America slows his pace to keep from running into any more walls, and Philip does the same. America listens for a moment but is only met with silence. He decides to try summoning his light again.
It sparks for a moment before its glow brightens. America sighs in relief and releases Philip. He notes the temperature of the air is different.
It's hot and humid.
'When had that changed?' America wonders briefly before a sharp pain hit him in his torso.
"What was that?" Philip asks, nervously looking around.
"I'm not sure. I think he is messing with us," America replies, wincing.
"Are you okay?" Philip asks.
"Yeah, I'm good, Phil. I just need a minute, okay?" America replies, sitting down. His sides cramp up, but somehow, he knows it isn't just from their escape. Philip sits beside him with a look of concern on his face.
"What's wrong?"
"...I'm not sure, kiddo. Feels kinda like I'm having some kind of civil dispute or something. I knew there was stuff going on, but it's not normally this bad," America mumbles in reply, trying to calm his breathing.
"Oh."
America laughs in response and forces himself to stand. He ignores the pulling in his stomach and gives Philip a bright smile.
"I'm okay, kiddo. I'm sure it will resolve itself soon enough," America says reassuringly.
Philip nods, and America helps him to his feet.
"What do we do now?" Philip asks.
"We explore," America replies, "and see if we can find a way out of here."
Then a scream echos through the caverns, and it sounds way too familiar. America's head perks up, and Philip's does the same. Their eyes meet, and they silently confirm that they both heard the same thing.
"That sounded like Texas. But why would he be down here? I told Russia to make sure things didn't fall apart," America mumbles.
"He is a little hotheaded, dad. He could've gone looking by himself and got captured," Philip suggests.
"Or it could be a trick," America retorts.
"I'm not sure. Texas could be here," Philip insists.
"Fine, but if it's a monster, you're the one who insisted on going," America relents.
The closer they get to where they estimate the scream to have come from, the more America senses residual magic with Massachusetts' signature. Sure, there are many mimics down here, but no magician, no matter how skilled, can mimic a specific magic signature. America begins to pick up his pace, and Philip jogs beside him.
America is not sure what he'll find when he gets there, but if it is his kids, they are so grounded.
YOU ARE READING
Book 1 - Puppets
FanfictionRussia is sent overseas to stay with America, but it isn't clear why until after he arrives. As soon as he steps foot on American soil, Russia is thrown upside-down into a family hidden from the world on a mission to protect everything he holds dear...
