The Crimson Sky

Chapter 9

Over the next year, multiple counties perished.

Switzerland had finally died of heartbreak from losing Lichtenstein.

After Romano and Spain's deaths, Germany refused to leave Italy's side, his secret motive to make sure that the other country didn't try to hurt himself. 

Finland and Sweden had another child during those months.

Her name was Amaranth.

One day, Denmark and Norway were visiting the happy couple. By then Amaranth had grown to be about the size of a toddler, since children of countries aged a bit quicker, and was playing with Hanamatago.

Denmark sat next to Norway, their hands intertwined. He would never admit it, but he was jealous of Finland and Sweden.

Norway sat there, sort of staring off into space.

Denmark brought Norway's hand to his lips, kissing the knuckles softly.

Norway smiled and looked at him.

"Can we get one?"

"Sure."

"Really?"

"Yup."

Denmark bounced up and down excitedly "Yay! We're gonna get a baby!"

Norway chuckled "Calm down, Dane."

Sweden smiled at the two, reminiscing his own excitement when Sealand was born. 

Finland walked into the room when he heard the yelling "What's Den yelling about now?"

"Babies!!" Denmark hollered.

"That's great!"

The Dane pulled Norway to his feet and began to drag him away "We're going to go get a baby!"

"Have fun."

"Oh, we will," Denmark winked at Norway.

Norway blushed slightly.

But he didn't tell Denmark what he should. That his population was dropping faster than some of the others, giving him only a few more days to live.

"Bye Sufin! Bye Amaranth!" Denmark chirped, spiriting Norway away.

Finland shook his head and laughed while Sweden grinned and wrapped his arm around him.

~Several Days Later~

"Denmark, can I talk to you?" Norway said, walking into the living room.

"Yes, babe. Always."

"Alright. I'm dying.." he said as he sat down on the couch.

Denmark's heart stopped beating for a second "What?!"

"I'm dying. My population's been dropping really fast and it's almost gone."

"We'll find a way around this..I won't let you die."

"There's no way around it..."

"There has to be."

Norway just shook his head sadly "There's not."

"I can't live without you."

Norway sighed.

Denmark got on his knees in front of Norway, clasping his lover's hands tightly "I'd rather die than be without you."

Norway looked at him and sighed "I need you to stay alive...please."