Hetalian Protectors

A Warm Welcome?

Japan's POV: "Trust me. They're not rying." I heard shuffles behind me and I spoke again. "Have any of you heard of this Reague before?" Only mutters came as responses. If we don't know about them then it's a problem. "We'll go with you."

For the first time in the last few minutes since she first arrived, she smiled for real. Her eyes now finally looked alive. I felt something in my chest ache for a moment.

"Kyoko. Now."

"Okay." A shattering sound filled the air.

Then a green light filled the room and enveloped us.

*****

Scarlett's POV: I felt lightheaded at the situation at hand. They had actually decided to trust us. Us, the random people who claimed to be countries and who had interrupted their world meeting with gun shots. I mean GUNSHOTS? Really Major? What if you had injured one of your precious test subjects? Rage bubbled up within me. I wouldn't let them be hurt. Not him. Not any of them. They were our only reason for living now.

I looked around, breaking my own thoughts. Kyoko had teleported us, but I guess she can't go as quickly as she normally does. I mean, she usually has us where we want to be in two seconds flat. But she is carrying a lot more of us... All around me the countries were kinda freaking out. We were floating in a green space when just a moment ago we were in the world meeting hall. That would make even the most sensible person panic.

I spotted Arthur and Alfred near one another, Francis not far behind as they stood, or should I say hovered, in a little circle, back to back. Those three might not always get along, but they sure know when to team up. Francis' eyes were calm but searching, his fancy, over-the-top outfit becoming quite crumpled and wrinkled. Alfred wore a large smile on his face and his eyes were alight with the prospect of adventure. I chuckled. After all this time, he's still a child... I studied Arthur for a minute. His messy blonde hair was scruffier than normal, and his emerald green eyes seemed to focus on the lone figure at the front of this large mass of people. Kyoko.

His gaze was overwhelmingly curious. His eyes never left Kyoko's slim figure as she started to move towards me. Not once did he look away. Someone cleared their throat, bringing me back to who still stood only inches in front of me. I felt my breath catch as I looked back into his deep brown eyes. Is it true that you can drown in a person's gaze? Cause that could be what's happening to me... I mentally slapped myself. STOP BEING SO DAMN CHEESY TODAY. He cleared his throat again and I tried to focus on what he was saying.

"What?" He sighed and put his head in one of his hands. I wanted to giggle. I just made Kiku Honda face palm.

"I said, 'Where are we going?'." I gave him another one of my few genuine smiles and he looked away. I felt my heart pull and I turned my head, pretending to watch Kyoko as my smile was quickly replaced with a formal expression.

"We're going someplace where the League can't find us." His head immediately came back up at the mention of the mysterious group who had tried to stop our escape before we teleported away.

"Just what is this Reague?" I shook my head and felt a tingle of fear run down my spine as dark images crowded in my mind. I pushed them away.

"Our creators." My voice cracked. Shit.

"What do you mean, creators? I thought you said you were countries?"

"We are."

"Then what-" I held up my hand to stop him as Kyoko finally reached me.

"Scarlett, we're almost there. Ten seconds left." I nodded and returned my gaze to Kiku's confused and slightly irritated one.

"We'll explain everything soon enough. I swear to you." He blinked slowly, then took a step back, bowing his head in understanding. I turned away and walked forward, Kyoko by my side, as the world regained its original color.

*Slight time jump*

Japan's POV: As soon as Scarlett began to walk away from me, I had a hard time tearing my gaze from her figure as colors other than green started to return. I finally managed though. The room we arrived in was neatly furnished and sparsely decorated. The walls were painted a dull white and furniture was the same color. Not a stain was to be seen. There was one couch on the far wall and several arm chairs scattered around the unusually large room. Just enough to where all the countries could probably have a seat. A door was situated close to the couch, and I watched as Arwen started towards the door.

"I'll make some snacks and drinks. Be right back."

Kyoko took a step forward, "I'll help!" Arwen immediately turned back around and stared her down.

"NO BURNING THE KITCHEN DOWN. OR SETTING IT ON FIRE. OR BLOWING IT UP IN GENERAL." Kyoko nodded shyly and soon both of them vanished into the other room, leaving a large group of concerned individuals in their wake. Why does this feel so familiar...?

Scarlett gestured to the many seating places, "Feel free to take a seat. No one's going to find you here. OR hurt you. I promise." Very gradually, many of the other countries began to take a seat, eyeing the three girls left in the room suspiciously. I carefully slid into the closest arm chair, keeping a close eye on the doorway. The room had a homely feel to it, but one couldn't be to careful.

Scarlett, Luna, and Aridan sat on the couch and waited. Minutes passed without anyone speaking a word. A few of the countries shifted nervously in their chairs. I tried to distract myself from the awkwardness by moving my sword to my lap and fiddling with it. I jumped as a rather frightened voice carried over the room, "So! What are you waiting for?!" It was Sealand. He was trembling slightly but trying to seem unafraid, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were turning white.

"Please give us a minute, we're waiting for our friends to come back," Aridan said with a soft look at the blond haired, blue eyed man. Sealand nodded but continued to shiver, bowing his head to hide his eyes with his hair. A huff of breath made me turn my head to where England had gotten up from his own chair and was walking towards his old brother. Sealand locked eyes with the brit as he stopped right in front of him, England placing his hand on the younger man's head.

Sealand had claimed independence years ago, eventually evolving from a micro-nation to a nation, so his relationship with England was at some times strained. Yet, at this moment, I only felt comfort radiating from the usually irritable Englishman. "It's gonna be okay, alright Sealand? Just hang in there." England even offered one of his rarely seen smiles. I heard someone take in a sharp intake of breath and I swiveled my eyes to see America...pouting?

Just then, Arwen and Kyoko returned, each carrying a large plate of cheese and crackers, sandwiches, and glasses of water. I should probably mention that there were, maybe, six other plates floating in the air carrying the same thing. I sighed. What is with all this magic today?

The two girls lowered the plates onto a fairly sized coffee table in the middle of the room. Kyoko looked up, "If you want something, just think about it and it'll come to you." She caught sight of England, who still hadn't removed his hand from Sealand's head. A sweet smile crossed her lips, before she turned away and took her own spot beside Luna on the couch. Arwen joined her. Another awkward silence ensued.

Scarlett looked around, seemingly lost for words, "In all honesty, I didn't expect you guys to come..." She took a moment, then stood up, a look of confidence burning in her brown eyes. "I guess we should start from the beginning..."