Operation Luxembourg

Monday

Monday. It was one of the most tiresome days of the week for most countries, but for Liechtenstein, it was a fresh beginning. Of course, she never had to attend the World Meetings if she wasn’t up to it – Switzerland always came back with a brief explanation in anyways. Years had passed between them, up until now - where as she was fifteen, and he eighteen - and still, not much new excitement was to be told of the other countries in anyways. More arguments and alliances and pasta, that sort of thing. However, this Monday, was special. The Meeting had just ended, and Vash would be returning soon - she had been waiting all afternoon.

She straightened her dress patiently; the cheerful country was in high spirits, as she and her brother were to set out in the strawberry fields for a peaceful picnic when he returned. He had promised, and the young soldier never broke a promise, especially not his word to Liechtenstein. Picnicking, however, was simply like a daily routine. She would slap together a few sandwiches, he’d carry the tablecloth and the basket, and they’d settle to watch the sunset, hardly ever speaking, and more lost in their own heads.

And yet, never in a million Mondays, did either of the two ever think that one moment in that field, would soon change not only their plans, but their very lives. Not to mention, the life of one more. This Monday, was going to be special.

                                                      -        -         -

Switzerland paused for the second time, his hand still resting over the gun in his pocket. Finally, his head snapped up again, as if he had heard exactly what he had been listening for.

“Did you hear it this time?” he hissed, dropping his sandwich and straightening his posture rigidly.

Liechtenstein propped herself up by her elbows and inclined her head curiously. “What is it, Bruder?”

“I thought I heard something. Twice now. I think there’s something on the other side of the –“

He cut off abruptly as a pained cry shattered the silence, and louder, deeper voices seemed to follow roughly after it. The shouts didn’t carry out a moment longer when Switzerland jumped to his feet and sprinted stealthily towards the edge of the hill, gesturing for Liechtenstein to stay put with his free hand, his other clutched firmly around the handle of his AK-47.

Minutes passed, and Lili began to worry. She scuffled her feet against the dirt, biting her lip nervously. Where has he? He should’ve came back by now. Was he okay? Should she go check? She pondered restlessly to herself as she scanned the plains for her brother, growing fidgety.

Soon enough, however, his tall, muscular form appeared at the edge of the horizon, but strangely, was looking a bit bulkier than usual. Lili strained her eyes, only to conclude that it was indeed her brother, but that he wasn’t alone.

Her eyes widened as she distinguished a small, delicate form being pressed against his chest as well, and tiny legs looped over his arms as a second body was carried bridal-style, which explained the extra bulk in their silhouettes.

“B-Bruder!” Lili gasped as he approached, “Who is-“

“Liechtenstein, gather up the blankets,” he said simply, walking directly past her. “We’re going home.”