[Fanfic De-Anon] Do No Harm 7/?
Title: Do No Harm
Author: PhantomMemories/JazzChyk
Genre: Angst/Drama
Rating: For now, T for language reasons
Warnings: USUK, Language, implied past sexual activity.
Summary: After an attack on America, the personification vanishes. (Kink Meme De-anon request for Amnesia and Doctor!America. Original request at http://hetalia-kink.livejournal.com/10530.html?thread=15226146#t15226146 .)
China was refusing his calls.
More, he had instructed his people to not disclose his location, nor any other information about at what hour he might be available for conversation.
Incredibly frustrating, and absolutely unheard of except in time of war.
Japan frowned. This situation was complicated, but it should not be this difficult for anyone to read the next action, the motivations-- was China really declaring a war upon a Nation that could no longer defend himself properly?
The technology that had been developed in the past decade could not accurately piece together a way to get to China. The coded messages were themselves apparent nonsense. The only thing that Japan could gather in such a short time was that Yao was not in his capital, and was acting in defense-- something that did not make much sense, considering that there were very few minor wars right now, and none that involved China.
There was one last resort. It was one that Japan hesitated to use, because of the potential for things to go terribly wrong, and for events to spiral further out of his control. When he'd spoken with Germany earlier, it had been suggested as a means to brief those who did not know---
“Doitsu-san.” Japan murmured into the phone, as he shot a mild glare towards the west, and his neighbor. “What we discussed before...”
“Ja?” Germany sounded as though he'd been awaiting Japan's call, though he had not given any indication that he might call his one-time ally within the same day. “Is there a new development in the situation with China, Kiku?”
“Hai, Ludwig-san,” Japan said mildly, “Yao has gone underground, and refuses to speak with anyone. It is urgent that we find out what exactly spurred this invasion, and what we can do to stop it. As much as I dislike the need, and … fear that it may do some harm, I believe that we must call for a meeting. I suggest as soon as possible in my Tokyo.”
“What harm could it do? Canada and England both knew that America's lands must be annexed, or become vulnerable like this.” Here, Germany paused, “But I have known you for too long. There is something else.”
“There was something that I was concealing from you, old friend.” Japan glanced towards the brightly lit city. His city. America had once had many like it, all bright and glowing, full of people and vehicles-- but now most of those cities were ash and ruin, and the people in them had either died or scattered across the lands, trying to survive. And they were surviving, rebuilding-- “Because I do not wish to see him hurt any further.”
“Alfred.” Ludwig did sound a bit nostalgic, the stoic nature softening a bit at the memories of one of the youngest of them, and the devastating attack. Even if many of the problems that had arisen because of America and then because of America's destruction lingered, much had been forgiven. Time, it seemed, had softened the memories, and made them easier to bear. “It has been eleven years, Kiku. I didn't know you were still holding on.”
“I wasn't.” Kiku found his voice to be almost trembling. Odd. He'd never lost that sort of control before. “He has been found. We did not wish for those who had wished him ill, nor those who might wish to attempt to control him to find out so soon.”
“Are you certain?” There was surprise in that voice. Perhaps a bit of curiosity and a fraction of disbelief. “Where is he?”
“Safe for now. Ill, from Yao's unfortunately timed ventures, obviously. Arthur and Matthew are with him at the moment.”
“Should I tell the others that-- he's alive when I send out the call?” Hesitation. Germany liked yes or no answers. Things being precise and clear-- having someone coming back from the dead did not fit, and it made him nervous. “Why has he been hidden so long?”
“No.” Japan said decisively. “Keep this between us for now. I will explain when you arrive. As it is, the more who know, the more likely it is something will go wrong.”
“The situation is delicate then.” Germany sounded as though he were frowning deeply. “I will be there soon.”
As they both ended the call, Japan glanced back at the western window, where now a familiar slender figure sat watching him.
“Thank you.” France said softly, “For taking care of that. Trusting me. Taking care of my little brother.”
“You are most welcome, Francis-san.” Japan could feel the faint smile on his own face. Canada and England had not been the only nations who had loved America in some way. Only now Japan could see the glisten of tears on France's cheeks in the moonlight. “He is alive. And we are going to keep him that way.”
^*V*^*V*^*V
The morning light always seemed to bring fresh surprises, and renewed hope, even in the darkest of times. Those first few rays that prodded at the windowsill, and softly kissed his cheek... France, for all the parties and luxuries that he was well known for, still rose early, even if he had just gone to bed a few hours beforehand. It was a habit of those who tilled the soil, to greet the sun.
France might no longer take up a plow, tend a vineyard, or milk goats, however he still enjoyed those precious moments before the birds began their chorus.
A moment of peace before the world began converging on Tokyo, a world full of arguments, and fear, and pain and disappointments-- and questions. Dear God, the questions.
Japan had promised Germany answers, however neither he, nor France, truly knew all of the answers. And as for Alfred-- Alain-- America.
Sighing, France slipped out of bed, and began his usual morning routine.
What were they to do now that they had found America? The simple idea that he had presented Japan with the evening before would take time to bring results, and the other Nations--- would they be presenting him? Introducing him? Or keeping him hidden from view, until they could get Yao to stop trying to make his economy crash?
Questions, questions, and more questions-- and those were only the ones about their current situation-- The sparse answers that Matthieu had provided hadn't been detailed. Francis knew nothing about Al's situation for the past decade, other than he had been hurt badly, did not remember anything, and been taken in by a kind soul.
And had become a doctor.
The idea itself settled into France's mind with some difficulty-- it was hard to reconcile the brash Nation with so many insane ideas with this …. medical professional. And it was even more difficult when the concept of just what specialty Al had gotten himself into. (It wasn't the fact that he was taking care of children, no, Francis knew that America had always had that huge soft spot for children--) The words 'Pediatric Trauma Specialist' and 'Alfred' did not seem to belong in the same sentence.
But from what the other physicians and colleagues told him, Alain England was very good at what he did. Had graduated with honours from one of the remaining universities in under the normal allotted time, and had been the first pick for their particular mission.
The answers to France's questions wouldn't be found in his own hotel room, however, no matter how brilliantly lit. No, they lay in the mind of the boy who...
As France entered the suite, he noted two things.
First, that England looked almost as tired as he probably felt-- though there was an air of wondering joy about his face that was heartwarming. He probably hadn't left Al's side since he'd entered that room last night.
Second, was that someone had somehow deemed Alain England to be well enough to be out of bed, and eating a light breakfast of tea and toast at the suite's small dining area. The look on his face, despite the signs of illness (he looked a bit better than he had yesterday), displayed a contentment that had been absent when Francis had first met him a day and a half ago.
Matthieu had let him in, and still had that slightly smug smile upon his face-- the one that reminded Francis that he'd been wrong. There was still worry in the violet eyes-- but that would probably never change. There was always something to be concerned about.
“Angleterre,” France said softly, somehow pulling the attention of both men. “Matthieu, the others are on their way to discuss the situation. It must be decided what to tell them.”
“Others?” He might have looked better, but Al didn't sound much better-- the tired and quiet voice faintly scratchy with economic troubles.
“Extended family, of a sort.” England explained, not hiding that troubled look in his eyes well at all. “Some friendlier than others-- I... Francis?”
“Germany has been told only that he is alive, with a promise of further explanation when he arrives. The others are going to want a very good reason to condemn China's actions, unless we tell them.”
“He's invading another country, for God's sake, France,” England was angry. Al was... confused. “He's initiated hostilities without provocation-- that hasn't been done in this way for--”
“He's attempting to take over a territory without visible representation.” Mattheiu finally spoke, “Arthur, the vote for annexation isn't until next month. I can try to protect the territory, however technically China isn't attacking me, and I can't respond with more than an official condemnation.”
“You understand then.” France could see now, that the worries that Canada had been hiding were more than just because of the physical form of his brother being missing. He knew this could happen. “Yao is incommunicado, and I'm not certain I'd want to tell him-”
“God no,” England had found his voice again, and spoke with a barely restrained anger. “Between China, North Korea and Russia-- I think he would be the worst. At least Russia is trying to reform, and North Korea-- wouldn't be able to do anything.”
“What's going on?” Al was giving them the same dazed and confused looks. “I get the flu for a day, and suddenly there's a war going on?”
“China has invaded Hawaii, Al, claiming old debts,” Matthieu laid a hand on his twin who now... would not likely be mistaken for him. So much change, “And because the government is gone, and dependent on m-- Canada, there's not much that can be done.”
They hadn't even tried to tell him. They were keeping it from him--
“That's why America should've become a province years ago. Then China would have thought twice about invading.” Al's face was rueful, “It's not like we have much left to offer Canada, but still, it might make up for being the biggest bully on the planet. Maybe we wouldn't be as rude or..”
“Al...” Matthieu looked as though he were going to cry. Probably would in a moment. “You weren't--”
“Mattie?” Al was just staring at Matthew. “What's wrong?”
“Excuse me.” Canada blurted out, and left the room. Oh yes. That was something that Japan had mentioned earlier.
“What did I say?” Al was looking even more lost than before, setting down his teacup. “Is he-”
“Alfred... Al...” England said softly, not meeting France's eyes-- his own fixed upon his tea. “You remember when you asked what your real name was, and I told you it was complicated?”
“Is this wise, Angleterre?” France glanced between them.
“Belt it, Frog.” No heat to the command, “We have to tell him eventually. If the others are coming, then someone will see him, and call him by his real name at some point.”
“So Alfred isn't my real name either?” Suspicion and a touch of something almost like fear hit Al's face. “Is-- what does it have to do with China invading a territory? Were my parents spies or something?”
“Your parents...” France managed to keep the snort quiet-- but not quiet enough, as the look that England was giving him would curdle milk. “Mon cher, no.”
“For every country in the world there is a National personification.” The look of amusement on Al's face didn't bode well, but England continued anyhow. “Nations are affected by things that their citizens are not. They do not die, unless their lands, people, and government is gone. Bound to the earth, and creatures of nature. We-- Nations do not die easily, and the bonds that we form with one another can be....”
“He called you 'England'...” The tone was suddenly changed, and France could see dots being connected in Al's mind. “So I was calling for you-- But it's just-- ”
“I had always wondered if he was brighter than he acted, Angleterre. I think I know for certain now.” France found a bit of amusement in the befuddled expressions on both of their faces. “You are America. It is your name, and your true identity.”