Okay, so this is just a little test run for an idea I've had milling in my head for a long time. I have most things worked out, so no worries on that. Though, it can use a little improvement, I'm sure, but I'm doing the best I can with it.

It's based off of an original story idea that I have based on similiar circumstances, so a show-up of the main heroine from that story is a definite must. Ah, all OOC circumstances are done on purpose - war is war, after all.

Everything will be explained in due time, if people are interested to see where I plan on taking this.

Ah, maybe I'll play with pairings later on, but the nations are in the middle of a war after all, so it's only a maybe. The entire story takes place in the future (clearly), but not far enough into it that what we consider modern technology isn't used. It gives me room to play with the creation of firearms and technology if I so choose, but not to the point where I have the world operating DEATH BEAMS from sattelites in space.

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Prologue

July 23, 2035

If Matthew were to be someone Arthur felt he could not turn to, then perhaps it would make everything all the more easy. However, that is not the case because let it be known that whenever England goes to war, Canada is by his side the moment he has the time – sometimes even sooner.

So, it is with extreme guilt that the elder nation and former empire peers at the exhausted former colony, stained in blood and grime, expression grim. Violet hued eyes are dulled, but somehow Canada – Matthew – stands up straight in uniform, turns his head and manages an encouraging smile.

He doesn't speak, but England – Arthur – doesn't need to hear the words in order to know what the blonde is saying. After all, despite popular belief, Arthur – England – knows Canada best and vice versa.

Smoke is heavy in the air – heavy and black. The only thing stronger than the smoke is the scent of blood. Blood from the bodies which surround both nations. Not a living soul is in the designated area , Arthur now realises. This thought causes bile to rise in his throat as he casts a fleeting glance to Matthew.

Long ago, the younger nation's glasses had been discarded. They were useless, he had said, as they were cracked and covered in blood; he was best off to rely on blurry vision than the lenses. Now, covered in mud, dirt, blood – England and Arthur alike wonder just how the North American country manages to stand and smile in this environment. It is only a momentary thought, however as England is quick to know the truth behind the smile.

"E- England...we should reunite with the others..."

Even as soft as it is, England can't say no to that voice. It's a force to be reckoned with and despite it's softness, it is strong. Canada has always been strong – perhaps not in the same way as other nations, but it is now that all qualities of his downplayed strength are shown.

Barely within weeks upon hearing of the bombing of Indonesia – by who, it isn't yet certain – Canada has gathered up a little over a quarter of a million soldiers. America isn't far behind, but that is hardly the point.

The moment England stepped in to fight alongside the newly formed Allies, Canada was there by his side; seemingly only waiting for his father-figure before making any kind of move. He knows England has more experience in war and isn't stupid. If anything, he is – alongside Germany and America – one of the main strategists.

"Of course, Canada."

No, Canada isn't stupid. He wouldn't have gotten involved if he had known the cause was useless. He would have pulled a Switzerland and remained neutral, but that isn't the case. Canada weighed the odds – the nuclear weapons – he knows how well this will pan out. He knows the losses will be great – as does England. Those who don't know the risks of war are stupid and not experienced in this...art – if one were to call it such.

Canada is young, but all the same, many wars have been fought in his lifetime. He played his part and continues to do so. Arthur may not have realised this in the past, but he sure as hell is realising it now as he watches the taller, younger nation stride ahead of him with ease.

"America may have gathered intelligence on Russia's situation by now, if we're lucky. We need to be quick. How is your arm?"

His...arm?

Briefly looking down, England clearly notes that he is indeed injured. Funny, he didn't even recall feeling any pain...

"Gah!"

Taken aback, the green eyed nation can only look on as Canada's hands, calloused from this Asian war, reach and take hold of the injured appendage. After a few more seconds of simply staring, the Canadian simply rips off an arm from his own uniform.

"What in the bloody blazes do you think you're doing?"

Though it's clear exactly what Canada is doing, England feels it best to exclaim and try to tug his arm away. Somehow, he's surprised by the brute strength – not unlike America's – that Canada shows. All the same, it is controlled and gentle. Matthew just holds him in place as he quickly and gently wraps the bleeding injury.

"Wrapping the wound."

"I bloody hell know that, you twat!"

"C'mon, England. We don't have time to lose. We're lucky right now, but we don't know how long until China sends in reinforcements to replace the ones lost."

Ah, that's right. England seems to have forgotten the entire reason they were standing in such a bloody mess to begin with. He's been much too distracted with Canada – Canada and the dead.

They had been sent in to survey for survivors of a bombing in Hiroshima with a small group of British and Canadian soldiers, only to be ambushed by a larger group of Asian fighters. On a not-so-surprisingly loud note of "retreat", Canada had sent the small squadron back. Most chose to stay and had they not, England would have sustained more injuries – and Canada would have as well. All the same, whatever human had been fighting in these city streets is now dead. Asian, British, and Canadian alike.

It was over quicker than either nation would have liked it to be, but there's no complaining about it now. The sting of their people's dying is something they have grown accustomed to.

They both know that there's only more to come, whether they say it out loud or not. Canada isn't so daft to think otherwise and England has been in enough wars to know better by now.

Nothing more is said as both nations make their own retreat, because – like it or not – nothing more can be said.

War is always the same, no matter how advanced in technology it is.