Rivals and Regrets //Countryhumans AU [ON HOLD]

Twelve

10:51 March 3, 1942 - Tokyo, Japan

Australia laid on the couch, recovering from another panic; fortunately it hadn't been as stress-induced and Japanese Empire had been able to move him from behind the kitchen counter to the couch.

"How exactly does it feel when it happens?" Japanese Empire asked.

"Just a lot of pain," Australia replied.

"I mean how does it make you feel?"

"Scared, it feels like I'm there, I see it happening in my head. The connection I have with my land is not severed, no matter how far away I am."

Japanese Empire sighed. "I'm sorry this is happening."

"Don't be, I know it's not your fault."

Japanese Empire didn't say anything else for a few moments. "There's going to be a lot of air raids on your land this month. They have a lot planned."

"Wait, wait, you know?"

"Yes, I know. Don't you know the plans your military makes?"

"Uh, they tell me and I forget to pay attention."

"Of course."

"Paying attention isn't my greatest skill."

"I am aware."

"That isn't the point. You're saying you know the military plans of your people?"

"Yes."

"Mind sharing them?"

"Ned, I will not share specific details with you due to obvious reasons. I am simply informing you that there are attacks on your land planned so you can be better prepared."

"Right... I guess that makes sense."

"If you wish, closer to the dates I will reveal certain details, like dates and times, so you know what to expect?"

"Maybe... yea, that could help..."

. . .

10:32 March 31, 1942 - Tokyo, Japan

"So, it's the end of the month and it's my turn, Klaus and Antonio should be arriving soon," Japanese Empire said. "This Friday I'll be going to Antonio's house so you'll only have to be tied up today."

Australia froze up at hearing Third Reich's name. "Okay..." he tried to stay calm. "We're doing this now?"

"Yes, so if you'd be so kind as to sit in the chair."

Australia obliged, and as Japanese Empire began tying him up, Japan walked into the room.

"Otosan?"

Japanese Empire did not look at Japan. "Yes, Akari?"

"Why is Ned actually here?"

"Akari, I've already explained to you. Ned and I are friends but due to certain circumstances, aren't allowed to be friendly with each other, so we have this act so we can secretly hang out."

"He's been here for over one and a half months. Doesn't he need to go home?"

"Ned can't go home until his necklace is found and returned to him, but he's fine to be here until then." Japanese Empire then directed his speech towards Australia. "Right, Ned?"

"Yeah..." Australia agreed. "You don't need to worry about it, Akari."

Japan sat on the couch while she watched her father continue to tie Australia up. This time, Japanese Empire didn't tie him to the chair, he only bound Australia's ankles and wrists. Australia wasn't sure why.