Written: January 17, 2024
Major TW
North Korea woke up to an eerie silence in the house. The absence of South and Japan's usual morning commotion sent a chill down his spine. He glanced at the clock, realizing they hadn't returned home yet. Concern etched across his face, he hurriedly prepared breakfast for himself and Okinawa.
North ate by himself, and Okinawa came to the tatami to eat. North left for the living room and turned on the television, hoping to drown out his worries about South and Japan. The headlines that flashed across the screen were like a sudden punch to the gut.
"South Korean Official Found Dead in Dumpster."
"Young Woman's Remains Found in Convenience Store Production Factory."
Dread settled in North's chest, and he felt a knot tightening in his stomach. The world seemed to pause around him as the weight of the news sunk in. His mind raced and he put two and two together.
Japan had an interview for a new convenience store chain.
South had political matters to take care of. Dishes clattering could be heard in the kitchen. Okinawa was washing her plate. North Korea watched the broadcast with rapt attention. As he saw the photos of the victims, his heart dropped.
They were, indeed, South and Japan.
Dead.
The reporter's voice faded into the background as North sat, shocked, holding back tears of grief.
North heard Okinawa's rapid footsteps approaching. He hurriedly switched the channel to a cartoon. Okinawa entered the living room with a cheerful smile, oblivious to the grim reality that had unfolded on the news. North Korea, trying to shield her from the harsh truth, quickly changed the channel to a cartoon, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
"Hey, North! What are you watching?" Okinawa asked, her eyes sparkling with innocence. North forced a smile, his heart heavy with the weight of the terrible news he had just witnessed. He patted the s next to him, inviting Okinawa to join him.
"Just some cartoons. Want to watch with me?" North tried to keep his tone light, not wanting to burden Okinawa with the devastating truth. She happily agreed, settling down beside him as they immersed themselves in the animated world on the screen.
In the quiet moments between episodes, North's mind raced with conflicting emotions. Grief, anger, and the overwhelming responsibility of being the one left to protect Okinawa consumed him. He struggled to find the right words to explain the situation without causing further distress to his younger sister.
As the cartoons continued to play, North contemplated how to navigate the painful truth that awaited Okinawa. The facade of normalcy they attempted to maintain in the face of tragedy couldn't last forever, and the impending conversation would change their lives in ways they couldn't yet comprehend.
The room held an air of tension, with the animated characters on the screen contrasting sharply with the heavy silence that hung between North Korea and Okinawa. The journey through grief and loss had just begun, and the siblings were about to confront the harsh reality that had shattered their once-close-knit family.
"Who would do this?" He mumbled under his breath. "Why my family?" Things began to glitch. The images on the television flickered upside down. The carpet contrasted colors before becoming a void. As soon as North blinked, everything was normal.
North Korea took a deep breath, gathering the strength to broach the painful conversation that awaited him. He turned off the television, the abrupt silence emphasizing the gravity of the moment. Okinawa looked at him with curious eyes, sensing that something was amiss.
"Oki, we need to talk," North began, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. Okinawa nodded, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern. North motioned for her to sit beside him, and they faced each other on the couch.
"There's something important I need to tell you," North continued, his gaze focused on his sister. The weight of the news hung heavily in the air, and North hesitated before uttering the words that would change their lives forever.
"South and Japan... they're not coming back," he finally said, his voice catching on the last words. Okinawa's eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of confusion and shock painted across her face.
"What do you mean, North? Where are they?" she asked, her voice trembling. North took her hands in his, offering what little comfort he could muster.
"There was a terrible incident, Oki. They're... they're gone," North explained, each word feeling like a heavy burden on his heart. Okinawa's eyes welled up with tears, and she shook her head in denial.
"No, they're just... they're just busy, right?" she pleaded, searching for any sign that this was just a cruel joke. North tightened his grip on her hands, the weight of reality sinking in.
"I wish that was the case, Oki. I saw it on the news. They're gone, and it's just us," North said, his gaze reflecting the pain he felt. Okinawa's world crumbled as the harsh truth settled in, and North pulled her into a tight embrace, offering the only solace he could provide.
In the quiet of their shared grief, the siblings held onto each other, navigating the storm of emotions that had engulfed their lives. The journey through loss had just begun, and North vowed to be there for Okinawa as they faced an uncertain future together.
Okinawa's soft sobs emerged, followed by louder ones, then a wail as she pushed herself away from North and ran to her room, locking the door behind her.
North stood alone in the hushed aftermath of Okinawa's outburst, his own grief mirrored in the heaviness of the silence that settled around him. The reality of their loss hung in the air, an unspoken ache that clawed at his chest.
He approached Okinawa's closed door, hesitating before gently knocking. "Oki, I'm here for you," he spoke softly, his voice barely audible against the stifling stillness. No response came from the other side, only the muffled sounds of Okinawa's inconsolable cries.
As North sat outside her door, he felt the weight of his responsibility as her older brother intensify. The role of protector now extended beyond their playful adventures and shared laughter; it demanded resilience in the face of unbearable pain.
Time passed, and eventually, the sobs subsided. North could hear the faint hiccupping breaths that replaced Okinawa's wails. He continued to wait, granting her the space she needed to process the harsh reality that had intruded upon their lives.
After what felt like an eternity, Okinawa slowly opened the door, her eyes swollen and red from crying. North met her gaze with a mix of compassion and sorrow. Without a word, she walked into his open arms, seeking solace in the familiar embrace of her older brother.
"I'm scared," Okinawa whispered, her voice barely audible. North tightened his hold, knowing that mere words couldn't fill the void left by the loss of South and Japan.
"We'll get through this together," North reassured her, his voice steady but laced with the same pain he tried to shield her from. In the dimly lit hallway, the siblings clung to each other, united by grief yet determined to face the uncertain future as a family.
North Korea held back his own tears. "Crying now is selfish." He thought. "Okinawa needs me." Suddenly, an unexpected question escaped Okinawa's mouth.
"How did they die?" She asked. North Korea guided Okinawa to his room. He opened a laptop and sat Okinawa on his lap. He tried searching the events and opened an article about Japan's death.
North Korea took a deep breath, his trembling hands betraying the emotional turmoil within. He gently typed the keywords into the search bar, his mind preparing for the harsh reality that awaited them in the digital realm. As he clicked on the article detailing Japan's death, he steeled himself for the graphic details that would unfold.
The screen flickered to life, revealing a headline that sent shivers down North's spine: "Tragic Demise of Factory Employee– Investigation Underway." Okinawa, perched on his lap, stared at the screen with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
The article recounted the grim discovery of Japan's remains in a convenience store sandwich, a fate so horrifyingly mundane that it added a surreal layer to the tragedy. North read the words aloud, sparing Okinawa from the burden of absorbing the gruesome details on her own.
As he scrolled through the article, a knot tightened in his throat. The investigation was still ongoing, but the initial reports suggested foul play. North's eyes traced the words, absorbing the shockwave of disbelief and grief that emanated from the screen.
Okinawa's small hand clutched the fabric of North's shirt, her eyes wide with a mix of horror and incomprehension. The weight of the truth hung heavy in the room, a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
"And South?" Okinawa's voice trembled as she hesitated to utter the words that would confirm the second tragedy. North braced himself, opening another article, this time about the discovery of a South Korean Official's body in a dumpster.
The details were equally distressing, painting a grim picture of violence and loss. North spoke softly, choosing his words with care as he navigated through the painful narrative. Okinawa listened, her gaze fixed on the screen, absorbing the harsh reality that unfolded before her.
North read the tale of an assassination. There were many suspects and stories. "South Korea was last seen with his secretary on the streets." He read aloud.
As the laptop emitted the cold glow of the digital aftermath, North closed it gently, setting it aside. He held Okinawa close, recognizing that the wounds inflicted by the words on the screen ran deep. The siblings, bound by blood and shared grief, faced the daunting task of reconciling with a world that had shattered their sense of safety and normalcy.
In the hushed stillness of North's room, they clung to each other, seeking reassurance amid the wreckage of their shattered reality. The night stretched before them, carrying the weight of grief that now colored every aspect of their lives.
"North?" Okinawa's small voice uttered. North Korea looked down at his sister, who was distressed, tears choking her. "Do I have to go to school today?"
"It's what Japan would've wanted." North cooly answered. Okinawa began to cry.
"But I want to be with you!" She wailed. "What if you also die?" North tightened his grip on Okinawa, his heart aching at the raw vulnerability in her words. He gently wiped away her tears, struggling to find the right words to offer comfort. The weight of responsibility pressed upon him, as he grappled with the harsh reality of guiding his sister through the aftermath of such sudden loss.
"Oki," he whispered, his voice soothing yet burdened, "I understand how you feel, but going to school is important. It's what Japan would've wanted for you—to continue learning, growing, and building a future."
Okinawa sniffled, looking up at North with pleading eyes. "But what if something happens to you too?" Her fears spilled out, fueled by the recent tragedies that had shaken the foundation of their lives.
North took a deep breath, his own emotions wrestling with the weight of responsibility. "I'll be okay, Oki. And I believe Japan would want that too. We'll face these difficult times together."
He gently rocked Okinawa in his arms, offering a silent promise of protection. The room felt heavy with grief, and the brightness outside contrasted the shadows within. North knew that navigating the days ahead would be a formidable challenge, and he vowed to be a steadfast pillar for Okinawa, even as he grappled with his own sorrow.
As they clung to each other in the quiet of North's room, the subtle murmur of distant traffic and the occasional rustle of leaves outside became the backdrop to the silence.
North and Okinawa got dressed. He got in the car, sitting in the driver's seat. South would usually sit there. Okinawa stared at the car's floor. There was silence as North turned the engine on and drove Okinawa to school. The car was devoid of South's laughter and humming.
North regretted ever getting annoyed by him. "So the saying rings true: You never know how lucky you are to have someone until they're gone." North Korea tightened his grip on the wheel. The two arrived at Okinawa's school. She got out of the car, her eyes dull, missing their sparkle.
North Korea hugged Okinawa firmly until the schoolbell rang. Okinawa was reluctant to go, but ran off. North Korea himself was 30 minutes late to class. He walked through the empty campus and into the classroom.
The teacher was in the middle of a lecture when North took a seat. The headlines echoed in his mind, getting louder and more menacing each time. Reality seemed to distort. Everything lost its shadows and he began to get dizzy. Tears pricked his eyes.
"I don't want to be here." He whispered to himself. "Not without South waiting outside." The tears began to gather around his eyes. Memories he had with his brother swept past his mind. By now, the professor's lecture was like music playing on a car radio: Just background noise.
The classroom buzzed with the usual hum of students engrossed in lectures, but for North Korea, the world had shifted on its axis. The absence of South's laughter, his brother's usual banter, and the void left by Japan's absence cast a haunting pall over the familiar surroundings.
As North sat in the classroom, the teacher's words became distant echoes, fading into the background of his overwhelming grief. The headlines replayed in his mind, a relentless loop that threatened to pull him into a vortex of despair. The tears he had held back welled up, blurring the edges of his vision.
"I don't want to be here," North repeated, his voice barely audible amidst the ambient noise. The emptiness of his heart, once occupied by his older siblings, amplified the sense of loss that now permeated every corner of his world.
The professor's lecture, once a routine part of North's academic life, transformed into mere background noise. Reality seemed to warp, and North found himself grappling with a profound disconnection from the academic setting that now felt inconsequential in the face of tragedy.
Memories of shared moments with South flooded North's mind, each recollection intensifying the ache in his heart. He closed his eyes, attempting to shut out the overwhelming grief that threatened to engulf him. The weight of the situation, the burden of sorrow, bore down on him, and North felt as if he were suspended in a timeless moment, trapped between the past and an uncertain future.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, North remained seated, grappling with the harsh reality that awaited him outside the confines of the classroom. The journey through grief had only just begun, and the path ahead seemed daunting and insurmountable.
After the next few classes, his school day ended. North Korea absent-mindedly made his way across campus to the car.
"North!" China called out from behind. Startled, North Korea turned around to find China hurrying towards him, concern etched across her face. The usually playful and teasing demeanor of the elder nation revealed a genuine worry for North Korea.
"North, are you okay?" China asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You seem...distraught."
North's eyes, heavy with the weight of sorrow, met China's gaze. The shared history and complicated relationships between nations momentarily faded into the background as human empathy took precedence.
"It's South and Japan," North Korea whispered, the words heavy on his tongue. "They're gone."
China's expression shifted from concern to shock, mirroring the profound impact of North's revelation. In the intricate web of international relations, the personal and the political often collided, and in that moment, North's stong walls threatened to collapse.
"I'm so sorry," China said, his voice carrying the weight of shared sorrow. "Is there anything I can do?"
North shook his head, the weight of loss settling deeper within him. "I don't know, China. Everything feels...different."
China placed a hand on North's shoulder, offering a silent gesture of support. In the midst of their complexities, the bond of humanity transcended borders.
"Take your time," China advised gently. "Grieving is a process, and you don't have to face it alone."
As North Korea absorbed China's words, the reality of loss lingered in the air. The world outside continued its relentless pace, but for North, the landscape of his existence had irrevocably changed. Together, the two nations stood on the precipice of a shared understanding—one that extended beyond alliances and conflicts, embracing the vulnerability of shared grief.
"How's Oki taking it?" China asked, picking at her skin.
"Better than I expected." North answered, a little surprised by his own answer.
China nodded, acknowledging the complex tapestry of emotions that accompanied loss. "Children have a resilience we often underestimate. But how are you holding up?"
North Korea took a moment to respond, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within. "I'm...not sure. It's like everything has changed overnight. South and Japan were more than just siblings; they were my most unexpected friends."
China listened in solemn understanding, recognizing the intricate interplay of familial ties and geopolitical alliances that defined their existence. "Loss has a way of reshaping our world. It's okay not to have all the answers right now."
The two nations stood in shared contemplation, navigating the delicate balance between personal grief and the responsibilities that came with their roles on the global stage. The news of South and Japan's demise cast a shadow over their interactions, reminding them of the fragility inherent in the lives they led.
As they parted ways, China offered a parting sentiment. "Remember, North, you're not alone. Lean on those who care about you during these difficult times."
With a nod of gratitude, North Korea walked away, carrying the weight of sorrow and the shared understanding that life, in all its complexities, demanded resilience and solidarity.
North picked Okinawa up from school. There still was that unnatural shadow in her eyes.
The school day ended, and North Korea waited in the car to pick up Okinawa. As she approached, North couldn't help but notice the lingering shadow in her eyes—a stark contrast to the vibrant curiosity that once defined her gaze.
"Hey, Oki," North greeted, attempting a smile, though the heaviness in his heart seeped into his voice.
"Hi, North," Okinawa responded with a subdued tone, her usual exuberance dampened by the recent events.
They drove home in silence, the weight of grief palpable within the confines of the car. North stole glances at Okinawa, trying to decipher the emotions that played across her face. The loss of South and Japan had cast a somber hue over their lives, leaving an indelible mark on the once-bustling energy of their home.
Upon reaching home, North decided to broach the subject gently. "How are you holding up, Oki?"
Okinawa shrugged, her gaze fixed on the floor. "I don't know. It's weird. Like something's missing."
North nodded in understanding, grappling with his own feelings of emptiness. The absence of his siblings loomed over them, a void that seemed impossible to fill. Together, they faced the daunting task of navigating a world that had been reshaped by loss.
As evening settled, North and Okinawa found peace alongside each other's company, leaning on the shared understanding that grief was a journey with no predetermined destination. The days stretched ahead, a daunting expanse filled with memories and the echoes of laughter that would forever be etched in their hearts.
North Korea decided to take a last peek at the rooms of his older siblings before South's cremation. He peeked into Japan's room. It was neat, and everything was a shade of violet, just as she left it. Everything was orderly and calm, just like his late sister.
"I can't believe you died." He muttered as if Japan was at her desk or lying in bed.
North then walked over to South's room. As usual, the bed was made, but very hastily. His desk was a mess of papers, and his room was a kaleidoscope of colors.
"South always loved rainbows." North reminisced. A single tear escaped his eye and slid down his cheek. He walked over to South's desk to organize his paperwork as he did when he was alive.
Before North could pick anything up, he noticed a note scrawled out in highlighter.
To my beloved family:
Hello Japan, Commie, and Oki-tot. It's been a wonderful life with you as my siblings. I love you all more than anything in the world—even K-Pop. But, I've decided to kill myself. I'm tired of this world.
Japan: I remember when you taught me how to cook and cut my hair. I still laugh when I remember when I messed up your bangs when I was 13. I love you, big sis.
North: I'm older by 4 minutes, so here's to you, little bro. We did so much together as kids. I remember playing with clay at 8 years old and having Dad yell at us. Love you always, Commie.
Okinawa: Hey Oki-tot. I'm sorry I left you at such a young age. Get yourself a man and wife up. No one likes snakes. Love you, Oki.
Before North could start crying, he noticed several things off about South's suicide note: South never learned how to cut his hair. Japan always cut it for him; He had never played clay with North, and was only two minutes older, not four; and the biggest, most suspicious detail of all: Nobody called Okinawa "Oki-tot" except for...
"America." North darkly growled. South supported Okinawa's snake obsession like any good brother. Okinawa was in elementary school. South wouldn't make a statement to her to "get a man and wife up." That would be absolutely disgusting.
America murdered South. His puppet. And he managed to break into their house. North Korea's breaths quickened. "OKINAWA!" He shouted. Promptly, Okinawa was by her brother's side.
"What is it?" She frantically spat.
"We have to go, NOW!" He picked Okinawa up and swung her on his shoulders. "It's not safe here!" He ran to his room and packed a few clothes. He did the same for Okinawa, who insisted he take her beloved snake plush and teddy bear with her.
North Korea carried Okinawa who was carrying their bags. "Where are we going?" Okinawa cried, tears dripping down her cheeks.
"To cousin China and Taiwan." North replied. He ran a few neighborhoods down to his cousin's house. Frantically, North knocked on the door.
America answered with a curt grin.
North Korea's breath hitched. Okinawa's eyes widened.
"Oki-tot and the Commie Bastard." America grinned. "What brings you two here?" Taiwan ran up to the door, trying to push America out of the way.
"Come in!" Taiwan invited. China ran up next to her brother.
"We're having tea with America." China invited her cousins in. North Korea kept a tight grip on Okinawa's hand, who kept yelling "no" and tried to run away. North Korea and Okinawa sat with their cousins and America.
"All these things America brought are from the new convenience store!" Taiwan exclaimed. "It was so nice of him." He added, turning to America.
"Ham sandwiches." America said, tossing one up and down. "The thing saying Japan—I mean a woman is in them is fake news."
Okinawa jolted up and tried to run, but North grabbed her hand. Okinawa clung onto North, sitting on his lap. America offered them all triangular ham and cheese sandwiches. "Try some." America offered. "They're to die for."
North and Okinawa glanced at eachother. China and Taiwan all ate without a care in the world, but Okinawa lifted up the bread, then the cheese, and slid out the thin slice of ham. She carefully inspected the piece of meat.
She found a sharp, white tooth. Okinawa screamed, causing everyone to stop eating and stare at her.
"THE SANDWICH IS MADE OF PEOPLE!" She yelled, breaking down into tears. Taiwan rolled his eyes.
"Nonsense, Okinawa." He said calmly. "It's ham. Purely ham." Taiwan took another bite of his sandwich, which only caused Okinawa to cry harder.
"Stop it." She blubbered before running away. America callously looked on as North ran for his sister. North Korea found Okinawa crying on the front porch. He picked her up along with the bag of their belongings and stepped off the porch.
"Leaving so soon?" America's callous and malicious voice called out.
"Yes." North Korea affirmed with a resolute, angry voice.
"You forget one thing, Commie." America chuckled. "I am the master of all these nations." North Korea's eye widened, tightening his hold on Okinawa as America snapped his fingers. "I knew you'd come here and I knew you were seeing glitches during your outbursts."
China and Taiwan emotionlessly exited their house, their gaze empty, like zombies.
"Come back." Both said in a dead tone. "We're family."
"I rule the world, North." America growled, his grin never faltering. "God bless America." He slowly uttered, before snapping. North began to see things shift, the grass beneath him withering into a dry beige. The sky darkened, and Okinawa's cries got louder. North Korea protectively tightened his hold on Okinawa and ran from America.
He ran to Russia's apartment and knocked on the door. "Russia!" He frantically called out. "Please!" His breaths were ragged. "I need you to hide Okinawa!" There was an eerie silence as the clouds in the sky darkened. North Korea's concern grew. He reached for the doorknob, and to his surprise, the flat was unlocked.
He entered to see a silhouette hanging in midair—connected to the roof by a coarse rope. Next to the figure was the Azov Battalion countryhuman, talking with his soldiers.
"You see?" The battalion said, pointing to Russia's hanging corpse. "We must gather all the ethnic Russians like this and hang them."
One of the soldiers howled. "Put them all on a truck and send them to the gallows!" He cackled. North Korea's breath quickened as he covered Okinawa's eyes, hoping to shield her from the stomach turning sight. North Korea's stomach churned like butter, goosebumps popping up all over him.
"Russia." He whispered. The corpse looked up and stared at North with unsettling glowing eyes. The eyesthat were once golden saucers of comfort sent a chill down North's spine. The undead Russian loosened the noose around her neck and knocked out the battalion and his members. She slowly approached North Korea, smiling widely.
She stroked his cheek with ice cold hands. "North, my love." She started. "How good it is to see you again." She chuckled. North Korea felt his whole body go cold, the warmth of his blood replaced by pure ice. When North didn't respond, Russia's smile dampened.
"Oh, my North." She said with the same sweet tone. "Why don't you join me?"
"Wha-What do you mean?" North Korea stammered, holding Okinawa to his chest.
"Become one with Mother Russia." Russia explained, taking North's arm. She pulled him into a hug, but it lacked warmth and true love. North Korea heard a sound as gentle as the crinkling of cellophane. He felt the front of his body stretching and tightening. His skin was fusing into Russia's.
North Korea ripped himself away, breathing hard. "No." He growled. He saw double of everything for a moment, the scene of Russia's dim-litted room and soldiers unconcious in the background inverting its colors.
Russia frowned. "Why not?" She gracefully approached her boyfriend. "I love you, you love me—let's be whole." North Korea backed away, the glowing amber gaze of Russia's eyes piercing into his own. Her tightly contracted pupils contrasted her sugar-sweet voice.
North Korea ran away, Okinawa still crying into his chest. He ran back to their home, hoping that America had no access to it, but when he got there, his house was gone. There was only a patch of yellowed grass, and porch steps that lead to nowhere.
"Brother?" Japan's voice called from behind. North Korea darted back, looking at his undead sister. Both of her eyes were gouged out, leaving dark chasms in their place. Her torso was cut open as if she committed seppuku, her organs barely staying in place as her bloodied lilac dress swayed in the wind.
Before North could react, ashes swirled before him, before solidifying into the disfigured body of South Korea, whose face was punctured with gunshots. His suit was torn and smeared with the darkest shade of maroon.
"Hello." South's voice was like another empty whisper of the wind. Okinawa stared at her once-thought deceased older siblings in fear and disbelief. She jumped out of North's arms with childlike joy and hugged South and Japan. North stepped back, his arms prepared to attack.
Okinawa hugged her older siblings, unaware of the dull, rusty knife Japan held over the prefecture's head.
"No!" North shouted as Japan struck Okinawa hard, her skull opening with a sickening crack—like an egg dropped onto the floor. An ear-piercing scream rang out before Okinawa fell back, blood gushing out of her like a spring of water, her skin graying, cracking.
Well, like I said, it's a trainwreck. Also, it feels so good to finally delve into sensory detail the way I've almost been sent to the school counselor for in seventh grade: Gore.
Nothing I wrote about suicide or murder in this chapter has to do with my mental health or sanity, so don't worry.
Welp, my search history needs some cleaning up!
See y'all!