With the preparations for the three nations to go out, it was always a time of annoyance and patience. Germania sighed and looked at the two. Ludwig was still sniffling, and Prussia rubbed his backside. Germania gave his eldest a compassionate looked, and called him over.
"Oh Gilbert...come over here, you too Ludwig." The elder nation walked to a chair, and sat down, beckoning the little ones. Ludwig was the first to run over, and found solace in leaning against the nation, but Prussia just stood there. Germania raised an eyebrow. "What now young man?"
Sniffling more, and furiously rubbing his bottom, he walked over, but not without making little whines, and moans. It was getting to be quite annoying, but Germania needed to be patient.
"What is the matter with you?"
"Its not fair Vati, we always get spanked...and...and you never do!" He slowly walked over, and Germania lifted his arm up, so the little one can be close to the nation. Germania sighed. This was indeed a very different remark from the boy.
"Er, well...it was very different when I was little Gilbert. I wasn't raised like you, I had to fend for myself...and well, now that you both are here, and I am alone raising you, I use discipline and what's right in my thinking to raise you." He grazed Gilbert's cheek, and the little one still huffed.
"But spankings hurt Vati! I don't like them..." This of course was silly, Germania had to hide his smirk. The punishment in which little Gilbert received was greater than his younger brother, and when he did get punished, he never did the same act of disobedience again. Except the well. There was always something fascinating about the well.
Germania got up from the chair, and turned to face the little ones. They were in need of a bath, and some breakfast. He smiled at them. Despite the warnings, and the chastisements they received, they really were good little nations.
"Gilbert...I know spankings hurt...believe me, if you had known what I went through with Rome back in the day, you would understand. Come on, into the bath with both of you, and then we will eat." He took up Ludwig's hand, and the little one followed. Gilbert was now very much eager to know what the elder was talking about.
Arriving at the washroom, Germania got the water prepared, and then while kneeling down, grabbed hold of his youngest, taking the boy's shirt off. Ludwig stayed quiet, and just stood there. Gilbert felt like he was old enough to take his clothing off, and started by removing his shirt.
"Look, look Vati, I am undressing myself. I don't need you to undress me like bruder..." He took off his shirt, letting it fall to the ground. The previous mess was not overlooked by Germania who once removing all of Ludwig's clothing, took the little naked nation, and put him into the basin. He then looked over to Gilbert who was still struggling with his pants.
"Ja, you are doing it yourself. Here let me help you..." He pulled the boy forward, and undid the child's pants, now having Gilbert in the bare as well. Helping him into the tub, he then gave them a stern look. "Don't you ever leave the washroom in shambles like this again, the both of you." He poured water on Gilbert's head, and the child nodded, as did Ludwig.
"Vati...so what did you mean when you said going through with Rome?" The child rubbed water out of his eyes, and Germania looked at the boy quite perplexed.
"Come again Gilbert? What did you ask?" The little one looked up, slightly annoyed that he had to ask again, but perhaps that was the reason why Vati was so old. He forgot things. He planted a hand down onto the elder nation's and repeated.
"What you had to go through...with Rome?"
Ah...that is what the child meant. Germania figured he would have to tell the boys the story of how him, and his kin were slaves for Ancient Rome. Brutal beating, harsh treatment, and barley any rations. He shivered to himself upon thinking what else was done to him. Rome took advantage of Germania in his weakened state as well. Shaking his head, he needed to tell him boys.
"I was a slave to Rome little one. And...well its hard to really talk about, but you and Ludwig need to know this. Rome is a bad nation, or was. He is not so much that way anymore, but this is why your Vati does not really like when he is around. A lot of bad things happened back before you were born."
Gilbert's eyes widened, and he couldn't believe it. Someone hurting his Vati? He would have to kill that nation of Rome now. The little one stamped his feet in the water making it splash.
"I will kill Rome for you Vati...I will do it!" The little one had his face and behind his ears washed as he said this. Germania chuckled.
"I am sure you will my little Wicht. Now then, come on, you both will need to eat, and then we will go. Let's get you dressed first." Germania took the little nations out of the bath, putting them both into a large towel, and then he walked them down to the bedroom.
Setting the boys on the floor, he then turned to the wardrobe, and took out clothing. Basic little shirts, with short pants. Dressing Ludwig first, and then Gilbert, he stood up and grabbed both boy's hands, and walked back down to the table.
"Go ahead and sit down little ones, I am just going to serve up the meal, and then the two of you eat." He walked back to the counter, put their breakfasts on their plates, and walked over to the little ones. "Eat, I need to set some soup to cook while we are in town."
With the little ones busy eating, Germania walked over to the cauldron, and unhitched it. He then carried it outside to the well, filling it up with buckets and buckets of water. Once that was done, he walked it back inside, keeping an eye on the boys. The large pot was ready, and he added spices, potatoes, carrots, and greens. Putting the lid on, and lighting a fire, he walked back to the little ones. Gilbert was finishing his eggs, and smiled up at the nation.
"Vati...do you think I will ever be a warrior like you? I mean...I want to get big, and fight, and do all sorts of awesome stuff. Do you think?" The little red eyed nation was so excited. Germania nodded his head and crossed his arms over his chest, he winked at the older child.
"All in due time little one...all in due time." Walking closer to the table, he held out his hands for both. "Come...we really must venture to the village. That soup will be ready when we get back. I will buy a loaf of bread, and maybe...just maybe you both can have some candy. If you behave."
"CANDY!" Prussia cheered! His Vati really was awesome, even more so after hearing about his past. Prussia ran over to Germania and hugged his legs. "You are the best Vati ever...even if you were a slave." He continued to stay latched onto Germania's leg. Looking down with a wide eye, Germania set a hand down on the boy's head and pat it. He smiled, and leaned down, embracing the child.
"Oh Gilbert...you are something else...really." He then cleared his throat. "Alright then...I suppose we should head into town. I know the gypsy will not be there for long, as she has closed her wares earlier in the day, but..." He turned back to both children. "You need to behave okay? I am trying to get back the crop, and I need to speak to her without interruption okay Gilbert?" Prussia nodded his head.
"Ja Vati...but what if she tries to curse you? Can I say something then? Can I interrupt then? Would it be alright? I should bring my dagger too just in case I have to kill her to avenge you!" Gilbert had a way of making even the simplest things into a very dramatic angst adventure in his head.
Cocking his head to the side, Germania was not sure what to say about the child's question, but he needed to make the child feel safe. Sighing, he nodded his head.
"Alright, alright...I will allow you to take your dagger with you. Let me go and grab it." He did not have the child respond yet, and he walked to his bedroom and grabbed the dagger, while also putting on his cape and setting his sheath in his persons. He then also took along his bow and arrows, as the dagger was hidden. He arrived back to the entrance where the children stood. He leaned down. "Alright then...here you are Gilbert." He handed the dagger in its holder to the boy. Pulling Prussia closer, his gaze narrowed. "If you pull any kind of crap today...I will introduce a whole new word for a sore bottom. Understood?" Prussia gulped nodding his head to Germania.
"J-Ja..Ja I understand Vati. I will only use my dagger to protect, the way you taught me too." He said clutching it and putting it on his little belt holder. The little one was not in a hurry to anger Germania in any way. "Ja Vati...do you think the gypsy will be mad?"
Looking over to Ludwig, he pulled him close and made sure the child was ready. He stood up and held out his hand, and then responded to Gilbert.
"Well little one...I am not sure about how the gypsy will respond. After all...you gave her Mein crop...and the fact that I am going to force her to give it to me back, we'll see how she reacts. I might have to compensate her...which it is something I did not want to come to. Perhaps I could barter." He thought about the fat hens in the coop. "Alright then, if you two are ready, we are going to go." He walked to the door with Ludwig, and opened it. "Come Gilbert...its time."
Gilbert ran over to Germania to stay close to him, he knew by now that Vati would not barter him or his bruder, because Germania was a good person, not like Rome or the others nations that did such things, kept a firm hand on his dagger and had to walk double time to keep up with Germania's long strides.
"Vati can I ride on your shoulders?"
"Eh..." He looked down to the boy, and sighed. "Ja, I suppose, but that means that I have to carry your bruder, so wait for a moment, I am going to get the suede papoose to hold Ludwig on my chest." He looked down, and Ludwig groaned.
"Vati...I am not a baby...I don't...uh..." Germania hushed him.
"Little one, you will not argue." He grabbed the leather holding, and fastened it to his body. Leaning over, he picked up Ludwig and put him in, having the boy face his chest. It would soon cause the boy to sleep anyway. Looking down, he spoke to Gilbert. "Alright..." He got down on one knee, and would help the boy on his shoulders.
"YAY!" Prussia cheered, it had been a long time since he got to ride and as soon as Germania was down low enough he started to scramble up Germania as if he were a bolder. Stepping and clutching at him until he reached what he felt was the top and now held onto Germania's head. "WAHOO! I made it now I am going to be super awesomely tall!"
"Ugh...oooof...okay Gilbert." Holding the boy steady, and having the little one in his arms, it was going to be a long walk. "Gilbert, you make sure you hold on tight...I wouldn't want you to get struck by a tree branch. Please make sure you keep your eyes alert." He walked out of the door and closed it, locking it behind him. Once they were all outside, Germania began his stroll up the path, and towards the village. He knew that if he saw anyone, they might make fun of him. He really did look like a Mutti with the children on him.
"YAY! Its so amazing up here Vati, I can almost see the town from here I can touch the sky!" He said letting go with both hands to reach upwards and laughing. The movement tickling his tummy for a moment. "Someday Vati I am going to be this tall, and I will be able to be the most awesome, I will be bigger than everyone. I will be a kind and gracious ruler and wont buy people." Feeling the child let go off holding him, the nation put his hands behind his head, and gripped the boy tightly.
"I said to hold on, do you want to walk? I do not have time for this little one. Please do not make me ask you again." He held the boy tightly, and continued walking. Ludwig meanwhile was now passed out. He was very cozy and comfy resting against his Vati's chest. After walking for a bit, they arrived in the village. Narrowing his eyes, Germania looked to the carts. He did not notice the gypsy yet, so it meant that he would need to look for her. Speaking in a low tone, he directed his attention to Prussia. "Gilbert...keep your eyes open, and let me know when you see her."
"Ja I will Vati I will let you know I will be your extra eagle eyes up here!" He squinted looking around feeling he had the best view ever, he then thought he saw the cart. It was on the opposite side of town and he shrieked pointing. "JA! There it is I think I see it! It looks like she has it hitched to a mule and they are leaving town HURRY VATI RUN!" He started to kick his feet as if Germania were a horse.
"Gott Verdammt Gilbert!" Germania felt the kicks, and though the child was trying, he was trying too hard. He could not keep the boy on his shoulders, as he feared he would be bruised. He reached back and pulled the boy down from his high horse, and once the boy was down, gave him a firm swat to his little bottom. He then knelt down, with a glare. "Young man...enough of this excitement...you are walking...ugh..." He squinted his eyes, and rubbed his upper shoulders, and bit back any further language. Standing back up, and checking on Ludwig, he then spoke back to his eldest. "Ja, come along trouble..." He held out a hand. "I am sure she is not going far."
Prussia had yelped and pouted at the swat. He felt it a little undeserved but didn't say as much, but rubbed just the same and took Germania's hand.
"We could get there faster if you carried me." He said still pouting. but resided himself to the fact that maybe he shouldn't have kicked him up there like a horse. Vati really made a bad horse.
"Ja, maybe you shouldn't kick your Vati." He said through clenched teeth, and grabbed the boy's hand, and they walked in a hurried manner. He could see where the cart was headed, and with speeds that were unrealistic to some, the Ancient arrived to the cart, as the gypsy had now settled in a new spot. She looked up at the blond nation and then back down to the very familiar looking boy.
"Ah ha...the little one is back now isn't he?" Upon seeing the Gypsy Prussia suddenly remembered the failed potion she made him and suddenly pointed a finger at her.
"Your Anti-Spanking Potion was a FAKE! I got spanked and it still hurt really bad!" He up to this point had forgotten this, but seeing here brought the memory of it all up again. Germania looked to the gypsy, and then back to the boy. He casually put a hand down, and over the boys mouth, slightly embarrassed.
"Forgive my child's tongue, he does not mean to be abrupt with you, he is just rather upset." She cackled and responded to the little cherub before her, while still looking to the older nation.
"Well now...I get to meet the elder nation...you are the boy's..." The nation looked over.
"Yes, I am the boy's guardian...and I was not pleased when he returned without Mein crop, and..." The gypsy looked again.
"I prepared a potion...one that made you well...and then the other, I suppose there was an elder, so that is why it was fake. Naughty actions should have happened to such a little bold one."
Prussia tried pulling at Germania's hand. He had a few more things to say. Even more now that she had said she had done it one purpose and that she had thought him naughty and bold, finally he managed to push his hand away for a moment to try and speak again.
"It was on PURPOSE! You are mean and horrible! My bottom suffered because of you!" He then reached for his dagger. The gypsy tilted her head back and started to cackle. Wiping a tear from her eye, he then looked back.
"Little one...you simply do not know the ways of adults. There had to be some chance of you getting into trouble, or more from the time you were out." She turned back to Germania who had not noticed little Gilbert, and his cautious hand to his sheath.
"Ahem...Miss, I do believe I am expected my crop. I do have much to take care of today, and as you can see, I have my arms full. How can I get my property back?" He sighed, and looked to Ludwig who was drowsy, and waking up. "Pardon me..." He unlatched the boy, and took him out. Leaning down, he set the boy next to the cart to stand. "Stay close Ludwig." The gypsy just smiled.
"I don't know...what do you have on you kind sir?" Still gripping his little dagger he glared at the gypsy.
"Well he wont sell you Ludwig! or ME! Because selling people is BAD! right Vati!" He said keeping a keen eye on the gypsy, she was not kind and nice like he had once thought, he would never trust a gypsy again. Casting a gaze at the boy, and trying to hold his patience, he spoke in a low tone.
"Ruhig Sein Gilbert!" (Be quiet) He turned back to the female and was now annoyed. "Clearly, the child has it all wrong. I of course will not sell my children, but I do have wares that I can sell to you um..." He looked to his sheath, and pulled at it, releasing the dagger. It shone and glistened. Pure silver, and nothing but beauty. "I can offer this..." He held it out, and the gypsy's eyes widened.
"That is magnificent my lord." She held out her hands, but Germania pulled it back.
"Let me see the crop..." Prussia's eyes went wide with shock. Germania was going to trade his totally awesome dagger for the crop...it couldn't be.
"NEIN VATI DON'T!" Prussia interjected and jumped between the two. "W-wait...t-take mine...I..I was the one who started this t-trade I..I can finish it" He stood there brazen shoulders back holding out his little dagger to the gypsy with a serious face. "Its...Mine, and it's better than Vati's! B-because..because its...its special!" Germania looked over to the boy, and then over to the gypsy.
"Ah, I see...a better dagger hmmm...okay, I will be right back." She walked to the drapes near an entrance to a hidden door, and disappeared. Germania looked down at the boy, and nodded his head, in an appreciative look.
"You are my gut little boy..." He put his dagger back in his sheath, and then took the child's. Setting in on the cart, he then looked down. "I will make it up to you Gilbert...I promise." Looking back to the gypsy, she returned holding the crop. She held it out.
"Here you go...our business arrangement is done." She held the implement out, and Germania took it.
"Danke..." Germania said this in a firm tone, and Prussia nodded. He was sad to see his little dagger go...he didn't even get to make his first kill with it, but it had seemed fair to him to do it this way...besides he couldn't let Vati give up his own dagger for his own mistake. Gilbert followed Germania's lead and nodded to her with a serious look and said firmly
"Danke!" and then stiffly turned around tears forming in his eyes. This had been the hardest thing he had ever done. Germania held the crop in his hand, and put it down in Gilberts hands. He leaned down.
"RUN...run right now!" With the quickest of speeds, he grabbed up Ludwig, and leaned over the ledge of the cart, and grabbed back Gilbert's dagger. The gypsy was not quick enough and went to grab, but the cart was in her way.
"Aghhhhhhhhhh! You...You cheats!" Germania shouted to his boys. "Come...come on you two, run!"
Prussia had been shocked when he heard Vati's instruction but he obeyed and started to run though he had no idea why and then suddenly heard the shouting of the gypsy like a banshee and his heart raced and started to run even faster than before afraid that she was about to curse them he looked up to see Germania running beside him and saw the dagger again shocked at what he saw.
"Vati?" Holding the little Ludwig tightly, and looking down to Prussia, he smirked.
"Gilbert...no time to question, you just run, please little one. You know the way, we must hurry...no GYPSY wrongs my little one!" He stopped briefly and latched Ludwig back in the front satchel, and then looking back, grabbed Gilbert without hesitation and held the boy on his back, in a sort of piggy back style grip. The nation could get better speed and distance. The village was not far, but still, he needed to run fast. He would look back occasionally and see that they were safe. He stopped as they arrived to a secluded area of the village with a small little smoke shop, and he stopped. "Mein Gott...let me catch my breath..."
Gilbert now realizing it felt the wind of adventure and how awesome his Vati really was...after they had stopped to catch a breath Prussia finally exploded.
"Vati that was AWESOME I didn't know you could run that fast! You sure taught that gypsy a lesson!" Prussia giggled holding his sides, all fear gone, leaving nothing but giddiness. Breathing in and out hard, he semi smiled, and then looked to the boy.
"Let us not forget it was really your wrongdoing that got us here, and out of breath...but...I will not entirely excuse that, because after all, you did get something for me to make me feel better, so that I thank you for." Ludwig had fallen asleep again, and it was getting quite drafty. "Come little one, we must go...and ahem...I am awesome. I only hope to hand down the torch to you one day, once I am gone." He held out a hand, as they only had a little ways to go. Prussia took his hand and looked up at Germania, never before noticing how tall and truly awesome he was.
"Nein Vati...you are not going anywhere, you will be here forever and we will always have awesome adventured together."
The elder nation did not respond, but just looked forward while walking and taking the child's hand. He had felt bad, because he did not want to scare the children. He would not be around forever, and the boys needed to understand it, but that was another time. Walking they arrived back at the house, Germania opened the door, but halted.
"Gilbert...please hand me the crop, I will put it in the barn, and then you shall have your dagger back."
"Vati I want to put it back in the barn please!" he said still clutching it, he really loved the feel of it in his hand. and didn't realize how much he had missed it. "I know where it hands and I can reach the nail if I stand on the stool!"
"Nein Gilbert...though I may seem unfair, you are banned from touching the crop for a little while. A punishment if you will for loosing it in the first place. Hand it over to me, and then we will go ahead and have some dinner. With our escape, I hadn't managed to get some bread, but I suppose I can make some." In that time, he had let Ludwig down from the leather papoose, and the child was sitting on the ground, yawning.
"Can I go with you then and watch you put it up?" Prussia still begging. At least he could still look at it. Maybe he would just sit in the barn and look at it if he wasn't allowed to touch it. Grabbing it gently out of the boy's hand, Germania blinked at the boy's question. He shook his head, and was confused slightly.
"Gilbert...what is the matter with you and this crop? Really? Its not like it is going anywhere. I am putting it in the barn, and that is where it shall stay for now." He went to walk, but looked back. "Ugh...Ludwig, go inside please, and play with your blocks." The boy nodded and walked through the door. The elder nation went to walk, and then turned back to his eldest. "Ugh...come along Wicht..."
Gilbert looked longingly at the crop. Vati just did not understand. The crop was just awesome. That was all and the dagger was awesome too. But still not as awesome as the crop, he brightened when Germania said he could come and smiled and quickly bounded after Vati keeping an eye on the crop.
"The crop is awesome Vati, it just is.."
Turning back around, Germania walked with the implement in his hands, and arrived at the barn door. He unlatched it, and opened one of the double doors. Holding it open, he let the child in first. it was slightly dark, she he walked in and lit a lantern. Then with light, he looked over to the wall, where the hook was.
"Ah, alright...here it is." He walked over and hung the crop. It was alongside a long leather belt, which was used for the horses, and a whip, also for the horses. Germania also kept some of his extra belts there too...just in case. He turned to the boy. "Alright you...the soup is done, let's head back to the house."
"Vati...can I stay in the barn for a little bit?" Prussia said, wanting a few more moments with the crop, though the other implements that hung there gave him shivers as they were frightening and scary in their own way, truly the crop was the only thing that made Prussia feel as an equal.
Sighing, there was nothing else he could say more to the boy. Even though the barn was off limits to the boys when he was not around, he felt that Prussia was being genuinely honest, and not going to do anything. He walked over to the boy, and knelt down and held the boy by his shoulders.
"Ja...alright. But this is a forewarning for you little one. You are being punished from not having it now...I did not say you would not be getting it back ever. You must earn it." He then stood back up, and coughed. "Alright then...I am going to see if your bruder is alright...you behave yourself and come in for dinner in ten minutes."
"Ja Vati" Prussia said nodding his head, he did understand. "Vati?...w-what do I have to do to earn it?" he said with question, if he knew what task it was that he had to perform then he would make sure he did it soon so he and the crop could be reunited again.
Germania had walked to the door, and was about to exit, when the child asked a question. He smiled slightly to himself because the child would need to behave himself for certain things, and this would be difficult. He looked to the boy.
"Gilbert...there are many things I ask of you. You need to behave yourself, and do what I ask. Hmmmm..." He stopped and thought about a couple of things. "Though, that might be difficult, you are just a natural mischievous little boy. Alright then...um, you complete your chores like I ask tomorrow, then you can have it back." Prussia jumped up feeling excitement, yes that was something he could handle.
"C-Can I do tomorrows chores tonight?"
"Nein Gilbert...your chores are morning chores. You can not pluck the eggs at night, as you will wake and frighten the chickens. You also can not sweep, as it is dark. Now mind me...take your ten minutes, and then come inside. I am done with this conversation. I have to go inside." He then did not wait for a response, only hoping the child would listen, and he headed to the house, arriving at the door, walking in the house. Ludwig was sitting on the floor coloring on paper.
Prussia seemed to have a terrible way about him when it came pushing an issue, but Prussia also had a need to know his boundaries. He now saw where they lie and what was expected of him and that there was no short cut to it, so Prussia resided himself to sit there and look at the crop. He then saw the other scary implements that were next to it and he frowned. Those scary implements were not as awesome just hanging there next to the crop. Yeah, he was not allowed to touch the crop. But Vati didn't say he couldn't touch the other things. And right now they were distracting him so he started to grab the horse strap and pull it off. Then he grabbed the long horse whip and the other belts from their hooks so that only the crop was hanging there. Germania looked down to the boy, and he smiled, setting his hands on his waist and scratched his head.
"Okay Ludwig, why don't you get on up, and we will have your hands washed and then you will sit down. The soup is ready, and I am sure your bruder is hungry." He held a hand out, and the boy stood up grabbing a hand.
"Yay Vati! I am hungry." Germania nodded and led the boy to the sink basin, and lifted him up. He had the child wash his hands, and once that was done, he set him down.
"Alright, you go and have a seat." He looked at the clock. Gilbert was taking his time.