I OWN NOTHING!
Enjoy!
Chapter One - Our Secret Vow
"France!"
It was early in the morning. The sun hadn't even come up and the stars still covered the night sky. All around the faint sound of the crickets chirped in the cold, dark air.
On the outskirts of a small village, a small boy with curly brown hair, green eyes, and lightly tanned skin runs across a small flowery meadow. He calls out as he heads towards a figure on the other side of the field.
"France! Come on! Wait up!"
He yells desperately to grab the figure's attention. The boy, panting, stops running to catch him breath. The figure notices him and waves for him to come over.
The figure was another small boy about his age. He had shoulder-length blond hair, pale skin and blue eyes. He put both his hands to his rips and waited impatiently for the other boy.
"Spain! Hurry up. You're such a slowpoke!"
"It's not my fault," the brown haired boy known as Spain replied, "You're the one who just wakes me up in the middle of night and makes us run off in a hurry without even telling me where we're going. Besides, you did not even give me time to change out of my nightgown!"
"Oh stop being like that! And being outside in your nightgown isn't that bad."
Spain grabs the bottom of his gown and fidgets around as a gust of wind blows over him.
"I'm not wearing any underwear! AND it's cold!" he whined.
The boy France rolls his eyes.
"Well me too!"
He pulls his own nightgown over his head to reveal the naked skin under it. He lets the dress fall back down and shivers a little from the cold air.
Spain, unfazed at what his companion just did, crosses his arms and pouts. He takes a step forward and feels a sharp pain from his feet. He looks up at France to see the blond boy's slightly big, brown farm boots and puffs up his cheeks in irritation.
"Well at least you're wearing something to protect your feet. We're running on the uneven ground and I'm barefooted…," his face falters to a sadden expression, "and it's beginning to hurt…" He starts to walk towards France but winces in pain as he accidently steps on a few twigs and pointed rocks. Spain carefully sits down and grabs his right foot; whimpering as he removes some the stray pebbles on the bottom of his foot.
France, noticing Spain's pains, sighs and walks over to him. He examines the other boy's feet and sees that his friend has a small cut on the bottom of his dirty, blistered foot.
Taking a hint of pity, France pulls out a small handkerchief from his gown pocket and gently applies it as a bandage for the boy's injury. Spain watches quietly as France plops down to a sitting position and pulls off his right boot.
He motions Spain to take it but the boy shakes his head.
"No France. It's fine."
"Non, take it. It's my fault I rushed you."
"But-"
"Mon ami, TAKE IT!"
Spain decided not to argue anymore and complied with France's order.
"O-okay…"
He puts on the boot and allows France to help him up to a standing position. Now, the two boys were sharing the old pair of boots; one on Spain right foot and the other on France's left foot. Spain looks at France to see a look of concern on his face.
"Are you alright now? We can walk more slowly it you like?"
Spain takes a few more steps. The cut doesn't hurt all that much anymore and it brings relief to both of the boys' faces. Spain smiles and gives France a tight hug."
"I'm fine! Gracias France!"
France, slightly blushing, smiled and hugged him back. A few seconds passed and both let go of each other's embrace. France coughs and takes a hold of Spain's hand.
"Well then, now that that's over, can you stop complaining now? Let's get going already."
"Sí, señor! Right behind you!"
Spain giggles softly, tightening his grip on the other's hand as they start walking out of the meadow and into the forest.
"If we come across a river, we can clean that cut up alright?"
"Sí, Sí. But mi amigo, where ARE we going anyways?"
France turns around. He gives his curious friend a small grin and winks.
"You'll see."
They continued walking in silence. Although the sky itself was gaining a brighter shade of navy blue, indicating about two hours until sunrise, the forest was too dark. It was well known that animals, big and small, still roamed the grounds at this time. The owls made hooting noises and the bats flapped their wings overhead, continuing their night of feasting. The wind whispered ghostly moans as it blows through the thick trees.
Spain looked around. He couldn't recognize this part of the forest as he was never allowed to go too deep into it. Having no idea where France was taking him and if they were lost, he wondered if they would get back home safely. He would be lying if he said her wasn't just a little bit scared but looking at France's determined expression gave him reassurance that they would be fine. So Spain continued following his friend without question, smiling cheerfully as always.
Oh but how curious he was getting though. He wondered what France wanted to show him so early in the morning. France was always known to be full of surprises when he dragged Spain into one of his many misadventures. Sometimes, his adventures would get the two in a lot of trouble. Spain didn't mind though. He liked hanging out France.
They've known each other for many years and they've become so inseparable that Spain couldn't imagine his life without him. He wondered about the day they would have to go fight against each other like how mother and the other empires wage war on one another.
Spain shook his head. He didn't want to think about sad things like that. He liked staying optimistic. He then remembered how tired he was though. He yawned and rubbed his eye, removing some of the sand that stuck to it.
"Spain? You okay?"
"Yeah. I'm just a little tired that's all."
"Oh, I see."
"We've been walking for some time now haven't we?"
"Don't worry. We're almost there."
They passed a few more trees until they made it to a small river. There, they stopped to clean Spain's cut just as France promised. They rested for a few minutes before heading out again. They then came across a different part of the forest. France came to a stop and Spain, who wasn't paying attention, bumped into him.
"Oww!"
"Opps! Sorry."
Spain looked around. This area they were in had trees and flowers that seemed out of place compared to the rest of the forest. The trees, Spain thought, resembled a lot like the weeping willows that Uncle Rome showed them except they were much taller and had created an arch towering over them. Small purple flowers bloomed all around the trunks despite the fact it was still dark out. The downward spiral leaves from the trees formed a curtain below the arch, hiding what was on the other side.
France turned to Spain, pointed towards the curtain of leaves, and gave a smile.
"Alright! Just over those leaves and we're there!"
"Oh, finally! I can't wait to see what France wanted to show me!"
"Okay Spain, but first, close your eyes!"
"Huh? Why?"
"Because, that way, it'll increase the curiosity and suspense!"
"I don't get!"
"Just do it."
"Okay."
Spain did as he was told and covered his eyes; still smiling as France gently pushed him forward.
"No peeking alright?"
"Sí! I know!"
As he was pushed ahead he felt the long bundle of leaves hitting him, passing through the curtain, and coming to a stop. France's hands left his back and he heard him walk in front of him.
"Ready?"
"Sí France! Let me see now."
He heard France chuckle.
"Okay! Okay! Open your eyes!"
Spain dropped his hands from his eyelids and opened them. His eyes went wide and gasped in disbelief at the sight before him.
It was beautiful. The area that they stepped foot in was something he had never seen before in his life. Inside this wide, open space was a garden. Lush green grass covered the forest ground and fully bloomed flowers of all shapes and colors decorated every inch of it. He noticed a few butterflies flying around the many colored rose bushes that had given off a sweet and pleasant aroma.
They entered deeper into the garden. There were small patches of clustered rocks that created little trails which Spain saw had a nice touch to it. From the corner of his eye, he saw a small stone waterfall that emptied out into a pond full of lily pads and tiny fishes.
Hints of light seemed to shine above the trees into the garden. Spain wanted to ask France where the lights came from, as he remembered the sun still hadn't even come out yet, but decided not to when he brought his eyes to center of the garden. He walked to it.
At the center of the garden was a grand oak tree. The oak was so humungous that Spain couldn't believe how small he was standing next to it. On the trunk, he saw some words carved into that read:
Hortum de Terra
"Sit vitiorum intrare securitas omnibus armis pia."
Spain placed his hand on the wood and felt the carved words.
"Garden of the Earth. May it bring peace of mind to all who enter."
He turned to France, who had taken a peculiar, golden-colored rose from one of the bushes, knelt down and placed it on the roots of the tree. He gave France a confused look and then smiled brightly at him.
"¡Este lugar es tan linda Francia! I can't believe such a place like this can even exists! This must be some form of sorcery!"
"Oui. It is. Although, not like that England's silly style of magic with magical creatures like fairies and unicorns. That's just ridiculous! "
Spain chuckled at the thought of little England shouting about how his imaginary friends were real. He found the boy very funny, especially when he saw those huge eyebrows, or caterpillars as France called them, growing on the boy's face.
"Haha yeah! But really? That's amazing! How did you find this garden anyways?"
France's eyes hadn't left the rose he had placed. He smiled but he seemed to have a bit of sadness in his expression.
"Ah, this garden was created by Maman and Papa…"
Spain's eyes widened.
"Gallia? You mean your parents made this?"
France nodded. He pointed his finger to a small, stone plaque on the bottom of the oak. It was written in a language Spain could not understand. Spain read the words silently.
"Pour notre enfant précieux."
-De la Gaule, Genoveva et Ewen
Spain looked at France with a confused look. France quickly understood what his expression meant and smiled at him.
"It says 'For our precious child. -From Gaul, Genovefa and Ewen'," he translated. "It was gift that Maman and Papa wanted to show me after they had won a battle between invaders from the east. They were gone for so long that time. I was sad when they had left me alone to go off and fight. They felt guilty for making me feel lonely so they decided to make it up by creating this garden."
Spain stared down at his friend with a frown. The Iberian territory was taken aback for a moment. He couldn't even remember the last time France even mentioned about his mother and father. It had so long since the two shared empire was around that Spain almost couldn't remember what they were like. France stood up and stared off into the garden.
"They brought me here and told me that if 'their mon petit' ever got lonely or sad, I would always find my way to this garden and that the warmth from the light will comfort me. "
The two looked up at the light overhead. They couldn't help but smile as they felt the gentle warmth it was emitting on their skin.
"I use to come here sometimes when Maman and Papa went off to fight. I loved being in the garden. I could feel their pretense all the time in this place. I would stay here for the longest of times, picking flowers, catching butterflies, climbing the oak tree, everything! "
France giggled a little but stopped, and gave a sad smile.
"I kept going here all the time after Maman and Papa disappeared because it made me feel better. But after some time, I was conquered by Uncle Rome and stopped coming to the garden less and less."
Spain couldn't help but pity France. He couldn't even imagine losing his madre or even his hermano. He placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I'm sorry France…"
France registered what Spain said and shook his head in embarrassment. He laughed awkwardly as he waved his hand up and down in front Spain.
"Oh non Espagne! It's quite alright! It's not like I'm angry at Rome and all. It happened so many years ago."
"Hmmm, really? Are you sure you're okay?"
France smiled at him and patted the back of Spain's shoulder.
"But of course! I was just thinking too much! Oh dear. Because I had made such a depressed looking face, I made Spain's smile go away! Forgive me for worrying you mon ami. "
Spain smiled back and shook his head.
"It's okay! I glad that you're alright though."
"Yes. Besides, if I wasn't conquered by Uncle Rome, I wouldn't have gotten to know you better. We wouldn't have hung out all that much and I'd be just stuck with England all the time. He's cute and fun to tease and all, but he can be rather rude and troublesome sometimes. I like it when someone follows me and goes along with everything I want to do without complaint!"
Spain laughed and playfully punched him in the arm.
"I'm not your lackey y'know?"
"Yes, yes but it makes Big Brother feel like a powerful leader."
"You can't be a 'Big Brother' until you start looking like a boy instead of a girl all the time!"
"I do look like a boy! I'm just a lot cuter than most that's all!"
They sat under the tree for a long time; chatting and laughing as the garden's warm light shined below them. The butterflies continued to flutter from flower to flower and the smooth sound of the water echoed throughout this beautiful paradise. Everything was so peaceful.
Spain suddenly remembered something that he had forgotten to ask France.
"-and Holy Rome always has to ruin my fun! Also, it would be nice to see that cute, little grandson of Uncle Rome again! Too bad he went with Rome somewh-"
"Hey France?"
"Hmm?"
"Sorry but…I was just wondering…"
"Yeah?"
"Why did you decide to take me here? And why did you choose to show me this so late at night and not when it was daytime? I mean, wouldn't it have been easier to get here through the forest when the sun was out?"
France frowned and looked down. A worried and scared feeling entered Spain's chest. Did France have something to tell him? France pulled his knees to his chest and took a deep breath. His voice was almost like a whisper.
"Well…I was planning on writing a letter… I-I didn't really want to tell you until after…umm but…"
"France?"
"At dawn… I'll be leaving to fight against Monsieur Germania."
"W-what?"
Spain felt his heart stop for a second. His chest felt as though something hard was pressing against it. He didn't like this feeling. He looked at France's face to check if he was just a joke but when he saw tears falling from France's check, he knew it wasn't.
"Je suis désolé Espagne. I just got the news from Rome last night. I have to go and help him."
"Won't this be your first time experiencing battle in person? But you're still too young! Aren't you still learning how to use a sword right now? Why can't Rome's military fight for you like always?
France shook his head. He sniffled and wiped a few tears with the back of his hands.
"I had been training a lot lately and my master says I'm good enough to fight. Uncle Rome agreed with him and since he was going to battle against Monsieur Germania tomorrow, he said that I should help and fight alongside him. He said I should help the soldiers and get a first taste to see what war was like. Besides, he told me that now Maman and Papa can't fight for me, I had to become stronger now that I've taken their place."
"France…but aren't you scared?"
France turned his head to Spain and grinned.
"Of course I am. Just a little bit though. I'll probably get injured but I know I won't die. We're immortal compared to the humans. As long as I have a government and my beautiful people live, I won't disappear! And besides, Rome said it might only be a one-time thing for now. He'll just need to see how I am in battle first.'
"Then why were you crying mi amigo?"
France grabbed onto Spain and pulled him into a hug.
"Because I'm going to be lonely without you Spain. I won't see you or England or my siblings or anybody else for a while. Uncle Rome said this war won't drag on too long; that he'll be sure to end this quickly. But you'll never know right? We could be fighting for weeks, months, or maybe years! I'm probably thinking too much again but…but…I just don't want you to feel as lonely as I did!"
Spain felt the wet tears hit the back of his nightgown. He soon let his own tears fall and held tightly to France. He was sad about hearing France leaving. How quiet and boring it would be without France dragging him along to one of his adventures every day. His madre would always be busy with so many things and his brother, Portugal, disliked Spain being around him. Austria lived farther away so he couldn't see him all the time and he didn't talk to England all that much unless France was there.
The Gaul territory then pulled out of their embrace. He wiped away the tears and cleared his throat.
"That's why, Spain, whenever you feel lonely without me or if you want to just be alone, you can always come here to the garden. That way, you'll feel my presence here and you'll know that I'll always be there to be by your side to comfort you. All you need to do is remember this garden's light and the warmth will guide you there. The garden's power will even take you back out of the forest when you need to. Isn't that nice? This is our garden now and this will be our little secret. Just you and me."
"Wow…I…I…France!"
"W-wait! S-spain!"
Spain threw his arms around France and tackled him to the ground. Tears continued to fall down his cheeks, but Spain and France giggled and smiled at each other. France then rubbed back of his head.
"Oooooh…that hurt. Be more careful."
"Thank you France! I'll never tell anyone about this garden. This is a secret between best friends!"
"You promise?"
"Sí!…umm…hey France? Do you think we'll still be friends?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Well, what happens when we grow up and become powerful empires? Will we still be friends or not? What will happen when one day, we have to fight wars against each other like Rome and Germania? We live longer than humans so what happens if we, you know, change. What happens if we grow to hate each other in the future?"
France thought for a moment and an irritated expression formed across his face. He moved his fingers in front of Spain's face and flicked him on the forehead. The Iberian boy sat up in surprise, both hands rubbing the small, sore spot on his forehead. He looked down at France.
"Oww! What was that for?"
France huffed in frustration.
"1) that's for attacking me with so many questions all the time, 2) I hate it when you're pessimistic like that, and 3) because you're an idiot!"
"Eh?"
"Of course we're still going to friends! For many, many centuries to come!"
"France…"
"Mon dieu! How stupid of you to even ask that! No matter what Spain, even if we battle against each other or hate each other at one point, we'll still be best friends! Like you said, we live longer than humans. That means we have time change and grow to hate each other, but that also means we have time to forgive and like each other again! If there's a period of time we don't talk, let's look at the bright and beautiful side of things with other people. We'll give each other time to follow our own paths for a while and maybe we'll see us on the same path one day. I promise you Spain that I will refuse to fully hate you no matter what will happen between us."
Spain then felt a warm, giddy feeling in his chest. France's words gave a beam of hope and happiness in his heart. He smiled at France and nodded.
"Yeah, lo siento France you're right! I promise to still be your friend too!"
France gave a satisfied nod. The two helped each other up to their feet. An idea suddenly hit France. He looked at Spain with a triumphant grin.
"Let's make a vow. A vow between the two of us that we'll always be friends."
Spain seemed to agree quickly with France's idea as he started to jump up and own, nodding eagerly.
"Sí! Sí! Sí! A vow! A vow!"
"OKAY! Let's see…"
France pondered for a moment on what to say. When he came up with the right words, he ordered Spain to raise his right hand midway in the air. Spain did so and France did the same.
"Alright, repeat after me. In the name of the almighty gods of our great civilizations, I swear, in all that is true, to be by your side, through thick and thin, for all of our existence. If I lose sight of you, for whatever the reason will be, I promise to one day find you again, to be at your side once more, and I'll be greeted with open arms."
Spain repeated every word France said. Before they finished the ending of the vow, he wanted to add something to it.
"And remain best friends forever!"
France giggled and nodded.
"Oui. And remain best friends forever."
They ended the vow in an embrace, pressing their forehead together and smiled. France then leaned in and gently kissed Spain on the cheek, which caused the other boy giggle in reply. They suddenly felt the scenery around them change and they looked around to notice that they were back in the flowery meadow. They looked over and saw the sun creeping in, slightly gleaming over the sleeping villages at the bottom of the hills. Spain was surprised at first, but remembered what France had said earlier. France chuckled.
"See? I told you the garden could take people back when they needed to."
Spain nodded but he then realized what that had meant for France and gave him a sad frown. France looked at Spain and nodded. He faced Spain and patted the top of his head. He gave him a questioning smile.
"Hey come on! What's the matter? Cheer up Spain! Where's the optimism?"
Spain looked up and grinned. He remembered he had to cheer up for France's sake as well. He spread his arms out and muttered the first thing that came to his head.
"Fusosososososo~"
France bursted out laughing.
"Spain, what WAS that?"
"A cheer-up charm! How's that?"
"A cheer-up charm?"
"Yeah, I made it up just now!"
"Well that certainly made me feel happy. Thanks Spain! Ohonhonhon~"
Spain chuckled at France's funny laughter. He then took France's hands and held them tightly.
"I'm going to miss you France."
"I'll miss you too."
"You be careful okay."
"Don't worry! 'Big Brother' will be fine! I'll be back as soon as I can."
"And 'Boss' will be waiting."
They let go of each other's hands and took a few steps back.
"I have to hurry and get going now. The men will be heading off soon and I need to get dressed. You should go back home and change out of that dirty nightgown as well; before Mme Iberia finds out you were gone."
"Yeah…Hasta luego Francia."
"À bientôt Espagne."
They turned around and went their opposite directions.
~6 months later~
"Alright, you go and get ready now."
"Are you sure you're going to be alright Sir?"
"Yes. Now go. You don't want to keep them waiting France, do you?"
"No, of course not. Thank you so much Uncle Rome!"
France dashed out of the tent and headed towards the camp. His face full of joy and excitement coursed through his body. As he ran, the soldiers bowed their head as he passed them. He waved back at them and he heard one of the soldier yell out to him.
"Thank you for all your help sir!"
France gave a small nod and continued on running. He entered his tent and begun to take his armor off. For this grand news, France decided to dress himself up in his favorite outfit. As he placed the stylish hat on his head, he began to hear little voices whispering right behind him. He quickly turned around to see who was talking, but when he did, he saw no one. He looked out of his tent to survey the area. All the soldiers in that were in the camp were too far away from him and the battlefield was empty. He was confused. He wondered where that voice had come from.
Suddenly, there was a strange feeling in his stomach. He couldn't make it out as to what this feeling was. A stomach ache? Nervousness maybe? Or was he just sick or something? France didn't have time to figure it out. Before he knew it, he was being pulled back by a strange force. Everything around him began to turn white and France wasn't able to move his body. Feeling a hint dread come around him, he quickly closed his eyes and felt himself being thrown to the ground.
"ughhhh…"
The ground, France had noted, felt a little odd. It felt smooth and a bit furry but was also hard and stiff. Did he fall on some sort of weird rug? He opened his eyes to see that he was right and wondered how it got here.
His body froze for a moment. From the corner of his eye, he saw the black shoes of a stranger standing next to him. France slowly looked up to see four pairs of eyes staring down at him.
"Oh man…Dude Britain, look at whatcha did…"
Okay so first chapter! Yay, I actually finished one!
Anyways, I'm really sorry for the semi-useless long chapter! I promise you it will get more interesting soon.
For those who might be wondering, the story is mainly going to center on France and Spain's point of view since duh they're the main characters. There will be times I'll be adding other POVs, such as England or Canada, but probably not as much.
As I said before in the summary, there will be no yaoi.
Gual(Gallia in Latin or Gaule in French) was a region in western europe during the Roman era and is the parent(s) of Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, Switzerland, and of course, their successor France(him being the eldest). Gaul, in the Hetalia fandom, is portrayed as either a women or siblings, Ewen(bro) and Genovefa(sis), much like the Italy brothers and I chose the later.
Iberia, or Hispania, is the embodiment of the Iberian peninsula and is the mother of Portugal and Spain(I'm not sure about Andorra though).
I further apologize for any historical inaccuracies concerning them, Rome and the other ancients now or in the future!
RANDOM FACT: I recently found out in the old times that people didn't wear underwear. Those who had them didn't wear one when they went to sleep. I always did wonder why in some movies, the men didn't have anything under their nightgown when they went to bed. I could be wrong though...
Thank you for reading and please review!