The Silencing

What I Once Was

We misjudge risk if we feel we have some control over it, even if it's illusory sense of control.

-Robert Kiyosaki

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"Get off of me you bloody git! I will give you no such thing!"

"Sir, please-"

"NO!"

Hungary flinched when she heard the sound of the British nation outside, most likely dealing with the guard at Germany's front gate that was oh-so charming. Even from inside, you could hear him.

Hungary sighs and looks at her two friends. Germany and Italy were sitting in front of her, still at the lunch table. With the deal with Russia made, Ivan left the other three in a mix of emotions. But mainly pride, frustration, confusion, and desperation. Although she didn't quite understand her Italian friend's motives, she had a terrible feeling for the next meeting he was having.

Right after Russia had left, Italy instantly insisted that he have a meeting with England. It was strange for anyone to have multiple meetings, especially back to back, but Hungary didn't protest. Then again, what could Italy possibly want with England of all people? Unlike Russia, England doesn't have any particular bountiful resource... unless you counted whiskey, mustaches, and tea, which Hungary didn't.

"Uh, Italy?" Hungary said. "Do you think it's a good idea to have a meeting with England?"

Italy just laughed. "It's fine, Ms. Hungary! It's not like he can hurt me anymore!"

Hungary frowned slightly at his choice of words. Anymore...

"Speaking of England," Germany suddenly said. "I honestly don't think he'll get very far with your guard at the gate. Considering how stubborn he is." The other two Europeans agreed. "Then I guess we should go get him!" All three of them started to walk down the corridor.

As the trio walked, Hungary asked, "Speaking of the guard, where did he even come from? This is Germany's house, but he didn't treat Germany like his boss at all. It was as if he didn't recognize him." They passed towering walls and thick, stone pillars. The vintage house stood for centuries, keeping Germany safe inside for many years. The auburn tiles made each step click, the sound bouncing the roof. The stones on the edges of the house stacked on each other in a decoratively sloppy way, like pancakes. The house didn't have nearly as many windows as Italy's, but instead had multiple entryways to a peaceful porch held up by arches in the air.

"Oh, that's because he works for me, not Germany." Italy replied. "I brought him here so he could watch over the gate of my province. Roman provinces are not to be reckoned with."

Wait... province? Since when was Berlin a province, it's my capital! Germany thought.

The three exit the manor through the large front doors and start walking through the gardens, eventually finding Britain on the other side of the fence.

"You ignorant git!" England continuously insulted the guard. And honestly, the guard just looked so done.

"Uh... England?" Hungary decided to call out to the English man. He glanced past the tall man in front of him to see Germany, Hungary, and Italy on the other side of the gate.

Slightly embarrassed, England waved. "Well hello, chaps!" he awkwardly greeted the three. Italy, smiling slightly, said, "Guard, could you please let Mr. Kirkland into the manor just this once?"