[CHAPTERFIC] You Can't Take the Sky From Me Chapter Twenty (Axis Powers Hetalia)
Title: You Can't Take the Sky From Me [FF.NET Chapter Twenty] [ Writing Journal Previous Chapters ]
Pairing: AmericaxEngland, PolandxLithuania, GermanyxItaly, SpainxRomano, Belarus---->Russia, PrussiaxSwitzerland. Future pairings: GreecexJapan, HungaryxAustria, SwedenxFinland
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Humor/Drama/Action+Adventure/Alternate Universe
Word Count: 3.214
Summary: Ace Pilot America is on a mission for the World Military when a chance encounter with a group of Sky-Pirates leads him to team up with their captain, England, against a malevolent group that wants to fill the sky with zeppelins. [USxUK- Steampunk AU]
Chapter Summary: “There is nothing we can do down here on the ground, Spain. We are creatures of the sky, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes but…”
“I am not about to let the Kosmider sit by and continue ransacking the skies,” England cut him off. “We’re strong, my crew. And as much as it was difficult for me to believe at first, we have a trustworthy ally in America.”
Spain ran his fingers over the grooved wood of the door. “You wish to fight?”
England shook his head in the positive, and his expression and posture radiated conviction. “I do.”
Author's Note: Delay of fail. So sorry. Thanks so much for reading! Comments appreciated. :)
America took a deep breath and exhaled as he stood in front of the mirror in his dorm. He straightened his tie (again), and finger combed his hair (once more), before making sure his captain’s badge was perfectly straight (for the last time).
He glanced back at his bed, where his bomber jacket lay discarded. Japan had advised against him wearing it, and after much coercion, he’d agreed.
The recently minted captain adjusted the buttons on his cuffs, pressed his hands down his vest, and shot himself a cock-sure grin in the mirror. He ignored the edge of nervousness at the corner of his smile.
America wanted to look the part for this meeting. Professional, prepared, heroic, awesome.
Closing his eyes and rubbing the fob watch at his belt, he cleared his mind of wayward thoughts, of everything unrelated to the situation at hand. He thought of his mission and his new position, he thought of the Kosmider and the fervor in which he wished to stop them, he thought of his dreams and how he was closer than ever to being the hero he’d set out to be.
He thought of England.
England, who he wanted to fight to protect, England, who in his own strange sort of backwards way, had helped him realize why he was doing this whole military thing in the first place, England, who he-okay, he really cared about, and England who believed in him, who had trusted him with so much. He had to do this for not just himself, but for England.
His eyes flashed, brilliant blue, and he smiled into the mirror again, warm, confident, that tinge of anxiety vanished.
America was so damn ready for this. China would be beyond impressed. One look at him and no one would ever doubt he was the best person for this job; someone who could truly stand against the Kosmider.
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Said one who could truly stand against the Kosmider squirmed and adjusted his collar as he was led to the briefing room, France and Japan bringing up the rear behind him. He breathed out when the door was pushed open for him. China gave him a nod from where he stood at the front of the room.
“Captain Jones?”
America stiffened and saluted. “Captain Jones, reporting for duty, General Wang.”
China smiled softly at him and gestured for him to sit. America did so, beside China at the briefing room’s round table. His subordinates sat down as well, Japan scooting his chair close to the table and nodding politely at the general.
“My unit, Sergeant Honda and Private Bonnefoy.” America gestured to his two men.
“Pleased to meet you.” China smiled. “No need to be nervous.”
America’s eyes widened, noticing how he was fidgeting with his fingers under the table. He cursed inwardly and stopped. “Ah, I’m not nervous. I’m ready for this, General!”
China sighed, his expression remaining upbeat. “Well, I hope you are the best man for the job, just as I’ve been told.”
America grinned at this, beamed rather, and leaned forward in his chair excitedly. “I am! You won’t be disappointed in me, General.”
China reached into a pack beside his chair and pulled out a stack of papers. “This is information on much of the Kosmider’s activity, up to now, that we know of. Captain Jones, both you and your subordinates have full clearance to these documents.”
“Really?” America took the stapled stack of papers when it was offered to him. “That’s great.” He ran his fingers over the smooth white paper, a reminder that this, his new assignment, was real. He was finally going to have this chance to---
“I trust you know what happens if this information gets out?” China queried, leveling the three soldiers a look.
“Yes, General,” America answered, and France and Japan replied in the positive as well.
America took a moment to survey China; who had paused to pull on and adjust the high collar of his deep maroon uniform. He’d always admired the general, even back before he'd joined the military himself. China was just one of those guys that everyone in the military looked up to, even if they’d never met him. He was strong, powerful, and courageous, but he was supposedly a really awesome guy even outside of that, and all of his soldiers had only good things to say about him. He wasn’t a jackass and he didn’t abuse his power and just… America thought that he was a damn good example of what a real hero must be. And here he was having a meeting with him! Not like before when they’d stopped for a briefing on one of his ships, but a bonafide meeting at America’s base.
“America,” China interrupted, and America bolted upright. He was being addressed by his first name. Holy---
“Y-yes General?”
China blinked and stared straight at him, brown eyes meeting blue. “I have heard that you are very interested in this mission, your new assignment aside.”
America’s eyes widened and he nodded. “Of course, General! I’ve heard all kinds of things about how many people have died or been attacked and, it’s our job as the military to stop that. We need to put an end to the Kosmider so no one else gets hurt.”
China bit his lip momentarily, before smiling. “That’s what I thought. It’s… you really are as green as they say.”
“What- but I--- “
“I think it’s a good thing,” China interrupted. “When I saw your file, and asked around, I talked to Sergeant Honda and Private Bonnefoy, for example, I knew they’d picked the right boy.”
America’s face broke into an enormous grin, with an edge of almost nervous awe to it. “I-I--- “ He felt like an idiot and a child, his throat drying up a bit as he attempted to reply back to China. But China had said he was the right guy, and that meant that he thought he was a hero, right?
“You’ve got your priorities straight,” China broke into his thoughts. “Too many have been lost because the military wasted time.”
America's head snapped up at this. “H-huh?”
“You heard me.” China was flipping through paperwork and glancing at the text as he said this. “I’ve been doing what I can for awhile, but it’s long past time when the military should have started acting on a larger scale.”
Even you… America shot a look to France, who merely shook his head, as if affirming China’s words. It’s not as if I didn’t think the same thing but…
Japan, he noted, looked solemn, seeming to agree to the truth of China’s statement as well.
“Anyway,” China continued, “you’ll be going on an intel mission tomorrow.”
“I’m ready!” America piped up, pressing his palms onto the table.
China's eyes widened and he chuckled. “You don’t even know what you’re doing.”
America berated himself in thought and frowned. “S-sorry, General. It’s just, I’m ready to do whatever you ask. A hero’s always prepared for duty, if you know what I mean.”
China rolled a map across the table and pointed to a red-dotted area with his index finger. “The northernmost of the Dezenvòlt Islands houses a merchant hub called the Babako.”
America nodded. He’d never been there, but he knew France had. France was even smirking slightly, he could see out of the corner of his eye. This was exactly the kind of well, seedy place that France frequented and often exposited to the rest of the unit upon returning.
“I know what you’re thinking. Places like that generally aren’t well respected, but there’s no better place to get information than from the very people who sail the skies,” China explained.
America smiled lightly, knowing full well how true this was. Every bit of valuable information he’d personally gleaned on the Kosmider, had come from such a source. “So we’re going on an intel mission there? Is it undercover?”
“Yes. You’ll be landing your planes on the closest island. There is a small landing pad on the south beach.” He pointed to a spot on the map. “And my subordinate, Officer Im, will be there to assist you. He’ll take you on a small skyship over to the Babako.”
“What are we intended to wear?” France queried, raising an eyebrow. “I hate to say, but I have been there before. People may recognize me…”
China sighed. “Korea, that’s his name and you are to call each other by your first names on this mission, not your ranks, obviously, will have clothing for you to wear. Private Bonnefoy, is there anyone you know well that lives at the Babako?”
France’s lips turned up in a smile, and America, knowing him all too well, caught the hint of something lecherous in it. “Why yes, there may very well be.”
China rubbed his forehead, exasperation clear on his face. “You are to locate them and attempt to gather intel. If they’re not there, return to the skyship. Just… make sure not to be seen with Captain Jones, Sergeant Honda, and Officer Im. You don’t want to blow their cover.”
France rested his chin on his hand. “Very well, General Wang.”
“The rest of the details are contained in the paperwork I gave you earlier. Coordinates, questions you are to ask, and information on the Babako and how to handle yourselves there.”
America made a noise, and China acknowledged him with a nod. “Not to doubt the importance of this mission, General, but when are we actually going to go after the Kosmider?”
China’s expression turned morose. “When we actually can. As of now, we have yet to locate any of their strongholds. We’re having a world of trouble figuring out where they’ll next attack even.”
He deliberated a moment before speaking again. “Well I don’t know much, General, but I’ve kind of picked up that maybe they’re kind of… working on knocking off the pirates right now? I mean, it’s just a hunch!” America paused, placing his hands in front of him. “I keep hearing about their ships going down…”
“You’d be right,” China said. “They are definitely methodically taking out pirate crews, but pirates aren’t easy to track either.”
America exhaled. “Y-yeah, that’s true.”
China’s frown deepened, and he closed his eyes for a moment. “We’ll be done here then.” He folded the map and placed it back in the bag at the side of his chair, then stood up and saluted. “You will be departing tomorrow morning at 0600 hours.”
America slid out of his chair and saluted as well, Japan and France following his example. “Yes, General.”
General Wang nodded and turned to leave the room, glancing back in once he’d exited. “And good luck, Captain Jones. Truly.”
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Romano ground his teeth as he glared at England, firm and strong in his words. “I don’t give two shits if you don’t want to me to radio my brother, I’m doing it.”
England sighed. “I do want you to, don’t get me wrong. But can’t you wait until we’re back up in the air? I don’t want our position right now to be compromised.”
The pair were standing in front of the door to England’s cabin, both staunch in their stance and not allowing the other beside them to gain entrance. Spain was watching, a resigned expression on his face.
Romano crossed his arms and scoffed. “Heh, doesn’t stop you from radioing your boyfriend now, does it?”
At this, England’s cheeks bloomed crimson and he scowled. “Now belt the bloody hell up! He is NOT my boyfriend, and I made sure to keep those radios short anyway.” He placed his hand on the front of the door. “Now if you don’t mind, this is my room, and let me remind you that I am also the captain of this ship and--- “
“You’re not my captain,” Romano interrupted sharply.
England exhaled deeply, in attempt to calm himself. “Look Romano, I understand that I’m not Captain Carriedo, but this is still my ship, regardless of whether---“
“Let him call, England.”
England snapped his gaze over to Spain, and his eyes widened. “Spain, you know how much I respect you but--- “
“England, please,” Spain appealed, his green eyes imploring.
“If he just waits, soon we’ll be up in the air and--- “
Spain placed a hand on England’s shoulder, gentle but strong. “For Romano, all he has is me and Veneziano now. We are so grateful to you for letting us aboard your ship, my friend. But… can I ask you this one thing, still?”
Romano was quiet, his characteristic explosive retorts muted by Spain’s concern. His cheeks were flushed high though, and he beseeched England with his expression as well.
England closed his eyes and nodded. “You shouldn’t be able to track my radio, but it’s still a risk. You trust your brother with all our lives, Romano?”
Romano’s scowl deepened. “What the fuck. He’s my brother, dammit. If you can trust your boyfriend that you met like, two weeks ago or whatever, I can trust my brother.”
England's face reddened again as he opened the door to his bedroom, allowing Romano in. “He’s not my boy--- “ He shook his head and waved his hand. “Oh never you mind. Just, don’t make it too long, all right?”
Romano slid in the room and closed the door behind him, shooting one last glare at England and Spain as he did so.
Spain chuckled and leaned against the wooden door once it was closed. “He’s your boyfriend.”
England pressed himself against the wall next to Spain. “And that idiot is yours. Now shut it.”
“Romano is really adorable, once you get to know him,” Spain replied with a wistful smile.
“I can only imagine.” He rolled his eyes. “I’d like to talk about some things while we wait, if you don’t mind?”
“Ah no problem.”
England stepped over to the other side of the hallway, now facing Spain. “I’d like to leave before the week is up, if you’re feeling all right.”
Spain blinked, rubbing bright pink new skin on his arm. “It’s true that stopping here has done wonders for me and Romano. Our burns only itch now, there’s little pain. But…”
“What of Prussia? He’s doing brilliant, really,” England said. “He should be back in top form before we leave.” Spain nodded. “He… heals very quickly, the sod. It’s likely one of the reasons he’s so damn careless.”
Spain’s lips curled up into a smile at this. “Forgive me for asking, but… why is it necessary to leave now?”
England's eyes flashed and his lips formed into a firm line. “There is nothing we can do down here on the ground. We are creatures of the sky, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes but…”
“I am not about to let the Kosmider sit by and continue ransacking the skies,” England cut him off. “We’re strong, my crew. And as much as it was difficult for me to believe at first, we have a trustworthy ally in America.”
Spain ran his fingers over the grooved wood of the door. “You wish to fight?”
England shook his head in the positive, and his expression and posture radiated conviction. “I do.”
“I understand.”
“I respect your position, Spain,” England said. “If you want to stay behind on this island, I’m positive Australia would not mind your company for awhile.”
Spain raked a hand through his hair. “I want to help, England. This is… well… we have lost everything to them. I just want to be assured of one thing. Romano---”
“Don’t be an idiot. I will protect Romano as if he’s one of my own.” England reached forward and placed both of his hands on Spain’s shoulders, just for a moment, before removing them.
“Then we will fight together, Captain Kirkland.”
“Brilliant decision, Captain Carriedo.”
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Prussia slurped the last of his beer and tossed the bottle from hand to hand. Switzerland shot him a glare, irritated by his inane action. “Um, so… “
“We leave as soon as possible. We’re fighting,” England had said, leaving them behind on the beach as briskly as he’d come. They weren’t foreign to the idea of England making this decision. It was difficult not to notice the unease in which England had behaved since America left. He fidgeted and glanced at the sky and barked orders with a kind of frantic tone. England wanted to be back in the sky, and he wanted it dearly. He’d brought it up briefly with them the night before, telling them to ‘not get used to the island life,’ and ‘I hope you’re ready to fight against the Kosmider. I’m sure we’ll be facing them again.’
“I wish I had more ammo…” Switzerland murmured, pressing his toes into the sand and leaning forward onto his knees. “Captain got some heavy artillery and bullets from Poland but not enough…”
Prussia barked out a laugh. “Well if we’re fighting, I’m sure he’ll stop and get more. Man, I better polish up Little Bird too. She’s itching for a fight…” He leaned back on his hands, and they sunk into the warm late afternoon sand. “Hey Switzerland?”
“Mmm?”
“We’re getting into some pretty crazy shit here, huh?”
Switzerland frowned. “This isn’t going to be easy, that’s for damn sure.” He shielded his eyes against the sun as he stared upwards.
“Awww, you know I’ll be there, Switzerland.”
“Shut up,” Switzerland pinked lightly and turned away. “Anyway, I don’t have a huge stake in fighting the Kosmider. I’m a pirate because it works for me, because it works for my sister. You know that…”
Prussia looked slightly taken aback for a moment before he replied. “H-hey, does that mean you’re not coming… I mean…”
Switzerland shook his head. “Of course I’m coming. England is my captain, and I’m loyal to that.”
The other man leaned forward. “I’m kind of… I don’t know, it feels like this is really different from anything before. You know, before we just ‘nicked stuff,’ as England says. Now it’s like, this shit is real.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “It’s different. It’s a little less awesome, a little weirder or… scarier.” Prussia paused. “But I wanna do it more than ever, because that Kosmider pisses me off so fucking bad.”
Switzerland looked straight at him, his lips parting momentarily before he spoke, “Sounds like you’re in this for the long haul.”
“I’m pretty damn sure I am,” Prussia replied, a smirk on his face.
Switzerland’s mouth turned up in the smallest of smiles. “I guess I am too. Someone has to keep you from killing yourself.”
“Aww, Switzerland!”
“You’re valuable to the crew, that’s it,” Switzerland rectified.
“Ahaha, right, right.”
Switzerland jolted upright when he felt Prussia slap an arm across his shoulders, a hot flush spreading across his cheeks as he reached for a gun that wasn’t there.
Pairing: AmericaxEngland, PolandxLithuania, GermanyxItaly, SpainxRomano, Belarus---->Russia, PrussiaxSwitzerland. Future pairings: GreecexJapan, HungaryxAustria, SwedenxFinland
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Humor/Drama/Action+Adventure/Alternate Universe
Word Count: 3.214
Summary: Ace Pilot America is on a mission for the World Military when a chance encounter with a group of Sky-Pirates leads him to team up with their captain, England, against a malevolent group that wants to fill the sky with zeppelins. [USxUK- Steampunk AU]
Chapter Summary: “There is nothing we can do down here on the ground, Spain. We are creatures of the sky, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes but…”
“I am not about to let the Kosmider sit by and continue ransacking the skies,” England cut him off. “We’re strong, my crew. And as much as it was difficult for me to believe at first, we have a trustworthy ally in America.”
Spain ran his fingers over the grooved wood of the door. “You wish to fight?”
England shook his head in the positive, and his expression and posture radiated conviction. “I do.”
Author's Note: Delay of fail. So sorry. Thanks so much for reading! Comments appreciated. :)
America took a deep breath and exhaled as he stood in front of the mirror in his dorm. He straightened his tie (again), and finger combed his hair (once more), before making sure his captain’s badge was perfectly straight (for the last time).
He glanced back at his bed, where his bomber jacket lay discarded. Japan had advised against him wearing it, and after much coercion, he’d agreed.
The recently minted captain adjusted the buttons on his cuffs, pressed his hands down his vest, and shot himself a cock-sure grin in the mirror. He ignored the edge of nervousness at the corner of his smile.
America wanted to look the part for this meeting. Professional, prepared, heroic, awesome.
Closing his eyes and rubbing the fob watch at his belt, he cleared his mind of wayward thoughts, of everything unrelated to the situation at hand. He thought of his mission and his new position, he thought of the Kosmider and the fervor in which he wished to stop them, he thought of his dreams and how he was closer than ever to being the hero he’d set out to be.
He thought of England.
England, who he wanted to fight to protect, England, who in his own strange sort of backwards way, had helped him realize why he was doing this whole military thing in the first place, England, who he-okay, he really cared about, and England who believed in him, who had trusted him with so much. He had to do this for not just himself, but for England.
His eyes flashed, brilliant blue, and he smiled into the mirror again, warm, confident, that tinge of anxiety vanished.
America was so damn ready for this. China would be beyond impressed. One look at him and no one would ever doubt he was the best person for this job; someone who could truly stand against the Kosmider.
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Said one who could truly stand against the Kosmider squirmed and adjusted his collar as he was led to the briefing room, France and Japan bringing up the rear behind him. He breathed out when the door was pushed open for him. China gave him a nod from where he stood at the front of the room.
“Captain Jones?”
America stiffened and saluted. “Captain Jones, reporting for duty, General Wang.”
China smiled softly at him and gestured for him to sit. America did so, beside China at the briefing room’s round table. His subordinates sat down as well, Japan scooting his chair close to the table and nodding politely at the general.
“My unit, Sergeant Honda and Private Bonnefoy.” America gestured to his two men.
“Pleased to meet you.” China smiled. “No need to be nervous.”
America’s eyes widened, noticing how he was fidgeting with his fingers under the table. He cursed inwardly and stopped. “Ah, I’m not nervous. I’m ready for this, General!”
China sighed, his expression remaining upbeat. “Well, I hope you are the best man for the job, just as I’ve been told.”
America grinned at this, beamed rather, and leaned forward in his chair excitedly. “I am! You won’t be disappointed in me, General.”
China reached into a pack beside his chair and pulled out a stack of papers. “This is information on much of the Kosmider’s activity, up to now, that we know of. Captain Jones, both you and your subordinates have full clearance to these documents.”
“Really?” America took the stapled stack of papers when it was offered to him. “That’s great.” He ran his fingers over the smooth white paper, a reminder that this, his new assignment, was real. He was finally going to have this chance to---
“I trust you know what happens if this information gets out?” China queried, leveling the three soldiers a look.
“Yes, General,” America answered, and France and Japan replied in the positive as well.
America took a moment to survey China; who had paused to pull on and adjust the high collar of his deep maroon uniform. He’d always admired the general, even back before he'd joined the military himself. China was just one of those guys that everyone in the military looked up to, even if they’d never met him. He was strong, powerful, and courageous, but he was supposedly a really awesome guy even outside of that, and all of his soldiers had only good things to say about him. He wasn’t a jackass and he didn’t abuse his power and just… America thought that he was a damn good example of what a real hero must be. And here he was having a meeting with him! Not like before when they’d stopped for a briefing on one of his ships, but a bonafide meeting at America’s base.
“America,” China interrupted, and America bolted upright. He was being addressed by his first name. Holy---
“Y-yes General?”
China blinked and stared straight at him, brown eyes meeting blue. “I have heard that you are very interested in this mission, your new assignment aside.”
America’s eyes widened and he nodded. “Of course, General! I’ve heard all kinds of things about how many people have died or been attacked and, it’s our job as the military to stop that. We need to put an end to the Kosmider so no one else gets hurt.”
China bit his lip momentarily, before smiling. “That’s what I thought. It’s… you really are as green as they say.”
“What- but I--- “
“I think it’s a good thing,” China interrupted. “When I saw your file, and asked around, I talked to Sergeant Honda and Private Bonnefoy, for example, I knew they’d picked the right boy.”
America’s face broke into an enormous grin, with an edge of almost nervous awe to it. “I-I--- “ He felt like an idiot and a child, his throat drying up a bit as he attempted to reply back to China. But China had said he was the right guy, and that meant that he thought he was a hero, right?
“You’ve got your priorities straight,” China broke into his thoughts. “Too many have been lost because the military wasted time.”
America's head snapped up at this. “H-huh?”
“You heard me.” China was flipping through paperwork and glancing at the text as he said this. “I’ve been doing what I can for awhile, but it’s long past time when the military should have started acting on a larger scale.”
Even you… America shot a look to France, who merely shook his head, as if affirming China’s words. It’s not as if I didn’t think the same thing but…
Japan, he noted, looked solemn, seeming to agree to the truth of China’s statement as well.
“Anyway,” China continued, “you’ll be going on an intel mission tomorrow.”
“I’m ready!” America piped up, pressing his palms onto the table.
China's eyes widened and he chuckled. “You don’t even know what you’re doing.”
America berated himself in thought and frowned. “S-sorry, General. It’s just, I’m ready to do whatever you ask. A hero’s always prepared for duty, if you know what I mean.”
China rolled a map across the table and pointed to a red-dotted area with his index finger. “The northernmost of the Dezenvòlt Islands houses a merchant hub called the Babako.”
America nodded. He’d never been there, but he knew France had. France was even smirking slightly, he could see out of the corner of his eye. This was exactly the kind of well, seedy place that France frequented and often exposited to the rest of the unit upon returning.
“I know what you’re thinking. Places like that generally aren’t well respected, but there’s no better place to get information than from the very people who sail the skies,” China explained.
America smiled lightly, knowing full well how true this was. Every bit of valuable information he’d personally gleaned on the Kosmider, had come from such a source. “So we’re going on an intel mission there? Is it undercover?”
“Yes. You’ll be landing your planes on the closest island. There is a small landing pad on the south beach.” He pointed to a spot on the map. “And my subordinate, Officer Im, will be there to assist you. He’ll take you on a small skyship over to the Babako.”
“What are we intended to wear?” France queried, raising an eyebrow. “I hate to say, but I have been there before. People may recognize me…”
China sighed. “Korea, that’s his name and you are to call each other by your first names on this mission, not your ranks, obviously, will have clothing for you to wear. Private Bonnefoy, is there anyone you know well that lives at the Babako?”
France’s lips turned up in a smile, and America, knowing him all too well, caught the hint of something lecherous in it. “Why yes, there may very well be.”
China rubbed his forehead, exasperation clear on his face. “You are to locate them and attempt to gather intel. If they’re not there, return to the skyship. Just… make sure not to be seen with Captain Jones, Sergeant Honda, and Officer Im. You don’t want to blow their cover.”
France rested his chin on his hand. “Very well, General Wang.”
“The rest of the details are contained in the paperwork I gave you earlier. Coordinates, questions you are to ask, and information on the Babako and how to handle yourselves there.”
America made a noise, and China acknowledged him with a nod. “Not to doubt the importance of this mission, General, but when are we actually going to go after the Kosmider?”
China’s expression turned morose. “When we actually can. As of now, we have yet to locate any of their strongholds. We’re having a world of trouble figuring out where they’ll next attack even.”
He deliberated a moment before speaking again. “Well I don’t know much, General, but I’ve kind of picked up that maybe they’re kind of… working on knocking off the pirates right now? I mean, it’s just a hunch!” America paused, placing his hands in front of him. “I keep hearing about their ships going down…”
“You’d be right,” China said. “They are definitely methodically taking out pirate crews, but pirates aren’t easy to track either.”
America exhaled. “Y-yeah, that’s true.”
China’s frown deepened, and he closed his eyes for a moment. “We’ll be done here then.” He folded the map and placed it back in the bag at the side of his chair, then stood up and saluted. “You will be departing tomorrow morning at 0600 hours.”
America slid out of his chair and saluted as well, Japan and France following his example. “Yes, General.”
General Wang nodded and turned to leave the room, glancing back in once he’d exited. “And good luck, Captain Jones. Truly.”
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Romano ground his teeth as he glared at England, firm and strong in his words. “I don’t give two shits if you don’t want to me to radio my brother, I’m doing it.”
England sighed. “I do want you to, don’t get me wrong. But can’t you wait until we’re back up in the air? I don’t want our position right now to be compromised.”
The pair were standing in front of the door to England’s cabin, both staunch in their stance and not allowing the other beside them to gain entrance. Spain was watching, a resigned expression on his face.
Romano crossed his arms and scoffed. “Heh, doesn’t stop you from radioing your boyfriend now, does it?”
At this, England’s cheeks bloomed crimson and he scowled. “Now belt the bloody hell up! He is NOT my boyfriend, and I made sure to keep those radios short anyway.” He placed his hand on the front of the door. “Now if you don’t mind, this is my room, and let me remind you that I am also the captain of this ship and--- “
“You’re not my captain,” Romano interrupted sharply.
England exhaled deeply, in attempt to calm himself. “Look Romano, I understand that I’m not Captain Carriedo, but this is still my ship, regardless of whether---“
“Let him call, England.”
England snapped his gaze over to Spain, and his eyes widened. “Spain, you know how much I respect you but--- “
“England, please,” Spain appealed, his green eyes imploring.
“If he just waits, soon we’ll be up in the air and--- “
Spain placed a hand on England’s shoulder, gentle but strong. “For Romano, all he has is me and Veneziano now. We are so grateful to you for letting us aboard your ship, my friend. But… can I ask you this one thing, still?”
Romano was quiet, his characteristic explosive retorts muted by Spain’s concern. His cheeks were flushed high though, and he beseeched England with his expression as well.
England closed his eyes and nodded. “You shouldn’t be able to track my radio, but it’s still a risk. You trust your brother with all our lives, Romano?”
Romano’s scowl deepened. “What the fuck. He’s my brother, dammit. If you can trust your boyfriend that you met like, two weeks ago or whatever, I can trust my brother.”
England's face reddened again as he opened the door to his bedroom, allowing Romano in. “He’s not my boy--- “ He shook his head and waved his hand. “Oh never you mind. Just, don’t make it too long, all right?”
Romano slid in the room and closed the door behind him, shooting one last glare at England and Spain as he did so.
Spain chuckled and leaned against the wooden door once it was closed. “He’s your boyfriend.”
England pressed himself against the wall next to Spain. “And that idiot is yours. Now shut it.”
“Romano is really adorable, once you get to know him,” Spain replied with a wistful smile.
“I can only imagine.” He rolled his eyes. “I’d like to talk about some things while we wait, if you don’t mind?”
“Ah no problem.”
England stepped over to the other side of the hallway, now facing Spain. “I’d like to leave before the week is up, if you’re feeling all right.”
Spain blinked, rubbing bright pink new skin on his arm. “It’s true that stopping here has done wonders for me and Romano. Our burns only itch now, there’s little pain. But…”
“What of Prussia? He’s doing brilliant, really,” England said. “He should be back in top form before we leave.” Spain nodded. “He… heals very quickly, the sod. It’s likely one of the reasons he’s so damn careless.”
Spain’s lips curled up into a smile at this. “Forgive me for asking, but… why is it necessary to leave now?”
England's eyes flashed and his lips formed into a firm line. “There is nothing we can do down here on the ground. We are creatures of the sky, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes but…”
“I am not about to let the Kosmider sit by and continue ransacking the skies,” England cut him off. “We’re strong, my crew. And as much as it was difficult for me to believe at first, we have a trustworthy ally in America.”
Spain ran his fingers over the grooved wood of the door. “You wish to fight?”
England shook his head in the positive, and his expression and posture radiated conviction. “I do.”
“I understand.”
“I respect your position, Spain,” England said. “If you want to stay behind on this island, I’m positive Australia would not mind your company for awhile.”
Spain raked a hand through his hair. “I want to help, England. This is… well… we have lost everything to them. I just want to be assured of one thing. Romano---”
“Don’t be an idiot. I will protect Romano as if he’s one of my own.” England reached forward and placed both of his hands on Spain’s shoulders, just for a moment, before removing them.
“Then we will fight together, Captain Kirkland.”
“Brilliant decision, Captain Carriedo.”
------------------------------------------------
Prussia slurped the last of his beer and tossed the bottle from hand to hand. Switzerland shot him a glare, irritated by his inane action. “Um, so… “
“We leave as soon as possible. We’re fighting,” England had said, leaving them behind on the beach as briskly as he’d come. They weren’t foreign to the idea of England making this decision. It was difficult not to notice the unease in which England had behaved since America left. He fidgeted and glanced at the sky and barked orders with a kind of frantic tone. England wanted to be back in the sky, and he wanted it dearly. He’d brought it up briefly with them the night before, telling them to ‘not get used to the island life,’ and ‘I hope you’re ready to fight against the Kosmider. I’m sure we’ll be facing them again.’
“I wish I had more ammo…” Switzerland murmured, pressing his toes into the sand and leaning forward onto his knees. “Captain got some heavy artillery and bullets from Poland but not enough…”
Prussia barked out a laugh. “Well if we’re fighting, I’m sure he’ll stop and get more. Man, I better polish up Little Bird too. She’s itching for a fight…” He leaned back on his hands, and they sunk into the warm late afternoon sand. “Hey Switzerland?”
“Mmm?”
“We’re getting into some pretty crazy shit here, huh?”
Switzerland frowned. “This isn’t going to be easy, that’s for damn sure.” He shielded his eyes against the sun as he stared upwards.
“Awww, you know I’ll be there, Switzerland.”
“Shut up,” Switzerland pinked lightly and turned away. “Anyway, I don’t have a huge stake in fighting the Kosmider. I’m a pirate because it works for me, because it works for my sister. You know that…”
Prussia looked slightly taken aback for a moment before he replied. “H-hey, does that mean you’re not coming… I mean…”
Switzerland shook his head. “Of course I’m coming. England is my captain, and I’m loyal to that.”
The other man leaned forward. “I’m kind of… I don’t know, it feels like this is really different from anything before. You know, before we just ‘nicked stuff,’ as England says. Now it’s like, this shit is real.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “It’s different. It’s a little less awesome, a little weirder or… scarier.” Prussia paused. “But I wanna do it more than ever, because that Kosmider pisses me off so fucking bad.”
Switzerland looked straight at him, his lips parting momentarily before he spoke, “Sounds like you’re in this for the long haul.”
“I’m pretty damn sure I am,” Prussia replied, a smirk on his face.
Switzerland’s mouth turned up in the smallest of smiles. “I guess I am too. Someone has to keep you from killing yourself.”
“Aww, Switzerland!”
“You’re valuable to the crew, that’s it,” Switzerland rectified.
“Ahaha, right, right.”
Switzerland jolted upright when he felt Prussia slap an arm across his shoulders, a hot flush spreading across his cheeks as he reached for a gun that wasn’t there.