The Girl by the Sea (Countryhumans AU)

Soul Hunting

Written: March 9, 2024

A week later, I meet Australia by the playground. I see him rocking himself awkwardly on a tire swing that creaked under his weight. As I approached the playground, the familiar sight of Australia rocking awkwardly on the tire swing greeted me. The creaking of the swing filled the air, blending with the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. I could see the tension in Australia's posture, the weight of the recent events still evident in his weary expression.

"Hey," I called out softly, approaching him with cautious steps. Australia looked up, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and relief. He paused for a moment before offering me a small, tired smile.

"G'day, Ry," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. "Didn't expect to see you here."

I settled onto the swing next to him, the worn rubber beneath me groaning in protest. For a moment, we sat in silence, the only sound the rhythmic creaking of the swing as Australia rocked back and forth.

"How are you holding up?" I asked softly, breaking the silence. Australia sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"Been better," he admitted, his gaze drifting off into the distance. "But I'll survive. Always do."

"How's Bertha doing?" I ask in an attempt to levitate the mood. Australia's perks up, charged with eagerness.

"She should be laying eggs any day now!" Australia exclaimed. "Baby snakes! Loads of em!"

Australia's enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile at his excitement. "That's fantastic news! I can't wait to see the little ones," I replied, genuinely happy for him. The thought of baby snakes wriggling around brought a sense of warmth to my heart, a reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature amidst the chaos of our lives.

"About the mabui thing," Australia began, "Did ya consult the yuta yet?" I shake my head. In response, Australia gets off of the tire swing and takes my hand.

"Well, we can go together. Right now." He declares.

"Mum said to take me wherever you go." New Zealand jumps from the bushes, phone in hand and hair tangled in twigs. Rolling his eyes, Australia groans.

"Yer the worst, I tell ya, mate." Australia gestures for New Zealand to join us.With New Zealand joining us, we set off towards the yuta's place, a sense of determination driving us forward. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Australia's support and New Zealand's unexpected company. Despite the challenges we faced, we were united by a bond that transcended our differences, a bond forged by shared experiences and a mutual desire to protect and support each other.

Arriving at the yuta's home, we were greeted by the soothing scent of incense and the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore. The yuta welcomed us with a warm smile, his wise eyes twinkling with understanding.

"We've come seeking guidance," Australia explained, his voice steady and resolute.

"Not me." New Zealand raised a hand. "I just ship these two." The yuta nodded warmly and offered Australia and me a seat. I began to explain the situation with slight tremors in my voice. The yuta calmly listened, occasionally nodding and taking notes.

He sighed and straightened his back, looking me and Australia in the eyes. "First, I would like to say that New Zealand is quite the matchmaker." He said with a grin.

The yuta's words resonated deeply within me, stirring a sense of both hope and apprehension. I felt a pang of longing for the soul I had lost, the part of me that had been shattered by trauma and pain. And yet, I also felt a glimmer of determination, a flicker of resilience that refused to be extinguished.