that wasn’t supposed to be there.

A letter to her from her uncle. Japan's eyes widened. Did he know I was going to go find him? Maybe just maybe this tells me where he is. The letter didn’t say where he was but it did give her a clue. In the letter he said that he went to live by himself by the border of the Russian empire and the German empire on a mountain chain. Which narrowed it down. She decided to tell America and South tomorrow.

Chapter Text

America woke up to the sound of a violin playing. Turns out South did not return that violin he borrowed. He played it beautifully even more than the day before.

America walked through the halls searching for wear the sound was coming from. In the living room Japan was drinking tea, smiling. Next to South playing the violin. America quietly observed them. South fully focused on his playing ignoring anything else around him. When he finally stopped he wiped the sweat off his forehead. Turning towards Japan and smiled. Japan turns her head away.

America started clapping from the door. Japan and South realize he was there and stare at him wide eyed.

“ South Korea is truly talented with the violin” America praised. South rubs the back of his head

“ thank you America, it was nothing” South responded. Japan silently sipped her tea. Japan lowered her cup.

“ I have some news about the whereabouts of my uncle” both America and South turn to her.

“ I found a letter last night in my room. He said that he was going to live in seclusion on the border between the Russian Empire and the German Empire. He also said he was going to live in the mountain range that starts in the Russian empire and goes across to the German empire.” Japan said, taking another sip of her tea.

“ it narrows the area down but it isn’t very small, but at least that's something” Japan commented

“ Does anyone have a map?” South said. America nods his head and takes out a map. Japan uses her finger to point out the places where he could be.

“ there are a few villages around that area, we can ask around”. Both America and South nodded.

“ We can start here” America suggested. It took them a few days to reach their destination. Japan and South asked around. They found nothing. They went to a few other villages, but nothing.

“ It's been a few weeks i can’t go on longer” South whined.

“ Come on South, you should have known it was gonna take a long time” Japan said, annoyed. “ We still have a few places to check still” Japan sighed.

“ let's head out” America said. “ get on the carriage, i will drive”

Japan and South get on and they start heading out to the next destination. It was a very small village, secluded from the rest of the world. Most of the people there were older. They asked around, no one knew who they were talking about. Japan decided they should just rest at a hotel. But before she went to bed, she went to a tea shop.

The old lady smiled at her “ miss, do you want to buy some tea, the best in the village.” Japan nodded. Sitting down.

“ it’s been a long time since I had guests like you” she said smiling.

Like me?

“ what do you mean like me?”.

“ I don't mean anything bad. It’s justa while ago a man like you would come to the village to have some tea. Similar flag too”. She started pouring Japan’s tea.

“ he wouldn’t come here often, only to drink tea”.

Japans eyes widened.

“ did he have a red dot near his eyes with red rays coming from it?” Japan asked excited.

“ yes he did.” the old woman said surprised.

“ do you know him?” she asked.

Japan ignores her question and asks “ what happened to him? Why doesn’t he come back down?”

“ I don't know what happened, he just stopped coming down. But i do know he lived on that mountain” she pointed to a mountain in the background.

“ thank you ma’am” Japan says happily.

“ you’re welcome miss, wait a minute i have to serve my other customer” she turned around going to a hooded figure and pouring some tea. They said few word to each other and she came back.

“ Hope you have a wonderful night.” Japan nodded and heads out.

South and America are probably asleep and this is a big lead so I need to investigate.

When she was walking up the mountain she had the feeling that someone was watching her. She narrowed her eyes. She heard the bushes rustling, and ran towards it to grab whatever was inside. She grabbed a young boy, maybe 10 or 12. He was scared and shivering.

“ i-i’m s-sorry I didn't mean to follow you. I was just headed back to my house and I saw you and I was curious, please don’t hurt me” he said, raising his hands. Japan smiled at him and tried to reassure him.

“ it’s okay kid, you live here?” He nods

“ yea i live with my younger sister”

“ how old is your sister”

“ about 5” he said

“ Do you have any parents?” he looks down.

“ no… they died” he says shivering. Japan sighed.

“ it’s quite late why don’t you go back home”.

“ but just so you know i will come back tomorrow, so don’t be scared i have something to investigate”. He nods and quickly runs away. Japan walks down the mountain and heads to the hotel.

Japan wakes up to the sound of screaming.

What is happening?

Japan runs out of the hotel. It was still midnight but in the distance there was a fire. She runs towards it.

That’s the mountain i was just at.

She runs to the bottom of the mountain, South and America behind her. She sees a young boy carrying a little kid running down the mountain.

It’s that kid.

Japan ran to help him. “ are you okay?” he nods. Japan offers to carry his sister he accepts. Japan helps him to the bottom where he is safe.

“ What happened?”

“ i-i don’t k-know. I just smelled fire out side of my house a-and i saw a torch, someone must have left it there. The house burned down, a-and the r-rest of the trees around it too” he said crying.

“ why would someone want to burn down your house?”

“ i don’t know!” he cried. Behind her South spoke up.

“ Hey kid, calm down” he said, reaching to pet his head. He did and only quietly sobbed.

“Lets bring them back to the hotel” South suggests. Japan nods. America carried the unconscious girl and Japan carried the boy. They laid them down on the beds. Japan sighed.

“ we’ll ask them about it tomorrow”.

When the young boy woke up he was facing Japan. She was smiling at him holding a cup of tea. “ You're awake”. He just stares at her.

“ do you know why anyone would burn down your house?” He shakes his head.

“ Did your parents build it?” she asks, trying to divert his attention. He shakes his head.

“ My parents didn’t build it, I found it after my parents died. I don’t know who it belonged to.”

“ oh they didn’t” Japan commented intrigued.

Could that have been.

Japan's eyes widened. Her hand unconsciously goes to the hilt of her sword.

Someone doesn’t want me to find out. They burned down the house.

Japan regains her composure. “ South stay here with them, America come with me” America nods.

They walk up the mountain looking at the burnt forest. In the distance there was a burn down building. Japan walks towards it, picking up a piece. She crushes it with her hand.

“ could this have been the house he was living in?” America asks. America looks around the place.

“ Why do you ask America, don’t you already know?” Japan says in a cold voice. America stays quiet. Staring at the burnt house.

“ I've been wondering why the crimson river would accompany me to this mission, it can’t simply be that you are bored”. Japan unsheathes her sword, pointing it at America. America chuckles darkly.

“ quite observational Japan, as expected.”

“Did my uncle teach you?” Japan asks. America makes a sound of curiosity.

“ what makes you say that”

“Your fighting style. I have trained with my uncle and seen him practice countless times, do you think i wouldn’t recognize his fighting style”. She pauses. “ I have been suspicious of you from the beginning, but the moment you decided to come with us my suspicions were confirmed.” Japan grips her sword harder.

“ where is he” “I don't know” America says.

“oh really? then why did you burn down the house?” she says.

“ You won’t beat me Japan” America says ignoring her previous question. Unsheathing his word and holding it with one hand.

“ I don't care, what happened to my uncle. What did you do?”.

“ What about those earrings, where did you get them? From my uncle?”

“ yes i did get them from him”. He says touching his earrings. “ surrender, you won’t win”

“ Not until I know what happened” she says, getting ready to fight. America smirks under the mask.

Chapter Text

13 colonies was walking with other new recruits. They were going to be sent to go train. He is sitting quietly fiddling with his fingers. The person next to him saw that and commented. “ Are you nervous?” 13 turned his head to face him. His face was yellow with 3 red stripes.

“Yeah a bit” 13 looks down at his hands.

“ hey what’s your name?”.

“ 13 Colonies”. He said looking up

“ rich kid huh. not even you could make it out” South said.

“ My name is South vietnam, but you can just call me South” he said grinning. 13 nodded.

It took them about 3 more hours to get to their destination. It was a camp in the middle of a field. 13 could see there were already tents there. They were divided into their groups and somehow he ended up having to be in the same one as South.

“ hey you're in the same group, what a stroke of luck” he says putting his hand on his hips.

They trained for only 2 months before they were desperately needed on the front lines. “ What's happening South?” 13 asks “

We are needed in the north, we are having a lot of casualties. They are gonna send us because they don’t have many other options.” 13’s eyes widened.

We can’t possibly survive, we barely trained?!

“ Are they trying to kill us?! That’s suicide!” 13 cried. South lowered his head

“ yea i know” he paused and raised his head again with a smile. “ but that's the way it is, now let's start packing up” he paused. “ and plus with your natural talent you’ll live”

They started their journey to the north near the border. Once it was night they sat by a campfire with some other boys.

I never befriended other people, the only person i am familiar with is South. South on the other hand was quite the popular person.

“ hey South, why did you join?” some other kid asked. His face looked annoyed The other times i had seen him he also had this expression

“ well i joined voluntarily, my older brother also joined 2 year earlier so i wanted to join him”. The other person snorted.

“ What about you stripes?” he said looking at me.

“ i was enlisted because i was the oldest” 13 answered.

“ same for me” the same boy answered.

“ oh come on North. you wanted to join, you were twins with South Korea, you volunteered so he didn’t have to go.” North blushed and turned around embarrassed.

“ If he would have come, he would definitely have died” he said angrily, crossing his arms. South turned to 13.

“ hey don’t you have siblings?” South asked.

“ Yea I do 3 of them, Canada and twins Aussie and Kiwi” 13 answered, looking back at the fire I miss my family. I want to go back home.

“ It must be nice to be rich.” South said.

“ I guess” 13 answered.

Yeah but being rich didn’t do shit for me.

“I’m tired” 13 says standing up, he walked away to the tent.

“ Oh no, I think I angered him” South said.

“ yeah” North responds.

They continued to walk north to meet up with the rest of the army.

“ hey how much longer do you think we have to walk?” a soldier asks.

“ don’t know, but i hope not long” South responds, raising his hand to block the sun. 13 kept walking with his head down not saying anything. He had been quiet these last few days. South noticed “

what's wrong” he asked worried. 13 looks up surprised “ no nothing, it’s just-”

“ IT’S AN AMBUSH” someone yells.

Both 13 and South look in the direction of the yell. Immediately after arrows start raining on them. Luckily they made it out fine. German Empire soldier surround them. 13 raises his sword to attack, but before he does South lunges at them. Killing one and moving on to the next. 13 was right behind South helping him. Someone went behind South and tried to stab him but before they could hit him 13 jumped toward him and deflected the sword, sending it flying before stabbing the person in the heart. Both South’s and 13’s uniforms are soaked in blood.

“There are too many” 13 said.

“ i know, i know” South said worried.

We’ll die if we keep going like this.

They managed to retreat into the forest making distance between them and the enemy. Even despite this they were still getting hit by arrows. A soldier next to 13 got hit in the eye. It started bleeding badly.

“ 13, help him, bring him to the medic” South commanded, helping the soldier up. But before 13 could get there, a soldier was heading towards the injured soldier. South pushed him out of the way. 13’s eyes widened

“ SOUTH” 13 screamed reaching out towards him. South eyes were wide staring at the sword impaling him in the stomach. 13 runs towards him killing the other soldier along the way. Kneeling besides South. South spits out some blood

Am i going to die?

“ South what happened, why did you do that” 13 asks.

“ it’s fine. I promise it’s fine”. South sighs. “ take him back” South command, pointing at the soldier on the ground unconscious with the missing eye.

“ but-”

“ i’m going to die either way, he has a chance” South stated. 13 clenches his fists Damn it. He grabs the soldier by the armpits and drags him away, leaving South. As 13 drags the soldier away he realizes it’s that North person South was talking to days earlier. Even now his annoyed expression was still on his face. 13 manages to find his group and drags North to the medical tent. It was full of people. He lays North down nearby and calls a doctor. They immediately take North away. 13 gets some bandages to wrap up his wounds. He sits down under a tree and grabs his head

Why? Why did he have to die? He was my only friend.

13 grips his hair harder.

why couldn't i save him

Chapter Text

13 clutched his arm. It was severely bleeding. 13’s vision was getting blurry

Oh no i’m gonna die

13 runs as fast as he can. But he can only go so far. The farther he goes the more bodies get piled up beside him. 13’s breathe quickens. A blurry figure appears right before him. Almost out of thin air. 13’s eyes widened. The figure raises his sword and slashes at 13 aiming for his neck. It was inches from his neck.

13 jolted awake. Trenched in cold sweat. Another nightmare. Ever since South’s death he had nightmares, never getting a good night's sleep. Tonight was not different. 13 tried to calm down his heart, which was beating at an alarming rate.

He looks around his tent. He is living with about 10 other people. He hasn’t really befriended them.

I need to keep my distance

13 sighs and decides to train. After 3 hours of training most of the other soldiers had woken up. A soldier catches 13’s eyes. He was 5 inches taller than 13 but seemed older, about 16 or 17. He seemed lost, like he was looking for someone. He was mostly red with a giant yellow star in the middle of his face. 13 curious walks towards him and asks him “ are you looking for someone?” The other soldier answered, surprised

“ yes, um.. I’m looking for my brother. His name is South vietnam” 13’s body freezes

“ South?”

“Yes, he’s 14 and he’s a little shorter than me. He is mostly yellow with 3 red stripes”. 13’s breaths and heart were quickening. He clenched his fist. He couldn’t understand the other’s words.

“ south’s dead” 13 deadpanned. South’s brother freezes.

“ what?” he says in a low voice. 13 looks down.

“ he’s dead”. Although 13 couldn’t see his face he was pretty sure south’s brother was on the verge of tears. When he finally looked up he saw a sad smile on his face.

“ Thank you for letting me know”. South’s brother immediately walked away. 13 understood, he needs space.

13 grouped up with the rest of his squad doing their normal routine. It had been 4 months since he was drafted. After South's brother visited he got to meet him a couple of more times. He learned that his name was actually Vietnam. But eventually Vietnam’s squad got sent out to the front lines and 13 never heard from him again.

As 13 was walking through the camp he saw a couple of kids beating up a little child. Well he looked little, he was probably 12 even though he looked 10. The kid was in the fetal position covering his head with his hands. His face was wrapped in white bandages, well now red because of the blood. The other kids around him were about 13’s age.

“ Hey kid, what's under those bandages? Why won’t you let use see it” one of the boys yells

“ I heard he had a disease that leaves ugly scars” another kid said, grabbing the little kid from the hair. 13 grabbed his arm.

“ Who the hell are you?!” one of them asks

CRACK

13 broke his arm. “ What the hell?” another kid says, helping his friend who was on the ground grabbing his arm. 13’s voice goes cold.

“ get the hell out” Despite there being three of them they all felt like if they went up against him they would certainly lose. They all ran away.

13 just stared at the boy for a second. The little boy's bright amber eyes met with his mismatched green and blue eyes. 13 smiled at the boy and offered his hand.

“ are you okay?”. The young boy nodded, standing up on his own. 13 retracted his hand. “What's your name?”. The boy didn’t answer.

Whatever

“ Who were the boys from earlier?”.

“ they bully me almost everyday”. 13 felt sad and patted his head. As a response the young boy seem to lower his head

I have to go and train

13 straightens up and walks away. The boy from earlier was still staring at him wide eyed.

Even after a few days the young boy still followed him. It started to get annoying. When he was sitting down eating his daily ration he saw the kid again. He turned around and smiled at him. He shied away from 13.

“It’s okay” 13 says trying to reassure him “ do you have food?” The little kid shakes his head.

“ Do you want some of mine?” 13 says holding out the bowl. He looked hesitant but eventually took the bowl. “ Wow, you’re really hungry” 13 said, impressed. The kids from before probably keep taking his lunch. 13 Seeing that his food was finished stood up to leave. But before he could leave the little kid grabbed on to his sleeve. His red hands poked out of his large uniform. He had his head down.

“ thank you….stars” he said in a low voice.

Stars? were did that nickname come from? I don’t have stars.

“Stars? What stars?” The little kid looked confused and pointed at the right side of 13’s face.

My flag had changed. I didn’t even notice

13 rushes to a nearby river and looks at his reflection. Green and blue eyes staring back at him.

It's true, where my dads flag was is now 13 stars

13 unconsciously touched his face. He looks behind him but sees no one there. The boy either left is or is hiding from him. It wasn’t any of 13’s business so he went on with his routine.

They started packing up to head north east. They travel all day and when they did get to rest at night it wasn’t very much. One day after setting up his tent and he finished early he decided to take a break. 13 sat by a big tree, he decided to take a nap. A little boy from behind the tree goes around to stare at 13 quietly. He knees down.

When 13 finally wakes up he notices the little boys stare. He smiles at him. While his whole face is covered in bandages you can see that he is mostly red. but he swears that when he smiled at the boy his face got even redder.

When the little kid was about to run off 13 invited him to sit next to him by patting the spot next to him. the little boy's eyes lit up. “ Hey kid, what's your name?” He didn’t respond. “ I guess I’ll just call you….. um red?”

THAT'S A HORRIBLE NICKNAME

Red nods. “ that’s fine” he said in a small voice, barely audible.

“ Hey, how old are you?”

“ I’m 12”

“ You look younger than twelve”

“ Yea, people tell me that, but maybe I’ll be tall in the future” he says looking up

“ Why is that?”

“ Well it kinda runs in the family to be tall, so just maybe I have that gene”

“Hmm”

“ Were you drafted?” Red seemed hesitant and looked away. “ you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to it’s fine” 13 hears other people’s footsteps so he turns around, there were 2 soldier that he didn’t recognize. When he turned back around he saw that red was hidden behind a tent. 13 thought that was funny.

“ why are you hiding? Come over here” 13 said. Red eventually did come over, sitting next to him. “ Stick with me and I'll protect you from the other soldiers” 13 said, smiling. Red eyes widened.

“Really?”

“Yeah”

Chapter Text

After the last encounter with the boy he kept by my side. There hadn’t been any attacks so there wasn’t much that happened.

We were walking through the forest with our swords in hand ready for battle or at least some of us. We were going to attack the german empire’s army.

13 saw that Red was shivering, he was very scared. He had never experienced something like this before so it was natural he was terrified.

“ It's gonna be fine, I promise. I’ll protect you.”

A few minutes later they find the enemies. They start slashing at each other. 13 protecting Red from any incoming people. 13 sees a really buff man walk towards Red.

“ RED RUN” he screams. Red dashes away from that spot narrowly avoiding a slash to the back. 13 steps in and blocks a blow.

Damn this guy is strong

Despite the size 13 managed to slash the guy on his chest. Making him bleed to death. He quickly changed to the next soldier.

13 was cutting through enemy soldiers. He killed at least 20 people. Red on the other hand wasn’t too bad he could defend against a couple of people but mostly needed 13’s help.

13 got his right arm slashed, it was bleeding but not fatal. He had to retreat, Red coming with him. 13 had cuts and bruises all over his body. They hide behind some bushes.

But before they could fully recover enemy soldier spotted them. They started swinging their swords at Red and 13. 13 was able to kill most of them, but Red was having trouble with one.

“ Red try to get a fatal hit!”. Red swings at the enemy's neck. Blood splattered everywhere. Getting on Red clothes. Red freezes, looking at his hands full of blood.

“ Red we have to go now” 13 says. 13 and Red search for their squat. Eventually they do find them fighting the German empire. 13 and Red help them.

13 slashing in the front and Red protecting his back. While 13 would have to kill most of the enemies, Red would kill a few who decide to ambush him.

A figure with flowing robes watched the battle, sipping tea. Watching 13’s every move.

13 got to go to the doctor and get his injuries checked, Red didn’t have as many injuries so he got better really fast and was ready for battle.

13 from far away heard the battle. He was still a little injured to be in the front lines. He was searching for Red, who he hadn’t seen in a while.

I wonder where he is

13 asks one of the commanders. “ sir, do you know if they sent my squad to the front lines?”

“ yes i’m pretty sure”. 13’s breath hitches.

He’s out there alone

13 bolts out of the camp and into the front lines. He spots Red, he was fighting two enemies at once. He was struggling.

13 eyes widened.
No

A sword pierced Red’s stomach. 13 screams and starts charging at the enemy, killing them in an instance. Red just stared at the sword wide eyed. He eventually collapsed on the floor, bleeding out.

13 saw red. He randomly started swinging, cutting down everyone in his path. Person after person. He looked like a monster, pure anger. No matter what he wouldn’t stop killing them.

He got stabbed in the arm, no problem he’ll just use my other arm. Slashed on the leg, doesn’t even feel it.

In that one day he killed about 40 people. 13 collapsed besides Red. Tears running down his face.

That’s when a wave of pain came to 13. Everything hurt, it was like he was about to die, he couldn’t breath. After a minute he steadied himself.

A figure appeared before him. The person's cold silver eyes glaring back at 13, his earring dangling, they matched his flag.

Oh no

13 scrambled back. “ I'm not here to harm you. I just want to take you in as my disciple”

“ what?”

“ let me train you i see that you have great potential, i’ll even help your friend”

“Y-you can?!” 13 stands up “ PLEASE HELP HIM, I-I’ll become your disciple” 13 begged.

The other person nodded and disappeared into the forest. No he didn’t disappear, he just ran so fast that it seemed like that. 13 runs after him. After about 30 minutes 13 sits down he couldn’t run as fast as he could.

Hours later the same figure appears in front of him again. 13 jumps up “ how is he?”

“ Your friend is fine, very lucky. I’ll take you back to my house” The person knees down. Signaling that he wants him to get one his back, 13 does and the person starts running.

Eventually they reach a house on a mountain. When they entered inside Red was on the bed with bandages all over his chest.

Red sat up looking at 13. “ stars?”

13 almost cried “ you're alive” he said, relieved.

The mysterious person said “ he is in stable condition now, i can take him back to your camp.”

13 nods in approval. When Person started to carry him, he grabbed onto 13’s sleeve. “ Wait, don’t leave me” Red cries. His bright amber eyes worried.

“ I'm sorry” 13 says, looking down. The other person finally yanks Red off of him, leaving.

When the person finally comes back he introduces himself “ my name is he Japanese Empire, i want to take you in as my disciple”

“ Why me?” 13 was confused.

“ child, you are quite talented, I've been watching you from afar. I want to help you improve your skills. Don’t you want to be stronger”

It would be useful, I could help win the war.

“ Will I sever all ties to family?”

“ yes you will”. Japanese empire crosses his arms. “ so?”

“ i will accept your deal, but let me choose my new name, because in the future people might recognize me”

“ Tell me tomorrow morning, I have a room for you at the end of the hall, it’s quite small but it’s enough. You need sleep right now”

13 walks to his new room. Opening the door and laying down on his new bed

It feels weird, it felt like yesterday when I was back home, now I'm going to live and train with some stranger. Things do change too fast.

13 closes his eyes and goes to sleep.

In a huge mansion two little boys were chasing each other around. “ got you” one of them said

“ no fair 13, your way faster” 13 sticks his tongue out.

“ Well I still got you either way Canada” Canada crosses his arms.

“ then let's do another game” Canada suggests.

“Like what?”

“ I don't know…”

“ Let's play hide and go seek!” 13 suggests

“ But isn’t the house too big for that?” Canada asks

“ Then we’ll do only the bottom floor”. 13 closes his eyes and starts counting

“ Ready or not, here I come”. 13 searches the living room and kitchen, he even cheats and asks some of the maids if they have seen Canada.

When he was passing through a hallway he hears his parents talking. He gets closer to the door to listen in.

“ What is going to happen now?” France asks worriedly. “ were now at war and they now have a new law”

“ I know, I know, but we have to abide by these rules”. Britain says worried

“ We can’t just send him out, he’ll have to go in 2 years. Too soon, too young”

What were they talking about?

13 left and went back to looking for Canada. But he couldn’t help but feel that something was wrong.

Chapter Text

13 woke up in a strange room, he didn’t recognize it.

Where am i

Flashbacks of the night before came back to him. He gets up and rubs his head. He walks out of his new room and goes into the living room.

JE (japanese empire) was sitting on the floor sipping tea for a cup. He opened his eyes and stared back at 13.

“ My name is United States of America, the District of Columbia.” America said in a confident voice.

“Very well, America” he said, nodding. “ From now on you are my disciple, you will train till your arms fall off. You will feel like you will die. And you might, i will be pushing your body's limits” JE said, warning him.

“ I understand” America said.

The first few days were fine, he was assessing my skills, but after day 4 i was certainly feeling the toll on my body. I was only getting one meal a day. I was use to that but that wasn’t the worst part.

“9997”

“9998”

“9999”

“10000” America dropped his sword.

That hurts damn it

“ Do a thousand more” JE said casually. America almost fainted

“ Yes sir!”

“1”

“2”

“3”

After a month I started only eating once every 2 days, then 3. I trained everyday till i collapsed from over training, but every time i did JE would just sit and wait for me to wake up to resume the torture. There were a few times where I felt like I couldn't go on, but I couldn't stop now.

“That was sloppy America” JE scolded. America gritted his teeth. Lunging at JE again, sending a flurry of attacks at him. “ You are getting stronger and faster but still inexperienced. You’re too impulsive” he said, easily dodging his attacks. America tried to roundhouse kick him. When it failed he tried spinning for another kick. This time JE blocked it.

“ good”. JE threw a punch at him. America barely dodged.

At the same time he sent a punch. It missed, he went past JE and got hit in the back, he was sent flying across the air to a nearby tree.

Damn

“ Why can’t we try with actual swords?! Why do we have to fight with our fists?” America yelled angrily.

“ because if you are not good enough to fight with your fist how could you possible be good at the sword”

I just don’t like practicing the sword all those days to just spar with our fists.

Two Months later they started sparring with the swords. JE fought elegantly, every move flowing like a river. Every time America fought with him he was always wide eyed at his masters technique. “ Remember not to over turn, make it flow with your previous attack.” JE commented while fighting America. America tried to fix his mistake and managed to cut off a part of his sleeve. JE looked at his cut sleeve, then looked back at America.

“ good job, next time try to get something more vital”

“ haha” America laughed. “ i’ll get you next time master”

It was the middle of summer, the day of America’s birthday. He didn’t even remember. “ I'm going to train now master” he said bowing to JE.

“ no need, come sit with me and have breakfast” America’s eyes widened.

“Why sir?”

“ It's your birthday isn’t it?”. JE paused for a second thinking of something. “ you’re 14 now right?”

“ yes sir”. They sat down starting to eat something JE made.

“ I'm letting you run around the mountain by yourself. Think of this as your free day” despite JE seeming somewhat cold and uncaring, he still is very good to me. But still very strict.

“ Thank you master” America said sincerely.

America was watching the sun set. It was a beautiful end of the day. He spent most of his birthday in a river where he just swam around. He also spent an hour in the small village near the mountain. America smiled to himself. Well I better get back. America went back to the house. JE was in the front waiting for his return.

“ How was your day?”

“ Wonderful” America responded simply. For the next 6 months he trained very hard. Eating only once a week. It took a toll on his body. He occasionally sparred JE, usually getting scratches or cuts. If he was kicked too hard he would break a bone. But he was able to cut JE. he cut his shoulder. America remembers the excitement of seeing the blood trickle down JE arm.

“ good job America, you beat me” After that his training got even harder. He got even better. At some point JE stopped teaching him as often. America was eating every 2 weeks. Recently when he sparred JE he had actually landed hits on him.

“ i’ll pass you someday” America commented

“ You will in the future” JE said. “ you even had me going all out. You put up quite the fight” America and JE continued to spar, until one day JE sent him to live on his own.

“ you are quite skilled even if you are only 17 years old. You need to live independently by yourself” He wanted America to live by himself. Fend for himself. He had already taught America all he knew, there was nothing he could give more. America packed up a meal and a weapon he would use to hunt.

“ farewell master” America said. JE just watched as his prized disciple just leaves. He would come back when he was 18 so he could volunteer for the army. JE would send a recommendation letter to King Soviet.

About a little under 1 and a half years later JE is coming down the village. He seldom comes down the village and when he does he only comes to one place. A tea shop, it was owned by a woman in her 50s. She was quite nice and always remembered his favorite tea. When he sat down. The Lady greeted him and served him his tea. He sipped on his tea slowly, seeming to be in no rush. When he did finish he went back up the mountain.

He went inside his house and was meditating when he felt someone approaching him. The person was inside his house. He hadn’t noticed the person before this.

They must be very skilled.

JE opened his cold silver eyes and stared at the figure in front of him. His eyes widened. Before he could speak the person in front of him spoke

“ Master, I have returned” his voice seemed distant and cold. JE analyzed him.

“ you have changed America. What's with that silly mask?”

“ It was a gift, I would never refuse a gift; it’s rude” America explained. America had increased in skill exponentially, even JE was astonished by it.

“ Something happened to you while you were out there”

“ Yes, it was quite the experience” America admitted. America went to grab his sword.

“ no need America i already figured out why you are here”

“Why?”

“ you need to cut loose ends and join the army, and you need me for that”

“ right on point” JE stood up walking outside, America following after him. They stood across from each other. “ to the death?”

“ to the death” America confirmed.

Their battle was vicious. At the beginning it was hard to tell who was going to win. Their elegant fighting style, almost like dancing. No matter how beat up the other party was neither backed out, but in the end there was only one winner. America's mask was cracked showing half of his face. His cold blue eye contrasting with the white and red of his flag. A small smile on his face, just like his mask. America's right arm was limb by his side. And he had plenty of other injuries, it seemed like it didn’t even hurt. JE on the other hand had his face all cut up and a sword impaling his abdomen. Quite the sad sight, the master killed by his own prized disciple. JE chuckled.

“ I am truly proud of you America, you surpassed what I had thought you could achieve.” JE still talked so casualty to America, as like a father praising his son on something they did right. J

E smiled. He reached up to his earring and took them off. “ Here they are my gift to you” he says. America was still holding onto the sword that was piercing his master. He let go of the sword to take the earrings.

“ Goodbye Master” America said in a sad tone, as if he regretted killing JE, maybe he did. America pulled out the sword. JE's body fell limp on the ground.

All night America made sure to have a proper funeral for JE, making sure his body was properly buried. He went inside his master's room, seeing a letter addressed to the king. America took it and headed to the Russian Empire.

Chapter Text

Japan still pointed her sword at America. She was at an advantage. She was quite skilled and was going to try to kill America, on the other hand America doesn’t not want to hurt her severely. This handicapped him. Despite this he showed complete confidence that he would win.

“ I don’t want to kill you Japan” America stated honestly. Japans face darkened.

“ Enough” she said before leaping.

Her move were extremely fast, after all she was one of the best sword fighters. America kept deflecting her blows. Some narrowly avoiding him. She left no time for America to attack her. Unlike what he was showing before, this time he was serious.

Japan is too powerful for me to start messing around

They exchanged a few more blows before America almost sliced Japan’s hair. She jumped back.

“ America what if Russia hears of this, what will he think. Just let me question you and I will not tell King Russia” Japan threatened. Although Japan didn’t think this would work she still had to try.

The air around America suddenly became thicker. He was pissed. Japan had never seen him so angry, she didn’t actually think she hit a nerve. “ I’m afraid I can’t let you tell anyone especially Russia” he said with monotone. America rusted towards Japan

What incredible speed, truly magnificent.

Japan had barely enough time to react. She raised her sword to deflect the blow.

They exchanged dozens of blows after that, some only managing to scratch and other creating deep gashes. That was until Japan had the opening she was looking for. She immediately struck Americas neck, but before it hit his body he grabbed it with his hand.

His bare hands

Japan was astonished. Japan was one of the best, and America can just grab her sword

Truly terrifying.

Blood trickled down Americas sleeve. Before Japan could jump away, America tugged on the sword and hit her with the hilt of his sword. She fell to the ground. She was barely conscious. America was impressed, she could take one of his hits directly. He hit her neck a second time and this time he didn’t fail.

He stared at Japan for awhile. Japans and JE’s flag and face were very similar. Too similar. They had the same long hair. The only difference is that Japan didn’t have the rays coming form the sun and had dark red eyes. America knelt down and picked up Japan.

He carried her on his back till he got back to the hotel.

South was sitting in his Hotel room waiting for Japan and America. He heard the door open, then right after a figure appeared right before him.

A sword placed near his neck. South gulped. America was staring at him carrying Japan “What-“ he managed to say before America interrupted

“ Stay quite” America demanded “ Japan was just knocked out, not dead”

“ I won’t hurt you, but you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone what happened?” South nodded his head. He looked at the passed out Japan on his back.

“ I will stay with you for some days to make sure you don’t do anything stupid” America said. His white mask glaring back at South. South had a hard time sleeping that night, He kept on feeling like someone was watching him. Which was most likely true.

When he woke up in the morning he was greeted by America, he gave South a letter and Japan and left soon after. When Japan woke up her head hurt really badly.

“ What happened?” She said in a horse voice.

“ You fought with America for some reason, he said we have to keep it a secret” South explained

“ Mm” Japan responded.

“He also asked me to give you this” South said passing her the letter. Japan opened it and was surprised to see it contained information about JE.

Dear Japan,

While I greatly enjoyed our fight I would recommend you keep this a secret. But I will tell you some information about your uncle, He did train me for some years. When I was 18 years old he died, so your search for him is in vain, he was buried on that mountain if you are wondering. How he died I will keep a secret. I will not disturb you anymore.

 Sincerely, America

“ He wants us to keep quiet. We should probably listen to him if we don’t want to die” South said.

“ You're right” Japan responded. She already got what she wanted from America, she got answers to what happened to her uncle. Japan sighed and laid back on the bed, Her neck still hurt like shit. She rubbed her neck subconsciously.

“ Are you okay?” South asks

“ Yeah just a little sore” Japan responds. South nods

“ we should probably start heading back to the capital. America is probably already there” She paused for a second.

“ what happened to those children?”

“ They were taken in by some of the villagers so no need to worry” South reassured. Japan smiled

At least they were able to get their happy endings.

Japan started heading back to the Capitol. It took a few days of traveling. When she was going to report back to Russia about her report she passed America.

When he passed her it seemed like he didn’t notice her, but he did. It was warning. Don’t tell Russia anything. Japan valued her life so she decided not to tell Russia all the details. She bows and lifts up her head. “ King Russia I have returned”.

Russia gaze was as cold as ever. “ Did you find out anything?” He asked not really interested.

“ Yes sir”. Japan responds. Leaving the throne room. Russia just stares at where she just was.

“ you can come out America, I know you're there”

“ Yes sir” a response came from behind the door. He bows.

“ It seems Japan was a little nervous talking with me” Russia pondered

“ It's understandable, she just found out that her uncle is dead” Russia nods in agreement.

“ I guess that could be it” Russia pauses for a second. “ I’m going to the German Empire to meet up with Germany, I will have you and Poland accompany me”

“ Yes sir”

“ I know that the people there don’t really like you so don’t hurt anyone” Russia admonished.

“ Of course Russia”

“ How was your little adventure?” Russia asks.

“ It was okay I guess, I didn’t gain anything”

“ America” Russia says. “ why don’t you take off your mask?” America reaches for his mask and takes it off.

" it should be quite uncomfortable wearing that all day huh?" Russia teases. America face was quite delicate looking like royalty; he was very handsome. His sharp Blue and Green eyes staring at Russia.

Russia can never get enough of seeing him. he wishes he could just get rid of the mask once and for all. " you know there are lots of rumors about you" Russia says

" mn" America responds.

" some say that you looking disfigured or that you have such a gentle face that no one would take you seriously. Little do they know about your actual face". Russia laughs and waves his hand." you are dismissed, remember we're heading out soon." America puts on his mask again and walks out.

Chapter Text

Poland walked through the halls of the palace. She only wished she could fly to make it easier. She couldn’t even though the halls were big enough because she could knock things over and it could be seen as rude to the King; she does not want to risk that. Poland and hid away her wings when she first woke up.

King Russia ordered me to go with him to the German empire. Which I had just been 2 weeks ago. But I'm not complaining. I think I also heard America is coming.

When she finally reached her destination there was Russia, America and 4 other soldiers that will go. She walks over to one of the horses and gets on.

“ I'm sorry king Russia for the wait, i was called over to the other side for an issue.” Russia nods and heads off. The ride there was pretty silent.

It took about 3 days to get there by land. Poland missed the sky already. When they did finally reach the entrance to the capital of the German empire, they were greeted by soldiers. They led them through the main street. Soon a crowd of people surrounded them.

Russia glared at everyone in the crowd, his gaze cold and unreadable. Poland was too busy admiring the city again. America was just silently riding his horse. Out of nowhere someone yells at America

“ AMERICA, YOU KILLED BY BROTHER AND MY COUSIN YOU FUCKIN' MONSTER.” he throws some food at him. A couple other people join in yelling.

“ DO YOU EVER REGRET KILLING ALL THOSE PEOPLE. SOME WERE DRAFTED, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO GO TO THE ARMY”

“YEAH, HOW DO YOU DARE SHOW YOUR FACE AROUND HERE.”

Soon the whole crowd was yelling and throwing things at America; they didn’t dare throw things at Russia. America just sat still on his horse, not doing anything. Taking all the things that people threw at him. The air around America seemed gloomier. Maybe he really did feel sorry, or he really didn’t care.

When they reached the Palace and hopped off their horses, Russia asked “ Why didn’t you stop them?”

“ There was no need i wasn’t going to get hurt, and you told me i couldn't do anything to the citizens” Russia nodded.

He really is obedient

“ We need to meet up with the queen” Russia stated and started walking towards the door.

When he pushed open the door there was a young woman with long hair and glasses standing there as if she was expecting them. It was Germany. She looked at Russia and America, she seemed a little hesitant to speak. But when Poland poked her head from behind America, she seemed to have relaxed. Her eyes met Russia’s and she bowed. Russia did the same.

“ Welcome to the German empire, we will receive you here in the palace with the utmost hospitality” She said. Russia nodded. A maid walks behind Germany, Germany whispers something in her ear. The maid nods and looks at Russia, America and Poland. She bows.

“ Please follow me, I will show you to your rooms” the maid says. Before they could start walking, Germany interjected.

“ your highness i hope you won’t mind but may i personally escort Miss Poland to her room, it is quite far from yours.” Russia raised his eyebrows. Certainly not expecting this.

“ do as you wish” He says in his usual monotone.

Poland seemed a little confused but still happy. Russia and America headed one direction while Poland and Germany headed another way. Germany and Poland walked in silence. While Germany was focused on the hallway, Poland kept her gaze directed at Germany. Even though she hadn’t seen Germany in 2 weeks she seemed really stressed; maybe it was because she was trying to get everything perfect by the time Russia got here. Germany felt Poland stare at her for almost the whole time.

She wanted to start a conversation, but she wasn’t really too much of a social person. She tried to keep herself distracted by focusing on the hallway, trying to ignore Poland.

“ Here is your room” Germany said, gesturing her hand to the door.

“ Thanks for walking me here, you didn’t have to”. Poland smiles. Germany looks to the side.

“ It's nothing, it’s just so you don’t have to walk all the way back.” She said. Poland entered her room. It had been the same one she had been staying at the other times she was here. It almost felt like it was her room.

America and Russia follow the maid down the hallways. It was mostly silent. The maid pointed to a room to the right. “ Mr. D.C. this is where you will be staying” She said in a low voice. America turns to Russia and bows.

“ I'll see you later, America” Russia says.

America enters his room. It was definitely elegant and big. While it wasn’t as nice as the one he had back at the Russian empire it was still very nice. He looked around the room and took off his mask. He put it down on his night stand. He took out another mask he had and put it on. He took a cloak and opened the window of the Palace. He hopped down 10 meters onto the ground, landing softly. He quietly made his way towards the city.

Even though America had been fighting the German empire his whole life he had never seen it himself. There were quite a lot of other hooded figures so America didn’t really stand out. He walked quietly through the city.

He stopped in front of a small restaurant. He sat down at one of the tables by himself and closed his eyes focusing on the conversations around him.

“ Did you guys see that Crimson river today?” one person asked

“Yeah, he doesn’t look like i imaged” a young women responded

“ he seems too young to be that powerful” another person added

“ You can say the same thing about the king of the Russian empire” the first person said. The second and third person both agreed.

America, seeing that most of the conversations were about him, quickly lost interest.

A waiter at the other side of the restaurant saw him and was about to go to him, but she had to serve another customer first. When she looked back up he was gone.

What?

She walked over to his table to find a huge tip. She was shocked, her jaw nearly dropped. She quickly picked the money up and looked around, the hooded man was nowhere to be seen.

America stopped at a couple other places, one of them was the statue of Prussia. He had heard of him before, but not much.

When he was walking down the main street he saw that there were lots of little stores set up. He looked at them, not really interested. Until he spotted a stall that was selling masks He walked up to the stall owner. America looked at all the masks displayed. While he only really uses the smiling mask, he likes to collect and buy masks he likes. When one caught his eye he pointed to it; paid for it and left.

He looked up at the sky, noticing that it was getting late.

I should be heading back.

America quietly gets past all the guards and jumps onto his window sill. He jumps into his room and heads for his night stand to grab his usual mask.

Immediately America’s hand heads for his sword.

There’s someone else.

Just as he was about to pull out his sword. He heard the sound of a cup hitting a plate.

“It’s me, America” Russia said with an amused voice, raising his hands. He stood up walking towards America. He puts his hand on his shoulder.

“ When I first went into your room i saw that you were gone i knew you would come back eventually so i just waited.”.

“ It seems like you went a little sight-seeing” Russia teased. America didn’t say anything and just reached for the mask, swapping it out for the one he usually wears.

Russia pulled his hand away from his shoulder and America took off his coat.

“ I've been fighting the German empire for years ,yet I've never even seen the capital.” America turned his head to Russia. Russia’s hand reaches for America’s face, but he only touches a cold, hard mask. His hand moves under America’s chin and lifts it. America stiffens. 

“ Next time you decide to go a little sight-seeing, please tell me” Russia says, retracting his hand. America kneels, but before he can, Russia catches him.

“ i’m sorry” America says.

“ no need, have some tea” Russia offers. America accepts, keeping his head down. it would be rude not to. He silently sips his tea. “ We will have a meeting with Germany, discussing the state of the city”. America nods. Russia heads for the door and walks out.

America stood there for a few minutes not doing anything. He finished his tea and went to bed.

Chapter Text

America walked through the halls with Russia silently. He and Russia were about to stroll the city officially with Germany and a few other soldiers. Poland was supposed to stay in the palace for the time being.

America and Russia met up with the others at the palace gates. Germany bowed to Russia; America and Russia did the same to her.

“Good morning, your highness” She said.

“ Good morning” Russia responded.

“ let's get going.” Germany ordered the soldiers. Once they stepped out into the main street. People started flooding in. the soldier guarding Germany screamed.

“ NOTHING TO SEE HERE, GO BACK TO WHATEVER YOU WERE DOING”.

Some people did go back, but most watched from afar.

Germany showed us some famous sites around town. Some of which America visited earlier. But he never said anything. America noticed when they were walking down the streets that there was a lot of poverty. He had seen it the night before but waited to ask.

“ I see that there is a problem with poverty in this country” America observed.

“ You're right about that,” Germany said. “ that’s what i’ve been trying to fix”

“ When my father took over he set more taxes to fund his army. This crippled a lot of people, if they did pay the military would forcefully take all their land and everything they own”

“ He implemented some harsh rules and enforced them in a way that everyone feared him,” Germany said in a cold voice. But you could tell she spoke with an underlying anger.

America gave an “ah” sound and said nothing more.

“ has there also been some other negative things that have happened recently?” Russia asks

“ Well, there had been an increase in crime, I've been trying to stop that too. It has gone down over the last few months” Germany stated.

America was trailing behind Russia and Germany. In the corner of his eyes he say a couple of guards chasing after a small figure. It was probably a child stealing something.

This shouldn’t have interested America, but he felt like he should watch this arrest. HE quickly walks to Russia and says.

“ I saw something that caught my eye, i will be back” then he disappeared from Russia’s view. Russia turned his head and resumed walking as if nothing happened.

I wonder what

America silently followed the soldiers. While he could easily help the German soldiers, he wasn’t here to help; just to observe.

The soldiers were cornering a small girl, maybe only 10 or 9. She seemed to be really skinny, probably from malnutrition. She had a small bag with some bread sticking out from it.

But in her eyes was a fiery determination. These soldiers didn’t really want to hurt the little girl so they had their sword in their sheaths.

“ Just give us the goods you stole, we won't do anything,” they promised.

The little girl clenched her small fists. It didn’t really help at all, it just made her seem silly.

When the soldier got only 3 feet away, suddenly the girl leaped at the soldiers. Grabbing one of their swords and swinging it at one of the soldiers.
It missed but she swung again this time hitting her target in the arm. She also swung at the other one hitting him in the stomach. The one grabbing his arms was then beaten to a pulp by the little girl. She seemed indifferent to the violence and just picked up her food which she had dropped and started eating it.

The soldiers weren’t dead, they just were unconscious; she made sure of that. She only walked twenty feet when a figure suddenly appeared in front of her.

Her eyes widened

What the- how did he

Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice “ you’re pretty good, you beat up those two soldiers pretty easily”

The girl stiffened.

He’s not like the other soldiers; he’s much stronger, I can feel it.

“ It's what I have to do to survive,” she said looking up at the man. He was wearing some earrings with the sun on them and a mask covering his whole face.

“ your pretty talented with the sword” he commented

“ Who are you? Are you another German soldier? Just arrest me” She said angrily.

“ no, no, I'm not a german empire soldier. I’m from the Russian empire”

“ It doesn't matter,” she said, leaping forward trying to strike America. She missed but kept on trying. After a few minutes of playing with her he asked.

“ How about I train you?”

“ Train me?” she said, confused.

“Yes, train you” he said. “ i’ll make sure you won’t have to worry about food again”

She seemed hesitant but agreed “ sure, but only for the food.”

“ what your name kid”

“ District of Columbia”

District of Columbia? Is that a coincidence?

“ What an interesting name, where did it come from?”

“ my mother named me, i don’t really know”

America started to walk back to Russia and Germany when he noticed that D.C. wasn’t following. He turned around curious. He was stunned. When he had turned around she was so hungry that she sat down and started chomping on some bread.

America didn’t notice until now but she kept on clutching her stomach once in a while.

“ Are you hurt?”

“ no” she said, still chomping down on her food loudly.

Could have been a slash from a sword or bruises from getting in fights

For some reason this whole situation reminded him of something. Memories that seem so far away.

After waiting until she was finished, she started to follow him. She was quiet and seemed very angry.

“ Why are you angry?”

“ i wasted so much energy to try to fight you” she said “ and you weren’t even taking me seriously” she huffed

She seems to be very stubborn

“ don’t be angry, not many people can beat me”.

“ Sure,” she responded and rolled her eyes. “ How long do we have to walk for?”

“I’m meeting up with some people, so in about 3 minutes” America said nonchalantly.

“Hmm” D.C. said.

When America saw that the soldier that went with them were near he started walking in their direction.

“ What the hell?! Why would you go through all this just to arrest me?” D.C. said angrily

America understood “ they won’t arrest you i’ll make sure of it”

Russia from afar heard America’s voice and started walking back.

When D.C. was about to walk away, she suddenly saw that the man was kneeling. She was confused.

“ King Russia,” he said.

D.C.’s eyes widened. She turned around and knelt quickly. She didn’t want to offend a royal.

“ America,” he said in a teasing voice “ Who is this child you have brought back?”

America as in-

“ i saw that she had potential and i wanted to train her, i hope this doesn’t offend you”

“ it doesn’t, you can do what you want” Russia said, waving his hand.

“ you can get up now,” Russia said to both America and D.C.

“ you’re the crimson river?” D.C. asked quietly

His white mask faced her. “ yes” he said. “ let’s walk faster”

D.C. saw a young woman about 27 standing next to Russia. The young woman turned around and looked at her and America.

Is that the queen?

America bowed “ your highness”. D.C. did the same. Germany seemed indifferent and just turned around and kept walking.

She felt weird, walking with the nobility. She noticed some stares from the regular people on the streets, they weren’t very nice, but thankfully they were mostly towards America. She rubbed her arms; they were all dirty from her last brawl. She felt dirty.

They all returned to the palace soon after. D.C. and America went their separate ways. America called a few maids over.

“ clean her, and dress her nice” he ordered. The maids nodded and grabbed me by the arm and dragged me away.

“ Come with us” they said before turning around a corner.

America stood there for a second before heading back to Russia’s room. America knocked on the door.

“ Who is it?” Russia asked from inside the room. His voice was somewhat muffled by the door.

“ me” America responded

“ ah, come in”

America opened the door to find Russia sitting at his desk, looking over some papers. He turned around and stood up. Walking towards America.

He placed a hand underneath America’s chin, taking off his mask. Green and blue colored eyes looked back at him, indifferent. Russia smirked and leaned in, whispering.

“ what was with that little girl back there” America could feel his breath up against his cheek. America gulped.

“ She just reminded me of someone,” America said.

Russia backed off a little. “ What’s her name anyways” Russia asked

“ District of Columbia”. America responded.

Russia raised an eyebrow. “ interesting”. America raised his mask so he could put it back on but paused when Russia said.

“ recently you’ve been wandering around a lot, not really following my instructions, maybe i’m not really reprimanding you”

Russia grabbed the hand America was holding his mask with. And stepped closer. America’s eyes widened. Unexpectedly he didn’t feel any pain.

Russia leaned in kissing him, his eyes closed. America couldn’t move. He had never been in this situation. His hands were tense, he didn’t know what to do.

His face felt like it was on fire. If it were anyone else he would have stabbed them until they became mush. But this was Russia.

Russia finally pulled away. It was only a second but it felt like forever. America was stunned speechless.

“I-i’m s-sorry” America blurted out. In a flash he disappeared. Russia stared at the spot America had been. A sad expression in his eyes, barely noticeable.

Chapter Text

America punched the walls making tons of holes. He clenched his fists. His mask covering his face completely not revealing his facial expression below.

It’s so sad to just see your face, why don’t you wear a mask?

America kept punching the walls. He huffed.

Shut up

It’s sad really, you try so hard to protect the ones you love, but when they realize who you are they’ll leave you. HA HA HA HA, a monster, an ugly freak.

He won’t leave me

No one can ever love people like us. They can’t understand us.

America knelt on the floor. He stood in that position for a few seconds before regaining his posture.

He stood up as if it never happened. He walked out of the room and headed to see what happened to D.C.

D.C. had to go through torture.

She was dragged away by her arm, stripped of her clothes, dunked in cold water and cleaned. She complained the whole way and even tried to bite one of the maids, but they stuffed a towel in her mouth and tied her hands, so she wouldn’t do anything.

Ow ow ow that hurts!

D.C. though it came out as muffled sounds. Even though her body was mostly healed some of the bruises still hurt when they were touched.

She had tears in the edge of her eyes from the maids combing her hair. They took her out of the bath and started dressing her.

“ How should we dress her?” one of the maids whispers to another.

“ I don't know” the other responds, “ maybe a dress?”

“ Did America say anything?”. A third one asked.

“ no” one said.

They all looked at each other and in their head decided what they were gonna do

This is so uncomfortable.

She thought as she picked up the skirt part of the dress she was wearing and moved it side to side a little.

She hated it. It wasn’t tight but it did limit her mobility. And it just felt weird to wear something so nice. She had never worn something that actually fit her, her family had always been poor , so most of her clothes were her mothers.

She heard some of the maids giggle and whisper. She was utterly confused.

Then she heard one of the maids say “ America, here is D.C.”
He just stared at her for a second and said “ come with me”

She followed obediently behind him “ Hey Crimson river, um, when I train do i have to wear a dress?” She didn’t really understand when the dresses were really used for.

“ Of course not, I'll get something made for you” He said in a monotone.

D.C. her whole life had been really good at reading people, usually by their facial expressions. That’s how she got by in life. But with America he made things way harder by wearing a mask, and his voice revealed nothing. But today she could tell that something was up, he seemed angry, more like frustrated. She didn’t comment on it because she knew that it would just make things worse.

He suddenly stopped as if he just thought of something. “ you’ll have to go to the Russian empire to train, if you don’t mind”

“ I don't, i don’t really have anything of value here” D.C. said nonchalantly.

“Good”

“ Where are we going?”

“ where you're gonna stay for tonight of course, tomorrow we’ll be leaving” America stated. As if she should have already known.

When they got there America opened the door. Inside was a small room with a twin-sized bed. D.C. rarely got to sleep on beds and when she did they were in a very bad state.

D.C. silently admired her room. She touched the bed and it felt so soft. Her lips quivered.

America was closing the door when D.C. suddenly spoke up.

“ Are you going to see King Russia?” She asked curiously. D.C. saw that America physically stiffened at the mention of Russia.

“ no, not really,” He says slowly. As America walks down the halls he sees outside Germany admiring the red roses in the Palace garden. He stops for a second to look at her. But he eventually continued his walk down the hallway.

Germany stood there in the Garden looking at the roses, more specifically the one she just picked out. In her free time she would often go to the palace garden.

I guess it just reminds me of the good times

She heard someone approaching from the right and she turned her head. It was a young woman her age with a big grin on her face. The young woman bowed her head

“ your highness” she greeted.

“ Guten Tag Polen”. Poland raised her head and walked over looking at the flower Germany had in her hands.

“ Wow, that’s a pretty rose.”

“ Yes”

Poland continued to stare at Germany with a big smile, and Germany turned away. She couldn’t help but feel heat rising to her cheeks.

“ Do you like it Poland?”

“Huh? You mean the roses? Yeah” Poland said.

“ I need to go back to work,” Germany said, trying to get away from Poland. Whenever she was near Poland she just feels weird. She can’t stand it.

“ oh okay” Poland says, a little depressed.

Poland looks back at the roses and walks away.

“ there's this new criminal group around the country that’s killing people and burning down towns” China says

“ they’re new?” Ukraine asks, looking a bit confused.

“ Well not really,” China says. “ they were a thing even during the war, but it was only recently when thing were getting worse”

“ How come they weren’t eradicated before?” Kazakhstan asks.

“ i don’t really know, we’ve killed a lot of them but not the leader” taiwan adds “ he always gets away”

“ Do we know anything about them?” Ukraine asks.

“ no, nothing at all.” China states, shaking his head. “ but they’re kinda careless, they leave all sorts of clues behind”

“ Despite that we’ve never managed to catch them,” Taiwan said, rubbing his head. “ they were gone for some time, but as soon as the war ended they started doing shit again”

“ I'll discuss this with Russia when he comes back” Ukraine said.

“ You two are dismissed,” she said, waving her hand.

“ Do you think this can be bad?” Kazakhstan asks

“ No, not really, we just need to find this leader of theirs” Ukraine replied, smirking.

EXTRA:

“Um…… what should we do?” asked one maid.

“ clean it, I guess” Answered the other.

“ but the room’s a mess and there are holes all over the walls” The first one retorts, looking around the room.

“ Should we ask America what happened?”

“ N-No, don’t do that, i’m pretty sure he’s angry right now….” the first one says. The fear in her eyes was present.

“ you're right”. Both Maids shiver in fear. They both nod at each other in approval. One left to get help to seal up the holes in the walls. While the other stays

“ let’s get cleaning” the Second maid says quietly to herself.

This is gonna take forever.

Chapter Text

When Poland woke up she opened her door and she looked down at the floor. She saw one freshly picked rose sitting on the ground. She picked it up with her hands examining the beautiful specimen. Poland looked around the hallway but found no one there.

It’s so beautiful.

Poland continued to pack her luggage but every once in a while her eyes would wander to the lone flower.

“ America I haven't seen you in a while” Russia comments. America had known Russia for a while and he noticed the subtle nervousness that laced Russia's voice.

“ Yeah, I've been busy with D.C.” America said. The room became silent again.

“ Just forget what I did yesterday,” Russia said. America clenched his fists.

“ it’s fine” America replied

It’s better if he isn’t too close to me

“ How's that little girl- I mean D.C.” Russia said changing the subject.

“ She’s fine,” America responded.

“Hmm” Russia replied, knowing that America didn’t really want to talk anymore.

“ Speaking of her, here she is,” Russia says.

D.C. bows to Russia and looks up to America. “ we goin’?”

“ Yes, soon,” America said, looking down at D.C.

“ I'm guessing you don’t know how to ride a horse,” America paused to think. “ Well i guess that’s no problem, i’ll just have you ride with me”

They walked to the stable where Poland was already, she was talking to Germany. When she saw America approach she greeted.

“ Good morning America,” she said, waving. America nodded in response. “ Who's that?” She said, bending her knees to get to eye level with D.C.

“ My name is District of Columbia” She said flatly.

“ Do you have a last name?”

“ Washington”

“my name’s Poland Warsaw” Poland said introducing herself.

“ We should get going,” Russia said from the gates of the stable. Poland bowed and nodded. She hopped on a horse and went outside of the stable.

America helped D.C. on a horse, she was a little small to get on one herself.

“ Why am I sitting in the front?” D.C. asks.

“ You're small enough where you don’t obstruct my view, and I don't want you falling off” America said monotone. “ let’s go”

Most of the ride was boring for D.C, America didn’t really make that much conversation. They had to stay at an inn for a night. Then the next day they continued their journey back home.

We should be back home soon, in about 4 hours.-

“ wanna try to control the horse” America suggested.

“ huh, what?” D.C. said before she actually registered what he said. “ oh yeah”

America handed her the reins. “ be careful don’t jerk the reins to hard, just hold onto it and just tug at the reins”

D.C. Gripped the reins hard making sure she does lose them.

“ You can go faster if you want,” America said after a while. D.C. nodded, she sped up. When she was speeding up the horse was going a little too fast for her liking and she tried to jerk the horse back; it didn’t really do anything and she was freaking out.

“ America-” she yelled, turning her head back.

“ it’s alright,” America said, taking hold of the reins “ it’s fine it's just your first time no need to get all worked up”. He said it like a father talking to his child just learning a new trick.

He kept teaching her how to properly control the horse the rest of the way. The times passed by fast. D.C. smiled to herself.

Maybe this isn’t too bad

Russia looked from afar, America really never treats anyone like he does with D.C. she must have really impressed him. Russia chuckles to himself.

When they arrived at the city gates they were greeted with a massive crowd of citizens waiting for their arrival. They all cheered for the arrival of their king. Russia waved his hand in all directions, there was still an unreadable expression on his face.

There were a lot of curious glances at D.C., no one had ever seen her before and she was sitting on the same horse as the crimson river. Everyone was wondering the same thing.

WHO IS SHE?!
When they finally got back to the palace they hopped off their horses.

“ America you can go and find a place available for D.C. to stay in” Russia said. America bowed and headed with D.C. through the halls. America made it to his room and called out for a maid.

“ take her to the nearest empty room, the King's orders”. The young maid bowed and gestured for D.C. to follow her. The maid stopped in front of a door not too far from America and opened it for her.

“ Welcome to the Russian Empire Miss Washington” the young maid said, smiling.

D.C. smiled back awkwardly, she still wasn’t used to maids and servants being friendly. She shut the door and laid on her new bed. It was very soft and comfortable.

“Sir, your tea” Richmond said, handing America his drink.

“ I'll have it later, put it down on the table for now” America responded , uninterested.

Richmond laid it down on a small table near where America was working. “ i do need you to do something for me”

Richmond raised his head. “ Yes sir?”

“ i need someone to tailor a outfit for Miss Washington, one like mine, for training and regular use” America explains

“ Yes sir” Richmond says and bows and leaves the room.

America still thinks to himself. “ Washington, D.C. what an interesting name, i wonder where it comes from” he says thinking of his own name. He smiles to himself

It can’t be a coincidence

Richmond went to D.C.’s room and knocked. He saw a little girl open the door no older than 10. She was wearing a nice dress and looked like she just woke up from a nap

I thought she was older

“ I'm here to bring you to the tailor,” he states.

“ the tailor?” She asks confused

“ to make your uniform” I explained. “ follow me”

When I get there America is already over there looking at D.C.

“ Miss Washington” the tailor greets. He starts taking the measures.

“ make it like mine” America orders. The tailor nods and examines America’s uniform for a minute. He then gets to work. D.C. was standing there awkwardly.

“ You can leave now if you want” America stated.

“ okay” D.C. said in a quiet voice. D.C. waited in her room, After 5 hours the uniform was already done and was handed to her by a maid. She eventually figured out how to put on the uniform after like 30 minutes.

It was indeed a lot like America’s uniform, But had no medals and no gold, just silver to replace it. D.C. smiled to herself

This is much better than a dress, i can move around

She stepped outside her room and started heading over to America’s room. Before she got there she spotted someone about to knock on America’s door. It was someone she hadn’t seen before. He was mostly red with a white stripe going down his face in the middle, the white part also had what looked like a leaf.

He knocks and notices D.C. there. “ who are-” he was interrupted by the door opening.

“ Canada” he looks down towards D.C. and looks back up to Canada’s confused face “ This is someone i thought had good potential so i took them in”

Canada made an “ah” noise. “ What are you here for?” America asks.

“ it’s very rude not to stop by and welcome you back” Canada responds. America huffs.

“ fair enough” America waves his hand, “ you are free to go”

Canada bows and walks away. Leaving just D.C. and America. America eyed the uniform, he nodded afterwards in approval. “ It fits you well” he says.

“ Tomorrow is your first day of training, it’s going to be hard and strenuous. Very much like my own” America pauses. “ are you sure you want to train with me”

“ of course” D.C. says “ it’s not like i have much to lose anyways” she says in a soft voice.

“ Good,” he says in a cold tone, crossing his hands behind his back.

And just like he said, my training started tomorrow morning at 6:00 am. He says I will be waking up earlier further into my training.

“ Today you’ll just be swinging a sword,” he says and tosses me a wooden sword. “ i had it specially made so it weights just like an actual sword”

I turn the sword in my hand, it feels heavier than I thought. “ For now swing in up and down 1000 times, then diagonally another 1000 times; 1000 thousand for left to right and another 1000 for right to left on the diagonal.”

My jaw almost dropped. I thought it was gonna be hard but this is just excessive.

D.C. sighs. She raises the sword and swings it down.

“1”

She does the same thing again

“2”

“3”

“4”

“5”

She had just finished her first 1000 and she still had 2000 to go, but she felt like her arms were going to fall off.

“ don’t give up now” America said. “ you already finished 1000, what 1000 more?”

While that didn’t really help D.C. at all she still continued her training. By the end she couldn’t even hold her wooden sword up, actually she couldn’t even hold her arms up for one second.

“ You can take a break,” America says.

The next day the same thing happened. Same with the next. A week after 1 started doing attacks on dummies. I did that all day for 3 days then America said this.

“ Drop the sword, the sword is one of your tools, but your best tool is your hands” America raises his hand. “ try to hit me”

D.C. runs at his throwing punches. America just dodges. She tries a round kick, America catches it. Her eyes widened. She uses her other foot to jump off the ground to kick him with that foot.

He also catches that. She bends her knees and tries to punch him. He lets go and moves just out of reach.

She tries to run around him for a bit waiting to find an open spot to jump in. She finds none. She jumps in anyways and tries to sweep his leg; he jumps over it. She jumps up and tries to kick his stomach.

He moves back just enough. “ good”

D.C. started to get frustrated and started unleashing more attacks at once, wasting her energy. She finally collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. She was kneeling on the ground on all fours taking in big breaths, before she could get up again.

Her eyes widened. A hand was on her head, petting her. It was just like what her mother did when she did something to help her or get food. But it wasn’t her mother, it was America.

He patted her head and removed his hand. “ get up you’re trying again”

Canada and Ukraine were watching from afar. “ He seems to be harder on that kid than the both of us” Canada stated.

“ our training seems like nothing compared to what she is doing” Ukraine adds
“ Well I mean we're just sparring with him occasionally, lately we haven’t even spared him just with each other” Canada said.

“ Well it seems like he’s trying to kill her” Belarus adds “ that is way too harsh on a young developing body, and he’s just getting started” She says putting her hands on her hips.

“ I've seen her after practice, she can barely move” she says huffing.

Canada stares at America just watching their little sparring game.

Was his training just like this, or worse?

Chapter Text

“ there’s a criminal group, they’ve existed for sometime but-” China starts before he’s interrupted by Taiwan

“ Recently it has been worse, burning people’s homes and robbing their belongings,” Taiwan adds. China coughs, elbowing his brother.

“ We've tried to take them down but their leader keeps on getting away” china grits his teeth.

“ We need to take care of this soon” Russia states while sipping tea. “ we’ll send some people out there”

“ who?” China asks.

“ Ukraine and Canada,” Russia says. “ they need to use their training some day. And if you don’t mind one of you can go”

Both Taiwan and China stare at each other. They nod as if they were communicating telepathically. China steps out and bows.

“ i’ll accompany them sir”

“Good”

Both china and Taiwan leave the room. Russia turns to America; who had been standing right next to Russia. “ if anything happens they’ll send a pigeon, if they do-” Russia leans in, his face turning serious “ go in immediately”

America can feel Russia breathing against his neck.

I need to go

Russia sees America’s figure disappear. He sighs, closing his eyes.

Canada was sparring D.C. She was way tougher than she looked. Maybe it was because she was sparring with America that it seemed like she was bad. Canada has to go all out with her.

She is ruthless and persistent.

They were fighting with wooden swords. She had managed to hit him in the stomach and he had hit her in her arm and leg. While the wooden sword wouldn’t slice you, it would still bruise.

America wasn’t making them spar, D.C. asked Canada herself. They were doing it behind his back.

As long as he didn’t notice it would be fine

Their wooden swords clashed and banged against each other, they were both having fun.

“ What are you doing” America demanded

The smile on both their faces dropped.

America looked at D.C. “ didn’t i tell you to warm up, doing your push ups, sit ups and leg lifts?”

D.C. looked down. “ i already finished them”

America raised his eyebrow “ you did? Already?”

“Yes sir, I saw her; you can ask Belarus if you want more evidence” Canada said.

“ Canada, you and Ukraine have an assignment, go to her and tell her then return to the King” America said.

“ Yes sir” Canada says. He drops his sword and runs off. He looks back to D.C., she still had her head down.

I hope she doesn’t get in trouble

America returns his gaze to D.C. He raises his hand. D.C.’s eyes widen. She closes them. She feels a soft hand on her shoulder.

America leans down to her level. “ you did good, even if it was behind my back” He pauses. “ Canada isn’t weak for a soldier and you made him go his hardest to keep up”

Although D.C. couldn’t see America’s face she could sense that he was smiling. He squeezes her shoulder.

“ Show me some of those moves you did back there” he says picking up the sword Canada dropped.

“ gladly” she says before lunging.

They spared all afternoon and the day after that. He worked her hard. She constantly got hit by the wooden sword. It hurt and it bruised but she always got up.

“ get up, in battle there is no time to stay on the ground” America says

I know, I know, but it hurts!

D.C. grits her teeth and stands up. “ That last attack was weak, do that uppercut swing 1000 now.” He says.

“ i’ve seen that that specific attack costs you trouble”

“ yes sir” she says. Her whole body is hurting.

“1”

“2”

“998” she takes a break, breathing hard. Her arms are trembling.

“ 999”.

“ you’re almost done” America says “ just one more”

“1000”

D.C. drops the wooden sword on the ground. America walks over and grabs the sword. He holds in front of D.C.,

He wants us to spar

D.C. sluggishly grabs the sword. America starts swinging at her. She can barely dodge or block.

“ don’t let your tiredness get to you,” America says. D.C. could barely hear him through her hard breathing.

He keeps swinging. She’s getting slower. America swings again this time he hits her on the arm.

She grabs her arm in pain and kneels, breathing hard. She collapses on the ground. America looks at her and quickly picks her up. Carrying her to her room.

“Mom,” a little girl asks. “ Why is my name so weird?”

Her mom smiles. “ It's not weird, who told you that?”.

“ the kids around here” the little girl responds, she was very small and skinny

I’m sorry for that. I wish we could get some more food.

“ your name has it’s story” her mother says

“ What is it?”

“I named you after someone”

“ who? I don’t recognize their name?”

“ People don’t remember his last name much” Her mother explains.

“ he’s a hero to me; he saved your father when he was in the army.”

“ Huh really? who?”

I was from the German Empire, but I lived near the border. After my husband died I had to move to the Russian empire, my daughter was born here in the Russian empire.

“ he is also my hope for an end to this war”

“ I don't want you to have to fight a war you didn’t even start,” Her mother looks down at her “ D.C.”

D.C. opens her eyes. She sees a figure sitting next to her.

Mother?

The figure extends their hand. D.C. grabs it and places it on her head. Just like her mother used to do. The hand freezes but eventually knows to pet her. She smiles.

“ Mother?” she says in a raspy voice.

She hears the person talking to her in a quiet voice. “ go back to sleep, you’re too tired”

She listens and closes her eyes.

D.C. jolts “ MOTHER” she yells. She looks around the room. No one is there. She swore her mother was here. She felt her.

The door opens and America walks in. “ what happened?”

“ nothing,” D.C. replies. “ i-i just had a dream”

“ Get up, let's get back to training, '' America said. “ you’ve had quite a lot of sleep”

“ How much?” D.C. asks

“ it morning now” America states

“Oh” D.C. says, following America out the door. D.C. looks out the window

It feels weird to live in a castle. I guess i’ll never quite get used to it.

“ I'll be busy right now. '' America said, '' practice on the dummies for now” He said, waving his hand and throwing D.C. a wooden sword. she caught it with her hand.

America walks out of the room turning right heading to the room Russia is in. he walks into the throne room and sees Russia. Russia is holding his head up by his hand. His long eyelashes creating a shadowing on his face. When he hears someone coming in his eyes open. His face lifts up and he faces America.

America bows. “ Russia”.

“ i called you here to tell you that Canada and Ukraine have already headed out” Russia said.

“ Those criminals sure are careless” Russia states. His eyes narrow.

Seems suspicious

“ Canada and Ukraine are capable,” America says, looking up.

Russia sighs. “ Ukraine is still my little sister, I have to worry about her,” Russia says. He stands up and starts walking towards America.

“America-” he starts, he stops for a second thinking of what he was going to say, “ let’s spar. It’s been so long since we fought each other” Russia says, reaching his hand out to touch America’s face.

Russia feels America’s cold hard mask. He tilts the mask up, he could only see America’s mouth. Russia leans in.

“ what do you think” Russia asks

“ It would be my pleasure, Russia,” America responds. Russia continues to rub his face.

His face is so soft and delicate

America’s hand reaches up and touches Russia’s. “ Russia,” America says. His voice hardened.

Russia leans in closer. It was so tempting.

All these years, I've waited, and you’ve never been so close.

Russia was about to pull back when he felt America moving. He leans in and his mask falls off his face. America grabs Russia's wrists and moves in for a kiss.

Russia’s eyes widen a fraction before returning to their regular state. Russia deepens the kiss. America's hands push Russia away.

“ i’m sorry” He says facing away. The American flag was mostly red but the white spots looked redder than usual. America starts shaking his head.

Russia gets angrier. His hand reach out for the sides of America’s head, keeping him from shaking his head. “ don’t be, its my fault” Russia says. America’s blue and green eyes stare at him. “ i overstepped”

Russia drops his hands to his sides. America picks his mask up. Looking at it. He stares intently at the smile on the mask.

That won’t happen.

America thinks. An angry expression flashes in his expression, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Russia. America puts on his mask, and it seems like nothing happened a few seconds ago.

“ I have to check up on D.C.” he says quickly and leaves.

He sees D.C. decimating the dummy. “ good job”

She stares at him “ did something happen”

America quickly turns his head towards her.

How did-

“ I could somewhat tell in your voice” D.C. adds shrugging and going back to hitting the dummies.

“ Stop,” America ordered. “ fight me” He says, raising a wooden sword. D.C. smiles.

“Yes sir”

Chapter Text

She lunges at him. Swinging her sword. He deflects it. She quickly swung it back again. She jumps to the side feigning the previous attack. She tries to jab him.

He steps to the side to avoid it. He swings his sword down on her arm. D.C.’s eyes widen

She quickly blocks the attack and backs away.

That was a strong attack

She looks down at her arm

He could have broken it if i didn’t deflect it

She controls her breathing. And steadies herself. She runs to America swinging her sword. He keeps blocking them. One after the other. America tries to swing at her stomach. D.C. blocks it. Then as if he had another arm. She sees another strike.

She quickly blocks it. Then another one, then another on. He keeps on going.

I can’t find an opening

Sweat drips down D.C.’s forehead. She was getting tired

“ Focus,” America said coldly. “ if i touch you, you would be dead in battle”

Right

She blocks a few before she can finally jump away. America jumps at her and she starts deflecting all the attacks she can. But they just kept coming.

One even hit her on the side of the stomach and she finally got the chance to jump away. She touched the part where she had been hit.

Ouch, even though there just wooden sword i’m pretty sure he can snake me to death with that

D.C. thought to herself. She lunged at him and started just attacking, she tried to kick his legs but he just jumped. When that failed she used her other leg to kick higher up.

Good

America thought as he raised his own leg to block the kick. When D.C.’s leg hit America’s, she felt a sharp pain go up her whole leg. She yelped and jumped back. She grits her teeth

HITTING HIS LEG WAS LIKE KICKING METAL

Before she could fully process what happened America was already infront of her with his wooden sword raised. D.C. ducked in time and she tried to jab america’s stomach. He just stepped back out of reach before resuming his attacks.

He had backed her into a corner. He was not letting her go anywhere. D.C. looked all around her looking for a solution. Until she came up with something.

When she got the chance she started running backwards towards the wall and she ran up the wall and jumped off of it going over america. When she landed she ran and turned her body around to block an attack.

She had just managed to block an attack America sent towards her.

“ good job,” he said praising her, “ you used your environment well and knew exactly what i would do next”

They continued to fight throughout the day. Until it was just before sunset. “I’ll allow you this break,” America said.

D.C. followed America to her room, she entered and America asked. “ I need to write a letter, can I use your desk?”

D.C. nodded and sat in a seat nearby. When he started writing D.C. was curious and went over to peek at what he was doing.

America noticed and studied her expression. In her expression it didn’t seem like she was actually reading the text just like she was just looking at it.

She looked away and asked looking at the window for a second before returning her gaze “ what are you writing about?”

America’s hand halted. He turned his head towards her

She can clearly see my paper

America then asked, “ are you illiterate?”.

D.C. stiffened. She just stared at the piece of paper he was writing, she gulped, before turning her head looking down.

“ yes, my mother didn’t teach me because she didn’t know either” D.C. was fidgeting with her hands as if she did something wrong.

America stared at her for a second before answering “ i’ll ask Russia if i can get you someone to tutor you”

D.C.’s eyes lit up. “ really?!”, she bows and says, “ thank you America”

Even though you couldn’t see his expression under his mask, there was a very small smile on his face.

Taiwan , Ukraine and Canada were walking side by side around an abandoned house in one small village. The residents nearby had been saying that there had been sketchy people going to a from that house.

Earlier they had found evidence that the criminal organization had been going in this direction and perhaps had built a temporary HQ.

They were currently stalking the house. Waiting to see if anyone would come out. After waiting there for about 7 hours, they found that there were only 10 people in that abandoned house.

Ukraine and Canada were skilled enough to actually be skilled enough to engage an offensive attack on their base. While Taiwan was mostly the plan maker. He had hired some local men to help with the attack.

Taiwan was planning to do it early in the morning.

Just before the sun rose. Canada, Ukraine and 5 other men walked towards the abandoned house. They all had their swords in hand ready for an attack at any second.

They completely surround the base. Ukraine and Canada are at the front door looking at it. They both look at each other and nod.

Ukraine kicks down the door and runs inside along with Canada and 3 other men.

They first find 4 men with the sword already drawn. The enemy rushed at them, but they seemed very callow in their swordsmanship. Ukraine and Canada were able to defeat them without much help.

“Remember to leave 1 or 2 alive for interrogation” Ukraine reminds them. Ukraine heads up to the second floor. She encounters 2 other people. They charge at her from two sides of the hallway. She deflects both attacks and swings at one of them. While she was swinging the other took the opportunity to swing again. She quickly blocked that attack.

She managed to counter and cut the others arm. She noticed the man was more sluggish so she focused on the one that was not injured.

Blow after many attempts she manages to cut his arm and his torso. Making him bleed intensely. The other guy at a last attempt to kill her tries to run at her with all his speed while the other guy is still attacking her.

She quickly pivoted and jabbed him straight in the heart killing him. She quickly turned back around and sliced the second person’s neck.

Blood splattered all over the walls and on her clothes. Ukraine whipped his sword with her sleeve and kept walking. She checked every room but still found nothing.

Meanwhile down stairs Canada had already killed 3 people. He noticed there were definitely more than what they anticipated.

Canada was checking a room when behind the door he saw something move.

A sword!

He quickly blocked. There was someone waiting behind the door to ambush the person who walked through the door.

Canada exchanged a few blows with the other person before cutting and knocking out the other person for interrogation.

Canada walked out of the room and went to the living room and tied up the man. He saw some of the men taiwan required and asked them.

“ have we checked everywhere?”

The man nodded. As soon as he asked, Ukraine came down.

“ There's nothing on the top floor” Ukraine looked the the unconscious man. “ Are we going to interrogate him when he wakes up?”

“ Yeah, why else would we keep him tied up?” Canada asked, confused.

After 10 minutes the guy opened his eyes. He seemed dazed and his eye unfocused. Then after 5 more minutes he seemed lucid and understood the gravity of his situation.

He sat on the chair glancing at everyone in the room, especially Canada and Ukraine.

The air around Ukraine had become thicker. You could tell the atmosphere around her changed to a dangerous one.

“ What does you little gang want?,” Ukraine asked in a demanding voice. Getting closer to the man.

He spits on her face. Ukraine’s face scrunches up and she wipes it away. She looked way angrier.

“ the fuck would i tell you?” The man said.

“ because I would think people value their lives,” She said, pulling out a knife.

The man eyes the knife carefully. Deciding whether he should obey or just get his throat slit.

“ you want to know the reason why?” The man asks. Ukraine’s face showed satisfaction and she answered

“ yes”. The atmosphere didn’t change around her at all, if not it was worse.

“ We want to attract the attention of the crimson River” He pauses and looked around the room “ to my people he is a monster, sick and cruel. He should deserve to die”

He’s from the German empire? They’re trying to get America to come after them?

“ With the leader's skills we will surely win!” He says yelling and laughing at the same time. “ he’s definitely gonna get his revenge, so you might not want to stay too close to America” he says as a warning.

Ukraine looked at him with an indifferent expression.

No wonder every time we try to kill all of them they just keep on popping up. There are a ton of people who hate America, it’s almost endless.

“We’ll bring him back to the Russian Empire to serve in jail” Ukraine said. Canada and Ukraine walk out of the building.

Taiwan sees them and heads over. “ Did everything go as planned?”

“ Yeah, pretty much,” Canada replied.

“ Did you learn anything?” Taiwan asked in a serious voice.

“ The prisoner we had was from the German empire, he seemed to really hate America and his whole plan was to get America on this mission” Ukraine said.

“ We didn’t find their leader though.” Canada added. “ But he said their leader will be coming after America”

“ It's fine, there’s nothing that can hurt America,” Taiwan said. It really was true. America had countless duels, Japan, North Korea, and some from the German Empire. Russia had never actually spared him seriously, just as a warm up.

“ There is really nothing to worry about,” Taiwan adds.

The only thing is if we don’t capture this person now, they’ll keep on burning villages.

Taiwan thought. “ Who's going to bring the prisoner back?” Canada asked

“ I've already got that covered, some of the men that helped us are” Taiwan said looking around.

“ We should look around the house for some clues,” Ukraine says. Taiwan and Canada nod and head inside.

Chapter Text

D.C. fidgeted with her fingers. America had recently hired a Tutor to teach her calligraphy and language. It was only until now that she finally got her first lesson. She herself felt very embarrassed to admit that she didn’t know how to write or read, it just felt like she was weak or dumb.

D.C. lifts her head at the sound of the door opening. A man in his late 30s walks in, he has short hair with a light blue flag on his face. In the middle of his face was a circle.

D.C. stands up and bows. The tutor narrows his eyes and crosses his arms.

“ Good morning, Miss Washington,” the tutor says. “ i’ll be teaching you how to read and write properly”

“Yes sir” D.C. responds

“ You may call me Boston,” He says, walking closer. D.C. returns to her seat and sit down.

Boston picks up a piece of paper and puts it in front of her.

“ How much were you taught?” he asks.

“ the alphabet and their sounds; also a couple of words” D.C. says. Boston huffs

So I'm going to teach you from the beginning.

Boston sighs to himself.

“Write down the alphabet,” Boston commanded. D.C. was hesitant but eventually started writing. As soon as she finished the first few letters, Boston's face had drastically changed.

Too ugly!

“ Miss Washington, finish your alphabet and I'll teach you how to write neatly” He says, criticizing her. D.C. felt a wave of embarrassment but she ignored it and continued writing.

Boston pulls up a chair so he can sit right next to her. “Look, this is how you do it” he says bluntly, pulling out a piece of paper to write down the letters.

All the letters looked beautiful just like America’s. It was so neat, pretty, and controlled compared to hers. She just watched in amazement as he wrote down the alphabet. As soon as she realized she was showing her awe of his writing she scolded her expression.

As he was writing he didn’t even pay attention to D.C., but when he finished he turned his attention to her.

“ Copy this down,” he said pointing to the piece of paper “ Exactly” he demanded in a low voice.

As soon as D.C. was finished with her first word she was smacked hard in the back of her head.

“Wrong,” Boston said, leaning down and grabbing D.C.’s hand.

“ You're grabbing the brush wrong, it goes all over the place,” Bostons said, guiding her hand through the movements. “ like this”

She tried again, but as soon as she finished the alphabet her hand was smacked.

Ow

She thought. “ better” Boston said, “ but still very ugly”

D.C. looked back at her paper and sighed.

China bowed as he handed the letter to Russia. Russia grabbed it from his hand. He opened it and looked over it.

After a minute he looked back at China. “ So does this mean they will head back to the capital?”

“ I believe so, sir,” China said.

Russia looked out the window. “ I'll inform America about this, you are dismissed”. China bows and leaves.

Russia walks down the hallway towards America’s room. He hears people talking. Russia puts his ear close to the door trying to listen in on the conversation. One of the voices was indeed America but the other was D.C. It seemed like D.C. was trying to read something because she kept on reciting words and America was constantly correcting her on her reading. She had been getting tutored for a few weeks now.

“How do you say that?” D.C. asks

“ find out for yourself” America replies “ what do these letters sound like together?”

“ I don't remember,” D.C. said.

America sighs and proceeds to tell her how it sounded. Russia couldn’t help but feel happy, after all America only was close to Russia and never lets anyone near him. It was nice for him to finally have someone else he trusts.

Russia knocked on the door and waited for someone to open it. D.C. was the one who came. Her eyes widened as soon as she recognized the person in front of her; she bows and greets Russia.

America turns around and greets Russia by bowing.

“ I came here to inform you that Canada, Ukraine and Taiwan will be heading back to the capital soon” Russia said.

“ have they eradicated all of those criminals?” America asks

“ not yet, but they’ll probably be lying low after killing off so many of their members” Russia explained. “ because they’re in a town that is nearby the capital they should rest here”

America nodded in approval. “ have they fought the leader?”

“ no signs of him yet” Russia sighed. “ we don’t even know his power level to properly get rid of him”

“ You know if anything you can always send me,” America reminds him.

“ I know” Russia says

D.C. was listening from the side. Being ignored she was kinda just standing there looking between Russia and America.

When they finish talking America looks back to D.C.

“ where were we?” America asks. “Oh right back to page 11” He says flipping through the book they were reading.

Russia watched for a bit before exiting the room.

Canada and Ukraine were sitting next to each other on the carriage. Taiwan was driving it. They were going to get to the capital in about a few hours, they had been traveling for a few days.

I’ll probably return home before anything else

Canada thought. He looked at Ukraine, she seemed tired. She leaned her head against his shoulder. Canada stiffened.

For some reason he felt nervous, but he didn’t push her off because he felt sorry for her. After all, she just wanted to sleep. Canada just gulped and stared at her face. Her blue hair glowing in the afternoon sun.

At some point Canada had fallen asleep too because when he woke up Ukraine was shaking him that they were at the city gates.

“ we’re here Canada,” Ukraine said in a quiet voice.

They soon passed through the security of the walls. When they did they traveled more and more inward to the center.

“ i’ll be heading to my house” Canada says

“ really?” Ukraine asked disappointed

“ Yeah, I haven't seen my family in a while. I have to check in once in a while” Canada says scratching the back of his head. Ukraine frowns but says nothing more on the subject.

When they are near enough to Canada’s home he hops off and goes home. Ukraine watches him leave.

“ I'll take you to the palace,” Taiwan said. Ukraine nods.

When she gets there she was greeted by Kazakhstan and Belarus.

“ How was your mission?” Kazakhstan asks.

“ Were you injured?” Belarus inquires.

Ukraine waves her hands in front of her. “ no, no, I did not get hurt. I didn’t break anything”

She could tell Belarus was a bit relieved after hearing that.

“ Did you get to fight their leader?” Kazakhstan asked

“ no” Ukraine says, pausing for a second. “ He's pretty good at hiding and running”. Kazakhstan nods in understanding.

After looking around for a second she asks. “ where is Russia”

“ He's busy at the moment” Belarus responds.

Canada reaches the gates to his house. It was huge, Britain and France were one of the most wealthy people in the Russian empire.

Canada walked in and was greeted by the maids and butlers. They all greeted him and told him how they all missed him.

He headed to the living room where his family eventually appeared.

“ Son,” Britain said, smiling at Canada. “ How was your mission?”

“ Good, most of the people I had to fight were really inexperienced,” Canada said. “ Plus, we still haven’t found their leader. I’m taking a break for a bit because they are going to lay low after we killed so many of them”

“ Well that's good, Canada,” France said. “ You know we're going to host a party in a month, celebrating the end of the war”.

It’s crazy to think it’s been a year since it ended

Canada thought. “ Who's coming?”

“ Everyone we know and more. we were wondering if you could invite the Crimson River and Ukraine to the party it would be a plus if Russia joined us too” France said excited.

“ I'll try mom,” said Canada hesitantly, scratching his cheek. He goes up to his room but before he gets there his siblings are in the hallway. New Zealand smiles and runs up to him. She traps him in a crushing hug. Meanwhile Australia walls over and joins in too.

“ Aussie, Kiwi,” Canada says with a smile on his face. “ It's so nice to see you guys again,” he says, hugging them.

“ How was your trip?” Aussie inquires.

“ It was interesting, we got to kill a lot of them but their leader still got away,” Canada said. “ we’re close though”

Kiwi smiles “ tell us more!”

Chapter Text

Canada sat down with his family to eat dinner. It had been months since he sat with them to eat.

Canada sighed as he looked around the room. He stared at the empty seat; it had been empty for years. His brother used to sit there.

Canada didn’t know why they didn’t just get rid of it or let someone else sit there. Maybe Britain and France still don’t want to forget him.

Soon New Zealand and Australia joined Canada and his parents. They all sat at a large table. There were lots of delicious foods on the table waiting to be eaten. All made by the chefs in his house. Servants were standing next to the doors.

They all started eating. Australia was stuffing food into his mouth until New Zealand elbowed him. He scratched his head and corrected himself. Canada laughed.

“ how have you both been?” Canada asked.

“ good” Australia said with a full mouth. Britain looked at him weirdly. France snickered. New zealand elbowed him again.

“Ow” Australia said, rubbing his rib cage. New Zealand rolled her eyes.

“ It’s been forever since we all ate together,” France sighed. Britain grabbed her hand.

“ yeah” Canada says.

He smiles to himself and continues eating while looking and aussie and kiwi fool around.

After they all ate they all retreated to their rooms. Not before Canada was hugged by his mother who was speaking french

“mon fils oh mon fils. comment tu m'as manqué” (my son oh my son. how i've missed you).

Canada smiled and said “Tu m'as tous manqué aussi” (i've missed you all too)

Britain patted his back and smiled. “ you know your mother’s just very worried”

“ i know” Canada responds “ after how can she really get over the fear of losing a child”

Britain nodded and followed Canada to his room. “ hasn’t been touched at all”

“ thanks” Canada said.

Canada walked into his room and laid down exhausted.

The next day Canada got out of his bed. Getting ready and walking outside. He walked past the garden and looked at the gardener his parents had hired, Scotland.

“ Hey kid,” Scotland said, waving. Canada waved back.

“ Haven’t seen you in a while,” he said raising one eyebrow.

“ Yeah,” Canada said.

Scotland walks up to him and pats his head. He laughs and continues doing his job.

Canada walks out of his parents house and walks towards their carriage. He goes to the palace and is greeted by some of his guard friends.

“ Welcome back” Norway says, with a smile on his face.

“ good seeing you back. It’s been really boring without you," Denmark says, laughing.

Sweden just smiled lightly at Canada and Finland was nowhere to be seen. Canada had also heard that Iceland was working elsewhere in the palace.

“ Do you know where?” Canada asks.

“I don’t exactly know but i think it’s near the east side” Denmark states.

“Mn” Canada says.

“ Well see you guys later” he says waving.

Canada pulls out invitations he had been keeping in a bag he had on him. He went to the nearest servant and ordered them to give it to the person the card was addressed to.

Of course these invitations were to the party his parents are hosting. The servant bows and walks away.

Canada also walks to Ukraine room and knocks. She hurriedly opens the door and smiles.

“ Canada you’re back!” she proclaims excitedly.

“I was only gone for like a day” Canada says, rubbing the back of his head.

Ukraine’s face turns all red. “ r-right, yeah”

Canada thinks nothing of Ukraine’s weird behavior and just starts conversing with her.

Boston was sitting near D.C. as he scolded her over and over again. While he found D.C. quite annoying he was impressed at her perseverance. Being yelled at at every mistake you made and not being angry is quite a feat.

Even though she makes mistakes all the time she still is making a lot of progress

Boston thinks

More than I thought she would

Boston looks at the paragraph she wrote. While the writing wasn’t atrocious it wasn’t pretty. Boston rubbed his eyes.

Oh god

Her reading had improved a lot but her writing had not. It looked almost the same as it did when they started.

He grabbed the feather quill pen and started writing.

“Like this”

D.C. tried and it looked a little better. Boston nodded and told her to do it again.

After the lesson America called her into his room. He was opening a letter.

He turned to her and waved for her to come. D.C. scanned the paper and could get the gist of what it said.

It was an invitation to a party.

“ It was from the London family,” he says waving the paper in the air. “In the letter it was stated i could bring an extra person of my choosing”

America turned to her “ you’re coming with me” he said in a monotone

D.C. was shocked and just stared at him for a second; processing the information.

“Huh?”

Chapter Text

“Huh?”

“ You haven’t left the palace since you got here. It will be good for you to learn how to behave and act in these situations” America replied.

“ b-but isn’t it kinda…” D.C. rubs her arm. America turns to her and makes a sound of confusion.

“ well i’ve never been to those fancy parties” D.C. said

They probably don’t want someone like me either

“ That's no problem,” America states. “ i’ll have someone teach you manners”

D.C. said nothing more and just bowed.

D.C. walked around the castle looking for the guard’s dining hall. She was looking for Canada who has been sparring with her and giving her tips whenever

She had never been to the dining hall. Besides Canada, she didn’t know any other guard.

When she entered the room the people near her turned to face her. D.C. felt heat rise to her face.

More and more people turn to face. Some faces showed curiosity and even some with contempt. She started to walk faster. She soon saw Canada and walked up to him. He was surrounded by people who seemed to be his friends.

All of them had very similar flags the only difference being the colors are switched up. She had seen some of them around the castle , but didn’t actually know who they are.

“ Hey D.C.” Canada said with a smile. He turned his body to face her properly.

“ Umm… I was wondering if you could spar with me later on today?” D.C. said quietly. “ Or maybe some other day I don’t know…” she said waving her hands around.

“ I’ll have to ask Ukraine, maybe if she accepts; she might want to spar you” Canada said.

“ Really?” D.C. said.

D.C. heard the voice of one of Canada’s friends. “ Is this D.C.?”

Canada nodded his head. He had never seen her before. He mostly guards the gates and D.C. has never really gone out of the castle.

D.C. went back to her training with America. She was sparing with him trying to hit him while he only dodged. Throughout most of the day she could even touch him. She knelt on the ground. Trying to catch her breath. She was breathing really hard, these few days he’s been pushing really hard. More than he ever had before.

“ Regulate your breathing D.C.” America said coldly.

I know, I know. But it’s hard

D.C. thought to herself. She nodded and tried. Her breathing did become more stable than before. She was able to stand up she picked up her sword.

“ Let’s go over that again” America said. “ make sure to breathe, it helps your stamina”

D.C. lunged at him and swung her wooden sword. America dodged easily.

D.C. was not allowed to use kicks or anything that wasn’t her sword.

She tried to jab him with the tip of the sword; when she was mere inches away from America, he suddenly moved away. Her sword hitting air.
She tried to flip her blade and strike him again but she missed entirely.

She jumped back breathing heavily already. She lunges and misses every single strike by quite a lot.

“ Don’t let the tiredness get the best of you” he reprimanded.

America casually flipped through the air, dodging all the attacks directed at him. His movements were smooth and beautiful. D.C. was always in awe whenever she sparred him. Even though it seemed like he wasn’t paying much attention and was just dodging; he was judging her technique, accuracy and strength.

When she was attacking he would often yell ‘To slow’ , ‘ needed more strength’ or ‘ focus on getting the technique right’

America looked at D.C. closely. She was getting better.

Her potential is incredible. While it isn’t as much as Russia it’s still quite good. Maybe even better than Japan.

America thought. As he dodged he looked up and saw a window. This specific window showed the throne room. From a certain angle from high above the ground you could see most of the throne room. When America jumped high into the air he saw everyone inside.

Poland and kneeling and reporting something to Russia who showed his usual expressionless face. China was in front of Poland, facing Poland. His hand was propping up his head. He seemed to be in deep thought.

When America fell back to the ground he redirected his focus to D.C.

After a few hours more he dismissed D.C.

D.C. bowed and ran away to her room. On her way she passed a young woman with wings. Her hair was short and she had a smile on her face. D.C. stared at her for a while before she noticed she was in the way of this woman. She moved out of the way.

The woman politely nodded her head and dashed away.

America walked to the throne room where Russia was talking to China in a hushed voice. Russia raised his hand and China stopped speaking. They both turn to face America.

“ Everything alright?” Russia asked America.

“ Everything’s fine” America looked at China for a second, his mask hiding his expression.“ Anything important? I saw Poland run out of here”
Russia seemed to have relaxed. “ Nothing new had happened, she was just reporting how Queen Germany has been holding up.” Russia said in a monotone.

America bowed and soon left.

China turned to Russia. “ Why didn’t you tell him?”

Russia stared at the door. “ I don’t want him to get involved, it’ll just be what they want”

“ He’ll get involved no matter what; it would be better if he did.” China stated.

“ This is still not a national threat, no need to involve more people.” Russia stated.

China sighed and said no more.

Chapter Text

Ukraine was passing the halls when she passed D.C. She just stared at D.C. for a while. She had never realized how young she was. She is only 11 or 12 and already this strong.

While Canada and her could both defeat D.C. alone it wouldn't be super easy.

Ukraine thinks back to her memories. They were not good, especially when her father was soviet.

Russia used to be the one he hated and beat up but after Russia returned after he ran away, Russia completely changed so Father turned his attention to me.

Ukraine sighed. D.C. bowed her head. She was headed to meet up with Canada who was in a different part of the castle doing something.

Russia was headed to see America when suddenly America appeared before him at the end of a hallway.

“ Russia, I was wondering if you could spar with me,” America asked. Russia raised his eyebrow.

“ Is this for D.C. to watch?” Russia asked. America nodded his head in agreement. Russia huffed and followed out to the courtyard. D.C. was already standing there. She seemed confused about what was going on.

“ D.C., watch this match carefully” America instructed. D.C.’s eyes lit up with excitement. This was a sparring match with one of the most powerful people in the world.

Who wouldn’t be?

A servant gave Russia his sword. It was originally his fathers but after his death it was given to him. Russia lunged at America with incredible speed. America kept blocking and throwing a few of his own attacks, all this happened in a matter of seconds.

Russia swung at his torso and America did a backflip and landed a few feet away. He kept doing that as Russia was persistent. America eventually jumped above Russia and swung at him. Russia blocked the attack.

Sparks flew in the air. Russia swung again and America dodged as he did so that America tried to jab him in vain.

America was getting cornered so he jumped on the roof, Russia followed. America kept flipping his beautiful form contrasting with Russia's crude form of fighting.

Russia swung at his feet. America jumped in his sword and attempted to swing it. Russia quickly lifted his sword and flung America away. America was flung into a wall. He gracefully jumped of the wall back at Russia

They are in the air for a few seconds before they hit the ground. D.C. could barely keep up. It was happening super fast.

America backed away suddenly and looked at his sword. It was a random one he had picked up, not very high in quality. It was full of scratches from their match. It looked like it could break.

America still continued fighting Russia anyways. It looked like they were taking turns trying to stab each other, from an outsider's perspective it looked like they were trying to kill each other, but it was quite the opposite; they were just playing with each other.

D.C. watched with amazement. It was like watching two people dance. Perfectly in sync.

The sound of metal hitting was loud and was heard from around the castle. Until there was this horrible sound of metal breaking.

America’s sword broke with just one match. The amount of power!

D.C. thought. America jumped away to safety. “ I should have known better,” He says disappointed.

“ Let’s fight with our fists,” Russia suggests. America looks back at him and throws his sword away.

“ Fine with me,” America responds. Russia hands his sword to a servant and they both get into their guard stance.

They both lunge at each other. Compared to their spar earlier with their swords they were much closer. This time they were actually getting hits in. America punched Russia in the stomach. Russia tried to punch him in the face only for America to dodge to the side.

America throws a roundhouse kick and Russia blocks. He retracts it and throws another on to the head, again Russia blocks.

They kept going back and forth blocking and attacking; occasionally hitting each other.

D.C. could barely keep up with their movements. D.C. could see that Russia relied more on his physical strength than America. America used his agility and speed to his advantage.

D.C. could barely stop the grin that was spreading throughout her face.

This fight is too amazing

She thought to herself.

It wasn’t until an hour later that they finally finished. While they were sweating and breathing harder than usual. They seemed like they could go all day long.

America walked up to D.C.

“That was amazing,” D.C. said. America huffed. D.C. felt like he was smiling under that mask.

As soon as she said that, a servant walked up and handed America a towel. America wiped off all the sweat.

Russia walked towards them and patted America on the shoulder. “ Been a while since i’ve sparred anyone” He said in a monotone.

“ It was my honor,” America replied. Russia seemed somewhat dissatisfied with that response and huffed. D.C. couldn’t say why.

Russia turned to D.C., although his expression was at all hostile. His neutral expression was very scary. D.C. felt shivers up her spine.

“You can retreat to your room” Russia says. D.C. bows and leaves, leaving Russia and America. Russia waves his hand and all the servants around them leave.

America watches the servants leave and turns his face towards Russia. Russia starts walking in a random direction and America follows.

It was close to sunset so the sky was beginning to darken. Russia leads America to his private quarters. America looks around quietly.

It was originally soviet’s before he died. Russia didn’t really change the room after his father died. He left everything the way it was before. Unlike what some people think he didn’t change the room because he missed his father. Russia never loved his father.

Russia had a huge window in one his room next to a little table just for two people. Russia sat down and so did America across from him. A servant served them tea and food. The servant quickly left after bowing to Russia and America.

The tips of Russia’s lips curved up. As if he was smiling. He picked up his tea and started to blow on it. “ How long had it been since we sat down to eat like this” Russia said.

“ Too long, “ said America looking away.

America started to remember their time in the military. America would be lying if he said that he and Russia got along in the beginning. They both hated each other. At least America hated Russia. But after years of life and death situations, America changed.

“ What a beautiful sun set,” America said. Russia made a sound of agreement. Russia had his head resting on his hand looking at America. he suddenly stood up and leaned in.

Russia untied the cloth keeping his mask on. America let his mask fall to the floor.

Russia was the only one he trusted. After all these years. But even then, Russia didn’t know everything.

America felt something soft press against his lips. Russia’s fingers gently caressed his jaw bone. Russia intensified the kiss deepening. America was stiff. Russia continued seeing that America didn’t reject him. America’s teacup fell on the floor spilling all over the floor. America came to his senses and pushed Russia away. He had a complicated expression on his face.

While his face was still neutral America could see the regret in his face. America fists clenched. He sighs and smiles. He turns to Russia and before he can react.

America pushes him to the floor. Russia was in a weird position so he tried to move but America didn’t let him. Russia’s face between his arms; America looking down on him. America grabs his face and kisses him deeply.

Russia had a shocked face and looked at America as if he was crazy.

Russia sat up and America placed his face on his shoulder. They stayed like that for the rest of the day. Russia occasionally touched his hair. Russia smiled.

“ I know you’re not a monster,” Russia whispers. “ no matter what others say”. He looking away

“ You don’t know me” America answers. Russia stays silent.

You’re wrong. I know you more than you’ll ever know.

Extra:

As Richmond served him his drink, America mentioned the party.

“ Can you get the tailor? I need a suit for the party” America ordered

“ The party at Great Britain’s house?” Richmond asked

“Exactly,” America answered.

“Are you taking anyone else?” Richmond asked.

“ D.C.” America answered honestly

Richmond was left surprised.

Really? A child?

“Yes,” America said.

Richmond felt embarrassed. He didn’t mean to say that out loud.

“ What about the attendants?” Richmond asked. America shot him a glance.

“ I don't know who else is coming,” America said with an annoyed voice.

Richmond shut up after that. America didn’t speak to him either. America didn’t like to be questioned.

Chapter Text

America finished putting on his suit. He looked into the mirror making sure nothing was out of place.

He didn’t have his mask on. His blank expression stared right back at him.

You have such strange eyes. They’re not the same color. It’s quite ugly.

America narrows his eyes.

Why don’t i dig it out for you

America turns around and picks up his mask. The smiling face on the mask was the same as always. America puts it on his face. Tying a knot on the back of his head to keep it in place.

America walked to the throne room. Russia was sitting there with his normal neutral expression. His clothes were very extravagant. He had a large coat. The top part was covered with bear fur. His hair seemed to be tied back by his ushanka. He stared at America and nodded.

America walked towards Russia and bowed.

“The carriages are ready” Russia states. “ lets go”

“ Ride with me,” Russia said. A shadow of a smile was on his face.

“Mm” America agreed.

“ I have already arranged for D.C. to go with Ukraine if you’re worried,” Russia said.

America nodded his head. They both hopped in the carriage. They sat opposite each other. Russia stared at America while America stared outside not meeting his gaze.

When they arrived the sun had already set. There were a lot of carriages parked outside of Britain's estate. Russia hopped off.

As soon as he got off America did as well. Russia crossed his arms in front of his chest. America put his hands behind his back.

There was quite a bit of snow on the ground as in recent days it had been snowing.

The people outside immediately recognized Russia. America gazed at every one present. Everyone bowed to Russia but didn’t dare stare for too long.

People started whispering. America narrowed his eyes.

While people didn’t stare at Russia it didn't mean people retracted their gaze towards America.

America wore all his medals and badges.

When they entered Britain and France immediately greeted them. Bowing towards Russia.

“ King Russia, it’s a pleasure to have you here,” Britain said. “ and America,” he said, nodding towards America.

America didn’t say anything.

Sweat seemed to form on Britain's forehead. “ i’ll leave you both be” he said, trying to leave.

“ Let us know if you both need anything,” he said, signaling to himself or france.

Russia went his own way talking to some of the people there. America just stood off to the side not doing anything. In the corner of his eyes he saw Ukraine walk in accompanied by a young girl. America knew of course who she was but everyone else didn’t.

The nobles whispered to each other. Even though they don’t know who she was, they didn’t dare to be rude, she did come in with the princess.

France was walking around making sure that everyone was having a good time, when she spotted America just standing to the side.

She walked up to him. When America noticed he froze a little and stared at her. France noticed but didn’t think much of it.

France bowed “ thank you,” she said sincerely “ i can tell how much Canada has improved”

America nodded and said “ he’s very talented” he turned his head. France thought he didn’t want to talk to her but when she looked in the direction he was looking in she saw that there was a little girl approaching.

She was wearing a dress that was blue in color. “ D.C.” America stated.

France stared at her for a bit. Canada had told her about this child.

“ sorry i couldn’t accompany you here, Russia asked me to go with him” America explained.

D.C. nodded. She seemed nervous. She started fidgeting with her hands.

France smiled and said “ i’ll leave you two alone.”

D.C. looked around a little. A hand was placed on her shoulder.

America leaned down and whispered “ don’t be nervous, just stay by my side and nothing will happen”

D.C. nodded. She seemed to relax a little after hearing that.

America patted her head.

America greeted people, some of which D.C. recognized. The one that stood out was Japan.

She seemed very reserved and America and shy and had some sort of animosity towards him.

She seemed very much alert and cautious around him. From what D.C. heard from America, Japan is very close to Britain and France; so it was no surprise when she attended.

America even saw South Korea, but only the top of his head. He avoided being in sight of America, like the plague.

D.C. mostly stood there with her hands behind her back while America ‘talked’ with people. D.C. noticed America wasn’t really good with small talk so his conversations were very short.

Dance music started playing and couples entered together to dance.

D.C. stared at the middle of the room interested in the dance. It looked so smooth. D.C. stared at them for a while before noticing America had walked away.

D.C. broke out in cold sweat.

Where are you?

America was outside observing the snow falling. He looked around.

Just like i remembered it

He was in the garden. He could hear the music from there.

America turned around suddenly, sensing another person. The other person walked a steady pace, not hurried.

America smiled.

“ Russia,” He said, nodding.

Russia nodded back. Looking around. “ do you like the flowers here?”

“ they’re quite pretty” America responded sincerely.

Russia walked towards the flowers and plucked one out. A faint smile appeared on his face.

He walked towards America. Extending a hand, his smile turned into a smirk.

“ Will you dance with me?”

America stared at Russia's hand.

Chapter Text

“ Will you dance with me?”

America stared at Russia's hand.

Underneath America’s mask a smile appeared. He accepted and took Russia’s hand. He took the flower from Russia’s mask and placed it in a pocket in Russia’s uniform.

“ of course”

They danced slowly and playfully, ignoring the world outside.

Russia gazed at America, a smile still on his face.

Russia hummed along with the music in the background. When the music finally stopped they still continued. After a while they both got tired.

They walked around a bit before sitting on a bench.

“ You seem to know this place quite well,” Russia said.

“ I've talked with Britain and France before,” America stated.

That’s not what i meant

Russia thought

Russia played with America’s hair. His hair was down to his shoulders. He twirled his hair between his fingers.

They both watched the snow fall on the ground.

Britain walked outside. He passed the garden and saw two people sitting next to each other.

Britain immediately recognized them. He ordered some servants to give them drinks.

He walked up to them.

The one with the big coat turned and looked at him nodding while the one with a mask greeted him.

“ Britain”

“ How have you both been?” Britain asks nervously.

I can’t offend these pair of friends

Britain thought

“ Good” Russia said waving his hand.

“ Would you both like some drinks?” Britain asked.

“ Yes, that would be good” America said.

Britain nodded and the servants came and served them.

The smile on Russia’s face returned.

Britain was relieved.

Britain left America and Russia alone. Russia took a sip of his drink. The very familiar prickly feeling down his throat. He has almost finished his and America hadn’t even started.

Russia understood. He didn’t want to take off his mask.

Russia poured himself another glass. Russia had quite the alcohol tolerance so he wasn’t worried about getting drunk. Looking at the snow reminded him of the past. Russia hummed.

“ You don’t want to go out and play?” Russia’s cold and emotionless voice sounded. America looked at the soldiers enjoying skating. He hesitated before shaking his head no.

“ Why not?” Russia asked, standing next to him. He was carrying his own skates with an extra pair. “ Try these on” He said, extending his hand. America stared at them.

Hesitantly, America put them on “ how did you even know my size?”

“ I guessed,” Russia stated. Russia turned to America, “ do you know how to skate?”

America nodded. America was quite good actually, in the few years he was with Japan up in the mountains there were quite a few lakes. Japan would let him skate during winter and late autumn.

America and Russia nodded. When they came to the lake everyone kind of stopped for a second looking at them nervously. They didn’t want their play time to be over. Russia waved his hand dismissing their worries.

Everyone greeted Russia and America with the same “ your highness” or “ general”. Eventually everyone started ignoring them again. Russia put on his skates and waited for America. They both hopped on the ice. America tested the skates a little making sure they felt nice.

He skated to the middle of the lake. Russia behind him. Russia started to follow America copying him. America smiled under his mask.

“ Let’s see if our prince is any good” America says mockingly.

America suddenly did a 180 turn and started skating backwards gaining momentum. Russia did the exact same. They were both going very fast. America jumped and did a flip in the air landing on one leg. Russia did the same.

They both started racing around the lake and doing different tricks and outmaneuvering the other.

America did another flip again and landed with one leg and immediacy afterwards did another flip. When he touched the ground America felt the ice break, he felt his foot dip into the cold water. America’s eyes widened a fraction.

He quickly jumped away, landing safely. Russia skated towards him.

“ Are you okay?” Russia said his brows furrowed.

“Mhm” America responded. “ it’s not very safe, we shouldn’t do this anymore”

He turned to all the soldiers who were laughing while playing.

“ Playtime is over, get back to your posts” America said in a cold and demanding voice. Everyone else groaned internally. They didn’t dare say anything out loud.

America returned to his tent, he was sending a letter to the King (soviet). When he finished he saw the skates, he had forgotten to return them.

America sighed and picked them up. On his face there was a small smile, so small in fact it was hard to tell if it was one.

“ You shouldn’t drink too much”

Russia snapped back and turned his head towards the one who just spoke.

“ I guess so, but I know my limit,” Russia said.

America thought for a second and said inside this really was true. He has seen Russia drink a ton of liquor but he had never seen him drunk.

America nodded and said nothing more on the matter.

Russia suddenly stood up. “ we should head back”. America nodded and also stood up. They both walked side by side not saying anything to each other, their clothes swaying in the wind.

Before entering Russia turned towards America, he raised his hands. He wiped off all the snow off his shoulders. America stared at what he was doing before saying “ thanks”

As soon as they entered, a familiar head appeared in front of America. She looked a little paler than usual, the red stripes on her face seemed dimmer.

It was D.C.

“ America!” She said in delight. America sighed.

“Hmm” America said. Patting her head.

Canada appeared soon after “ America, i hope you’ve been well”

“mhm” America said, “you-”

Before America could finish, a person suddenly spoke to Canada. Maybe they hadn’t realized he was talking to America.

As soon as America saw that person he froze and stopped talking.

P.S.
The flash back was little more three years before the end of the book, ( America was about 22 at the time).

Chapter Text

“ Hey Canada, I've been trying to find you,” The person said. “ i’ve been talking to the guest for so long and i’m exhausted”

She looked around and saw America “ sorry were you both talking?” she said awkwardly.

“ ah, This is New Zealand, My younger sister,” Canada explained. He grabbed her shoulders and turned her so she was facing America. “ I don't think you both have met”.

New Zealand started at both America and D.C.; It took second but she finally recognized America.

Her face turned red from embarrassment. America had been quiet the whole time and stared deeply at New Zealand.

New Zealand thought he was angry and tried to explain.

“ I’m sorry sir, I didn't know you were talking to Canada.” she said, waving her hands in the air.

“ It was rude of me,” she says, bowing.

America was silent for a moment before finally answering. “ it’s fine”

The hairs on the back of New Zealand's neck stand up.

For some reason i think he’s staring at me

America’s hand trembled before extending it out a little towards New Zealand. He pointed at her.

“ you’re New Zealand?” His voice, he was speaking in a monotone.

“That’s your new sister!” France said, handing the baby wrapped in cloth to Thirteen. Thirteen froze a little and looked down. Her flag was exactly like Aussie’s. “ her name is New Zealand”

“ Can I see her?” Canada asks France.

“ Sure after your brother” she replies.

They both stare at her. “ she’s sooo cute!” Canada says.

Aussie soon starts walking into the room. And comes towards Canada and America, trying to see what they were looking at. Aussie grabs his sister’s nose, America quickly grabbed his hand.

Aussie started tearing up and cries.

America “....”

Canada “....”

She’s grown up

America thought.

“ How old are you?” America asked.

“ I'm about 16” New Zealand states.

America hums.

It really has been that long

America observed her carefully. Her hair was by her shoulders carefully tied up. She was about average height for a girl her age. Her flag had stayed the same from birth. She resembles Australia more and more.

D.C. observed from the sidelines. She noticed that America seemed interested in New Zealand but in what exactly she didn’t know.

She also noticed New Zealand and Canada were nervous. While Canada had spent a lot of time with America and had gradually gained trust in America, around his family members he couldn't help but be worried.

America isn’t exactly a good person. He’s quite a strict, he’s only been lenient with a few people one of which is himself, D.C. and members of the royal family.

His relationship with Russia is especially close.

But to Canada’s relief America didn’t seem to mind the interruption.

D.C. was exhausted from all the people she wasn’t used to it.

She grabbed America’s sleeve. “ America, is there somewhere with fewer people?” She asked shyly.

America sighed. He started walking forward dragging D.C. with him. They went outside to breathe a little. D.C. looked a lot better.

America raised his hand and patted her head. D.C. maybe because the cold weather drew closer to America.

Trying to get some of his warmth. She leans into him and rests her head on his chest.

America freezes. His hand just hovering over D.C.

America exhales and pats her shoulder.

America notices Russia walking up to him. “ you really like that child”

America looks at the passed out D.C.

He doesn’t say anything.

“ i’ll get Richmond,” Russia said.

“ Thank you” America responds.

Richmond comes over with a big jacket covering his shoulders.

Why is it so cold?! I’ll never get used to this damn climate.

Richmond thinks.

“ take her back to the carriage,” America demands. Handing D.C. over to him.

Richmond takes her hesitantly.

Is this what my job is, being a babysitter?

Richmond looks at D.C. weirdly, frowning.

The air around America seemed to have gotten heavier. “ It's your job to serve me. Do as you're told” he says.

“ Yes sir.” Richmond responds. He speeds off with D.C.

Chapter Text

The party after that went pretty smoothly, nothing major happened. America and Russia returned together and Ukraine with D.C.

Everything at the palace seemed quiet and nice these past several weeks.

Today a guest arrived at the palace.

Germany was over. Her arrival this time was more secretive. Only the people at the palace were aware.

This time she did not arrive alone there was a familiar white and red woman next to her.

Germany went to greet the king. “ Russia,” she said, bowing. Russia did the same showing his courtesy.

America bowed to Germany and said nothing. Poland, who was next to Germany bowed to both America and Russia.

“ Welcome back Poland” Russia stated. Russia turned to America and nodded. America understood and gestured for Poland to come with him. Poland followed obediently.

Russia walked down the hall. His footsteps echoing throughout the hall. He suddenly stopped and opened a door next to him. The room had a big table.

He walked inside Germany followed him.

“ Have the terrorists done anything to your kingdom?” Russia asks.

“ yes, they’ve burned villages” Germany responds. “ they say that they’re people from my country but i doubt it”

They are probably just there to cause problems.

This went unsaid as both Germany and Russia understood.

“ what have you done about it?” Russia asked.

“ i’ve dispatched some soldiers to deal with them, but all they do is run away” Germany responds.

Russia nods. “ i’ve sent my sister to investigate, they seem to rely heavily on their leader who has yet to appear”

“ if we find him we end them” Germany says.

Germany hesitated but finally said. “ are you going to send America?”

Russia’s brows furrowed. “ no, not if necessary, only if i see they are a real threat”

Germany nodded understanding. They both seemed to relax and their conversation turned more casual.

“ Do you want me to assign Poland to a post in the German empire permanently?”

Both Germany and Russia had very similar mannerisms. As they both experienced similar things when growing up. They both were quite reserved and didn’t show emotions.

But Russia did see a sliver of surprise and happiness. “ she’s not my subject i have no say in that matter”

America sat across from Poland. America sipped tea as he questioned Poland.

“ How's the situation there?” America asked

“ Germany has been removing the people that were loyal to her father” Poland. “ slowly but surely”

Poland couldn’t help but think, she sure is a good queen.

A small smile crept up her face. America noticed but didn’t say anything.

“ How have the riots been?” America asked.

“ there have been a few, but mostly in rural areas, not too hard to control” Poland said. “ i’ve seen the reports from Germany”

America nodded and added “ when you head back, sent weekly report on everything that happened”

“ you can leave” America said. America stands up and he and Poland both exit. America leads the way around the castle, til they arrive at a room. America knocks and opens the door.

Russia and Germany turn to face both of them. “ we’ve come to an agreement” Russia said.

“ we’ll help each other deal with these terrorists” Russia states.

America nodded.

The rest of their stay there went by without and disturbance. Poland went to the city to go back to her house and germany was left alone in the palace.

Russia, Germany and America were discussing about who to send out for this mission when a soldier burst in.

“ THEY’VE ENTERED THE PALACE”

All three of them rush to the soldier.

“What happened” America demanded, grabbing the soldier.

“ THOSE RIOTERS, THEY’RE INSIDE”. America’s gaze hardened, he looked towards Russia.

“ Let’s go” Russia said. As soon as he said the people burst in the door.

About 10 or so people came in, all dressed in black. All of the had either swords or daggers.

All three rushed at these intruders. Germany easily defeated 3 and killed them, she took their weapons and gave it to America and to herself. Russia had his father’s sword with him. A second after that the rest dropped to the ground.

“ They couldn’t have sent these measly 10 people to kill, it must be a way to stall us” America said. “ let’s hurry”

They rushed out and started running around questioning people.

“ They entered near Princess Ukraine’s quarters,” one maid said. She was crying and hugging herself, she was all beat up, but she would be fine.

Russia’s hand clenched. “ She should be safe for now, she has Canada with her too”.

Russia turned to Germany “ Germany we’ll stick together for now” he then pointed to America “ you go and help my sister, we’ll deal with the rest.”

America nodded. Russia wanted to make sure the rest of his family was safe too.

America rushed over and found that Ukraine and Canada were battling one person.

America eyes narrowed. As soon as Ukraine and Canada saw him, their expression brightened.

“ America!” Canada said.

America didn’t even look at him and said. “ Leave now, both of you” He ordered.

“ but-” Ukraine added. “ NOW”

Ukraine and Canada both looked at each other, they quickly ran away.

The hooded man they were fighting jumped back a couple meters. He had two median sized swords, one in each hand. From his hands and arms you can tell his face was most likely red.

As America looked more and more at this hooded figure, his grip on his sword became harder and harder.

The man chuckled and leaped towards America.

Chapter Text

The man chuckled and leaped towards America.

America blocked his attacks. The man used his agility and brute strength more than technique and accuracy.

Painfully familiar.

America tried to stab but only hit cloth. He redirected his sword and tried to cut the man's torso.

He missed, America jumped back. America immediately went after him. America tried hitting him but kept missing.

The hooded man chuckled as if not expecting America to be this weak.

His chuckle soon turned into a scoff as he saw what America was trying to do. America wasn’t trying to kill just yet. He was leading him to the end of the hallway.

The hooded man tried to run away, but got stopped by America, his shadow appearing right before his eyes. America raised his sword making a fatal move.

Right before it touched the man, he defended. Using both of his swords to protect his neck.

America’s eyes narrow when his sword snaps in half. The man looks at his swords, they’re both chipped heavily.

America tosses his stolen broken sword away and continues his attack. He manages to defect a strike and grabs the hilt and punches the man.

Blood gushes out of his nose. America is then met with a kick to the stomach.
Then the man slashes towards his face, but America grabs the sword. Blood drips down his hand.

The man smiles. He kicks himself away and slashes with his other sword. The sword that was in America hand slices the inside of his hand while the other slashed his forearm.

America then kicks the hand of the hooded man, making him loosen his grip on his sword.

The sword drops to the ground. America and the man race to the sword. America grabs it first and slashes the man. He hits next to his shoulder. The man tries to retreat but gets jabbed in the hamstrings.

The man grunts and tries to jab America with the sword. It misses and hits the air.

America hears another person's footsteps in the background. But was too preoccupied trying to get a fatal blow.

They exchange a few more blows. America manages to grab his leg and aims for his inner thigh.

An arrow headed straight for America, he caught it with his injured hand; he broke it in half.

He turned around to look at who it was, but the person was long gone. When he turned back, the hooded man had already fled.

It seemed the person knew of a way to get around the palace quickly.

America ran after him only to find 20 or so men in front of him. He hears more arrows behind himself and blocks them with the sword.

He then charges towards those men and easily slaughters them. He raised his sword and killed the first two in one beautifully executed move. He takes one sword from the dead bodies.

He raised his sword to block the arrows and swords coming at him at once. He grabbed one man's hand and broke it with his grip. He then pulled the man towards him and sliced his neck.

He picked up the sword and threw it towards one of the people shooting arrows. Hitting them right in the heart.

He blocks a hit from behind and slices the person’s arm. He kicks them away and kills two others easily. He then finishes the one he sliced the arm off by stabbing him in the heart.

He picks up another sword and rushes at the remaining men. Doing a flurry of moves going through them two at a time, using both of the swords he carries to do it in a shorter amount of time.

An arrow skims his neck, he quickly turns around and stares at the man who shot him. The only one left.

The man felt a shiver up his spine and tried to flee, before he even finished his thought America appeared in front of him. The white mask with the smiling face, all so scary right in front of him.

America sliced his neck in an instant.

After killing them he rushes through the halls to try and find the man. He couldn’t see them. After a while he gives up.

He probably already escaped.

America met up with Russia and Germany. Apparently they hadn’t been met with much resistance. Everyone was in one room. America saw Ukraine, Canada, kazakhstan Both of Russia’s other sisters, D.C., maids and butlers.

Seeing that everyone was fine, America immediately left. Russia noticed but didn’t say anything on the matter, America seemed very, very angry.

Russia asked a maid to get bandages and fresh water and bring it to America’s quarters.

After a while Russia felt as if sending the maid wasn’t the best option. He should probably see him in person.

I feel like he’s not in a good mental state. Maybe I should see him.

Russia hesitates before leaving towards America’s room.

As soon as America returned to his room, he looked towards the swords in his hands. Blood was dripping down the swords, a mixture of the people he killed and his own blood from his injuries.

He stares at the swords for a second before shattering one with his hand. It falls down the floor.

America suddenly throws the other at the door. Inches from the maid opening the door. The maid screams and backs up.

She stares at America with fear.

“ What do you want?” America says coldly.

“The K-King said th-that you need bandages” she said showing him what she was carrying.

“Leave them on the ground,” America said.

The maid nodded and left them. As soon as she did what she was told she ran off.

America watched the bandages for a second before coming closer. He picked them up and stared at them.

His eyes widened, he heard someone.

“ It's me,” a voice said in a monotone.

Chapter Text

“It’s me,” a voice said in a monotone.

Russia said. Russia paused for a bit, staring at the sword embedded in the door.

He then turned his gaze towards America. Even though this wasn’t the worst America had been hurt, it still concerned Russia.

Russia walked towards America. He picks up the bandages.

“ give me your hand” Russia says. America obliges and extends his hand. His right hand was heavily wounded.

Russia wraps the bandages around his hand and around his forearm. America just stares, not even flinching. This isn’t the first time they’ve helped each other with injuries, it was quite common during battle.

They both sat down on America’s bed. They stayed quiet for a while.

“ I fought the leader,” America says. Russia's eyes widened a fraction.

“ I know who he is,” he also states. “ I thought he was dead”. America gritted his teeth.

America’s white mask faced away from Russia. “ Can you tell me about him?”

America hesitated but nodded. “ he’s quite sly and cunning. He’s a bigger threat than I anticipated. I have to go investigate this myself”

Russia stayed quiet for a second before responding. “ Are you sure?” he said in a soft voice.

“Yes” America responded.

I don’t know what kind of history you have with this person. It definitely isn’t good.

Russia thought.

Russia grabbed his hand, which was on the bed. America turned his head to face him. Russia squeezed his hand and stared at his mask before adding,“ alright”.

Germany sat in her quarters, her eyes closed. She hears a knock on the door. When she opens it she finds Russia.

“ Your majesty,” she says. “ What brings you here?”

“Are you fine?” Russia asks.

Germany nods. They both sit down at a table. A servant brings them drinks. Russia dismisses the servant telling them to make sure no one comes in.

“ America has already identified the leader,” Russia states.

“ Does he know how to deal with this person?” Germany asks.

“ I don't know,” Russia says. Russia stands up. They sat there for a few minutes.

“ I'll take my leave, I have disturbed you enough” He said before starting to walk out of the room.

Germany understood they would talk about this on a later date. Probably in the next few days.

The next day Germany didn’t see Russia. Germany sat with Poland outside, observing the garden.

Poland was sitting on a bench observing the flowers while Germany stood nearby. Poland plucked a flower and observed it.

She looked at the flower then back at Germany. She thought for a second.

She suddenly extends her hand and places the flower in Germany’s hair. Germany shows no reaction on her face. She lifts her hand to touch the flower on her head. After a second he drops her hand.

Poland smiled.

She likes it.

Poland thought. If she did she would have already pulled it out. Poland moves closer and asks Germany.

“Do you like it?” Poland said. “No reaction?” she says in a teasing manner.

Germany glared at her before turning around and looking at another person walking towards them. Germany’s stare gets more serious.

Poland was a little upset that the other person had stolen Germany’s attention.

China walks closer. “Queen Germany,” he says “ King Russia wants to talk to you” he says, bowing to Germany.

When he lifts his head his gaze lingered on the flower on Germany’s head.

He then turns to Poland. “ he asked for Germany alone”

A guard was outside of the door for the meeting room. He could hear faint voices. He could tell there were only 2 people.

He obviously knew who they were. America and Russia were talking behind the door.

The guard moved his head closer to the door to listen in a little.

“I haven’t told you much about the guy, but I don't have much information about him,” America said.

“When i interacted with him he didn’t tell me much only his name, and even that could be wrong”

Russia made a sound of acknowledgment.

“ his name is-”

He got interrupted when China along with Queen Germany walked closer.

“ guard open the door” China demanded, waving his hand.

The guard nodded and motioned to open the door. He was embarrassed to have been caught eavesdropping.

When the pair were entering the room. The guard felt the gaze of China stay on him. The guard started to sweat but said nothing. He then closed the door and made sure to distance himself from the door.

Chapter Text

China walked in and watched as the door closed. His eyes narrowed. He walked up to Russia and bowed. Russia waved his hand and huffed.

“ I already know who the leader is.” America stated “ he’s not from the german empire, so it’s not about the war”

Germany rubbed her chin. “ so your saying he just wants to cause chaos?”

“Not exactly” America said. “No, it far more personal”

The room became silent. China looked at everyone before saying “ He’s out for you right America?”

“Exactly” He answers.

“What grudge does he have against you?” China asked. Russia turned his head towards America.

“ a deep one” America was clearly refusing to elaborate. China smiled, his emotions were not discernible.

“ Are you going to personally get involved?” Germany asked.

“ yes” America states. “It’s the quickest way”

Russia crosses his arms. America turns to him.

“ just this one time”

Russia waves his hands as if knowing what he would say.

“ i know”

After discussing more Germany left, as soon as China was about to leave he remembered something.

“One more thing Russia” China said. “That guard outside was eavesdropping outside”

America turned to him and stated “ you know what to do”

China nodded and headed out. Russia and America could hear China ask the guard to come with him.

“ I don’t trust China” America said. It was pretty well known that America didn’t get along with very many people especially China, it was outright hated more passive aggressive than anything.

Russia on the other hand had been friends with China since childhood, and China had been an accomplice of his.

“Are you sure you don’t trust him or you just don’t like him” Russia chuckled

“ Both” America says.

Russia narrowed his eyes “ you’re suspicious of people in the palace?”

“ yes, how come the rebellion was able to get in so easily” America said.

“ who do you think?” Russia asks.

“I’m not sure exactly” America pauses “ better to suspect everyone”

“Mn” Russia responded. “But China’s trustworthy”

“How are you so sure?” America asks.

“Because I have blackmail on him” Russia says, he smiles “ and i’ve known him since i was little, i know what he’s like” Russia shrugged.

“ i can get him arrested at anytime, that’s the cost of getting to his position”

America didn’t ask more, Russia already explained the rest of the story to him.

America headed out. He returned to his quarters. He sighed as he sat down on a chair. He looked towards the mirror.

His eyes widened. The normally smiling mask had turned into one that was crying. America stands up and punches the mirror. It shatters, pieces of shattered glass all over America’s hand, America had long been use to pain, he didn’t feel it now.

He plucked the pieces of glass out of his hand and threw it on the ground. He looked back at the pieces of the mirror, his reflection was normal now.

It was his cold, white mask.

Richmond knocks on the door after hearing a commotion and walks in. America turns to him. It was obvious America these few days was angry and irritated most of the time.

“Get someone to clean this up” America said in a cold voice. While you couldn’t see his eyes Richmond clearly felt his gaze on him.

“Yes sir” Richmond walks out.

After a minute someone else peeks in. her white and red hair visible on the side of the door.

“ America?” she asks in a quiet tone.

America straightens his back. He replies softly

“Yes?”

D.C. stares at the broken glass and then back at America. She hesitates for a second before saying “ your hand…..”

America looks down “ It’s fine”

D.C. nods. America looks back at her “ did you finish your lessons with Boston?”

“Yeah i just finished them” she responds

“ Come here” America waves his hands. She obediently comes over.

“ i have some paperwork i need filled out,” America says pulling out a stack of paper “ you can help me by reading for me”

D.C. nods. She looks down at the paper and begins to read. America closes his eyes, his eyebrows knitted. He occasionally opened his eyes to correct D.C. in pronunciation.

After that was all done. America sent her to train while he filled out the paperwork.

As he was writing he thought back to years ago, when the voice of that man would terrorize him everyday. He tightened his fist.

“I can’t believe he’s still alive” America spat. America takes off his mask. His hair falling on his face.

America stared at a piece of glass seeing his reflection. His mis-match eyes stared back at him. They didn’t have any emotion in them.

His flag changes often, but lately it stayed the same. The number of stars on his face changes every so often, but now it’s been 50 for a while. He touches the side of his face.

A maid knocks on the door. America turns around. “Come in” he says in a monotone. He quickly puts on his mask and ties it around the back of his head.

Chapter Text

When the maid walks in she looks towards the broken glass. She quickly picks it up, being careful of not hurting herself. She quickly leaves after this.

When she leaves, America had an idea, just to clear his head. He grabs cloak and pulls the hood over his head.He looks through his collection of masks he picks one and switches it for the one he has on. He opens his window.

He was several stories up. The wind hit his hair, making it sway.

That didn’t matter, he jumped down. He made sure to avoid all guards and quietly slipped out of the palace.

China walks into a small room with concrete walls and no windows. It was very gloomy and dim.

China smiles, no more like smirks, at the person tied up in the back. The person was shivering and covered in blood.

China walks up to him and kneels. “ are you sure you’re not related to those criminals?” China’s piercing gaze on the prisoner.

The young man showed clear fear of China but denied. “ NO, I’M NOT I PROMISE,” he yells.

“Please let me go…” China laughs, He pulls out a weapon. The prisoner could see very well.

How did it come to this, i was just a regular soldier earlier.
The guard thinks

“Let’s see what this does,” China says. He grabs the guards hands. He puts the object near his nails.

The guards eyes widened.

“Let’s start with the pinky” the pliers pressed down on his nail. But before he pulls away he says “ ah, i almost forgot, he stuffed cloth in his mouth”

China quickly pulled at the guard’s nails. China thinks before plucking out all of the nails of one hand.

China stands up and walks to a table. He pulls out a wine bottle. China looks at it seemingly not wanting to drink it. He walks over to the guard.

“I’m not really in the mood to drink, perhaps you would like to try?”. China grabs his hand and pours the wine of the wound. The guard cries. China hums as if he doesn’t hear anything.

He takes out the cloth. “ so,” he puts down the bottle. “ why were you eavesdropping?”

“ I swear I wasn't,” the guard says.

“They all say that”.

The guard just stares in disbelief. He gulps.

More screams were heard from that room. After China pulled out all of his nails on his hands and feet and didn’t get anything he decided to do something else.

“ you know I have lots to attend to, I don't have time to do this” He orders a guard to lift the prisoners feet and make him lie upside down, China takes a cloth and places it over his whole face.

China slowly starts pouring water over his face. China watches as the cloth slowly lowers until it covers his nostrils and mouth. He yells for other soldiers to come in.

The prisoner tries to speak. China removes the cloth. He coughs and struggles before yelling “ PLEASE DON’T KILL ME, I BEG YOU”

“ I was contracted not too long ago, they offered me a lot of money.” the prisoner stated.

Interesting
China thinks.

“What else?” China asks “ are there others?”

“ Well I don’t know of any, but probably?”. China closes his eyes and sighs.

The prisoner sees this as hope and asks again “ please can I go?”

China opens his eyes again.

“ do the same thing every ten seconds”. China looks at the man before exiting the room.

China smiled to himself.

America you smart motherfucker.
China thought.

America a few days ago gave him a list of all the palace staff that were suspicious. The people that were supposed to be guarding the places that got broken in or people supposed to be around there. Especially if there were some people that disappeared mysteriously the second before the attack, or people who called in sick.

This specific soldier was found in a place where he wasn’t supposed to as if he was avoiding blame, or if he already knew of the attack.

Obviously this list probably didn’t include everyone he thought suspicious, because China was obviously on his list too.

But China didn’t mind. America was probably going to investigate it himself.

China messed around with his sickle and hammer earring on his ear. On to the next victim.

Chapter Text

America quietly slipped out of the palace. It was mid day already, he mixed in with the crowd. Wearing a cloak wasn’t at all weird as he wasn’t the only one.

He heads to a restaurant. He picks a small table of two and sits down. A young woman walks up to him.

She asks what he wants to order. “Beer please” America answers.

She nods and walks away.America waits a few minutes before the girl from earlier returns and hands him his drink.He pulls the drink up to his lips and takes a sip. His eyes scan the area around him.Afterwards he leaves and goes walking around the city. It’s been a while since he did that, the only times he does is when Russia is with him and everyone is staring.

Finally some privacy.

A smile spread across his face as he passed through the crowd.He snuck into the palace garden and started looking around. Russia crossed his arms behind him. “ America”

America straightens his back and turns around to face him. “Yes?”

“ you were right, there are spies in the palace” Russia signaled for America to follow him.

They headed for the basement. Barely any light reached which gave it a creepy vibe.

Screams were heard from the entrance. A guard stationed see them and bows. The guard guides them to China.

China wipes some sweat from his forehead.

China bows to Russia and America.

“ China tell America what you found out” Russia says.

China smirks. “ All of you suspicious were correct, they all admitted, well kinda”

China looks back to where be was before “ some of them weren’t being cooperative so we had to compensate”

“Good” America says “ Do they know how many are there in the palace”

“ no, none of them really seem to know of each others existence”

That makes it harder

“ But the issue is that i don’t think it’s just people of lower rank, it could be someone closer” America states

“It could be anyone” China shrugs. “ but there was really no important information gained besides that”

Damn

“ keep at it maybe one of them knows” America orders. America leaves. Russia and China stay back discussing the matter in more detail.

D.C. was observing the snow from her window when she heard a knock. She quickly opened it. It was Richmond. She hadn’t seen him very often.

“ America has called you to his room” he states.

“ thank you, let me get ready” D.C. responds

She puts on her training uniform and heads out behind Richmond.

He politely knocks on America’s door.

America yells” Come in”

Richmond opens the door and D.C. enters. When she saw America she froze.

He was wearing a different mask today. It was the first time she had seen part of his face.

He had a neutral expression, not smiling but not frowning.His knew mask was covering most of his face except his chin and mouth.

“America” she says bowing.

“Come here” He says. Waving her over. She goes closer and sees that he’s holding something in his hands.

Richmond enters and stands next to D.C.

D.C. was thoroughly confused.

America raised his hand and smiled. An “Ah?” escaped D.C. mouth.

Earring?

They were of silver and had a dangling star on them.

“ it’s fine if you don’t like them, i can get you something else.” America said in a monotone.

D.C. closed her mouth and smiled widely. “ Thanks!”

“But….. i don’t have any-” D.C. says

“ that’s why i am here” Richmond says. “ just hold still”

He sits her down and measures her ears to make sure they are even. He takes a needle like tool and pricks both of her ears.

“ ow” D.C. says, he raises her hands to tough her ears. America grabs both her hands.

“Don’t” he says

Richmond puts on the earrings.

D.C. looks in the mirror. They were relatively small but they matched with the two stars on her face. She touched her earring for a bit, feeling them on her ear.

America stands up.” let’s go train for a bit”

D.C. follows behind him.

As they were passing the hallway, there were a lot of stares. America doesn’t change his mask at all, especially one that shows even a little of his face.When they arrived to the courtyard, America said “let’s spar”.

D.C. nods.While they were sparring America conversed with D.C.

“ I’m planning to go trying to track down that leader, i might be gone a few days or even weeks” He said as he dodged a swing at his stomach.“ i need you to practice diligently” America stated.

“ of course” D.C. stated. “Ah” America hit her on her back with a chop

She fell to the ground.

Ow that hurt like shit.

She got up quickly.

“ recovery is better but you need to work on not getting too distracted” America said offhandedly. D.C. picks up her sword again and lunges at him.

America observes her for some time.

“ i see that problem now” America says, lowering his sword. D.C. looks at him confused.

Chapter Text

“ I see that problem now” America says, lowering his sword. D.C. looks at him confused.

“ What problem?” D.C. questions.

“While I like to use technique and accuracy, you seem to lean into brute force,” America says. “ while it’s not a bad thing, it has it disadvantages”

He sighs. “ You technique is more like Russia if i were to compare it to someone” He points to D.C. “ while is definitely does use a lot more strength than i do, he has the stamina and strength to do it”

I just was taught to conserve my strength

“ ah, so.. What does that mean?” She asks.

“ Nothing really, just be careful not to sacrifice technique over strength” America states. He calls a maid over and asks for a real sword, not for himself but for D.C. This was going to be one of the few times she has trained with a real sword.She feels it in her hands.

While it definitely not the same weight the distribution of the weight is different, it’s much bigger than the sword i was using.

“ the wooden sword you were using was made using the measurements of your arm” America explains, he stops for a second. “ this one for an adult, in real life you’ll need to get used to these bigger swords.”

Makes sense i guess, but this will slow me down.

D.C. thinks

She raises her sword pointing at America.

She got beat up more often than normal. The sword felt weird and heavy, she felt like her strikes weren’t as fast as they were before. And even that little difference made the world to America.

D.C. wipes the blood from her mouth. The metallic taste on her tongue.

A maid hands her a handkerchief. They were done for the day.

America walks up and pats her on the shoulder. “You have great potential, enough to become a very powerful person”

D.C. swallows the rest of the blood. “ But do I have as much potential as you?”

The corners of America's lips lift “ i’m not sure. It’s hard to compare”

“Master, why is it that you picked me?” America asked

JE was pouring himself some tea. He looked at America as if asking why he wasn’t training.

13 year old America was now bolder than he was before. “ shouldn’t you be training?”

JE’s face got darker. America gulped and swallowed his next statement.

He went back to practicing his strikes.

“1”
“2”
“3-”

“ like i’ve said before you have a lot of potential”

America continued.

“ Maybe much more than me. I bet by the age of 20 you’ll have already surpassed me in my prime” JE sipped on his tea

While it seemed like JE was just saying something to get America off of his question. JE truly believed he would be surpassed, even it America would be in his late 20’s he would eventually surpass him.

“Why do you do this to me?” America asked his anger, lacing his words.

“You’ve got a potential kid” the man chuckled. He grabs America up by his hair. “Why would I let you go to waste? Such a shame really”

The man sighed, he slammed America's face on the dirt. Blood dripped down America’s face, his eye badly bruised.

The man had a crying mask on his face. Contradicting his mocking and teasing tone.

America gritted his teeth tasting the dirt beneath his face.

“ do you think i’ll be able to beat you?” D.C. asks.

“When i get old and weak of course you’ll be able to beat me” America replies teasing her.

“ no, what i mean in the future when i am the same age as you” D.C. explains “ will i be able to beat the you from now?”

America stayed quiet. He only replied “ you may still lose”

D.C. went quiet in thought.

D.C. went inside to her room. Boston soon entered. He told her to write an essay about how her training was. He scolded her, and smacked her hand.

“ow “ she said, rubbing the top of her hand.

Boston rubs his forehead in desperation

God this child, no wonder she was a beggar. No way she could ever get a job with this

Boston thought clearly not knowing what normal people went through.

America heads to his room changing his mask before going to Taiwan. He needed to discuss something with him. Taiwan looks up from his stack of papers in front of him. While China is the one who commands Taiwan is the one left with all the logistics and paperwork. He sighs. "i'm guessing you're here to discuss something."

Taiwan smiles and adds quickly after " or maybe you just wanted to help an old friend with some of his work"

"China really does leave all the paperwork for you" America comments

" you know China just as much as me, he just does this for his own entertainment" Taiwan says

America raises his eyebrows under his mask. " shouldn't you be defending your own blood"

Taiwan stops writing and looks up and America with a face the says 'why would i'

" you really should pay someone to do this for you" America says.

" do you think i wouldn't have done that earlier. Some of the stuff said here is confidential i can't leak it to a regular person" Taiwan scolds America

"naturally" he responds

Taiwan looks away from America " i heard you're coming with me and Canada"

" hm, I have a personal grudge"

Taiwan frowns "what kind?"

" it's from when i was younger and weaker" America said coldly

Taiwan said no more on the subject. but he was still curious. even if America said when he was younger. he can't have meant when he joined the Russian army.

I haven't heard of anyone seriously making a mark on America too much. The only time was..... that battle. The battle of Kinerma. But those circumstances were different. Then it must have been before. While i do consider America one of my close allies especially to keep China under control. he doesn't tell me everything especially his past.

But now that Taiwan thought about it, he didn't think anyone knew anything about this man.

“ but,” America says “ The leader is very dangerous and has infiltrated the palace”

America places one of his hands on the shoulder of Taiwan.

“ China to me is very suspicious” America whispers

“ my Brother is very close with the king” Taiwan states “ i doubt he’s involved, and even if he was my brother is cunning”

America's menacing aura sends chills down Taiwan’s spine. His face reveals nothing of this predicament. America’s hand tightened around his shoulder. Taiwan just stares at his hand.

“ Of course I know your brother is cunning,” America says. The air between them is heavier. “ but i also think you are” America chuckles a little and pats Taiwan on the shoulder. “ you’re the only one that i know i can trust”

Taiwan of course isn’t the culprit nor does he know who did it. My bad habit of trying to intimidate people is showing.

Taiwan chuckles, “Of course I'm the only one who you can trust." Taiwan glares at him “ with your temper, who would want to be near you?”

Taiwan lightened up the mood. America chuckled “true”

“If you know anything just let me know” America sighs. He looks at the wrinkled uniform. “ sorry for that”

Taiwan doesn’t respond, he simply goes back to work. America also decides that their conversation isn’t going to be continued and leaves.

Chapter Text

Canada was cleaning his room when he heard a knock at the door. He opened it. It was a young maid, older than him by a little, she had a mostly blue face and hair with somewhat of a cross on her face of white and red.

It was Iceland. They greeted each other before getting to business. Apparently she hadn’t been there to visit Canada.

Canada rubbed the back of his head. “Ah too bad, i was gonna visit your brothers some time”

“Sorry but no, you better check on them tho. You’re one of the only people they like here” she says smiling. “Oh, i forgot, i’m here for a reason”

She pulls out a letter. It’s got the palace seal on it. Canada sighed.

Must be for work

He grabbed the letter and examined it thoroughly.

Its from China

Iceland raised her eyebrow as if wanting to know what it was about but resisting.

“I’ll leave you be, it’s probably work stuff anyways” she says shyly. “Bye”

Canada smiles “bye” he shuts the door and goes to his desk. He opens the letter and reads.

Canada,
King Russia wants you and America and Taiwan to investigate the city of Krasnoyarsk. It has been deemed to be part of the territory of the criminals you have been fighting against. The mayor of the town Spain has had a few of his children kidnapped by this group.

Canada’s eyebrows furrowed. With the attack on the palace they have become cocky. Attacking the palace and then attacking government officials. No wonder Russia sent America.

I’m pretty sure Ukraine wasn’t very happy to see she was kicked off the team. Russia probably had a say on that matter.

Canada could imagine the reaction Ukraine may have had. He sighs.

America huh, I guess he’s volunteering on these different expeditions for fun. Being in the capital probably isn’t very fun for a general like him.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN I’M NOT GOING” Ukraine yelled. The servant lowered her head.

“I-i’m sorry ma’am, that was the order from the king”

Ukraine gritted her teeth. Fucking Russia. He always treats her like a child, and just when she was making progress.

Ukraine sighs, no need to scream at an innocent person. “ ugh, just tell him that whatever he’s trying to save me from we’ve lived worse”

“Are you sure you want to go?” Russia asked America. America looked at Russia as if seriously questioning his decision.

“Of course” America

Russia’s brows knit “ America, i think you shouldn’t go”

America simply looked at him “what’s with the change of decision”

Russia suddenly realized that he was being a bit unfair “If he is as cunning as you think then he definitely knows your coming” Russia pauses “ he has a plan for you”

“You want to come also right?” America questioned. America huffs “for me how sweet”

Russia closes his mouth.

You don’t understand America. I know you more than anyone.

“Keep in contact with me while on your trip” Russia states. He returns to his monotone voice. He raises his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.

Russia walks towards America. Russia whispers in America’s ear

“Think before you do anything stupid” Russia places a hand on his shoulder “think before you get into a problem and if you in one find a way to get out”

Russia was referring to a past event. But America didn’t care what he said. Nothing could ever happen to him. For there was no one who could hurt him.

Russia watched as America left his vision. He stayed quiet. Russia narrowed his eyes. Russia walked around the palace for a while.

Russia looked at an empty corner. He went to grab his sword. Before he did the person hiding there came forward.

“No need,” China said. Smiling, both of his golden eyes reflecting the sword in Russia’s waist.

“Did you find anything?” Russia asked

“Nothing” China shrugged. He poured himself some tea. “I’m afraid that America really doesn’t exist before he enlisted, even in the first few months of his enlistment, there is no mention of a person like the leader”

“Even for someone like me this is hard,” China said. “You know that with the war, records of people have been erased” china explained “ if he met the leader before well, we don’t know who he was before”

“You’re right” Russia.

You’re wrong

“Anyways it was just to find out who this leader guy could have been”Russia clarifies.

China looks at Russia’s earring, this made china mess with his. Both had a matching set.

A true testament to their friendship. China smiled bigger “ no big deal, i guess with time he’ll tell you everything”

“I doubt,” Russia says.

“There's no shame in it ” China said. “Plus this is probably the first time America refuses to give the full story”

That pissed China off more.

“Doesn’t he know that this is a big threat?” China said, pissed.

Russia looked at him as if warning him to watch his tone. China just looked at him.

This pair of childhood friends had changed a lot. China had watched Russia grow up, from a shy little boy, to a cold calculative man.

Even though China was older by a few years. It seemed the opposite.

China sighs. He looks at a cup. He smiles, the intricate red and golden exterior of the cup showed its extravagance. The golden part and intricate craftsmanship. It also had a Hammer and sickle. The symbol of the royal family. More specifically Russia’s father.

Soviet Union. That bastard loved this cup, he drank from this cup almost always.

China touched the cup examining it. Russia looks at him, not saying anything.

“Serves him right” China chuckles.

Chapter Text

Russia didn’t comment anymore about the situation with America. He noticed America had been anxious or rather wanted to go as soon as possible.

Russia was in his study. His head hurt from staying up on paperwork and researching who the leader could be.

Although America trusts him, there is a limit.

It couldn’t have been when he was little, must have been when he was about 15-17.

He must have been alone at that time. But what exactly happened?

Of course Russia could just ask America, but that wouldn’t go well. Unless…

Damnit America, just tell me everything I know something is happening but just tell me.
Russia knitted his brows and sighs.

Russia looked at the mirror, he had eyebags. ‘I need more sleep’.

Russia had bangs covering his forehead. He moved his hands close to them, he tightened his fists before lifting his bangs away from his face. It revealed a hammer and sickle scar right below his hairline.

Russia’s eyes became cold.

He heard a knock on his door. He quickly turned his head. “Who is it?”

“It’s me” Ukraine said. Opening the door and letting herself in. Russia frowned.

“Are you still upset?”

“Of course, but less now, I just wanted to try to convince you” she said, pouting.

“Ukraine, I do trust you, but it’s that this time it’s different, trust me” Russia said. Ukraine opened her mouth to argue, but hesitated and decided not to. The silence that followed was long.

Ukraine crossed her arms. “You never trust me”

“ i do” Russia responded

“Then why won’t you let me go!!” Ukraine said angrily. Flaying her arms around the air.

“ it’s because i trust you, that you can’t go” Russia walked closer to Ukraine, Ukraine had to lift her head to look at him. Russia bent down. “It’s for a reason”

They stared at each other, Ukraine’s sharp eyes contrasting with Russia’s unyielding cold eyes. “Fine” Ukraine laid off.

Ukraine left, “I'll go before I start something I guess…..” she said quietly. Russia still heard.

“I’d trust you with the country, with being the queen” Russia suddenly stated. “ more than our other siblings”

Ukraine stopped midway. She looked back at him surprised.

“Although you act immature, I know the real you,” Russia said. Ukraine turned her head.

“Under soviet you learn to grow fast” Ukraine responded coldly. She turned away and left.

—-----------------------------

America looked out from the window. He was having dinner with Russia, but the conversation had lulled into a silence that seemed heavy with unspoken words. When he turned back, Russia's gaze remained fixed on him, intense and unyielding.

“Do you not like the food?” Russia’s voice broke the silence.

“After what we’ve eaten, I don’t think I can dislike any food,” America replied, attempting to lighten the mood.Russia merely shrugged and returned to his meal, the tension between them palpable. The room was calm, but America’s thoughts were anything but.As they finished, Russia suggested a walk outside. America, puzzled by the sudden change, followed him into the chill of the evening air. A shiver ran down his spine, an unshakable feeling of unease settling over him.

In the garden, surrounded by the quiet of the forest, Russia turned to him with a serious expression. He took America’s hand in his, his tone oddly solemn. “Promise me you will write to me in case of an emergency, right?”

“Of course, Russia,” America answered, his voice steady despite the foreboding feeling.

“Do you trust me, America?” Russia’s question was repeated, his gaze unwavering.

“Why do you ask?”

“Do you really trust me?”

America’s curiosity deepened. “Yes, why do you ask?” He looked into Russia’s eyes, searching for answers.

“Do you really trust me?” America’s mind raced as he remembered the name

“Stars”—a name he had long associated with his past.

“Stars…” The realization hit him like a jolt. His breath caught in his throat as he raised his trembling hand, his heart pounding uncontrollably. " what did you call me.." his voice getting dangerously angry.

" do you trust me stars?"

“You’re…” He could barely force the words out, his voice barely above a whisper. America had never realized that Russia had such beautiful amber eyes. America’s mind raced as he recognized the amber eyes—eyes that matched exactly with the ones from his memories of Red.

“RED.”

The name escaped his lips in a mix of disbelief and awe. The world seemed to tilt around him as the truth sank in, shaking the very foundation of everything he thought he knew.

Chapter Text

Although I was the son of a king, I wasn't always treated like one. My father was a very fickle man. Sometimes treating us well and most of the time torturing us. Very few workers helped us in fear, even despite the fact, we lived.

I knew this wasn’t right from a young age, so I decided to run away. Far away, although my legs couldn’t carry me far. With the help of an older butler, I escaped the castle, leaving behind my siblings. When I left the walls, I looked back thinking of them.

I couldn’t help being selfish. I was just 12 years old, a kid.

My breath was labored from running. The city seemed endless, I'd never been outside of the walls of the palace. How was I supposed to know how expansive the real world was?
I ended wandering for a few days, my pitiful face helped me get pity from strangers. They gave me a little bit of food and water, just enough to survive. I was paranoid at the time, thinking my father would find me, so I faked an injury and got bandages. I covered my face completely. Although crude, it helped ease my paranoia.

I had found a place to stay, I stayed with a group of homeless people in an alley, it was just five of us, none of them family.

An older woman had seen me and helped me find something to sleep on. She had been sort of a mother for me. She’d give me a blanket when the nights were cold. She got sick, it got worse and worse, as the days went by.

“Derbert, are you okay?” I asked quietly. She would always smile before hiding the blood on her sleeve. I’d always see the blood, but I would never say anything.

“Of course, just a little cold” Her horse voice, contrasting with her comforting words. She patted Russia's head.

After a whole month of being homeless, I encountered recruiters. Even though I looked younger than 12 being a malnourished child, they still tried their luck.

They grabbed my arm and lifted me up. “How old are you?”

I was dumb

I nervously said “12..”

The two recruiters looked surprised but nodded. “ come with us”

I started backing up. They started to get mad. They yanked me away. My eyes were screaming for help, but no words would leave my mouth. “ take off those bandages” One of the soldiers said, it was directed towards Russia but to the other soldier.I covered my face, that didn’t help much. The soldier just tried with more force. I ended in a sort of fight, I got beaten to a pulp.
Even though one of my eyes was useless due to swelling, I could see the older woman. I eventually dragged away, with the bandages on.

I was sent to a camp with other rookies. I was bullied often. I was used to getting beat up, but not everyday, not by random people.I couldn’t fight back, my limbs were weak, and I was too shy to say anything. To keep my bandages I lied and said my face was scarred and ugly. It spread around and got me beat up more often.

“ Hey kid, what's under those bandages? Why won’t you let us see it” one of the boys taunted. Russia couldn’t hear well under their kicks.

“ I heard he had a disease that leaves ugly scars” another kid said, grabbing me from the head. Blood dripped down my face and onto the boys sleeve. I kept my head down. For some reason a second later i was dropped on the ground and the beating stopped, although they noise didn’t.

I looked up. The three boys ran away leaving a stranger looking at him. I stared at him. His mismatched eyes stared right back at me. He was taller than me by a lot, he seemed sad. He had saved me.

“ Are you okay?” The kid said offering a hand, I didn't see it, I was just staring at his face. I nodded, standing back up on my own, despite the pain,I didn't really notice. He retracted his hand

“What's your name?”

I didn't answer.

“ Who were the boys from earlier?”
.
“ They bully me almost everyday,” I responded quietly. The boy patted me on my head, and I lowered my head as a response. After a few minutes of standing there awkwardly the boy left, but I kept staring at him, even after I couldn't see him I still stared.

I stalked him for a while, occasionally getting caught by him. His name was 13, although I never called him that. He named me ‘Red’ and I called him ‘stars’. Stars helped me at least not feel alone, even while in battle he risked his life to save me.

I kept following him for days, although I wasn't very discrete. He invited me to hang out with him, follow him. Although we were at war, his smile made me forget I was at war.

Even war was better than returning home.

Chapter Text

We fought together, he saved me, multiple times. America or 13 as he was originally called was truly talented, too talented, compared to me atleast. I was just holding him back.

When I got injured in a battle, I passed out. I woke up in a weird cabin, with a strange man standing over me, taking care of my wounds. He held me down. When he was taking care of my head, getting rid of the blood, his hand froze.

His eyes widened ever so slightly. I didn’t realize what that meant at the time, but I guess he’s seen my hammer and sickle on my flag under my hair. That is something only the royal family has.
About a few hours passed, I was still laying on the bed, the man hand restrained me after he left.

13 walked through the door, “stars?”

“You’re alive,” he said, relieved.

“He’s in stable condition, i can take him back to your camp” The man says. His cold eyes staring at 13. 13 looked at me, it seemed like he wasn’t actually staring at me but through me.
Why does it seem like he’s not going with me? My teeth clenched.

No

No

No

The man picks me up.

No

NO

NO

“WAIT DON’T LEAVE ME” tears swelled up. I couldn’t breathe. I screamed, kicking and wailing. The man carrying me held no sympathy. I grabbed onto 13’s sleeves.

“I’m sorry” he says silently

“NO NO AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH”

No amount of fighting back helped. I was returned to camp. The man who later turned out to be the Japanese Empire, who had contact with Soviet, had snitched on me.

He told the nurse I was the crown prince. I was sent away from the front lines. Right back into my nightmares. The tears never stopped. More so when i heard my father was going to visit me.

“That’s where you’d been,” he said. He didn’t even worry about what I'd been through. “I was hoping you’d change but you’ve gotten worse.”

I hugged myself and cried. Soviet frowned, he picked me up by the hair. He slapped me. “Why are you crying?” he said coldly. “ What are you crying about? There’s nothing in your life to cry about. You’re not on the front lines anymore.”

“But…” I said.

“Is crying going to save your siblings?” I stopped crying, no no he couldn’t have. “Without you here, their big brother, poor ukraine.”

“NO” i cried grabbing onto his robe, he punched me.

“No matter how much I try , you're still a little shit” Soviet said, slamming the door behind him. Trapping me in a cold empty room.

“Aaaaaahhh” I cried. Curling into a ball. “Stars, please come BACK”

The next time I saw Soviet, was when he ordered some guards to bring me to the dungeon. It was dark and damp, I had a foreboding feeling. Something was off. My Father was standing there with his associate, the republic of china and china. I’d met china before, he’s been my playmate when i was younger.

Out of all the people there he seemed like the only one to hold any sympathy for me. His father slapped him “why are you looking at him like that?” the Republic of china said.

“I’m sorry father,” China said, stepping behind his father.

“Help me,” I said looking at everyone.

“Be quiet kid” Soviet ordered. ”come here”. I quickly came to him.

“When you were in the army it seemed that you were very ashamed of our family name” Soviet said. “Hiding your sickle and hammer” He grabbed my head and started shaking it back and forth.

“DO IT” Soviet said. Two guard held me. A branding iron was taken out of the fire.

My mouth opened but no sounds came out. My eyes pleaded with everyone but no tears dropped. The branding iron came closer, and close, and closer. Until it was inches from my face.

“Right above his eye”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”

Tears fell

Blood streamed down my face. China looked away, clenching his teeth. When I stopped screaming, they put a bandage on my face, rapping my eyes.I just stared at the walls.

That was the last time I cried.

My father sent me to my room, and I finally got to see my family again.

I hugged them, Ukraine cried, Belarus screamed, Kazakhstan didn’t know what was going on, Estonia just hung onto my sleeve.

“I’m sorry” I said, it came out colder than I wanted.

“I should have been here” happened again, what happened to my voice.

Eventually they all left, except Ukraine, she stared at me. I stared back. She was about to cry again but left.

I looked under the bandages, the blood had dried. My father marked me like property. I just stared and stared, as the days went by I started getting colder. I guess this was what my father wanted, as he was starting to treat me better. He wasn’t the only one who noticed. Ukraine and Estonia kept their distance.

The only one who would still talk to me was China. Although he seemed different.

Chapter Text

Years passed by the age of 15 I was already fully trained. Practicing sword everyday. When I turned 16 I was sent again as a general to the front lines, although my father liked it more for me to be in the castle.

“ The king has started treating you better,” China stated. He looked at me and shrugged “ my father has said that, he’s started talking about you in a better light”

“Whatever you’re doing, keep at it” China encouraged. Although China seemed friendly on the outside I could tell that this man had something darker within.

“I’m just becoming like him,” I said. “That’s all he wants”

China got serious “but you’re nothing like him”

“Maybe” I said. The tension between us was thick. We said nothing more.

The more time passed the more my father liked me. He even treated my siblings better. Impressed with my work my father kept promoting me. Doing all his dirty work. Estonia and Belarus started fearing me. Especially Estonia because of the incident when I was 18.

Estonia was talking with Soviet. I walked in. “Father, i have the prisoner”

He nodded. “Do what you normally do”

Estonia seemed perplexed. I hesitated, Estonia can’t see this. I looked towards my father then towards Estonia.

“DO it”

I saw Estonia's face turn white. She looked at me the same way she looked at father, it sickened me.

As the mutilated man under me didn’t scar her enough, my cold expressionless face did too. For years she didn’t talk to me. Even to this day, I think she thinks of that incident. I don’t blame her.

China was hanging out in my room, messing with my things.

“My father is losing his position, The king is starting to get wary of him” China says. “ my brother and i are worried, what’ll happen to us”

“I haven’t heard father say anything for now, rest assured this isn’t happening too soon.”

“That doesn’t fix the problem” , China states.

“What are you suggesting?”.

China grins.“Something that’ll benefit us both”. I looked at him. He leaned in whispering. I narrow my eyes.

“That’s risky, and plus it’ll take years”

“I’m patient” china says, laughing. I frown “I see that you don’t like it very much” China stands up and walks away, waving his hand. “If you want to go with my plan just call me” he turns to me and gives me another smile. China made way for a butler to come in, China crossed his arms.

“King Soviet has called you to the throne room to overhear a meeting”. I stood up and walked to my father.

When I entered the meeting had already started. I went to stand by my father, he turned and nodded at me. Nothing new, the fight with the German Empire was at a stalemate for the most part, no new progress, but there was a new general. As one of the officials talked about him, the more intrigued I got.

“He enlisted not too long ago and already has so many victories” One of the officials says.

“He climbed the ranks fast”

“ Your majesty, this was the child that was recommended by the Japanese Empire?”

“Yes,” Soviet replied. “Not only is he a great fighter but strategist too”

“But who is he?” I asked.

“His name is America district of columbia” Soviet stated.

“That’s very suspicious, who knows what he’s planning”

The officials made sounds of approval.

“That’s right”

”it’s not natural for someone to climb the latter so fast”

“and he’s far too powerful”

One of the higher ranking officials said “we need to keep him under wraps.” The higher ranking official was a general. “This person is dangerous”

“Have you met him?”

“No, but I have heard he doesn’t respect authority,” the general says.

“Hmm”

The more they talked about this new general, the more I got intrigued. There was something about this man. After everyone had left I stayed to talk to Soviet. “Father, please let me go and evaluate this general” I said,”i’ll confirm if he is truly loyal”

Soviet thought about it “ i guess there is no harm, you are old enough” Soviet scratched his chin " this young man is probably dangerous, so better to get to know him"

"yes, i'll definelty get more information on him" I state.

I went to my room and looked at my scar, my flag had changed in the last few years. When I was 12 I was completely red. After I was taken back and given the scar, part of my face was blue. When I turned 17 my flag changed again to white, red and blue stripes. Compared to how I was 7 years ago, I have completely changed. I wonder if the stars saw me again would he recognize me?

Soviet decided that it would be better if no one knew I was going to test this ‘new’ general. He sent me discreetly with a messenger.

When I arrived, people were running around, trying to give me a welcome. I tried to stop them, but they insisted. I guess they don’t want to offend me or my father.
I sat in a tent, I was sipping tea. I was to meet this general.

The tent moved. I lifted my eyes to meet him.

Chapter Text

I waited 5 minutes before the door of the tent moved.

A young man probably around 17-18 years old entered. Much younger than I thought. I narrowed my eyes. A thought entered my mind, just a theory. But that was impossible. I ignored it and focused on the man that sat right in front of me. He wore a smiling mask. He sat relaxed, I could tell he didn’t like me.

“Prince Russia, how lovely to see you” he says, sarcasm dripping in his words. I just sip my tea. How nice he already suspects me. Of course.

“General America, I've heard lots about you,” I say. It wasn’t a lie, all those two faced generals talked about was him

“The king sent you to spy on me?” He asks.

I don’t respond. “That’s why you’re fucking here, you two faced assholes”. I shoot him glare. America gets angrier.

“ you’ll need me to win,” he spits. He slaps his chest, “how many victories have i secured for this country” He yells angrily. I don’t react, clearly this person does not have a good temper.

“We’ll see about that,” I say. He stands up abruptly and knocks everything off the table. He huffs. My glaze turns cold.

“Watch your tone, it could get you killed”

“I’d prefer dying” America says, and walks away. The servants run away from him. “I’ll see you in battle” he says and leaves. He was telling the truth. We didn't see each other much after that, only one time discussing where we were going to attack.

“Intel says that there is a small camp in this area” I say

“I say we send scouts to verify”

No one seemed to object, America stood with his arms crossed not saying anything. “We’ll just interrogate them for more intel” America interjected. “Then we’ll just kill them”

“We should keep them as prisoners of war,” I say. America gives me a look. I ignore him. Clearly did not agreeing but kept his mouth shut.

The rest of the night goes without much resistance. I was the last to leave the tent and when I did I was surprised with a sword to the neck. The cold metal against my throat wasn't the first time. I didn’t finch.

America was on the other side of that sword. “ I know your here to supervise me here, but I’m the general here”
“I don’t care what fucking fancy name you have here”

I just looked at the sword. “Threatening will do nothing”. He glared at me, not saying anything. I simply sighed and moved his sword away. He lowered it. He disappeared without a trace. He is very, very fast. He could be more powerful than me.

That is concerning. I should write to my father.

I spent the rest of the night writing to my father, before falling asleep on my desk.

The day finally came. It was a small town called Kinerma surrounded by trees. A rural area, mostly been evacuated due to the war.
The empty town gave an eerily feeling. As we walked through the town i couldn't shake off this weird feeling of foreboding. The abandoned buildings were now occupied with soldiers smiling and drinking. We were to set up camp two miles up. Something in the distance shined, a glint, it was a milisecond, but that was enough. My eyes widened, i unsheathed my sword

Suddenly there was a rain of arrows. We’ve been attacked. Our army was very small for a fast maneuver.
I block the arrows. Some soldier beside me falls over, shot in the chest.

“We’ve been ambushed”

This shouldn’t have happened. My eyes widened.

Damnit.
DAMNIT.

I grit my teeth, those two faced fuckers.

When America saw the arrows flying towards him he simply caught the arrows. “They have us surrounded”. The odds of winning against the other side were slim. America deflects all the arrows, not caring if anyone else gets hit by them, soldiers around him start dropping.

“Huh” is the only thing America can say. From the woods he sees an army of soldiers, all rushing towards them, they were heavily outnumbered. America’s face darkened. He had only 1,000 men; this was supposed to be a discrete mission. America sighed. He rushed towards the soldier. Slicing off their limbs, taking their swords and impaling others. He spun to catch arrows. His own soldiers watched him in awe. He looked elegant. He cut through 5 soldiers with ease, their hands going up to cover their throats which had been slit. He fought with one arm. His sword gleaming with blood.

Russia on the other side of the battle field was busy keeping everyone safe. He tried, he really did, but there were too many, he had to focus on himself.
He cut through 3 soldiers. Stabbing them through the heart. He spun around and stabbed another in the mouth, and kicked him down.
Russia looked around ‘where is America?’ he thought.

His attention was quickly diverted by another wave of soldiers.He attacked, killing them easily. He felt someone approach him fast. The figure appeared right next to him, like the wind he appeared and left. I turned. It was America.

“The archers are a problem,” America states. He was going to go deal with them. I turned around to help the rest of his soldiers.

“Right,” I replied.

We parted ways. I tried to protect people but there was too much. Out of the 1,000 that we had originally had we ended up with 250……. 250………. We lost 750 people that day. Even as the sun set, it wasn’t over. Russia had spent the rest of the day with other people trying to get everyone organized; he hadn't seen America. He sent soldiers to find him. He himself also participated in the search.

They headed up the mountains. This is where all the archers and probably the rest of the ambushers were.
If America was alive then he had defeated them all.

If

Only if...

America sliced through all the archers, they had limited armor, it made it easier. Although he did get shot a couple times, in the stomach and in my hand and feet.
That didn’t stop him. Their terrified screams made him smile. He grabbed one of the bows and snapped it in half. The archers screamed, He grabbed his head and crushed it. Someone sliced his back. He took one of the arrows and threw it at the person behind him.He grabbed extra swords and threw them at more people. They were dropping like flies.

After hours and hours, they didn’t stop coming. America grabbed one of the swords attacking him. his hand then suddenly let go.

What?

Why did it do that?

Was i tired….

Was I running out of strength….

Am I hurt?.....

His eyes widened. America looked down at his hand, the gaping hole in his hand was bleeding heavily.

My hand is shaking.

How had I not realized before?

He wrapped part of the ripped part of my uniform around his hand. ‘There it was all fine’. he continued slicing people, bodies stacked on top of bodies. Endless amount of bodies. He breathed heavily, America couldn't concentrate.
More people were attacking me

I had to focus, just focus…. Please just focus.

He killed two more people. “Hahahahahahahaha” America grabbed his head. His mask almost fell off. The mask which had in the beginning been white was now bleached RED.
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA” There was no one else left on the battlefield, only corpses.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”

‘I won’ he thought

America collapsed. He lifted his head. And continued laughing. “THOSE MOTHERFUCKERS WANTED TO KILL ME HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA” Everyone doesn't like me. They set me up, and tried to kill me haha…. “I’ll die alone out here, forgotten” America said suddenly, his eyes widening. He couldn’t move his body, he hadn’t realized how tired he was.
His vision was getting wobbly. The world started spinning around him. His breath was heavy. “wha-” His smile faded. His eyes felt heavy.

America collapsed, His body twitching, the only thing left alive in the mountain of corpses, although he was far from being on.

‘Will I die like this?’

‘After everything’

‘Like this?’

America could only hear his laboured breathing. He heard someone approach. America’s eyes widened, he grabbed his sword and stabbed the person. Another person approached he seemed familiar.
Who was it again, his white hair is pretty distinctive. The white haired person watched as the person beside him bled to death, frowning he said something to me. I couldn’t hear anything.

Was this the end?

I closed my eyes, my mouth filled with disgusting blood.

America's eyes opened, the scent of fresh air hit his nose. He wasn’t on the battlefield that much was obvious but something felt off….. As if he was missing something.
MY MASK!!

He reached up for his face. He never took off his mask, it felt weird touching his face. It was smooth and real…

There was someone else in the room right next to him.

How had he not realized?

Chapter Text

Russia rushed up the mountain with other people searching for their general, they split up in pairs. The person with Russia could barely keep up with him. “Search in that direction” Russia ordered.

They searched for hours. He heard a noise, so did his fellow soldier. The soldier rushed to the sound, I only walked fast.

There he was, America. He was on the ground. His body seemed to be moving laboursly.
Was he severely hurt?

He heard America murmur something.

“He’s alive!!” the soldier beside him exclaimed, he rushed over to his general, before I could react, America grabbed his sword and killed the young soldier. The young man's face of shock and betrayal was stuck in his face as he bled. The young soldier touched the sword, he opened his mouth, looking towards me with hope in his eyes. I pulled out the sword from his abdomen.

Another useless casualty

I frowned. “That was one of our soldiers...”

America’s arm slipped from the hilt of the sword and hit the ground with a sickening thud, the sound thick and final, like a stone sinking into wet soil. A ripple of shocked breaths passed through the soldiers as they found the opening, their boots squelching in the mud and gore. The medics froze mid-step, eyes wide, their hands trembling on empty stretchers. The stench of iron and decay clawed at the air, mingling with the acrid smell of burnt leather and flesh. Blood seeped into every crevice, creating slick trails over limp bodies.

The battlefield was a suffocating graveyard—endless piles of corpses sprawled haphazardly, faces twisted in pain or blank in eternal stillness. Blood snaked like rivers, dark crimson rivers, it's dark stream reflecting patches of the pale sky. Silence swallowed the air, except for the occasional crack of bone beneath hurried footsteps.

I picked up America, his blood staining my already bloody uniform, although I had not sustained too much damage that didn’t mean I didn't get my fair share of cuts.
I carried him to the medics. They looked at me incredulously, they had hesitation as if I was sending them to their deaths. They looked between each other as if passing the responsibility to each other.

“The general doesn’t like to get medical treatment, last time he……” the medic had a scared expression
“he umm, killed the medics after removing his mask”

Russia stared at the young man in his arms, he was quite light in his arms, probably malnourished. Russia looked at America’s mask. “I doubt he’ll kill me”

“Just let me do it”

The medics looked suspicious and one hesitated and said ” I don’t-”

“I ordered you” I said in a cold voice, it resonating throughout the forest. The medic gulped. Russia turned around and left.

“Right….”

Although I didn't like America, for some reason, I didn't allow the medic to view his face. I still don’t know why. I felt a strong urge not to.

I lifted his mask, it was just the two of us. Russia fingers delicately outlined the mask. Until beneath America's chin, he felt America's breath, it was so light. Hard to remember that he was just human.

Slowly lifting the mask, Russia held his breath, as if doing something illegal. America's face was young and fair. His soft expression gave him a sense of jade-like beauty. Compared to his cold and violent nature, his face was pretty and soft. His face fell into his face, his eyelashes fluttering with any weird sensations.
‘He must have been knocked out hard’

Russia grabbed his face, lifting it up slightly, inspecting it. Russia manually lifted America's eyelids. America frowned.
Russia breath hitched, those eyes-

It can’t be

He opened his mouth, nothing came out. “Stars”

Russia’s hand shook, he covered his mouth. Looking at him again, he was completely different, like a weird distortion of the man he once knew.

What happened to him?

The kind young kid who helped him had changed, was back in his hands.

This time is different. He can save HIM now.

Russia grabbed America’s hand, it was warm, he was alive, and right beside him. He lifted the hand to his forehead, then down to his face. He gave the hand a light kiss.
“Stars, you’re back”

America jolted up, he groped his face before turning to me, his lifeless eyes stared back at me. They most definitely belonged to 13.

“ We found you unconscious” I stated. “You would have died”

I felt arms around my neck, as much as I wanted to punch him and knock him out. I couldn’t. These same hands saved me before. The same hands that had helped me up, I can't hurt him. America’s hands tightened around my throat. His teeth gritted. “ you saw me without my mask”
I gasped for air. I grabbed his arms without exerting any force.

I stared at him. I raised one of my arms to reach out to him. My hand brushed against his smooth skin. The touch did not affect him, he looked at me like he did those bullies, like he did his enemies.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Unintelligible sounds came out of Russia's suffocated voice. Blood rushed to his head, he couldn’t think right.

13 please

My vision blurs.

America crushes Russia’s throat, he isn’t resisting, why?

Although Russia seems to not have a reaction he is most likely starting to pass out. “Why-” America starts. His brows furrow, his face revealed a sad expression masked by anger.

His jade-like beauty added to the weird complexity of his expression and actions. His voice starts to break “why aren’t you resisting”

Russia sees his face, his sad and scared face. That's like the 13 he knows.

“Damn it” America drops his hands. America covers his face with his hands; burying them deep within his face. He scratches his face.
What is wrong with me?

He grits his teeth. Russia coughs. He rubs his hands over his throat and says nothing. America lays down again turning over so Russia doesn’t see him

“I’ll make sure no one sees your face,” Russia says. America moves a little.

“ I don’t even know who you are,” Russia states coldly. Russia could see how America relaxed after that statement.
Interesting…

Many weeks afterwards America was fully healed. He mostly sat my the window observing. I gave him his medicine and did his bandages. Although we weren’t on good terms it was better than before.

“You know” America interrupted his thought.

“I really thought i was gonna die” he said

I looked at him, my cold face shattered in that instant. The idea of losing 13 was unthinkable even if I didn't know it was him.
“You wouldn’t have died” Russia stated

America smirked, He put one hand under his chin and leaned closer to Russia. Russia could feel his breath on his skin. “How do you know?”

“I just know,” Russia said.

“That doesn’t answer the question”

“You’re just too strong that's all” Russia said teasingly, smiling.

Because i would i found you and saved you a hundred times over

America just looked at Russia with an annoyed look. He turned around and let out a ‘hmf’ sound.
Definitely better than before.

Russia stood up and left, leaving America alone with his thoughts. He sighs, it was close

“If the prince wasn’t here I really would have died” America said depressingly.
“Maybe he isn’t so bad,” he said, looking at the bandages around his hands.

extra:
Russia and America had lots of bonding time, when Russia was helping him with his injuries. they found out they have lots in common ;D

Chapter Text

Russia finally went back to the capital when my father requested. He reported what had happened.
“America is loyal” Russia reaffirmed.

“Good” soviet replied “ i would like for you to accompany him more often, you both seem to be a good team” he said. There was some underlying message.

You both survived the impossible

“That…..” Russia didn’t know what to respond. “That would be smart,” he finally said.

The years passed America and I shared many battles, we became closer and closer. I think even surpassing my friendship with China. Although the war was traumatizing, being with him felt like a part of me healed.

Although the victories in the war were being won, the battle in the palace was far from over.

The Republic of China was forcibly put into retirement, due to his ambitions, and China and Taiwan both split charges. Although it seemed like a benefit for China. Russia knew well enough that this was the opposite. Soviet was more suspicious than ever.

“It’s time,” I said. China just looked at me, as if proud of my decision like a father looking at his son.

“That’s good to know,” China said. China smiled as he passed Russia as if like wind he rushed to his side, putting his hand on his shoulder.

“ a gift” he said into his ear. Russia took the vile. China disappeared.He clenched his fists.
I’m not innocent anymore, not since a long time ago

He closed his eyes and felt the vile in his hands for a while, in complete silence.

Russia stood rigid at attention, boots planted firmly on the cold marble floor. The office reeked of ink, dust, and the faint, unpleasant hint of decay. Papers lay in neat stacks across the desk, untouched for days.

Soviet sat slouched in his chair, the weight of age and illness bowing his once-proud shoulders. His skin was sallow beneath the flickering light, and every breath seemed to scrape its way out of his lungs, those who had known him earlier in his life, would have trouble associating that strong presence, with this husk of a man.

“Ah, Russia,” he rasped, voice thin and worn. “You know I’ve been sick lately…” A dry cough clawed its way up his throat. He waved a trembling hand. “I need you to handle all the meetings for now.”

For a heartbeat, a flicker of hatred crossed Russia’s face—sharp and fleeting, like a flash of lightning behind calm clouds. It vanished before Soviet could see.

“Of course, Father,” Russia said smoothly, with a slight incline of his head.

Another cough wracked Soviet’s body, this one deeper, wetter. He struggled to speak through it. “Get—cough—me…”

Russia, already moving, handed him a handkerchief. The fabric was soft, white, and quickly stained deep red.

Soviet stared at the blood-soaked cloth, his expression unreadable—somewhere between disappointment and grim acceptance. A bitter silence settled between them.

“It’s worse,” Russia said quietly, the words more observation than concern.

“Hmf,” Soviet grunted, his mouth pulling into a weary, downward line. As though on cue, part of his skin starts falling off.

Russia’s face softened, carefully now, like a mask shifting into something gentler. His tone grew quiet, almost tender. “Father, please… drink something.”

Soviet just stared at his expression and sighed “whatever just get me some tea” He waved Russia away.

He reached toward the untouched glass of water on the desk.

Before serving the cup, Russia's hand stopped. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small vial, the bright purple poison, swirled inside the glass case. Gifted by China under the veil of silence and shared ambitions. This poisons, given in small amounts, was slow, subtle and nearly impossible to trace, but highly deadly.

He uncorked the vial, tipped in over the tea. Few drops of purple dissipated in the sea of tea. Russia stirred, until he was certain it wouldn't even be noticeable. His expression stayed the same, maybe even kind, he turned back towards his father.

"drink something father". Russia offered the cup with both hands, like a son, like a servant—like an executioner gently tightening the noose around his father’s throat.

Soon enough even more cracks started to appear on Soviets face, he started covering his face, so as to not let people know his declining health. Soviet face, which had previously been handsome - the pinnacle of good health, looked hollow, pale, and with little to no energy.

His every so commanding aura had been reduced to nothing.

First, he stopped attending public meetings. Then court summons. Then… he wouldn’t even leave his room. The once-firm echo of his boots in the halls was replaced by silence, stale and heavy. He’d grown so weak that Russia, standing at his bedside with clenched fists and a hollow gaze, genuinely considered killing him—right there, even with his family watching. But he couldn’t, he couldn’t hurt his family more than he had.

All of Soviet’s children sat in stiff silence around the bed, eyes flickering between their father’s sunken face and each other. The air felt thick, laced with the faint metallic sting of blood and the medicinal rot of whatever they’d tried to give him. No one could say for sure if they were mourning his passing or quietly hoping it would finally come.

Soviet’s breath rattled, barely stirring the air. His voice was so faint, Russia had to lean in, the coarse fabric of the sheets brushing against his uniform.

“I wanted to say... that Russia is my next in line.”

Russia straightened, his voice like splintered ice. “He said I’m the next king,” he repeated louder, cutting the stillness.

Soviet’s cracked lips twitched. “Russia… you’ve become just like me.” Soviet looked at Russia, he didn't see his son in front of him, he say his successor, a monster and worse of all himself.

Russia froze. The words hit him harder than a blow. His eyes locked on his father’s—the same cold grey, dulled by age and sickness. He wanted to scream, to break something. His hands curled into fists so tight his nails bit into skin. He glanced at his siblings. They stared at him—not at their father, not at the dying king. Him. And with the same flat, tired eyes. He felt sick.

He couldn’t tell if they were grieving for the man on the bed, or for the monster sitting beside him.

“Please,” Russia said, voice low and sharp. “Leave me and Father alone.”

“But—” Ukraine’s voice cracked.

“NOW.” The walls seemed to shake with his roar.

She flinched. Watched as her brother’s back curved over the body, like a beast guarding its meal. There was a gleam in his eyes—feral, unblinking.
As they filed out of the dim, suffocating room, Ukraine turned back.

Russia was standing now, towering over Soviet’s frail form.

“Soviet,” he said—
—but the heavy door clicked shut, swallowing the rest.

Soviet looked up at his son, In Russia's eyes was all the anger, saddness hatred he felt for man in front of him, His eyes tearing through Soviet. Russia lifted something. For the first time in his life, his father saw HIM.

What he had created.

The king died that day, of illness, they claimed.
No one ever saw the body.
No one ever did an autopsy.
No one dared, or even cared.

The day of Russia’s coronation passed without much trouble, no one dared to even make a sound. Everyone knew how Soviet was, they couldn’t imagine his child. What moster was about to be released.

Russia had lots of Rumors, a cruel general - cold killer. Emotionless husk of a person. Worse than his Father.

Only two people clapped when he was crowned, China and America. They were the only ones that truly knew who he was. As the crown was placed on his head. Russia stared at the audience. The generals seemed indifferent, His family didn’t even look at him - worried that he’ll become just like his father.

China lifted up his glass, his face distorted in a weird unnatural way. It was a smile, a true smile. Although China knew that if he ever betrayed Russia he would out him in his participation in the assassination of the Previous king. China had no need to betray him. He had just gotten a big promotion, he sipped his whine in peace.

“China” America said. China’s smile faltered, he really couldn’t stand this general. Russia always had this man follow him, almost like Russia was the dog behind his master always wanting America to be involved in everything. If Russia wasn't the prince it was as if Russia was the one that need America around not the other way around.

He wouldn’t mind him, but China and America just couldn’t seem to get along, no matter what.

“General, how good it is to see you” China closed his eyes trying to calm down.

America didn’t respond. He looked back at Russia. The new king came right next to the two of them.

“Congratulations” Both China and America said, Bowing down.

“Rise” Russia said.

Russia let a small smile on his face. He walked close and put a hand on both of their shoulders. “we still haven’t finished” Russia suddenly said. America and China looked at him nodding. There was still lots of work in the court. Killing off generals and court officials.

“I trust you both” Russia said.

After a second, China suddenly said, “Now that you’re king we have to celebrate!”

The three of them walked off from the crowd.

Russia and America both clinked their glasses. “You’ve finally achieved what you wanted”
Russia paused, gaze drifting to the floor.

“Not really,” he murmured. “I just… freed my family.”
A bitter smile tugged at his mouth.
“In exchange, I trapped myself.”

America laughed—a sharp, disbelieving sound that echoed too loud in the quiet.
“You HATE it, don’t you?” he said, stepping closer.

Russia didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. The silence clung to him like a second skin.

America’s expression shifted. He reached out, grabbing Russia’s face with both hands—firm, but not harsh. His thumbs rested on Russia’s cheekbones, caressing his soft skin, steadying him. Their eyes locked.

“I’ll protect you sir” America said softly. “From others… and from the monster inside you.”

I’ll stop you from becoming like me.
They both thought it.

Neither said it.

They just stared at each other.

Chapter Text

“RED.”

The name escaped his lips in a mix of disbelief and awe. The world seemed to tilt around him as the truth sank in, shaking the very foundation of everything he thought he knew.

America’s anger peeked. “YOU-”

Russia’s amber eyes reflected back America’s face. He saw the anger forming on his face, the wrinkles appearing on his porcelain face. As America face contorts he raises his finger. His whole body shakes, from anger IRE at Russia. Russia’s mouth moved, trying to form words before America exploded. He was too late.

America reached out arms extended, Russia made no move to block. He grabs Russia by the neck. Trying to strangle him. Two bodies fell on the ground tumbling in the grass. His fingers on Russia's veiny neck, pushing and pushing harder until America's veins start to pop. He notices Russia’s face starting to turn red from the blood rushing to his head. Trying to seem like he’s struggling

“You’ve known all this time, acting like you didn’t know” America scoffed. “Treating me like a fool”

“S-starss” Russia blurted. His words were slurred and heavy. Russia's vision was starting to blur. Big blue splotches were forming in the side of his vision.

He couldn’t see

America was going to kill him if he didn’t talk

“How did I not realize earlier? But the truth is you really have changed” America remembered a young boy covered in bandages. His big amber eyes reflected his innocence, something America tried to protect.

“Thank you” was all Russia could say. It was what he always needed to say. The fingers digging into his neck loosened. Eyes burning into his skin softened. His jaw clenched and unclenched as if undecided whether to kill the man underneath him. America’s breath hitched. He looked so much like him. Like red, the child he had failed to protect. That he had left.

His lip trembled. “It really is you”

America lowered his body. His forehead planted on Russia’s chest. He felt as the man underneath sighed a weight off his shoulder. White hands glided from Russia's neck to his chest grabbing the fabric. The course fabric intertwined in his fingers filling the gap between.

He let go and then formed them into fists. He gently hit Russia’s chest.

“I Hate you I HATE you”

Russia looked up. The sky is ironically clear. It was more beautiful than he had ever seen it in his life. It was the perfect day to take a walk. He looked away from America and he couldn't see his reaction. Russia bit his cheek, blood coating the inside of his mouth. The bitter iron taste filling his mouth. Oh how he hates blood.
He felt something wet on his uniform – like rain hitting him – But there was no rain. Not a single cloud in the sky. He looked down reluctantly. America’s face was pressed up against his chest, his hair – white and red– shielding his face.

“I HATE YOU, HATE, HATE” his lips quivered. He breath seemed to be sort, the oxygen around him seemed to be sucked out “I HATE THAT I MET YOU”
If you asked America what he was angry about he couldn’t tell you exactly. Was it who he was before or who he was after. What about the revelation had angered him; was it the revelation?

Why did he hate Russia, was it BECAUSE he met him or the circumstances.

“I don’t” Russia stated. America breath seemed to stop.

“If I could run away again, I would do it, even if my father would have killed me when I returned”

America got out startling Russia. “Ame..” he whispered.

America held out his hand, the callous hand formed through years of training the sword. Russia equally beat up and reached out and clasped the others. America easily pulled him up.

America was indifferent. He looked at him like– like his siblings — when they thought he was a monster. That cold look of knowing. Russia held onto America’s hand, squeezing it.

“Don’t look at me like that”
America stayed silent.

“You said i’m not a monster” Russia felt his hand go forwards, but it wasn’t his fault. America yanked him. And warm arms embraced him. Russia’s hand slowly made their way to America's back.

“We’re the same”

Same beginnings, same ends

“I couldn’t protect you,” America said softly.
Russia felt like a child again. He felt his face itch, the feeling of bandages on his face lingering. America felt as far as before. But now he felt familiar, more familiar than ever.

“I was already broken”
America stayed quiet, his head rested on Russia’s shoulder.

“Heheheheh” America giggled

It was all silly, this whole deal.

America pulls away. Russia was surprised.

“HAHAHAAHHAHAHAHA i can’t believe it” America says smirking.

“Where is America?” D.C. asked.

Richmond was organizing her room. “ I don't know young lady”
He opened all the cabinets. It seemed like he was searching

“What are you looking at” D.C. questioned

“Just looking at this mess” He scoffed, crossing his arms. He bent down and picked up an item thrown on the ground.

“Sorry…”

“We both know you’re not….”

If they do not grow up with manners they will never learn. It can’t be helped. All I can do is just try to knock some sense into her. Why did I even let myself take this job, dealing with America is enough.

D.C. fidgeted with her hands. She looked out the window. Where was America??
He heard a loud crash.

Richmond's loud sigh came soon after. A familiar short haired boy appeared.

“Ahh sorry” Canada apologized. Richmond looked at him as if Canada had just burned and killed his whole family.

“Er…. Oh Right… D.C.” he waved. D.C. waved back.

“America’s out with Russia, he said that we should train so… lets go” he said signaling.

It went as usual, but in the back of D.C.'s mind there was some sort of unsettled feeling. She couldn’t shake it off.
“You’ve gotten really strong,” Canada said.

She looked up from her sword. “Thanks, thats what America does to someone”

“HAHAHA, yeah he’s especially hard on you” Canada says. He lowers his guard and looks away “ he definitely sees himself in you, and i can definitely see it”

He looks back and smiles, a kind and sincere smile.

D.C. sighs, “ well i can’t disappoint him”

They trained until the night. The cool evening air clung to their skin, sticky with sweat, and the sound of their ragged breathing mixed with the distant chirping of crickets. The grass under their boots was damp with dew, and the fading sky had turned a deep indigo, swallowing the last light of the sun. America was still a no show. His absence hung heavy, like a silence no one dared to fill.

Ukraine came to interrupt their training. Her steps echoed softly against the stone floor as she approached, the faint scent of lavender trailing behind her.
“D.C. don’t bully Canada too much,” she said, her voice warm but edged with playful warning.

“Don’t worry, I’m going easy,” D.C. quipped, though her smirk couldn’t quite mask the exhaustion in her tone.

The trio left and went to Ukraine’s room. The corridors were quiet, lit only by flickering candles that threw long shadows along the walls. “Lemme get some food,” she called over a servant, her words quick and casual, though her stomach gave a quiet growl that betrayed her own hunger. She quickly left.

The food soon came. The rich aroma of roasted meat and warm bread filled the room, making D.C.’s mouth start to water. Canada and Ukraine both looked at each other laughing, their voices light, cutting through the heavy quiet of the night like a small fire crackling in the dark.

“You can eat all you want,” Ukraine added, her smile soft but encouraging.

“Thanks,” D.C. said, embarrassed, her cheeks heating as she reached for the plate, fingers brushing the steam rising from the food.
While the hunger passed, the question in the back of her mind itched even more.

Where was her teacher? What happened with Russia?

D.C. eventually returned to her room, insomnia engulfing her the whole night. Why was she so uneasy, was it really because America was gone or was it for some other reason, she couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason. Maybe something was going to happen, whether it was good or bad was up to debate. But no doubt in her mind something was up.
She tossed and turned to no avail. The sheets tangled around her, clinging damp with sweat, every shift of her body making the mattress creak in protest. She puffed up her cheeks and let go, the small exhale puffing warm against the pillow.

Her legs and arms sore from the training hurt so bad, the dull ache throbbing with every movement, and she was so tired, but at last nothing worked. The silence of the night pressed down on her, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves outside the window.

The door cracked – it must be midnight – the sound sharp as a splinter in the stillness. A tall figure standing still was there waiting, their shadow spilling long across the floorboards. As if asking for permission, between her dried eyes she couldn’t tell who it was. The blur of exhaustion made the figure waver in her vision, almost ghostlike in the dim light.

“D.C.” it said, its voice hoarse. Eyes piercing, if D.C. were anyone else she would panic. But she didn’t although the tone was unfamiliar she knew who it was.

“Ame!!” D.C. got up. “I haven’t seen you in a while” She hugged him tighter. Her face rubbing against his white uniform.

America's breath was shallow, he seemed out of it. A little bit of light came back when she hugged him.

“Sorry I was with the king” America sighs. He stayed silent for a while debating an idea “I also mentioned something to him, pertaining to you”

“Yeah” D.C. says, clearing her voice. She straightened out leaving America’s side. A frown forms on America’s face.

His hand raises. Shadow clouding D.C. view on his face. He leans down. D.C.’s eyes widened.
He doesn’t have his mask for the first time. She can’t make out his face. His eyes glowing in the dark like fire set on a village. D.C. backs up.

He cups her face. Her eyes flicker from place to place. His eyes stare, and stare; drilling holes into her skull.

“Ame…”
He presses his forehead on hearse

“Do you want to accompany me on a mission?” America asks. His voice was steady, but there was a weight behind it — an invitation not often given.
A grin forms on D.C.’s face.

“Yeah sure,” she practically jumps, her excitement bubbling over before she could hold it back.

They stay there for a second. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable — it was heavy, almost reverent, like the pause before something fragile. America had never done something like this. He reaches out, his calloused fingers brushing against her ears, feeling their shape with a careful curiosity. He pats her white hair, the strands soft under his palm, catching faintly in the ridges of his hand.

D.C.’s mouth slightly agape as she tries to form words. Her throat felt tight, as if the air itself had thickened. A strange feeling blooms in her stomach — warmth, not sharp, but spreading slow like embers. She touches her core.

What is this?

She reaches out to touch his face. She doesn’t know what possessed her — maybe it was the quiet, maybe it was the closeness. It was smooth like any other person, warm against her fingertips. It was slim, fit for a young man, with no scarring to mark it. She felt his eyes, and he closed them slowly, letting her explore without hesitation. His eyelashes tickled her skin, making her feel itchy. She moved her hands down and felt the smile — soft at first, then fuller, a smile she realized he rarely gave freely.

“You don’t have your mask…”

“I know”

“I can’t go to sleep”

“I see”

“Will you stay”

“I will”

Chapter Text

“Will you stay?”

“I will”

She makes her way back to her bed, America pulls the covers over.

“What happened you seem different”

“I got reminded of the past”

“Oh…” D.C. laid in her bed. Her fingers interlaced with each other. “Was it bad?”

“....No”

“I remember my mom sometimes” D.C. states “memories of here are warm and homely but always blurry”
They are always too far away

He pats her head. The strange warmth spreads all the way through her body. Making her feel complete; she wants it more.

“I remember my Mother and Father” America says quietly, his voice so small D.C. wasn’t sure she heard right

“Are they….?”

America didn’t answer. The silence was nice. It engulfed them entirely.
“Go to sleep” His hands shut her eyes.

America talking is drowned out by D.C.’s mind, slowly falling asleep.

“You seem more quiet than usual?” Ukraine asked, her soft voice cutting through the stagnant room.

Russia sighed, lifting his head from his hands. His palms left faint red marks on his face, his skin dry and warm. He stretched, his joints popping with a weird sound that echoed faintly in the dim chamber. “Tomorrow America leaves.” The words felt heavy on his tongue, as if saying them out loud made the day arrive faster.

“Are you worried?” Ukraine asked

“America is too powerful” Russia said

“Are you worried?” Ukraine reiterates. Her insistence felt sharper this time, a demand rather than a question.
Russia frowns, he looks down to his sister. Her expression was serious, the usual tease in her tone seems to be gone.

Russia remembered a previous conversation with America

“I know the leader, personally, he’s cunning” America looked at him

“I might need help”

“Is he from your past?”

“Yes…”
“What do you want me to do”

America turned to him “exactly this…”

“Of course,” Russia answered. “But i have a solution, i called you here for a reason”

Ukraine paused, her steps halting. She turned to face Russia, her normal lightness gone, the child Soviet raised was back.
“What?”

Russia felt wrong. A knot twisted in his stomach. A question ached in his throat, was it really fine for her, for his sister. Russia spoke, Ukraine’s eyes widened, her hands opened and raised. Her surprise was shown clearly.

The disbelief. Her eyes widened, pupils dark, staring without blinking, taking in the words as if trying to measure their weight. The room seemed to shrink around her, the walls inching closer, and the faint creak of the floorboards under her feet sounded impossibly loud.

“What?” She questioned

“You can’t” She stated

“Why?” She begged

Why?

Ukraine asks herself as she sits in her bath. The conversation with her brother recorded in her mind, repeating like a broken record. Why me? The cold marble cooling her skin, feeling like fire slowly burning her alive. The faucet slowly drips water, she reaches and opens the tub more. She looks in her reflection. She stared, her mirrored image distorting.

“Princess, are you ready to change?” Kyiv asked.

As Ukraine lifted her body from the tub, she shivered, the change in temperature from the water to the air shocked her.

“I’m done”

“Where are we going?” D.C. asked, she lifts her fort and starts eating, she takes a bite out of one of the plates near Ukraine.

Richmond hands them more plates. He gives Ukraine her utensils.

Canada paused, "I'm pretty sure it’s the town of Krasnoyarsk, its a rural area near the north of the country”

“Why are we going?” D.C. asked, her voice carrying a note of curiosity mixed with impatience.

“‘Cause the leader of the group is probably there and we have to help the mayor,” Canada explained, his mouth full as he lifted his fork and stuffed his face. The clatter of cutlery on the plate punctuated his words, the warm aroma of the food curling around them. “Did the America not explain?”

“No….” D.C. scratched the back of her neck, the skin tingling under her fingertips. “He just told me yesterday.”

“Typical…” Ukraine adds, scoffing softly. She nurses the drink in her hand, bringing it up to her nose and smelling. The white wine swished in the rhythm of her movement, the crisp, slightly sweet scent teasing her senses. The glass was cool against her fingers, condensation forming tiny beads that tickled her skin as she adjusted her grip.

“Are you drinking?” Canada asks quietly. Only the two of them could hear.

“Yeah..”

Canada gave her a knowing look. “I know I know, it’s just…”

“I know, but are you okay?” Canada states

Ukraine looks down at her drink, the ripples distorting her mirrored self. “Yeah, I’m fine”. She looks up and smiles, their eyes connecting. Canada was always pure and kind.
Their moment was disrupted by loud chewing.

"Ah, D.C. try to chew with your mouth closed” Both Ukraine and Canada saw the blush crawled from her neck to her face.

“Sorry!!” She said with food in her mouth.

Richmond slaps his face. “Don’t talk with your mouth full either!” He admonishes.

“Hhahahahah sorry” D.C. smiles. Canada and Ukraine both laugh. Richmond just stays quiet.

“So how long will you all be gone” Richmond asks

“Not sure” Canada answers “ to get to the town is not far, like 3 days, although Poland will be scouting beforehand to see the situation”

“Poland is back in the country?” Ukraine asks

“Yeah” Canada affirms.

“Say hello to her,” Ukraine says.

“Noted “Canada says, raising his hand in a sort of mock salute.

“We should start packing..” Canada says looking towards D.C.

“You’re right”

Two men sit across from each other both calmly lounging. “I guess this is a goodbye”

“Well for at least six days at least” China says lifting up his cup of tea, eyes half lidded.

Taiwan just stares “just for a bit”

“We still haven’t found that mole” China states

“He’ll show up eventually, at least in this mission” Taiwan says. Taiwan thinks for a moment, when did he and his brother become so distant. They bonded early on in their life due to their cruel and verbally abusive father, but what happened. When did China become so cold blooded, was it always like this; had he just not seen it?
Taiwan truly couldn’t tell what China was thinking.

“I think America knows who it is”

“Why wouldn’t he tell me, that's stupid” Taiwan retorts slamming his cup down on the table.

“Maybe it's simply his curiosity…” China looks down at the table, the wood carefully carved to create the simple shape. His finger slowly glided over the smooth table.

“Who knows what monsters think like”

Taiwan simply frowned, the crease between his brows deepening as he considered the words. China is too much of a hypocrite; isn’t this also referring to himself? The steam rising from his tea curled around his face, warm and calming.

“If this person scared America, then this is truly dangerous,” China says, his voice smooth, almost melodic, carrying a quiet weight.

“Are you worried?” Taiwan teases, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. “Did you finally grow a heart?”

China smiles. Softly, his eyes creasing at the corners. Although the tension filled room did not decrease. “No, I just wanted to see if I could get your shares without bloodshed.”

“Har har, very funny,” Taiwan jokes, the sound of his laughter light, but there’s a flicker of unease behind it. “You seriously creep me out.” The edge of his voice contrasts with the delicate clink of his teacup against the table.

“Me and not your general America?” China questions, tilting his head slightly, the motion subtle yet deliberate. Taiwan sits for a second, lifting his finger to his chin, the warm cup of tea forgotten in his hand. He opens his mouth as if to retort but closes it. He shrugs, shoulders relaxed but eyes still wary.

“You both are creepy, in your own ways,” Taiwan resumes his tea time, the steam curling up to brush his nose as he sips, the warmth grounding him in the middle of the uneasy conversation

Chapter Text

The warm sun hits America’s face, he lifts his hand to block out the powerful rays.

“Poland, you should start heading out”

“Is it that late already?” Poland pouts. Lowering herself from the sky, slowly hovering near America.

“The sooner you go the sooner you get to go to the german empire” Canada said smugly.

HUH!” Poland screamed as she tumbled down, the sharp crunch of gravel scraping her palms. Pain shot up her leg when her ankle twisted, making her hiss through her teeth.

“DAMN IT,” she winced, clutching her ankle before shaking her foot and forcing herself upright, the sting still buzzing in her bones.

“The weather is bad. It’s too hot,” Poland muttered, her voice heavy with irritation. Canada and D.C. nodded in sync, their foreheads glistening. Sweat shimmered in the sun like scattered diamonds across Poland’s flushed, two-toned face.

“Welp, see you guys soon.” She smirked, knees bending as her muscles coiled. With a single explosive push, she launched forward—the ground quaking faintly under her departure. Canada and D.C. staggered back, nearly toppling from the gust of wind that whipped past them. America’s robes snapped and flared in the sudden gale, yet he stood rooted, not moving an inch.

“All your stuff should be ready” America looked back to Canada and D.C. “We just have to wait for Taiwan”

Crossing his arms, he knew how long Taiwan took, always fighting with China.
“Should I go get Taiwan…?” Canada asked. America glared at him.

“Let him come by himself” America finally stated.

After waiting almost 2 hours they finally set off. Riding in separate horses, except for D.C. who rode with America, they quickly set off. The days passed painfully slowly, the heat slowing them down. Taiwan’s horse which had all the luggage had to regularly stop for breaks stopping their stride.

Finally they arrived at a small rural town located in the north of the Russian empire. It had distinct architecture unlike the rest of the empire. All the houses were equally distanced with a road in between and a central plaza. The distinctive thick white stucco walls of the houses stood out. The red tiled roofs vibrant against the glare of the sun.

“Wow i haven’t seen houses like this” D.C. ogled. “ these houses are so weird”

America sighed, her naivety amusing him. “Yes these architecture is very local from the north, before it was from the Russian empire it belong to another country”

“Is that why it’s so different, because it was a different culture?” D.C. wondered. Her eyes are still tracing the small balconies.

“Yes, something like that” America answered “although most of the locals are descendants of that previous nation”

“So they aren’t from the Russian empire”

“Well not really, they’re not really related to us..” America said.

D.C. sat for a second contemplating this new information. She sat quietly the rest of the ride til the hotel they'd be staying at. It was quite nice, very different from the places she’s stayed before. Although the weather was extremely hot, inside these houses it felt much much cooler.
“Wow it’s so much cooler in here” D.C. said. Quickly running to a seat sprawling over the soft cushions.

“Yeah what a relief” Canada affirms.

“Due to the high ceilings the room feels much cooler than our normal houses” Taiwan informs.

“Cooool” Canada says.

Footsteps were heard from the halls. The mood of the room shifted as America entered the room. His arm crossed, in a sort of serious look. This was his way of saying
We’re working now

“Spain wants to meet us,” America says.

The three originally in the room look towards America and nod. This was no time to relax they were on a mission.

When they exited the hotel, there was a crowd of people walking through the market and buying their necessities. It was different, it didn’t feel so crowded; although everyone did seem to be tense. The recent kidnappings and attacks had taken a toll on the town. Although everyone seemed happy, on the inside everyone was alert, checking their surroundings for potential dangers.

When they arrived at a large house, in the plaza square, they all entered. The fancy decorations — most likely passed down from previous generations — sat on the walls. The mayor's house was large and had an inside patio. As they walked past the patio they heard the mayor’s voice. When they got closer the voices died down.

When their group of four passed through the door, two men turned their heads. One was much younger, his posture stiff, eyes flicking nervously; the other, older, sat behind a heavy desk stacked with papers, likely reports on the city. The faint scratch of quill and parchment lingered in the air.
The older man’s gaze settled on America. His expression shifted, solemn yet respectful, as he rose from his seat. Straightening his coat, he dipped into a bow.

“My humble city of Krasnoyarsk welcomes the Crimson River,” Spain declared, his voice carrying the weight of ceremony.

“Mr. Madrid how good to meet you” America bows deep.
The rest also bow showing their respect. Spain sighs, his head hurt, the kidnapping weren’t only targeting random citizens they also took some of his children.

“I’m guessing you’re here for my SOS call I sent out for the capital,” Spain said, his hand motioning to the people outside. The crowd was unaware of their presence.

“I was sure the capital was going to send someone for the mission but i didn’t think it’d be their best soldier”

Taiwan raised his head, as if calculating the next step, he knew America was letting him speak. This was his chance.
“Quite the opposite, this isn’t some random case, this IS the terrorist group we’ve been investigating”

“I’d heard about it a while ago, although I thought they were more south” Spain thought, his hand raising to under his chin stretching his invisible beard. “I did think it was weird to target my children specifically”

The man beside him frowned. “We have to find them, my sibling cannot be dead, at least not yet” He says. Looking at the ground, as if he wants it to swallow him up. “It’s not fair” he whispers.

His father looks at him with sorrow, their eyes connect and they both stay in silence. Their grieving was understandable.

“They are most likely alive” America states. Crossing his arms he walks around the room.

“It’s probably more of a statement, or a lure” He thinks.

“For who?” Spain asks.

“It’s for you isn’t it” Taiwan asks; although it wasn’t much of a question more a statement. Taiwan had figured it, or at least thought so. It had always been about America, from the start. Hasn’t America repeatedly stated he knew that person?

“Then why would you come here?” D.C. asks. She turns to him confused, shouldn’t another general come, like japan?

“ He wants me here” America looks back, at D.C. and Canada. “But I don't think he’s thought through everything”

“If I can’t defeat him than no one can”

If this had been said by anyone everyone would have laughed but this was the Crimson River, the strongest soldier in the world, a monster in the battlefield. If he said this then this was true.

Taiwan had his eyes shut. “But he is not anywhere nearly as powerful as you. Isn’t that right? This is personal, not only from that person but for you”

Taiwan smirked. Oh America, you really were too easy to see through.

“Yes,” he said in a monotone voice. “It was always personal”

Taiwan redirected the conversation again, getting back to business and turning the spotlight on Spain and his son.

“Back to the kidnapping, when did this start happening?”

“About in spring,” Spain recalled. “When the first happened I was sad but I thought it was inevitable, when the second, third and final one happened. I thought this was definitely deliberate, against the government or me. I was worried, while I have lots of children I love them very dearly. I can’t believe they are hurting right now”

A hand tightened on Spain’s shoulder.

“Mexico here, has been in charge of the rest of my family, making sure they don’t go outside” He looks to his son with pride and sadness. “Quite sad isn’t it?”

“My family trapped in this large house, like a sort of prison”

America looked at him. “We’ll find them, whether dead or alive,” He got close to Spain. Spain’s tired eyes landed on America's cold mask. He saw them in the reflective material. Oh how old he’s gotten. The wrinkles in his eyes show his age, the dark bags under his eyes were a new development. He also couldn’t recognize himself.

“I will find them.” America’s shadow fell over Spain’s face, his hulking silhouette and blank, terrifying mask blotting out the sun.

The quiet chirping of the birds swallowed the room. The rustling of pages intermittent with low voices. Figures pacing around the room. In the middle of the table lay a large paper, with the map of the area, circles highlighted on the paper, and crazed writing decorated it.

Four people in the room. Thee pacing endlessly around the room. One sat quietly observing all the commotion.

“it ‘s most likely here” , Taiwan points out.

“ But isn’t this too obvious, they could be relocating them?” Canada asks

Taiwan seems to anticipate this answer and responds, his tone edged with certainty. “Well yes, that’s exactly why. As America stated earlier, this is a trap—or more specifically, a lure for America.” His hand sweeps toward the man, the gesture sharp and deliberate.

His finger thumps against the map with a dull snap. “He wants us to find him, or at least some sort of evidence,” Taiwan spits, his words clipped and bitter.
America looks between the both of them, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Knowing him, Taiwan is probably right, Canada. This isn’t some normal case.”

“Although, Taiwan…” America’s voice drops, heavier, more controlled. “I don’t think he will show up.” His gaze flickers, distant for a moment—no, he’s too prideful for this. Too proud to reveal himself so easily. “He’ll want a better reveal. He wants more control. And more control probably means it’s just me.”

Canada shifts uneasily, glancing between them. “So… he’ll want to separate us?”

“Will you let that happen?” Taiwan asks. D.C. straightens up in her seat, she stares at America.

“I’m not sure, but maybe I'll make it seem like it.”

“Isn’t it too dangerous?” Taiwan warns. “Or is he not as dangerous as you led us to believe”

“I’m not sure, he’s definitely cunning but he may be blinded by rage” America goes quiet. He thinks back, after what I did he’s definitely mad. “He may overlook things although everything seem very well planned out”

Taiwan sighs loudly, the sound sharp in the tense room. He points at America, his finger trembling with frustration. “You’re just like my brother, all secretive and so full of twisted truths. What’s so bad about telling the truth? It’s like you guys can’t tell a truth.”

“I give up.” Taiwan throws his hands up, the motion quick and sharp, before storming toward the door, his footsteps echoing against the floor as he leaves. Canada snickers under his breath, the sound breaking the silence like a crack. He’s never seen Taiwan this angry, especially not at someone as imposing as America. Still shaking with quiet laughter, Canada follows him out, his shoulders trembling as he tries to hold it in.

“So what will we do tomorrow?” D.C. asks. She gets up and walks to America. America just stares at the map contemplating it.

“I’ll probably make you stay” America said.

“HUH, WHY?” D.C. cried, that not fair. “Why would you bring me if not to let me go with you”

America huffed. His hand reaching out and petting her. “It’s just so you know how it works”

After all that's why I brought you, that's why I care for you, it’s all for my benefit. For the end goal. Its all to relieve myself in the future to create my next in line.

“It builds experience that’s all, i don’t want you to get traumatized”

“I won’t” D.C. states

“I’ll try to make that true, although I'm not off to a good start” America laughs.

“Yeah…”

“Go to sleep, kid.”

D.C. turns, glancing over his shoulder. The man stands still, the dark sky swallowing half his face, leaving only a cold glint in his eyes.

“Okay, Da—Ame.”

The slip hangs in the air. He doesn’t react.

The first time they met Poland in the town was at the market. She stood among the colorful stalls, baskets brimming with goods, when she finally noticed them. It was an awkward first encounter—she hadn’t realized they had arrived.

“Ah—Crimson River, you guys are here.” She scratched her cheek, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. “I hadn’t realized, I’d been so absorbed in this lively town.” The candy rolling in her mouth made her words come out a little slurred; she shifted it from cheek to cheek as if the motion might somehow make her seem more professional.
Her gaze flickered toward the weary crowd around them. “Well… somewhat.”

She straightened, clearing her throat. “What’s the plan?”

She whistled as she flew through the air. The familiar cold feeling in her wings excited her, it felt natural.

She looked down at the town, and then the foliage, She continued until the town was almost out of view. Underneath her she saw three figures. All of which she recognized. The trio of America, Taiwan and Canada had already headed out long before she had; However it wouldn’t make much difference in the end, she was always going to be faster.

As she shot through the air she saw a small farm, if you could even fall it one. It was a small house, although for only about one person to live. There were no animals, at least alive. And even if they were, they were long dead.

It was as if the whole place had been sentenced to death. It gave Poland the creeps. She came closer and closer, to inspect.

Something wasn’t right, America was right. Her wings stopped her motion, she quickly shifted direction and headed back to the group. Her land shook the trees around her. They all covered their eyes save for America.

Taiwan was the first to step up to her, his movement quick and sure.

“Yeah, let’s go,” Poland said, her voice steady.

That was enough. The signal. The air seemed to tighten.

“They’re there,” America stated, his tone low and certain.

Chapter Text

They’re there,” America stated, his tone low and certain.

As they drew closer, the sounds of the forest began to wither away—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves—all fading until it felt as though the world itself held its breath.
“Let’s go inside.”

The decrepit building loomed within a sagging fence, its posts tilted and broken, offering no real barrier. Its abandoned structure leaned against time and weather, walls bowed and cracked, swallowed in creeping vines. No sound stirred from within.

The door groaned as it was pushed open. America was the first to step in, his boot landing heavy against the rotting floorboards, the wood groaning under his weight. The dark room smelled of mildew and dust. At first, it seemed empty—but at the far wall, vague shapes clustered together: people… and perhaps bodies.
A sudden scramble broke the silence—feet rattling desperately against the ground, trying to claw their way through the walls, trying to flee.

Pathetic.
Truly a pathetic situation.

The others followed him cautiously, each step tentative, the air thick with dread. Canada was the only one who gasped, the sharp sound echoing in the stillness. He was the only one who hadn’t yet seen real war.

“We’re here to save you.”

A husky rasp slipped from one of the captives’ throats. “Mask… like him.”

“It’s not the same,” America snapped, his anger flaring sharp and sudden.

The group recoiled, screams breaking out as they shrank back into the shadows.

“You’re the Crimson River, right?” one voice called. A woman lifted her head. Her battered face caught what little light there was, bruises and cuts painting her skin, one eye swollen nearly shut. Yet despite it all, her expression lit with recognition.

She wasn’t ordinary. No one else would have recognized him so quickly.
It was one of Spain’s children.

“You’re one of his children” America stated.

“Of Spain? Yes. i’m Costa Rica” She confirmed, She cleared her throat, as if she hadn’t used it in a while. She shifted uncomfortably in the corner, trying to maneuver herself to the other people. Without any help, she tried to stand, as if all of her strength was drained she felt right down.

“Who are the rest?” America asked, his masked gaze sweeping over the frightened faces huddled together.

“My brother, Cuba, and my nephew, Venezuela,” the woman answered, her voice trembling but steady enough. “And also here with us are three other strangers.”

The mentioned strangers stayed silent, their eyes wary, shoulders tense. They lingered like shadows, watching but not daring to step forward, their breaths shallow in the heavy air.

“Wasn’t there another with you?” America pressed, his tone low, each word dragging a fresh ripple of unease through the room.

“There were more, but they’re gone” Costa Rica frowned. Her eyes shifted towards the corner. “They started piling bodies in the corner to save space” Her lips quivered.

“My sister Gran Colombia….”
Poland rushed towards that corner and confirmed it was true there was a stack of about 4 people lying decomposing in that one corner.

“There’s about four,” Poland confirmed. Canada could feel the disgust rising in his gut. The decomposing bodies stacked on top of each other facing them. Their dead eyes staring through him.

They all seemed unfazed, was this really normal?

“Go outside” America said, although not explicitly to him, Canada knew it was only for him.

Canada ran outside, he felt the burning acid climbing up his throat, slowly choking him. His hand pressed against his face. He felt the acid against his throat then against his teeth. He couldn’t hold it in. Muffled noises came out of Canada's mouth. Dark green liquid flowing out of his mouth, pooling near his feet. Chunks of previously eaten food were visible. Canada wiped his face. The vomit staining his arm. He slowly staggered back. Falling on the ground with a thud. He cleared his head with the clean air. The dark stilled air of the cabin was all being washed out of his system.

He heard commotion from the cabin, its creaky door was opened revealing America helping the victims out. Caring two of them and placing them on the porch. They were malnourished, not even being able to sit properly, slumping as soon as America let go of them. As if their support structure gave out.

“Ugh” Canada groaned. His legs felt shakey. “I should go help..”

As he entered the room, he immediately met Poland's eyes. Her pity was evident, was it pity or sympathy?

She seemed so cheerful. Had she seen worse?

Her hand rested on his shoulder, giving warms to his cold body. “Can you help us with the rest. Just set them with the rest in the porch”

She gave a sympathetic smile before carrying the bodies outside.

As she piled the bodies near a tree she heard footsteps. America clearly made his presence heard. He bent down analyzing the bodies.

“ This one is Gran Colombia,” he said, pointing at one of the bodies. “Bring it back to Spain,”

“What about the rest?” Poland asked.

“Leave them”

HUH Poland thought, was this man serious only for Spain's children?

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Poland said.

“Only bring one” America clarified

“We have to give these people closure,” Poland said, standing up to America. America looked down at her face.

“If we don’t find then in this cabin then they were dead; that’s what we’ll tell people” America said. He reached and grabbed her face. Squeezing her face in his hands. “ Don’t be a hero”

“Whats wrong with you lately?” Poland spats.

As if a switch had been turned in his head, he let go and gave her space. “Were close, too close”

Poland rubbed her face. “Geez that hurt”. She felt her cheeks getting red by the second. She turned back to where Canada and Taiwan were helping everyone.

“Is that everyone?” She yelled.

“Seems like it” Taiwan responded

“Finally we can go back” Poland sighed.

“You all go ahead, i’ll stay back and see what i can find”

“You don’t want me here?” Taiwan.

America silence was all the answer he needed.

“Sure whatever” Taiwan scoffs.

After all had been set and the others slowly made their way through the forest, America hadn’t moved. Maybe it was fear, maybe anger at what he’d found. Or maybe—deep down—he didn’t want to see.

Only when he was certain they had fully left the area did he return.

The cabin stood hollow, its silence heavier than before. Dried blood streaked up the walls, dark stains decorating the place where the victims had been held. The floorboards carried the sour stench of bodily fluids, soaked deep into the grain.

He moved closer, eyes tracing the walls. Graffiti scrawled across the surface, markings left by the group. Nothing new.
Then he stopped. A lump caught in his throat.

A drawing.

A mask—similar to his own, but not the same.

A crying mask.

D.C. woke to the sound of a commotion near her bed. Blinking in the dark, she froze—staring straight into the shadow of someone looming over her. Their mismatched eyes—one blue, one green—seemed to glow faintly in the dark.

Her throat tightened, a scream ready to tear out—until a hand clamped over her mouth.

Her eyes widened in panic.

“Ame?” she whispered against his palm, muffled.

The hand retracted. His breathing came heavy, ragged, as though he had just fought off an invisible enemy.
Relief washed over her, her shoulders sinking, eyes softening. So it was him.

“Ame… you’re back.”

For a moment, he only stared at her, his face hidden in the dark. She shifted, pushing herself upright, the tension in her chest unwinding. Then, without warning, his arms closed around her, crushing her tiny frame in a desperate embrace.

“Huh…?”

“Ame, what happened?”

“I’m sorry…” America’s voice was low, cracking. She felt his fingers claw into the fabric of her clothes. “I don’t want you to become like me…”

“I HATE, I HATE—” he spat, the words jagged, torn from somewhere deep.

D.C.’s breath hitched. The warmth of his embrace no longer soothed but suffocated. Her chest tightened. Fear pricked through the comfort she had felt only seconds before.
Why is he hugging me like this?

She felt trapped, choking in the heat of his hold.

WHY DON’T YOU DIE?

It echoed in America’s head a thousand times over.