AN- Alright so Chapter 10 I think now... how exciting!
I'm thinking of translating one of my fics into French for practice as I need to work on my grammar. Are any of you especially fluent in French? Want to Beta for me? As despite my step-dad being French and having relatives in Québec, I get horribly confused when it comes to grammar (though I'm told my spoken French is excellent so my writing in general shouldn't be too bad).
I've gotten some fanart for this story, Aviantei drew Kiku dressed up as Grell which you can see here (take out spaces): http : / / aviantei .deviantart .com / art / Owning-Up-Kiku-as-Grell-278549161
Sealand's insults are ones my little brother favoured way back. Some may say that Arthur is a bit extreme – I would argue pirates were harsh regardless of age, status or gender and, having lived through the period, when he slips into that mindset, some of his usual restraints aren't there.
Never written a few characters in here, hope they come across alright.
Getting close to 100 Reviews on this :D sooooo, once again, the person who is the 100th reviewer will receive a One-Shot, pairing, setting (AU, school, crossover, etc) and even plot of their choice! Only restrictions – I will NOT write any pairing that is abusive or anything Mature. Good luck~
UN BETA'D FOR NOW AS BOTH MY BETA AND I ARE SWAMPED WITH WORK, HOPE IT READS ALRIGHT!
ONWARDS! (I own very little in this, just my plot. Not Hetalia. Nope.)
"SEALAND!" Arthur growled out, his hand closing on an old crop and a purple aura beginning to surround him.
Pirate England was back.
The leather cracked as it was hit against the table, a murderous aura seeming to pour out of England's being as he slowly made his way around the table.
"N'w tell me, why I might grant a wee brat such as ye the King's Pardon, sharply now!"
Peter, clearly unaware of this side of his founder's personality – the side that had quite a number of older nations on the retreat and that had mostly faded by Sealand's founding – just smiled cheekily from where he stood in front of a speechless America, clearly oblivious to what he had done. "What'cha gonna do Jerk?"
"No me bucko, it's not wha' I'd do. It's more what the Cat would do t'ye and yer britches, no quarter, unless ye happen t'apologize sharpish." His tone, despite the sudden drawl that accompanied it, was full of malice.
"A cat?" Sealand laughed. "You gonna borrow one from Greece? Oh I'm so scared you big smellyface!" (At this point Greece gathered Corporal Cat, the only one that had come to the meeting with him and hid him on his lap)
"Ye don have the Davies? Aw too bad, ye bilge rat! I would'a enjoyed that." Peter shivered as Arthur drew in front of him and as Arthur continued, he lifted the boy's chin to meet his furious eyes with the crop handle. "I'll ask ye again in plain terms. Shall I sail under a black flag and only take your video games or shall I raise the red and make you regret ever drawing breath? Apologize t' tha beauty* or I'll give you a taste o' the cap'n's daughter before keelhaul'n ye. "
Sealand gulped as he realized just what a black mood Arthur was in, America on the other hand, while annoyed her epic entrance had been ruined, was trying not to laugh as Arthur did his best to scare some manners into the boy (and remembering when he did the same for her and Mattie).
Peter, about to choose the lesser of the two options, stop antagonizing the smelly Jerk-face and apologize, suddenly was pushed backwards as a very angry Finland now stood between the annoyed Brit and him.
"United Kingdom! That is enough! There is no need to use such language or threats! He's just a child!" Finland had drawn one of the old Viking swords and was holding it by Arthur's throat.
"Belay that!" Arthur snapped irritably as he quickly drew a cutlass that he had grabbed at the same time as the crop and struck the opposing blade down. "The bilge rat needs t' learn respect! He just planted his face into a lady's chest and doesn't even apologize! It's n't as if I be threatening the runt with an old hempen jig or some such. Even a brat ought to have more manners then that!"
Finland, however, countered the parry and swiped forward as England blocked. "Leave. Him. Alone. "
"Or what?" Arthur sneered back.
"Or this!"
The room erupted as nations began taking bets as the two began to fence seriously, others tried to leave and others still tried to intervene. Soon the Nordics, Spain and quite a number of Middle Eastern Nations had banded together against England who was quickly backed up by the Commonwealth.
It really was a mystery as to whose dumb idea it was to furnish this room with old weapons.
Canada and America just stood in the doorway, watching as the chaos unfolded.
Al began to laugh, "Well sis, that wasn't quite what I expected to happen (considerably less heroic) but I don't know why I expected any better."
"No kidding. I worried over this?" Just then a table smashed by the open door and a retreating Italy passed by them, darted back, grabbed their hands before pulling them to the cafeteria, Germany's calls for order ringing in their ears.
Prussia cracked his neck experimentally as he made his way over to the cafeteria line up. When the fighting had broken out, he'd sided with England and had ended up fighting an axe wielding Denmark. While he had completely and obviously defeated the Dane, getting whacked in the neck by the tail end of the axe's shaft had hurt.
So now, in addition to having a sore neck, he also had to buy his lunch having forgotten to pack one earlier. So after grabbing two slices of pizza, he made his way to the cash, only to discover his wallet was not in his pocket. In fact, he recalled, he had left it beside his lunch so he wouldn't forget it.
Oh the irony.
What a lousy day, maybe Mathias and Arthur would be up for drinks after the meeting as he sure as hell was.
About to turn around and put the slices back or try and work out an agreement with one of the workers (like charging West or letting him have an IOU), a very familiar tenor voice pipped up behind him.
"Here. Let me get that for you. Miss, would you mind adding my order on his?" Austria of all people was behind him and nonchalantly opening his wallet to pay for his, Prussia's, food.
The world was ending. The miser actually paying more then necessary? For an old enemy? Something was afoot. Was he trying to lure him into a false sense of security? What for? Austria was horrible at pranks, which meant Hungary was involved...
So while Prussia thanked him, his eyes wearily followed the Austrian as he made his way to a table. What was ol' Specs up to?
As he sat with his exhausted bruder, Italy, America, Canada and England (who was seeming to dare anyone to approach the table), he kept an eye to the side where Hungary and Austria were sitting, their heads close together before he took a bite of the pizza.
Bleh. Italy was right, the pizza here did taste like shit.
After managing to herd all the Nations back into the small room that was used for their meetings, Germany opened the floor to Matthew and Alfred who were more then a little intimidated as more then 200 eyes followed their every move.
In that moment the room was completely quiet as they walked up to podium. In that moment, both of their hands instinctively reached out for the other's to reassure them that they were still there, just as they had when they were little and in trouble.
"So...uh." Al cleared her throat, for once unsure of what to say, Canada on the other hand was staring at the mike as though it could jump out and bite her. "How are you guys?"
When there was no answer (some nations looking at her as though she'd lost her mind), she continued. "I bet you're wondering why we're here or even why we're here. Well... we're here to be the representative of our nation just like you are, and before any of you say anything, no we're not a new nation. We've been in attendance here for a while...just not like, well, this." She finished kind of lamely, suddenly uncomfortable.
Sensing America's indecision, Canada drew on her own courage and began to speak into the microphone as well. "What she means to say is that you know us, it's just, uh, we've been hiding our gender since you've all known us so you don't need to worry about the complications a new nation brings about. We were just scared about how we would be treated if we were viewed as female so we hid,"
America noticing Canada's rising discomfort at being the centre of attention, took over once more. "So this is kind of like a first meeting for us again. So, um,"Here she paused before straightening and looking around the room. "Hello, my name is America or Alfred and my sister here is Canada or Matthew, I hope we'll continue to get along as we have."
There was a moment of stunned silence before the room erupted.
"WHAT!" Was the most common word by those who got over their shock first before fierce whispering broke out between the different seats.
The other female nations just appeared smug as the other nations began to realize the implications of what was said. With the two of them, they had shown that the female nations were just as capable as the boys in fighting and managing themselves, that they didn't need the constant support of another.
Netherlands chocked out. "You were a girl and you fought in the hell of the Scheldt?"
China just looked speechless while Cuba didn't seem to care (neither did most of the African nations) that America was actually a girl and was instead glaring at her as he normally did. Egypt and Greece looked fairly fine with it, possibly because their moms had been very powerful and respected and possibly because it was difficult to tell with them, though the same could said for Hong Kong. Turkey just put his head down on the table, muttering about how it was to early for this shit, Romania looked somewhat bored while Austria was nodding, supposedly Hungary had told him earlier. Latvia looked like he may faint (though that might have more to do with his proximity to Russia, Estonia was fretting over him while Lithuania appeared to having a borderline mental breakdown as he realized that the nation he had worked for for a decade or so wasn't quite the nation he thought he was working for. Mexico looked annoyed at not being informed while most of Central America and South America were just amused by the entire thing. Australia and New Zealand, being the closest to the podium were able to closely examine the two before Steven jokingly shouted "Where have you been hiding those?"
It was Denmark's shout that got everyone to quiet down. "So it was you we found way back then! Man you've both...grown."
Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland all looked surprised that Denmark had made the connection before examining the two standing up there again.
Needless to say, not much was accomplished at this meeting either as there were too many questions to be answered and everyone kept staring at the two (likely trying to figure out how they missed that) even as Germany and a few of the other serious nations attempted to go over the day's agenda.
During the last 15 minute break, Al approached Matt with an idea. "Hey broski! Last break I went for a bit of a walk and I discovered that there's a place around the corner that's Karaoke bar! Want to go after the meeting? We could invite some of the others too!"
Matt smiled and answered. "Sure Al but I hope you know I won't be singing any, not without quite a bit of alcohol anyway. Who do you have in mind?"
"Well Francey-pants, Artie, the Commie and Yao, the Ita-bros, Toni, my Awesome bros, Elie, Keeks and anyone else who wants to come!
"So France, England, Russia, China, South and North Italy, Spain, Denmark, Prussia, Hungary, Japan... you realize that that is a sure fire way to never be allowed back into that establishment. Everyone will want to come, if only to laugh at those that are drunk."
"...Sure, but that's half the fun!"
"Alright Al, but let's call ahead to reserve a room big enough for most of us...and enough alcohol."
"Aw, fine. Ruin my fun. You know I love seeing their expressions when they see how many of us come and how many empty bottles there are!"
This was how this poor innocent establishment fell victim to the insanity that seemed to follow the Nations around. Luckily, only about 40 different nations of the 250 or so that were present for the meeting were able to attend as many had flights that night or early in the morning.
Each had gone back to the hotel and changed into casual clothing and made sure they had enough for the taxi ride back before heading over an hour after the meeting ended.
As the night began, each nation filtered in. Those that Alfred had mentioned earlier were all able to attend as was South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Greece, Turkey, Vietnam, Belgium, Netherlands, Ukraine, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and more.
They went over the most popular songs to start, with the European nations nearly breaking out into a Eurovision contest before the Oceanic nations took over the microphone for a while. However, as the night wore on, many nations began becoming increasingly reminiscent and older music such Glen Miller, Carrie Jacobs-Bond, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, Doris Day and Frank Sinatra could be heard gracing the hall.
However, as the older nations began going into ballad territory and the machine began not even having any of the songs being requested on their, Al decided to step in.
However, not everyone was a fan of recent American pop music.
"C'mon America! Why don't you sing some real music!" Shouted a nameless voice from the back.
Al in turn paused in her rendition of Kesha's We R who We R, before an idea hit her and she stopped the song. Turning, she gestured for Matt to join her on the stage with a crooked finger.
"Sure, why not! How many of you know of Iirngaaq? Cause you see, Mattie and I have won soooo many competitions in it."
There were whispers as many of those present hadn't, though Russia leaned forward with a happy (and surprisingly non-eerie) smile.
Matt, when she heard what her sister had planned began to shake her head and stutter out refusals before Al whispered something in her ear and pulled her up stage.
After some rapid whispered discussion between the two, Matt appeared to agree so they raised the microphone stand before Al turned with a smirk and said "Our Northern people came up with this style of singing as a game that women would play to pass the time, it's sort of like early techno. See if you like this any better~"
And so, the twins – for now they truly looked it as the dim light hid the differences in their faces and hair and they had both chosen to wear jeans and a white tshirt with undone red button up – stood in front of each other, chest to chest and held onto each other's arms. The then brought their faces very close before Matt started to begin to sing a short rhythm and began to sway with Al. Then Al joined in and as they alternated between faster and slower rhythms and sounds, they pressed closer and closer together so that their lips were nearly brushing.
"Holy. Shit." Denmark hissed out before Norway whacked him upside the head. "Aw...Min kærelighed! (Dan- My love) I'm just being appreciative, no need to hit."
Nearly all the male nations within hearing range nodded, their eyes wide. Whether or not they liked the music, to see girls singing like that... France approved.
Then it was over as Matt broke into breathless laughter and surrendered.
The night continued, but that little display had caught the attention of many, and two in the room were suddenly finding themselves having to come to terms with feelings they didn't know they had.
When writing this I realized that the nations that would be the most fun to write a reaction for had already been mentioned. D':
Soooo some DenNor for you there.
King's Pardon – A Royal Act pardoning any pirate of past wrong doing should he promise to stop
The Cat – The Cat o' Nine Tails, a flogging weapon with nine knotted ropes attached to a wooden handle. Really painful and common punishment tool on navy ships
have the Davies/the Jonesey's - to be frightened, allusion to Davy Jones – is a threat
To sail under red flag – Black flag = mercy, Red = no mercy, death to all aboard their target
Belay that – stop that
Dance the hempen jig– you know: a short drop and a sudden stop, a euphemism for hanging
From the Sea – response to question where from, owe allegiance to no one but themselves
*Beauty was the politest bit of slang I could find from the period that a pirate may also use. (the others being things like slag and wench)...don't read too much into it. Or should you? *waggling eyebrows*
The stuff that Al and Matt are doing at the Kareoke is called Throat singing in English - the native names are Iirngaaq in some areas of Nunavut and Nipaquhiit in others, Katadjak in South Baffin/Nunavik, Pirkusirtuk in Igloolik/Baffin Island and Qiarvaaqtuq in Arviat – and is unique to the Inuit in that it is usually performed by women and as a sort of competition. The only other areas in the world with (that I'm aware of) are Mongolia, Tibet and Tuva (federal district of Russia) It is just as described above, the one singer starts a short rhythmic pattern while the other singer fills in any gaps with another pattern - I had a friend describe it to me as strange early form of techno. There are sounds made on both the inhale and exhale and the first one to run out of breath or loose pace, loses the game. This is often also accompanied by shuffling dances and though this is common now, at one point, their faces were so close that their lips could brush as they used their opponents mouth as a resonator. Its really cool stuff!
Short Clip but I like the others better: http: / / www .youtube .com /watch?v=XnPh3GGykaI
This one has 8 short excerpts of songs: http: / / www .youtube .com /watch?v=Ed45vK0ClWA
This one is 11 minutes but is fantastic! http: / / www .youtube .com /watch?v=H6cHT8Y2wZ8&list=FLtgwvo0ikqD81PZqu80A-Qw&index=1&feature=plpp_video
Other cultural stuff if any of you are interested, here's a clip from the 2008 Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife which has a bunch of other cultural/sports found among native Northern cultures. http: / / www .youtube .com / watch?v=HZT1SSR3xt4
PLEASE REVIEW! Also, please check out the poll I have on my profile page to vote on which stories of mine you would like to see update next :)