Scars Anecdotes and Other Stories

Te Aroha Moana

*Warning: Discussions of sexual harassment and sexual assault, non-graphic description of female-on-female rape*

Yeah...this is the most explicit story I've posted so far. I know even when you use vague terms, it can still be upsetting to some people. So proceed with caution.

This is also the first story that doesn't have a specific date attached to it. Just assume it's modern times. That will also be the case for some future stories.

New Zealand yawned and stretched out her arms, the morning sun tickling her skin with its rays. She loved days like this - when there were no clouds out, yet there was a cool breeze balancing out the heat.

She slid out of bed, got dressed in leggings and a midriff-baring tank top, filled her water bottle, and began to run. In no time she was panting with exertion and sweating up a storm.

But she enjoyed her exercise. The feeling of muscles aching, her heart racing, and the urge to go just a little farther than before.

But most importantly, it left her with a clear mind. New Zealand had taken up the hobby after getting a little too absorbed in her country duties and her brothers had to stage an intervention to get her to come out of her cocoon. Running was suggested as a way to make sure she didn't retreat back to her hole, and the rest was history.

Her run finished, and in a great mood, New Zealand hummed to herself as she showered and got ready for the day. There was a UN meeting at noon (her time), and afterwards all the Oceanic countries were going for lunch and a swim. There had been much debate on which country's ocean they would go to, but ultimately New Zealand had won the fight.

Garbed in an off-the-shoulder flowy shirt, knee-length skirt, and boots, the blue island concentrated and made a portal to New York. Upon arriving, she was immediately bear-hugged by a very familiar person.

"Ame!" she greeted. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm just fine." He grinned. "How's my favorite sister?"

"I'm your only sister, but I'm doing well, thanks for asking."

Canada and Australia came over and joined in. "We are quite a sight, aren't we?" Canada asked.

"Yeah, if anyone were to date you, sis, they'd be walking on eggshells," Australia noted. "Because if they ever hurt you, they'd have to contend with all of us!"

New Zealand caught sight of someone passing by her and her flag went purple.

"What's that?" her twin brother noticed. "Aw, are you blushing?"

"Oooh, does little sister have a crush?" America teased.

"Come on, guys. Leave her be," Canada chided gently.

New Zealand pulled herself free of her brothers' hold, her face still burning. "Alright, alright, enough! We've all got to go to the meeting, anyway."

The four countries took their seats, saying hello to their parents along the way. New Zealand couldn't help staring out of her side eye at a cyan country with an off-center yellow circle.

The country's name was Palau, an island in the Pacific. She wore a dress with a single strap and a beaded necklace. She'd been a member of the United Nations for about twenty years now, but for the past few months New Zealand had started getting warm feelings about her.

She didn't know how it began. Maybe it was Palau's sunny demeanor that drew her in. Maybe it was her ability to understand what anyone said, no matter the language. Whatever it was, New Zealand had fallen hard, and fallen fast.