Hetalia - The Cold of War
Chapter 23! A massive thank you to everyone that has been patiently waiting for this chapter. Mocks are over and hopefully regular updates will begin again. Without pause, let's get back into this,
Enjoy!
90 Miles from The North, An Imperial Warship above the floating Isle: The Elder Grove, Pilot's Quarters
The blizzard's wind slammed without mercy into the side of home bound Imperial Airship, causing the vessel to nauseatingly rock. Snow and hail relentlessly pelted the outer exterior from all directions and the ship's engines were strained to their limits to simply stay in the afloat. They had been travelling near three days and they had made no great distance back to the Capital. Natasha cursed the damned storm as she clung to a control station panel to prevent herself from being thrown. Her arm that the rebel leader Ludwig Beilschmidt had shot a bolt into had now been disinfected and bandaged so that now only the healing throb remained. Around her the room that stank of bile, all her men were green and pale faced as they did their best to hold onto their stomach contents. Natasha moaned as another steep rock tested her motion sickness before she weakly lifted her head to the pilot.
"Gods man, how much longer for this storm? How long until we reach the Palace?" She croaked and tried to rise up to her feet, her legs wobbled from the unbalancing movements of the floor. The pilot, a whim of man, trembled as he worked to keep the ship from spinning, beads of sweat ran down his pink forehead.
"We've been blown wildly off course Ma'am, the storm has shoved us east and now we're over The Elder Grove. I fear we won't be able to cut through this storm to home, it's simply too strong!" The pilot cried over the groan of the metal and wood of the ship's structure. Natasha scowled and was about to stomp over when her sense of balance tipped and nearly sent her to the floor. Instead she contented with slapping the panel with conviction.
"Nonsense, this ship is far from finished. It'll get us through, I refuse to let a gust stop me from delivering the prisoner to His Majesty,". At the back of the room, a bearded middle aged man lifted his head from between his kneels and raised his shaking hand for permission to speak.
"Um, about the prisoner Ma'am. He's been recovering consciousness more and more frequently. The doses we're giving him aren't effectively lasting. We'll run out before the end of the journey" He managed before he gasped and heaved over his disgusted neighbour, the vile liquified slop splashed against the metal grated floor. The odour repulsed Natasha away and nearly caused her own stomach to empty, yet she held herself together and with it, her dignity.
"Increase the dosage then, he is not to wake up. We've seen what that Angel's capable of, he wakes and he will rip this ship apart" She snapped in the man's vague direction, a pale response returned.
"But Ma'am... we're already using the highest safe dose. Any higher and we won't be able to predict when he might wake up again"
Natasha was beginning to lose her patience. "But he'd be under, and that's the priority now. When we've all home out of this damned storm, then I'll worry about the prisoner's state. My brother won't care what condition he's in when I present him". The man looked hopelessly around before he was reached for a docked radio and shakily relayed his commander's orders.
"Johnson? Do you read? Good, yes. Orders from Commander Arlovskaya, she orders the prisoner's dosage volume to be increased to the maximum…Yes, I am aware about the effects. Just do it, he's under no circumstance allowed to wake up".
105 Miles from the North, An Imperial Airship above the floating Isle: The Elder Grove, The Brig
Down in a damp dark cell that swayed and rolled with the rest of the ship, Arthur Kirkland lay in semiconsciousness on his side; thick manacles encircled his wrists and ankles. His mind was a heavy fogged mess and his senses were far away from him, the drugs they had kept pumping into him had turned his limbs to lead. In the folds of his dazed mind, Arthur weakly tried to grasp and hold onto his flitting thoughts but they slipped from him like smoke wisps. The most movement he could manage was a small flick of the fingers, he had no strength to lift himself in his comatose state. Distantly, Arthur heard two sets of footsteps draw nearer, a loud clank of a lock unlatching and then two voices that his muddled mind vaguely understood.
"Holy hell, I'll never get used to seein' that" The first voice shambled in the dark, Arthur's eyes were too heavy to open and see the man's face.
'What? The Angel? I mean- man it's weird, but its safe. It's chained up and drugged up. It can't touch us" The second voice answered roughly with a colour of doubt despite its self-reassuring words.
"No but, aren't Angels you know- servants of Gaia? Like the Church of Gaia and all that religious stuff?"
"Well yeah, I guess. But, according to the legends, there are no Angels left on Earth when the Heaven and Hell gates were closed. All the good ones were sealed in Heaven and all the bad ones were sealed in Hell, so I mean... what are you trying to say?"
"I'm trying to say, is this right? This could be seen as an act against Gaia, an actual freaking goddess. What happens if she decides to smite us? Oh gods, is the Emperor going to wage a war against heaven?!" The first voice hyperventilated as his overactive imagination ran away from him.
"We are not going to be 'smited' okay? Lets just keep our heads. The Angel is out cold and we're here to keep him that way. Who cares if our ruler is trying to fight a god? It doesn't involve us so we have nothing to worry about. C'mon, get the needle, the Commander ordered for a full dosage to be administered"
Arthur's lids fluttered as a spark of panic jolted through him, the slight movement had an almost immediate effect on the spooked men.
"Oh my gods, did you see that? Did you see that, it's eyes just moved. They moved, its waking up, quickly do it!" The second voice shrieked hysterically and Arthur sensed the two move threateningly towards him. Another stab of panic shot through Arthur's chest.
"No, no… No, no I can't… like this.." Arthur's scattered thoughts cried as his breath hitched and muscles began to quiver violently with effort to move, putting all his minimal energy into resisting the drug that would be forced on him. A whimper left his lips as he felt his limp arm be pulled out and heard the squirt of a needle. He was going to be put under, and when he would wake again, he can well be at the foot of the Emperor himself. The thought gave Arthur a surge of strength to jerk and buck against the pressure that pinned him.
"Hold him!" The first voice yelled and Arthur felt pressure increase and forced his arm still, he winced at the prick of needle point as it slid into his skin.
"No," Arthur breathed as the icy liquid was injected into him, the fog began to creep back in and drag him down again "no…" he whispered with his last aware breath, before he sank into the murky depths of his mindscape, far far away into a vision of the forgotten past.
100 Years into the most distant past, The Otherworld (also known as Heaven to mortals), The Garden of Gaia
Crowd together on a short lush plane of grass, stood a god and two female Archangels; one of them held a squirming baby in her arms. The towering trees above them bloomed vibrant ride fruit and sprouts of colourful flowers were sprinkled about in delightful clumps; warm rays of the midday Sun basked the company in clear light.
"Oh! why he's beautiful Victoria, I'm positively green!" Exclaimed the olive skinned skin female known as Athena as she cooed and rocked the wriggling newborn in her arms. Her thick dark chocolate hair was held back in a loose ponytail and her olivine eye winked with happiness. The babe in her arms bubbled and clutched and uncluttered his tiny fists in irritation from the separation of his mother.
The God with a handsome smile brighter then any star, stepped forward and softly pressed his index finger into the baby's palm. When little stubby fingers closed around the digit, the God of Love shone a radiant rosy glow.
"I think he likes me, Victoria. He's so enchanting that I would near fall for him myself. That is if I didn't have my favourite already lined up," Eros chuckled when he saw the look of disapproval thrown from the Seraph Archangel "Worry not, I didn't pick just anyone. My vessel was born from the blood of Old King's, he will be worthy of your son. I have forever been grateful to my sister for allowing me to merge my creation with hers. I promised to eternally watch over her humans, and now I will extend the same courtesy to you and this child"
The aforementioned Seraph Archangel and mother of the infant in Athena's arms smiled at Eros and bowed her head in thanks; her golden gossamer waves fell forward past her blushed shoulders to her hips in the motion.
"My eternal thanks, Lord Eros. Your precious gift is immeasurable in value" Victoria thanked as she reached her arms out for her fidgeting son, a peaceful expression settled onto her face as he nestled back against her breast. The babe's previous squirming calmed as it returned to it's mother, content now that it felt secure against the familiar warmth. Victoria hummed a tune as she softly stroked the mop of golden silk. Beside her Athena sighed happily at the endearing sight before a unwanted look of disdain crossed her wise face, her brows drew together in a deep scowl. Victoria was about to ask, when she to felt the arrival of a presence that set her teeth on edge. It touched down a distance behind her. The she-Angels and god turned to face the approaching figure, the Archangel of Holy Water, Haldis.
Ambitious and cunning, Haldis was an Angel of power. When he had first been brought into the world, he had been among Gaia's most loyal. But as had humanity evolved and disrupted and drilled down into the Earth, Haldis began to change. The human's expansion and advancement in knowledge unknowingly caused his lady goddess great pain. Dark thoughts had began to take root in his mind, and then they been encouraged to grow by Gaia's traitorous brother Tartus. The fiendish god promised Haldis help in ridding the humans to 'save' his goddess in return for his undying service, and as to what that included, only Haldis knew.
And he had accepted. The Angel turned spy and had slowly weaved his web of deceit . It was a despairing time to be an Angel, a jarred chasm was forming in the Otherworld. Haldis spread the rumours of the humans destroying their goddess, hurting their holy creator. Some believed and also began to raise their voices against the human's possession of free will, claiming that it should be abolished. Others remained true to their Mother's absolute command: watch over and protect the humans. A secret divide cleaved both Angels and Archangels against each other over the two causes. And yet because there was no active threatening movement against the humans and heaven, all Angels were forced to act civil to one another, despite knowing of the traitorous ones' intent. The situation was an uneasy time bomb, and Haldis was last person Victoria wanted near her newborn son.
The Archangel strode forward with purpose, his midnight ink wings were folded neatly against his exposed muscular back. There was no denying that the Angel was attractive, with long straight light blond hair that fell past his strong shoulders and sly forrest green eyes that were not unlike Victoria's son's. An air of strategic confidence hung about him like that of a master chess player, as though he already knew your next move, and had planned five steps ahead. He continued to stalk over towards Victoria, Athena and Eros, the pair protectively drew closer to the new mother and babe.
An easy smile graced his lips."Fairest Victoria, it's been an age since the last time we met. I've missed our little chats. A meeting has been well overdue," Haldis greeted with the familiarity of an old friend, his gaze darted from angel to angel, lingered on the god of love before resting on the newborn. "And who do we have here? Oh isn't he just precious, I believe a proper introduction is in order. May I?" Haldis said with a gesture with his arms to hold the child, his calculating gaze meeting the babe's. If given complete free choice, Victoria would have struck Haldis down for his crude forwardness. No Angel, save her most trustiest, dared speak to her with such informality. Victoria knew too well that Haldis was the leader of the simmering coupé, knew he was the traitor that had secretly fell from Gaia's service. The bastard served Tartus now. The last thing she wanted was her son in the snake's arms, and yet she risked breaking the fragile quiet that held Gaia's Otherworld if she offended him. It would send ripples, raise doubt against her if the other Angels believed she showed bias. And yet, maternal possessiveness screamed at her not to let go; duty and instincts waged war inside her.
A reassuring touch at her elbow caused her turn and she saw Eros give her a comforting look, "Do not fret Victoria," His steady voice resonated inside her mind "I am watching, no harm will come to the youngling". Only lightly consoled by Eros' words, Victoria tightened her grip on her child for a second before loosening it and with great reluctance, held her baby out to Haldis.
The movement was too quick, too smooth for it not to have been practised. Haldis near swooped down and swept the first angel-human hybrid into a makeshift cradle. He spun with his back to the others and stared fascinatingly into the young one's emerald orbs, appearing to search intently for something hidden there. The babe stared back up at the stranger with wide scared eyes, tumbling particles of gold spun, joined and parted inside. A unseen victorious smile played on Haldis' mouth as he found what he was looking for. He spun back around on his heel to face them again.
"What is his name?" Haldis wondered aloud to the company, lazily bringing up on a finger to curl a strand of hair. Victoria took in a deep breath to steady her discomfort at the action.
"Arthur, I have named him Arthur" Victoria answered slowly as she watched Haldis nod his head to her before returning to his study of Arthur. His eyebrows rose in amusement at something.
"He is exquisite, the first of his kind; half human, half Angel. How unique it must be to possess both a soul and Grace. But I must ask, who is the father?" He inquired as he spied Arthur's thicker then average eyebrows "Clearly not another Angel otherwise his existence wouldn't be possible. I'm sure Lord Eros, you must have had a hand in this remarkable miracle". Victoria felt the atmosphere grow heavier with tension as Haldis continued to press his invading questions, the visit was all too quickly turning into an interrogation. It was now transparent to Victoria, that ulterior motives were at play.
"The father is mortal, Haldis. A great hero descending from the purest bloodline of the First Men, and powerful enough to prove a match against even our strength," Victoria steely spoke, her expression wavering from it's carefully controlled poker face. A cool anger crept into her tight lipped tone. "You've sated your curiosity enough. Give me my son, Haldis. Return him to me. Now".
Haldis stilled for a considerable moment before he looked down and delicately traced the chubby curve of Arthur's round jaw, the recipient squirmed in distress and let out a single high pitched cry that sent a dagger into it's mother's heart.
"No," The Archangel eerily mused in a quiet voice, "I think not".
The creepiness level, it's over 9000! So, woo, we're finally learning Arthur's origin story and the events of the past that have set up the future. A few hints and winks to the previous chapters and the setting up of some major themes and story elements, will be interested to see if anyone pieces the information together ;). I am honestly so hyped to get this ball rolling again, it's going to be 'fun'.
*A WILD PRE-WRITTEN CHAPTER APPEARED!*
YES, IT RETURNS! I have already written the next chapter and will be willing to release it early for a minimum of SEVEN reviews! YES, SEVEN REVIEWS ARE THE EARLY ACCESS OF THE NEXT BUTT CLENCHING CHAPTER! LET'S DO IT!
Below I have included a fact file of all the Angels that will be playing a role in this story series for you all. Hopefully it'll make things clearer in the future as we go on. With that we're about done.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you are liking this series and wish to see it continue, please consider leaving a review telling me your thoughts, opinions and questions. They always mean the world and will without a doubt prompt me to continue posting chapter. Once again, thank you for reading and as always,
Until next time folks!
The Hierarchy Archangels in Gaia's Kingdom (Ranked from Highest to Lowest)
Victoria - Britannia
Titles: The Seraph, The One closest to Gaia, Princess of the Otherworld, Defender of Gaia's Throne
Specialised Power: Holy Light and Aether/ Quintessence/ Lightening
Alliance: Gaia
Notable Features: The only Archangel to have six wings opposed to four or two; they are the purest of white. Regarded to be the most beautiful of all Angels, Victoria has had even Gods show romantic interest in her hand, especially from the God of Love. However, her unwavering sense of duty to her Goddess kept all pursuers away until her whole perception changed when she met a particular sorcerer.
Fact: Before meeting her mate and the birth of their child, Victoria was a cold and distant celestial being that took strongly after her grandmother Order. In her mind, peace and order came before happiness and comfort. It was her love for her mortal lover Gisil, that caused Victoria to see and fall in love with the bright, colourful world her Lady Goddess had created. So moved by her emotional journey, Eros gave Victoria one time gift of sexual organs, making her the first and only Angel capable of reproduction. With Eros' miracle, Victoria and Gisil spawned Arthur from their impossible love.
Athena - Ancient Greece
Titles: Cherubim, Archangel of Wisdom and Harmony, Seer of All
Specialised Power: Air/ Wind/ Storms
Alliance: Gaia
Notable Features: Possesses a third all seeing eye; capable of gathering vast amounts of knowledge. The only Archangel to have four wings, made of feathers that shine with a pearly glow
Fact: Most trusted to the Seraph, will often be confided in and asked for advice due to her great wisdom. In her truest form, she has four heads; one her own, one a lion, one a bull, and one a eagle
Cassius - Ancient Rome
Titles: Throne, Defender of Will and Justice, The Sword of Heaven
Specialised Power: Holy Fire
Alliance: Gaia
Notable Features: Is able to use circling wheels of explosive flames to attack. He is the second strongest Archangel, though Haldis is believed to be so equal strength to him. The two have a deep rooted rivalry that stems from the creation of Earth. His powerful wings beam blinding white light.
Fact: While completely serious when it comes to his duties, in his spare time he enjoys the company of beautiful women such as Victoria, Athena and Isis. Only the latter two allow him to get away with his womanising ways, the Seraph has none of it.
Haldis - Germania
Titles: Dominion, Angel of Intuition, The Baptiser, The First Who Fell
Specialised Power: Holy Water and Nether/ Darkness/ Shadows
Alliance: Tartus
Notable Features: Has inky black wings that are groomed to perfection. Haldis is an experienced player at manipulated and is unyielding when it comes to achieving his goals.
Fact: His induction into Tartus' service began with good intentions. However the demonic influence of Tartus on his mind caused those intentions to be twisted and forgotten, greedy ambition for power and domination are his drives now.
Ayiana - Native America
Titles: Virtue, Angel of Enlightenment, Overseer of Gaia's Garden, Mother Nature,
Specialised Power: Nature/ Plant Life
Alliance: Neutral
Notable Features: Covered in many tribalistic tattoos that symbolise her deep connection to Earth and it's occupants. Ayiana is individual and spiritual, dislikes conflict and will often refuse to take any side. Her wings are a deep clay red.
Fact: While she is scorned upon for abstaining action against the fallen Angels, Ayiana admires Victoria for her amazing power and leadership. It is thought that heroes born under the Sun have an innate connection to her and sometimes she will send said heroes guidance in the form a eagle.
Arman - Persia
Titles: Principality, Angel of Time, Father Time
Specialised Power: Time manipulation
Alliance: Tartus
Notable Features: Ruggedly handsome with a 'thief' look about him. Often decorated with beautiful ornate gold jewellery. His wings are a stormy grey variety with traces of silver.
Fact: Regardless of his alliance, Arman honourably set himself a set of commandments in relation to using his powers. He understands the laws of time and carries them out, even if he knows the result will be at his loss. Though sadly, as time passed in the corrupt influence of Tartus, Arman chose to ignore his code more and more.
Afonso - Ancient Iberia
Titles: Power, Angel of Power and Defence, Heaven's Shield
Specialised Power: Earth and Metal
Alliance: Gaia
Notable Features: A strong silent figure that is devoted to his role in the Otherworld. Slightly stubborn in his ways and is wary of change. His wings are bulky and a light streaked brown colour
Fact: He gets on well with Ayiana, but finds it hard to speak with Athena. They're opposing powers causes sparks to fly between them. Back from they began extinct, Afonso once challenged the King of the Giants to an arm wrestle, staking one favour that could not be denied as the prize. Once he won, Afonso asked the giants to create a structure of stones that would become the first teleport gate. The giants complied and additionally built singular gates that would serve as a link to the original gateway stones.
Isis - Ancient Egypt
Titles: Angel of Blessings, Mistress of the Sands, Guardian of Oasis
Specialised Power: Sand
Alliance: Tartus
Notable Features: A seductive Angel with exotic beauty. She, like Arman, vainly enjoys wearing decorative jewels and gold along with fine silk. Her wings are onyx with golden tips.
Facts: Isis was the first Angel Haldis convinced to fall from Gaia, believing that Tartus would offer her the recognition and power she deserved. Her closest friend was Athena until Victoria warned her about Isis' change in alliance; this has led to a jealousy and hatred for the Seraph to arise in Isis and assisted in her turn.
Erik - Ancient Scandinavia
Titles - Angel of Warnings, Breather of Blizzards, Old Man Winter
Specialised Power: Snow/ Ice
Alliance: Tartus
Notable Features: A rather wild Angel capable of falling into a raged frenzy; a trait that is looked down upon by the higher classed Angels. This disdain unfairly inflicted upon him by his supposed 'siblings' has left bitterness inside of him, Haldis taking advantage of this to persuade Erik to fall from Gaia and join ranks with Tartus. His wings are a icy white-blue that are slightly frosted over.
Facts: In the old times he would travel down to Earth and hunt alongside the Iron Bears in their winter territory. He was respected and went on to teach the Iron Bears the common tongue so that they may converse with humans.