𝑫𝑬𝑨𝑫 𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑽𝑬《 Philippines CountryHumans AU 》

xvi.

Philip held the semi-automatic handgun in his holster, taking it out and holding it using his dominant hand and placing it high on the grip. He held it firmly, examining his surroundings.

Martial, at least, his Martial from his own universe, smirked proudly at him. He taught his brother how to use a gun, and now, they were both seeing the fruit of their efforts.

Philip narrowed his eyes.

Bang

Bang

Bang

Three shots in a row, they all pierced the same hole as the first. "Bullseye," Philip grinned, turning around to see Martial clapping.

"Good job. All that training paid off."

"When will I use it though?"

Martial walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'll use it when you need it. Different circumstances will always be present. You should never let your guard down.

Never."

____________________

Philip leaned back in his seat. He ran a hand through his hair, pulling at his scalp. His heart was still rapidly beating, a sign that the adrenaline had not completely worn off from the stunt he pulled earlier.

Hours passed, and they were now about to land in the heart of London. It had been so long since Philip had seen the city. He breathed in the crisp air as the copter descended.

Philip then glanced at his backpack that held all the things that he would need to be a fugitive. He took the bag by its strap, putting it on his lap and hugging it tightly. Its contents consisted of a new phone, a fake ID, a fake passport, cash... and a handgun.

Opening the bag, he slowly pulled the gun out. He held it in his hands, examining it. It was a handgun similar to the one that he used during training with Martial.

UK glanced at him, noting how his muscles were tense. It was as if he was a spring, getting ready to recoil at any time. As Philip lowered the gun back in his bag, the helicopter landed. The older country looked away.

They waited for its wings to stop before removing their headphones, making their way out of the vehicle. Philip stretched his sore muscles, breathing in the air as the dust beneath him settled.

He turned around to face UK, nodding at him.

"I'll take my leave," Philip said, slinging his bag over his shoulders. "Thank you for letting me ride with you."

UK frowned. "You're not coming with me to my mansion?"

"No, I'm not," Philip smiled at him, gripping the straps of the bag. He was about to leave when UK called out.

"But I can offer you a place to rest. Food to eat. A roof over your head. How will you be able to sleep at night when it rains?" He says, worried. "I don't want you getting hurt."

"And I don't want to get caught by Martial," Philip interrupted him before softening his expression. "I'll be fine, Mr. UK. I can take care of myself."

"Are you really sure?" UK persisted.

"Yes," Philip sighed in exasperation.

UK pursed his lips before giving in. "Fine."

Philip chuckled. "See? I'll be alright."

The older country clasped his shoulder lightly, bending down to Philip's level and staring at him dead in the eye. "Be safe. For everyone's sake."