Hetalia - The Cold of War

Chapter 29 and it's a double upload this week! A big thank you everyone who reviewed, you are the driving force of this story. Get ready for them politics, because da power plays are real fo' sho'!

Enjoy!

The Nordic Kingdom, The Royal Palace, The corridor to Allistor Kirkland's chamber

Alfred Jones wandered down the stretched corridor like a lost man. He certainly felt lost, like a little thrown rock in a whirlpool. As he aimlessly wandered alone, Alfred had taken to quietly talking to himself under his breath, so involved in his own world that he didn't see the weird glances shot at him by passersby. He'd state the facts. Keep it organised and straight. Though, it'd always get messed up along the way.

"State what you know, just do that, state what you know like how Dad did," The American muttered over to himself like a mantra. "I know that Arthur is gone. Captured," Good. Good start. Well, not good, but at least comprehensible.

Okay, next. "He has Angel wings. H-he went into some kind of frenzy… and I saw it". And he had seen it; seen how Arthur incinerated apart that Deadmen. His neck twitched painfully in memory of the harm Arthur had also caused him, reminding him that Arthur had nearly crushed it. As if he'd needed it. He'd forever have the discoloured fingerprint bruises to do that. How on earth could Angels actually exist? They belonged in myths with the Gods, not in real life. Don't think too much about it. State, testify what you know.

"Heaven and Hell are real. Demons and Angels are real. They are real and one of them is using the Emperor to viciously hunt down Arthur for gods-knows-what". Huh. That went from one to hundred real quick. Alfred sighed dejectedly as he stopped in front of Allistor's door and helplessly stared at it, as though hoping it would have the answers for all the craziness that was going on in his life. Where were the days when his biggest worry was missing a training drill back at the base? Alfred raised his hand to knock on the door when his clenched fist paused above the polished surface. Gods, was he actually ready to acknowledge that what Allistor had told him was true? Truthfully, Alfred wasn't sure. He wasn't like the sorcerers, he wasn't used to being bombarded with magical knowledge and then expected to immediately take it on board. He didn't live in a world like that.

But, Arthur did. Arthur would be shocked, sure, at the knowledge that Heaven and Hell were real, but he probably wouldn't have an existential crisis over it. Alfred gritted his teeth as he contemplated his own frustrating powerlessness. There were so many times when he felt so small compared to Arthur, an ant looking to a star. How could he ever stand by him as an equal… Alfred thickly gulped around the lump that had formed in his throat. No, he wasn't allowed to feel self pity. Not when Arthur needed him. He was a hero, and it was every hero's duty to help whose in trouble.

Alfred quickly swiped away the gathering wetness behind his glasses just before the door in front of him was flung open, Allistor Kirkland inside looking like a man on a mission. The Scot's eyes lit up when they saw the rebel and he shot forward to grip Alfred's shoulders painfully tight.

"Sunny boy! Perfect, y'ar onboard! Listen ta me, I'll explain later but have ya ever seen a wardrobe near Arthur? Big, square, has alotta cravings in on it" Allistor jabbered without taking a breath as he shook Alfred excitedly. Alfred shook his head at the sudden bombardment and pushed Allistor off him to give him space to think.

"Wait, wait. Hold up. stop…Wardrobe?" Alfred asked as he waved his hands out in confusion, his earlier laments had been slapped away by Allistor's forceful address. The sorcerer rolled his eyes at the other's fair slowness.

"Yes! A wardrobe, ya use them ta store clothes in. Have you ever seen one that could be related ta Arthur?"

Alfred paused and thought as he put the two images together. A lightbulb of remembrance lit up. "Yeah," He mused slowly, "Yeah, actually I do. Arthur had one in his apartment. Exactly like you said, big with cravings. It was in his bedroom". Alfred silently cursed as he let the last bit slip out and bit his tongue hoping Allistor wouldn't question how he knew what Arthur's bedroom was like. He felt that Allistor wouldn't see it innocently. Fortunately however, Allistor was too caught up in the momentum to sweat the small stuff. A ear splitting grin stretched across his face and he actually seemed to bounce on the spot.

"Fan-bloody-tastic laddie! We'll have him home in no time!" Allistor cried in joy as he clapped Alfred across the back and began to speed back down the corridor the way Alfred had come. Alfred was left there with a dumbstruck expression on his face before he shook his head again and spun to catch up with swiftly marched Allistor. He huffed as he struggled to keep level with him.

"Dude, please explain. Have who home?" Alfred demanded as they exited and paced down the stairs. Allistor's merry twinkling eyes met Alfred's as they came to the bottom.

"Artie o' course"

"What!?" Alfred gasped in disbelief. "Arthur? But he's on an airship to the Capital. How the hell is a wardrobe in his apartment going to help?". Allistor grinned and winked mischievously.

"It's goin' ta help because wee Artie ain't on tha airship anymore. He's someplace safe, an' that wardrobe is that key ta getting there". Alfred felt his mouth hit the floor before relief and hope flooded him. Arthur hasn't going to be imprisoned, he was safe, and Allistor had a plan to reunite with him. Alfred met Allistor's wicked smile, when a figurative hurtle stopped him in his tracks. He grasped Allistor on the forearm to draw his attention.

"Dude, look count me in and everything, but there's a major problem. The whole kingdom is on lockdown after the attack. There's no way they'll let any ship in or out, the security is going to be the tight" Alfred brought up and Allistor's brows ceased in consideration.

"Aye, lad. Ya right. I'll need ta pull some serious strings if we've going ta get away with this," Allistor replied, his eyes darted curiously to a herd of noblemen that strode past them; noses posed to the skyward and badges of nobility shining. "Where'd ya reckon their goin'?"

Alfred leaned over to look at the men Allistor had pointed out. "War meeting with the King is the safest bet. His Majesty and Ludwig have been holding them a lot lately. They're probably on the verge of deciding something,". Allistor slowly turned to at Alfred with eyes that held a glint of a man with a plan, a cunning leer pulling at the corners of his mouth. "What? You have an idea?"

"Oh ho, quite tha plan sunny boy. I said I'd have ta pull strings, so why not aim for that top?" Allistor smiled and Alfred looked at the man with new respect at his boldness.

"Duuuude~, you're gonna try and play the King? The King. Jeez, that's straight up crazy man"

"Na lad. I'm not gonna try, I am gonna play tha King outta a boat ta the Capital. Oh an' Vladdie's freedom, because I'm in such a good mood" Allistor confidently boasted as he looked for the nearest window and jogged over to it to cast it open; the snow whirled in and everyone within range grimaced at the invasive cold and looked at the sorcerer as if he were mad. Alfred laughed his amazement and joined Allistor by the window as the Scot proceeded to climb through it.

"That's a hell of statement bro. Good luck, I'll go and find Lukas and tell him the good news" Alfred chuckled as he gave the sorcerer a farewell salute and watched Allistor nod in response and began to scale the Palace's exterior to the upper levels. Alfred gave another private chuckle before he spun on his heels and dashed off to look for Lukas, his heart soaring the whole way at the promise of seeing Arthur once again.

The Nordic Kingdom, The Royal Palace, The War Room

High above in the rafters of the occupied war room, Allistor Kirkland stealthily climbed in through a rounded glass skylight. The Scot balanced catlike on the thick wooden rafter beams and a flurry spiralling snowflakes rushed in after him into the dusty loft just as he entered and carefully resealed the pane. The grey sunlight filtered through the transparent material and illuminated Allistor's path before him as he silently dropped to the lower rafters to get closer to the scene below, the back and forth exchanges of the Council's debate grew louder as he did.

Beneath Allistor from his bird's eye view, the Royal Council convened around a wide circular map table; scale models of airships and buildings of significance were placed about in their relevant sites. All council men were standing and King Simon stood with Berwald at his right hand and Ludwig on his left, Kiku next to him. The other men of the council were clearly lords and court men from their attires of expansion fur coats and quality leather boots. Some leisurely held small glasses of amber scotch in their ringed fingers as they watched the proceedings passively while others stood attentively with alert expressions as the discussion continued. From what Allistor could gather, the council had been split into two sides, each with a vocal speaker to argue their case as the King, Berwald, Ludwig and Kiku listened judgementally.

"This is preposterous! How can we be expected to mobilise when we haven't even fully recovered from the last assault" One side's speaker cried, a round bellied elder gentleman with creasing age lines and white puffs of hair behind his ears. As the council men on his side bobbed their heads in agreement, a younger man with neatly trimmed facial hair snuffed at the statement.

"Ha! Do you think so little of our glorious kingdom Casper? The only reason the Empire was able to inflict damage was because their approach was unexpected after years of isolation. If we were to reenforce the wall, we would sufficient have time to recruit and ready our own assault"

"I'm afraid, Barner, that I have to disagree. Your Majesty, it is a fool's fancy to think that we can take on the Empire's might at full strength. They are too well manned, well supplied and well supported" The one named Casper argued with a slap on the table for each proclaimed point. The other side murmured uneasily among themselves as they became stumped. Surprisingly, it was Kiku that provided the new direction of the discussion.

"Then how about cutting off their resources? Cut roots before you take tree, as you say" The small asian man suggested soundly, his dark quietly intelligent eyes glittering as the cogs of his mind raced forward. The council men on the side of noble man, Caster, groaned.

"We cannot invade Newtown's Isle while it is under the protection of Cogs-Forge. Their technology is vastly superior to ours. We'd have no hope of winning by force"

"Then what about negotiation? We offer some of our natural resources for their cooperation and Newtown" Barner spoke up with a flamboyant wave of his hand only to have Casper shake his head in disagreement.

"Cogs-Forge is a city of industry and science. They pride themselves on being the discoverers of new age and modern technology. Everything, from the research to the factories and city itself is funded by the Empire. No amount of natural resources and money will be able to win a treaty with them". The whole table mulled over the laid out information; all eyes on the Cogs-Forge Isle painted on the map that hugged the coast of Newtown and it's model anti-aerial defences.

General Ludwig leaned over the table and tapped the Isle south of Newtown, shaped vaguely like a crude boomerang. "What about this Isle? Whose is this?"

"On it's surface it is an rural expansion of Newtown and specialises in the production of meat and fish. However, underground, a population of Dwarfs have built a mining city. The Dwarven city of Thornbor is ruled by King Kilmin Blackarm and they mine for precious metals and gems. They used to trade these with humans before Cogs-Forge attempted to starve them by claiming the surface for Newtown's expansion" King Simon explained, his knowledge about the Isle was impressive but not unexpected as it was a King's place to study the Isles and their history. A cultivating smile grew on Ludwig's face as he formulated his plan.

"Then why don't we use that animosity to persuade the Dwarfs to claim Newtown. Not only would we cut and control the Empire's major food production, but by doing so, it would also create an opening opportunity to attack Cogs-Forge while their forces are concentrated on recapturing Newtown. If they don't move or refuse to, they risk the Empire cutting their funding and destroying the only thing they were proud of". A chorus of excited mutters sparked up and Berwald gave Ludwig an approving look as to signal that it was a sound plan.

"But wait! What about the Jasmine and Lotus Isles? Do we not need to be cautious if they decide to become involved?" A cry came from a younger noble man, who then squeaked when all heads turned to him and nodded in consideration. Though he wasn't the most experienced in the tactical field, the man had raised a valid point. Berwald cleared his throat and the heads swung back to him as he pointed to the two Isles most southeast of the map; together akin to that of the Yin and Yang symbol.

"The Jasmine and Lotus Isles are currently battling an internal lawful campaign over the rising activity of the drug trade in Lotus. If Jasmine were not fighting to keep it from their borders, they would certainly rally to our side, though because of their desperate situation, I fear that they'll side with any Isle strong enough or wealthy enough to help them win" Berwald stated with his concerned eyes pointed on the Jasmine Isle that was so far away from their northern home. The talkative councilman named Barner sighed loudly and plucked up the scale model of the Restless City; a colossal mobile airship that specialised in trading routes and acted as it's own city; complete with towering buildings and bridges. A thriving community that was as alive as it was diverse.

"And what of the Restless City? It'd make a fine ally; it's prosperous, it owns the majority of the Isles' trade routes and most importantly, it has no strong love for the Empire".

"It would be a fine ally. Unfortunately, the Restless City will remain stubbornly neutral until they see an investment that is truly worth their efforts. Their city is expertly fortified and they'll never be intimated into an alliance. If we manage to persuade the Dwarf's to uprise and take Cogs-Forge, we'd steal their technology and become more desirable as allies should we offer to share it" Ludwig affirmed with confidence, his stance and aura was that of a natural leader as he dominated the table. A line formed between King Simon's eyebrows as he found a hole in the rebel general's plan.

"Your plan is well founded Ludwig, except there is a critical hurtle that threatens to unravel it before it can begin. The first step is to persuade the Dwarfs to rebel against Cogs-Forge, however this will prove easier said then done. Ever since Cogs-Forge turned on them, the Dwarfs have persistently shown hostility to all humans. Any found in their territory are killed". King Simon miserably pointed out, his perturbed cerulean eyes met Ludwig's steel blue ones. The general opened his mouth to respond but closed it again when no solutions came to mind. The table wavered as new uncertainty seemed to drown out the brilliance of Ludwig's plan.

Up from above, Allistor cracked a smile when he saw the beautiful opportunity before him and partially straightened up out of his crouch to jump. What he was about to do wasn't the wisest decision, but would certainly be the most hilarious. In a swift motion, Allistor stepped off the rafter and plummeted down to the table. He shot down and slammed against the wooden surface with such a force that it was a wonder that the table didn't crack under him. Outraged screams of shock and fright cried out from all the unsuspecting councilmen and some of the older ones actually tripped over themselves trying to scramble backwards. Allistor smirked his effect and remained squatting on his calves with both elbows balanced on them, a punk pose that oozed of rebelliousness. Berwald recovered at the speed of light with a shake of his head and fastened his furious glare onto Allistor.

"Allistor Kirkland, you dare sneak into a private council meeting?!" Berwald bellowed as he reached out as if to haul Allistor off the table when a resting hand from his King stayed him. King Simon oddly smiled after recovering from the initial shock of someone falling from the ceiling onto his table, his stare curious and intrigued. Allistor met the King's eyes and tipped his head to convey his respects, though his previous actions would suggest the opposite.

"Y'ar Highness"

"Allistor, I'm pleased to see you are back with us, though ha- this is hardly appropriate. This is a private war meeting and reserved for only those on the council" King Simon informed, his words containing no anger at the sorcerer's unorthodox appearance. Since he had a soft spot for Lukas, the King had come to find all sorcerers fascinating and in his mind held them in very high regard. Berwald continued to glare at Allistor and from the corner of his eye, Allistor saw Ludwig eye him up with a calculating look.

"Aye, I figured. Though I couldn't help but over hear about y'ar little dwarf dilemma" Allistor smugly grinned, his smile stretching wider then he saw Berwald become further enraged about his ear dropping.

"They were not words for you to hear," Berwald growled with clenched fists, his fern green eyes flashed threateningly "I've half a mind to have you thrown out-"

"Berwald, enough," King Simon commanded in a sharp tone that matched his expression as he looked to his right hand "I want to hear what he has to say". Berwald pressed his lips tightly together as he switched his scowl back to Allistor, physically biting down the inside of his cheek in frustration when Allistor gave him the slyest of winks when the King wasn't looking. "Allistor, please, what are you proposing?".

"As y'ar aware, Dwarfs don't get on well with humans. Well I say, how about a sorcerer instead?" Allistor remarked as he combed a hand through his shaggy copper hair, pleased to see the King's expression light up at his offer.

"What, you're actually offering your services after years of abstaining otherwise?" A heavily sarcastic voice snidely remarked from behind him.

"Yes, why the sudden change of heart, sorcerer?" Another joined in. Allistor didn't bother to turn around to address them. They weren't worth the effort.

"Well let's just say I'm not exactly volunteerin'. I do have a few conditions" Allistor clarified and multiple councilmen gave loud tuts and short barking laughs huffed at his forwardness.

"How presumptuous! Your head is too inflated Kirkland. You are not the only sorcerer in the north. There is Lukas Bolshevik and the newly captured one. You are expandable"

Allistor tilted his head back in a gesture of exasperation, giving out an exaggerated sigh before answering. "Oh aye. Send tha blind sorcerer that cannot fight for himself, or better yet, send tha prisoner of war. I'm sure he won't desert tha chance he gets. Face it, I'm tha' only capable sorcerer ya half pints hav' got". A ripple of insulted gasps resounded down the table and everyone turned to look to the King for his response. Said royalty held up a hand for silence before he steadily met Allistor's gaze.

"Name your conditions, Allistor" The King questioned softly, turning his head to Berwald when he spoke up in outrage.

"Surely Your Majesty, you are not going entertain his vulgar demands". The King's expression became dark as his patience ran out, his voice turned low into a growl.

"For the last and final time, Berwald. Enough". There was an uneasy shuffling among the council at the King's direct anger, each man not wanting to look at the two. Berwald's chest heaved as he struggled to keep his temper, a vein on his forehead twitched as he forced himself to breath deeply to contain himself. Berwald clenched his square jaw and silently ground his teeth as he lowered his head submissively, his hands fidgeted in an effort not to shake the Scot by the neck.

"Your terms, Allistor" The King snapped now, his good temper ruined by Berwald's continued opposition. Allistor eyed the King up and down before inwardly cautioning himself not to push the man any further then he was.

"You may not of known, but during tha Imperial assault, Arthur was taken. My first request is to have a vessel ta take me to tha Capital where I plan ta rescue him. Ma second request is that the captured sorcerer, Vladimir Popescu, be released. He's a good man, a'd life has been too harsh ta him already". The King sighed and pinched the nose of his nose as he thought, his eyes screwed closed.

"I am sorry to hear of about Arthur. This grim news grieves me deeply, especially since you had been reunited so recently…The second condition I have no objection if you vouch for him, but with the first I have doubts. By going into the Capital, you to risk capture by the Empire, and I am not sure if we can take the loss of another sorcerer". Allistor's eyes became pleading and the green greek-fire inside them smouldered.

"Please Y'ar Highness. I am begging ya. I hav' scried his location, and while he is not in tha Capital. He's here," Allistor stumped his index finger in the upper regions of the Elder Grove Isle "But my way to him is inside tha Capital. Once I get him, I find a ship out of tha Capital and make ma way ta the Dwarven City ta kickoff this plan of y'ars"

The King turned his head to Ludwig to see what his opinion was. The rebel general paused for a thoughtful moment before he spoke. "It is certainly a gamble. If you succeed, we'll gain two sorcerers to the cause. But if you fail, we lose another"

"Then I won't fail" Allistor growled with a tint of irritation. Who were these bastards to judge his skill? Ludwig raised his eyebrow at the aggressive promise before he gave a nod to the King. The Nordic King returned the gesture with smile and turned his head to share the happy expression with Allistor.

"That settles it then. Allistor, I'll have your vessel ready by dawn tomorrow. You are to infiltrate the Capital and do what it takes to rescue your brother. It will take two full moon cycles for the military to mobilise, you have until then to return with Arthur. In the meantime, I will release the prisoner you speak for". Allistor's face split into a grin and he actually bowed his head low to the King before he rose and stood up out of his crouch.

"Ya won't regret y'ar decision, Your Highness" Allistor thanked as he moved to step down, Ludwig and Kiku moved aside as he dropped off the table and proceeded to swagger past the disgruntled councilmen; all eyes followed his back as he disappeared through the double doors. The King loudly coughed to clear his throat and for attention.

"We now have the first key to starting the forwarded plan. Now that Allistor Kirkland has agreed to work for us, we will be able to create the opening in Cogs-Forge we desperately need. With their technological weapons and research, we will not only gain a tactical advance over the Empire, but also open many other pathways to us. As we wait, we must assemble our forces. Lord Hemming, please use the builders and their blueprints filed in section 1.3 in 'Construction' in the Archives to begin immediate construction on those deep bunkers. Master Barner, would you increase production in the mines and oil deposits? Alongside Mr DeWhite and his smithery factory, we are going to need that metal for weapons and airship parts. While you, Sir Hammock, expand the lumber production further into the outer regions of the forrest and intensify seal hunting. We are going to have to start to ration the food now so when it begins, we'll ready to hold out. These, men, are the first steps to war"

We have a war plan fellas! So, majorly setting up for the future, the rebel alliance have their game faces on. Writing Alfred's monologue was tricky, there were many ways that I could of gone about it. But I was fairly happy with it in the end, tried to keep the balance level. Allistor in the war room was fun, such a cocky asshole to superiors. Kirklands rarely have true respect for others.

Just to make a note, Hetalia - The Cold of War will be ending into roughly six chapters as this arc draws to a close. Worry not though, the sequel and third book in the series (whose title is yet to be decided) is sure to follow shortly after. I cannot wait for you all to continue the tale with me :D

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you are enjoying this series, please take the time to leave a review telling me your thoughts, opinions and questions if you'd like to. Once again, thank you for reading and as always,

Until next time folks!