Chapter Text
Sealand had formed on a cliff facing the ocean. There had been a battle near his kindergarten and it had opened the nursery up like a maw. Leaving countless of his unborn siblings to fall into the murky depths. Sealand himself almost fell in when he awoke, far far too late, it was only through instinct and luck that he did not slip and fall.
And so he lived like that for months, watching the waves and shielding his gem from the spray of the water. It was a small blue thing with hints of green when the sun hit it right. It was quiet on the cliff. It was peaceful. Yet it was boring, and he knew that something was wrong. This wasn’t supposed to be like this. That’s when he met them.
Rusame was huge. They had been the biggest (And only) gem Sealand had ever seen. They came with the crash of thunder and the oppression of rain. They came with kindness.
“Hello there.” Rusame had said, long golden silvery hair blowing through the storm.
“Hello there.” Sealand had repeated back, not knowing any better.
“You seem lost.” And they smiled and whisked Sealand away. Away from the cliff, to a better life.
It was a green gem, named England, who gave Sealand his name. Naming him after the place he was born. Their gems were similar and thus their forms looked related. The same bushy eyebrows haunting their faces.
There were more gems in their ragtag group: Canada, China, and France. They were called the “Allies” and they had been at war with the “Axis” (a group consisting of Germany, North Italy, South Italy, and Japan).
“We’re at war,” England had stated after many questions, “And whoever wins the war gets what both sides want.”
“And what's that?” Sealand asked, ever pushing for more answers.
“Earth, you idiot.” England then turned away, refusing to answer anything more.
Canada was more inclined to answer. He entertained Sealand’s questions, but didn’t always give the most satisfying answer.
“What’s Earth? Is it a treasure?” Sealand asked, munching on a pancake.
“Earth is this place. Where we live.” Canada said, measuring out batter with a ladle.
“Is my cliff a part of Earth?” Sealand said, wondering if a place so different from the rolling hills of their camp could be the same thing.
“Everything you see is a part of Earth.”
“Even the sun?”
“No, not that. Everything on the ground is known as Earth. However, only the clouds and animals are on Earth. Everything else is its own separate celestial object.
“What’s a celestial object?”
“It’s basically an object in space, sorry it’s hard to explain, I never really cared much for space.”
“Who’s that?” Sealand asked, pointing at a picture. It was of a smiling girl, with long blond locks, posing next to Canada.
Canada was quiet for a long time. That was usually a sign that he didn’t want to answer the question.
“Here,” he said at last, handing Sealand a plate of pancakes. “Give these to Rusame.”
“China, why are we at war?” Sealand had spotted the older Gem on his journey to Rusame, and it never hurt to get more answers.
China sighed, it seemed to Sealand that China never liked answering questions.
“It’s because none of these younger gems know how to talk it out. It’s so annoying.”
“What can’t we talk about?”
“Ahh, it’s not that simple. Now go, I have important work to do” China said, turning his attention back to the screen in front of him. It seemed like this conversation was really over.
“France, why can’t the allies and axis get along?” Sealand had found the older gem sitting outside enjoying a drink. Out of all the gems, France seemed to enjoy food the most.
“Ahh, that is a really long story.” France pouted “I do not wish to bore you.”
“You could never be boring! Please tell me!” Sealand pleaded.
“Alright, listen to France.” Then he cleared his throat and started speaking:
“A long time ago, all of us came to this planet in search of a better life. And for a while, we found just that. There was singing, dancing, and really good food!” France laughed.
“But then, we discovered the humans.” He paused for dramatic effect “And suddenly we didn’t know what to do. Some wanted to work with the humans while others wanted to enslave them. So people started setting up different settlements made up of their ideas. And one settlement then attacked another using a human army. Then everyone else started fighting. It was a big mess.” France looked out onto the horizon.
“That was a long time ago, Sealand, the war has become something unrecognizable."
“Rusame!” Sealand Greeted “I brought you pancakes!”.
Rusame looked up from the conversation they were in. It was with two humans, in suits, the humans they talked about always seemed to be in suits. The humans eyed Sealand wearily and Sealand happily ignored them.
“We’ll be in touch.” One of the humans said, turning away. “I trust you’ll consider our proposition. We want this war to end as much as you”
Then Sealand and Rusame were alone. Rusame was different from other gems, they were bigger. They had more arms, more eyes, and seemingly more power. Sealand had only seen Rusame in battle once, and their power was devastating.
“These are cold.” Rusame said, popping a piece of pancake in their mouth.
“Well I was busy, I’m not your errand boy.” Sealand retorted.
“Eh, you’re lucky I even keep you around.” Rusame smiled, it was creepy but warm nonetheless.
“I have a question!” And a confession.” Sealand said, hiding their face behind their hands. “Please don’t get mad!”.
“What is it?”
“I looked through England's room and found something.”
“Was it his creepy puppets?”
“No, it was a photo.” Sealand said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out the photo, it was a group picture. There were six individuals present, five men and one woman. It was the same woman in the picture with Canada. The fifth man, however, was someone that Sealand had never seen before. He had purple eyes and silver hair and he smiled a creepy smile.
“Who are these people Rusame?”
“Oh.” Rusame said, fiddling with their hair, they were quiet for a moment.
“Those are wonderful gems. The best of the best.” Rusame said at last.
“Where are they now?” Sealand asked, demanding answers.
“They’re on a date. Maybe one day you’ll meet them” Then Rusame ruffled Sealand’s hair and walked away. Leaving Sealand with more questions and an empty plate of pancakes.
“We need to attack the axis, we’ve been too defensive lately. I suggest we build giant death robots to eradicate the axis and their humans.” Rusame stated at the war table. It was the table where they discussed war related topics. Sealand wasn’t allowed a seat at the table, but he was always really good at listening through the door.
“That’s a bloody stupid idea you twat.” England scoffed, rolling his eyes.
“I think we should continue to look for their base.” Canada said, changing the subject.
“But we already checked all over! They’re nowhere to be found!” China complained.
“Maybe they’re all skiing, since they kidnapped Switzerland.” France laughed.
“Then it’s decided!” Rusame said, standing up. “Canada and I will check the mountains and snow for the Axis!”
“What?” England said, his face red. “Why you two?”
“We’re more acclimated for the cold, unless you want to freeze your flat ass off.” Rusame said.
“She doesn’t like the cold.” England sneered. “Get your head out of your ass you brute and think about someone else for once.”
“She’s happier with me. I know how to keep her safe.” Rusame said, sounding different, their voice had become deeper. And that was that. The next day, Canada and Rusame were gone, and England seemed grumpier than the day before.
It all happened all at once.
Canada had slammed open the door to their home, shaking the entire foundation.
“Canada! What is going on?” France asked, rushing to Canada’s side.
“Its, Rusame- we found the Axis! But they must’ve known we were coming because they struck us first! They struck down Rusame!” Canada spoke, shaking all over.
“I tried looking for him, but the snow was so thick I only managed to get-” Canada paused and opened his hand, revealing a sky blue gem. That was strange though, Rusame had two deep blue gems.
Suddenly, and seemingly out of nowhere, England appeared. The green gem started to reach for the blue gem but Canada pulled it out of the way. Still, England tried to reach for it again.
“What are you two doing? You are acting like Sealand!” France scoffed.
“Hey! That was really mean!” Sealand retorted, watching the madness unfold.
“Give her to me you twat! She was mine first!” England said, reaching in vain for the gem.
“Stop it! She needs to heal! Leave her alone!” Canada screamed.
It was then a bright light flashed from the purple gem’s hand, and Canada dropped the gem. Everyone watched as the blue gem floated up in the air and shined a bright light. When the light went away, there stood that woman. She took a moment before opening her eyes, breathing heavy as she did. She looked around and frowned.
“Where’s Russia?” She asked, then all hell broke out.