Story: Bratty Nations.
Author: NoveltyRose
Exclaimer: All characters belong to Hidekaz Himaruya.
Author notes: Phew! I have been stuck on this chapter in forever. In fact it's funny how Nor's frustration in this chapter mirrors, how I often felt while writing and rewriting (especially rewriting) this chapter. But nevertheless so sorry for the delay it took much longer than I thought but as always I had to complicate everything in it after reading too much info and because I suddenly became very busy with other writing and film projects, deadline and suchs. I even was that fortunate to be allowed to participated in a week long northern Europe film workshop and got a lot of inspiration after having to gotten the chance to act like a tourist as well as tour guide in my own country (though I also have foreign eyes as I have lived abroad a long time ago). Not to mention learning about the other countries. So much fun with a great group!
This chapter is dedicated to Shrapnel girl whose birthday is today. Happy birthday and hope you enjoy the long in coming chapter. You can check out here own Hetalia fanfiction called Spellbound, a fic with epic portions. It's amazing!
I have updated the chapter before because there were some things there that were missing (but only minor things). This chapter picks up exactly from the spot the last one ended. As always thanks for the support! You guys are the best!
A small reminder, the story takes place the 18th September 2014, so I am only following the world events from that time. Oh boy, has the world changed since then…:S To the better or worse…I am not sure yet.
Enough with the endless blabbering, on with the chapter!
Chapter six: A ghost of the future-past
He is walking voluntary up to Turkey? Then this is going smoother than I thought. Thank god that things are finally starting to fall into place. Well, I should have known since Ice was prepared to travel all the way to the Topaki Palace on his own…though I still don't know what that was all about. I must remember to ask him about once he turns back…if he will even remember. Not that will matter whether he remembers or not, the only thing I care about is to get him back. So hurry up please…
I watch Ice walk all the way to Turkey in an awful slow manner, like a tortoise.
We don't have all day…or maybe we do…but it's unnecessary to take all the time in the world to change back! So please hurry.
My eyelids flutters and I have a trouble keeping myself awake after the sleepless night. For a brief moment a wonder if I should follow Ice, to show him support or even carry him rest of the way, but something stops me from doing it.
No, you have done everything you can. Now it's up to him. Nothing you do can help him for this point. It's out of your hands. You delivered him all the way to Turkey. Now the only thing you can do is wait for the results. I kinda feel like a bird that must allow his little one to fly on it's own from the nest. Spread your wings! You can do it!
I shake my head over the absurdity of that thinking. I wonder were the others are… They are nowhere to be seen in this vast space and as there are no hiding places outside, except maybe the ornate struture, a rocco style Fountain of Sultan Ahmet, built in 1728 by the sultan who so favored tulips, that was so to be called the Tulip Era, in the cobbled square just outside, though that is hardly likely. Meaning they must be inside the palace. Waiting…
That must mean that they have changed all ready; otherwise they would be waiting here. Wouldn't they? Yes, their absence must show that Turkey was indeed the key to the transform back the regressed nations. Yes, that must be it…and something tells me I can't interfere in any way. This is between Ice and Turkey.
So I convince myself to stay behind and watch Ice galumph all the way to Turkey and even though the distance isn't that long, it seems to be taken him forever.
Heat washes over me like a tidal wave, a big contrast from the air-conditioned hotel, the only thing that was positive from having to be stuck in the hotel lobby for so long. As I am figuratively baking in the heat outside, one of my biggest wish, aside from of course, Ice changing back and being able to return home, is to retreat into a cooling shade. There is not a single shade to be found outside the massive stone gate and Turkey only seems to keep getting further away from Ice, as if he is only a mirage of misty mountains in a limitless desert.
I truly whish Ice could just run the last spot. It would be far too typical if I passed out right here at the finishing line….
Then a realisation suddenly hits me, why is it so important that Ice walks all the way to Turkey? Is it symbolic in some way, does he has to do something to Turkey himself? And why can't Turkey meet him mid-way? Turkey just stands there, seemingly waiting patiently for Ice to cross over to him though he most likely has no clue either what is expected of him.
To be fair we have no idea how to change Ice back and have only stumbling blindly in the dark, with only the smallest ray of light of hope to hang on to. But why is he moving so slowly towards the goal? It's an excruciating to be only able to wait for what ever is about to happen. My heart is beating way too fast, as if I sprinting towards the goal in marathon, while Ice walks on the same speed as a moving tank.
Whatever happened to his energy when he ran away from us? Does he really not want to change back? But then why did he try to come here on his own…oof the heat seems to be melting my brain since I have come in full circle with my thoughts…
And once again I have a tremendous headache, my throat is parched and my whole body is aching, most likely after haven run down more than twenty stories with my all my nerves on one end. Not to mention I am also starving from not eating a single bite this morning.
What's wrong with me? I don't usually don't pay to much attention to whether I am exhausted or hungry. I am used to working myself to the bone. When did I get so carefree that could complain about something so trivial, it's not like we won't get something to drink and eat afterwards. Knowing Turkey he has some sumptuous feast waiting for us inside.
I have been through wars. I should be able to wait for few more minutes before getting any refreshments-
I have barely finished that analysis when my stomach growls loudly, echoing in the open space, startling Ice, who stops and turns all the way to me. I shush it, no time for a snack now, not that I have any on hand.
I smile toward Ice to encourage him to continue on his endless walk and finish this once and for all. Ice looks quizzically at me, his focus now all on me instead of on Turkey.
Why did it have to growl now? There were plenty opportunities this morning!? It probably chose this exact timing because all the danger has passed though I still don't know what's up with Den, though I would hardly call that danger. It could be that he's just hungry, that could explain his mood swings today. Unlike me, he probably couldn't wait any longer for some sort of a snack. Speaking of Den, he must return at any minute now, it can't be that hard to find a parking spot. After all they are all empty except for the four cars, counting Turkey's, from the other nations.
I shift my thoughts back to Ice, who has stopped not very far from Turkey. He surveys Turkey with a frown, deep in thought. He wrinkles his nose as if he has smelled something bad.
Is he finally remembering something? Smell can help people to remember things, though I feel it's rather rude of him to act like Turkey has an odour of some kind. Naw, it's probably just some childish curiosity. Speaking of childish…
I am about to turn my head from Ice, who is still watching Turkey, to the possible whereabouts of Den, but as soon I turn my head, I flip it back forward. Perhaps, it's not so wise to take my eyes of Ice, in case he would try to run away again. Then I see that he still attached to the lead, so he is in no danger of slipping of away from me this time. However since I don't trust him completely, he could be thinking of another boneheaded stunt, as I have no idea what goes through his head, I only watch out of the corner of my eye whether Den has found a parking spot yet.
I see that Den has indeed found a parking space farthest away from us. He has backed the car into the parking spot, so the only thing I can see is the top of his head through the rear windshield. I can't see what he's doing. He must be making sure of something or is on the phone. Or he is just getting him some snack as I thought. But why did he park so far away? There are dozen empty spaces between our car and the cars of the other nations. Why is he avoiding the others? Or is he hiding something from me? It could be since he turned the car this way, or maybe he is as eager as me to leave this place and return home. Well, no use trying to figure out whatever he is thinking or doing without asking him. I just hope he returns soon…
Maybe that is what Ice is waiting for?
I turn my gaze back to Ice and to my surprise I am met with scornful frown.
What is he waiting for? Den? Or does he really want me to watch him the whole time?
I am flabbergasted when Ice suddenly returns to my side and starts his long walk again, as if he had just been penalized in a board game to start from the beginning. He walks at the same snail pace as before.
Does that mean Ice has go back each time he is interrupted, or I dare to look away from him? Is this some kind of a ritual I have carelessly ruined?
Then you better hurry up before my stomach growls again and you have to start all over again!
This time I am careful in watching Ice's every step till at last he reaches his destination, inches away from Turkey, so close that they can touch.
Is he planning on hugging him?
I imagine Ice touching Turkey with the word you are it and changing back with a puff. Although I doubt it will be that simple, in worst case Turkey could change instead! Nah, there is no reason for it, of course not that there is either any logical explanation behind what happened to Ice.
Watching Ice observing Turkey reminds me painfully of scenes where a wild animal is reunited with his former friend and everyone waits anxiously for the result. Will the wild animal attack his friend or does he recognize him? Not that I have ever thought of Ice as a wild animal in this state.
That it is, till l see Ice starts sniffing of Turkey.
Fanden! First he bites, now he sniffs people!
"Ice!" I pull him all the way back and he hides behind me.
"Olive oil." Ice growls behind my back like a little puppy.
That's it! The leash must go. If it's turning him into something like this...Wait, Ice is still the same, at least in stature. Nothing has changed….so does that mean this wasn't a part of a ritual after all? Only some curiosity from Ice? Then how can we change him back? What's going on here?
I gulp audible and look at the unreadable face of Turkey, the mask is not helping in conveying his emotions but he must livid with rage.
"I am terribly sorry..." I say in a vain attempt to do some damage control. "I don't know what came over him...he is normally better behaved than this..." I hope...it's not like I am watching him normally, but I would have heard something right?
I wouldn't be surprised if Turkey would throw us out of his country, after such display of poor manners. He hates it, when he is told he smells. Well, don't we all…?
Ice, what were you thinking!? I thought I had taught you that they're a certain things you can't say to a nation or anyone for that matter. However I am frozen speechless meaning none of my scolding gets further than my thoughts. Now, the only thing we can do is wait for our fate.
Suddenly I hear soft footsteps approaching from behind me. Den must have finally arrived, though I didn't hear any car door slamming. I don't ever remember him walking this lightly. He treads as carefully as if he is walking on air and finally he stands perfectly still behind me. For some reason he doesn't seem to dare to breathe.
Did he see what Ice did? Or he is trying to sneak up behind me to surprise me? Not the greatest timing for a joke! Not after the way Ice disrespected Turkey.
A chill of cold runs down my spine and engulfs my insides, and even though I am grateful for the smallest reprieve from the heat, this is a bit too much. This cold is more akin to one waking up in a cold sweat after a nightmare than a cool summer breeze.
Just as quickly as it came, the bone chilling cold goes away and the boiling heat takes it place again.
What was that? An omen of some sort? For what? For what Turkey is about to do…? Dramatic much?
After what felt like an eternity, a huge wide grin spreads over Turkey's face.
I hold my breath. He is about to throw us out or yell at us, I can take the latter. At least that will give us some chance to help Ice.
"True, little one. I eat it 24-7, so it's no wonder I smell like that. What do you smell like?"
I'm so relieved and suddenly remember that held my breath and let it out. I must admit though that this must be one of the weirdest conversation topics to pick for a civil conversation.
Ice is taken aback at first by Turkey's answer but then he says in a timid voice: "Sulphur, rotten eggs...I think. I can't smell myself."
I wouldn't be surprised if he also smelled of skyr considering he eats it 24-7 now.
Turkey laughs merrily and Ice continues the smell lecture without being asked. "Papa smells like beer, sausages and bakery and...mama"
What the hell, does he smell us? Don't say oil, don't say oil.
"fish..."
Phew...though that doesn't sound too good...not that sulphur or rotten eggs are either desirable.
"and.."
Not and...!
"Oil."
I want to disappear into the ground. What kind of terrible combination is this! Besides, I don't eat oil..or bathe in it. He must be lying.
I look at Ice and he smiles mischievously. I knew it. Must be payback for this morning when I scolded him or something.
Den, you got the better end of it. That's so unfair! After all I have done for him the least I should get is some respect. Strange, there is no reaction from Den. No guffawing. He must be really nervous about something and why can't I still hear any breathing?
Turkey laughs so much that tears flow from his eyes. "So both me and your mama smell like some kind of a oil?"
Ice nods and adds unnecessarily: "And money."
"Ice!" Wait, how does human Ice know about these things? Is my old Ice really returning?
Ice smirks.
But why didn't he change? What more does he need? Maybe, just more time? Wait does that mean that the others haven't changed either? Turkey doesn't seem too fazed in the slightest with Ice not changing. Does that mean that all of the regressed nations has to do, whatever this is, together? That would explain why they had to wait for us. All this waiting for nothing…
"Why didn't papa come? Is he is still angry with me?"
I am figuratively pulled away from the depths of my thoughts when little Ice pulls hard at my shorts. I look down into his innocent eyes.
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" And what do you mean by didn't he come? He is right behind me. Though I wonder if he has passed out from the suspense earlier when waiting for Turkey's or mine reaction. At least I still can't hear him breathing.
"Yes, where is Denmark? I can see that he is still sitting in the car. Doesn't he want to come?" Turkey asks with a concerned look on his face.
What are they talking about? Are they playing some joke on me? I bet Den is giving them some hand signals and laughing like an idiot into his hands. I will show him…
"What are you two talking about, he's right..." I turn and am speechless when I see that Den is in fact still sitting in the parked car. I could swear he was right behind us. Must be from my lack of sleep…yes, everything is from my lack of sleep…but I can't sleep yet…
Without a warning I feel a cold metal, touching the back of my head before I hear the unmistakable cocking sound, to what this cold feeling belongs to. I slowly look over my shoulder and only the second time today, stare right into a gun barrel, except this one is attached to a hunting riffle. A man with a cold grin, dressed in a black-buttoned overcoat with ammunition around his neck and a backpack, is holding the riffle. I am unnaturally calm under this circumstances but something about this man feels familiar. I look into his stormy eyes, and for an instance I am drawn into their sadness, their madness and it feels as if I could see into his soul. He is of Arabic decent but for some reason I know that he is from Libya but not Turkey. I am about to unravel the story of his life when in an ominous whisper he mutters something in Arabic or is it in English? I could have sworn he said my name but before I have a change to utter a single word or study the man more closely, he vanishes into a thin air.
A ghost? Well, it shouldn't be that surprising since the palace is over four thousands years old. That explains the cold earlier and why I could look into his soul. I would have freaked out if I weren't thankfully, too used to seeing ghosts everywhere around the world. Not that, is was exactly calming to be pointed at with a gun, though I am more afraid of firearms in the hand of the living, especially nations, then I am when it is in the hands of the dead. But why was he muttering my name?
I look at Ice and Turkey. From their expression I gather they didn't see the ghost, instead they only stare at me like I had seen a ghost, which of course I did but they don't know. Ice looks really worried for some reason when on the other hand Turkey is still waiting for me for some answers regarding Den's behaviour and judging from his crossed arms, tapping foot and a frown, he is in no mood for any more stalling.
"He has to mentally prepare himself. He will come when he is ready." I lie since I have no idea why that idiot didn't follow us since he wouldn't tell me, though I do have some idea…
I wouldn't be too surprised if I needed as well to mentally prepare, since I have started seeing ghosts and what not who utters my name on a foreign soil.
"Mentally prepare himself...I thought he wanted Iceland to change back." Turkey uncrosses his arms, stops tapping his foot and looks at Ice who has no clue what he is talking about.
"I knew it. He's angry with me! Change back...? Change back...where?" Ice throws his little hands dramatically up in the air as if he was starring in a soap opera.
"Of course he wants that...it's complicated." I say honestly to Turkey, though I am very worried about the state Ice is getting into.
I can't have him have another panic attack, not so close to the end of the journey, not when I am very close to get one myself.
"I see." Turkey says even though his look tells otherwise. "Okay then, tell him to hurry up. We are long behind schedule."
Schedule?
Turkey hands me a program that I put into my pocket without taking another look at it, too preoccupied in thinking about Den's behaviour, Ice approaching another panic attack not to mention the unexpected meeting of the ghost.
Why was the ghost muttering my name? What was he trying to tell me…? Was he trying to give me a warning?
Besides is should be enough to meet the other nations so we shouldn't have to be here much longer. There is no need for any schedule.
"Mama, change back where? How should I change? I promise I will change!" Ice run in circles and yells this in a hysterical manner.
I hope he wont start hyperventilating again. I am not sure if I feeling enough well myself to be able to help him this time…
I kneel to Ice's eyelevel, put my hands on his shoulder to stop him from running in panic-circles and say in a soothing voice. "It's okay. Don't worry. No one wants you to change (I hope he doesn't take that one literally!). Just relax, I will go talk to your…papa." I pat him awkwardly on his shivering small back.
"Okay…" Ice nods, not entirely convinced but at least he is not panicking anymore so I take the chance to stand up and hand Turkey the lead.
"Can you take care of Ice for a minute? I will go to check on Den."
I decide to leave Ice behind in case Den would start babbling and wailing about how he doesn't like Ice to change back. It would confuse and scare Ice even more than Den's behaviour already did. Or maybe Den was still hurt over the fact that Ice bit him? He could get awfully hung up on things that weren't even relevant to the big picture. At least something is keeping him way too long in the car…
I had thought about just leaving Den alone to sulk and carry on with operation change Ice back, since it was not like Den's presence was necessary for it work, unless Ice wanted him to hold his hand during it or something. Could that be it? Does Ice need Den by his side to be able to change back? Den was after all the one who was present when Ice changed in the first place. Whether his company is required remains to be seen but the other reason I can't leave him alone, is a much simpler one.
I am…worried…about him…
"No problem…but is this?" Turkey holds up the lead with much apprehension.
"Yes, don't let of go of it no matter what." I don't want a repeat from this morning; it's bad enough that Den has run away for some reason.
"Mama." Ice extends his hands to me, asking to be taken along.
"I will be right back, behave." I dash towards the car.
I am thankful for the change of scenery, as there is still a little bit of chill left in me after the encountering the ghost. The speedy walks towards the cars helps me clear my thoughts a little and focus on one mystery instead of several, as in how do we change Ice back? Does he want to change back or not? Is he getting younger? Has he really changed into a human? Has he lost control over his emotions? Why was he trying to reach the Topaki palace on his own? Why was that ghost muttering my name? Was it warning me about something?
So for now, I am only concentrating on solving one puzzle. What the fanden is wrong with Den?
At last I reach the car on the passenger side. Den doesn't notice my presence; he looks seemingly lost in thought, where he sits in driver seat with the car engine still running. Was he planning on driving away?
The duffel bag is strapped on him; he is all ready to go but doesn't seem to be able leave the car for some reason. No window is open. He must be burning sitting inside this furnace. I can see he is sweating profusely.
I walk quickly around to the car to the driver's side. He doesn't show any reaction, to me having appearing on his side. He is an unmoving as a doll. Is he sleeping with his eyes open?
Panic starts build up in my chest, when I remember all the news articles about how dangerous it is to have no window open in the summer heat, as the heat builds so quickly up and how many infants and dogs have died from a heatstroke because of careless parents and owners.
The only thing that prevents me from breaking the window and rescuing him is the fact that even though he can often act that way, Den is neither an infant nor a dog. He should have more sense then them and open up the fanden window!
Instead I settle for tapping the window gently with one finger. If that doesn't wake him up, I will be forced to break down the window and really pull him out…
Den jumps in the driver seat and looks up in fright but after he sees that I am the source of that annoying tapping noise, he pushes down a button to open the window, lowering it all the way down into what seems to be the abyss of the car.
He breathes deeply in the fresh air; clearly he was suffocating inside without even realising it and he smiles relived. "Ah, oh it's just you Nor. You scared me."
Really, then I would have loved to see your reaction to a gun-wielding ghost. But I am glad to see that you are okay…and like you are one to talk about scaring someone!
Of course I would never voice my concern out loud so instead I scold him.
"What's the big idea? Why are you hiding out here?" I say in firm voice, but manage to keep most of the rage out from him having frightened me so. The car is still running, Den could drive away anytime if I am not careful and then I will never find out what is bothering him. At least not until I have managed to track him down and frankly, I getting pretty tired of running after my brothers, so that option is something I wish to avoid at all cost.
Den avoids my strict gaze and looks down into his lap. "I'm not...hiding."
I reach inside the window and turn the engine of. Den whips up his head and is shocked to see that the car was still running.
Really, what is he thinking?
"Come on, the program is about to start." I say and decide against my better judgment, to not scold him for polluting the environment with his carelessness. He usually thinks about things like that, so whatever is on his mind must be so deeply troubling him, that he neither could think about opening a window or not adding to the global warming.
"Program? I thought we were only meeting Turkey…to you know." Den can't even finish the sentence. He turns away from me and shrugs what looks offhandly but in reality, he can't mask his true emotions, since they are shown so plainly in his eyes. His blasted emotional eyes that can tell no lie. Kinda like Ice, who also can never mask his emotions thanks to his eyes. Always so full of hurt… for whatever the reason.
I reach into my pocket about to fetch the unread program to show Den, but decide against it, withdraw my hand and shrug instead. "The first time I am hearing about it."
Den looks down and mutters. "It's not like you want me here anyway."
I am little taken aback by how hurt he sounds. It had never occurred to me that this could be one of the reasons. It's that what all this is about...I thought we were over this.
A tiny bit of guilt works it way up but I force it down again, sigh tiredly and open the car door for him. "Don't you want to finish this crazy journey together?" I extend my hand to him as if he has trouble getting out of the car on his own and as that was the only reason for all the stalling. One could only hope…
Den takes one glance at my outstretched hand and shakes his head. "You don't understand."
I withdraw my hand, huff and then yell in frustration. "Then tell me. I am not a mind reader!" I knew we should have talked about it before meeting Turkey and we would have if Ice hadn't run away from us and called the cop on us and….
Den suddenly looks behind me in alarm.
"Where is Ice? You didn't lose him again?" He frowns at me as if he had only asked if I had yet again lost another sock while doing laundry.
The carelessness in his voice can only be linked to his uncanny ability to find Ice whenever he goes missing, from the first time when Ice hid in the insufferable cave and regressed in age. At least he always seems to know what goes through his tiny little head, when I am lost. But for me the memory alone from our time in the Grand Bazar when I lost Ice for a brief moment and his daring escapade this morning, is enough to let my empty stomach churn.
"Of course not you idiot. I left him with Turkey."
Den stiffens, probably imagine Ice screaming in fright and trying to get away from Turkey. Den is about to exit the car for the wrong reason when I stop him by holding up my hand in an international stop sign.
"Don't worry, Ice doesn't seem to be afraid of him any longer."
I don't want him to run to Turkey and snatch Ice away from him that would definitely send the wrong message.
Den get's saddened by the news. "Does that mean...?" He shakes his head.
I groan inwardly. I might be right about the main reason, as there seem to be far too many, as to why he is sitting out here. I better straighten him out first.
I close the door, startling Den. I smirk deviously. He's as jumpy as a cat. I walk around the car, open the passenger door, take a seat and close that door with a thud, making Den jolt in his seat again. Then I rummage in the duffel bag strapped on him, but the only things I find edible are bottles filled with water and the bag of Tyrkisk peber, that the random Icelander gave Ice. Really, this are the only things we took with us on this daytrip? I knew I shouldn't have trusted Den with the packing for it! But I guess beggars can't be choosers so…
I open the bag of Tyrkisk peber but growl loudly when I see how the candy has melted together in the heat. No, this…this is the last straw…
My hands unexpectedly start shaking with an uncontrolled rage. The little control I had is slowly slipping away from me. I close my eyes and lean my head back on the headrest, counting slowly in my head to calm myself down. I can't do this anymore…I am done…I am really, really pissed off now…I can't…I just can't take this anymore….
I can feel Den putting one hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright?" He asks me in a low and slow voice as if he as afraid I might kill him, if he would ask me too fast and loud.
I open up my eyes, levelling him with my best death glare, so he quickly removes his hand from my shoulder but luckily for him I am far too tired so I let it suffice to yell at him in my head. No, I am far from all right! I just had an encounter with ghost, Ice didn't change meaning I have no idea what to do next though it must have something to with the others, and I have no idea why you can't act like a civilised person and meet Turkey and are hiding out here. Not mention just we are the last ones to arrive simply because our little brother thought it would be funny to run away and call the cops on us…and I am tired and hungry and thirsty and…oh so..so..so tired. And what if…!? No I can't even think that. If I think that then everything is truly lost…I can't…!
But the only thing I say out loud, in a as carefree voice as possible that is as far from my real emotions as anything could be: "You should have seen what he did to Turkey." I grin stupidly and as I am so desperate for some kind of sugar into my system so I can function normally, I break the sticky Tyrkisk peber apart and let the pieces drop into the bag. I fish one out and give to Den, who reluctantly accepts it.
Den stares between the candy in his hand and to me, his eyes growing wide as he realises something. "He didn't bite him too?"
I wouldn't have left him behind if he did something so horrendous...
I shake my head, put a candy in my mouth and tell him all about Ice's great smelling adventure, while the sugar as well as the burning heat in my mouth from the spicy candy helps me reclaim focus again.
Den stares at me, his mouth agape with incredulity after I finish my tale. "No way. He did not..."
"And you missed it."
"What did he say about me?" Den asks in an expectant voice, his melancholy temporary forgotten and puts the candy in his mouth and chews it with a happy smile.
"Beer, sausages and bakery."
Den grins victoriously. "And you?"
"No comment."
"I bet it was fish."
"That...plus oil and money."
Den chuckles like I knew he would. I send him a death glare more out of a habit than a reason.
"Oh, don't be like that Nor. Ice was just fooling around with his Nordic dark humour. I know you smell as heavenly as waterfalls, forests and do mountains smell?"
"Stop flirting with me you idiot. You still haven't told me what's wrong."
Den instantly stop fooling around and withdraws into his insufferable shell of his. He lowers himself in the seat and for a while there is only silence between us, broken by the occasional munching of the candy. I reach for another one in the bag. I think I am getting addicted to it, despite it burning my mouth and not being the smartest choice when it's so hot outside. It's quite delicious and I helped me recover my some of my energy and get my rational thinking back. I must ask Fin for a membership or something…
"Ice has changed back, hasn't he? Isn't that what the program is about? Aren't we having a feast to celebrate...?" Den finally asks in a small voice.
There it was.
I answer him by pointing outside.
Den leans over me to check out the window on the passenger side.
"Oh…" Den sees the same as me, that Ice is still as small as ever, talking animatedly with Turkey and doing a lots of wild hand gestures. Turkey nods politely every now and then to show he is listening, till he notices Den looking in his direction. Turkey smiles and wave at him but as soon as Den meets his eyes, Den stiffens like a rock and sinks into his seat with a frightful expression.
Well, that was odd…
I sigh. " My idiot brother, did you honestly think I wouldn't inform you about it the minute it would happen?" I glance at Turkey through the window, who looks, unsurprisingly thunderstruck after Den's reaction. He looks at me in hope of an answer but when I shrug just as helpless, he scowls at me and points at his wrist, as he has a watch when I know in reality he uses his smartphone to check time. I nod fervently and turn to Den, who seems to be working something in his mind.
"But, if he isn't afraid of Turkey any longer and hasn't changed..." Den lets the sentence linger in the air with unspoken uncertainty. He was asking what I had not dared to ask aloud.
I swallow the candy before answering him. "He must meet the other regressed nations or it will take longer time...I have no idea how this works. Maybe that's why Turkey has a program. Did you perhaps think that Ice would turn back as soon as he met Turkey and saw there was no danger?"
A moment of silence and then Den says in a very small voice. "Maybe..." A tint of pink appears on his chins.
Well, I thought so too. I put the last piece of Tyrkisk peber in mouth. Uff da, Ice will not like me having eating all his candy….he will have a fit.
"Is that the reason you are sitting out here? You didn't want to witness that?" I turn in my seat and am ready to step outside the minute Den's admits his worst fears. I try not to gloat over my victory while I munch on the candy, like I am chewing a mouth tobacco as am I starring in a western. At last he will admit it! Well, it took some real physiological warfare, not something I am used too having to engage with Den, but sure is a common occurrence with Swe not to mention Ice but never ever Den, at least not from his side. I hope I never have to go through that again with him.
I see that Ice is still talking with Turkey, who is not paying attention to whatever that child is talking about so passionately as he looks in my direction. I smile and give him thumbs up. Turkey exhales relived and turns back to Ice, who did not notice that his attention had wavered, as he talks no stop. A far cry from his usual quiet self.
"No, that's not it." Den 's voice floats in the background and could just as well have spoken in a dream, as it felt so unreal.
I thought I would choke on the candy but I manage to swallow it down my dry throat, that had dried up instantly after Den's declaration.
"Though of course that is also hard...but I wouldn't leave Ice alone for a reason like that..." Den continues without clarifying himself.
I twirl around in my seat, shocked to the core. What, I thought I had him figured out….then…
"Then what!?" I thunder and hit the dashboard. I am so sick of this game! So sick of having to guess everyone's motive and actions. Why can't they just tell me what's wrong! And stop these stupid mind games!
Den lifts his hands up to cover his face as if I was about to strike him. "I...it's because of Turkey himself."
I blink in bewilderment. Well, that's a surprise...that explains the hide and seek with Turkey, but why on earth? Then I remember the ghost as vividly as it had appeared in front of me again. These eyes so filled with madness and sorrow. I manage to shake the memory away.
I get a water bottle from the bag and slowly pour water over my sticky fingers. "Did you maybe see…?" From the corner of my eyes I watch Den's expression closely for some clues.
"Did I see what?" Den snaps, he becomes more annoyed than curious or even frighten over my unfinished question. Or maybe he is annoyed that am wetting the car seat of the rental car he's paying for. Well, that rules out the ghost. Thankfully, he's…only my problem. Whatever that problem is, as I don't have enough of them already…
I take one sip of the water before closing the bottle and putting it back in the bag and closing it. "Never mind…you are afraid of Turkey? Since when?"
"No, of course not..it's more complicated than that. Let's say...our recent...umm past...haven't been the best."
"What are you talking about?"
Den shrugs and continues pouting.
I am very tempted to yell at him to spit it out now or else but then I remember something that Den said on our very first day here.
"But they make you pay extra for another bed." Den muttered in his defense.
"Why do you care, you are not paying!?" I yelled at him and raised my fist up to hit him in the head.
Den saw my intention and shielded his face with a red pillow. "I don't want Turkey to get more pissed!"
I stopped with my fist in mid-air. "What are you talking about?"
"Ah, don't worry...it's nothing." Den puts the pillow back in his place, dodging my question. He sat down on the floor and helped Ice unpack.
What has Den been trying to tell me all this time, without telling me? Why has he really been stalling the meeting? Recent past…? Of course why didn't I realize it sooner? He still hung up on all that. For the longest time I was certain that he didn't want us to meet Turkey to change Ice back, I never realized he had another, more personal reason for dreading the meeting with him.
I lean over, startling Den with my sudden movement and hug him tightly.
Den is speechless over my reaction. Through the corner of my eyes I see how he looks at me in puzzlement.
"You idiot, why didn't you tell me sooner how you really felt about coming to Turkey? How bad you feel over what happened between you?"
"I...I didn't' think you...it mattered or...that you would even care."
I release him from my embrace and punch him on the side. "Of course I care, you moron."
"Not so hard..." Den says in a whiney voice and rubs his tender side.
"We are in this together. Now, come inside and clear things up with Turkey. It's no use hiding out here, he already knows you have arrived. Besides your history together has always been a rowdy one, whether you were friend or enemies. I open up the car door and step outside.
Den sighs, defeated. "Fine...just give me few more minutes. Tell Turkey I will come after few more minutes. He will understand."
I quickly look at the clock on the dashboard. It has already been to far many minutes. Turkey will not be happy if he has to wait any longer for us.
I shake my head and without thinking and latch onto and pinch Den's ear.
"Nor, what are you doing!?"
I pull him on his ear, out his seat and over the passenger seat, all the way out of the car onto the curb deaf to all of Den's whining, all the way to Turkey. It's more than enough to deal with one brother turning into a child.
"Mama, papa!" Ice yells happily when he see us. He is as far away as the lead will take him from Turkey. So much for him having got used to Turkey again. At least they had a nice chat when we were away.
Turkey is mildly pissed and hasn't moved from the spot since he last saw him. He is surprised to see us arriving in this way and immediately lets go of the lead. Ice runs fast as lighting to us, as if he hadn't seen us in months. I let of go of Den's ear but before Den has a chance to nurse his wounded ear, Ice charges into him and embrace his leg.
"I'm so sorry!"
"Huh, for what?" Den picks him up and lifts him high up into the air, like they did in the pretend flying game.
Ice is in no mood to pretend to fly and crosses arms with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry I bit you, papa."
What about everything else he has done today? But I guess it's a start...and I ate all his candy, that should be a punishment enough…though it wasn't on purpose…
Den lowers Ice down to his eyelevel. "Oh, that. It's okay. I am not angry with you." He smiles and ruffles his hair and is obviously very happy over the fact that Ice felt sorry for it, despite his words that told differently.
"Then why did you leave us!?" Ice punches him in the shoulder with his little fists.
Den grimaces, though most certainly not from pain as Ice's punches can't hurt him more than a fly, but from guilt. "I...didn't leave and it was for a different reason..."
Den looks up and is met with Turkey's eye who looks curiously at him and Den stiffens when he seems to remember what that particular reason was. He hands me, still-punching Ice and jumps behind me for cover. Though he couldn't have found a worse hiding place, since he is, both taller than me, and Turkey had already seen him turn up in that undignified manner and met him. I am having none of that endless farce so I move quickly to the side and push Den forward.
"Apologize to Mr. Turkey." I move Ice, who has finally stopped punching the air, to sit on my left arm. Better to keep one hand free in case Den tries to run again.
Turkey lifts one eyebrow.
"What's all this about? I thought Iceland was the one, the only one of your family, I might add, who had a problem with me."
Poor Turkey, all this mess reflects so badly on him.
Den rubs his own neck. "I...I am sorry about the...Rojk station and the Mohammed's drawing..."
There is deadly silence after Den's apology, till Turkey walks to him with some hurried steps. Den instantly backs away and looks for a way to escape. The only escape; either to jump into a ornate struture, a rocco style Fountain of Sultan Ahmet, built in 1728 by the sultan who so favored tulips, that was so to be called the Tulip Era, in the cobbled square just outside...or run the hell away.
Den gets to try neither option seeing that Turkey puts his arms around him and drags him into a hug.
"Don't worry, my friend. Köprünün altından çok sular geçti. It's all water under the bridge." Turkey pats him on the back.
Den instantaneously relaxes.
Well that was some needless worrying...and he call me a worrywart…But despite my annoyance over how much unnecessary grievance his worry had caused us, I can't help feeling relived as Den.
Turkey puts his arms on Den's shoulders and his face darkens. "Just don't do it again."
Den hurriedly nods. "I wont."
"Well, since you are all finally here, I have some surprise for you." Turkey turns to me. "Did you bring your swimwear like I asked you?"
"Yes, why?" I answer a little irritated that he doesn't seem to think we could follow such a simple instruction. I point to the duffel bag strapped on Den.
"I thought afterwards we could all go swimming." Turkey answers with a beaming smile, as he had just given us the greatest gift in the world.
I figured as much…that's usually the reason for bringing this particular clothing. Not much of a surprise…
"Yay, swimming!" Ice yells happily, probably more than happy to be able to cool down from the heat he's not used to and I must admit I am looking forward to the same. But that will come after, for now I have only one mission and that mission is the reason we have travelled all this way.
Den is a little slow on the uptake and asks surprised: "The four of us...?"
Turkey shakes his smiling head. "No, remember the guests I told you about, well they are already here." Turkey walks through the gateway, which open up and we follow him into the passage, right past the palace guards, into the first courtyard of four of the Topaki Palace.
The first courtyard is tree- shaded with lot of plane trees and few buildings but to my utmost disappointment, the other nations are nowhere to be seen.
Great, we must have long walk ahead of us…just what I needed…they could be anywhere in this monstrosity of a building. I really must get something to eat after all, beside candy. Everything is starting to grate on my nerves…again…
The sunlight peers between the spreading crowns of the high trees, giving us a little relief from the burning sun, in a yet another endless walk but does cast some welcoming shade. A shade that all of a sudden seems to shallow me whole with it's cold.
My teeth start to chatter; I try to get some warm inside me.
What's going on? Why am I suddenly freezing cold in this hot weather? Oh, no I am finally passing out! Give me a break, will this hælvete morning never end!
I touch my arm, its burning hot from the sun. The cold is only inside me, is something happening to me as well?
Am I going through some change? Or is the ghost about to appear again…? No, this one is different. This time the cold seems to reside purely inside me.
I manage to control my breathing and not to let my accelerating panic show and clearly I have done a great job, since neither Den nor Turkey who is leading the way and talking like they are suddenly best friends forever, have noticed anything strange going on. Ice is likewise, none the wiser since he skips after them, oblivious to what is happening behind him.
Through my blurred vision I watch how the scenery changes into darkness. All of sudden I am left with nothing but one sense. I hear sounds from a memory I didn't know existed, at least not from this place. No, these sounds belonged to another place and another time. A time I would rather not remember. Strangely I can still hear Den's voice, as if it is my only link to the reality.
"Where are the others?" Den asks with a concerned tone.
"In a restaurant." Turkey answers.
"Restaurant?"
"Yay! Food!" Ice cheers.
My ears are bombarded from every direction, if you can tell directions in the dark, the deafening sounds of multiple gunshots, people screaming, running and yelling. The sounds get louder and I can barely make out what Den is saying to Turkey. It all sounds so far away, as if they are in another world.
"So…they others haven't changed back yet either?" Den asks worried.
"No, that's why we were waiting for you." Turkey answers annoyed.
"Huh, why?" Den asks bewildered.
"It didn't seem to be enough for them to just meet me. You or rather Ice must be the last piece of the puzzle." Turkey answers in a dark voice.
"Me?" Ice asks innocently. "Why?"
The noise around me is getting to an unbearable level. I have no idea how to escape from this nightmare. I have a feeling I can't escape unless I bear witness to this horror. Sadly that has been the only escape when I have experienced visions like this but none have been on that scale. The racket changes, it's not gunshot any more. I can't make out what this crackling sound is, it's as if this world is bursting with in, everything starts to shake, the ground shifts and suddenly I can smell smoke...and ash.
Turkey's voice drones on. "It's inside the palace. Usually I would end the tour in the restaurant but I couldn't keep them waiting any longer in the courtyard and since you where so late…"
The screaming of people has turned into one single child…screaming.
No, it can't be…I recognize that scream…no, not that…anything but that…
I scream and grab my head in agony and fall onto my knees in a dramatic fashion.
"Mama!"
I open my eyes and the first thing I see is Ice in mid jump. He lands on and hugs me. The scream helped me return to reality. I hug him back as fiercely as if I just got him back from hell.
"He hates being late." Den says answers matter of factly to Turkey, with absolute no clue about what's going on.
I glower at Den. Not even I would react in this manner to something so trivial.
"No, it was an attack…" I stand up on shaky feet with Ice still safely in my embrace.
"Nor, what are you talking about." Den asks, a fear creeping into his voice. He survives the peaceful area all around us, till his gaze of worry lands on me. "Don't you just need some sleep?" He looks around for a place to me to lie down and since there is of course none, except maybe the grass; he extends a hand to me to help me stand up. I bat it away.
"Listen, it was an attack and…" What was the other vision? I can't remember anything that happened after that. But it had something to do with Ice, I am positive about that…but what that was…
"What are you talking about, there was nothing like that. See, we are still standing." Den dances in a small circle on the sunbaked pavement, to prove his point. "Though we were kinda under attack in the hotel lobby before…are you referring to that? But that's long past and nothing happened…right?"
"I…saw something now." I say through clenched teeth. "I have had visions before." And all of them have come true in some way.
"Mama, you can put me down now."
"No, you are safe with me." I hug him close. "I am never letting you out of my sight again, not till you are safe and sound…forever. I will protect you from whatever that was I saw in the vision."
I glance over Ice shoulders and see how Turkey is looking at us in a strange way. What must he be thinking about all this? I must certaintly look like a drama queen, hugging my little brother so tight in this tranquil courtyard. Uff da, when will this morning stop embarrassing me?
"Nor, I really think you should lay down. You were through some terrible ordeal and must relax. We can spare some minutes." Den says matter of factly, looking me straight in the eyes as if daring me to object. "And put Ice down, he won't run away again." Den glares at Ice's back, and Ice nods without seeing him.
"What! Where should I? Who? No, no, we can't afford to delay this any longer." More minutes! More mintues!? I looked at him aghast, without letting go of Ice.
Den points at the grass and must admit it looks invitingly but I shake my head stubbornly.
"Really, there is no need." I put Ice down on the ground who runs to Den as if I was holding him captive in my arms. "See I am fine." I lift up my palms. "I am not even holding the lead. I am over it..really. Beside we must change Ice back so it won't help him if I keep holding the lead. Hey, I just realised that if Ice had changed earlier he would have had the harness on. Oh my, he could have died of shame. Poor Ice, what a dreadful end to a long journey." I giggle kind of thoughts are in jumble and I think everything is starting to look funny. I stagger forward, my vision is hazy and if I didn't know any better I would think I was drunk.
Turkey's lets his jaw drop over my out of character behaviour. Even Ice looks frightened and runs to hide, ironically considering the purpose for the journey, behind Turkey.
"Lie down. Now!"
I jump up at the harsh tone in Den's voice. My thoughts are put on the right track again. Den points firmer at the grass this time and as I never seem to be able to argue with that tone, I do his bidding.
I feel foolish lying down on the grass like that but I guess considering everything that has happened this morning, this is the least foolish of them all. Seriously what was I just saying out loud mere minutes ago? What was I thinking? I close eyes and focus just on breathing in and out. The fragrance of the grass helps soothe my tired brain, though the grass itself is hot in this endless heat. Is there really no escape? From any of this?
I can hear rustle in the grass, and feel a small weight right beside me. I pull Ice closer and listen to his fast heartbeat. The poor thing must be exhausted as well.
I feel like I have been laying down here forever. Really, how long does Den want me to lay here? I don't plan on falling asleep here! But I don't dare get up till he gives me his permission. He can be so bossy sometimes!
"I am so sorry." Turkey says all of a sudden.
My eyes flutters wide away and I sit straight up with Ice by my side. Does this mean that Turkey had anything to do with the vision? Or did he see it?
Turkey swallows a lump in his throat. "I am terrible sorry I didn't think you would react this strongly…to the horrors…it's been many years since the attack here in the palace happened. I guess, it was too much for you since the attacker copying the massacre at your home. But the security is all better now, no need to worry. You are safe. I wouldn't have picked this place otherwise. Once again must I apologize for your inconvenience." He bows respectfully to me.
"What are you talking about, Turkey?" Den asks and to my surprise I can hear anger creeping into his voice. "Did you have anything to do with…whatever this was Nor experienced?"
Turkey stands up straight, a dark look comes into his eyes. "On November 27th 2011 an Libyan ex-police and revolutionary attempted to massacre hundreds of tourists visiting this Palace in the early hours. He was stopped by the palace guards and after a gunfight lasting over an hour, killed by my Swat Team. He managed to injure two of my men, the palace guards, but none of the tourists were harmed."
Ah, I remember reading about that frightening incident. Could a memory in my subconscious really have sparked the vision…and the ghost? That explains why the ghost was from Libya but not Turkey. But really, what I am more worried about is not remembering what the other vision was. That could have been the future…and it felt as if it had something to do with Ice, but what?
Den seemed to have relaxed after hearing the story from Turkey. "But how is that attack in any way linked to the massacre Nor experienced? I mean I am sad to say this, but a attack like this far from an uncommon thing in the world and frankly Nor would have trouble traveling around if this was all it took, though horrible it is, to let him relive this memories."
For once I agree with him and I am surprised by Den's sudden insight. I decide not to tell him about the ghost, it would freak him out. He's not as use to ghost like Ice and me.
I stand up and help Ice stand up as well. "Mama, does it have anything to do with the man that disappeared?" Ice asks in a conspiracy like voice.
So Ice did see the ghost after all!
"What man? What are you talking about Ice?" Den asks alarmed.
I sigh and tell them all about the ghost.
Den visibly pales after I finish my story. "I am so glad I stayed in the car."
I am very close to rolling my eyes. "We don't know if you had even seen the ghost. Turkey didn't."
"Oh, I did. I am just used to him and don't pay any attention till him anymore…especially since not everyone sees him. Not even other nations not even England. So far only Libya seemed to have seen him. If I payed attention to every ghost around in my country, I wouldn't have time to do my job." Turkey shrugs.
"Every…ghost?" Den shudders and looks around him, as if he excepting more ghosts to show up. He turns to me, guilt written all over his face and he bites his lower lip. "I am so sorry. I had no idea what you were going through. I whished I could have seen the ghost so I could protect you two from it."
As if I needed any protection from ghosts and doubt anyone could stop the vision from happening.
I ignore Den's sudden protective streak, that reminds me of a mama bear and turn to Turkey instead. "What was he muttering? He seemed to be using my name for some reason."
Turkey takes a deep breath before saying. "The ghost shouts in Arabic…" Turkey glances at Ice, who smiles innocently and hangs on his every word. "I really think you should cover the little one's ears for the next part. It's kinda T…no R rated."
"No, I am good." Ice says. "I am more than used to seeing ghosts."
"Okay then, if you are sure." Turkey looks sceptical and turns to me for permission to continue.
I nod. It could be linked to his situation since he seems to be getting some of his memories back.
"In fact I heard what he said. He shouts this will be a massacre like in Norway." Ice says in his high bright voice, that in no way reflects the darkness of what he just said.
Well, that cleared that one up.
Den looks taken aback.
"Was I right?" Ice asks in an innocent voice, as if he had not just said predicted the weather right, which would be a feat in his own country whereas not as much here in the stabilized weather.
"Yes…but how come you understood the Arabic?" Turkey asks bewildered.
What? Since when did Ice learn Arabic? Could it be from when he was kidnapped?
We stare at Ice who shies away from our attention.
"Arabic? I just saw…or to be more accurate felt what he said. It was not nice and I didn't like how he threatened mama at gunpoint. So I scowled dangerously at him and he disappeared into a thin smoke." Ice mimics how he scowled, using his own words, dangerously at the ghost and for a more effect, shakes his fist at him, when in fact it only makes him look cuter.
I doubt that this look was the reason for the ghost disappearance…
Nevertheless I pat him on the head. "Good job, scaring the mean ghost away like that."
Ice beams over my praise but then his smiles falters. "But it didn't stop the vision."
"That's okay, nothing you could do to stop that."
"But, I saw it too."
Yet another revelation that shocks me on this endless morning. "What? And what did you see?"
"I don't know. I don't understand what it means…I don't remember what I saw." Ice says sadly and looks down, as it was his fault.
I ruffle his hair. "Don't worry your little head about it, we will find out what it means sooner or later." Hopefully soon enough to stop it…
Ice looks up, nods and smiles. "Okay, mama."
I am satisfied with the answer to the first riddle but Den is still reeling from the shock of knowing the truth, though I can't fathom why this should come as much surprise. There is always some lunatic ready to copy ghastly events.
"But that's horrible. Why did you choose this palace is as your meeting place? You know Nor is still dealing with painful memories!" Den advances on Turkey before I have chance to stop him.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't think he would know about the attack here, or a least not remember…" Turkey backs away from his rage and I pull Den back on his t-shirt collar. "Den, it's okay. No harm done."
But was that really all that it was? A post traumatic stress disorder linked to the ghost's words? Not a vision of the future? I hope so. Wait what about the…what was that? What was the second thing I saw? Maybe I am worrying too much….
"Are you sure you want to continue?" Den asks me, the worry again all written over his face. He puts his hands on my shoulder.
What are you talking about? We have to come to far to return at this point.
I push him away with my free hand. "It was probably just a minor sunstroke…probably just linked to me seeing the ghost in the first place. Nothing to worry about."
"Sunstroke…you are right it's too hot in…eh out here." Den rummages through our duffel bag, most likely looking for the water bottle I had opened and put into it.
This first vision can't have anything to do with Ice, if anything he has never truly had to worry about a terrorist attack. This can't be linked to his condition…but what about the other changed nations? Could this be a...vision of the future? Of our near future...? What about the second vision? Did that have anything to do with Ice, whatever that was?
With my mind elsewhere I reach out to take, what I see is a full open water bottle from Den but to my surprise, Den smirks and snatches the bottle from me in one quick motion and pours our precious water over my head while saying: "This will help you endure the rest of the trip."
Ice yelps when few drops spills on him, but just as quickly he squeals in delight, as if he is a sliding down a water slide.
I sputter out the water. "DEN! You, idiot! What do you think you are you doing!?"
He grins. "You could look at this as payback for pulling my ear earlier." Den jumps away when I try to grab him and pour some of the water over himself.
I shake my head, one minute he is all caring and sensitive the next he acts like a complete idiot! I hand Ice over to him so I can take off my soaking wet t-shirt. I wind it over the sun-baked pavement and send him the look.
"PAPA! DO ME TOO." Ice tries to get the water bottle from Den.
"Don't you dare." I hit Den on the shoulder with my wet shirt, when he was about to give Ice the same treatment, before putting it on again. "Don't waste any more water." Ah, the wet t-shirt feels cool to my burning skin.
Den shrugs and drinks the rest of the water.
"But, I am hot." Little Ice says in a whiny voice. "Gerðu þaaaað! *Pleaseeeeee."
"It helped didn't it? With the heat I mean." Den blinks me.
I don't dignify that with a response even though I hate to admit that this act of stupidity did help somewhat.
I pick Ice up and hold him close. "We will go swimming afterwards, right Turkey?"
Turkey just watched on the sidelines, our, although fairly innocent, family feud with a baffled expression.
I gulp. He must have think that we are some stupid westerners wasting precious water when it's becoming more a luxury in the rest of the world. I hope doesn't think this is one of the things he has to do at last join the European Union, not that I know anything about that…
But Turkey only smiles and nods to affirmative the answer to my question about the pool and adds: "Good to see you are feeling better."
He was right. I was feeling much better.
"But I want now!" Ice shrieks on the verge on a tantrum and kick his little legs out in the air.
"No, Ice." But I reach into the open bag and hand him a water bottle with the words: "Only for drinking."
Ice nods solemnly as if he had sworn some sacred oath and sips the water greedily.
"Let's go." Turkey leads our through the first courtyard, while playing the tour guide telling us all about the history of the palace, on the long road to back to the others, all the way to Ice's recovery. Time to end this endless trip once and for all!
Author notes: There are about four to five chapters left of the story - the story will probably end with ten or elven chapters tops. However I have in planned two oneshots after the story, one that happens before and one that happens after this story. But those stories are only extras.
The world events are dated to September 18th 2014 - so it's like a window into the past instead of following the world events as they unfold, as was my original plan.
Next up are FINALLY, FINALLY the other chibi nations and more of the Topaki Palace - it's a really cool place. You can check out the 3D map if you are interested to get a sneak peak - Though I won't cover the whole palace - its huge!
Historical fact and other.
Attack: Imagine my surprise when I read about the shooting incident in Topaki Palace and how it was supposed to resemble the Norwegian extremist massacre. And I only picked this place because of it's ancient history and beauty but poor Nor had some kind of a PTSD soon as he walked through gate where the shooting took place. And as if that wasn't spooky enough, when I was first writing this scene, a shooting took place in France (Charlie Hebdo shooting) and later in Denmark. So Nor did have a vision of the future (this chapter takes place 18th September 2014). It freaked me out a little bit so I gave up on writing this story for a while (what the…was happening in the world?), as well because of my other problems that took over. This was also really personal for me, since I had a nervous breakdown and could understand a bit what Nor went through in this chapter (though it didn't happened till later to me), although thankfully my fears were different (though I tend to worry too much about what is happening in the world!).
Fear not, the shootings itself won't be part of the story. The story will continue getting darker from here, but not that dark…
Den-Turkey relations - Their story is a truly complicated one, since either there were at war with each other (as in the Great Northern War) or allies
(as in fought against the Holy Roman Empire in Thirty year war and were allies in the Napoleonic Wars). They are both in NATO. Today their relations are descried as strained (hence Den's awkwardness in this chapter towards Turkey) because of Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy and Roj TV affair. Turkey claimed that the Roj TV channel was a mouthpiece for the Kurdistan WorkersParty, whom they regard as a terrorist organization. Roj TV's broadcasting license was finally suspended by the Supreme Court in Denmark on February 27, 2014.
As I hadn't been spooked enough with the shooting in France, it had to do with Mohammad satirical drawings…was I writing the future…in the past?
France will make a later appearance.
Smells: I once heard that each nation has different smell but often visitors are the only one, not the natives who can pinpoint what exactly that smell is, as the natives are too used to it to pay any attention to it. Sometimes you can smell it immediately when you leave the plane (for instance I have been told that Bulgaria smells of all different kind of spices). So I decided to take something that is often regarded negative and put it in a positive light. I think it's cool that everyone has their own smell, since it gives the nations character (no pun intended in Hetalia franchine…no, of course it's a pun). I mean my nation smells of rotten eggs…because of the sulphur. I remember how surprised I was when heard foreigners speak of it first (and a tiny, tiny bit offended) and but than it made sense because of the hot water from the geothermal energy. While what I said about the other is complete rubbish (some maybe not that farfetched but not the insulting ones) except for the olive oil. As I was doing research about Turkey I came across that information that generally Turkish people use olive oil on every food as it's extremely healthy, thus resulting in them smelling like it (but some say that Turkish people smell and this was the only polite and informative answer I found). I have no idea whether that is true or not, but it was too interesting to not use it in my story. I collect what looks like useless titbit like this, as you never know when you can use it in a story. ;)
Thanks for reading! I will update as soon as I can.