Hetalian Protectors

The Sixth Time This Year

Last Time:

Kyoko was still, her eyes closed as all of this happened, her breathing visibly weak. Almost as if she were waking from sleep, her eyes slipped open. A hacking cough left her mouth, but she started to hobble to her feet, using the big tree behind her for support. The need to go to her bubbled up in my chest. Closing the portal I had been watching through, I got to my feet, letting my own magic flow over me. Two seconds later I stood before her.

Kyoko's eyes opened in surprise. "Arthur?! What are you-" Her words are cut off as I reach for her, steadying her. I would teleport us back to her house, but that may just make her condition worse. Instead, I only smile at her and wrap my arms beneath her legs.

"Let's go home, alright Love?" She stares at me confused, but then she sighs heavily, nodding to my request. I start walking through the trees by her direction, thankful I could help in some way.

*****

England's POV: The smell of smoke woke me before the sun ever had the chance. Memories flashed behind my eyes, of standing in front of a large white building, the home of the American government, burning in the light of a new dawn. I shot out of bed as the gun shots and screams reached my ears.

I was in bed, my legs tangled in the sheets and my breathing ragged. Looking down, I stared at my hands, which were trembling worse than they had for a while. Something warm dropped onto my hand and I watched as the tear slid down my skin, disappearing as quickly as it arrived. I clenched my eyes shut, forcing away the images of dancing flames. I wiped my eyes harshly.

It was then I realized that I hadn't dreamed the smoky scent. It was everywhere and it was building quickly. "Bloody hell..." I scrambled out of bed and rushed to my door, yanking it open. I was nearly met with America's fist.

"IGGY! I THINK THERE'S A FIRE! WHAT'D YOU DO?!"

I winced at America's shrill voice, growling slightly. "Could you maybe be any louder?! And for God's sake, calm down! HEY, WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHAT DID I DO?!"

"You always have something to do with something burning! Did you try to cook?" America pouted as he spoke, something I had frequently seen him doing when he got yelled at.

"No, for your information, I was sleeping. I had nothing to do with this!" I huffed indignantly.

America's face suddenly got serious and I blinked, surprised. "America?"

"Do you think it's that League thing the girls are always talking about?" His hand twitched slightly, like he wished he had his gun.

I shake my head slowly, though I wasn't sure, "I'm sure there's just been an accident or something-" Almost on cue, Scarlett rushed past, barreling down the hall with Aridan on her heels. They didn't even glance at us, leaving America and me to look between ourselves before following after them.

We turned corner after corner, other countries watching us run by before chasing after us. Scarlett reached a large door and threw it open forcibly. She stormed through what seemed to be a dining room walking around a large, round table, like the one for World Meetings. She headed straight for a white door nestled into the back corner of the room. We followed hesitantly. The air about her wasn't exactly dangerous or anything... but her face was one of stoic anger.

Arwen marched in suddenly, an amused smile on her face when she saw Scarlett. Prussia inched towards her, "Arwen, what's going on?"

She merely patted the much taller man on the back, "Don't worry about it. They'll be fine." She walked forward, leaving a very confused albino behind.

"They who!?"

A loud bang revealed that Scarlett had reached the door. Her yell echoed around the room, "What do you think you're doing?!"

A startled yelp was the only response. I looked uneasily at America and France- when had the Frog joined us?- and together we moved after Arwen, who had just vanished into what seemed to be the kitchen. I could just make out the refrigerator from here.

We came upon a war zone. Plates and pans were stacked high, in various degrees of filthiness. Steam, or smoke, rolled across the ceiling, making me cough. And at the center of it all, was Kyoko. She looked like a deer caught in headlights, her eyes wide as she stared at her red-haired friend. Then, ever so slowly, she posed...? A hand went to her hip and another went into the air.

"Can you handle it now, Scarlett?"

"This. Is. The. Sixth. Time. This. Month."

Kyoko flipped her hair over her shoulder, "So...?"

Scarlett threw her hands in the air and turned on her heel, striding out of the room, "Arwen, it's your turn to clean up after her. I did it the last two times."

"Scarlett, no! Come back!" Kyoko started to laugh and chased the retreating girl as she left, leaving Arwen to just shake her head.

The rest of us just looked at each other, confused and just the slightest bit tickled. That is until, "Iggy, look! You two have something in common!"

"SHUT UP YOU BLOODY PIG!"

*****

Kyoko's POV: I caught up to Scarlett quickly, my longer legs giving me the advantage. With a grin, I wrapped my arm around her neck. "You know you love me. I'm so fabulous I love myself!"

She muttered something under her breath about "narcissism," but I let it pass for now. With a theatrical cry, I pulled her back towards the kitchen.

"You cannot leave my brilliant cooking to just go to waste! How am I to get any better if you never taste my food?!" I fell to the ground, my knees against the floor whilst I gripped her arm. She stared at me for a long minute. Then she shook me off, moving back towards her room.

"Scarlett!" I whined playfully and I heard her huff, a smile stretching across my face happily.