Hetalian Protectors

Scars from the Past

"Welcome home everyone." Scarlett's clear voice carried around the trees like a soft wind, gently pulling me from my thoughts before I could finish. Contentment washed over me. This really did feel like my home. Looked like it too. Hong Kong raced forward with Taiwan, both practically knocking over Scarlett as they bombarded her with questions. Even China walked forward. They all looked so... in place here. Like they belonged here. I allowed my feet to move towards them, Scarlett's face of laughter making me sure that everything would be okay.    
*****
(From this point it has been about a week from when everyone arrived at the house.)

Japan's POV: My eyes snapped open as thunder rolled through the air, lightning flashing through my blinds. When did it start storming? Rubbing my eyes I sat up, the blanket curling up around my waist. My black sleep shirt was wrinkled and the sleeves were pulled down past my wrists. I tugged them down farther as I noticed how freezing it was when out from beneath the covers.. And just when did it get this cold?

I was asleep in my new, or should I rather say temporary, room. The faint outline of piled up boxes broke through the darkness. I sighed, pushing the dark colored blankets off completely and standing up from my futon, lightly kicking one of said boxes as I made my way towards the light switch. The room lit up, revealing the tiny mess.

Scarlett had apparently went out and obtained some of everyone's possessions the day after we arrived here, bringing us some of our clothes, notebooks, and other such things. I honestly had no idea how she got into our houses, but I've figured out that she's definitely full of surprises. Even now I know that I should really stop doubting her, she's done nothing but be kind to us so far. Yet I still feel suspicious.

She did get chased into our meeting by men wielding guns. That is a pretty good reason to be concerned... I would think at least. Just thinking about the incident sent my head spinning. "How do we manage to get ourselves into these messes?"

Another rumble echoed through the house and the lights flickered, resettling just as quickly as it started. I reached for the doorknob. No reason to stay in bed now that I'm awake. I'll go make some warm milk or something.

The opened door revealed as empty hall, all the other door shut and probably locked. We all learned to keep our doors locked to keep ourselves safely tucked away someplace while we were vulnerable. Best to keep things outside from getting inside.

I started off, moving through the dark with ease. Practice made perfect over time, letting me sense my surroundings and doge obstacles in my path. Though I knew I didn't have to worry, Scarlett kept the halls clear and the rooms organized. Said it was because she'd had enough of cleaning for hours, even though I haven't seen her clean for more than ten minutes. Maybe she was talking about her past? Did she used to clean for a living when she was human?

The whole human business had been put aside, all of us ignoring that fact. No questions had been asked, nor would they be. Everyone had agreed. Scarlett  could talk to us if she wanted too, but we were not going to ask. Everyone had secrets, it wasn't our place to pry. Even if it was actually eating away at me. What can I say, I was curious. I knew better though. Sometimes it's best to leave the past where it was. Buried.

At that word my mind flashed back to the night where I stared down at the ground, upturned dirt marking the place of where something was buried while the sky above filled with smoke and fire. I shook my head, chasing away the memory. Definitely better forgotten. Especially in this case.

Bringing my hands together, I rubbed my skin for warmth. It really was getting colder, my breaths coming out in white puffs of air. I wonder if Scarlett turned the heat off? I hadn't seen a thermostat anywhere, and there was no sign of any of the new warming devices on the market now. It had always been an evenly temperature here, inside and outside.