Choose Your Player

Chapter One: The Gift in the Jar

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A blonde man hummed as he traveled along a canal. He had recently taken a flight from his homeland of America to the familiar country of England. The man had been here many a time, discussing political issues and recent events that had occurred just prior of his visits. You see; this was no ordinary man. Oh no… Alfred F. Jones was a nation, and a mighty one at that. For, he was the United States of America.

Today, he had decided to pop in for a visit with his old friend, England. True, they had fought over many things, but Alfred still considered him one of his closest allies. Britain had no idea that he had left his humble abode this morning and flew straight over to the island nation's house. No; today Alfred's visit would be a surprise!

He skipped by a few of the passing stores until he spotted something a bit strange. Amidst the bustling cobbled streets packed full of small shops, a tiny alley caught Alfred's eye. It wouldn't have appeared so strange if it weren't for the old lady that lingered just out of the public's view. Al had excellent senses, his eyes not excluded. He fumbled with the end of his black AC DC shirt while trying to figure out what to do, a nervous habit of his that he refused to admit. It was just a ten minute walk to Britain's town house from where he stood, but curiosity was getting the better of him. A quick stop wouldn't hurt; would it?

The American let out an exasperated breath as he wandered over to the older lady. She was anything but your typical grandma with a long pale face that reeked of death and misery. The woman had beady little eyes that were cold as ice, and her face wore a scowl so foul that it would drive everyone away. Alfred was hesitant as he approached her. What did he want from her? That he was not so sure of himself. He swallowed the lump in his throat and coughed.

"Um… Excuse me, but are you alright?" What else was he supposed to ask? It seemed rather odd for a stranger to waltz up to another person without a reason. "Are you sure you're not cold in this weather, Ma'am?" He gestured towards the darkening sky overhead then turned back to her. She said not a word, but continued to stare at absolutely nothing. It seemed that she still did not know that he was there. "Ma'am…?" She turned her back to him and began to walk further along the alley wall. The woman used her hand to guide her along the bricks while she shuffled her feet in a slow manner. Alfred looked back to the crowded street for a moment before deciding to follow her. He had to make sure that she got home alright…

In most cases, Alfred got along with the elderly, but something about this woman put him at unease. His heartbeat had begun to quicken for no apparent reason as he stayed fast on the woman's heels. She rounded the corner of a building along with Alfred who soon followed, but when he was on the other side she was no longer there. The man's brow furrowed in confusion as he looked around him. Where in the world could she have gone? At that moment, there was a sudden chill that ran down his collar bone. Something had touched him just at the nape of his neck. Alfred ran his hand over it out of shock and further confusion, but found nothing. He turned around to see the woman standing there, holding a small jar illuminating a soft blue light. It was subtle but scared the living crap out of him. His breath came out in ragged breaths as he stared into those silver eyes that held so much despair. In a moment, he fell to his knees. With this, the woman placed the jar before him and vanished once more. He paid little mind to the woman once again disappearing, but instead stared at the small flame that rested inside the glass in front of him. For some reason, the thought of the woman's actions did not frighten Alfred. He did not know what to think as he continued to watch the flame, mesmerized by its beauty…

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(A.N.) Weird start to a story; I know, but with reading so many 2p!talia stories lately I came up with this idea. Believe it or not, I actually have all of this story planned out! Oh my god; it's a miracle! What has it been; a year or so since I actually did that? Well anyways, so far it hasn't led anywhere other than Alfred coming across the mysterious old lady and her jar of blue light. I am curious as to see what you readers think it is for, so please leave theories by reviewing! Just know that it involves 2ps!

~Ame-chan777