This chapter is not meant to offend, harm, or insult anyone or anybody. This is made purely for entertainment. Thank you for understanding.

:)

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⚠️ Warning: Language, Guns, Knives ⚠️

[1703 Words]

[Oregon's POV]

[Two months after the initial attack, six weeks since the previous chapter]

"I still can't believe POA talked us into this." Oregon muttered.

He ran a hand through his oily hair. The western state hasn't been able to shower for a while now.

He hated to admit it, but the stress was starting to get to him. It was hard without Washington just a call away, and it was even harder when he realized that this was the least of his worries. Sure, Oregon was one of the lucky states that hadn't been drafted, but that didn't cancel out the duties he still had back here.

The push for the war effort, the decline in the economy- even the rush to emigrate was getting to him. Schools were closing down as boys and girls alike were sent off to fight. Smog and smoke filled the air as citizens mass-produced uniforms, weapons, and tools in the factories. A depression had settled over the people. They were afraid. Uneasy.

Oregon found himself a coward to still reside in the Estate, but. He couldn't find it in himself to face his people- to go back. What would he even say? What could he even say?

Oregon knows the backlash would be insane.

Just look at what New York was dealing with. Or Virginia.

Virginia was very lucky her bodyguard had taken the bullet instead of her. She had been outraged, but in the end, she had been safe. The hit man was tracked down and executed in less than a week.

"Taking over the world?" Oregon groaned aloud. He scoffed. "What kind of insane reality are we living in?"

Illinois, who was also sitting on the couch Oregon was on, laughed. He had both his legs pulled up to his chest, fiddling with a large handgun near his feet. It was either a Colt Delta Elite Generation 2 or a Colt M1911, Oregon couldn't tell.

He flinched away.

He hadn't realized Illinois was holding that. But. Now that Oregon thinks about it, he shouldn't really be surprised.

For Oregon was also, in fact, carrying a weapon. But in his defense, it wasn't a gun!!

"I mean, I don't mind it." Illinois said, grinning. It was a sharp, crooked thing, half of his teeth either missing or golden. "This is the most fun I've had in ages. We got to a period of time where everything felt so... slow. If you know what I mean."

Oregon sighed. Of course Illinois would think that. He was a lunatic- more than Florida, even.

"I would rather be bored than be forced to go to war." Oregon sneered. He turned his nose up, making a face like Illinois was repugnant. "I shouldn't have expected more from you." He said, voicing his thoughts.

Illinois blinked, his grin fading. Oregon supposed he shouldn't anger a man holding a gun, but what was said was already said.

Illinois's stare burned. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" He snapped.

All of the states knew Illinois wasn't someone to mess with. The northern state was never afraid to threaten, and even less afraid to use his gun. He resorted to violence more than not, using his fists rather than his brain.

Oregon still remembers when Illinois and Michigan had gotten into a brawl. Illinois had won, but it had been ugly. Very ugly.

Michigan still had the bullet scar on his shoulder to prove it.

And the worst part was that this was not Illinois's fault. At least, not completely.

The way he acted, even his personality- it all originated from one place located in his state. And it wasn't even a city, no, but a street.

O-block.

O-block held and has held the title for highest crime rate for years. Most of it came from two rival gangs located too close to each other, leading to multiple shoot-outs several times on the streets. The police were either corrupted or assassinated, and no one else had the power to put a stop to the violence.

Oregon shivered, but he refused to show any fear. People like Illinois fed on that shit.

"I'm just saying we should end this war." Oregon stated boldly, crossing his arms. From the outside, the action looked like he was about to put up a fit. In reality though, Oregon was reaching for the knife hidden in the crook of his arm. "It's not too late. It's never too late." He says.

"You're a coward," Illinois hissed, hitting a nerve. Oregon didn't show it. "We have the power to take over the world, so why don't we do it? Isn't that every nation's dream? Every nation's goal?"

"Not everyone's." Oregon denied. "Some people make nations to get away from the likes of you!"

A unreadable expression crossed Illinois's face. There was a long moment of silence before he opened his mouth.

"You're telling me you've never felt it?"

Oregon's grip on his knife tightened. "Felt what?"

Suddenly, Illinois was close. Extremely close. The shorter state leered over Oregon as they came nose to nose.

"The thrill." Illinois marveled, a gleam in his eyes. "Knowing you're stronger than someone... proving you're more powerful... it's a feeling you can't get from anywhere else. It's fun, almost. Addicting, definitely."

Oregon's brow furrowed. So Illinois was a sucker for power. A sucker for fear. He wanted others to be afraid of him- it made him feel strong. This war- taking over the world- it must be everything Illinois has ever wanted.

"You're sick." Oregon sneered.

Illinois just laughed. "A lot of people say that. Don't tell me you just realized?"

Oregon does not like being teased. He growled.

Just as he was about to pull his knife on Illinois, though, a shout put both their actions to a stop.

"Hey, break it up!" Someone demanded distantly. Heavy footsteps sounded on the polished wooden floor. Oregon peered curiously over Illinois's shoulder, his face brightening not-so-subtly as he recognized who it was.

California.

California roughly pulled Illinois off of Oregon, throwing him away. Illinois landed on the other side of the couch with a huff. "This is ridiculous." California sneered. "Pulling out weapons on each other? What has gotten into the both of you?!"

"Oh, please, like this isn't the least of your worries." Illinois fumed. His knuckles were white around his gun. Because yes, while the man could take on Oregon by himself, he couldn't take on Oregon and California. The two were physically larger than him and California knew how to pack his punches. The south-western state could be a brute when he wanted to.

Illinois hated being weaker. But he should know better than anyone else how the pyramid of power works. California had earned his, one way or another.

"Illinois, hand me the gun." California demanded. He stood in front of Oregon, protecting him from Illinois's sharp glare.

"Please, I'm not the only one armed!" Illinois said. "Check Oregon's hands!"

California gave Oregon a look, and sheepishly, the smaller state revealed a small hand dagger. California quickly snatched it away, much to Oregon's despair and Illinois's delight. It was quickly wiped away.

"Now your turn, Illinois." California sighed, turning back to the crazed state. Illinois brought up his gun to his chest protectively.

Oh, how he wanted to shoot these two. It would be so easy.

Just the pull of a trigger, the small movement of his finger, and... BAM!

'But then, what would America say?' A small voice echoed.

Illinois internally deflated, just thinking about the older personification. America would be disappointed for sure. Destroyed, even. The man always hated to see them fighting. It brang back old memories.

Illinois couldn't disappointment America. He was the one who gave him power in the first place. The one who lead all of them from the bottom all the way to the top. That shit struck respect, even in Illinois's iron heart.

"Fine." He grunted, grudgingly giving up his gun after a good beat. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, not knowing what to do with them now that he didn't have his gun.

At least California hadn't taken his best one... if that had been the situation, Illinois would have definitely put up more of a fight, regardless of America's opinion.

"Thank you." California sighed, pocketing both weapons. He gave the two a stern stare. "I will give you back these at the end of the day, as long as I see no more fighting. Is that clear?"

Oregon and Illinois hated being talked down to like children. But then again, could they really blame California?

Oregon gave a reluctant nod. Illinois just grunted, standing to his feet. He grumbled as he walked away, most likely to his bedroom.

California sighed once again, but Oregon just watched Illinois's back get further and further.

He remembered the other state's words.

'The thrill.' Illinois had said. Oregon shook his head, scoffing.

What a lunatic.

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A/N:

I wouldn't call this chapter a filler, but I also wouldn't call it a huge plot point. It's sort of an in between. I plan on using some details from this chapter in future ones.

Not so fun fact (on my part at least), but turns out Illinois isn't the most dangerous state in the United States. New Mexico holds that title. At least I got Michigan right, with the most dangerous city in the US, Detroit.

While O-block is still very dangerous and high in crime, it's popularity mostly came from rappers who grew up there and made it big. I kind of latched on to that, and made it Illinois's whole personality (sorry). But since this is my AU in the end, let's just say Illinois grew to become the most dangerous US state in the future lol.

Thanks for reading!!

Have a great morning/afternoon/night, and I will see you all next time!!

Adiós!!

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 19TH, 2023

EDITED ON DECEMBER 18TH, 2024