Yes, England had claimed part of America, and soon he would claim much more!
And I know that Arthur probably got his hands Alfred at a younger age, but since America is actually a lot older than people make it out to be, I decided he'd be about 4 (in human years)
October 5th 1607
Arthur wasn't proud of his life to this date. He had made failure after failure, and was currently at risk of losing his Knight-hood. But, it seemed fate was on his side. He had just heard that British settlers had finally made a succesful board. Part of the new country of 'America' was now his. Well, England's. It had taken some time, and much argument, but they now had their own colony there. One that Arthur was going to see to it that it grew and grew, till the entire country was under British control. That should please the Monarchy some-what. He smirked a little, thinking in his mind just how much the country would adore him should he make the British Empire expand yet further. With that thought still in mind, he hastily got ready for bed, eagerly awaiting setting sail the next morning for the new world.
-----One Week Later-----
The fresh scent of sea air was something no sailor ever grew tired of. The feel of the wind blowing through your hair as the waves crashed up against the ship. Yes, this was truly heaven on earth. At least Arthur thought so. He was never more at home than he was when he was out at sea. He watched as the land in the distance grew ever closer, and it wasn't long till they made port at Virginia Colony. His first steps on this new soil was something he knew he would remember. A sense of pride washed over him, as he made his way further in-land. He gave the ship a quick wave as it left for England. Now it was time for him to explore the land a little. It was vast and great. A place to start fresh. He hummed slightly, a tune that he made up on the spot. It was then that a line hit him:
''The land of the free, and the home of the brave.''
He smiled to himself. That was what this new country would be one day.
As the day went on, it wasnt long till he found himself farther into the wood-like terrain than he would have liked to be, and it was clear to anyone: He was lost.
''Oh grea- Ow!''
He grumbled as tripped over a tree trunk. Almost every curse word under the sun soon escaped his mouth before he finally got back to his feet. He brushed himself off, fixing his clothes and hair. And thats when he saw him. A young blonde boy hiding behind a tree, his body trembling. Arthur blinked a little, slowly walking towards the child in curiosity, whom in turn stepped back, clearly afraid. His big blue eyes glistened from un-shed tears. The Brit forced a smile, that must have looked more genuine than he planned since the boy stopped moving.
''Hey there, this isn't the kind of place little children should be playing in. Now, tell me, what is your name son?''
''A-merica...''
Arthur tilted his head in confusion. That didn't sound like an accent he'd heard before. Kneeling down on one knee, he held out his hand as a sign of friendship.
''Come here... I won't hurt you.''
It took a while, but eventually the child walked closer. His height and features told Arthur that he was roughly about 4 years old at most, but something about his mannerisms made him seem older. He picked the still shivering boy up into his arms and stood straight once again. His emerald green eyes scanning the area for anyone who might be looking for a lost child.
''Hey... where are your parents?''
''Huh..?''
''You know, the people who take care of you? Look after you?''
Although, that being said, they weren't doing a very good job of it at the moment. It was 'America's' turn to look confused now. It was as though the concept of parents was something completely foreign to him. Surely even children of this age knew what they were. Right? Arthur really wasn't the maternal type, so he had absolutely no clue about how to talk to children.
''I don't have anyone like that... I've always been alone. People keep taking to their homes telling me they own me, but... I don't have a family...''
/So, he really is the same as me and Francis then... Huh-!/
His eyes began to tear up again, and Arthur was left with no idea of how to handle the situation should the boy start crying. He went with instinct and placed a gentle kiss upon his forehead, watching in facination as those dazzling blue eyes stopped tearing and his mouth formed into a smile. Well, at least he wasnt upset anymore. Arthur carried him back to where his cabin was currently waiting for him. Thoughit took him quite some time to remember where it was. He was, after all, the King of losing things. That included losing his way, naturally. Even a man once so heartless couldn't leave a young boy out in the woods all alone. At least for tonight, he would stay with him. He looked down to notice the boy he was cradleing had, somewhere along the lines, fallen asleep. The Brit smiled. He was actually kind of cute. Arthur brushed some of his blonde hair from his face. Yes, definately cute. He smiled to himself as he entered the wooden house, making sure to lock the door behind him. Searching the small building for a decent place for the boy to sleep, he eventually settled on letting him share his bed. What harm could it do after all? The night was slowly setting upon them, and Arthur decided best to handle his current situation more in the morning. For now though, he would sleep.
-----5 Hours Later-----
Arthur found himself waking much earlier than he had hoped. And there was a very simple reason for that. The other young body that was occupying his bed was currently shaking almost violently in his lap, crying furiously about how there were ghosts in the room. Ghosts that wanted to hurt him. The Brit furrowed his brow, gently rocking the small form back and forth in his tight embrace. Honestly, there was a reason he didnt have kids, and this was it. They were so much hard work. After a few minutes, it seemed the child was slowly starting to calm down. He was no longer shivering so much, and his sobs had become less frequent. But even Arthur - who knew nothing of kids - knew it wasn't over.
''D-addy... I'm scared...''
Daddy?! When did Arthur agree to be the boys father? He certainly didn't remember agreeing to this. Though he thought it best not to argue that point right now. He'd deal with the task at hand first. Which was quite simply to get the boy to shut up and go back to sleep. And, make him feel better, he supposed.
''It's okay, theres nothing here. I promise you. I've seen ghosts before, and I know when they're around. And I guarantee there are none in this room, nor this building. Okay?''
Clearly it wasn't okay, because the younger boy just sniffled and pushed his face further into Arthur's night gown. An action said man wasn't best pleased about, but he held back his annoyance. No, he would not be known as the inpatient, heartless bastard who yelled at little children. So, he sighed and softly caressed the youth's back with his right hand, whilst his left played with his short blonde locks. It was then that Arthur had a realisation. If this boy was the living embodiment of America, like he was to England, then if he did take him under his wing and raise him as his son, then America would surely become England's property by default. It was perfect! Sure it meant the hard work of raising a child, but he would definately reap the benefits later in life. An all too appealing thought. He grinned to himself, holding the boy closer and whispering reasuring words into the boys ear till he - finally - fell asleep. Maybe having a son wasn't so bad after all.
Yes, those are some lyrics from The Star Spangled Banner
I just wanted to fit them in somewhere, kay?
Stay tuned for more soon :D
