Anoki - ???

Necalli - Mexico

Tallulah - Native America

Kanta - Canada

Masaka - America

For context, the different scene changes happen days/months apart from one another. Enjoy~

/ / / /

America smiled bitterly at the screen. His mother had taught him everything about the North American continent. But when the Europeans established borders, he lost a lot of his knowledge. To this day, he still has trouble navigating the Canadian tundra and during his Manifest Destiny period, he had to relearn desert survival as his people pushed west. From the corner of his eye, America watched Mexico quietly make his way to the front to sit next to his older brother. It surprised America that Mexico would abandon his good friends, Chile and Brazil, and the other countries of Central and South America to sit next to him. Especially due to their current shitty personal relations. But America didn't say anything, hoping Mexico would feel comfortable enough to relax once the Mexican realized America wasn't planning on pushing him away.

The scene changed and showed a slightly older America hiding in the shadows of the canopy. His long blonde hair was now tied back and braided with a few strands of hair covering his face. The young nation was wearing deer skinned clothes instead of the rags he was previously wearing. He had a quiver on his back and a bow in his right hand with a knife stuck securely to his chest. America refused to move and instead kept his eyes on the open clearing ahead of him.

"Where's your cowlick? Also, what were you waiting for?" Denmark asked curiously, ignoring Norway's eye roll. America chuckled. "Well, Nantucket didn't pop up till around the 1640s. And to answer your second question, I was waiting for someone to come and get me. We were being taught the virtues of patience and trust. I'm pretty sure I stood there for two days without moving." Many eyes widened in surprise in disbelief of his words. It didn't help when Canada and Mexico chimed in and claimed that two days was nothing with America agreeing with their statement. The sounds of footsteps drew the nation's attention away from the twins and back to the screen.

America straightened his posture when he noticed Anoki enter the clearing. The six-year-old was wearing similar clothes except his were more decorated. The slightly older nation looked around before settling his gaze on America. "Come on Masaka, Tallulah and Kanta are waiting for us," Anoki said softly, nodding his head toward their alleged campsite. America narrowed his eyes warily before he silently jumped from his perch and landed on the ground, his moccasins muffling any noise he made.

"Your native name was Masaka?" Finland asked, looking a little pale as he and Sweden exchanged glances. "Yep," America confirmed as he kept his eyes glued to the screen. Finland's tone made America nervous yet bitter, and he didn't know why.

Masaka followed Anoki through the woodlands and into their campsite where Tallulah was cooking venison. The young American licked his lips in anticipation as the scent of the cooking meat reached his nose. Anoki snickered and ruffled Masaka's hair, much to the vocal ire of the younger. Kanta jumped from the sudden noise while Tallulah chose to ignore her rowdy sons. "Did he do well this time Anoki?" She asked as she cut the meat into slivers to serve. Anoki nodded as he accepted the piece of meat she offered. "Yes, although this time Kanta wasn't there to distract him," he said in an amused tone. Kanta smirked at Masaka's frown and glare.

"To be fair it was my fault, although your track record made you out as the perpetrator," Canada admitted with a smile. America fake scowled. "Bro you came and got me before they gave me the okay to leave. Tallulah was so pissed that I wanted to run away before she went through with her threat to skin me the next time I disobeyed," America replied while giving clarity to the curious and amused nations around him. The tension between the two siblings was slowly disappearing, however, America knew it would not last because of the War of 1812 and even earlier events the Canadian may not recall due to the curse.

Masaka reluctantly dropped his glare with the promise of food from Tallulah. As the children ate, she spoke. "My children, we shall travel to the Inuit's and watch the spirits of our ancestors dance in the sky. Only then will the Great Spirit grant you a spirit to watch over you," she whispered as she gazed in the dying embers of the fire. Masaka looked up to the sky with excitement while Kanta watched Tallulah with a newfound interest.

"We will cut through the Basins before heading north. Any questions?" With silence as her answer, Tallulah stood up and left. Anoki poked the fire with a stick before he broke the silence. "I don't have a spirit because the Great Spirit told me that the animal was not in his lands yet and that it resides in distant lands beyond the Great Lake." Masaka's head shot up with his face full of wonder. "There are lands beyond the Great Lake?" He asked in barely contained excitement. Kanta wasn't faring any better.

Anoki chuckled at their wonder. "I do believe so. I have a friend up north who's people came from those lands many moons ago. Her name is Vinland but Tallulah does not care for her," Anoki explained with his thoughtful eyes resting on Kanta before he looked back at Masaka. "Why doesn't Tallulah like her?" Masaka asked softly but before Anoki could answer, he was interrupted. "Because those strangers stole from the land and killed many people in scuffles," Tallulah interrupted angrily, causing Anoki to quietly apologize for bringing up the Norse settlers.

The scene changed and showed America practicing his aim. The young four-year-old held his bow up and took a deep breath before letting the arrow fly. The arrow soared through the air before hitting the tree with an audible crack. Masaka sighed as he went to collect his arrows as his quiver was out. Above him sat Kanta, who was sharpening his knife and paying no heed to his brother down below. His long curly hair often got in his face, causing the Canadian to simply tuck the loose strands behind his ear. He was so preoccupied with sharpening his knife that he didn't notice Masaka had climbed up the tree to join him.

Masaka studied his twin before breaking into a smirk. "You should talk more." The Canadian fumbled with his knife and rock before sending a peeved glare at his brother. "I don't like talking. It makes me nervous you know this," Kanta whisper-yelled as he continued to sharpen his knife. Masaka rolled his eyes. "I'm starting to think that Tallulah and Anoki believe you are mute. I do understand that you feel nervous but if you cannot talk to them then how will you fare against strangers in the future?" Masaka asked, balancing on the sturdy tree branch precariously.

Kanta sighed and put down his rock and knife. "I don't know. Whenever I try to talk I feel a weight in my gut. As if it's weighing my voice down," Kanta admitted softly. Masaka pursed his lips as he gazed into Kanta's eyes. "Well, it won't go away if you don't try anything. Perhaps talking with other tribes will get you to open up. Maybe we should talk to that Vinland person," Masaka pointed out as he quickly grabbed the branch below him and used it to swing to the ground. Kanta sighed again. "You know Tallulah does not like us talking about Vin-," Kanata cut himself off and quickly jumped down after his brother. "You jerk! Give me back my knife!" Kanta yelled as he chased after his brother who somehow managed to steal his knife out of his own hand.

There were a few snickers from the other nations, including Canada himself. America was just happy that there were no vocal jeers toward Canada for being selectively mute. He didn't want to think about what the nations would have done and said if the situation was reversed.

Kanta chased after Masaka with a burning anger in his eyes. Maska managed to make it to camp before Kanta tackled him to the ground. "I swear I'm gonna beat you black and blue for stealing my knife Masaka!" Kanta shouted but he quickly noticed Tallulah and Anoki and faltered. His hesitation gave Masaka the chance to knock Kanta to the ground and pin him. "Looking for your knife little brother?" Masaka teased with his trouble maker grin. The American was too absorbed in his game to notice the two nations and didn't expect Tallulah to pick him up by the back of his neck before setting him down next to Kanta.

Her disapproval was as clear as day. Masaka visibly paled and quickly handed Kanta his knife back. "It's not stealing if I was gonna give it back," Masaka told his brother defensively. Kanta narrowed his eyes and stood up, silently daring Masaka to run. Masaka gulped, looked at Anoki pleadingly before turning tail back into the forest with a murderous Canadian right on his trail. Anoki smiled in amusement before turning to Tallulah. "I was starting to believe Kanta was mute," the six-year-old muttered before looking back to the forest. Tallulah let out a grunt in agreement as she returned to her chore. Anoki silently stood up and ran into the forest after the twins.

The forest changed to the desert. Tallulah was leading her children through a drier region in the continent. Anoki was nowhere to be seen and Kanta looked just about ready to collapse but before he could, Masaka caught him. "I can carry you," Masaka offered as he noticed Kanta's red face. "But-" Kanta protested but was interrupted by his stubborn twin. "No buts! Your face is red and your skin is hot. I'll give you some reprieve. You know Tallulah won't let us rest until we meet up with Anoki by the river," Masaka pointed out. Kanta let out a defeated sigh and allowed Masaka to give him a piggyback ride the rest of the way.

By the time they reached the river, Masaka was only slightly out of breath, much to the surprise of Tallulah. Kanta quickly jumped off of his brothers back and made his way to the river bank and splashed water on his face. Masaka filled up his leather canteen as he watched Kanta enjoy the cold mountain-fed river waters. Meanwhile, Anoki approached the small group with a familiar face clinging onto his back.

Spain couldn't help but smile reminiscently seeing a young Mexico. "Awwww you were so adorable back then," Spain cooed only to pale when Mexico glared at him. "I will shoot you in the balls España," Mexico threatened, shutting Spain up and earning snickers from some of the countries from the Americas. No one else was brave enough to laugh. America let out a deep sigh. He didn't blame Mexico's open hostility. Spain played favorites as an empire. They all did.

"Who is this?" Tallulah asked as Anoki stumbled and sat down. "I think he represents the land by Aztec due to his clothes. He is quite a chatterbox but he got a little over-heated on our way back," Anoki replied as he struggled to pry the dark brown-haired, brown-eyed child off of his back. The three-year-old reluctantly let go and greedily sipped the water from the bank, much to the curiosity of the twins. "What are you wearing around your neck?" Masaka asked curiously, pointing at the cape around the newcomer's shoulders. "It's a tilmatl. What are you wearing?" He asked curiously. "We are wearing clothes made from deerskins. My name is Masaka," Masaka introduced himself while nudging Kanta to do the same.

"My name is Kanta," Kanta managed to reply, despite his visible nervousness. The stranger beamed. "My name is Necalli," Necalli said, almost jumping up from joy. The happiness in his eyes was clear as day. Masaka couldn't help but laugh at his genuine excitement. Even Kanta smiled. Tallulah cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the three children. "And my name is Tallulah," Native America added with a friendly smile. Necalli smiled before turning his gaze to Anoki.

"He saved me. The tribe south of us sent me north in search of you," Necalli told Tallulah who nodded in acceptance. "We are heading north to see the spirits. Would you like to come with us?" Tallulah asked, earning a nod from Necalli in response. "Of course! It was quite scary being alone," he admitted as he clung onto Anoki. The older child stifled his sigh and gently ruffled his hair. "Big brother!" Necalli stated happily, causing Anoki to blush in embarrassment. "Er-," the older nation tried but was interrupted by the stubborn nation. "Big brother," Necalli repeated with an emphasis on brother. Anoki sighed and gave in. "Alright I guess I'm your big brother," the older brother admitted as he ruffled the younger's hair again.

Mexico couldn't help but smile at the memory, even though he had no recollection of it. America sighed again and resisted the urge to give Mexico a comforting side hug. England screwed everything up.

The desert turned into woodlands once again. Masaka was climbing one of the bigger pines to reach a sulking Kanta. "Hey, Kanta. What are you doing up here?" Masaka asked as he sat on an adjacent branch. Kanta bit his lip as he turned to answer his brother. "It's nothing Masaka. I just wanted some quiet," he replied, averting his eyes away from Masaka. But Masaka did not believe him. Instead, the nation climbed onto the branch Kanta was sitting on and grabbed his hand. "Hey," Masaka said softly, squeezing Kanta's hand gently. "You know you can tell me anything." Kanta swallowed and shook his head. "You'll be angry with me," he tried but Masaka didn't believe it.

"I swear I won't be angry," Masaka promised with a sincere expression. "Well," Kanta started, looking a little hesitant. "I guess I'm just worried that you'll replace me for Necalli. You guys get along so well and I just prefer watching you guys rough-house but I feel like you're drifting away from me. These past moons have shown me that you two are really close and sometimes I feel like you two would be better off without me," Kanta admitted, looking on the verge of tears. Masaka looked at his brother sadly.

"You were jealous of me?" Mexico asked in disbelief. Canada chuckled weakly and rubbed the back of his neck. "I was jealous that you got along with America so well. He always had to push me to do anything yet all he had to do with you was ask," Canada replied, sounding a little embarrassed.

Masaka gently pulled Kanta into a hug. "Hey, we're twins and we've been through everything together. You will always come first, I swear," he promised as he hugged Kanta. Kanta gently pulled away and rubbed his eyes, a small smile gracing his face. "Also Necalli cares about you too. Although I doubt either of us can compete when it comes to his adoration towards Anoki," Maska added, causing both twins to chuckle.

"Did I really care about my hermano this much?" Mexico asked, feeling an unfamiliar pang in his chest. America looked down, his posture sagged. "It was unconditional... And that's what made it so much worse when you..." Alfred trailed off, unable to finish his thought. Questionable glances were thrown America's way but the superpower ignored them.

A sudden clap of thunder caused both nations to jump. Kanta and Maska both looked up to see the rolling thunderheads crawling closer to their location. With the sun slowly starting to set and a storm headed their way, both twins were quick to grow serious. Masaka swiftly made his way down the tree. "Come we must hurry back to camp before the thunderbirds bring heavy rains," he said urgently as he swung down to the ground, Kanta right on his heels.

The forest grew darker as the sun set below the horizon, but Masaka and Kanta seemed confident enough to know where their camp was. But a sudden noise in the forest caused Kanta to stop in his tracks. "What was that?" Kanta asked, looking a little worried. Masaka rolled his eyes and pulled his brother along. "I hear nothing but the sounds of distant thunder. Let's hurry before the storm catches up to us," Masaka replied as he tried to drag his brother towards safety. His expression clearly stating his unease of being in the forest alone at night with a storm on the way. But Kanta refused to budge and Masaka froze when he finally heard what his brother was claiming to hear. The sounds of the forest were broken by the cry of an infant.

Some nations shivered at how creepy it sounded. America himself didn't look any better.

Masaka firmly planted his feet in the ground and pulled Kanta's arm with all of his might. "Come on we have to go! It's dark and it's about to rain. It's a bad omen," Masaka tried to convince his brother but his pleas fell on death ears. Kanta shrugged him off. "Its a baby and it's all alone out there. We should go see if they need help," Kanta argued as he struggled against his brother's hold. "We need to get Tallulah! We can lead her back here if you really want to but we shouldn't do this alone. And listen to the cries! That doesn't sound like a baby Kanta," Masaka pointed out. The baby cried out again but its cries sounded raspy. It did not sound like a baby at all.

"America made a good point?" Someone asked in Spanish jokingly. America gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes at the screen as he fought to control his temper and said nothing to keep the peace. On the other hand, his southern neighbor and little brother had a shorter hold on his temper and held no such reservations. Mexico whirled around and glared at the offending nation, causing the offender to flinch in fear and shrink away.

"But it's alone! We don't have time to get Tallulah," Kanta argued as he struggled more violently against his brother's grip. Lightning flashed and illuminated the twins. It gave enough time for Masaka to notice the glossy look over Kanta's eyes and he loosened his hold on him, seemingly out of shock. Kanta glared at Masaka. "You can either come with me or you can run back to Tallulah like a coward. Either way, I'm leaving," Kanta snarled, completely out of character. Masaka visibly swallowed and nodded his head. "If we're going anywhere we are going together," Masaka weakly insisted, earning a grunt of agreement from Kanta.

As the two nations walked toward the cries, the sound of thunder boomed more often. Masaka often shook his head after hearing the baby cry as he tried to hang onto his self-control. It was visibly harder for him the louder the cries grew and it didn't help that Kanta seemed to walk even faster the closer they got. Finally, when the twins entered a clearing in the trees, Kanta stopped, causing Masaka to bump into him.

America felt goosebumps cover his skin. He shivered. He remembered these particular events pretty clearly.

A flash of lightning illuminated the clearing once again and Masaka froze in horror. For a split second, the young boy noticed the silhouette of a human-sized owl hidden in the trees.

"¿Peleaste contra La Lechuza!" Mexico demanded as he glared at America, who covered his ears. "Yes, I did fight a Lechuza but not La Lechuza. She's too far south for this one. Also, speak English," America replied to his worried brother. He lowered his hands from his ears, ignoring the curious and knowing looks from his southern cousins.

Rain poured down from the sky as the clearing lit up to show the Lechuza with her wings posed and ready. Masaka was quick to tackle Kanta to the ground to avoid the initial strike of the monster's talons. Masaka quickly pulled out his bow and fired an arrow at the creature, only for the arrow to bounce harmlessly off of its feathers. Kanta hit his head hard from the hard tackle but recovered from the spell the Lechuza had cast on him to warn his brother. "Witch," he hissed as he wobbly made his way to his feet.

Lightning flashed and this time no one could miss the monster. She unfurled her wings and let out a demonic screech as the creatures of the forest hid to avoid her wrath. Her body was one of a barnyard owl while her face was that of a young woman. She smiled sinisterly to show off her pointed teeth and it was enough to snap Masaka out of his fear-induced trance. "Go yell for the others, I can hold her off," Masaka hissed to Kanta, who could only turn tail and run into the forest screaming for Tallulah or Anoki. They didn't have time to argue.

"You always had to be a hero," Canada muttered under his breath as he worriedly watched the monster focus her attention onto his brother.

Thunder rumbled in the distance as she flapped her wings and took to the sky, the force from her takeoff was enough to knock Masaka off his feet. He quickly stood back up and ran as her talons barely missed his shoulders. The young nation weaved in between the trees and shot another arrow at her. It managed to snag her tail feathers, earning an angry hiss in an old incoherent language.

He shot arrow after arrow, only for them to bounce off of her body as he dodged her attempts to kill him. Masaka eventually dropped his bow when he realized that the arrows were a waste of time. The Lechuza changed tactics and flew above the canopy, out of his sight. The rain wasn't helping the already poor visibility. Exhausted, Masaka tripped over a root and fell to the ground. Seeing her chance, the Lechuza swooped down and dug her talons into Masaka's chest. He screamed in pain as he desperately grabbed his knife and blindly stabbed her torso.

To his visible surprise, she let out a pained scream as her hold on him loosened. He twisted the knife and dislodged it from her body. She quickly let him go before he could do more damage and took off into the sky. Masaka's eyes were wide as he stared at the bloody knife in his shaky hands.

"I thought she couldn't be harmed by normal weapons," Brazil pointed out, staring at America in confusion. "That knife was a gift from Anoki, it's-" America cut himself off, looking visibly pained as if the next thing he would say would kill him. "It's infused with magic." The room exploded. England was one of the few who didn't take the news well at all. "You're telling me this entire time you've believed in magic you git?!" England roared, looking angrily at America. "Por el amor de dios (oh for fucks sake) he's about to be killed by a cannibal three times his size and you are all focused on the fact that he knows magic?!" Mexico demanded as he threw his hands in the air in exasperation and anger. "It's a cannibal?" England muttered in surprise but he shrunk away seeing the pissed off look the Mexican was sending him.

His shock wore off quickly and it was replaced with hard resolve. He gripped his knife and ran into the clearing where he would be vulnerable to her attack.

"Are you crazy?" Someone asked in the crowd. America only chuckled in response.

The Lechuza easily spotted him and dived down, her talons spread as she prepared to grab him and carry him off to his death. Instead of running away, Masaka turned around and threw himself to the ground and rolled to his feet. The Lechuza landed on the ground, not expecting her prey to be so unpredictable. But before she could take off to the sky, Masaka jumped onto her back and plunged his knife through her spine. She screamed in pain and tried to take off but the damage to her spine and the weight of Masaka weighed her down. With a few sporadic jerks, she managed to throw Masaka off, the knife still buried in her body.

She snarled and began speaking in the old language. Masaka barely had time to cross his arms and create some sort of weak energy shield before the curse hit him and sent him flying back. The explosion was loud and caused the Lechuza to shrink away in pain. However, Masaka was an unconscious heap on the ground. The fight had taken everything out of him and the four-year-old was knocked out cold. The owl monster snarled at him as she stalked warily toward his body, just in case he sprung up and attacked her. But he didn't move.

Suddenly a spear made of pure energy struck her chest. She screamed in pain and fell to the floor, unable to move. Tallulah lowered her arm as she ran to Masaka's body. Meanwhile, Anoki began to curse the Lechuza, causing her to let out painful screeches before she died. Her body exploded into a couple of owls that quickly flew into the forest and out of sight. The storm began to slowly die and the rain became a drizzle. Anoki picked up the only feather left of the monster and cursed under his breath. "An omen of death," he mumbled to himself as the feather sparkled magically in his hand.

He put the spoil of the battle into his pocket and picked up Masaka's knife. He smiled approvingly, seeing the blood on it before turning to Kanta and Necalli, who was standing behind a tree looking petrified. "It's okay," he promised them before walking over to Tallulah, who was patching up Masaka's wounds. "Is he alright?" He asked as he pressed his hand against Masaka's forehead. "He will live," Tallulah replied as she bandaged the wounds he received from her talons. Anoki frowned. "He used magic," he muttered, earning a surprised look from Tallulah. "That is unusual," she replied with a frown as she too felt his forehead. "Is he cursed?" She asked as Anoki lifted his hand. "If he is, it's not the curse she usually curses. It must be something different," he grumbled, eyebrows furrowed.

"It's my fault," Kanta whimpered, looking close to tears.

"No it's not," America stated, as he glared at Canada. "He's right, Hermano, she did not teach us about the monsters until after this incident I'm only just remembering," Mexico added before Canada could deny it.

"If it's anyone's fault, it is mine. As your guardian, I was supposed to protect you. In this case, I was too slow," Tallulah told the teary-eyed Kanta as she gently picked up Masaka bridal style. "Now come, we must go back to our camp and hope he wakes up when the sun rises," she instructed as she walked back to the camp, her children following her.

The scene changed to show Masaka sleeping in a tepee. Kanta was sitting next to him with cloth wrapped around his head from his earlier head injury. Masaka shifted in his sleep before he blearily sat up and rubbed his eyes. His wounds from the Lechuza's talons were patched up and his movements were stiff. "It's good to see you up," Kanta commented, causing Masaka to flinch from the unexpected voice. "It doesn't feel good to be up," Masaka replied groggily, trying to mask the pain in his voice. Kanta only laughed and called out for Tallulah and Anoki.

Sure enough, Native America entered with Anoki and Necalli right behind her. Tallulah knelt down and offered breakfast to which Masaka began to scarf down. "How are you feeling?" She asked softly as she fondly ruffled his hair. Masaka swallowed. "I feel sore and really hungry," he whimpered as he went back to eating. "The pain will be gone by tomorrow. Our kind tends to heal fast," she promised as she began to check and change the bandage on his wounds. Anoki smirked and handed Masaka his knife, which was clean of the Lechuza's blood.

"I'm proud of your victory last night Masaka," Anoki started, earning a proud smile from Masaka. "Not only did you land a fatal blow but you are showing signs of magic like me." "And at such a young age as well," Tallulah added, her voice laced with pride. Anoki smiled in agreement. "You have natural talent and I'm willing to teach you," he offered. Masaka carefully accepted his knife and studied it for a few seconds. "I'd love for you to teach me," Masaka smiled and looked up at Anoki.

"If you were such a prodigy, why did you quit?" Romania asked out loud. America visibly winced and gripped his chest. "Europeans," He replied in a short tone. He refused to clarify his vague answer.

"That's great," Anoki chirped before growing more somber. "But I have some bad news." Masaka lowered his head, confused and a little worried. "Did the Lechuza hit you with her magic?" Anoki asked, looking deadly serious. Masaka gulped. "Yes. She said something in a language I've never heard before and a ball of energy hit me. I think I blocked some of it though," Masaka whimpered, looking scared. Anoki went silent for a moment before he asked another question. "You said you were really hungry earlier. Does this feeling of hunger feel... shadowy at all?"

"I'm not a cannibal," America bluntly stated before someone could ask. He could feel their questionable stares.

"No? I just feel really hungry. Like I could e-eat an entire deer or a b-bear," Masaka stammered as he shrunk away from Anoki's stare. Anoki let out a sigh of relief. "I think I know what he has Anoki," Tallulah said vaguely as she stood back up. "Come with me you four. I want to test something." And with that, she stood and exited the tepee, Anoki reluctantly followed her. Kanta and Necalli helped Masaka to his feet and together the trio hobbled out to where Tallulah and Anoki stood.

"Let him stand on his own," she instructed to which the two siblings let Masaka go. They did stand close by, just in case he fell. He stood on wobbly legs but Masaka managed to stand without help. Tallulah wordlessly handed him a stone. "Crush it." Masaka sent her a confused look but did as he was told. He gripped the rock in his hand and to everyone's shock, the rock started to crack. Masaka gasped and dropped the rock as he fell onto his back. He held his hands up to his face in fear while his family could only look on in shock and horror.

The room was in shock. Russia was quick to regain his composure. "So that's where you got your strength from," Russia noted with one of his creepy smiles. America turned to glare at him. "As if you can talk. You got your strength from a deal with that general of yours," he snapped back.

Anoki let a few curses slip out and Tallulah rubbed her face. Masaka's hand trembled. "H-how?" He stuttered out. "It is a curse that I have only seen once," Tallulah began as her children listened. "A warrior was hit with a curse just like this one many moons ago. A witch cursed him for landing a hit on her. She was impressed, but did not want to let such an action slide so easily." Anoki raised an eyebrow, clearly impatient while his siblings were enthralled with her story. "He was cursed with impeccable strength, unmatched even by our own kind. However, there was a catch. He could never satisfy his hunger. He could eat an entire deer and still feel hunger pains. He eventually starved to death because he could never get enough food to satisfy his hunger."

Many nations put the two and two together and sent America guilty looks. America simply waved them off. What was done was done, and he did get some respite from the curse in the end.

"But I can't die from hunger like him! I'd just come back over and over," Masaka blubbered as he stared at his hands in horror.

The nations were horrified. Starving to death was such a painful and terrible fate for anyone. Many sent pitiful glances his way, to which America promptly ignored. He hated pity. Although he managed a weak smile when he felt Mexico squeeze his wrist in an attempt at comfort.

Tallulah grew quiet. "Is there at least a way to at least lessen the drawbacks?" Anoki asked, trying to sound brave. Tallulah pondered for another moment before she nodded her head. "Your older brother, Mayan has a younger brother who goes by Aztec. He is another one of our kind who has serious connections to the spirits, including old gods. Mayan would be able to find him," Tallulah stated, earning a disbelieving look from Anoki.

"But Mayan's cities collapsed thousands of moons ago because of the drought! It would take us an unprecedented amount of time that we don't have to search through that jungle. Not to mention that Aztec is nomadic," Anoki argued as he gazed worriedly toward Masaka. "Which is why you will go search for him alone," Tallulah dictated firmly. Anoki's jaw slightly dropped in disbelief. "I-" he cut himself off and nodded in acceptance. "Okay. Where do I meet you when I find him?" Anoki asked, shifting his feet a little. "You can meet us in Tikal-" "But it's abandoned," Anoki interrupted with a counter, only to shrink from the stern glare Tallulah sent him.

"And that makes it much better. Also, it was Mayan's biggest city which makes finding it easier," she countered. Anoki narrowed his eyes suspiciously as he nodded in agreement. "I suppose," he agreed before turning his attention to a cowed Masaka. He walked over to the fearful nation and ruffled his hair. "Don't worry! I'll find an antidote or at the very least something to help with your hunger. I can't wait to see what spirit animal you three will get," he added as he walked over to Kanta and whispered something inaudible into his ear. Kanta nodded and then Anoki turned to Necalli, who tearfully hugged his older brother.

Anoki fondly ruffled the younger's hair before turning his attention back to Tallulah. "Make haste. It will take you many moons to make it to the fallen city," she advised in a neutral tone as she handed Anoki a bag of essentials. The eldest sibling peeked into the bag before flinging it over his shoulder. "Masaka." Masaka cocked his head in response. "You have always been the one to think outside of the box. Make use of that little trickster," Anoki advised before he left the camp to travel on foot to a distant land in search of a cure to save his little brother.

(5890 Words, 7/26/20)