I just want to thank all of you who had favorited, followed and/or Reviewed this story! And too those who favorited and/or followed me, the author, I really appreciate it! :D
To Kuken: Thank you for taking the time to review, even though English is not your first language! And to answer your question and information for the readers, the only other couples mentioned will be America x Belarus and Canada x Ukraine.
DISCALIMER: I don't own anything! Enjoy!
19 Years Later
The large extravagant palace of the Royal Family stood overhead in the center of the capitol, an imposing building in its design and the smog covered sky did not help ease the fears of the citizens. They knew that those who went through the large front gates, most never came back out.
Next to the palace was the Helheim Military Academy where young men could enter to become part of the Royal Guards. Those who were in the top ten of their class would have the honor of serving the Royal Family directly.
Soldiers trained day and night, the honor and riches it would bring their family if they made the top ten was too good to pass up. The Academy allowed all students of any class to enter but very few of the lower classes ever make it through the entrance exams.
Officers of higher rank graded the soldiers in two major areas for graduation: engineering and piloting. Those were the most important things that a soldier of the Empire would need to know like the back of their hand. The veteran officers were extremely strict on the new recruits, many cracking under the pressure and high standards.
General Gilbert Beilschmidt was known as the toughest and strictest General throughout the army and currently grading and failing students, the number of graduates spiraling down fast as the minutes passed. Gilbert's red eyes critically watched each student as they assembled an entire engine correctly and within the time limit.
Men sweated from the work and pressure, sounds of wrenches, hammers and many other tools heard all around the large room as they tinkered. The albino General waited until the end of the time limit where the remaining men stood. They waited for the results, the suspense wearing down their confidence and resolve as the seconds ticked by.
Gibert looked through his notes before sternly looking at the recruits. "I won't start off with congratulations for passing this exam because only two of you will make it to the top ten. The rest of you report to Colonel Edgar McCarthy for your scores."
The men nodded in understanding, hearts beating fast in anticipation. Gilbert cleared his throat before continuing. "Congratulations to Alfred and Matthew Bonnefoy. You both made it to the top ten."
Two blonde haired twins smile widely, blue and violet eyes sparkling with excitement. They stepped forward when Gilbert motioned to them and gave them each a firm hand shake. The twins were congratulated by a few of their classmates though some gave them dirty looks but many were too depressed to care at the moment, until it was only them and General Gilbert.
He looked at the two young men seriously and ordered, "Report to the training yard tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock sharp. We will discuss what your new positions will be." Both nodded and the General left to discuss the results with the other proctors.
That night when Alfred and Matthew went home, they quickly greeted the butler then headed to the parlor room where their mother was quietly reading. Marianne looked up from her reading and saw her sons entering. She stood up and was surprised when they both hugged her tightly with large grins upon their faces.
"Maman, we made the top ten!" Alfred exclaimed happily.
The news made Marianne overjoyed and she laughed with them, praising the both of them. "Mon petites Alfred and Matthew, I am so proud and happy! This calls for a celebration!"
Marianne rang a bell near the fireplace and waited for her Lady's maid, Adrianna, while asking her sons about the exam. A quick knock sounded and Adrianne came in.
"You needed me, M'lady?"
Marianne smiled at the maid. "Yes, please tell the cook to make dinner extra special. Alfred and Matthew have graduated the Academy today! Oh! And let her know that I will be down to help as well!"
"Yes ma'am."
Alfred and Matthew's stomachs grumbled at the thought of dinner, making their mother giggle. "Now both of you change for dinner. I don't want the smell of oil and fuel ruining the food," Marianne scolded good naturedly and Alfred and Matthew pouted in response but headed towards their rooms to change. Marianne watched as they left, a small smile appearing on her face. She looked out the window, seeing the bright moon partially hidden by the smog and clouds.
She imagined her lover's ship was overhead and watching them from afar. Something that she did every night since he was forced to leave. The twins and the manor were the only things left of him and Marianne noticed that her eyes began to water but quickly wiped them away, as she needed to be happy and supportive of their children.
You would be so proud of them, Arthur. They are like you in every way. I hope you will get to meet them soon. Marianne thought as she went to the kitchen to help prepare the food.
Dinner went by peacefully with many congrats from the servants. After their mother retired for bed, the twins sat quietly in the library looking at their matching pocket watches. The only presents that their father had given them when they were a few months old. The watches still looked new and they treasured them with all of their being.
A map and treasure to always find me.
Love,
Your Father
The words they had read so many times that they had them memorized by heart, were inscribed inside. Matthew faintly traces his finger over the words, imagining their father telling them those exact words when they were infants.
Both smiled bitterly. It was hard to love a parent that hasn't been in your life.
Matthew closed his clock and stuck it back in his pocket and gave a yawn. "Well, good night Al. We have a busy day tomorrow and I want to get as much rest as I can," he laughed lightly and waved to his twin before heading to bed.
Alfred waved back and was soon alone in the library. The fire dwindling down, giving the room a faint orange glow. Alfred gazed at the words in the clock a little longer before snapping it shut and headed to bed.
The whispered words of, "How are we supposed to find you, if we don't even know where to start? If you were here, would you be proud, Father?" hung in the air of the room until they faded along with the fire.
Gilbert walked slowly and scrutinized the line of the top ten graduates. He stopped in the middle and began attendance.
"I will call your names in the order of your scores from graduation," he yelled out for all to hear him.
"Alfred Bonnefoy."
"Present."
Check.
"Matthew Bonnefoy."
"Present."
Check.
"Ludwig Beilschmidt."
"Ja."
Check.
"Kiku Honda."
"Hai."
Check.
"Feliciano Vargas."
"Pasta!~ Ah! I mean present!"
Check.
Attendance lasted only a few more minutes and when the last name was called the soldiers stood up straighter, waiting for Gilbert to continue.
"Alright. Alfred and Matthew you both will accompany me to see His Highness as he wants to meet the both of you and give you your first assignment. As for the rest of you, we will meet back up here in two hours, so enjoy your free time because when I come back, training will be Hell." Gilbert smirked sadisticly, making the Italian tremble in fear.
The twins followed the German general and tried to look professional as possible while taking in the extravagent designs of the palace. Soon they were outside large golden brown doors and Gilbert opened a door leading to the throne room.
Large violet drapes hung all round with gold trimmings and beautiful pictures woven into the fabric. The walls were painted a golden color contrasting against the black and white tiles. In the middle sat the throne and upon the throne sat the King himself.
King Ivan Braginsky.
His pale hair matched his violet eyes, eyes that have seen pain, torture and death at a young age. His dark military outfit bringing out the gold, rubies, diamonds and other jewels upon his crown.
On both sides of his throne stood his two sisters, Princess Yekaterina and Princess Natalya. Yekaterina was the oldest of the siblings and wore a light baby blue dress with lots of frills with cog designs. The youngest, Natalya wore a dark blue dress that looked exactly like her sister's with less frills and more movable for running and such.
King Ivan smiled as the General and twins kneeled in front of the throne. Gilbert cleared his throat before looking up and speaking. "I have brought the top two graduates for this year's class. Alfred and Matthew Bonnefoy."
The twins continued to keep their head bowed as they waited for the King to speak.
"You may rise."
All three gracefully rose and stood tall and proud in front of their King. His cold violet eyes scrutinized the twins, like a predator ready to pounce on his unsuspecting prey. He smiled wider then turned to his two sisters.
"They would be excellent for the job, da?" Though everyone could hear the hidden authority statement and both princesses agreed with their brother.
"Of course, Vanya."
"Yes brother."
The King turned back to three men in front and motioned for Gilbert to step to the side. The General obeyed, his face neutral of emotion. The twins' hearts were beating fast inside their chests, anxious and excited for their first assignment.
"I am assigning the both of you to be personal bodyguards to my sisters, Yekaterina and Natalya." King smiled. "You will assist and help them. This is a test to see your abilities to serve the royal family."
Alfred and Matthew hid their excitement but showed determination to prove their loyalty. They placed their right fist over their heart, the sign of the military of supreme loyalty to the Empire.
"Yes Your Highness." They chorus.
Ivan nods curtly and signals for his sisters to choose their bodyguard. Yekaterina stands next to Matthew and smiles gently which he returns. Natalya keeps a neutral face but Alfred can see a proud and independant woman, both smirking to each other.
"General. I wish to speak to you alone. The rest of you may leave." King Ivan commanded. The others quickly bowed and curtsy before leaving the throne room.
The doors shut loudly and for a moment there is nothing said between the four of them. The air growing tense and awkward. Alfred cleared his throat, gaining the attention of everyone else.
"Good day, Your Highnesses. I am Alfred Bonnefoy and this is my twin Matthew."
Yekaterina smiled warmly and curtsied to the brothers. "Good day, I am Princess Yekaterina and this is my little sister Princess Natalya. I hope we will get along."
Alfred and Matthew smiled widely at them, though Natalya gave a little scowl but nodded at her introduction.
The rest of the day, the group wandered around the palace. Alfred and Yekaterina talking the most out of the group and Natalya occasionally putting in her opinion. Alfred made it his personal mission to get Natalya to open up to him and his brother but it was showing to be much harder than he originally thought.
Eventually, the group split into two groups, Alfred with Natalya and Matthew with Yekaterina. Matthew had followed Yekaterina to the large palace gardens both laughing and smiling and a few blushes here and there.
"I just love this garden!" Yekaterina happily sighed as she picked a few flowers from every bush for her bouquet. Matthew smiled fondly, his violet eyes looking all around. "Yes, it is very beautiful."
"Our mother helped plant this garden when she first came here to the palace to be married to our father. She loved flowers and they helped ease her home sickness when she became too distressed or needed some time to herself."
Matthew quietly watched as the Princess smiled sadly and fondly at the memories of her mother. She turned to Matthew and smiled widely, humming and continuing to pick flowers. They continued to enjoy the beauty of the gardens and day.
Alfred was not fairing as well as he hoped, Natalya continued to ignore his existence and only gave short answers when asked questions she deemed worthy enough to answer. But no matter, Alfred loved a good challenge.
Currently, Natalya had been trying to give him the slip, taking advantage of his inability to navigate through the palace by himself yet. He had lost sight of her a few times but managed to find her faster than the last time, keeping up his pace.
He saw her open a door and quickly go inside, immediately following. The room was pitch black until a few lights were turned on. The orange glows showing the contents inside the room. Half put together engines with tools next to them and ready to be used. Books on basic mechanics and on piloting. A few large papers of blueprints were scattered across tables with various screws and tools all around.
Alfred looked around in awe before turning to the girl standing in the middle of the room. She wore a neautral face but her eyes showed hesitation and defensive.
"Did you work on all of these?" His voice full of wonder and awe.
Minutes passed until a qiuet voice but threatening voice broke it. "Get out or I will kill you." She points a knife in his direction and Alfred could see the desperation in her eyes, even with her fierce glare boring into his figure.
Alfred slowly walked towards the engine to his left, carefully looking at the blueprints and of the work in progress. Without a word, he took off his coat and placed it upon another table and put on the work gloves nearby and began to tweak and fix the obvious problems.
"What are you doing? Get out! I don't need you here!?"
"Helping. This engine won't work right with the way some of these parts are put together."
Natalya said nothing, just watching him work in the now somewhat bright room and slowly lowered her weapon. She noticed that his hands seemed to fly all around the piece, like a sculpture working on an artwork, firm but gentle.
Alfred noticed her watching from the corner of his eyes but said nothing. Soon though, Natalya had hiked up her skirt and placed her own gloves on to help. They spent the next few hours building and fixing, few words spoken between both of them.
"I won't tell His Highness about this."
The words make Natalya stop mid-work and she didn't speak for a few minutes. "Thank you." The words are so soft spoken that it startled Alfred that she could speak like that but he grinned widely. "I'm surprised that a Princess would be into engineering and piloting."
Natalya continues to work before answering. "I am not like my sister. I wish to be in the Army as well but brother refuses to let me learn. He is always keeping us in the dark and I only want to help my him and the Empire."
"Well you did pretty well for being self-taught. But if you do not mind, I would like to teach you, Your Highness."
Both stopped working and Natalya turned towards Alfred searching for any signs of joking in his eyes. There was none. Nothing but seriousness of his words. She nodded in agreement.
"Da. Thank you...Alfred."
He gave a bright smile and both worked for a few more hours until it was already late. The two groups met up near the dining area before bidding each other goodbye.
The next few months passed by quickly and in that time Natalya and even Yekaterina had become great engineers and pilots. Yekaterina had insisted that she learn what her sister was learning for it could be necessary in the future. In addition, Matthew and Alfred taught the girls some fighting techniques they learned in the Academy.
The twins stood in front of the King, his eyes colder than normal. He stood from his throne and motioned for only the twins to follow him. Gilbert and the princesses watched as they left.
The King led them through many hallways and eventually they were taken to the cells which held many prisoners. Alfred and Matthew tried not to be disgusted at the skin and bones and the beaten people locked away in the darkened cells.
Ivan signaled a guard to open the cell a few feet away from them and about five people who they noticed were tortured badly, thrown to the ground in front of them. The King smiled his child-like smile at the men who glared hatefully.
"Are you willing to tell me where you're Captain is hiding?"
"Go to Hell." One of the men hissed in disgust, making Ivan frown. Without warning, the King kicked the man hard in the face, giving a bigger bruise than the one currently.
Thee twins watched as the King mercilessly tortured the five men, who continued to refuse to speak. King Ivan finally had enough and turned to a few gurads standing to the side.
"Kill them, they are useless to me."
"Understood."
The Twins followed as the King led them out of the dungeons and towards his study. Ivan sat down and grabbed a bottle of Vodka and a large drink before speaking.
"Those men worked for a pirate named Arthur Kirkland. You have heard of him, Da?"
"Yes sire."
"He had been hiding his traces after looting our ships and recently, my men have seen more attacks from him as of late. You two are the top of your class and I am assigning you to General Beilschmidt's ship to hunt down this man. He is a thorn to the Empire."
Alfred and Matthew looked to their King and answered, "Of course."
Ivan smiled and clapped his hands. "Very well. You will depart in a week's time. Report to the General after this to recieve more information. You are dismissed." Ivan said with a wave of his hand.
Natalya and Yekaterina looked at the twins with hurt and disappointment. Tomorrow they would depart for a long journey and wouldn't know when they would return.
"Aw. Don't give us those looks, you can always write or send a code to us." Alfred proposed to the upset princesses.
"Of course, we will even write you when we have the time." Matthew chimed in.
Natalya scowled at Alfred and in a threatening voice, "If you don't write, I will kill you."
Yekaterina frowned sadly but understandingly. "Please take care."
Alfred and Matthew smiled in return and gave them a kiss on their hands before leaving. They didn't see the light blushes adorning the princesses faces.
General Gilbert looked at the new members of his crew, five from the top ten graduates. Alfred, Matthew, his younger brother Lidwig, and Feliciano. They were thw best of thw best and they needed soldiers like these to catch the one of the most feared pirates of all time.
Arthur Kirkland.
"Man your stations! I want the engines on full throttle!"
"Yes sir!"
Gilbert smirked, he loved a good chase. Now it was time to hunt his prey.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! So I lied. I said thos chapter wouldn't be as long as the first one but it ended up being eleven pages but I was just having a fun time writing this chapter! So I hope you guys don't mind the long chapters! And what will happen next chapter!? You'll have to wait until the next time!
PLEASE REVIEW! They inspire me!
Until next time! ;)