From the Ashes (fanfic)

""When tensions finally break, every nation falls under the shadow of destruction. Is it even possible to rebuild that which seems beyond repair?""

From the Ashes is a Axis Powers Hetalia fanfiction by Streamingwords.

Many nations are left dead or badly wounded after nuclear war finally breaks out. The survivors gather together at Geneva to regroup and begin rebuilding. A distress call from the thought-to-be-dead China, however, prompts America to volunteer a rescue mission despite such a thing still being considered a suicide mission considering the condition of the rest of the world. Not helped is that the war has left America blind, and the only people willing to go with him are Canada, still injured himself, and England, with whom issues still simmer.

Comes recommended on the Recommendations page.

"Canada: I still don't get why the hell you decided to bring him. Are you trying to make me as miserable as possible? America: Aw, come on. The one time that I decide to do the proper, diplomatic thing, rather than my typical blow-him-up deal, you guys do nothing but complain about it. England: There's diplomacy and then there's insanity. America: Are you saying that I didn't do the right thing, Arthur? England: Not at all. You did the right thing, America. I just wish that you hadn't saved that momentous occasion up for this instance."
 * An Arm and a Leg:.
 * Badass in Distress: Pretty much everyone is ready to kick ass after being in distress. In one instance,.
 * Being Good Sucks: Everyone is of this opinion with regards to America bringing, including America himself.

"England: I'll be taking my bath first. If you consider protesting, I swear that I will de-brain you with this spoon."
 * Big Damn Heroes
 * Blind Mistake: There's a bit where America accidentally bumps into a woman, apologizes, and then realizes it was a mannequin.
 * Blood Knight:.
 * Boom! Headshot!: How  picks off enemies.
 * The Cavalry:.
 * Conscience Makes You Go Back: When America runs across, he tells him off and walks away...and thirty seconds later shows up again, yells some more and drags him along.
 * Cut His Heart Out with a Spoon:

"“That's how we roll in Canada, eh!”"
 * Dude in Distress: Besides China needing a rescue, England manages to be the only person to.
 * Dressing as the Enemy: During the second time part of the group was.
 * God Test: Averted when the characters need to prove they're nations.
 * Gondor Calls for Aid:.
 * Love Epiphany: America has one when he realizes he likes England on the first night of the rescue mission. Then he accidentally stay up all night pondering it.
 * Made of Explodium: For a distraction during an escape, Canada rolls a barrel of gasoline at some approaching mooks and shoots it. He's rewarded with a massive fireball for his effort.

"England: Budge up, you stupid Yankee! America: Do what to myself? England: Move over!"
 * Moment Killer: England and America are having a moment after working on some of there issues. Then Canada shows up, 'interrupting the moment with all the gentleness of a bull in a china shop.'
 * No Social Skills:  needs it explained to him that no, most countries will not be thrilled to see him after he   and that having an entire room dedicated to American culture could in fact be considered creepy.
 * Nuke'Em: How this all started.
 * Open Says Me: When trying to get into a cabin, England realizes it's locked and says they'll need to find another place to stay since they don't have the key. America responds by kicking the door in.
 * Playing Possum: Used by  twice.
 * Ragtag Bunch of Misfits: In the group volunteering for the Suicide Mission, there's America who's mostly blind, Canada who can't walk, and England who's crazy enough to go with them anyway..
 * Really Seven Hundred Years Old: Discussed when England informs America that he and Russia are five and seven thousand years old respectively, to America's shock (Canada, who's not completely oblivious, is embarrassed that this is practically a reveal to his brother).
 * Separated by a Common Language: Played with.


 * Shoo Out the Clowns: When several other nations confront America about his blindness and the fact he was covering it up, the Italian brothers are noticeably absent.
 * Suicide Mission: Rescuing China is considered this, so much so that they weren't planning on sending anyone but America volunteered. Even he admits they agreed not because they think he can do it, but because it gets him out of their hair.
 * Tempting Fate: Lampshaded when Canada says "I'm sure that it won't be that dangerous" and then immediately feels that he will be proven wrong.
 * Token Evil Teammate:.
 * World War III: They don't call it that, but it otherwise fits.