Hetalian Protectors

Rebelling Against Fate (Part 3)

"What are... you crying... for...? I'll be... just... fine..." I felt my strength snap and my hand slipped from his chest, hanging limply from the gurney as my eyes closed.

"Scarlett!"

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I laughed, the sound hoarse, "I'm home..." I loss consciousness to Russia lifting me up into his arms.

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"Arwen?" His voice echoed across the yard and I felt the ghost of a grin sprawl over my features.

I faded away to the sound of running feet, gradually getting closer.

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Covering my ears I barely heard Alfred take off running, registering Arthur's face as he bent over me. His face was shocked and filled with dread as he stared at me, but I merely gave him a rather pitiful smile.

"Do you think I could get some bandages?"

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"Just hold on..." Were those tears in his voice? I wouldn't know as my mind drifted away, taking me into the dark.

*****

Japan's POV: Scarlett's face was empty of reactions as the people surrounding her rolled her down the hallway to her room, rushing her inside. We were told not to come in but Taiwan had insisted, saying that she wanted to help. Eventually she was let in but all men were told to say outside until Scarlett had been stabilized.

I watched anxiously as Taiwan vanished into the room, starting to pace as soon as she was out of my sight. All I could see was Scarlett's blooded body, her almost lifeless hand dropping off the side of the gurney and swinging in the air. The moment kept replaying over and over again in my mind, teasing me as I saw her eyes lose their remaining shine and slip shut.

The worst part was that I didn't know why this was bothering me so much. I mean sure, she was my friend and all, especially after she had been so kind in letting us stay here, but why did it feel like my heart was getting ripped out of my chest? Why was it that seeing her eyes close made me want to cry? Why did her last words to me make me realize just how much she had grown on me? How much she meant to me, to us all.

I could see the fear on Hong Kong's face and I put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. China was sitting in a chair by Scarlett's door, head in his hands as we waited for someone to come out and tell us something, anything to help us calm down. We didn't even know why she was like this, let alone why she just up and disappeared a few hours ago. She hadn't said a word, just answered her phone, hung up, said goodbye, and left. Without so much as a look over her shoulder.

Does this mean... that she doesn't trust us yet? That one thought kept repeating itself in my mind. She could of told us what was going on, but she didn't. She could of asked for help, and yet... I wanted to hit something, just so I could get my anger out. Another response that no one else could get out of me. Just what is she doing to me?  

Hours passed and when the door opened we were all leaping over to see what the news was. Then my heart dropped. Taiwan's face face was pale and her eyes were dark, not responding when China grabbed her shoulders. 

"How is she?" China's voice was almost frantic and I felt a hallow happiness fill my chest. I guess he's starting to think of her like his daughter. It's about time.

Already knowing what Taiwan was going to say I walked past her and entered the room, meeting no opposition from the remaining doctors. Scarlett was tucked into her bed, arms laying across her chest as though she was dead. The only thing showing that she wasn't was the gradual raise and fall of her chest. Relief washed over me and I took a step closer, noticing how a lot of her wounds had healed but how a lot more had only scarred over. I placed my hand over top of hers, being careful as to not touch a particularly angry looking scab.