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heroescutiesTitle: Alfred Jones and the Curse of the Pharaoh (5/6) [FF.net link] [Previous Chapters]
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing: America/England
Word Count: 3,608
Summary: Amidst meetings and their other duties as nations, they had searched for it; the final resting place of the legendary Golden Heart of Osiris. Having figured out the possible location, America and England venture into the tomb of the Pharaoh's sons to try and unearth the artifact. But the question is, can they make it out safely without incurring the Pharaoh's wrath?
Notes: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sakuratsukikage as part of ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
usxuk's 2009 Secret Santa exchange. The prompt was, in short, America and England go on an adventure. Indiana Jones style. And no, this is not an AU. Countries can go on adventures too, you know. XD
"E-England?” America queried.
It had to be a joke. A trick of the light. Something, anything, but what it seemed.
But as England’s body started to spasm, his mouth opening in a silent scream, America knew that this wasn’t some sort of joke. He was just about to drop his gun when he watched the face he knew so well and dear, as England’s, before him twist into a sinister sneer. America felt his heart drop.
“Is that what he is called; this mortal shell that I, the ruler of the lands, have taken my rightful dominion over?” The possessor spoke, using England’s lips. He cackled, low and deep and menacing. “Although I am not familiar with it, a quick glance into this England’s mind has told me what you are directing at his heart is a weapon.”
The lantern America had set by his feet when they’d first entered flickered. In that moment, he moved, darting forward and twisting America’s wrist. The gun fired, and America eyes went wide in horror as he saw the bullet graze England’s arm. Behind him, his fedora fluttered to the ground.
“England!” America yelled out, trying to jerk his gun hand free. Blood started to flow down England’s arm, but the evil that held him hostage paid no heed.
Red eyes loomed in his face, cold and calculating. “England, as you know him, is no longer here.”
It was England’s body pressed against him, but not England. His face so close to America’s, but it was not his warm green eyes or perpetual little frown. And America realized with a sharp gasp that he had absolutely no idea what to do to save England, or even if it was already too late. He was a hero! He should be able to do this.
Swallowing hard, he met the scarlet gaze. “Let him go.”
“You cannot harm me,” the deeper timbre of voice said with an air of amusement, England's distinct accent now gone. “I have now seen what you and he are. Immortal. I could not have wished for a better body to be my host. But I cannot understand what this business of countries has to do with it. You will explain it to me, boy.”
As much as it hurt him to do so, America shoved England’s body in the chest. He started to lift the gun again, hoping that this…whatever’s lack of knowledge on the gun would give him an edge. It was the only hope he had.
“No! I’m not helping you-”
America gasped as his wrist was twisted painfully. At first, he thought that this evil force, was trying to disarm him. But once America stopped fighting his hold, he let his hand go, gun and all. “I would be more concerned with this unknown weaponry, but if you feel even half as strongly as this England does for you, I know that you will not harm his body. How lucky of me to find a body so useful.”
Rage flickered into blue eyes at that. And America rushed forward, slamming his hand on the side of England’s head. It pleased him to see the slight jolt of uncertainty in those unbefitting red eyes. He might be terrified. Dealing with ghosts or mummies or whatever this was. Terrified that England was in grave danger of never coming back. But America was not about to let some two-bit excuse for evil use his feelings for England against them.
Narrowing his eyes, America spat out his words, “I don’t care who the fuck you are. You can be a god, or a Pharaoh, or some ancient evil risen from beyond the grave. And I honestly couldn’t give a damn what you want right now. Because listen here, Mister! If you don’t get your slimy, disgusting, high-and-mighty ass out of my England’s body this very moment, then you’d better believe I will find a way to make you without harming a single hair on England’s head. Hero’s promise!”
Red eyes narrowed, and England’s distinct eyebrows furrowed. Then with an unnerving smirk, he licked his lips - England’s lips – and leaned in towards America’s body.
America went tense at how wrong it all was; the way he trailed a hand up America’s side, before reaching out and cupping his face. But the eyes that looked into his were not loving like they usually were. Now they were dark and cruel and…just not his England’s.
The touch was rough against his cheek and he smacked the hand away. “Don’t you fucking dare,” America swore. “Let him go, now.”
England’s expression turned sly at that, as he slithered out of where America had pinned him by the door; striding with purpose over to the sarcophagus before turning back with a snap towards America.
“All right then, boy. We shall make a deal of it. I can grant your little wish, to let this sad soul free, but it comes at a pretty price. Are you willing to pay it?”
“You’re a…” America clenched his fist, his other hand tightening around his gun. How had he not realized it before? This thing that had England was no dead Pharaoh or ghost. He was a… “You’re a jinn, aren’t you? An evil spirit that came from…” His eyes darted to the duck that he’d seen on entering the tomb. “That duck. You probably killed the first human you lead into this tomb. What, was his body no use to you?”
The cock of a smile answered him ‘yes.’ With a shrug, the jinn replied, “That body ran right into a trap as I was trying to leave this place. Poor ignorant tomb robber got caught in that chamber of pillars.” He laughed maliciously. “Left him a skeleton and went back to my first host in that small animal.”
America took a deep breath. He knew what he was dealing with now, but that didn’t make things any easier. Jinn were bad, truly evil beings, and if America wasn’t careful the jinn might just have the dark magic needed to kill England, despite him being a nation.
Determination set on his face, America yelled back, “I’ve heard the legends, so you can’t trick me!”
The jinn pressed a firm hand to the gunshot graze on England’s arm, and America could see the body spasm in pain despite the cold and unfazed expression the jinn was giving him. “I wouldn’t try anything rash, boy. I will give you an offer. But you must take one of my choices or I will torture and kill this England you so love.”
He gulped at that. He knew it would come to this. A choice. And England’s safety was riding on it. Without any better recourse, America replied, “Only if I can offer a final choice in return if I don’t like yours. Trust me, I know how you jinn work and my offer would be something I know you would approve of.”
At that the jinn released England’s arm and held out a hand. “A deal then, America.”
Shuddering as the wrong voice said a name it shouldn’t know, America choked back a sob that had risen to his throat. It was breaking him to see England like this, completely at the whim of another. No matter the consequences, he had to shake the jinn’s hand.
“Deal,” he said, steeling his gaze. He gave the proffered hand a quick shake before stepping back a few steps. “What’s your offer?”
The way the jinn smiled, so twisted and nasty, should have prepared America for what came next.
“I have three offers for you, boy.” At that a flame rose up to encompass England’s whole body. America could see him writhing in pain, but he knew he could not move. If the jinn thought he was acting against the deal, England would be killed. America clenched his eyes closed as the jinn spoke.
“Your first offer is that I leave him through the mouth. Scalding him from the inside and leaving him never to speak again.”
“No,” America shot back, trying to hide the tremor in his voice. “Next one?”
As those words left his mouth, England started to scream. England’s real voice, screaming in absolute pain. America’s eyes shot open in terror and he felt his heart constrict. It took all his strength not to rush to England’s side.
“Your second offer,” the jinn’s voice spoke from everywhere and nowhere all at once; the dark voice echoing off the chamber’s stone walls. “Is that I leave him through his eyes, haunting him with nothing but visions of agony, and leaving him blind- never to see again.”
“No,” America said, England’s continued screams wrenching at his heart more and more by the moment. He felt wetness starting to prickle at his eyes and America swallowed hard. “No, I reject that offer.”
The jinn cackled. England’s screams ceasing as his body collapsed- like a puppet with its strings cut. Once on the ground, England started to sob. Loud, clearly in pain, and utterly heartbreaking to hear; America felt a tear trickle down the side of his face as he started to shake in rage and horror. He could do nothing right now without fear of recrimination on England.
“Your third offer,” the jinn’s voice boomed over the noise. “Is that I leave him through his ears, leaving him never to hear again. If he is lucky, I will not accidentally erase all his memories when I do so.”
“No,” America said firmly, ignoring the tears that trickled down his cheeks. “It’s my turn now.”
England fell suddenly silent, too silent, as his body stood tensely. America knew the jinn had to accept his offer, or England would be...
Taking a deep breath, America met the jinn’s red eyes and said. “My offer. You leave England, without harming him in any way, shape or form. He is to be exactly as he was before you took over his body. And you cannot harm him in any way once you've freed him. No tricks. In return…” He felt his hand trembling and he closed his eyes, rushing out the final part he sorely hoped would save England.
“In return, take me in his place. Do with me what you will, just…please, let him go.” So raw and desperate, America’s voice hitched on the last syllable.
The room fell silent, completely, and America finally opened his eyes to see the jinn’s expression. That’s when the jinn spoke, “Hmm. According to this England’s mind, you do seem to wield more power in the world. A deal is struck then, I accept your offer.”
Once again, the jinn held out England’s hand to shake on it. Trembling, America clasped it, knowing that this would be the last time he would ever consciously see England or touch him again.
“I’m sorry, England…” America murmured as the dark haze started to engulf his mind. Vaguely, he registered the sensation as if flames were licking at his feet and his eyes drifted closed. As long as England is safe. That’s all that…
Distantly he felt someone pry the gun from his hand, the echo of a gunshot sounding off the walls. America started to fall then, tumbling down to the ground. Then hands, familiar, warm hands, were reaching out to catch him. He could hear a voice, a voice he knew and cherished, calling out.
“America! Please, open your eyes! America! Please!” England was pleading, fear raw in his tone.
This sob was real. And close, so close, to America’s ear. He felt the embrace, the hands lowering him down to the floor, so he was kneeling. The kisses that were pressed to his wet cheeks as England knelt too.
With a shuddering breath, the darkness receded, and America opened his eyes. Looking back at him were two brilliantly green eyes edged with tears.
“E-England?” He asked feebly, reaching up to straighten his glasses.
“Oh thank the heavens,” England breathed out. He kissed America soundly at that, clutching to him with such desperation and relief. America felt his heart swell with joy. England was okay. His England was okay and alive and not hurt at all save that…
America jerked back from the kiss, his shaking hands reaching out to cup England’s cheeks. “Oh god, I shot you. England, I am so sorry. I…”
England kissed him again at that. “Hush now. I know that wasn’t your fault. He…He made me grab it in just the right way that it would injure me. He even told you that much, that he was trying to use us against one another.”
Blue eyes went wide. “You heard everything?”
Nodding feebly, England shifted on his knees to lean in closer, holding America against him. “Of course. The bastard was trying to torture me and what better way? Oh God, America…”
He pulled back at arm’s length then, his hands resting firmly on America’s shoulders. His lips formed into that little frown that America cherished so much more now.
“How dare you try and take my place? Did you think that would make me happy?”
“England, no- I…I just…”
“Couldn’t bear to see me hurt? Trust me, I know. But did you ever think that…that I would…” England sniffled, meeting America’s eyes with his own, his green eyes welling with tears. “I cannot bear it either, you know. Seeing you harmed. I would sacrifice anything to spare you.”
America felt a smile tug at his lips, before he leaned forward to hug England. He whispered into his hair. “I love you to a degree that is truly stupid, what can I say?”
“I suppose doing crazy things in the name of love can be excused,” England replied with a slight smile of his own. “This time, that is. Let’s not make a habit of it being so dangerous.”
“How did you…” He glanced to the waylaid gun on the floor and then over his shoulder.
“I shot the duck, destroying the host body, while the jinn was out of my body and on its way to yours. I just…” He hesitated, “I just barely made it in time.”
America pressed a thankful kiss to England’s lips at that, cradling his face in his hands. “You are…well, okay, you’re pretty awesome sometimes, England.”
At that England flushed high in his cheeks, his eyebrows quirking upward. “Y-You really…”
“Y-Yeah, just don’t… make me repeat it,” America retorted with a blush.
-----------------------------------
America had insisted that he tend England's injury right away. The fact that it was a mere graze and that their prize lay only feet away didn't matter at all to him at that moment.
England humored his fuss, his arm loosely draped over America's shoulder as he worked away; watching him fondly as he diligently tended the small cut.
America cleaned the wound, wrapped it in gauze, and even pecked a kiss to his finished handiwork to help it along. Once he was satisfied, he beamed up at England.
"All better, I hope."
England let his arm trail off America's shoulder and he shifted it experimentally. "Good as new, I'm certain of it."
Timidly, America lowered his gaze, his voice a quiet mumble. "Are you sure he didn't really hurt you? It's just..."
A firm hand pressed against America's chest, right over his heart. "I'm all right now, I promise you." America started at that, about to protest, but England cut him off. "Now don't you worry. Mind you, I didn't have a wire about slice through my neck earlier. We've both had our fair share of scrapes. What matters now is that..."
"We're both okay," America finished, a smile starting to tug at his lips.
"Quite." England returned the smile. "Now, if you're done playing doctor, shall we get to why we're in this bloody tomb in the first place?"
America got to his feet and pulled England up after him. "Sounds good to me. Ah, wait!” He rushed over then to his fallen fedora, picked it up, and rushed back to plop it onto England’s head.
“What are you…”
He beamed. “I think you’ve earned it.”
England huffed and crossed his arms, turning away in an attempt to hide his blush. “Fine, but only because you’ve been all…well…”
“Heroic?” America supplied, blue eyes twinkling with hope.
With a sigh, and a tiny hint of a smile, England relented. “Yes, well…I suppose what with the facing off with a jinn and getting your neck sliced and all that would indeed classify as stupidly heroic.”
America wrapped an arm around England’s shoulders and pulled him against his side. “And who shot the evil duck and got me all bandaged up?”
England looked up at America, a contented smile easing onto his lips. “We’re quite the team, aren’t we?”
“America and England- masters of stupid heroics. Not sure I like the ring to that, but it suits us all the same!”
They basked in each other’s smiles for a moment, letting their arms linger around one another as they fell into a comfortable silence. England leaned his head over against America’s side, the fedora tilting up at an angle as he rested it there and gazed about at the room’s decorum.
“I didn’t have a chance to look around before that whole…jinn business. This chamber is really quite beautiful, isn’t it?”
The lantern lit the room well, all its beautiful colored paintings, carvings and adornments a wondrous sight. The two countries stood there for a moment just taking it all in. Everything from engravings on the edge of the titles on the floor, to the gorgeous carvings on the walls, to the vaulted ceiling painted with a star design, were embellished to quite an extent.
The sarcophagus before them was a large stone rectangle. Inscribed on it was the son’s name, Amun-her-Khepeshef, images of and prayers to the goddess Nut, and to the gods Thoth, Anubis and the four sons of Horus.
Any tomb robber would start stripping the place bare, but America and England were not going to take more than one small thing out of this tomb. Without a word, they caught each other’s glance and both turned towards the sarcophagus, placing their hands upon its lid.
With a heave, they shifted it slightly. Not enough to topple it off, but enough that they could peer inside. America jolted at the first sight of the mummy encased in the linen wrappings, but England reached over and clasped his hand.
“Come now, no more rubbish about curses and living mummies. I’ll give you the tomb traps and the jinn, being as I was at the receiving end of more than one of those, but there’s nothing to fear here.”
He squeezed America’s hand at that, and America squeezed England’s hand in return.
Together, they reached into the coffin. Lying right on Amun-her-Khepeshef’s chest was a golden heart. To anyone less informed, it would seem nothing more than the standard heart amulets that were often found with the deceased to help aid them when their heart would be weighted in the afterlife. But America and England knew what this heart really was. The Golden Heart of Osiris. The fourteenth piece.
They clasped it simultaneously, both of them grinning at each other as they lifted it out of Amun-her-Khepeshef’s crossed arms.
“We did it,” America said in awe. Handing off the heart fully to England, America lifted him up in his arms and spun around with him. “We did it England!”
England wrapped his arms tight around America’s neck, the Heart of Osiris clutched triumphantly in his hand. “Yes we bloody did!” He cheered back.
The two nuzzled their noses together, before America let England down again. Pecking a light kiss to his lips, America rushed over to their belongings and pulled out a small wooden box they’d brought with them to help transport their prize home in.
England joined him, holding out the golden heart with both hands. With an air of excitement, they packed the heart away carefully, closed back up the sarcophagus and gathered up their things.
England kept shifting the fedora on his head, but he couldn’t keep the satisfied expression off his face. America was just beaming, radiating pure joy and accomplishment. Hand in hand, they cast one last glance over their shoulders into the burial chamber.
“Hope you’re living it up in the afterlife, Amun-her-Khepeshef,” America remarked.
England chuckled. “Oh yes. Goodnight, sweet prince.”
They closed up the hidden door behind them, leaving the statue of Osiris to guard the chamber once more. As they made it about mid-way down the corridor, they broke into a run. Their joined hands swinging back and forth between them as they rushed happily down the hallway.
Even the pillared hall was no match for them now, America bowing with a flourish and holding out his hand to England. The two once again dancing their way across the booby trapped titles to safety on the other side.
Exiting that chamber laughing and smiling and so glad they had done it- all the trials and tribulations to get there aside- they didn’t hear the other set of footsteps approaching.
It wasn’t until it was too late that either of them noticed that they were no longer alone.
As they rounded the corner to the hallway leading back to the entrance, they ran directly into someone.
England lost his hold of America and stumbled back. America too, was about to tumble backwards, when a bandaged hand reached out to steady him.
The Brit swore. Bloody hell. So much for getting out of here scot-free.
------------------------------
[To Chapter 6...]
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Notes:
[1] Jinn are evil beings of flame or air who are capable of assuming human or animal form. Jinn delight in punishing humans for any harm done them, intentionally or unintentionally, and are said to be responsible for many diseases and all kinds of accidents.
[2] "If you follow a duck inside a tomb- the duck will try and lead you there- a spirit will jump out of the duck... and take control of you." pg. 184 from The Lost Tomb by Kent R. Weeks. Which someone online has quoted here if you want to see the full passage.
[3] Egyptian gods/goddesses: Nut, Anubis and the Four sons of Horus.
[4] Heart amulets were used on the mummy to protect the owner's organ and to ensure that his heart gave a positive response at judgment in the afterlife.
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing: America/England
Word Count: 3,608
Summary: Amidst meetings and their other duties as nations, they had searched for it; the final resting place of the legendary Golden Heart of Osiris. Having figured out the possible location, America and England venture into the tomb of the Pharaoh's sons to try and unearth the artifact. But the question is, can they make it out safely without incurring the Pharaoh's wrath?
Notes: Written for
sakuratsukikage as part of usxuk's 2009 Secret Santa exchange. The prompt was, in short, America and England go on an adventure. Indiana Jones style. And no, this is not an AU. Countries can go on adventures too, you know. XD"E-England?” America queried.
It had to be a joke. A trick of the light. Something, anything, but what it seemed.
But as England’s body started to spasm, his mouth opening in a silent scream, America knew that this wasn’t some sort of joke. He was just about to drop his gun when he watched the face he knew so well and dear, as England’s, before him twist into a sinister sneer. America felt his heart drop.
“Is that what he is called; this mortal shell that I, the ruler of the lands, have taken my rightful dominion over?” The possessor spoke, using England’s lips. He cackled, low and deep and menacing. “Although I am not familiar with it, a quick glance into this England’s mind has told me what you are directing at his heart is a weapon.”
The lantern America had set by his feet when they’d first entered flickered. In that moment, he moved, darting forward and twisting America’s wrist. The gun fired, and America eyes went wide in horror as he saw the bullet graze England’s arm. Behind him, his fedora fluttered to the ground.
“England!” America yelled out, trying to jerk his gun hand free. Blood started to flow down England’s arm, but the evil that held him hostage paid no heed.
Red eyes loomed in his face, cold and calculating. “England, as you know him, is no longer here.”
It was England’s body pressed against him, but not England. His face so close to America’s, but it was not his warm green eyes or perpetual little frown. And America realized with a sharp gasp that he had absolutely no idea what to do to save England, or even if it was already too late. He was a hero! He should be able to do this.
Swallowing hard, he met the scarlet gaze. “Let him go.”
“You cannot harm me,” the deeper timbre of voice said with an air of amusement, England's distinct accent now gone. “I have now seen what you and he are. Immortal. I could not have wished for a better body to be my host. But I cannot understand what this business of countries has to do with it. You will explain it to me, boy.”
As much as it hurt him to do so, America shoved England’s body in the chest. He started to lift the gun again, hoping that this…whatever’s lack of knowledge on the gun would give him an edge. It was the only hope he had.
“No! I’m not helping you-”
America gasped as his wrist was twisted painfully. At first, he thought that this evil force, was trying to disarm him. But once America stopped fighting his hold, he let his hand go, gun and all. “I would be more concerned with this unknown weaponry, but if you feel even half as strongly as this England does for you, I know that you will not harm his body. How lucky of me to find a body so useful.”
Rage flickered into blue eyes at that. And America rushed forward, slamming his hand on the side of England’s head. It pleased him to see the slight jolt of uncertainty in those unbefitting red eyes. He might be terrified. Dealing with ghosts or mummies or whatever this was. Terrified that England was in grave danger of never coming back. But America was not about to let some two-bit excuse for evil use his feelings for England against them.
Narrowing his eyes, America spat out his words, “I don’t care who the fuck you are. You can be a god, or a Pharaoh, or some ancient evil risen from beyond the grave. And I honestly couldn’t give a damn what you want right now. Because listen here, Mister! If you don’t get your slimy, disgusting, high-and-mighty ass out of my England’s body this very moment, then you’d better believe I will find a way to make you without harming a single hair on England’s head. Hero’s promise!”
Red eyes narrowed, and England’s distinct eyebrows furrowed. Then with an unnerving smirk, he licked his lips - England’s lips – and leaned in towards America’s body.
America went tense at how wrong it all was; the way he trailed a hand up America’s side, before reaching out and cupping his face. But the eyes that looked into his were not loving like they usually were. Now they were dark and cruel and…just not his England’s.
The touch was rough against his cheek and he smacked the hand away. “Don’t you fucking dare,” America swore. “Let him go, now.”
England’s expression turned sly at that, as he slithered out of where America had pinned him by the door; striding with purpose over to the sarcophagus before turning back with a snap towards America.
“All right then, boy. We shall make a deal of it. I can grant your little wish, to let this sad soul free, but it comes at a pretty price. Are you willing to pay it?”
“You’re a…” America clenched his fist, his other hand tightening around his gun. How had he not realized it before? This thing that had England was no dead Pharaoh or ghost. He was a… “You’re a jinn, aren’t you? An evil spirit that came from…” His eyes darted to the duck that he’d seen on entering the tomb. “That duck. You probably killed the first human you lead into this tomb. What, was his body no use to you?”
The cock of a smile answered him ‘yes.’ With a shrug, the jinn replied, “That body ran right into a trap as I was trying to leave this place. Poor ignorant tomb robber got caught in that chamber of pillars.” He laughed maliciously. “Left him a skeleton and went back to my first host in that small animal.”
America took a deep breath. He knew what he was dealing with now, but that didn’t make things any easier. Jinn were bad, truly evil beings, and if America wasn’t careful the jinn might just have the dark magic needed to kill England, despite him being a nation.
Determination set on his face, America yelled back, “I’ve heard the legends, so you can’t trick me!”
The jinn pressed a firm hand to the gunshot graze on England’s arm, and America could see the body spasm in pain despite the cold and unfazed expression the jinn was giving him. “I wouldn’t try anything rash, boy. I will give you an offer. But you must take one of my choices or I will torture and kill this England you so love.”
He gulped at that. He knew it would come to this. A choice. And England’s safety was riding on it. Without any better recourse, America replied, “Only if I can offer a final choice in return if I don’t like yours. Trust me, I know how you jinn work and my offer would be something I know you would approve of.”
At that the jinn released England’s arm and held out a hand. “A deal then, America.”
Shuddering as the wrong voice said a name it shouldn’t know, America choked back a sob that had risen to his throat. It was breaking him to see England like this, completely at the whim of another. No matter the consequences, he had to shake the jinn’s hand.
“Deal,” he said, steeling his gaze. He gave the proffered hand a quick shake before stepping back a few steps. “What’s your offer?”
The way the jinn smiled, so twisted and nasty, should have prepared America for what came next.
“I have three offers for you, boy.” At that a flame rose up to encompass England’s whole body. America could see him writhing in pain, but he knew he could not move. If the jinn thought he was acting against the deal, England would be killed. America clenched his eyes closed as the jinn spoke.
“Your first offer is that I leave him through the mouth. Scalding him from the inside and leaving him never to speak again.”
“No,” America shot back, trying to hide the tremor in his voice. “Next one?”
As those words left his mouth, England started to scream. England’s real voice, screaming in absolute pain. America’s eyes shot open in terror and he felt his heart constrict. It took all his strength not to rush to England’s side.
“Your second offer,” the jinn’s voice spoke from everywhere and nowhere all at once; the dark voice echoing off the chamber’s stone walls. “Is that I leave him through his eyes, haunting him with nothing but visions of agony, and leaving him blind- never to see again.”
“No,” America said, England’s continued screams wrenching at his heart more and more by the moment. He felt wetness starting to prickle at his eyes and America swallowed hard. “No, I reject that offer.”
The jinn cackled. England’s screams ceasing as his body collapsed- like a puppet with its strings cut. Once on the ground, England started to sob. Loud, clearly in pain, and utterly heartbreaking to hear; America felt a tear trickle down the side of his face as he started to shake in rage and horror. He could do nothing right now without fear of recrimination on England.
“Your third offer,” the jinn’s voice boomed over the noise. “Is that I leave him through his ears, leaving him never to hear again. If he is lucky, I will not accidentally erase all his memories when I do so.”
“No,” America said firmly, ignoring the tears that trickled down his cheeks. “It’s my turn now.”
England fell suddenly silent, too silent, as his body stood tensely. America knew the jinn had to accept his offer, or England would be...
Taking a deep breath, America met the jinn’s red eyes and said. “My offer. You leave England, without harming him in any way, shape or form. He is to be exactly as he was before you took over his body. And you cannot harm him in any way once you've freed him. No tricks. In return…” He felt his hand trembling and he closed his eyes, rushing out the final part he sorely hoped would save England.
“In return, take me in his place. Do with me what you will, just…please, let him go.” So raw and desperate, America’s voice hitched on the last syllable.
The room fell silent, completely, and America finally opened his eyes to see the jinn’s expression. That’s when the jinn spoke, “Hmm. According to this England’s mind, you do seem to wield more power in the world. A deal is struck then, I accept your offer.”
Once again, the jinn held out England’s hand to shake on it. Trembling, America clasped it, knowing that this would be the last time he would ever consciously see England or touch him again.
“I’m sorry, England…” America murmured as the dark haze started to engulf his mind. Vaguely, he registered the sensation as if flames were licking at his feet and his eyes drifted closed. As long as England is safe. That’s all that…
Distantly he felt someone pry the gun from his hand, the echo of a gunshot sounding off the walls. America started to fall then, tumbling down to the ground. Then hands, familiar, warm hands, were reaching out to catch him. He could hear a voice, a voice he knew and cherished, calling out.
“America! Please, open your eyes! America! Please!” England was pleading, fear raw in his tone.
This sob was real. And close, so close, to America’s ear. He felt the embrace, the hands lowering him down to the floor, so he was kneeling. The kisses that were pressed to his wet cheeks as England knelt too.
With a shuddering breath, the darkness receded, and America opened his eyes. Looking back at him were two brilliantly green eyes edged with tears.
“E-England?” He asked feebly, reaching up to straighten his glasses.
“Oh thank the heavens,” England breathed out. He kissed America soundly at that, clutching to him with such desperation and relief. America felt his heart swell with joy. England was okay. His England was okay and alive and not hurt at all save that…
America jerked back from the kiss, his shaking hands reaching out to cup England’s cheeks. “Oh god, I shot you. England, I am so sorry. I…”
England kissed him again at that. “Hush now. I know that wasn’t your fault. He…He made me grab it in just the right way that it would injure me. He even told you that much, that he was trying to use us against one another.”
Blue eyes went wide. “You heard everything?”
Nodding feebly, England shifted on his knees to lean in closer, holding America against him. “Of course. The bastard was trying to torture me and what better way? Oh God, America…”
He pulled back at arm’s length then, his hands resting firmly on America’s shoulders. His lips formed into that little frown that America cherished so much more now.
“How dare you try and take my place? Did you think that would make me happy?”
“England, no- I…I just…”
“Couldn’t bear to see me hurt? Trust me, I know. But did you ever think that…that I would…” England sniffled, meeting America’s eyes with his own, his green eyes welling with tears. “I cannot bear it either, you know. Seeing you harmed. I would sacrifice anything to spare you.”
America felt a smile tug at his lips, before he leaned forward to hug England. He whispered into his hair. “I love you to a degree that is truly stupid, what can I say?”
“I suppose doing crazy things in the name of love can be excused,” England replied with a slight smile of his own. “This time, that is. Let’s not make a habit of it being so dangerous.”
“How did you…” He glanced to the waylaid gun on the floor and then over his shoulder.
“I shot the duck, destroying the host body, while the jinn was out of my body and on its way to yours. I just…” He hesitated, “I just barely made it in time.”
America pressed a thankful kiss to England’s lips at that, cradling his face in his hands. “You are…well, okay, you’re pretty awesome sometimes, England.”
At that England flushed high in his cheeks, his eyebrows quirking upward. “Y-You really…”
“Y-Yeah, just don’t… make me repeat it,” America retorted with a blush.
-----------------------------------
America had insisted that he tend England's injury right away. The fact that it was a mere graze and that their prize lay only feet away didn't matter at all to him at that moment.
England humored his fuss, his arm loosely draped over America's shoulder as he worked away; watching him fondly as he diligently tended the small cut.
America cleaned the wound, wrapped it in gauze, and even pecked a kiss to his finished handiwork to help it along. Once he was satisfied, he beamed up at England.
"All better, I hope."
England let his arm trail off America's shoulder and he shifted it experimentally. "Good as new, I'm certain of it."
Timidly, America lowered his gaze, his voice a quiet mumble. "Are you sure he didn't really hurt you? It's just..."
A firm hand pressed against America's chest, right over his heart. "I'm all right now, I promise you." America started at that, about to protest, but England cut him off. "Now don't you worry. Mind you, I didn't have a wire about slice through my neck earlier. We've both had our fair share of scrapes. What matters now is that..."
"We're both okay," America finished, a smile starting to tug at his lips.
"Quite." England returned the smile. "Now, if you're done playing doctor, shall we get to why we're in this bloody tomb in the first place?"
America got to his feet and pulled England up after him. "Sounds good to me. Ah, wait!” He rushed over then to his fallen fedora, picked it up, and rushed back to plop it onto England’s head.
“What are you…”
He beamed. “I think you’ve earned it.”
England huffed and crossed his arms, turning away in an attempt to hide his blush. “Fine, but only because you’ve been all…well…”
“Heroic?” America supplied, blue eyes twinkling with hope.
With a sigh, and a tiny hint of a smile, England relented. “Yes, well…I suppose what with the facing off with a jinn and getting your neck sliced and all that would indeed classify as stupidly heroic.”
America wrapped an arm around England’s shoulders and pulled him against his side. “And who shot the evil duck and got me all bandaged up?”
England looked up at America, a contented smile easing onto his lips. “We’re quite the team, aren’t we?”
“America and England- masters of stupid heroics. Not sure I like the ring to that, but it suits us all the same!”
They basked in each other’s smiles for a moment, letting their arms linger around one another as they fell into a comfortable silence. England leaned his head over against America’s side, the fedora tilting up at an angle as he rested it there and gazed about at the room’s decorum.
“I didn’t have a chance to look around before that whole…jinn business. This chamber is really quite beautiful, isn’t it?”
The lantern lit the room well, all its beautiful colored paintings, carvings and adornments a wondrous sight. The two countries stood there for a moment just taking it all in. Everything from engravings on the edge of the titles on the floor, to the gorgeous carvings on the walls, to the vaulted ceiling painted with a star design, were embellished to quite an extent.
The sarcophagus before them was a large stone rectangle. Inscribed on it was the son’s name, Amun-her-Khepeshef, images of and prayers to the goddess Nut, and to the gods Thoth, Anubis and the four sons of Horus.
Any tomb robber would start stripping the place bare, but America and England were not going to take more than one small thing out of this tomb. Without a word, they caught each other’s glance and both turned towards the sarcophagus, placing their hands upon its lid.
With a heave, they shifted it slightly. Not enough to topple it off, but enough that they could peer inside. America jolted at the first sight of the mummy encased in the linen wrappings, but England reached over and clasped his hand.
“Come now, no more rubbish about curses and living mummies. I’ll give you the tomb traps and the jinn, being as I was at the receiving end of more than one of those, but there’s nothing to fear here.”
He squeezed America’s hand at that, and America squeezed England’s hand in return.
Together, they reached into the coffin. Lying right on Amun-her-Khepeshef’s chest was a golden heart. To anyone less informed, it would seem nothing more than the standard heart amulets that were often found with the deceased to help aid them when their heart would be weighted in the afterlife. But America and England knew what this heart really was. The Golden Heart of Osiris. The fourteenth piece.
They clasped it simultaneously, both of them grinning at each other as they lifted it out of Amun-her-Khepeshef’s crossed arms.
“We did it,” America said in awe. Handing off the heart fully to England, America lifted him up in his arms and spun around with him. “We did it England!”
England wrapped his arms tight around America’s neck, the Heart of Osiris clutched triumphantly in his hand. “Yes we bloody did!” He cheered back.
The two nuzzled their noses together, before America let England down again. Pecking a light kiss to his lips, America rushed over to their belongings and pulled out a small wooden box they’d brought with them to help transport their prize home in.
England joined him, holding out the golden heart with both hands. With an air of excitement, they packed the heart away carefully, closed back up the sarcophagus and gathered up their things.
England kept shifting the fedora on his head, but he couldn’t keep the satisfied expression off his face. America was just beaming, radiating pure joy and accomplishment. Hand in hand, they cast one last glance over their shoulders into the burial chamber.
“Hope you’re living it up in the afterlife, Amun-her-Khepeshef,” America remarked.
England chuckled. “Oh yes. Goodnight, sweet prince.”
They closed up the hidden door behind them, leaving the statue of Osiris to guard the chamber once more. As they made it about mid-way down the corridor, they broke into a run. Their joined hands swinging back and forth between them as they rushed happily down the hallway.
Even the pillared hall was no match for them now, America bowing with a flourish and holding out his hand to England. The two once again dancing their way across the booby trapped titles to safety on the other side.
Exiting that chamber laughing and smiling and so glad they had done it- all the trials and tribulations to get there aside- they didn’t hear the other set of footsteps approaching.
It wasn’t until it was too late that either of them noticed that they were no longer alone.
As they rounded the corner to the hallway leading back to the entrance, they ran directly into someone.
England lost his hold of America and stumbled back. America too, was about to tumble backwards, when a bandaged hand reached out to steady him.
The Brit swore. Bloody hell. So much for getting out of here scot-free.
------------------------------
[To Chapter 6...]
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Notes:
[1] Jinn are evil beings of flame or air who are capable of assuming human or animal form. Jinn delight in punishing humans for any harm done them, intentionally or unintentionally, and are said to be responsible for many diseases and all kinds of accidents.
[2] "If you follow a duck inside a tomb- the duck will try and lead you there- a spirit will jump out of the duck... and take control of you." pg. 184 from The Lost Tomb by Kent R. Weeks. Which someone online has quoted here if you want to see the full passage.
[3] Egyptian gods/goddesses: Nut, Anubis and the Four sons of Horus.
[4] Heart amulets were used on the mummy to protect the owner's organ and to ensure that his heart gave a positive response at judgment in the afterlife.
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Date: 2009-12-24 02:15 pm (UTC)This...THIS was just so intense and jksjdkjfk/incoherent. My heart was beating so fast while I read the part with the jinn and America. But the next part was just so sweet especially America placed the fedora hat on England's head. <3
LOL I have a feeling the last part will be much more intense than this so looking forward to the next part. <3
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-24 05:22 pm (UTC)But the jinn! What an amazing idea! Oh gosh I was so nervous while reading that scene. On the edge of my seat really. <3 J-Just everything!!
I'm so excited for the next part! Can't wait!
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-24 08:31 pm (UTC)But seriously, you're an amazing writer. Fucking amazing, as America would say. And I guess there's no need to say I'm eager to see the final chapter. ♥
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:34 am (UTC)♥ ♥ ♥
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Date: 2009-12-26 10:52 pm (UTC)And wow, the scene where America was barginning with the jinn was intense. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. I love America and England's interaction! Eagerly looking forward to the final installment!
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-26 11:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-01-06 07:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-01-06 07:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-27 05:01 am (UTC)This was so intense! I loved it. XD Waaaah I'm so excited for the next part!
And England with the fedora- that DEMANDS fanart. XD Another job well done! :)
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-27 07:53 am (UTC)This was really an incredible chapter. Possession is one of the few things I can think of that would be even more terrifying for a nation than it would be for a normal human, due to their nature of personifications, and how long they live, and how little can destroy them for good, and all sorts of things. And you had me absolutely terrified here, honestly. For both of them. And aaaaah, America. For all that this was heartrending and terrifying, it was also a really deep showing of their love, and I loved that, too. And how you resolved it--oh, America. ♥ So heroic, and so him. And England, being a badass, as usual, saves him in the end. Seriously, I loved this. It was absolutely the perfect penultimate section, and I love the two of them so much here, and throughout this fic.
AND OF COURSE I really really want to know what happens next. <333333
Thank you so much for this fic. I really can't tell you how much I've enjoyed it. I didn't realize how /much/ I'd been wanting amazing, dramatically lighthearted coupley adventure fic with these two until you started it, and I love it. This was an amazing gift, and thank you so much for it. Seriously, thank you. <33333333333
no subject
Date: 2010-01-06 07:43 am (UTC)And yes! That's part of why I went the jinn-angle, it is something that can actually hurt a nation.
Thank you so much for the lovely long reviews! Just...thank you SO MUCH. They mean so much to me coming from you. <333333333333
no subject
Date: 2009-12-27 02:17 pm (UTC)the jinn part had swept me with nervousness yet excitement all over. And Iggy with fedora hat fails me to not went squirming when I imagined it XD
Cannot wait for the next part &hearts&hearts
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:38 am (UTC)The finale is up now :)
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Date: 2009-12-28 02:04 am (UTC)I am so totally looking forward to the next chapter!
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Date: 2009-12-28 11:09 am (UTC)This chapter again, was so IC, well written, and you did such a great job with the research and everything that went into it. It was so awesome. GAH And another cliffhanger! I can't wait to see the rest of this fic! Amazing job! ♥
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Date: 2009-12-28 09:21 pm (UTC)Sometimes I can't even believe that you come up with so many clever and creative ideas to keep the story interesting.
Even though there are many action scenes, the romance is not cut short. You picture their relationship as something really deep without having someone (esp. England) being too submissive.
So, the next one will be the last chapter <3 Gotta miss them both.
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:39 am (UTC)Yep, last chapter is up now. ^^
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Date: 2009-12-28 10:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-01-06 07:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-29 02:21 am (UTC)Oh, the cliffhanger! I want to know what happens next, I really do! Although I will be a little sad when it ends.
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Date: 2010-01-06 07:41 am (UTC)And the finale is up now ^^
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Date: 2009-12-29 12:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-30 09:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-13 04:06 pm (UTC)I've never hear of jinns before, but they seem like total SOBs D:. Those offers suck, and I really feel like crying myself as America's silently crying like that! That is so heartbreaking and aaaah ;_; you've written the scene, America's emtions and all so well I don't know what to say or do! This's horrible, and America oi, your own offer is not good one at all!! *rolls around panicked*
AAAAAH GO ENGLAND GOOOO!! YEEESS !! Haaaa I'm so relieved <3 ! Not that I thought you'd let that evil bastard take over America, but still, it was so exciting and the whole scene was so heartbreaking I'm crying here and jfsldkf ;;u;; t-thank god they're both okay! I love how England catches America when he threatens to fall and then kisses him and how they hold each other so close after that. Aaaaaah I love youuu~ ♥!!
“America and England- masters of stupid heroics. Not sure I like the ring to that, but it suits us all the same!”
That's adorable, and it describes them pretty well ♥ oh, you guys are so adorably dorky and akfdsjl. The scene near the end where America lifted England up and spun around with him is so adorable and they're so affectionate and in love and everything it totally makes my day ;u; and it's almost even more heartwarming right after the horrible moments with the jinn.
Aaaah and a happy end---- HOLYMOLEYWHYISTHEREABANDAGEDHANDAND DDD8 !! Aaaaagh these cliffhangers, you! But maybe I can handle it, this chapter is so amazing on the whole that a little cliffhanger here or there just keeps up the excitement ♥. Really, this is one a w e s o m e chapter, great work!