A Headstrong China Ch. 13

Hughes saw China's eyes, and quickly ran to the nation's aid. The butler grabbed Yao in his arms, kneeling and hugging him to his chest. Leaning his chin against the boy's forehead, and it seemed a little warm.

"Master Yao...Master Yao? Come now poppet...are you okay? Come now little one..." He slowly rocked the nation, even though he was an older child. "Come back..."

"I'm alright Aru." China said softly with a gentle sigh. "I didn't mean to worry you. I had just summoned the dragon for advice, but, all he did was stare at me. I guess he didn't feel like talking." China explained in a tiny tired voice. It had taken quite a lot out of him to do that.

Holding the boy tight, Hughes listened to the boy, and his grip slightly tightened. He wasn't sure if he was more worried or annoyed. The nation had conjured up a spirit, and even though China knew what he was doing, it still could have been dangerous.

"Master Yao...I understand how powerful you are, and I am not meaning this in any disrespect, but you could have hurt yourself." He released the boy, and lead him over to the bed, having him sit down. "Young one...you did not feel anything? Because...well, when I approached you, I was speaking to the dragon...your Master. Although you might have been out of body, I did not see it that way."

"H-how long was I…in the other realm?" He stood up, now staring down, seeming nervous.

"Master...you were gone for not more than an hour, and I was told things by him. I need to complete certain tests, or tasks for your Master...and it starts at the sun's first shining tomorrow."

China shivered as he sat on the bed hearing all that Hughes had to say about the incident.

"W-what? I didn't mean for that to happen!" He groaned and put his head into his hands trying to sort this out. How could the Dragon spirit be so mean? Then again it was often mean marking on his Hello Kitty toys and making harsh punishments for his people at times. "I'm so sorry Hughes, I will try to help as much as I can." Yao said quietly running one hand through his dark long hair.

Hughes stood by watching as the nation seemed confused, irritable, and just upset. He shook his head, and then sat down next to China. Putting a hand on his shoulder, he cleared his throat.

"Young man...I am not sure how these sorts of tests are going to be exactly. I was not given any sort of preparations, and I am not sure if your soul will be possessed, or however confounded way this spirit is going to go about, but one thing, I do appreciate your help if you are willing." Hughes rubbed the boy's back, and suddenly was taken out of his concentration as the servant bells chimed. Looking up, and then at China. "It seems as though I should prepare some late nourishment. I was told by your Master that rest is important. So do not argue with me little one, go on and get under the covers. Sleep will come to you soon."

China did know a little bit of how the Dragon spirit worked some times, he certainly could try to give some advice to Hughes.

"I will sleep, but if I can do anything to help you prepare, I will. I can write a list of things. I noticed in the past of how the Dragon spirit behaves, and what he might do? Will that help any?" Yao asked reaching out to hold on to Hughes hand. He sat on the edge of the bed now not really wanting to sleep or have the butler leave him alone, but he knew he must rest despite his apprehension.

Hughes stayed by the nation's side, even though the chimes were persistent, he shook it off. It didn't matter if England needed him.

"Oh for heaven's sake, I am going to tell that nation to cool himself." Hughes said out loud as he pulled the covers over China. Smiling down. "However you want to help is fine by me...but don't overexert yourself. I will do what I need. Now then, there will be no more talk...rest your eyes. I will be in later with tea and something small for you to eat."

"Alright Hughes." China sighed softly feeling truly tired and not ready to put up a fight about it, closed his eyes not letting go of Hughes hands until the butler had to.

He got up and grumbled slightly. Making his way down to England's study he approached to the nation sitting at his desk. Arthur looked up.

"Heaven's Hughes, I..." England stopped when he saw the look on the butler's face. "Oh...what is the matter?"

"The Young Master will need rest...and then I am to prepare myself. I shan't explain right now, as I must prepare dinner. Please Master Kirkland, do not ask me. I shall ring you when your late supper is ready." Hughes left quickly before England could even respond.

As China drifted into light sleep his mind worried about what he should do, about what tomorrow held for him and Hughes. Beyond that he hoped England would be alright with all of this.

Hughes walked down to the kitchen and started to prepare for the late dinner. He decided on something light, and more to England's taste since China was sleeping. He made beef Wellington for England, and decided on a simply Won ton soup for Yao. As Hughes was busy, England stood up from his desk. He was not upset with his butler, because he knew that there were things on the man's mind. He worried for the nation that was up in the guest room, and he wanted to see if the boy was alright. He walked up the stairs and approached the room. Opening the door, he looked in and saw the nation was fast asleep. Arthur leaned his head against the door and just watched, smiling. He knew China was in safe hands for the time being. Arthur walked over, and sat down on the end of the bed. He put a hand down to the nation's covered feet and just sat. Talking a little, quietly, he whispered.

"I never meant to hurt you in any way China...and I hope you understand how welcome you are here...even when you act up...which isn't often, because you are a good nation. Get well...sleep well..."

His sleep was light, but peaceful and China thought he could sense a presence in the room. He hoped it was not the Dragon again, but didn't think it was. Even with his eyes closed and his mind drowsy in the abyss of sleep, he thought he knew who it might be. He almost was certain he could hear them talking, saying such nice things about him. It really was kind. He hoped someday they could all go to his house, he missed it, even though he liked being here being small.

Sensing the nation was in a full sense of sleep, England smiled, and got up from the bed. He walked to the door, looked behind him, and then quietly shut the door. Sighing deeply, he swallowed and then walked down to the dining room. There were delightful smells coming from the kitchen. As he walked, he was approached by Francine. She had a slightly worried look on her face.

"What is the matter Francine?"

"Oh, Master Kirkland...I just heard about Master Yao...is everything alright? I have been out of the loop, and well, is there anything I can do?" She pursed her lips together, and clasped on hand on top of Arthur's.

"Ah, no that's fine Francine, everything will be taken care of by myself and Hughes. Don't you worry about it." Francine nodded and bustled off down the hall to get some more cleaning done, although the mansion was already very clean, there was always something in need of dusting. England walked into the dining room, and sat down at the table. Hughes came in, surprised to see his Master.

"Ah, my Lord...I was just about to alert you of supper. I have prepared a lovely beef Wellington. Side of creamed spinach, and potatoes au gratin."

"Thank you Hughes."

"I have prepared Master China some Won ton soup as well...I will just wait for him to wake, but he might sleep through the night. I can put it aside in the ice box."

China tried to speak in his sleep but nothing came out, and so he continued to rest but found that his dreams were starting to play tug of war with him. Trying it seemed to either make him sleep deeper or to wake up. Yao kept thinking he was making that list he had promised Hughes and was writing his kanji on his blanket his hand poised but there was of course no brush or paper.

England sat at the table eating his dinner, but Hughes kept his mind focused on China. He cleared his throat, and mid bite, Arthur looked up.

"Uh...yes Hughes? Whatever do you need?" He cut the knife he was holding, and sliced into the flaky covered beef.

"Well my Lord...I was wondering if I could be excused to go and check on Master Yao. I just thought perhaps it has been a little while, and he might need something to eat, like I said I made the soup and I have tea. I wanted to bring some to him, and..."

"Hughes...is something the matter? Did something happen while I was in my study? I mean...I went upstairs to check on him, but that was after I admonished him with the punishment from earlier. So...he was just sleeping, but you seem to be concerned with something other than that." Hughes stood slightly uneasy. He was more than sure England would be fine, but he knew he had to alert the man regardless.

"Yes, well...it seems that after your lecture/chastisement, Master Yao tried to summon a spirit of his own...and well he succeeded. I had the unfortunate opportunity to speak with the Master...HIS Master. And well...there are certain things needed to be done. A series of tests if you will." England just stayed quiet. He swallowed a bite of his meal, and then put the eating utensil down.

"Hughes...whatever you need to accomplish, I will stand by you whole heartily. I am willing to help the young China, so go now, and see him." Hughes nodded and grabbed his platter with the soup and tea. He quickly went up the stairs and approached the door. Opening it with the tray was difficult, but he managed. Arriving in the room, he saw China laying in the bed, waving his arms. He smiled.

Though he felt sure he was making progress with his list, China kept feeling frustrated as in his dreams every time he looked at the paper the words kept vanishing. It was making him grunt with irritation in his sleep and he mumbled something in Cantonese that was not so very polite and tried again. The dreaming task was making China become fitful and he started tossing a little in the bed before taking a sudden breath and coming out of REM sleep long enough to open his eyes and sit up. He blinked at his surrounding and mumbled to the shadowy object before him.

"I forgot to pick the tea leaves, and I can't find my ink stone, where is all the Kanji?"

Hughes watched the boy as he traced in his sleep. It looked like he was writing something. As he watched however, China was jerked out of his sleep, and sat up. Hughes stepped forward holding the tray and smiling. The boy mentioned not being able to find certain things. He responded.

"My young lord...whatever are you talking about? Ink stone...tea leaves? I mean...while I am not sure of the ink stone, I have made tea, so you do not have to worry about any tea leaves. Come, sit up, and I will pour a nice cup of green tea."

He walked over to the bed, and set the platter on the night stand on the left side of the boy's bed. Turning the gas light lamp up letting light show, Hughes then pulled a chair that was by a desk on the other side of the room, and placed it by the bedside. Sitting down, he looked to the boy, and placed his hands, leaning over to Yao, on top of the boy's.

"Master Yao...I have prepared some Won ton soup...and large noodles filled with some of the leftover beef filling. Perhaps you have some appetite after your sleep. And then there is the tea. Care for some?"

"Eh...?" Yao tried to make the blurriness of sleep leave and he sloppily rubbed at his eyes before his mind began to connect that he was not at his own home, the sudden realization made him sniffle and he swallowed it back. "Oh, of course. T-that would be good." China took a shaky slow breath and squeezed Hughes hand suddenly, it was a little comfort he needed, as the worries and fears of the coming day came back to h is mind. He hoped that things would go well, he wished he had not summoned the dragon, but he had wishing would not change it.

Hughes stayed seated and turned to the table, grabbing the bowl of the soup. He added the Won ton noodles, and took a spoon. He then turned to Yao.

"Young Master...do you have enough strength to take the bowl...or shall I assist you with your feeding? I am well aware you are an older nation, but everyone needs help now and then." He waited for the boy's response, and blew on the soup as to lessen its temperature.

"I…I can do. Where are the chop-sticks?" He mumbled a little less but still was not clear headed enough to gather all the information that was going around him. China of course knew he could ask for help but he didn't want to put more burdens on Hughes, his worry over the butler was growing it seemed by the hour.

Hughes handed the bowl to the nation, but as soon as China asked for chopsticks, he frowned slightly.

"Master China...I apologize, but I don't believe I have chop sticks...and...hold on for a moment." He got up from the chair in a hurried way. He turned back to the boy. "Master Yao...I will be back in a brief moment."

Hughes left the room, most likely confusing the nation, and hurried to the servants quarters. There he arrived in his room, and walked over to his treasured belongings. Sitting among his things, he picked up a pair of prized bamboo chop sticks he had purchased many years ago. he picked them up, and walked back to where the boy was laying.

China felt very perplexed and held the bowl in both hands trying to decide what he was supposed to do. Though there were of course quite a lot of soups in his home that required a special spoon, his mind had felt like asking for chopsticks, mainly because he was not awake.

"Oh, its soup." He mumbled to the empty room in Hughes absence, and so slowly held the bowl to his lips and began to blow a little on it and was about to sip it from the rim when Hughes came back.

"My lord...I have apprehended these...and...my apologies for not remembering about them sooner. If I had, perhaps you wouldn't have gotten in trouble with Master Kirkland regarding the noodles. Here." China flushed and looked around uneasily,

"I, uh…didn't mean to worry you about it." He flushed again apologizing quickly in Cantonese.

Hughes stood standing while China held the bowl in his hands. He walked over and sat back down in the chair, holding out the chopsticks.

"Well, regardless if you use them, I would like to give them to you anyways, that way the next meal we have, you'll be a little bit more comfortable." He set the utensils down to the boy's side, and then got up again. "I really have to see about tidying up downstairs for a bit, and then I will come and check in on you, and take care of your bowl and tea cup. I am giving you a stern and slight warning young man. Please stay in bed, morning will be here, and I have much to prepare for."

He bent down and kissed China on the forehead, and then put the chair in its proper place. Waltzing towards the door, he turned back to the nation.

"Get your strength back Young Master, eat every drop of that soup. I will be back." China piped up, wanting to explain a couple of things to the butler as well.

"Only if you rest too Aru!" China said feeling that Hughes was doing too much for him. At the same time, he was China and it was expected for people to treat him well, but at the same time what if part of the test meant that he should need to be a little more understanding? Taking the chopsticks Yao pointed them at Hughes. "I mean it, you have to rest too! What good will you be to me if your all worn down ahh?" China said sounding a little more like himself. The aromas of the soup doing him much good.

Hughes stood by the door with a smirk. He nodded his head and turned back to face the boy.

"Master China...I assure you I will be getting to my quarters as soon as I have completed my tasks. Master England will be in his study for the remainder of the night, with his sherry, and usually does not need my assistance. And if he does, he has no problem getting a hold of Francine. Do not worry young man."  Nodding China let out a little bit of the tension in his shoulders and smiled waving to Hughes as he left.

Hughes winked at the nation, and then closed the door. Walking away from the room, he strolled down the steps. Approaching the dining room, he had seen that England's plates and glass was already taken care of by the other wait staff. He smiled and then walked to the kitchen and cleaned the counters and wiped down the stove range. Once he was done, he turned down the lights, and walked down to his servants quarters. Arriving he changed in his nightshirt, and crawled into his comfy bed. Sleep did not arrive immediately because all he could think of was heeding to the dragon, and what would happen if he upset it.

Once again in the empty quiet room China finished his bowl of soup and tea and then sat quietly fiddling with the chopsticks. He couldn't seem to break the uneasy feeling that tickled his stomach like a million butterflies. He was just to anxious about tomorrow to think of sleeping again, and he suddenly wished he was a butterfly who had no responsibilities. But sadly butterflies don't live to long, so Yao decided it was a bad idea. Knowing Hughes had told him to stay in bed, did not make China want to stay there. He tried to be good though and remain in his bed until morning. If he got up then Hughes might get up and then it would be all China's fault if the butler did not sleep. Angrily Yao kicked his feet in the bed.

"Why can't I have my way? I'm the oldest here!" He hoped the female servants would not catch him in his fit and tell on him.

England sat in his study and was finishing his writing. He looked at the clock and knew it was late, and he knew that Hughes checked on China and that the nation and the butler were most likely asleep. Nodding off slightly while he yawned, he stood up from his desk and left the office. As he walked down the hall, he encountered Francine who oddly enough was still awake. He gave her a slight nod, and then spoke.

"Francine my dear...what are you still doing awake?" Timid and obedient, Francine who always fancied Arthur blushed slightly. She swallowed, and looked to the nation.

"I was going to finish cleaning and then check on Master China."

"Ah, alright then. Don't stay up too late love...I am heading to my room. Goodnight Francine."

"Goodnight Master Kirkland." She watched him climb the stairs, and the door to his room closed. She then went up, and walked towards China's room.

China was now laying on his stomach. Head and feet in the opposite direction for sleeping. No matter what Yao did he couldn't seem to get to sleep and he was feeling cranky and irritable. He wanted to run around the room or go explore the grounds or do something other than lay there and worry about the morning.

"This is not fun Aru." He grumped still trying to be good for Hughes's sake.

Francine stood by the door and knocked softly, she did not hear any noise and just assumed China was sleeping. Shrugging her shoulders, she needed to see if everything was alright, so she quietly opened the door and having it creak open, slightly ajar, she made her way inside. Though what she was expecting to see a teen nation sleeping, she peered over to the bed and saw China in a strange position. Holding her hand to her mouth, she laughed a little.

"Um...Master China...are you awake still?"

"Eh, yes. Yes I am hmm. And Hughes told me not to get up, but I'm to worried and its not fair Aru." He pouted hard and crossed his arms and then suddenly blushed up at her. "Um, what are you doing up? Isn't it late?" He suddenly realized t his was very undignified position for him to be in and so sat up.

Holding her smile, as she did not want to laugh at the nation, who clearly looked like he wanted to stay in his childlike form, she stepped forward with a curtsy.  

"Uh well...my young lord...I was finishing up some cleaning, and well Mister Hughes went to bed, as he stated he had a long day tomorrow, but would not divulge. Anyway I was told to check on you, and take your bowl and mug. If you'll excuse me, I will take those out of your way." She walked over to the bed, and leaned in, grabbing the bowl, and mug, placing them on the platter. Smiling down at the boy, she stood back up and walked to the door. "I bid you goodnight Master Yao...and look forward to seeing you in the morning at breakfast."

"Uh w-wait!" China sat up in his bead and tried to think fast. "Um, c-could you h-help me with something?" He asked hating how he sounded like a guilty child who wanted a drink of water before bed just so they could stay up later. "If…if you don't mind?" He fiddled with this night cloths and scooted as close to the edge of his bed as he could.

Francine stood standing. She had not had much interaction with the nation, knowing very well Hughes and England were busy with him. But keeping a smile upon her face, she turned to the desk in the room, and set the tray on top. Fixing her dress, and keeping a steady eye on the boy, she walked over.

"Yes Master China, how could I be of service?"

"Uh, well…." He tugged at his sleeve nervously. "Well you know Hughes said I couldn't get out of bed...right?" He started off slowly to make sure he and the maid were on the same page. It would make things easier for him if there was no confusion about the matter.

Francine raised an eyebrow, and though she did not have the sternness as England and Hughes, she knew that something was up. Slightly hesitating on whether she should go and wake the butler, she put a hand to her hair, and pulled at a curl.

"Um...well Master Yao...why do you need to get out of bed? I...I am not really good with not following order. Shall I go and wake Master Hughes...or Master England?" She paused and then slightly groaned. "Oh but they might get awfully irate with me. Um...what do you need?"

Yao's face got very red suddenly once she agreed to at least see what he needed.

"Um well, I wouldn't ask if I didn't have to. And I can't reach it on my own…so." He looked away trying not to sound like he was bothered, after all he was China. "I need the toilet, that's all. Nothing so much, only I can't get up to reach it. So I assume you all have a chamber pot or some such thing." Yao said feeling more and more embarrassed at reality but it was after all, the way of life.

Slightly relieved, Francine smiled and walked over to the bed. She pulled back the covers, and stood by.

"Master China, while I am sure Mister Hughes wants you to rest, I am sure it would be perfectly fine getting up to use the washroom." She held out an arm, and pointed towards the door. "The washroom is straight out this door, and the third door on your left. Right before you get to Master England's quarters. You can't miss it. There is a gas light burning in there, as so you do not lose your way." She looked down at the teen and waited.

"T-thank you…" He squeaked nervously and took her arm. She was a very kind maid. China sometimes wondered if he should just not stay small and become big again and try to take over England so he could have his servants and home. Somehow he was sure Hughes would not like that and so Yao put the thought out of his head. "Sorry." He mumbled to Francine, he hoped she was not to disturbed about all this.

"It's quite fine my Lord. Go on, I shall wait here for your return. It is quite late." Helping the nation out of the bed with her hand, she watched a side smirk form on the nation's face, but she did not say anything. "There we are, now, straight to the washroom...please...be careful, the halls are lit, but be sure to be quiet about it." She did not like being authoritative with the nation, as she really did not have any say in his care. Hughes was mainly taking care of China. She stood with her arms to her side, watching as China left through the door.

Though it was true that Yao did want to use the toilet, he had also hopped it would provide an excuse to get up and not have to sleep and possibly explore a little to maybe help himself come up with a strategy to make things easier when he and Hughes faced the challenges. Once finished in the wash room Yao tried peaking through a crack in the door to see if Francine was anywhere near able to see him from here.

Francine stayed in the room while the nation left for the washroom. It was getting late, and she needed to get some sleep. The tray that held the soup bowl, and mug with the kettle stayed on the table. Knowing she would get a lecture for not completing her chores, she took the tray up into her hands, and walked out of the room. Passing by the door to the washroom, she secretly whispered.

"Master China...I am sorry to disturb you, but I must get this tray down to the kitchen, and then head to my quarters for the night. I trust you can get back to your bed and go to sleep. I shall see you in the morning." She then hurried down the hallway, and towards the stairs, descending down them, and made her way to the kitchen.

"Of course." He whispered and then felt extremely excited, and so once he was sure of her being gone he stepped out of the toilet room and began to tip toe using all the stealth of a hidden tiger to make his way as quietly as he could down the hall. He wanted first to map out all the rooms downstairs since he knew basically the layout of the upstairs rooms. "This will be very helpful." He whispered to himself and peaked round the hall door.