Blackout

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

AN: Still flash back.

Matthew, now appearing to be sixteen or seventeen in human years, was put into the military by Arthur. He didn't really mind. He thought learning how to use a gun might be a good idea. So far he'd only learned a bit of hand to hand from his native people.

Canada easily learned how to use the rifle and his marksman skills were unmatched. England had been surprised and impressed at the younger nation's deadly aim. He was also impressed by Matthew's strategizing skills. Despite appearing quiet and reserved he often thought way out of the box to get the upper hand on his enemies.

In his time off he'd still wander around, not really having a house or a place to stay. There had been a few times he had ended up on some land that a European ghoul had claimed as their territory. Canada was surprised by their hostility and had been injured badly the first few encounters. Up until then he had never used his kagune to fight another ghoul. It had taken him years to perfect his style and use his kagune affectively. It took him even longer to build up his stamina.

Soon after, rumours spread about an ukaku ghoul protecting Canada.

-❄"I've always wanted to be a skinny Ron Jeremy"❄-

Canada was surprised to hear the news that Britain had surrendered and left America. He was even more surprised that years later he was going to war against his brother. He was called to action by England to command his troops again. He was angry that the American's kept attacking and invading him.

"Matthew, this message needs to get to York." England said handing him a letter. Canada raised an eyebrow. "A message to FitzGibson. Give it to one of your men or take it to him yourself if you wish."

Blackbird nodded and headed to the stables. He was going to take it himself. He hadn't eaten in a long time and thought it would be a good opportunity to pick up a quick snack. He rode out on his horse with his rifle on his back. He followed the trail out of town for a while before going off into the forest. It would be quicker to cut through.

As he got closer to York he started to feel a pain in his chest. He groaned and winced feeling the slight burn. It wasn't anything he couldn't manage, but it was still bugging him. The pain got worse as he got closer to York. It had slowly started to migrate upwards into his throat and he felt like he couldn't breathe.

Canada decided to get off his horse. He managed to climb off without falling and get over to a tree. He leaned against it and slid down putting his head between his knees. He coughed trying to catch his breath, but couldn't. His body felt hot, like he was burning. The Canadian whined and curled up in a ball on the forest floor hoping the pain would go away. It felt like hours, the pain didn't lessen at all; it kept getting worse and worse. He was fighting to stay conscious, he'd never felt pain like this before. He thought he could smell smoke.

Matthew opened his eyes hearing footsteps shuffling towards him. He could see boots come into his line of sight. He hoped that this person could help him. The Canadian followed the boots up to see an American uniform. A bolt of fear shot through the young nation before he saw the face. He was relieved to see Alfred's face.

"Oh, Mattie." America said kneeling down next to him. He dropped his musket on the ground next to them. He pushed some hair out of Canada's face cupping his cheek with a smile. Matthew winced and closed his eyes. The little bit of heat coming off of Alfred's hand felt like it was burning him. "I'm sorry. I had to do that to make you weak."

"What?" Blackbird said through a fit of painful coughs. The American didn't say anything; instead he stood up and walked out of his sight.

"York's burning." Alfred said from somewhere behind him. Canada tried to move his head and follow America's voice, but every slight movement send waves of pain and dizziness through him. He came back into Matthew's line of sight and hooked his foot under his shoulder and pushed him onto his back. The Canadian groaned and put an arm over his eyes. He didn't understand why his brother was doing this; couldn't he see it was hurting him? Alfred crouched down next to him with a wicked smile. Blackbird had never been afraid of his brother before, but he was now. The American's hands trailed along his sides slipping lower and lower. He was losing his battle with consciousness and his eyes were slowly closing. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this."

-❄"You wired me awake and hit me with a hand of broken nails."❄-

Hours later, Canada woke up in the middle of the night. He gasped feeling something sniffing his hair and bolted upright, scuttling backwards until his back was pressed against a tree. He looked up to see it was just his horse and sighed pulling his legs up to his chest and resting his chin on his knees. Blackbird scanned the forest trying to remember what happened.

All Matthew could remember was pain and burning. He remembered Alfred saying that York was burning then more terrible memories came flooding back. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, but he refused to cry. Canada climbed to his feet and leaned against the tree to balance himself. He was weak and hungry, but the pain had dulled to a small ache.

The Canadian managed to climb onto his horse and got back on his route to York. He was surprised about how much damage had been done to his capital. Houses and buildings had been burned and were still burning. The smell of smoke still lingered. He put himself together enough to deliver the letter before finding someone to eat. The meat had restored some strength, but he still felt sluggish. Matthew found his horse again and rode back to the Fort. He went around the long way through the forest going slow to collect his thoughts.

As soon as he got back, a soldier approached him and told him Arthur was requesting to see him. Canada nodded not saying anything before going to change then meet England.

"Matthew, are you alright?" England asked as soon as he entered the room.

"I'm fine." Blackbird said quietly shaking his head.

"Alright." Arthur said. He could tell that something had changed the Canadian, but didn't push it. He knew how bad the pain Matthew must have went through with his capital burning. He started into new attack plans to help keep Canada's mind focused on fighting America.