Book One: Children in the End

by ScarletNor

Every few decades, the realms of Aesson and Interito select twelve youths for the game of Ascent. The rules are simple: Kill or be killed. What do you desire? It lies at the end of this bloodbath. What will it take to send the whole system toppling?

Title: Prologue
Rating: T
Characters: Austria, Russia, Baal, ?
Warnings: Perhaps disturbing imagery. I think most people should be able to handle it though.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I do own Baal.

The only light source in the space was the pinkish glow the thick liquid radiated. Baal stared at the twelve dark, shrunken silhouettes with a bored expression, fingers splayed on the transparent barrier separating the gods and the children. Five other gods stood in silence behind him, the dim light distorting their features.

"I can't wait for the Ascent to start," Baal said lightly, staring up at the Aces. He smiled at the girl he had chosen, a young, dark-haired beauty. All of them were exquisite specimen of the fairer race, the lucky twelve who had been handpicked by the six gods of Aesson themselves. They were well aware of the excruciating pain the twelve women were in, having their bodies degenerated into that of a baby's. Few people had the chance to meet the five ruling gods, let alone Baal himself. Four magistrates stood ramrod-straight and watched in silent, concealed horror as the twelve Aces retreated within themselves, literally aging backwards. Roderich and Ivan, the newest among them, occasionally glanced fearfully at the relaxed gods, who almost seemed to be enjoying themselves. Especially Baal.

The liquid turned blood red as the sickening transformation completed, all twelve previously beautiful Aces now reduced to a newborn baby. Baal turned and gestured towards a young girl. Roderich felt a shiver go down his spine as the two pairs of luminous blue eyes blinked open, staring right back at Baal. His previous horror from the transformation spread from the pit of his stomach when white spots began to appear on two previously unnoticed figures, spreading until he could see the two young girls, previously dark as night, now completely white with no hint of colour save their eyes.

"Do me a favour and replace them. You know who to go to," Baal commanded, looking directly at the two girls. They ran forward without a word. Baal began laughing hysterically as the room plunged into darkness with a snap of his fingers.

"My friends! Let the Ascent of Revolution begin!"