Crown Jewel 2a/??
anonymous
April 5 2011, 02:12:26 UTC
England stared down at the hands he had folded atop the table while he waited for the others to show up. France was the first to arrive, being the closest geographically, and was grumbling about the sheer annoyance of an impromptu meeting. England ignored him. He unfolded his hands to pick up his teacup and sip, then stared at the leaves that had escaped and floated around in the now-cold liquid.
“Hey, did you hear?” America beamed that stupid grin of his, bouncing from foot to foot. “It's over!”
“Of course I heard, idiot,” England said, without much venom. Ever since he had heard the news about Germany, he had been walking around in a daze, barely able to believe it. After so many years...
“Oh! And I came to say goodbye!”
“Where are you going?”
America's smile grew strained. “We're still fighting Japan, after all. I'm being sent over to the Pacific...”
“But...” England stared at him, all the words he had been unable to say for so long bubbling up just below the surface. “But, you...”
“I'll be fine!” America gave a thumb's up. “What's wrong?”
“I...” Unable to voice the words, England finally just grabbed him, pressing their lips together. America was too surprised to return the kiss, and was staring with wide eyes when they pulled away. “So, um...” England looked away, feeling his face heat up. “So be careful, all right?” But before he could turn to hurry away, America grabbed his arm and pulled him close for another kiss.
“Are you all right?” France asked, watching England with a frown. “You're grimacing. Tea too hot?”
“No,” England mumbled. “Not hot at all. Just... memories.”
“Of what?”
“Never mind.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
England finished the tea, ignoring France until he finally lost interest and went to gaze out the window.
“I don't believe it,” England scoffed.
“Shut up! You're not making this easier.” The blush had spread all the way to America's broad shoulders.
“Nobody your age could be a vir-”
“Shut up!”
“Sorry.”
There was a long pause before America said, sounding almost timid, “Will it hurt?”
Germany showed up next, followed soon after by Italy. France informed them that England was not being very cooperative or talkative, and the pair settled down in the corner to chat while they waited for everyone else.
“Happy anniversary!” America removed the blindfold from England's head and pushed open the door with a grand gesture, revealing the dinner laid out on the table within. All his favorites were there. Shepherd's pie, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, scones, tea...
“Where did you get all this?”
“I made it!” America said with a grin. “With some help.”
“But...” England swallowed. That boy... “What will you eat?”
“Whatcha mean?”
“It's our anniversary, not just mine. You should have food you like.”
“Who said I don't like it? It's not British food in and of itself I dislike, it's... uh...”
England eyed him. “Is there a tactful way to end that sentence?”
“Uh... no...”
Instead of getting mad, England just laughed. “It looks wonderful, love. Thank you.”
England sniffled, quickly wiping his eyes but trying to make it look like they just itched. Why did his brain have to torment him?
“Oh...” America gaped at England, at the ring in his hand. “England, that's... wow. But we can't... can we? Our bosses...”
“I don't care,” England said. “We should be allowed to do what we want without involving our countries. Can't we promise to spend our lives together without having to create the United States of Great Britain, or the Anglo-American Empire or whatever?”
“Well... I think so.” America grinned. “Yeah! Let's do it.”
One by one, the other nations trickled in. Russia, China, Japan, Canada... Once he realized everybody he invited was there, England took a deep breath, forced his memories aside, and finally faced the group.
Crown Jewel 2b/??
anonymous
April 5 2011, 02:13:50 UTC
“I asked you all to come here for something rather important, so you can all stop giving me death looks,” he said, frowning at the assembled nations. “While he was staying with me here, America was kidnapped.”
A ripple of shock went through the crowd as the words sunk in. Italy leaned over to whisper something to Germany, Russia tilted his head in confusion, Canada looked doubtful...
“How?” Japan finally said. “By whom?”
“You're not going to believe me,” England said. “But I assure you, it's true.” They stared at him without piping up, so England sighed and continued on. “Back when I was a pirate, I heard rumors about a legendary treasure that had once belonged to the pirate James Blackwell, and that the treasure was cursed.”
“It would not be a pirate story without cursed treasure,” France said.
“Shut up. Anyhow, I found that treasure, and it was guarded by the ghost of Blackwell himself.”
“You actually saw the ghost?” Canada said.
“I told you you wouldn't believe it.”
China nudged Canada. “Just finish the story, aru.”
“The ghost told me I was free to take the treasure, but it came with a price. He would return in five hundred years to take my most valuable treasure. Well, that wasn't enough to dissuade me, so I took the loot. In time, I forgot all about it.” England paused, staring down at the table again. “Well, three days ago was exactly five hundred years after that. I wouldn't have even remembered, but I had a dream about it. I wasn't too worried, I figured even if it was true, so what if he stole my most valuable diamond or something? But he didn't. America vanished into thin air. He was asleep in bed, dead to the world, and he just disappeared, without disturbing any locked doors or windows.”
The others gaped at him, probably wondering if he had gone mad. They knew he wasn't joking; he wouldn't make such a joke, and certainly wouldn't drag them across the planet for one.
“Well... he hasn't slipped home,” Canada said. “And hasn't been answering his phone. But kidnapped by a ghost...?”
England ran his hands through his hair. “I know it sounds crazy! But I really did have that conversation with a ghost five hundred years ago. America really did disappear right out of our bedroom while I was downstairs. He would have had to pass me by to leave, all the upstairs windows were closed and locked. Please, I'm not making this up, I'm not crazy.”
“I believe you,” France said, forehead creased with worry.
Canada glanced at him, then finally nodded. “I do as well.”
“Me, too!” Italy shivered. “How scary!”
“America-san hates ghosts,” Japan said. “This must be doubly unpleasant for him.”
“How do we get him back?” Germany asked.
England slowly shook his head. “I have no idea. I would assume Blackwell is keeping him in Death's realm, but...”
Russia leaned forward, steepling his fingers together. “You want to go in and get him back? The living have no power in the realm of the dead.”
“No... no they don't.” England's lips quirked into a small smile. “Which really only gives us one option, doesn't it?”
Anyone have any preferences on which nation(s), if any, should accompany England on his rescue mission? More fun with somebody for him to chat with, right? XD
Re: Crown Jewel 2b/??
anonymous
April 5 2011, 03:32:10 UTC
i think japan would be an interesting character to go. he's one of america's closer friends and he would probably want to get america back.
korea for hilarity 8D;;
so i really like this, author anon. can't wait to see what happens next! are we going to see the entire story from england's pov or will we see snippets of america too?
Re: Crown Jewel 2b/??
anonymous
April 5 2011, 04:36:58 UTC
KYAAA My poor country!! <33 (i'm loving the UKUS(?) fluff in the flashbacks, A!Anon! LOVING IT!!!!) I can't wait to see what happens next!! And I CAN'T CHOOSE BETWEEN THE NATIONS!!!
So I' guessing...if limit is like...5 people including England, I'd have to nominate these people for these reasons:
Canada: For he is America's brother and I would love to see him Storm Troop the Death Realm
France: Because what's FACE without France? And also, France can totally be a badass :) and he's America's self-proclaimed big-brother too :D and also, it can give some sort of humor if France is there, because I think he can lighten up some tension.
Russia: Because Russia can totally pwn the dead with his awesome pipe skillz and I think it'd be sweet if Russia (long time rival of America's) helps him out :)
Japan: Because like the above anon said, he's America's friends, and friends help each other out, and I think Japan would have some sort of inkling on how to deal with the dead and ghosts
Re: Crown Jewel 2b/??
anonymous
April 5 2011, 05:03:09 UTC
Updates!! (cries in joy) kind of vote for Canada (because America is his brother) or Russia, because England once summoned him using magic, and from this update he sounds like he knows something too. Russia might be a powerful aid? ;D
Re: Crown Jewel 2b/??
anonymous
April 5 2011, 06:31:43 UTC
Well if you only want one, I'd say France (The daddies gotta stick together getting their baby back!). England and France make a rad team anyway :)
My second would be Canada but I can see him more sticking it out with the Living keeping sure Al's stuff on that side is running good. Plus I can totally see some potential use of them being "twins" as a connection to get Al back??? maybe? I'm a sucker for stuff like that or not just saying orz;;
OR ITALY END UP GOING BY MISTAKE FOR LOLS AS HE ACTS LIKE A SHIVERING BALL OF BAW BUT ENDS UP MAKING FRIENDS WITH ALL THE PRETTY GHOST LADIES :DD
Re: Crown Jewel 2b/??
anonymous
April 7 2011, 19:17:08 UTC
I second the vote above me for Finland since he offered to be America's dad, and he's so badass despite being all cute and cheerful all the time. And maybe Sweden could tag along to protect his wife XD
Also, to add some variety to the suggestions, China would be a cool choice as a companion. Since he's all superstitious and probably knows quite well how to deal with ghosts.
votes and praise!
anonymous
April 9 2011, 14:02:56 UTC
This is such a cool story X3 Seriously!
I vote Russia (because they can be friends without fucking each other too!) since he has some type of magical ability and could help England a lot. Also, the would so get along if England stopped being freaked out by him which would be another reason he couldn't say no to him going along! Plus it be great to see a frenemy of America help him.
Finland since he DID promise to be America's father figure and he would bring a unique twist on the rescue party group!
If not Finland then Canada or France (though he might not want to go...it could ruin his hair! D;...lol jk) . Canada would go to stop his foolish brother from getting more trouble and France to bug England. But then again these two are kinda the more obvious choices (not saying a story can't be original if their chosen though!).
Re: Crown Jewel 2b/??
anonymous
April 18 2011, 01:34:30 UTC
This is an interesting start so far. I can't wait to read your next chapter. :)
I want to see the Nordics to be on the rescue team since Norway he can use magic like England. (and Denmark and Iceland would definitely go if Norway does and they would most likely drag Sweden and Finland along too)
Crown Jewel 3a/??
anonymous
April 21 2011, 02:07:29 UTC
Thanks for all the comments!
There will be some America POV soon, don't worry. :)
The liquid that swirled within the pail that had been utilized as a makeshift cauldron was almost hypnotic, multicolored like a soap bubble. England added one more drop from the green decanter, two more from the pink, then nodded in satisfaction. It was ready.
“I don't like this,” a tiny voice piped up. “You shouldn't go.”
“I know.” England smiled, hefting the pail in his arms. “But I will.”
“You know we can't go with you,” said another.
And a third: “What if you can't come back?”
England's smile grew sad. “Then I'll be stuck there with him.”
The fairies fluttered after him as he carefully ascended the basement steps, chattering their worry as he mainly concentrated on not spilling anything.
“Why didn't you choose a vessel with a lid?”
England frowned at the fairy. “Because, er... this was closest.”
“There's cling wrap in the kitchen.”
“That's not necessary.”
“I'll get some!”
England sighed, lips curving into a small smile. The fairy soon returned with a square of cling wrap, which she pressed over the top of the pail. “There! Nice and snug.”
“Thank you,” England murmured. He took a cab back to the hotel everyone was meeting at, not a drop of the swirling liquid spilled. They eyed him nervously as he walked in, wondering what concoction he had created to help find the kidnapped nation.
“So.” England peeled the top off. The others seemed torn between edging closer for a peek and backing away, so they stayed put. “I don't know how long it will take me to-”
“Us,” Canada said, glancing around nervously before stepping forward. “I want to go with you.”
England shook his head, grimacing. “No, I'll be all right. And you would be the best choice for keeping an eye on his country, don't you think?”
“I will watch over his country,” Russia said, smiling brightly.
“Ah...” England coughed. “Why don't you come, too?”
“Oh, thank you!”
“Do not forget big brother,” France said.
Their group was starting to get a wee bit too big for sneaking around, but England knew none of them would be dissuaded. He held up his hands when Japan moved to speak, though. “I'm sorry. That's enough. Perhaps the rest of you could keep an eye on things here?”
Though disappointment shone in his dark eyes, Japan nodded politely. “I will do that,” he said, and Germany, Italy, and China added their agreement.
“Don't add too many used panty machines,” France said in a weak attempt at humor. “His people are easily shocked.”
“I will keep that in mind, France-san.”
France smiled. “So. Your magic potion there will transport us?”
England coughed, flicking a glance toward the pail. “In a sense. Yes.”
“What is it?” Canada asked. Behind him, Russia was smiling a knowing smile. England had a feeling he already knew.
England set out a pewter mug. “A type of poison, is the most blunt way to describe it.”
Canada gasped and exchanged a worried look with France. Russia's expression never changed. Italy's eyes actually welled with tears as he looked back and forth between the swirling liquid and England.
“None of you need to come,” England said gently as he filled the mug.
“So... we're just going to... die to get there?” Canada swallowed.
“Basically.” Conventional methods could not actually kill their kind, but the potion England had brewed up was the closest they could get. “It will keep us on the brink of death, enough to get us there. We shouldn't revive for at least a week.”
“Hmm.” Russia stepped closer, eyeing the potion with interest. “What if we find him right away and want to return before that time is up?”
“I do have a method for us to return when the time comes.” England sighed, running a hand through his hair. “And if we do not find him in time, we will have to wait a few days before we try again. This is kind of hard on our systems.”
Crown Jewel 3b/??
anonymous
April 21 2011, 02:09:11 UTC
England hesitated before nodding slightly. “Death is never pleasant. But at least we do not need to use knives or guns.” He held his mug up. “I'll do it first, of course. Then anyone who wishes to change their mind can do so.” He almost wished they would. He did not want anyone else partaking of this risky endeavor if they did not have to, and it would be easier to go unnoticed. On the other hand, company would be nice to have in the realm of the dead.
England held the cup to his lips, not thinking about what he was doing. This was for America, he would not allow himself to be afraid. For the little boy who always reached for him in times of need, and for the man who would never hesitate to do even the stupidest things to keep England safe. The man he loved, and would not lose without a fight. He took a deep breath, and swallowed down the cool, sweet liquid.
The second the last drop was emptied, the mug fell from England's nerveless fingers. A burning sensation spread rapidly through his body, and with a choked cry he fell. He wasn't even aware of who caught him, his vision already fading. His body grew heavy, limbs like pieces of lead. He was dimly aware of convulsions rattling him, of voices that sounded so distant.
And then his consciousness was snuffed out.
****
France gently lowered England's limp, still body to the floor. “He is gone.”
Canada chewed on his lower lip. “We... we have no way of knowing if it worked. If he's there and safe...”
“You do not need to go.”
“Yes I do!” Canada snatched the mug from the floor. He hesitated at the pail of poison. “America... he isn't dead like this, is he?”
“I wouldn't think so,” Russia said, looking up from the floor where he was examining England. “The living have no power there. His captor would prefer that, I think. And he probably would have taken pleasure in leaving his body for England to find.”
“Probably so.” Canada closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. “All right. My turn...”
So yeah, I went with the cliché cast. XD I wish I could have included the Nordics, too, but they just didn't work out for various reasons. orz
“Hey, did you hear?” America beamed that stupid grin of his, bouncing from foot to foot. “It's over!”
“Of course I heard, idiot,” England said, without much venom. Ever since he had heard the news about Germany, he had been walking around in a daze, barely able to believe it. After so many years...
“Oh! And I came to say goodbye!”
“Where are you going?”
America's smile grew strained. “We're still fighting Japan, after all. I'm being sent over to the Pacific...”
“Oh.” England's heart plummeted. “Are you? I'll come, too, then.”
“No, no, you're needed here, right?”
“But...” England stared at him, all the words he had been unable to say for so long bubbling up just below the surface. “But, you...”
“I'll be fine!” America gave a thumb's up. “What's wrong?”
“I...” Unable to voice the words, England finally just grabbed him, pressing their lips together. America was too surprised to return the kiss, and was staring with wide eyes when they pulled away. “So, um...” England looked away, feeling his face heat up. “So be careful, all right?” But before he could turn to hurry away, America grabbed his arm and pulled him close for another kiss.
“Are you all right?” France asked, watching England with a frown. “You're grimacing. Tea too hot?”
“No,” England mumbled. “Not hot at all. Just... memories.”
“Of what?”
“Never mind.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
England finished the tea, ignoring France until he finally lost interest and went to gaze out the window.
“I don't believe it,” England scoffed.
“Shut up! You're not making this easier.” The blush had spread all the way to America's broad shoulders.
“Nobody your age could be a vir-”
“Shut up!”
“Sorry.”
There was a long pause before America said, sounding almost timid, “Will it hurt?”
Germany showed up next, followed soon after by Italy. France informed them that England was not being very cooperative or talkative, and the pair settled down in the corner to chat while they waited for everyone else.
“Happy anniversary!” America removed the blindfold from England's head and pushed open the door with a grand gesture, revealing the dinner laid out on the table within. All his favorites were there. Shepherd's pie, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, scones, tea...
“Where did you get all this?”
“I made it!” America said with a grin. “With some help.”
“But...” England swallowed. That boy... “What will you eat?”
“Whatcha mean?”
“It's our anniversary, not just mine. You should have food you like.”
“Who said I don't like it? It's not British food in and of itself I dislike, it's... uh...”
England eyed him. “Is there a tactful way to end that sentence?”
“Uh... no...”
Instead of getting mad, England just laughed. “It looks wonderful, love. Thank you.”
England sniffled, quickly wiping his eyes but trying to make it look like they just itched. Why did his brain have to torment him?
“Oh...” America gaped at England, at the ring in his hand. “England, that's... wow. But we can't... can we? Our bosses...”
“I don't care,” England said. “We should be allowed to do what we want without involving our countries. Can't we promise to spend our lives together without having to create the United States of Great Britain, or the Anglo-American Empire or whatever?”
“Well... I think so.” America grinned. “Yeah! Let's do it.”
One by one, the other nations trickled in. Russia, China, Japan, Canada... Once he realized everybody he invited was there, England took a deep breath, forced his memories aside, and finally faced the group.
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A ripple of shock went through the crowd as the words sunk in. Italy leaned over to whisper something to Germany, Russia tilted his head in confusion, Canada looked doubtful...
“How?” Japan finally said. “By whom?”
“You're not going to believe me,” England said. “But I assure you, it's true.” They stared at him without piping up, so England sighed and continued on. “Back when I was a pirate, I heard rumors about a legendary treasure that had once belonged to the pirate James Blackwell, and that the treasure was cursed.”
“It would not be a pirate story without cursed treasure,” France said.
“Shut up. Anyhow, I found that treasure, and it was guarded by the ghost of Blackwell himself.”
“You actually saw the ghost?” Canada said.
“I told you you wouldn't believe it.”
China nudged Canada. “Just finish the story, aru.”
“The ghost told me I was free to take the treasure, but it came with a price. He would return in five hundred years to take my most valuable treasure. Well, that wasn't enough to dissuade me, so I took the loot. In time, I forgot all about it.” England paused, staring down at the table again. “Well, three days ago was exactly five hundred years after that. I wouldn't have even remembered, but I had a dream about it. I wasn't too worried, I figured even if it was true, so what if he stole my most valuable diamond or something? But he didn't. America vanished into thin air. He was asleep in bed, dead to the world, and he just disappeared, without disturbing any locked doors or windows.”
The others gaped at him, probably wondering if he had gone mad. They knew he wasn't joking; he wouldn't make such a joke, and certainly wouldn't drag them across the planet for one.
“Well... he hasn't slipped home,” Canada said. “And hasn't been answering his phone. But kidnapped by a ghost...?”
England ran his hands through his hair. “I know it sounds crazy! But I really did have that conversation with a ghost five hundred years ago. America really did disappear right out of our bedroom while I was downstairs. He would have had to pass me by to leave, all the upstairs windows were closed and locked. Please, I'm not making this up, I'm not crazy.”
“I believe you,” France said, forehead creased with worry.
Canada glanced at him, then finally nodded. “I do as well.”
“Me, too!” Italy shivered. “How scary!”
“America-san hates ghosts,” Japan said. “This must be doubly unpleasant for him.”
“How do we get him back?” Germany asked.
England slowly shook his head. “I have no idea. I would assume Blackwell is keeping him in Death's realm, but...”
Russia leaned forward, steepling his fingers together. “You want to go in and get him back? The living have no power in the realm of the dead.”
“No... no they don't.” England's lips quirked into a small smile. “Which really only gives us one option, doesn't it?”
Anyone have any preferences on which nation(s), if any, should accompany England on his rescue mission? More fun with somebody for him to chat with, right? XD
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Second, anon votes for Canada to accompany England, though would still read and love no matter who goes!
reCaptcha says virsiont thc...just say no, captcha!
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korea for hilarity 8D;;
so i really like this, author anon. can't wait to see what happens next! are we going to see the entire story from england's pov or will we see snippets of america too?
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So I' guessing...if limit is like...5 people including England, I'd have to nominate these people for these reasons:
Canada: For he is America's brother and I would love to see him Storm Troop the Death Realm
France: Because what's FACE without France? And also, France can totally be a badass :) and he's America's self-proclaimed big-brother too :D and also, it can give some sort of humor if France is there, because I think he can lighten up some tension.
Russia: Because Russia can totally pwn the dead with his awesome pipe skillz and I think it'd be sweet if Russia (long time rival of America's) helps him out :)
Japan: Because like the above anon said, he's America's friends, and friends help each other out, and I think Japan would have some sort of inkling on how to deal with the dead and ghosts
anon feels really biased about her choices.... D:
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kind of vote for Canada (because America is his brother) or Russia, because England once summoned him using magic, and from this update he sounds like he knows something too. Russia might be a powerful aid? ;D
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My second would be Canada but I can see him more sticking it out with the Living keeping sure Al's stuff on that side is running good. Plus I can totally see some potential use of them being "twins" as a connection to get Al back??? maybe? I'm a sucker for stuff like that or not just saying orz;;
OR ITALY END UP GOING BY MISTAKE FOR LOLS AS HE ACTS LIKE A SHIVERING BALL OF BAW BUT ENDS UP MAKING FRIENDS WITH ALL THE PRETTY GHOST LADIES :DD
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And I'm the odd man out, but I vote Finland. He did offer to be considered America's papa in that Christmas strip, didn't he? And he's majorly badass.
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Also, to add some variety to the suggestions, China would be a cool choice as a companion. Since he's all superstitious and probably knows quite well how to deal with ghosts.
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I vote Russia (because they can be friends without fucking each other too!) since he has some type of magical ability and could help England a lot. Also, the would so get along if England stopped being freaked out by him which would be another reason he couldn't say no to him going along! Plus it be great to see a frenemy of America help him.
Finland since he DID promise to be America's father figure and he would bring a unique twist on the rescue party group!
If not Finland then Canada or France (though he might not want to go...it could ruin his hair! D;...lol jk) . Canada would go to stop his foolish brother from getting more trouble and France to bug England. But then again these two are kinda the more obvious choices (not saying a story can't be original if their chosen though!).
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I want to see the Nordics to be on the rescue team since Norway he can use magic like England. (and Denmark and Iceland would definitely go if Norway does and they would most likely drag Sweden and Finland along too)
Canada and France would be good for comedy also.
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There will be some America POV soon, don't worry. :)
The liquid that swirled within the pail that had been utilized as a makeshift cauldron was almost hypnotic, multicolored like a soap bubble. England added one more drop from the green decanter, two more from the pink, then nodded in satisfaction. It was ready.
“I don't like this,” a tiny voice piped up. “You shouldn't go.”
“I know.” England smiled, hefting the pail in his arms. “But I will.”
“You know we can't go with you,” said another.
And a third: “What if you can't come back?”
England's smile grew sad. “Then I'll be stuck there with him.”
The fairies fluttered after him as he carefully ascended the basement steps, chattering their worry as he mainly concentrated on not spilling anything.
“Why didn't you choose a vessel with a lid?”
England frowned at the fairy. “Because, er... this was closest.”
“There's cling wrap in the kitchen.”
“That's not necessary.”
“I'll get some!”
England sighed, lips curving into a small smile. The fairy soon returned with a square of cling wrap, which she pressed over the top of the pail. “There! Nice and snug.”
“Thank you,” England murmured. He took a cab back to the hotel everyone was meeting at, not a drop of the swirling liquid spilled. They eyed him nervously as he walked in, wondering what concoction he had created to help find the kidnapped nation.
“So.” England peeled the top off. The others seemed torn between edging closer for a peek and backing away, so they stayed put. “I don't know how long it will take me to-”
“Us,” Canada said, glancing around nervously before stepping forward. “I want to go with you.”
England shook his head, grimacing. “No, I'll be all right. And you would be the best choice for keeping an eye on his country, don't you think?”
“Probably.” Canada nodded slowly. “But I'm coming anyway.”
“I will watch over his country,” Russia said, smiling brightly.
“Ah...” England coughed. “Why don't you come, too?”
“Oh, thank you!”
“Do not forget big brother,” France said.
Their group was starting to get a wee bit too big for sneaking around, but England knew none of them would be dissuaded. He held up his hands when Japan moved to speak, though. “I'm sorry. That's enough. Perhaps the rest of you could keep an eye on things here?”
Though disappointment shone in his dark eyes, Japan nodded politely. “I will do that,” he said, and Germany, Italy, and China added their agreement.
“Don't add too many used panty machines,” France said in a weak attempt at humor. “His people are easily shocked.”
“I will keep that in mind, France-san.”
France smiled. “So. Your magic potion there will transport us?”
England coughed, flicking a glance toward the pail. “In a sense. Yes.”
“What is it?” Canada asked. Behind him, Russia was smiling a knowing smile. England had a feeling he already knew.
England set out a pewter mug. “A type of poison, is the most blunt way to describe it.”
Canada gasped and exchanged a worried look with France. Russia's expression never changed. Italy's eyes actually welled with tears as he looked back and forth between the swirling liquid and England.
“None of you need to come,” England said gently as he filled the mug.
“So... we're just going to... die to get there?” Canada swallowed.
“Basically.” Conventional methods could not actually kill their kind, but the potion England had brewed up was the closest they could get. “It will keep us on the brink of death, enough to get us there. We shouldn't revive for at least a week.”
“Hmm.” Russia stepped closer, eyeing the potion with interest. “What if we find him right away and want to return before that time is up?”
“I do have a method for us to return when the time comes.” England sighed, running a hand through his hair. “And if we do not find him in time, we will have to wait a few days before we try again. This is kind of hard on our systems.”
“Will it hurt?” Canada asked, voice a whisper.
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England held the cup to his lips, not thinking about what he was doing. This was for America, he would not allow himself to be afraid. For the little boy who always reached for him in times of need, and for the man who would never hesitate to do even the stupidest things to keep England safe. The man he loved, and would not lose without a fight. He took a deep breath, and swallowed down the cool, sweet liquid.
The second the last drop was emptied, the mug fell from England's nerveless fingers. A burning sensation spread rapidly through his body, and with a choked cry he fell. He wasn't even aware of who caught him, his vision already fading. His body grew heavy, limbs like pieces of lead. He was dimly aware of convulsions rattling him, of voices that sounded so distant.
And then his consciousness was snuffed out.
****
France gently lowered England's limp, still body to the floor. “He is gone.”
Canada chewed on his lower lip. “We... we have no way of knowing if it worked. If he's there and safe...”
“You do not need to go.”
“Yes I do!” Canada snatched the mug from the floor. He hesitated at the pail of poison. “America... he isn't dead like this, is he?”
“I wouldn't think so,” Russia said, looking up from the floor where he was examining England. “The living have no power there. His captor would prefer that, I think. And he probably would have taken pleasure in leaving his body for England to find.”
“Probably so.” Canada closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. “All right. My turn...”
So yeah, I went with the cliché cast. XD I wish I could have included the Nordics, too, but they just didn't work out for various reasons. orz
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