So, before I start, I just want to address something. Nothing negative, promise. I've had so much fun writing this story. I usually write one-shot stories and fanfics so this was a huge undertaking. But I'm glad I'm doing it. This story has allowed me to expand my writing abilities. And discover a new love for Hetalia characters.
Like seriously, I never believed I'd come to like the Netherlands and the Asian countries. And look at them in this story. They're important side characters! Ned is Erika's partner-in-crime. Yao and his family have some of the strongest bonds. It's crazy wonderful and I'm loving it.
We're close to the end but don't you worry. I have an idea to expand this universe. I can see a continuation in the future. Perhaps with Gale and a new generation of warriors born from all the ships! Thanks for reading my rambling. Now let's get on the battle!
~oOo~
With a plan to defeat Ivan and his army of brainwashed warriors, the remaining Cardinal Warriors prepared for battle. Erika was distant from Lukas, still uneasy with his decision. And this was causing some issues. Especially where Gale's care was concerned. Kielo didn't mind looking after the baby girl but she insisted that Lukas and Erika should be spending more time with her. The morning before their attack, Kielo brought the couple into a room for a small intervention.
Erika avoided making eye contact with Lukas. The young man merely sighed and looked to his mother for an explanation.
"Mother, we don't have time for this." Lukas crossed his arms.
Kielo huffed and stared him down, "You always have time for family. No matter the situation. Today is not a day to train. Yao has ordered the warriors to spend time with loved ones for the whole day. This means you and Erika being real parents. You're no longer just partners and a couple. You are parents. And parents spend time with their children. I am not letting you turn into your father. You are going to love Gale until you take your last breath." She snapped, "Today you aren't spending it with me and Emil. You're spending it with Erika."
"What's the point? Gale isn't going to remember him." Erika mumbled. Kielo whirled around and yanked the blonde down to her level, "These memories aren't for Gale. They're for you! So you can look back and remember a time when you were happy with Lukas. So you can tell Gale heartwarming stories about you and Lukas." She groaned in frustration, "Now go be a family! I demand you two have one last good day together before you join the war."
Erika gulped and looked over at Lukas who looked very uncomfortable. She sighed in defeat. "Okay. We'll spend time with Gale. One peaceful day can't hurt."
Those words struck a chord with Lukas. He didn't want to leave on bad terms with Erika. He did love her and it wouldn't feel right if they went into battle hating each other.
"Don't say it like it's a burden. We're going to have a lovely time today." Lukas pecked Erika's cheek. The woman's went bright red almost immediately.
"There's my favorite couple." Kielo winked.
xXx
The couple changed into some warmer clothes and retrieved their daughter from Emil. There was a lot going on in the village. It was very . . . light and happy. Like the people were forgetting about the impending battle going on the next day.
The air was filled with lovely aroma, various foods and other goods. The streets were lined with people and it was a little busy. But Gale seemed perfectly okay with all the things going on around her. Nestled snugly in her father's arms, the babe squealed excitedly from one thing to the next.
Erika had become just as excited over all the food, insisting that they try as much as they can. Lukas simply chuckled in amusement and went along with her. He was slowly reminded of why he loved Erika.
The blonde showed her true nature all the time and didn't care what others thought of her. She was like a little puppy and Lukas found it endearing. Sure she could be frustratingly stubborn but it just showed how passionate she was about certain things. Lukas was so used to being a loner. But then, he met her. It still confused him but somehow this bull headed, loud, excitable blonde had snuck her way right into his heart.
After walking around for a couple hours trying yummy food, Lukas requested to take a break. Erika accepted and took him to the highest point in the village. This place had a single tree and overlooked the village as well as a good portion of the forest.
"I'm normally not one for heights but I have to admit, this is a great view." Lukas sighed contently.
Erika giggled softly, "Sakura told me about it. Said it was a popular spot for couples. Sparked some romance with its breathtaking view." She wrapped an arm around him.
Lukas blushed slightly and coughed, suggesting they should sit down. Erika nodded and sat down next to him on a log. Baby Gale was tuckered out, snoozing away against her father's chest. Lukas had asked to carry Gale the entire day. Erika wasn't against it. Gale was a bit of a chunky baby and had begun to gain weight like every growing child. Although cute, Gale was a heavy baby.
It was quiet for a few long moments. But Erika finally broke the silence.
"Lukas. I'm sorry for the way I've been acting for the past few days. I'm just scared." Erika played with a lock of her hair that she had kept long, "Most girls have unwavering hope for the man in their lives. They have the hope that their man will come home. I don't. But it's more like, I can't. I know the stakes and risks of this battle. I'm going to lose you and I have to accept that. But my heart refuses to accept that. And it hurts. So I thought, if I distanced myself from you, maybe it wouldn't hurt as much." She started to tear up.
Lukas reached out and took her hand, gently squeezing it. "That's called having feelings. You're allowed to feel this way. No one, not even the general can stop you from having these feelings. Don't ever think you had to try and stop loving me. Clearly, as the last several months is concerned, it's hard to stop loving me." He smirked slightly, "As the guy who captured your interest, I say that you're not allowed to forget about me. Not because I'm selfish. But because I love you too and it hurts me that we have to separate after this battle. A love like ours could never die, no matter what happens. Not even death will be able to stop us from loving each other." He captured her lips in a tender kiss. She kissed him back.
"Th-then what do you want me to do?" Erika sniffled.
"Stay by my side until the end. I'll be the happiest if the last thing my eyes rest on is your pretty face." Lukas caressed her cheek, "Your sun kissed skin dotted with freckles. Your eyes that are bluer than any sapphire. And your golden locks that more than likely woven from the sunniest day."
Erika shivered, from the cold and the unbelievably sweet compliments he was giving her. He was always so reserved and quiet. Hearing him say such things made her believe she was dreaming up everything he was saying.
"You've changed Lukas. Not in a bad way, I promise. It's just . . . you're so . . . nice. I remember when you were always so cold and closed off. You refused to show your softer side to anyone except your family." Erika brushed some hair out her face.
Lukas smiled and pulled her closer, "What can I say? Love has changed me. You changed me. And I'm not gonna fight it. Besides, it's not like I'm a different person. I needed an annoying but lovable person to compliment my reserved but cheeky self." He winked.
"You're still able to be so sweet and such an ass at the same time. Explain that please." Erika smirked.
"It comes naturally. I can't help it." Lukas teased.
xXx
Everyone was up early the next day; just before sunrise. Despite the strength of Emma and Sakura, they were not allowed to join the battle. Emma didn't argue and promised Ned that she'd stay out of danger. But Sakura was a bit more stubborn.
"But father, I can fight! I am one of the strongest shapeshifters in our village. I should be going into battle with you." Sakura argued.
Yao shook his head, "No Sakura. You cannot come. Erika and Magnus's daughters are the only women allowed to join. Besides, I need my strongest warrior here to protect the women and children." He patted her head.
"Sorry sis. I'll make sure to fight with double the strength to make up for your absence." Yong-Soo smirked and brought her in for a tight hug.
"Just don't die you bumbling idiot." Sakura pouted and looked away.
In the meantime, Lukas and Erika were saying goodbye to Kielo, Emil and Gale.
Kielo tucked some of Lukas's hair behind his ear, "You be careful. Don't die until you need to." She murmured as she held back tears. Lukas leaned into her touch, "I will be. I'm going to fight until the bitter end. You watch Emil and Gale for me." He smiled.
"I'm gonna miss you, big brother." Emil hugged Lukas's legs. The young man bent down to return the hug ten fold, "I'm gonna miss you too. You take care of mama and Gale for me. Be the best uncle ever. I love you." He kissed his brother's forehead.
Kielo adjusted baby Gale in her arms and pulled Erika in for a hug, "Please watch over my son. I have no idea where my husband is and I'm already losing another man in my life. Keep my boy safe until you're unable to. That's all I ask." She sighed.
"Don't worry. I am not leaving his side, no matter what." Erika chuckled.
Ned, Matthew and Tolys walked up to them. This signaled that it was time to leave. Erika nodded to them and looked at Lukas. "Let's go save the kingdoms. Like warriors." She kissed his cheek.
Lukas hesitated for a second before quickly removing the cross-shaped pin from his hair. He clipped it to Gale's blanket. "A memento for her. I don't want her to forget me afterall." He pressed a kiss to the babe's head.
Lukas took Erika's hand and walked away with the others. Gale seemed confused as to what was going on. And the poor thing didn't like it. The baby girl began to cry loudly.
Lukas and Erika began to cry themselves. They were more quiet about it than their daughter but anyone could see how much it hurt them to part ways from her. Matthew tried to reach out to them but Ned held him back, shaking his head.
"W-w-we're doing this for her Lukas. We're doing this to make sure she has a future. R-remember that." Erika gulped, "It's all for her."
Lukas clenched his fists, "I know. It doesn't mean I'm okay with it though. I'm not going to be able to watch her grow up. I'm jealous of you." He muttered.
Tolys ignored Ned's warning and walked up to the couple, "I-I know you're sad. But you need to be strong. Use your love for Gale as strength. Love in all forms is quite magical. It enables people to find courage, save someone and achieve goals that touch the sky. I'm pretty scared and sad myself. My sisters and my friend Kaska are probably apart of Ivan's slave army. But I'm going to use my love for them to stand up against the man that ruined my life." He did his best to lift their spirits. And, it seemed to work.
"We will vanquish evil with the power of love!" Erika grinned. Lukas smirked and nudged her playfully, "Easy Rika. Save that energy for the battle." He teased.
xXx
Warriors of every kind met up at the bottom of the mountain. They were made up of the Northern and Eastern forces of the Cardinal warriors as well as whatever was left of the Western and Southern forces. And any other man that wanted to join the fight against Ivan.
Magnus and Yao separated everyone out into groups. Lukas and Matthew were shocked to see some familiar faces once they grouped with their smaller party.
"Arthur, Vlad. What are you doing here?" Lukas blinked.
Vladimir looked away, "You remember that girl I liked? Melana. Brown eyes, long black hair. Obsessed with wood carving. Could shapeshift into a fox that was the size of a normal wolf." He explained, "Well . . . Ivan kidnapped her."
"He took Alfred too." Arthur added, "We intend to get them back." He stated. He didn't show much emotion but Matthew could tell that Arthur was hurting. Alfred is annoying but he meant well.
"Don't worry. We'll get them back. We'll get everyone back." Erika smiled.
"Hey Tolys!" Julchen shouted and ran over to them. Matthew blushed and quickly hid behind Arthur.
Tolys turned to look at her, "What is it? I am not moving to a different party." He crossed his arms.
"No, it's not that." Julchen rolled her eyes, "For one, I'm joining your party. And two, my father wants you paired up with a shapeshifter. And since you're a nervous pansy by nature, I'm going to pair you up with someone who's just as nervous as you." She smirked.
"Thank you so much for your input." Tolys grumbled, "Who is it?" He raised an eyebrow.
Julchen whistled and a shorter young man with auburn hair came rushing over. He tripped over his own feet and fell flat on his face next to Julchen.
"Oh god. Not him." Ned groaned and rubbed his temple.
Erika raised an eyebrow, "Who is this guy?" She asked.
Julchen grabbed the boy by his shirt and stood him up, "This is Feliciano Vargas. He is the younger twin brother of Lovino Vargas and the grandson of former General Romulus Vargas. He is a phoenix shapeshifter. Not large enough to ride but quick in the air and very agile as a person when he chooses to be. But he can be a bit of a coward so there's that." She explained.
Ned sighed in relief, "Oh thank god. I thought it was Lovino. That guy is an ass."
Feliciano had a sad look on his face. Erika noticed this and approached him. "Did you lose your brother to Ivan?" She spoke softly. He froze up and nodded.
"H-h-he was going to take both of us but . . . brother argued with him. And got the scary man to spare me." Feliciano gulped.
Tolys walked up to Feliciano and put a hand on his shoulder, "Ivan got my little sisters and my best friend. I know the feeling. Let's work together to get them back." He smiled.
Feliciano lit up and hugged Tolys tightly, "You and that tall lady are so nice! Much nicer than Julchen and my brother." He cooed.
Ned glanced at Julchen, "Where's Martina?" He questioned. Julchen gagged slightly and let out a groan, "She went to protect her prissy boyfriend, Prince Roderich of the North." She scoffed, "Funny enough, we're going to need to interact with them to find the scepter. So you'll get to see your old friend."
"Oh yeah. I remember Martina! She's the daughter of the Southern Cardinal general, General Diego Fernandez." Erika gasped.
"Yeah and she's annoying. So clingy and airheaded." Ned grumbled.
"She's a sweetie though." Julchen smirked, "Just don't mess with her. She wields a battle axe called Marie and she isn't afraid to use it."
"Almost reminds me of you Rika." Lukas teased.
Erika pouted, "Hey! I am not clingy or airheaded. Or annoying." She puffed out her cheeks.
Ned shrugged, "He isn't entirely wrong about it. You and Martina would get along pretty well."
Erika glared at both of them, "You both are cruel. How are you my best friend and my boyfriend?" She questioned.
Julchen clapped her hands together, "Enough chit chat. My dad wants to make a quick speech before we head off."
xXx
Erika, Lukas and their party joined the rest of the warriors. Standing in front of them stood Magnus, Yao and Monika. Magnus took a step forwards.
"Hello men. As you all may know, we're about to embark on one of the most dangerous missions yet. I cannot guarantee your safety. I won't lie to you. Not all of you will make it. But of all of the ones we lose, the rest of us still fighting will make sure your death is not in vain.
"With the help of the Eastern Feline village and other men with fighting spirit, we are going to head northwest to the Northern kingdom's castle to retrieve the Crystal scepter. Our main goal to use it against the rogue wizard Ivan and free the minds of our fellow men and other innocent mortals. It may sound simple but the journey there will not be.
"We may have to take the lives of our own to get to our goal. Don't kill unless you must. Many of our warriors and innocent mortals have families that want to see them return. I don't want to completely take away that hope. We'll give them the benefit of the doubt."
Magnus looked looked at Lukas, Erika and Tolys, urging them to come up front. They followed his orders without complaint.
"These people are the key to our success. Lukas, a rank A wizard, will give his life to use the Crystal scepter and weaken Ivan. Tolys, a former soldier of Ivan, will aid us with his knowledge of Ivan's army. And Erika, a dragon shapeshifter, will be protecting them both. Even if they are strong individually and as a team, I don't want anything to happen to them. We lose one before it's time, we lose this battle. I ask you to have their backs. Despite their personality, rank or gender. Do I make myself clear?"
"YES SIR!"
"Alright warriors. And what are we going to do?!"
"FIGHT WITH PASSION!"
Magnus nodded and hopped onto his horse, "LET'S MOVE OUT CARDINAL WARRIORS!" He shouted.
Erika, Ned, Yao and Feliciano shapeshifted into their animal forms. Lukas and Tolys hopped onto Erika's back. Matthew and Julchen followed suit on Ned's back.
Moments later they were off. Only time will tell now.
Says you'll get this chapter by the new year. And then I post it two days later. I trolled you all hardcore. What can I say, I'm enjoying myself. Also, double troll. I said this chapter would the chapter in which the giant battle ensued and I left you all on a cliffhanger.
I did that on purpose. 1) I want the battle to have its own chapter and not get lumped into another one. And 2) I suck at writing fight scenes and battles so this was just delaying the inevitable. However, this battle is like Thanos. It is . . . inevitable. So I'm gonna have to write it whether I like it or not.
Also, also; I hope you appreciated the fluff with Erika and Lukas. I snuck in some subtle song references. The bit of Lukas thinking about Erika and was confused as to how 'she snuck her way right into his heart'? A Phineas and Ferb reference. And then when Lukas says 'a love like theirs will never die'? It's from a song by the Beatles called And I Love Her. I love Phineas and Ferb. And I was listening to that song while writing this. Anyhow, until next time my fellow Hetalians, hasta la pasta! ~Mistress Churro