Book 1 - Puppets

XXXVI - Veil of Abyss

Russia limps along through the purple-lit hall, following shortly behind America. Worry tugs at his chest. America is hunched over, shuffling, and barely keeping up with Finland and Louisiana. Even Massachusetts, who looks dead on his feet, walks at a steadier pace.

America holds his stomach and powers on, stumbling over his feet.

Russia takes a few long steps to walk up beside America, and he looks over with furrowed brow.

"Are you alright?" Russia asks.

"Ye-eah, I'm okay," America chokes out.

Russia stares America in the eyes, and America looks away.

"-fine. Some of the protests are turning into riots."

Russia feels a pang of empathy in his chest. He looks at America with sympathy, and America scowls slightly before looking away.

"I don't want your pity."

"Do you want my help?"

"No. I'm fine."

Russia looks at him carefully, scanning his form. America pitches forward, and Russia catches him by the arm. America is shaking slightly, and his breathing is fast and labored. Russia raises an eyebrow, and America stares at the ground and closes his eyes.

"Okay. Fine. I'll take help."

Russia throws America's arm over his shoulder and heaves him up. Although his leg protests at the extra weight, the throbbing remains dull, so Russia decides that he is fit to support America.

'At least for now.'

The two make slow progress back to the group. America tries to support himself but is unable to balance. His weight begins pulling Russia over, making it hard to walk.

'Okay, this isn't going to work. We're going to fall over like this.'

Russia changes positions and hoists America onto his back.

He picks up his pace and rejoins the others just before they turned down a nearby hall. By the time he makes it back to the group, America clings to his shoulders, shaking, but is otherwise catatonic.

Worry ebbs away at Russia, and the pit in his stomach grows.

'I hope you're going to be okay.'

"Hey, Russ? I- Wait, what's up with Dad? Is he okay?" Massachusetts chimes.

"He is alright. He could not walk very well," Russia explains.

The other states and Canada turn around to see what Massachusetts is talking about. Immediately, Canada steps over.

"I'll take him. You still have your leg to worry about, eh?"

"It is alright, Canada. I'm fine. My leg bothers me no more than it had before."

"Okay. Let me know if that changes, or you need a break."

"If you want someone to carry, I'm all for a nap," Massachusetts comments.

"Okay, Come here."

"Really?"

"Sure. You need to recharge your magic anyway, and we will be able to move faster."

"Rude."

Nonetheless, Massachusetts walks over, and Canada hoists him up onto his back. The teen falls asleep once Canada begins walking again. Russia smiles at the sight. The group picks up their pace and starts making good progress through the tunnels.