Chapter Text
A few weeks had passed since the meeting. A few weeks had passed since Australia learned what the general punishment for misbehaviour was. It was two weeks overdue for The Empires visitor to show up, and today was supposedly the day.
They had already shown up at the air base twice before, waiting and waiting for them to show up each time, with nobody appearing.
And finally, after multiple ‘strongly worded’ letters from the empire, today seemed to be the day they’d finally show up.
Same as the last two times, the empire had dragged Australia out to the air base, having left at the absolute crack of Dawn. She had insisted that they both wait on the tarmac, being ready for when the plane landed. The base was still dark, the air still just cold enough to send shivers through Australia. He wasn’t quite used to the different climate.
Where he was from, even in the middle of winter, it was usually warm enough to sunbathe on the beach. It wasn’t even halfway through autumn here, and he was freezing. The ratty old kimono he wore wasn’t doing much to keep him warm, its fabric barely thick enough to keep the wind off of him.
The empire didn’t seem to phased. Maybe because she was used to the weather, maybe because her uniform was more insulated, or maybe because she was allowed to wear shoes.
The two had been standing in tense silence for an hour, Australia partially expecting the plane to never show up, as it had done before, but the empire seemed confident this morning. Whatever she’d written in those letters must’ve been scary.
The sun had only just begun to peek over the horizon, the slight rays illuminating the fields of grass in gold and amber. The only noise for miles was the breeze drifting through the grass.
Soon enough, the sound of the wind had been drowned out by an airplane’s propeller out in the distance. The sound of the plane got louder, and louder, until a plane had zoomed overhead, circling the airfield overhead, aiming itself in the sky before gliding down to the runway.
The plane hesitated to touch down, bouncing as its wheels finally hit the tarmac. It sped down the length of the runway, slowing down the further it went, until it gained enough control to slowly drive towards the port, parking itself right in front of where the empire and Australia stood.
The plane was larger than the little fighter crafts that the base housed, this one looking more like it was meant for cargo. It was still painted in the khaki green, with the airforce symbol painted on its side.
Once it was parked, two other soldiers had appeared, driving a rickety looking metal staircase up to the planes door, parking it in front and locking the staircase’s wheels. The door of the plane pushed out, being maneuvered into the open position, before another Japanese soldier stepped out.
This man was obviously high rank, being dressed in a formal uniform, even having gone through the trouble of pinning a selection of medals to his chest. He made his way down the staircase, getting to the bottom before looking back up at the plane.
The man seemed to huff, being frustrated with whoever he was waiting for.
“来て!” The man yelled.
As the soldier commanded, somebody had begrudgingly stepped out of the plane, slowly making their way down the stairs. They were wearing a kimono as well, theirs having been in similar condition to Australia's. Although theirs seemed to be a different style. The obi, or ‘belt’ on theirs was a lot higher up on their body, and much wider too. And instead of the dull colour, theirs was a light blue, still lacking in patterns.
The shadows from the dim light made it difficult to see exactly who they were, Australia never taking his eyes off of them as he tried to make them out.
As the stranger proceeded down the stairs, they had emerged into one of the suns rays, illuminating the blues and reds of their flag just enough to see who it was.
The Philippines.
Australia was surprised. He knew that the empire had been holding power over the Philippines, but he didn’t expect to see them. He probably should have, since they were both in similar situations.
It was a little bit of a relief, seeing someone he knew personally. Obviously there were much better circumstances for them to be seeing each other, they’d both probably prefer to run into each other at the grocery store or in a park.
As they reached the bottom of the staircase, Japanese Empire had immediately stepped forward, an eerily friendly smile on her face.
“Ah well isn’t this a nice change..? Last time you were here you wouldn’t stop whining and squawking at me..” The empire drawled.
The Philippines hadn’t spoken, glaring at the empire through their brows. At the lack of response, the higher ranked soldier had delivered a whack to the back of their shoulder, leading to them letting out a sigh, and giving the empire a halfhearted bow.
“Oh-Ho..very good.” The empire praised, turning to look over her shoulder at Australia. “You should be taking notes.” She hissed.
The Philippines had glanced up, looking over at Australia. They weren’t able to recognise him right away. His flag was different, his clothes were different, The last time they had actually seen each other was back in 1929, so he had also grown since then.
The Philippines on the other hand- hadn’t changed a great deal at all. Aside from their clothes, the biggest difference was how underweight they looked.
They found themselves squinting at him, trying to make out who he was, before the empire spoke up again.
“I look forward to seeing what else you’ve learned. Perhaps you could teach my..assistant..something of use.” She said, waving her hand in Australia’s direction.
The Philippines didn’t speak, glancing between the empire and their ‘assistant’.
“Follow.” The empire ordered, turning on her heels and starting to walk back to the bases office building. She had snapped her fingers in the air, ordering for the higher ranking soldier to walk beside her.
Apparently even her captains responded to her beck and call, as if they were still timid rookies.
The Philippines had lagged behind, watching as the empire's assistant had walked beside them at a similar pace.
“..do I know you from somewhere?” The Philippines asked, keeping their voice hushed.
“Shh.” Australia hissed, not wanting either of them to get in trouble for chattering.
The Philippines stared at him, narrowing their eyes as they dried to make a guess. “…Netherlands?” They guessed. If they were right, their next comment would’ve been on how tall they had gotten.
“SHH!” He hissed again.
“Is there a gas leak back there?” Japanese Empire asked, looking over her shoulder at the two of them.
They both went quiet, neither of them saying anything in response.
The empire huffed. “Good. Keep quiet.”