Book 3 - Retrievers

XXXVIII - Ears

America is dozing on Russia's shoulder, and Finland is stacking the tubes up to hide everyone behind them. Florida is curled up in America's lap, sleeping. South Dakota begins digging through America's bag again, and she pulls out a phone, much to Russia's surprise.

'I thought she would've gotten more food.'

"Here," she says, "Dak and Buckeye said that we should text York about where we are and that we're okay before shit goes down."

"'Buckeye'?"

"Ohio."

Russia nods and takes the phone with his free hand. He begins typing.

"We're almost there. We will let you know how this goes once we can," Russia texts the 'home' phone.

He closes the phone and rides the bumps as they pass over what seems like a bridge. They stop several times, and America seems to be listening to something outside the wall of the trailer.

Russia tucks his glowstick into his sleeve. it had long since faded, but he didn't want to leave it behind. He also finds a sheet of paper and tucks it into his pocket.

"(We need to hide until the door opens. Then, we run,)" America signs.

The states and Alberta nod, and South Dakota seems to whisper something to a confused Finland. Finland's eyes light up with recognition and she nods. Florida flaps his hands, bouncing a little. Kansas tries to hold him steady. The truck comes to a stop, and the cab jumps as the drivers hop out. There is a buzz of conversation that Russia can't understand.

Then, the trailer door opens, and Russia blinks at the harsh light.

"Looks like you came back empty. Good," an unfamiliar voice says, "you should unload the containers later tonight."

Then the door closes again, leaving a little sliver of light open at the bottom. America slowly stands up, and Russia crouches behind him. Then, America waves them forward slowly. Russia carefully walks forward, and he tries to ignore the static surrounding them.

'There is a lot of magic here. That's not good.'

America opens the door slowly, and they sneak out. Ohio walks on America's heels. Russia follows closely behind Ohio, and Finland walks out just behind him. They file into a long, deserted-looking hallway. Russia watches the sterile-looking walls, and the large, white metal doors.

Each of the doors has a keypad beside it, and Russia briefly wonders if they should have brought the keycard with them.

Suddenly, America drags Ohio forward. Ohio grabs Russia, and Russia grabs Finland. They find themselves shoved through an open door. It looks like it's made of metal.

Russia blinks as the door closes. The door itself seems to swirl and shrink. The door now looks like a cheap American-made door made of nothing more than cardboard and white paint.

Russia looks around and sees a single bed against the left wall, lit by the artificial light above. There is a window, but there doesn't seem to be any light coming from it. The light of the room reflects against the glass. The floor is covered in beige carpet, and the walls are painted a matching color.

The whole room hums with magic. Russia takes a breath.

"Are we safe?" Russia asks.

"For now, _____," America says, turning away from Russia.

"Do you ______ _______?" Finland mumbles.

America puts his head against the door and listens. Then, America's face screws up in confusion. America looks to Finland and shakes his head.

Then, America opens the door, and Russia freezes.

Behind the door is a brick wall. America reaches out and touches it. Then he shoves against it. Then Ohio walks up beside America and charges at the wall with his shoulder. Some of the bricks crack, but it doesn't do much.

North Dakota scowls at the doorway, shielding South Dakota from the door with her arm. South Dakota peaks around her shoulder. Kansas is staring out the window. Finland sits back on the bed with a sigh. Ohio groans and sits next to Finland. Alberta kicks at the walls with her combat boots, leaving black stained grooves in the paint of the walls.

Russia walks up to it and punches it as hard as he can. Some of the brick chips off and imbeds itself into his hand. He hisses and pulls back. He looks as blood begins to drop to the floor.

"Rue?! Why did you do that?!" America exclaims.

"I had to make sure it's solid," Russia replies, pulling the slivers from his knuckles.

Then, Russia takes a deep breath. He turns his head toward America, looking over his shoulder.

"Protect me?" Russia asks.

"Of course. Why?"

"I'm going to look at some of the magic around here."

"Okay. Just don't get too lost."

"I won't get lost. I'll just follow you."

America looks away, his face pink.

Russia breaths in and closes his eyes. He lets the staticky feeling in.

He opens his eyes to a world bathed in grey. The magic looks matted against the walls, and darkness radiates from the window. Russia turns his attention back to the doorway. His tailbone begins to tingle, and so does the top of his head. He ignores it.

'It better not happen here. Not in front of Meri, Fin, or any of the kids.'

The door is open, and the magic around it seems almost temperamental. It doesn't seem as angry as it does fickle. Russia closes the door and opens it again.

Nothing changes.

He closes it back and focuses on the cloud of magic around it.

'If I can get it to change again, maybe we can leave.'

He takes some of the magic from his surroundings and swallows back nausea as it filters through his chest. It feels sickly, and it starts to drain his physical energy. Russia slumps over a little and breaths as deep as his chest would allow.

'Grey magic doesn't feel nice to use.'

Russia feels his spine and skull tingle more painfully. Almost like pins and needles. He shakes his head and the flaps of his hat brush against his face. He reaches forward, his hands glowing light pink.

He grabs the doorframe by the sides just below his shoulder level. He pumps magic into it, and he feels it start to vibrate. Russia releases his hands, and the doorway glows pinkish before the magic fades back to grey.

'It looks nicer now. Less dark.'

Someone grabs his arm. He turns to it and sees a light blue glow. He takes a deep breath, and the magic fades.

Mostly.

Russia comes back to the physical world to strangely muffled laughter. He looks around and notes that the room looks brighter. His nose twitches. Something brushes against his leg. His heart drops.

"Hey, Ruby?"

"Yes?"

"What's with the tail?"