Spread My Wings (countryhumans)

Part 36: Don't Look Back

We sneak into the palace through the back door that leads down through the dungeon.
We walk through, huddled close together. I know I can't expect a dungeon to look nice and welcoming, but it's condition was that of an abandoned building. Nobody is ever really locked up anymore, so the dungeons upkeep wasn't much of a priority. Cobwebs covered the walls and ceilings, and rusted metal bars lined the spaces in between the chipped brick walls. The cells only inhabitants were the various animals and insects that reside in dark dreary places. Spiders watched us closely from the walls, and rats scurried past our feet, occasionally letting out small squeals.

I notice Poland getting uneasy, which is uncharacteristic of him. He may be a kind and gentle soul, but he has the strength and willpower of a warrior. Seeing him falter under this eerie atmosphere is a bit disconcerting, however, I understand why a place such as this one would unnerve him. I look around, and I see it on Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus's faces as well. Nobody, not even the bravest warrior, would like to be reminded of their sufferings as a prisoner. However, this is the best rout to take if we want to be stealthy. We hold onto each other's hands for comfort and continue forward.

We were halfway through the dungeon when Belarus let out a small gasp. We look at what had surprised her and found Fascist Italy sleeping in one of the cells. We exchange glances. Poland simply motions for us to keep moving forward. We continue on our path, not exchanging any words. Not because people in the palace can hear us. In fact, the dungeon walls are soundproof. It was mostly because the atmosphere and situation didn't really call for conversation, and we had already gone over our plan enough times.

As we walked, I finally felt raw panic set in. We are walking straight to our deaths in the hopes of survival. However, this is really our only option other than running away. I couldn't help but have the selfish thought of running off into the woods and never retuning. But that would mean leaving my friends and family all alone in Reichs clutches. But what difference does it make? If I die here, won't it be worse than me fleeing for my family? I'd much rather have them hate me than mourn over me, especially considering the circumstances.

"America! New Zealand!" Canada's voice distracts me from my thoughts. To our left, Canada was trapped in a cell. To the left of him, Japan was in a separate cell. In an instant, I kneel down in front of the cell door. I hold tightly onto my brothers hand through the metal bars keeping us separated.

"Did they hurt you? What happened? Why are you down here?" I ask in one breath. Canada looks emotionally pained, and tears immediately start forming in his eyes.

"They killed him...," Canada whispered.

"Who?" I ask.

"Aussie...," Canada said. I hold tightly onto Canada's hand.

"He's ok, we found him. He'll be ok, he's still alive. I promise it will be ok," I say softly.

"He's ok?" Canada asked again, as if making sure he wasn't just imagining what I told him.

"He's ok, I promise," I repeat. Germany melted the bars of the cell, freeing Canada and Japan. I hold both my brothers in a tight, reassuring hug. Once we fill Canada and Japan in on the plan, we continue forward.

We make it into the palace, where we split up into two groups. Canada, New Zealand, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia are going to try to find my mom, while the rest of us try to free the people in the throne room.

We quietly sneak through the hallways. China was leading us, followed by Poland, Germany, Japan, Mexico and I. China knows his way around the palace a lot better than we do, however not for the best reasons. He's had to visit UNs private conference room too many times to count, but he's much too powerful to ever get in too much trouble. We approach the entrance to the private conference room, before China pushes Poland behind a pillar next to a wall. We all crowd into this hiding spot, and Poland motions for us to remain absolutely silent.

"Imperial, I trust you'll be able to find her," we hear Reich say.

"You can count on me sir, I'll make sure that little brat didn't use your mercy to flee," Imperial replied.

"I want you to bring her back here alive. I want her family to spectate the result of her cowardice," Reich said.

"Please! I'll do anything! Please don't hurt my daughter!" Spain cried. I felt my heart sink. I immediately grasped Mexico's hand and held it tightly. She squeezed my hand so hard she almost broke it.

"Your daughter made her choice," Reich spat. He shoved Spain over to Imperial. "Take him to the dungeon. I'll gather up the rest of her family," Reich said.

"Yes sir," Imperial said, dragging Spain along to the dungeon. Reich then began walking away to the ballroom. When they are both gone, we rush into the meeting room.

"Germany, be as quick as possible. It's only a matter of time until Imperial gets to the dungeon and realizes Canada and Japan are missing," Poland said. Germany silently nodded. I glance around the large room. I see many familiar faces. UN, EU, ASEAN...

Suddenly, someone catches my eye. The second I see them, tears flood from my eyes and I begin to tremble.

"Dad...," I say shakily. He looks towards me, his intense expression suddenly changed to one of joy and relief. I run up to him and wrap him in a tight hug. I'm shakily crying, but I don't even care. He holds me closer than he ever has since the day I came back home after running away.

"I was so worried about you...," my dad said, His voice shaking. I could barely even respond, I just closed my eyes and felt, for a brief moment, that everything was ok. Eventually I had to let go so Germany could melt the chains keeping my father affixed to the floor he was standing on.

"Ok, now that we've freed all of you, our next course of action is to free the people in the ballroom-," Poland started, before being cut of by a earth shattering roar.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY'VE ESCAPED?" We heard Reich roar. He sounded as loud as thunder. My heart sank, realizing why. My father puts a hand on my shoulder.

"We need to act fast," My father said. With that, we begin sprinting to the ballroom. Suddenly, I noticed Japan slowing down. I grab  his hand and try to pull him along, but he stops in his tracks.

"America, I want you to keep running ok? Keep running, and please don't look back," Japan said, picking up Nekomi.

"Japan, whatever you're planning, please don't do it," I say. Japan just looks off to where Reichs roar came from.

"America, I'll be ok. I'll buy you guys some time, please just keep running," Japan said. I look down and blink hard, trying to keep my tears from falling.

"Ok... I trust you... Japan?" I say, looking up at my friend.

"Yes?" Japan said.

"Thank you for always being there for me," I say. Japan smiles and pulls me into a brief hug. I begin to sprint to catch up with the others, using all of my strength trying not to turn back.