Hetalian Protectors

Words Through Time

(The piece used later in the story is From "Sadness to Despair" performed by Jorge Hernandez)

"You know, someone told me once that the stars are a direct link to the future. I never really got to hear why they thought that, but it seems to me that it's because there's no telling how long they'll live for. It kinda reminds me of us countries..." I stiffened. I recognized that. Where had I heard that before?

Luna seemed to pull herself out of her daze. "Never mind, that was a long time ago. Forget it." There was a thick layer of ice in her voice now, a complete one-eighty from what she was like two seconds ago. She stood back up, facing her room. "Goodnight Lovino."

I could only stare helplessly as she walked away, muttering a quiet, "Goodnight," as she did.

*****

Lovino's POV: My feet carried me through the kitchen and into the living-room, pausing long enough for me to re-close the opening in the wall. As the roar of the waterfall became complete again I started up the stairs, heading for my room. I was nearly at the top when, "Doitsu, can we ask to go visit Japan? I miss him."

Germany's voice was tired and exasperated, but I heard the warmth in it as he quietly answered, "We've only been separated for a week. We can wait just a little longer, can't we?"

"But Doitsu..."

I let out a heavy sigh, turning on my heel and walking back the way I'd come, my brother's voice fading away as I went. I didn't need to hear Feli whine anymore than I already did. Especially over his beloved friends who, might I say, don't like me all that much. I mean I am pretty... unpleasant to be around, with my foul language and all. I don't think that's all my fault though. People ask for it.

Not really though.

I quickly shook the thoughts out of my head, taking off to the right. I had grown pretty familiar with this house, but I haven't been in this direction very often and I barely knew the layout. I preferred not to wonder around other people's houses. I felt like I was intruding somewhat. Raising my head to look around I went through the first door I saw, grabbing the knob and swinging open the door.

A scream died in my throat as something embedded itself into the space next to my head. Spain rushed over, yanking his ax from its newly found spot in the wall. He grinned at me, "Hey Roma! Did you see that?! It hit the target right in the center!" Trying to conceal my shaking I let my head swivel so that I could see what he was pointing too.

A human shaped target was situated right next to the door, about six feet tall. In the person's head there was now a large gouge right in the center, cutting right down past its artificial nose. I shivered, knowing that a real person wouldn't be left standing. Changing my gaze to Spain's face I processed his cheery smile. I don't know why he can still do stuff like this so nonchalantly when he knows what it causes.

I shouldn't be saying anything though, not when I do the same thing.

"Nice throw, Spaniard." Switzerland stood in the corner of the room, aiming a shot gun at another target, similar to the one Spain used. He pulled the trigger, the loud blast echoing through the room. I didn't even flinch, the sound so familiar that it didn't even phase me anymore. I felt my hands come to together as I made out the precise shot right through the dummy's mid-section.

Spain and I said the same thing at the same time, "Nice shot yourself." The brown haired man patted me on the shoulder and gestured to where Lichtenstein was sitting, right next to the weapon container.

"Want to join us?" I noticed the warm look in his eyes, but I felt off. I may of accepted his offer but I didn't feel like holding a gun right now. I quickly turned him down, spinning away and reopening the door.