Anoki - ???

Tallulah - Native America

/ / / /

The soft thumps of footsteps were the first thing America heard when he awoke from the darkness. America softly groaned as he rubbed his eyes and sat up on the couch, feeling groggy and annoyed. It felt way too early for him, even with the six different time zones controlling his sleep schedule. America yawned again as he reluctantly put his glasses on. When the world came into focus, the first thing he noticed was Romano sleeping on the armchair, passed out. Hearing the clinks and clanks of pans, he turned around and noticed China rummaging through a cupboard. Relieved that it wasn't England in the kitchen first, America silently made his way back to his shared room to get ready for the day.

After a moment of hesitation, America opened the door and slipped inside. To his left, Canada was laying on his back with Kumajirou snuggled on his side. The bear sleepily watched him with that damn knowing look which America childishly returned with a pointed glare. Not wanting to accidentally wake up Canada, the American quickly grabbed a set of clothes along with a light blanket. He could still feel the bears stare as he shut the door and made his way back to the living room. Stupid spirits.

Romano didn't even stir when America softly laid the blanket over the nation. The Italian actually snuggled into it which amused the younger nation. As he made his way over to the kitchen, he made sure his footsteps were loud enough to be heard. Sure enough, China turned around quickly with one of his hands clenching a wok in an offensive pose. However, he quickly lost all hostilities and put the wok on the counter. "Apologies America, I was not expecting you till later," China apologized as he went back to making tea.

America bit back a retort for the underhanded insult. "Yeah, dood. I woke up early today. I'm making it my heroic goal to keep England out of the kitchen today but I'm about to jump in the shower." China nodded and returned to the stove, hiding his surprise very well. "Do you want anything to eat in particular?" China offered. He usually wasn't very nice to the capitalist, especially with the recent economic trade war. But his maternal instincts were kicking in. Something was... off. After all, it wasn't natural for American's to get up this early.

To his shock, America shook his head. "I ate earlier although I bet France will appreciate your help with starting breakfast for everyone. I'm gonna go shower now before Mr. Proper gets up," America replied as he speedily made his way to an available bathroom. China had to stop cooking for a moment to wrap his head around America. The nation blew him off. While that in itself wasn't unusual, he refused his cooking. His cooking! Something was wrong, but it was way too early to decipher. After all, he had more pressing matters to handle like what excuse he would use to keep England out of the kitchen this time.

/ / / /

He wasn't the quickest, but in general, he did take quick showers. He made sure to avoid the mirror as he got dressed but the razor next to the sink was really distracting. It glinted in the fluorescent light as if mocking him. His old scars seemed to burn as he combed his hair. He wasn't tempted. No, that was behind him in a darker time. But some things couldn't be fixed even with therapy and drugs. He ignored his reflection as he left the bathroom, sporting a t-shirt, his bomber jacket, sweatpants, and sneakers.

At this point, most of the early risers were awake and none of them looked too happy seeing him up early. America ignored their curious and surprised looks as he made his way over to England. The Brit was arguing with France and Turkey who were keeping him out of the kitchen. "Hey cut the chatter! It's not cool to start fights before you have at least three cups of coffee. Now come with me Iggy, no arguing," America interrupted cheerfully as he dragged the protesting Brit away, ignoring Turkey's thankful look and France's relieved expression.

For the next hour and a half, America distracted the Englishmen while the nations cooked breakfast. At first, America drove England in circles as they exchanged insults. England even chased him throughout the big mansion they were trapped in while the other nations avoided them like the plague. That's what he got for teasing England about France. Eventually, the insults grew more light-hearted with a more teasing tone after England calmed down. America even managed to rope England into playing some board games.

But somehow, England managed to rope him into a game of battleship.

"E4?" America asked as he stared at his board. "Hit," England muttered dejectedly as he strategically studied his board for patterns regarding America's fleet. Unfortunately for England, America had him in a corner. To the world, England is considered undefeated regarding the game Battleship but America had watched all of his previous games with other nations and noticed a key detail. England played the game as if he was setting up an actual fleet. With that information, America had thrown out seemingly random points that gave away England's fleet, allowing him to annihilate the entire fleet and boats he left floating if he managed to hit them in the beginning, right at the end in a brutal knockout.

"J4?" "Hit," America replied as he stuck a red point on his map in silent knowing victory. "E3?" England shut his eyes in disappointment. "You sunk my battleship," England admitted as he leaned back against his chair and buried his hands into his face. "Sweet!" America whooped as he jumped out of his seat and pumped his fist in the air. "How the bloody hell did you hide your pieces so well?" England asked, his voice muffled from his hands and filled with self-hatred. America smirked and flipped the board around. "Like this."

England uncovered his eyes and could only stare at America's board slack-jawed. His patrol boat and sunken submarine were sunk in one corner of the map, with the three remaining ships in various positions together in the opposite corner. "You... you clumped your entire fleet together? That's so stupid!" England protested, still in disbelief with his first loss. America could only laugh at him. "Well, you didn't find them and that's what counts. So admit your loss to me, Iggy!" America exclaimed in an arrogant tone as he did a heroic pose. England let out a defeated sigh as he leaned against his chair. "If I admit defeat, you're not allowed to tell the other nations." America smirked at the distressed Englishmen's attempt to barter his way out of the situation. He decided to humor him.

"Because I'm the hero, I'll accept your terms," America agreed as England rolled his eyes. "Well, I admit defeat. You won, but don't get cocky because you won one game you git," England warned with a scowl. America couldn't help but sit back down and smirk and grab his board. "Oh, so you want more? Well, bring it on-" A knock interrupted their pre-game banter. "Mr. America? England?" Lithuania interrupted as he opened the door.

Lithuania was very well-respected among the nations. His serious and cheerful personality made him well-liked, even if he could be a bit of a pushover. His lack of fear in battle even demanded respect from the older empires like Prussia (although grudgingly) and Sweden. Watching his memories was tough for America, as the old nation went through a lot of hardships (Russia). Lithuania is the only country besides Prussia that has seen America without his mask but whether or not he realizes it is unknown to America. The young nation can happily say that Lithuania is a treasured friend in his close-knit friend group.

"Hey bro, what's up?" America greeted, ignoring the soft kick from England for the "butchering of the Queen's language" as he so happily puts it. England stood up and brushed his coat of any wrinkles and signs of distress before turning to Lithuania. "Good morning Lithuania. Breakfast is ready I presume?" Lithuania sent a knowing smile towards America before answering England's question. "Ah yes. France has water boiling for your tea too," he replied. America sent a sideways glance toward the door before he looked up at England. "I'll put the pieces back. You can go before France puts something in your tea."

As if by magic, England seemingly disappeared as he ran out of the room muttering obscenities under his breath as he presumably assumed the worst. Lithuania's polite smile broke out into a huge grin at America. "You just couldn't help yourself, Mr. America," Lithuania jested as he watched the American put the pieces back into the box. "Of course not, he is England. And haven't I been over this? You can call me Alfred," America reminded the older Baltic as he put the box away with the other games. "And to you I am Toris," the Lithuanian reminded the American as he held the door open for America.

"Of course man," America agreed as he exited the room and made his way to the huge dining area. "But not in front of the others ya know," he added as he set a slower pace as to not out-walk Lithuania. "Of course Mr. Alfred." America could only sigh before carrying on with their conversation. Some things never change.

As the duo entered the dining room, America noticed that everyone was awake at this point. England was sipping his tea, looking slightly disheveled with France right next to him. Most of the countries were keeping to their friend groups like the former Axis trio and the Nordic 5. America smiled seeing that Romano had rekindled his companionship with Spain, even if he did look a bit disgruntled with the Spaniard's constant affection.

Lithuania politely excused himself as he made his way over to Poland who seemed to brighten up considerably seeing him. America himself made his way to the coffee table as he wasn't hungry, but he was stopped when he heard his name. "America!" Romano yelled, garnering his attention and the attention of some spectators. He switched his course and ignoring the looks, walked over to Romano and a curious Spain. Before he could get a word out, Romano shoved a metal thermos in his hand. "Here you go you bastard. This is for earlier," he grumbled as he aggressively bit into a tomato he was having for breakfast.

Slightly confused, America opened the thermos only to get hit with a heavenly smell. He grinned in anticipation. "Thanks South," America said cheerfully before waving goodbye to a still puzzled Spainaird as he took a sip of Romano's famous Italian espresso. Some nations continued to look between himself and their group as he made his way to the living room where it was less crowded. He was annoyed and uncomfortable with the staring, yes. But what could he do about it?

Thankfully the living room consisted of nations who either kept to themselves or preferred quiet. Switzerland and Austria were drinking tea and talking to each other quietly with Lichentstein nowhere in sight. That slightly worried him because the last time Lichenstein was left alone she got cornered by an idiot nation and America almost got stabbed from Switzerland's butterknife for trying to resolve things peacefully. The things he did... America shook himself out of it and walked over to where Romano slept last night and grabbed the book the Italian was reading. To his amusement, it was an American romance novel. He sat down on an adjacent couch and ignored the glares from the other countries who were just waiting for him to break the quiet atmosphere as he tried to immerse himself into the story.

/ / / /

The viewing room, if America had to guess, was bigger than 7,000 square feet. However magic could be in play so he really couldn't tell. But the room was gigantic with mats, pillows, bean bags, and other comforts so nations could sit down and watch the show. The far wall from the door had a big screen that showed everyone the memories or journal entries of the nation they were watching and it was done far better than any movie theater could ever hope to achieve. And that's what terrified America the most. He really wasn't keen on reliving his memories in 3D. Unfortunately, Germany was just about done with roll call.

"Zimbabwe?"

"Present!"

"So that is everyone then," Germany concluded as he looked to Rome to take over. The Roman was unusually stoic as he nodded politely to Germany before settling his gaze onto America fleetingly before looking at the crowd. The other ancients were behind him, with most of their glares being fixated on the American. Germania seemed especially angry as he stood next to his Roman counterpart. America had a feeling of why he and the other ancients might feel a bit crabby, but he wasn't gonna give away all of his secrets. At least not without a fight.

"Nations of the world, today I bring you the memories of the last nation. Whether or not you like the country or its personification is unimportant. He is your current world superpower. He holds vast influence on the economy, he has the biggest military in the world, and some of his citizens are considered to be some of the greatest minds of the 21st century. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you the memories of the United States of America. Well, most of them," Rome added in a sheepish tone as he glared at the young superpower.

America ignored the surprised and curious looks of his allies and enemies as he returned the glare. It wasn't his fault that the whitewashing caused memory loss! It has happened to other former colonies as well just ask the countries of Africa! Germania stepped up and fiercely glared at America. "Where is your brother?" America glared at him and refused to back down. Canada and Mexico shared confused gazes as they glanced between themselves and their brother. America considers them siblings and Central and South America his cousins and that was it. Or was it someone else? Europe?

"Canada and Mexico are in this room if you wish to talk to them. I do not consider anyone else my brother or my sister except for the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Liberia," America stated cooly, missing the wounded expressions on England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Spain's faces and the surprised look on Mexico's and Philippines faces. Liberia cheerfully smiled, happy that America remembered her. Back to the ancients: Germania's lack of patience reminded America way too much of Germany. He probably had less patience or less experience if he was getting irritated from a simple no. Then again, his track record for pissing off countries was legendary.

Germania looked like he was about to burst a vein. Maybe one already had as his face was pretty red. America noticed his mother, Native America, and a woman who looked like a female Greece were hiding smiles behind their hands. Well if it made his mother amused... America shot Germania his winning hero smile and winked, almost sending the German into a frenzy. That is until Scandinavia pointed the butt of his spear towards the German. "Do not touch my nevøen (grandson/nephew) barbarian," he warned in a heavy accent. The Nordic countries immediately shot him curious and borderline hopeful looks. Denmark, another one of America's close friends shot him a silent question to which the American shrugged. He didn't know. Maybe his older brother did but the mindlink wasn't working.

Before the two ancients could brawl, a cold draft suddenly fell upon the nations. "That is enough da? You will tell us where the other one is." The deep voice caused many to shiver. America instinctively stood up to face the threat, startling his friends and the other nations close by. "Or what?" America challenged, ignoring Russia's unusual nervous look as the former communist looked back and forth between his good rival and parent country. Russia's blatant nervousness was enough to convince the world that confrontation with Kievan Rus was a very bad idea.

Everyone except America that is...

With his ability to disregard the atmosphere, America felt no fear. It's how he came off as fearless in the first place. But for the first time, he could feel the faint feeling of a sudden chill crawling up his spine. He didn't even want to know what the others were feeling right now. America quietly approached the older federation, who's smiles outmatched Russia's by a landslide in creepiness. The ancients could do nothing to stop the Slav from approaching America. Scandinavia, like the other ancients, ignored his children's silent pleads for him to intervene. There was nothing he could do to stop the inevitable confrontation.

America stopped and studied the seemingly cold-hearted federation who had stopped to predatorily stare at his son's rival. As the tension in the room skyrocketed, the two nations had a silent battle of will.

To Kievan Rus, America was just another country on the outside. He had his time as an empire like the rest of Europe and Asia and remains a significant power in the modern era, despite breaking away as a mere colony just a little over 200 years ago. His determination and lack of fear can make him a great rival and a terrible enemy. But on the inside, he was strange. Even stranger than some of the other countries and that was saying a lot. He had the spirit of his mother, and a culture unique to the New World. His people were proud of their heritage and paraded it around with a strange patriotism that was crazy to the rest of the world. What kind of person is American? The answer would be so open-ended that there would never be a true answer. Despite having a brother, the country of the United States should have more than two personifications with the amount of identity and cultures the country recognized and represented. Yet there were only two. To have the willpower to keep it together...

To everyone's shock, Kievan Rus backed down and lowered his head in respect. "You are a strange one Amerika. I suppose I cannot get anything out of you nor do I want to. I see why my son likes to play with you. I cannot wait to learn more about you and your culture," the federation said with a sense of earnest that surprised America and the ancients. The older nation's eyes twinkled dangerously as he nodded a silent farewell before walking back to the group. America held his chin up high as he watched the Russian silently retreat. He had no clue why he was feeling proud, but he would take it.

The ancients shared looks that ranged from what the fuck to did that just happen? Germania shook his head. "There is no way I could get information out of him if that Slav can't," he grumbled, ignoring the pat on the back from Rome in his attempt at comfort. Meanwhile, Prussia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Mongolia, China, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus were staring at America with looks ranging from awe and admiration to fear. Feeling a sudden sense of self-consciousness, America sat down and refused to look at them, much to the confusion of the rest of the world.

"Do not worry. I have found what we were looking for. It was by the border of Arizona and Mexico," Ancient Greece stated sleepily as she curiously eyed America. Rome and Gaul had to hold Germania back from strangling Ancient Greece, much to the amusement of the ancients. Hearing her, Germany immediately facepalmed and America couldn't blame him. They had wasted so much time over something trivial. But the bigger problem was that she had found Eric. It looks like his weakness is ancient Greek magic. If only he could warn him... Maybe Allen could help?

"Let us start, are you ready America?" Rome asked as he studied the young superpower with a new outlook. America didn't feel ready, far from it. But he could see Lithuania's comforting smile from the corner of his eye. Romano had a scowl on his face but his eyes told a different tale. Prussia and Denmark looked abnormally serious, yet America could feel their protective supportiveness. Japan nodded toward America, looking as serious and dead as ever. America glared at Rome before nodding. "Let's get this over with," he grumbled. The ancients gathered around as Britannia began to chant, and suddenly, the room went dark.

/ / / /

The first thing that the nations saw was snow.

Heavy snow. It was cold enough where a young America's breath could be seen as he huddled for warmth next to his twin brother, Canada. The much younger Canadian did not shiver as much as his younger brother, but it was clear that neither of them would survive in sub-zero temperatures wearing the equivalent of rags. The young two-year-old pointed South, in desperation that would be unheard of for someone his age.

"We couldn't talk. We understood the idea of language just fine but we couldn't speak in a coherent language," America explained, seeing the confused looks on the neighboring nation's faces.

The Northern twin looked hesitant but eventually followed his younger brother south and disappeared among the trees. The scene changed and showed Canada embracing America to keep the younger nation warm. The snow had stopped falling and the two had made camp underneath a ridge where the snow did not fall as harshly. America was already asleep and Canada was just about to doze off when he heard an unexpected voice.

"Esa! Shoshone and Sioux will skin me like a deer if I let you run off alone again!" Suddenly a gigantic wolf leaped into the clearing, startling Canada and waking up America in the process. The animal was at least one and a half times bigger than a normal wolf and his grey and white fur seemed to shimmer and sparkle like magic. A young boy, about 6 years old, burst into the clearing right after.

When the boy noticed the twins, he stopped in his tracks and blinked in surprise as Esa simply sat right next to him. The stranger had his dark-almost black-brown hair tied up in a ponytail. His dark blue eyes sparkled with interest as he regarded the two infant nations. America eyed his fur clothes with jealousy.

"I don't... I don't remember him. I feel like I would because of his eyes," Canada muttered as he looked at America, hoping for answers. "You'll figure it out," was America's unhelpful reply as he kept his eyes glued to the screen. Canada uncharacteristically scowled at him but looked back at the memory.

"Can you understand me?" The boy asked in a strange accent the nations had never heard before. Canada hesitantly nodded and America poked his head out a little more. "My name is Anoki, this is Esa. There is a camp South of us. There are food, shelter, and clothes," the stranger added once he noticed the rags the twins were dressed in. America looked hooked with the thought of warmth and safety. Canada looked a bit hesitant but seeing his brother's reaction convinced him to nod his head in acceptance.

The big wolf named Esa bounced around in the snow like an overgrown puppy as the stranger led the twins South into a clearing filled with many tepees campfires. Women were cooking, men and older children were doing different maintenance, and younger children were chasing the camp dogs around the campsite. Anoki led the twins past the curious tribesmen and entered one of the bigger tepees. Inside stood Native America, Sioux, and the visiting personification of the Shoshone tribe.

"Tallulah," Canada whispered as he stared longingly at the screen. He only had bits and pieces of shattered memories of her as he spent most of his time mentoring under Vinland until France had conquered his land and made him a colony. Mexico glared jealousy at America. He too only had fragmented memories of Tallulah and to him, it wasn't fair that America seemed to remember his time with her when all he had was memories of Aztec and the fucking Spainaird that killed him. As if feeling Mexico's hatred, Spain shrunk away.

Anoki cleared his throat as he garnered the attention of the three adults. "Tallulah, I found two children in the woods. They feel like us but they can't speak yet," he exclaimed as he pointed at the New World twins. Canada shrunk under the adult's gaze while America curiously watched their reaction with a toothy grin. Esa obediently trotted over to Shoshone and sat down and wagged his tail. "I see you have found your siblings," Native America mused as she walked over and gently picked up Canada.

The younger Canadian shyly buried his head into her fur coat as America continued to stare down Sioux and Shoshone with a mix of curiosity and fear. Esa happily barked as Shoshone scratched the back of his ear. The older personification nodded politely toward Sioux before fixating his gaze onto Native America. "Tallulah, as nice as it has been to see you again, I must make my way to the basins before the great cold blocks my winter trail. I shall see you and your sons in many moons," he said gruffly said as he made his way to the exit, Esa right by his side. "May the Great Spirit watch over you," Tallulah replied as she adjusted her hold on Canada. Anoki mumbled a goodbye as the group watched the big wolf and its master leave the camp.

Sioux sighed as he picked up America who let out a surprised squeak as he had been watching Shoshone leave and didn't notice the older man's approach. "What do you plan to do with these two? Their golden hair will cause problems for sure knowing the superstitious tribes," Sioux asked. He tolerated America touching his braids as he stared at the ancient personification. Tallulah was silent as she regarded the twins before setting Canada down. "They must be signs of bad things to come with their golden hair and light eyes," she agreed. "But they are our future. The Great Spirit has deemed it my responsibility to care for them, and I shall do it. They may be children now but they will become great hunters and warriors, just like how I raised you," she insisted with a determined smile.

"She raised you even though she knew you would be her downfall," England mumbled, garnering the countries of North America's attention. "I do not think I would have been able to do that," he admitted. Mexico glared at the ground, with bitterness in his eyes. Even Canada looked upset but it was America who spoke up. "Of course not, unlike the Old World, we cared about our land and took care of each other. It wasn't until Europeans came and introduced firearms, a sense of ownership, and the joy I call slavery is when that peace shattered," America remarked with a sarcastic tone that even Italy picked up on. Many Europeans scowled at America but could not bring themselves to deny his words. How could they?

Sioux looked visibly conflicted but he swallowed down any visible protest as he ruffled America's hair. "Of course," he sighed before setting America down. Canada ran over to America as the two twins stuck close. Now that he was warmer, America had become more alert and was less trusting than he had been minutes earlier. With difficulty, Anoki dragged a fur blanket over to the twins and draped it over them. "You will stay with us then? It will be fun playing with someone closer to my age," the six-year-old said gleefully as the twins struggled to stand underneath the weight.

"Aiya you two were quite cute. Even without your hair curls," China cooed, causing America and Canada to blush in embarrassment when they heard various agreements from the other nations. Prussia snickered a little too loudly and took a pillow to the face from America in stride. Denmark laughed at his friend's misfortune, causing Norway to smack him from behind his head to shut him up as the Dane wasn't wearing a tie.

Tallulah and Sioux chuckled as Anoki unintentionally lightened the mood. "I suppose you are right. How long do you plan on staying?" Sioux asked softly as he watched Anoki lead the twins to fur beds to sleep. "Till the cold winds pass and the sun brings warmth to the land. I will not see you for many moons as I wish to train these two to the best of my ability. I want them to see the deserts and the mountains. I want them to explore the forests, and run through the grassy plains. I do not plan on staying with any tribe until they can take care of themselves," Tallulah said in a serious tone, much to the surprise of Sioux. "That is a long time," he whispered with his arms crossed. Both personifications had noticed Anoki's attempt to listen in. Tallulah had a somber look as she gazed softly at the now sleeping twins as if she knew something that not even Sioux would understand. "They must be ready for anything."

(Word Count 4944, 7/10/20)