"Hungary's a loser! Hungary's a loser!" I chanted at Hungary.
"Hungary is a loser?" Knights Templar asked, poking his head up. I smiled.
"Hungary is a loser!" I replied, shouting as loud as I could.
"You bastards!" Hungary yelled. I couldn't help but laugh at him. He ran at us and I ran away from both of them and Knights Templar followed my lead. He ran from us, meaning Hungary could only chase one of us. He chased me.
Now would probably be the best time to tell you. I had grown some. I was now Teutonic Knights! My name was still Prussia though. My human name is Gilbert Beilschmidt. My men from before had kids now. I say kids but they were old enough to start taking their parents places or jobs. My men were getting old. Too old to play with me anymore… that made me sad but I guess you have to move on? The new men were always willing to play with me. However they also seemed to coddle me too much.
That's enough about my men. Before I get back to what's going on, I would like to explain the situation. Some time ago, I had gone on a mission with Knights Templar and we had defended people of God from oppression. I had got to use my sword! That was all I had cared about. Now I tend to help others and Knights Templar would help others and me too! As such we became great friends. Even though he also seems to fond over me more than a friend should. So we were best friends. We would play any game we could come up with.
I noticed that Hungary wasn't chasing me anymore and Knights Templar was trying to catch up. Before I could stop, I slipped and slid down a slope and onto a frozen lake. Knights Templar came running and as he noticed what was before him, he tried running back wards but all he did was fall backwards as he was slid onto the ice and he bumped me. I went sliding even further on the ice and was shot back to the middle when I reached the other side. I scooted over to Liron. He smiled.
"How do we plan to get off the ice?"
"We don't." I threw myself at him and he fell over, sliding all over the place. He hit me and I started moving too. Every now and then we would hit each other and we would go a little faster until finally we stopped next to each other and our heads bumped sides. I smiled.
"Hey! What are you guys doing?" I looked up to see another kid.
"Playing a game!"
"What game is it?"
"I declare it Bump And Slide. Want to play with us?" They nodded. "All you have to do is run down here and bump into us and we can start." They smiled.
"Sounds easy enough." He took a step back before running down the hill. When he stepped on the ice was when he panicked. He tried to stay up but he slipped and fell, beginning to spin wildly. He hit us and we went out of control on the ice. It took longer to stop this time because there were three people this time. When he got hit everything went crazy.
"Hey! I found him!" I looked up to see Izaak. Now would also be a good time to be honest. I have become very skilled in the art of sneaking away from the city, or palace, that I live in. I think of it more as a game for practice in real life. If I get caught, I won't get killed. The fact that I wear white helps to camouflage me from others. I watched as Izaak, Reginald, Varick, and one of the kids came down the slope. Unlike us, they didn't slip or fall. Instead they walked to the edge of the ice.
"Did you sneak out again Gilbert?" Liron asked. I nodded.
"Gilbert you have a meeting in less than an hour."
"Pretend you're dead. They'll leave." The kid whispered. I smirked before just lying there, not moving.
"Gilbert!" Varick called. "This isn't funny." I heard one of them step onto the ice. I clenched my eyes closed. I was picked by the new man.
"Are you okay sir? Are you cold?"
"I'm fine." I said as I was carried off the ice. The other two grabbed hold as he walked. They let go when they were safely on the snow.
"Bye!" The kid left.
"I'll see you later!" Liron said, waving. "I gotta go home now." And I am being forced to go home. I grumbled to myself. I smiled at Knights Templar.
"Bye!" I waved. When they were gone and my men were on the move, I struggled. "Put me down now. I can walk."
"Are you sure Gilbert? We're almost there." He pointed at their horses. I continued to struggle. He set me down. I quickly made my way to the horses and they slightly adjusted their pace to keep up. When we got there I was placed on Izaak's horse because they'd not brought mine.
They started their way to the palace again. "Gilbert, can you please just tell us when you're leaving? I don't want to have to worry about you when we can't find you." Izaak said.
"You're still young and you're still small. No child your size is ever let out without supervision let alone out of the palace." Varick added.
"You could get hurt, you could get conquered, you could get kidnapped, you could get lost, there is too much that could happen to you! Please don't do this again." Reginald said.
"Yeah, yeah. I've heard this a million times."
"And you never listen." Reginald said, anger in his voice.
"Yet you reiterate every time." I replied, crossing my arms. They all seemed to sigh. I won. I smirked. We made it to the city before they quickened their pace further. We made it to the castle and I was given a quick bath by Reginald and then I was dressed again in the same outfit but a different set. I was carried to the stable and placed on my Shetland Pony. I was pleased. They got on their horses.
"You know where to go right? The palace square. We need to be there in thirty minutes so I suggest we get going." Reginald said. Not many people were coming with me. This man, whoever he is, has been suggested to me for a personal meeting for a long time. Since September last year. I finally agreed to meet him and they weren't letting me back out. I was bringing along two of the new men. One was a knight and one was a servant.
I galloped my horse to the palace square, enjoying the wind and speed as we went. My horse also seemed to enjoy it. They rode behind me, side by side. When we got there my horse didn't want to stop riding but eventually my horse calmed. I led my horse to my knight and they tied the horses to a nearby post.
I stood, waiting for his appearance. About ten minutes passed and I was getting impatient. Three men appeared. They got off their horses. The one that seemed the most important, from the other two's behavior, man looked like he was eighteen, more or less. The only thing I could say to describe him is that he looked like a man, a powerful man. He caught my attention quickly.
He walked up closer. "My name is Frederick the Second and I am here to meet someone. Might one of you be them?" I stepped forward.
"I am here to meet someone as well. I think you are that person."
"Frederick is the man you are supposed to meet." They whispered in my ear.
"My name is Prussia, formally, Teutonic Knights, informally but my friends call me Gilbert Beilschmidt. I am pleased to meet you." What did he say his name was? Freder... ick? ich? I can't ask him, that would be rude.
"Do you mind if I call you Gilbert?"
"No, I don't mind. You want to be my friend?"
"Yes, I would love to be your friend. I have only one question. What do you mean by your other two names being Prussia and Teutonic Knights?"…
"I invite you to dinner. I can explain then. For now all I can say is that I am a personification of the country of Prussia. I own this land because of that."
"I believe you. I accept your invitation Gilbert." I smiled.
"What would you like for dinner? We've not made any plans yet."
"I would like what is normal for you."
"Wurst and beer?" His face showed surprise if only for the moment then it went back to his smile. I love his smile. I think I actually like this man. I want to keep him. But how would I do that? I should get to know him before I make any big decisions. Maybe I can give him a post at my castle...
"If that is normal, then yes."
"Very well. Izaak shall see to it that you are welcomed with open arms. Just go to the castle before sundown. We usually eat dinner then. If you want you can have a snack or something to tide yourself over until then."
"No, sundown is fine."
"I will have another guest who would like to meet you. I'll go inform him of today's plans." I said before turning around and untying my horse.
"Let me do that please."
"No! I'm fine on my own!" I climbed onto my horse and started for the church. When I got there I tied my horse again before going inside. I was met with Gofried talking to a group of men. I walked over and tugged on his robe. He continued to talk to them, moving his hand over mine. The adults looked at me and smiled. I looked up at them. I smiled back. I looked at Gofried. He was listening to them speak now. It sounded like they were coming to a close.
"Gofried. Listen to me! Listen to me now!" He grasped my hand.
"One minute please Gilbert."
"NOW!" He sighed and looked at me.
"What is it Gilbert?" When we were alone he called me Prussia. When we had company he called me Gilbert. I don't know why and I don't care why because he's the Pope.
"You will come to my house for dinner today. No questions, no complaints, and you must show. That is all. Be early. Come before sundown." I said and took my hand back before heading back to my house to oversee the making of dinner. Frederich... Frederick? He's coming over and it must be perfect.
…
I was standing outside as I waited for Frederick and Gofried to come. Varick's son was holding a thingy to keep me out of the sun. Dinner had been decided and it was being cooked by the best cooks in the land. My chefs! Drinks had been decided and the place had been dressed up great. Now all I had to do was wait for them.
I saw Gofried arrive. He walked up to the doors and smiled at me. I smiled back. "You will see why I told you that you had to come. This man is a great man and I don't even know him yet! I intend to introduce him and you." He bowed his head in a nod before going inside.
A few minutes later and Frederich arrived! I beamed and did something I am not proud of. I ran towards him. I smiled up at him. "You came! I'm happy to see you!" I blushed. "I mean… thank you for coming." He smiled at me. He always smiles but his smile widened.
"I was happy to come. I am eager to get to know you. Surely God meant for us to meet." This is great! Not only is he a great man but he also believes in God! There's nothing that could be better than this man! Besides for being able to keep him at the castle… I will see what I can do about that.
"Follow me!" I strode towards the castle and to the dining hall. I pulled out a seat for Frederick and he smiled at me.
"Thank you." I tried to push in the chair and at first it wouldn't move but then it did. I walked over to my chair and pulled myself up and they pushed my chair in. When everyone was sitting down, they brought in the food. Gofried and Frederich were sitting next to me and across from each other.
First they brought candies and salads and other things for appetizers. I smiled at Frederick, grabbing some candies and handing them to him. Then I smiled at Gofried. "Fredereich these are for you." I handed him the candies. "Gofried, this is Frederick. Frederich, this is Gofried. Gofried is the Pope. He works for the country."
"Hello Gofried, I am please to meet you. I am Frederick the Second."
"Hello Frederick the Second, I am Gofried. I am pleased to meet you. Prussia talked to me about you." I smirked.
"Yes I did. The candies were added for you two." I said as I watched him eat the ones I handed him. He took his salad and began to eat. "How do you find the food to your liking?" I asked Frederick curiously.
"I find I like it very much. I cannot wait to see what the main course is." I had given my gold cup for him to drink because he deserves it. As we ate our appetizers, I got to learn more about his past and about him. I also wanted to keep him here even more.
They cleared the table and brought in the main course. Rice and wurst centered. They brought us beer as well. The dessert would be champagne. I saw his surprised look when he saw the alcohol. I was surprised by his surprise but I tried my best to keep it hidden. To my dismay he requested water instead. As did Gofried.
"Did you not like the beer?" I asked, surprised by the hurt in my voice. He looked at me with the most... comforting was the only word to describe his expression.
"No. I just tend not to drink. Not unless I am in worship." Gofried smiled.
"As do I, Frederick." I frowned as they started talking to each other. I tried to get in on the conversation but I was talked over. I frowned, pouting as I ate my food. I ate slowly and I looked at my men. They were all into depth of conversation with each other and Izaak's part of the table was all in uproar of laughter. I drank my glass and it was refilled, three times that happened. I finished my meal and when everyone else was also finished, the table was cleared again. I had started to hiccup every now and then. Frederich looked at me in concern.
They brought in the dessert and champagne, and two more glasses of water for Gofried and Frederick, and I smiled as Frederich engaged me in conversation and Gofried talked to some of my other men. I was mindlessly drinking from my cup when Frederick asked me a question I knew had importance behind it, even if I couldn't tell what importance it held.
"Gilbert, where do you live?"
"Here."
"Do you like it here?" I hummed but I realized he wanted a real answer.
"I guess so. I've never really lived anywhere else. I live in this castle. It's quite empty here. Quite too huge for just my men and me. Even with the knights and servants and chefs it's quite empty. Sometimes I get lost in my house but it's okay. I'm sorry. I don't mean to ramble on."
"No, it's fine Gilbert. Do you find living here to be quite lonely? Or just empty?"
"…empty. I can't be lonely. Too many people. And Gilbird."
"But not enough?"
"To fill the castle." I gagged on my piece of wurst and had a drink to wash it down.
"What would you say if I offered you a place in my home? There are many more men there."
"Come live with you? Why can't you come live with me?" He was quiet for a minute.
"Is that a no?"
"No, of course not! I would love to. It's just… what about my men? And to be honest… I'm… kind of… to move to a new place… I've never… done that before."
"Your men could come work there too if you wish. I also know how scary moving from one home to another can be. Especially if you have lived there for a very long time. You do not need to worry, Gilbert, I will be there to make sure everything is okay. If you want to come."
"Can I have time to think about it?" I asked, finishing dessert and grabbing my glass. I looked at Frederick as I sipped.
"Yes, of course you can. The most I can give you is a week however. I have to go home after that time is passed." I nodded.
"That is understandable. I will come see you during the week and talk to my men about it." Then I started talking more to myself as a thought came to mind. "Reginald doesn't have a kid. So that means either I need to find a new caretaker or I won't have one." I felt my body ready to let out a yawn. I'd woken up extra early to sneak out after all.
"I am glad you understand. I will look forward to your visits." I smiled. I set my cup down. They quickly refilled it. I scooted it away from me for a bit. I didn't want anymore right now. I was finished with my meal.
When everyone else was finished I quickly looked up at him. "Where are you staying?"
"In an inn, the best in town my men could find."
"I request you cancel and sleep in the guest chambers of my castle. I never have guests and you would be perfect." He smiled.
"That is very nice of you Gilbert. Are you sure I would not be encroaching?" I rubbed my eyes, yawning.
"Mm hm." My men noticed this and quickly got everything under way. I informed them of the turn out for Frederick and his two companions. Reginald carried me to my room and bathed me before dressing me for bed. He told me a bed time story but I was asleep within the hour.
...
"Gilbert, what do you think of learning?" Frederick asked.
"It's stupid. Unless it's a new battle tactic or enemy secrets."
"What do you think of music?" I smiled.
"It's pretty."
"Do you know what this is?" He held out a stick with holes. I took it and tried to look inside the holes. Nothing.
"A stick people blow on to create noise called music." I handed it back.
"Do you know how to play it?" I shook my head and he stood. He walked to a stand that he had in his room. "Might I demonstrate the flute?" I nodded. He began to play. It was the most beautiful sound. I think I know how to keep him. He is better than my flute player.
...
"Do you know how to write?"
"No. I don't need to. I have people who do that for me."
"Do you know how to read?"
"I have people who do that for me."
"So you have never read the bible for yourself?"
"Gofried! He reads it to me whenever I ask him to!" I replied, smiling.
"Would you like to try?" I shook my head.
"No! Too hard to learn really and none of the other countries do it either."
"So just because they don't see a reason to learn you don't either?" His smile lessened. No!
"Prussia is superior! Prussia is awesome! I am awesome! I AM AWESOME!"
...
I loved Frederick. He was a great man. I had retrieved the best Prussian jewels and molded them into a hat. I had done some digging and learned something. Kings wear crowns and I want him to be my king.
I walked into his room. He looked up when I did so. He smiled. I motioned him over to the center of the room. He stood and came closer.
"Kneel? I have a present… how old are you anyway?"
"Nineteen, a month to be twenty." He knelt down.
"Lower your head?" When he did so I placed the crown on his head. "I hereby declare you High King of Prussia. Congrats on your Kinghood."
"Thank you. Though really I would be Prince of Prussia. I'm not married yet."…
"You can marry me!"
"Do you know what marriage is?"
"When two people love each other very much." His smile brightened. He even closed his eyes with his smile. I beamed when he put his hand on top of my head. I think I must have made him happy or something.
"Well that is very nice to hear. However I am sorry to inform you that is not what marriage means."
"Gofried will make you king!" I grabbed his hand. "Come with me!" I turned and started quickly out the room and down to the stables. When we got there I had the stable caretaker get my war horse ready and let go of Frederick to get my Shetland Pony ready. I saw Izaak begin to make his own horse ready.
"Gilbert would you mind if I came with you?"
"No. We need an audience! Fritz is going to get a coronation!" Izaak's eyes widened but he said nothing. I got on my horse and Frederick got on the horse that had been readied for him. I was just happy he was being cooperative. Izaak got on his horse and I quickly turned my horse to the door before trotting out of the stable and toward the church.
When we got there I was pleased to see Gilbird had kept his promise, he was waiting for us. He tweeted before diving onto my head.
"Gofried is in a meeting."
"Doesn't matter. He'll want to hear this." I got off my horse and handed the reins to Izaak. "Tie the horses to whatever. Frederick, follow me." I watched as he got off the horse and instead helped Izaak. I grabbed him by the hem of his clothes. I pulled. "Frederick! Come on!" I moaned. He smiled at me.
"It will only take a minute Gilbert." I pulled harder, closing my eyes with effort. It did nothing but make me fall over. I sighed. A minute later Frederick helped me back to my feet. I glared up at him.
"Don't ever do that again." I said, frowning. His smile lessened a bit but I didn't care… if that made me feel a bit guilty. I grabbed his hand again and led him inside. "Gofried!" I shouted. I saw him on the stage and approached him. I let go of Frederick.
I ran up to him and pulled on him. He will pay attention to me! He looked down at me. "What is it Gilbert?"
"Frederick is king of Prussia! Do whatever it is you priests do to make it official!"
"I will have to wait for Sunday." I glared up at him.
"He doesn't have that long! Do it now!" Gilbird flew around us tweeting.
"Do it now! Do it now! Do it now!"
"Even Gilbird says we should do it now!" He opened his mouth to disagree. I saw Izaak pale, Frederick only watched in curiosity. I glared harder at him, stomping my foot on the ground.
"Gilbert-" I stomped again.
"I order you to do it now!" He sighed. I won! He looked at Frederick, Gofried's face showed tiredness. Frederick's smile had gone a bit forced at the show I had to give. 'Great going Gofried, you upset my visitor.' I thought bitterly.
"Frederick if I can have only a few minutes to get ready?" Frederick smiled.
"I think it is very kind of you to be willing to do it now but I must insist for Sunday if you do indeed require Sunday, if only I might ask why?"
"Because the seventh day is sacred and we will have a bigger audience on Sunday." Their going against me?!
"I will inform my men about the lengthier stay. I am willing to wait. How long does it take? If I may ask?" Their going against me!
"Only a few minutes but I would like a few hours to prepare for a proper one." I glared, fuming in my spot. Adults! Adult humans are so- so- so! I started stomping my feet shouting at Gofried. Izaak came up and scooped me off the ground.
"Excuse us." He said before carrying me to a far off room in the church. I struggled in his grasp, yelling at him. He did his best to keep hold and I struggled harder. When he closed the door behind him he set me down and leaned against the door, trying to keep it closed. I kicked at the door and shoved and pulled. I stomped and punched. I even threw myself against the door. "Gilbert, please! Calm down! I know you aren't getting what you want but this won't help!" He shouted over my yelling.
"I don't care! He needs to be made king now! He needs to be made Prince of Prussia! Let me out so I can go give Gofried a piece of my mind!" I said, punching Izaak. He grunted but staid where he was. A few minutes later of all this and I realized I was not going to get what I wanted today. I walked to the corner and sat down. I began to cry, from all the effort that had taken, because I wasn't getting what I wanted, and because I wanted one more try for what I wanted. Izaak staid put for a minute before sighing in relief. He walked over to me and picked me up.
"I'm sorry Gilbert. Think of it this way. You aren't getting what you want immediately but it will happen only a few days from now and this week! Isn't that great?!" I shook my head against his chest.
"I-I wasss onnnly tryinnng tooo ssshow howww muuuch I-I liiike Frederick! Buuut nnnobody caaaresss whaaat I-I waaannnt." I sobbed. He rubbed my back.
"That's not true at all! Everyone cares what you want! We love giving you what you want and not just because you throw a tantrum if we don't." I couldn't help but let out a weak chuckle. I rubbed my eyes, trying to get the tears to stop. When they did, I looked up at Izaak.
"Does Frederick hate me now?" I saw him shake his head.
"No! All kids throw tantrums. I even remember when I did a few times. They never worked out well for me but I'm glad to see they mostly do for you." I smiled, nodding, giving another chuckle. They always worked… until now when Frederick appeared. Frederick seemed like he didn't want any part of it. When I stomped my foot the first time is when they always gave in, no matter how hard they were against it. "Ready to go back now? Without the tantrum?" I nodded. He carried me back to them. They'd started up a conversation.
"Gilbert, I think you should accept Frederick's deal." Gofried said when we were alone. "I am also sorry for not giving you what you wanted but I would prefer it to be proper. You're not still mad at me anymore right?" I nodded.
"I forgive you Gofried. I guess proper is better than faster and patience is a virtue anyway." He smiled at me, kissing my cheek.
"Good job Prussia." I grinned. Izaak placed me on my horse and we headed off.
...
I woke up on Saturday well rested. I noticed I had slept in and as such Gilbird was pacing back and forth on my headboard. I rolled over and noticed Cocoa was under me. I rolled back over and hugged Cocoa. I smiled until I noticed a part of brown had turned white. That's weird. I placed my finger there to notice it was actually a rip! I began to cry and Gilbird, noticing this, landed on my head. Tweeting comfortingly at me.
"Don't cry Gilbert! I'm sure Cocoa will grow a patch back to replace the hole." I shook my head.
"That's not how stuffies work Gilbird!" I heard the door open and clung harder to Cocoa. I noticed it was Frederick. I hid my stuffy immediately. I can't let him know I sleep with one! He sat on the bed.
"What's wrong Gilbert? Can I help?" He wants to help?
"Nothing is wrong." I said looking at him. His smile disappeared. I upset him!
"You can be honest with me Gilbert."
"Well… besides for the fact that I'm hungry, I woke up a few minutes ago happy. Then I rolled over to get out of bed but I rolled on top of Coco- my stu- a stuffy, you know a stuffed animal?, and I looked at it and I thought it was adorable so I hugged it but then I saw a white thingy poking out and when I went to touch the white thingy I noticed it was the stuffing and now I'm sad because the stuffy has been wounded and there's not a doctor for stuffies and… and… and…" I hid my face in my big pillow. He rubbed my back. I stopped crying, surprised. I love this man! Even if he does disobey every now and then. Well not disobey but there is a difference between him and my men.
"There may not be a clinic but anyone can be a doctor for a stuffed animal. I learned how. Would you like me to fix it?"
"Cocoa is a him." I pulled Cocoa out and handed him over.
"Cocoa is a beautiful bird. I will set about fixing him for you. Would you like to accompany me down to the dining room for a meal?" I nodded and crawled to the end of the bed. I was still in the night shirt. I wasn't wearing any pants and needed a bath for morning.
"Can you get Reginald? He's my caretaker. He's usually the one who bathes and dresses me and all other things like that." Frederick looked at me.
"I could go ask for him for you. I will be waiting for you and I will also be working on healing the wound." His smile brightened. I beamed at him. Then I said something before he could leave.
"Also, please try to be finished with him before I get there. I think I have my answer to your question. The one about living with you?" His smile became a beam and his eyes were closed.
"I am glad to hear it. Though you are aware there will be rules?"
"Yeah. There are always rules wherever I go, even a few for me of all people." He gave me a fond look before heading out of the room. I walked to the tub and clambered in. I removed the shirt and played with the water knobs. I jumped when I heard Reginald's voice.
"Gilbert! Be careful!" I was snatched out of the tub and placed on my feet. "Never play with the water, especially if you don't know if it is hot or cold or scalding or freezing." He scolded lightly.
"I just wanted a bath Regi." I defended. He set the water before placing me back in. He began to bathe me as I began to think about my decision.
When I was picked up with a towel out of the tub I had only one question or one worry for Frederick. I was placed on my feet and dressed in my usual clothes. I walked out of the room and toward the dining room.
"Go make sure breakfast is ready for me?"
"Yes sir." He headed off. When I got there I saw Frederick was indeed done with Cocoa. Gilbird had landed on my head when I was leaving my room. One of Frederick's men was holding Cocoa. I walked to my chair and pulled myself up before Reginald pushed my chair in.
"Can Frederick and I be left alone?" I asked Reginald. He nodded and Frederick nodded at his man. "Fritz- …" He made no complaint at the name. Just nodded for me to continue. "Fritz do you really want me to live with you? Because I would love to accept if the problem of my men's future wasn't in question. I don't know what will happen to them. I can't just leave them. I need them. They do many things for me. Like tell me bedtime stories, cook food for me, help me when I need it, and many more things. Not to mention this has always, as far back as I can remember, been my home. Even if it is falling apart."
"I understand all of that Gilbert. Your men can either come with us or stay. That would include their families as well though. If they do indeed decide to stay, then I can aquire men to do the same thing they do for you. All you have to do is tell me what you need."
"How do I tell them my answer is yes and they must decide?"
"However you see fit. Unless you are asking me to do it?" I bit my lip. This is a very big decision that will change my life forever. Even if I back down… One question remains.
"I would like for you to do it. How far do you live from here?"
"Not that far really." I smiled. So I wouldn't really be moving.
...
Today was the day that I moved to Fritz' house! This was going to be exciting! I was keeping both my war horse and my daily horse. Gofried had only to make Frederick the Prince of Prussia and we would be ready to go!
I'm sorry but I wanted Frederick in my story so bad.
For chapter four as well, this is 2.0 version.
