[Fanfic] The Darkness Within Me Chapter 4/?

[hoshiko2.livejournal.com]

Title: The Darkness Within Me | FF.net
Characters: America, England, Russia, China, Japan, Canada, France, eventual others, and OCs. (In this chapter: America, England, Canada, China, Japan, Russia, and a few OCs.)
Rating: This chapter: PG13 for language. Eventually M.
Warnings: OCs. Human names. Eventual country deaths
Summary: It's a troubling time, where just being an everyday citizen is rough, but it's even harder for the nations who carry the burdens of all of their people. But what if they couldn't get better? What if the nations themselves begin to change as their people's fears into madness?
This chapter: What if the cure was worse than the disease?

Yup! It's Wednesday noon time (Pacific time) so that means it's your favorite time of the day (not really, haha). Even though I'm startin' up my final year of college, I can still upload my fanfics.
Tomorrow will be Tatemae. Enjoy!
 

The nations were shown to their own separate rooms. Neither one of them felt satisfied with the explanation Tom gave to the "virus". Ivan and Yao were extremely skeptical, Matthew was worried about Alfred, and Kiku never let on just what exactly he was thinking. Arthur, however, was trying to figure out ways to leave the room and slip back down to where Alfred was.

The two things the blonde woman, Abigail, had hinted at to Arthur were making him anxious. He paced his quarters restlessly. When dinner had rolled around, he asked to see the woman again. She appeared shortly.

"Yes sir?" Abigail smiled politely.

Arthur glanced around. He knew that while no one else was around, that didn't necessarily mean someone wasn't listening.

"How is America's condition?"

"Do you mean Sir America or the actual state of our country?" Abigail asked, smiling wider.

"As a nation, both of those answers are crucial information."

"Sir America himself is still sleeping, but his wounds have slowly started healing. He should be able to see visitors shortly if you would like to see him," she replied sweetly. "As for the state of the country, it's hard to say. Some days, it seems like we're making progress in recovering, but other times, the people are uneasy with the government."

"The last few elections haven't been exactly the easiest on America, have they?"

"I'm afraid so. The people get so angry that they make it seem as if they are losing their patience with the government."

"You don't say," Arthur mumbled. A smile twitched at the corner of his lips. "I'd wager these are because of recent events and tough political choices your people have argued about for the past few years."

"It could be," Abigail replied. Her smile had changed to a very devious one. Arthur's eyebrow twitched in amusement. "But that is our job to protect the national interest of our country…"

Arthur hesitated for a few moments. He was trying to think of just what Abigail was getting at when she broke his reserve.

"Would you like to see Sir America now?" Abigail asked.

"Yes, if that's all right."

The woman showed Arthur back down the plain hallway to the unmarked door and led him inside. It was much quieter and less crowded now. The people from before had taken their leave giving Arthur only noises as his companion. Alfred was sleeping soundly under his blanket, the wires still embedded in him.

"You may wake him if you wish. But… you can also take a look around…," Abigail whispered before slipping back outside.

Arthur smirked before looking over at the curtain. It had been pushed aside, giving a full view of the other room. Arthur was surprised to see nothing but a small table on the other side. The wire from Alfred led directly to the table where a small white sheet was resting over a small lump.

"Hello… What have we here…?" Arthur mumbled. He walked closer to the table when he heard Alfred behind him.

"Ow…," Alfred moaned. Arthur forgot the lump and moved to Alfred's side. "Arthur? What're you doing here?"

"Visiting you, you bloody git." He tried to glare down at the younger man, but he found he couldn't. He hadn't seen Alfred in such a poor state in many years. "You look awful."

Alfred managed a chuckle. "Thanks for the confidence boost, Artie."

"Don't call me that," Arthur grumbled. He sighed. "You owe me and the other countries a big explanation."

"Other countries?" Alfred furrowed his brow in confusion. "What others?"

"Your brother, for starters, Japan, Russia, and China are all here. I assume others will be arriving as well."

"What?" Alfred started to sit up in bed. "I-I didn't know they were here too! Are they okay?"

Arthur shrugged. "They seem well, but they are very upset. You do realize this is all very inconvenient. And your agency isn't giving us any information making this all the more frustrating…"

Alfred's mood quickly darkened. He looked serious, leaning closer to Arthur. "Don't trust these guys… Something's not right… "

The lump under the table, Arthur thought. He opened his mouth to talk, but the door opened. He stood up, backing away from Alfred quickly. Tom strode into the room, but before he even noticed the two, he went to the curtain and shut it quickly. He then approached the nations.

"I see you're awake, Sir Jones. I'm very relieved," Tom said simply. He didn't sound relieved at all. "And Sir England is here visiting as well. How did you find your way back?"

"I have my ways."

Tom showed no signs of response. He looked to Alfred. "Sir, it's best if you lie down and rest. You've had a long day."

Alfred sighed. "Can I eat? I'm hungry."

"Salad and tofu only, sir."

"Oh Damnit! I hate that stuff!" Alfred groaned. He dropped his head. "I just want a burger!"

Arthur smirked. "Inept and yet still a glutton?"

"I'm not inept!" Alfred shouted. He groaned, feeling nauseous suddenly. He quickly laid back down. "Fine…I'll eat the damn rabbit food."

Arthur couldn't help but touch the younger man's forehead affectionately. It was reassuring to see that he was no longer acting like the crazed and panicked child he had seen yesterday. It had been unnerving to say the least.

"Get some rest, Alfred," Arthur said gently. Alfred looked at him in surprise. He hadn't heard such gentle words from the older man in a long time. "You still have some explaining to do to the others later, remember. And Russia isn't in the best of moods."

"When is that Commie ever in a good mood?" Alfred huffed. Still, he smiled.

"I have a feeling when he sees you sick here on this bed, it'll greatly improve his mood. It might even make him call you Alfred."

"If that ever happens, then the world is truly doomed."

---

The next few days passed slowly and without incident. All the countries were able to convene during the day in the same room they had assembled the first day. Visiting Alfred, however, wasn't allowed as Abigail had informed them that his condition was worsening. The Western countries found it strange that they were coughing whereas the two Asian nations remained unaffected. Everyone wondered if they were even infected.

While the days passed, no news on their test results from earlier had been announced and no new information had been given. Abigail reported that their governments were told of the situation, but that the general public was kept out of the loop. Arthur and Matthew didn't like the decision, but didn't speak up about it. Both agreed to be as compliant as possible in hopes of getting more answers, or, even better, permission to leave.

Ivan, on the other hand, was growing more and more anxious. His coughs were becoming harsher, causing his body to clench and shake violently whenever he went into a fit. The other nations made no movement to help him, knowing there was nothing they could do.

Finally, one day, he broke. When Abigail entered the room with their lunch, he cornered her.

"Tell me, Miss Abigail," Ivan started. "How is it I've been here for days and still have no rights to do anything other than sit in this room waiting for nothing? Do you think that's fair? I haven't even had the pleasure of seeing little America."

"We-well, today… We were going to let a few of you go and see him," Abigail replied, shrinking against the wall. "You and Sir Japan are welcome to follow me down the hallway to see him."

"Please…!"

Ivan turned around. Matthew was standing, albeit wobbly, and looking at Abigail desperately. "I want to see my brother too. May I go as well…?"

"I, well…" Ivan turned his eyes back on the poor woman. She tensed even more. "Y-yes! That shouldn't be a problem! Please follow me!"

The trio was quickly led down the hallway. Ivan was practically running as he took far bigger steps than Abigail who tried to keep up with the large nation. Kiku and Matthew following looked at one another, both feeling quite sorry for the woman. She had been nothing but kind to them, but Ivan had always found some way to frighten her.

"Here we are," Abigail announced. She moved out of the way as Ivan bustled inside.

"Where are you, America?" Ivan seethed. He strode up to the bed Alfred was resting and stared down at him. His chilly smile was barely seen over his scarf. "I think you have some explaining to do, da?"

But even Ivan found his anger melting when he saw the pathetic state Alfred was in. He was skinny and pale leaving no traces of the bright and optimistic country that he once was on his body. Instead, he had been replaced by this sickly looking man with the dull blue eyes.

"A-America!" Kiku exclaimed, alarmed. "What happened?"

"Are you okay, Al?" Matthew asked, coming to his side. "Are they feeding you?"

Alfred somehow managed the tiniest of smiles. "Rabbit food…"

Kiku felt someone's eyes on his back. He turned, knowing that it was Tom. The man's stares were starting to become familiar to him. "What's his condition?"

"He's fair."

"Fair?" Matthew spun around. He waved his hand over his brother. "You call this fair?"

"He's not dead," Ivan said. He looked at the wires. "Don't these hurt?"

"Only when I breathe." Alfred looked at the three. "I'm surprised you all came back."

"Came back? What do you mean?" Matthew asked. "We never left."

"Never left?" Alfred looked concerned. "What do you mean?"

Tom came forward. "They're infected, Sir Jones. They've been here since you returned from Russia."

Alfred looked alarmed and began to sit up. "What? I-infected?"

Matthew held up his hands to calm his brother. "It's okay, Al. We should heal soon. We're not as bad as you."

Alfred sighed sadly. He looked down. "Well… I'm glad that Arthur listened to me and left."

Kiku came forward. "But he hasn't left. He's infected as well."

The beeping that had blended into the background of the whirring from the machines suddenly grew to a level far more obnoxious and urgent. Alfred's breathing increased and his level of concern jumped. He sat up in bed, the wires pulling at his skin. The sheet fell away to reveal that the largest of the wires was actually in his chest, right near his heart. The nations took a step back in alarm.

"What? Arthur! He's infected?!"

Matthew looked confused. "Al? You sound like a little kid again."

Alfred's blue eyes had lit back up, but looked years younger as they looked at the Canadian. He grabbed the man's wrist, digging his nails into his skin. Matthew yelped in pain as he tried to pull his arm free, but it proved worthless. The more alarmed Alfred became, the more his strength increased.

"America!" Ivan shouted. "Calm down! You are not a child!"

Tom rushed forward. "I'm afraid there's nothing you can do. When he gets like this, it's part of the infection."

"You said it was a revolution. This is more like he's reverting," Kiku argued.

Suddenly, Matthew went into a violent fit of coughs. He bent over, coughing into his free hand, while his other arm started to bleed from Alfred's grip. Tom pulled out a small buzzer looking device and pressed the large button. Within seconds, more agents as well as doctors and scientists flooded the room. They ignored the countries and focused on the machines, panicking at seeing Alfred's vital signs.

"What's going on?" Ivan asked. He looked around in alarm. He did not like the way the people were reacting around him.

A hand touched Ivan's arm causing him to flinch away. Abigail was by his side. She grabbed Kiku's arm as well.

"Please, you must come with me." She went over and easily released Alfred's hand from Matthew. "Come along, sir Canada."

The nations were rushed out of the room, but Kiku continued to look back in worry. Ivan struggled at first, but was grateful to leave the room. His nerves couldn't deal with the human's level of panic. Once out of the room, they were taken back to the larger room.

Arthur and Yao stood up at the sight. However, before anyone could ask any questions, Matthew proceeded to vomit on the floor.

"Matt!" Arthur exclaimed. He ran to him, holding him in his arms. "What happened? Why are you bleeding?"

Abigail took hold of the Canadian as well. "He's growing worse in reaction to sir America."

"What happened back there?" Ivan demanded. He grabbed the woman, turning her around sharply. "You're not allowed to leave until you answer me."

"I don't know," Abigail replied, shivering at his touch. "I swear, I don't know."

"What happened, aru?" Yao tried to push Ivan away. "Is America okay?"

"I have to go see," Abigail started, sliding towards the door. "I'm sorry. I'll be back as soon as I know anything more."

"Doesn't anyone see what's wrong here?" Arthur exclaimed, exasperated. He helped Matthew stand, the younger nation finished with his fit. "Can he get some help?"

"I'll send someone here right away." With that, Abigail left, or fled.

Ivan cursed for his missed opportunity. He wanted answers, especially after seeing Alfred in such a state before. Kiku had made a valid point. If Tom had told them that Alfred's condition was being caused by a revolution, then how come the American was reduced to a state of a helpless child? He didn't like seeing the man that way. He was used to his boisterous bravado and infectious smile, not some hysterical crybaby.

"If America's turning into a baby, then does that mean we all are?" Ivan asked aloud.

Kiku looked over. He looked a little pale, his eyes trying to hide how shaken up he was, but he remained as emotionless as ever. "I don't think we're turning into babies, but rather reverting to a way we once were. In this case, America is possible turning back into that of a colony?"

Arthur looked over. "A colony? But he would only get upset when it was time for me to return to England. Other than that he was generally a happy child, much like today."

"That…wasn't Al…," Matt grumbled, his voice hoarse. "Even as a child…he was never that hysterical… And…what was that thing in his chest…?"

Ivan smiled a little too coldly for everyone's tastes. "Those questions I will find out when that woman comes back."

But Abigail didn't return. In fact, no one came; even to mop up the vomit. The nations waited in the chairs, not talking. Panic was starting to mount as they all started coughing, just a little bit at first, but then harder and with more consistency. One looked to another, but neither said anything. They didn't want to acknowledge this something in their throats, their lungs, spreading to their stomachs and affecting their minds.

They had gone through worse. This was nothing.

As night drew near, Yao called for some food, but no one came. They called for drinks, but still, no one came. Not even Abigail was present.

"This is unacceptable, aru!" Yao protested. "I'm starving! We're nations, aru! Why aren't we getting any service, aru?"

Kiku fiddled with his hands, looking down at the floor in dismay. "Perhaps they are too busy?"

While Yao and Ivan continued to mumble complaints under their breaths, Arthur went to Kiku. He sat beside him, worry apparent on his face. "Japan, can you tell me what happened?"

"I just…told him you were infected as well and…he started getting really upset," Kiku replied. He looked to Arthur, but seemed to be thinking. "He really did look like a child."

"Then maybe Russia's right and he is turning back into a colony," Arthur mused. "When I first heard of this, America was at my house. Tom came to get him, but they also took me. That's when America started acting like a baby. It really startled me."

Kiku shook his head. "No…something doesn't add up. That wire in his chest…"

"It goes to something else," Arthur said suddenly. He thought of the lump under the blanket. "Almost as if…they're taking something out of him."

Kiku's eyes widened. "Taking something?"

Just then, the door's opened. Kiku and Arthur leapt to their feet while Ivan and Yao practically pounced on Tom who had just entered the room. Matthew was too nauseous to stand, but he looked over with weary eyes.

"Please, tell me how America's condition is!" Kiku asked, rushing forward. He coughed lightly into his hand, not looking from Tom.

Yao, however, was more upset at their treatment; or rather, lack thereof. "Aiyah, this is serious! And if we are all so contaminated then why are we in the same room, aru? If Canada really is that bad then wouldn't that only make us worse?"

Arthur stepped forward, sighing and shaking his head. "Forget it. Just take us to see America."

Tom stood to the side, his arm out towards the door. He said nothing as all the nations started to leave. Ivan, however, wouldn't move.

"I want answers, right now," he said sternly. The nations froze at hearing his childish voice evaporate. Even Tom looked a little less stiff at Ivan's change in tone. "You haven't been telling us everything, have you?"

Tom hesitated, trying to formulate an answer. He cleared his throat. "If you would follow me, I'll give you all the answers. Everything this time."

Shaking his head, Yao said, "You've said that before, aru. How can we trust you this time?"

"Do you not wish to see what has happened to Sir Jones?"

"Al?"

Everyone looked over to see Matthew struggling to stand. Arthur went to his side, looping an arm around his shoulder and helping him. Matthew was willing everything he had left to stay upright and not fall before these nations.

"Please, take me to see my brother."

This time, everyone went. They followed Tom down the hall. It was too silent, but the silence pounded harder into their ears when they entered the room. There was no one in the room other than them causing all of their attention to rest completely on Alfred. He was lying on the same bed, but his body was flaccid and without wires in them anymore. Arthur shot a quick glance to the other side of the room where the curtain hung, but saw that it was not only missing, but the other side of the room was bare.

"Al…?" Matthew mumbled. He approached the table cautiously. "Al, are you… okay?"

"Mr. America, are you okay?" Kiku suddenly rushed forward, putting his hands on the man's body. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. I thought you knew about Mr. England's condition."

Ivan noticed it first; how pale and cold Alfred looked. He had seen a corpse far too many times to really take notice or care much anymore, but seeing Alfred in such a state caused him to back up. He gasped and reached out for Tom, but the man wasn't beside him as he was a few moments earlier. The odd ashy color that had sucked all color from his face truly terrified the nation.

"A-Alfred?" Arthur came up beside Matthew. He touched Alfred's face, hoping he was merely sleeping, but when his hands touched cold instead of the normal warmth, he retracted his hand as if it were on fire. "Why…why are you cold?"

Yao spun to look at Tom, standing just out of range of all the nations. He was looking solemnly at the group of men. "What happened here, aru?"

"We were able to revive him momentarily, but ...," Tom dropped his head. "Sir Jones passed away not too long afterwards... His date of death would be… December 12, 2012."

That was when the world tilted just a little to the left and continued to swirl. Neither country reacted first. The death of a country wasn't unusual, but for one who was once so strong and for it to happen so suddenly, well it was almost unheard of.

Ivan was first to speak, his voice a slow and deathly viper hiss. "WhAt…?"

Kiku was next as he fell to the floor. He stared at nothing as his hands shook. He had just touched the dead body of his best friend. The Western nations may have been used to the deaths of other nations, to be a once-enclosed nation like Japan it was a whole new experience.

For Arthur, though, the world wasn't done tilting. He couldn't see anything; blue only. Blue with gray. So much gray. And no Alfred. All he heard was Matthew, little Canada sobbing next to him.

"What does this mean…?" Arthur whispered. He knew Tom hadn't heard him.

Still, what would happen to all the American people? What was happening to the general population outside? And how was this rippling across the world? Surely, now the other governments were in a panic, especially their own as they weren't told exactly where they were being held.

"However, as I have said, we have found a way."

Tom's words woke everyone out of their stupor. Ivan wasn't convinced. He continued to emit poisonous glares, waiting for this human to tell him and the others how a nation could come back from the dead.

"What do you mean you've found a way, aru?" Yao asked, trying to keep his voice level.

Tom nodded to his right, their left. "Just look for yourself."

The nations look in anticipation, hoping to see that Alfred was merely playing some joke. That he would be all sunshine and smiles, apologizing for his too crass of a joke. However, from the curtained room that Arthur had previously investigated emerged a small boy that wasn't there a moment ago. He wore a white nightgown, similar to an attire they all wore once were in long ago. The child's face and hair had the striking similarity of Alfred's, however gone was the stubborn Nantucket hair cowlick and those impeccably bright blue eyes. This child had black eyes.

Matthew stumbled back in fear, his coughs coming back. Arthur was so shocked, he couldn't see straight. This child felt just as they all had. He was a nation. But he couldn't possibly be America. The eyes weren't bright and shinning, like the City upon a Hill Alfred so cheerfully boasted about. These were sinister and dark; of true rebellion.

"What is the meaning of this?" Arthur exclaimed, disgusted.

Kiku looked at the child in awe. He was so faint; his words were almost covered by Matthew's constant coughs in the back. "This…is the cure…?"

"This is Alfred Jr.," Tom started. He walked over and stood next to the child nation. "Thanks to our scientists, we were able to extract most of Sir Jones' ideals and soul and implant them into the child. Unfortunately, the ideals that were no longer supported by the people were not able to transfer. Since you are all made up of the ideas and dreams and are the very core of your people, it's understandable as the nation has changed to be more like this child's core. He was created by the people not too long ago, but he lacked enough strength. We used all we could not only to save Sir Jones, but bring this child to life and give him some of the ideals of Sir Jones. We hoped they could live side by side, but the people's wills have shown that they no longer support Sir Jones..."

"Liar…," Ivan growled. His hands ached to grab something. Maybe that human's or the child's neck. Something to twist and make scream. "America's people wouldn't abandon him that easily."

"Well tough luck, old fart, but I'm living proof that they did." The child's words broke into the air with a rough and violent pull at their hearts. It dripped of pure cockiness and defilement. His smug smirk made Ivan's blood boil as the ache to strangle the child grew.

"Does it…remember us?" Arthur asked, looking away from the child. He couldn't look at him anymore.

"The histories you have all shared together have been transferred, yes," Tom replied. "As well as all the history that the American society has endured since its founding."

"I-iyada! That...that...that child can NOT be America!" Kiku screamed. He pointed at Alfred Jr. in pure disgust. Alfred Jr.'s lip curled back in retaliation. "He's a lie! That is not a nation!"

"Why should you care, ungrateful Asian!" Alfred Jr. snarled. "Were you not trying to push more and more of me out of your country? Constantly making jokes about me and my people and treating us like some third creature?"

Suddenly, a nation pushed through the group, attacking Alfred Jr. He grabbed the child by his collar, shaking him by his neck violently. Everyone was shocked to see as Matthew flung the little body around mercilessly. "YOU! YOU CANNOT BE MY BIG BROTHER! I WON'T ALLOW THIS! YOU DON'T LOOK A THING LIKE HIM YOU FAKE! STOP SAYING THEY ARE YOUR PEOPLE! THEY ARE NOT! THEY ARE ALFRED'S!"

Alfred Jr. kicked Matthew in the jaw, causing the nation to release him. He fell to the floor, cursing and screaming. Ivan started to come forward, but Yao stopped him. They looked at one another, both desperate to get their hands on the child, but just then more agents had started to fill the room.

Somehow, Arthur had managed to keep his temper. He was taking everything in stride, but that was only from the shock on the situation. He hadn't removed his hand from Alfred's cheek. He turned to regard Tom. "So…what's going to happen now…? How should our people react to this child? Because I know that there will be many unruly people towards this new nation, especially in my country. My citizens…have always been close to America."

Alfred Jr. stood up, sizing Arthur up before him. He narrowed his eyes. "What are you implying…?"

Now it was Arthur's turn to intimidate the child. He had quite a few buccaneer years on him to make even the Spanish Armada flee. He strode towards the child, staring back at him with dark green eyes. "Do you plan to make enemies with us right from your birth, infant?"

There it was. That something. It had seized Arthur by his heart, pushing him away. The child watched as Arthur stumbled back; watched the old British Empire stagger back in pain. He clutched his chest as the other nations watched in confusion. Then it hit them. Their hearts clenched, bringing Yao to his knees and Ivan to blink back tears, showing only a grimace.

Alfred Jr., Arthur thought. His stare. There's something about it. It's like nothing any of us have ever felt!

"I don't ever want to see any of you ever again," Alfred Jr. started calmly. He watched with disinterest as the nations became crippled by his penetrating stare. "You're all disgusting… With the superpower killed from the inside out and with me at the head, you have no one to stop these already destructive wars. And then, soon, the new nations will rise up. And you'll all die."

---

---

Hoshiko2's cents: So from here on out the rating for this fanfic will go up as there will be more action.
Also, a word about America's death. I don't think the world will end in 2012 like some people say, however, I've always thought that maybe Western society will fall for one reason or another.
Also, one more word someone asked me about. There are no pairings in this series, but it can be interpreted if you wish. I won't say anyone's with anyone or anyone feels for anyone. Certain countries are close for political reasons and what not, but no one's romantically involved.

See ya next Wednesday at noon Pacific time! :3

~hoshiko

Comments

[ladykidasuki.livejournal.com]

And so all hell starts to break loose. ^_^ Loving what you've done with this imouto-chan, and I can't wait for the next chapter. That's when it REALLY gets good, da? ^_~

[lil-sakura423.livejournal.com]

O_O I totally forgot that I didn't put a comment on this chapter! *slaps my own wrist*

Alfred...I just want you to know...that I love you. And that's pretty much all that matters. :D