Hey guys, this chapter is going to be a sad one. I know, something sad after something romantic :P. Sounds ironic. I had to divide this chapter into two parts because otherwise it would be too long. I hope you like this chapter! Let's see France's, America's, China's, Prussia's and Hungary's pasts.
Chapter 24: Past lives (part 1)
During the world meeting, something unexpected happened. America walked up to France and grabbed his shoulder. France was surprised and looked at America. Then America exclaimed. " Dude! What the hell were you doing!"
" Um… I don't understand what you mean." France said.
" You know what I mean, that American girl. Why did you toy with her feelings? You know we countries cannot fall in love with humans! You son of a *****" America accused. Everyone was silent, looking at France. France was silent for awhile. Then he said " Lisa… Did you think I intended to stay with her? It's was just an infatuation. Beside I was just walking around, showing her the city. That's all."
" Then why did you go to her in the first place?" America asked.
" I couldn't be rude and ignore such a sweet girl no?" France said. France patted America's shoulder and said " You will understand one day. By the way how did you know about her?"
" I overheard her talking to her mother about a mysterious french guy." America said. France gave a small smile and said " If you ever see her again tell her we had a good time." Then France walked out of the room. We were all confused. France… fell in love with a human girl? But… aren't ambassadors human? I am we are right?
" I don't understand this ' no falling in love' thing." Liang Hao said. " What's wrong with it?"
" Countries are immortal." Estonia said " Humans are not. If a country falls in love with a human, the human is bound to grow faster than the country, dying faster. It's not only that but also being aquatinted with humans. Each time a human a country knows dies, the country has to say goodbye. It's like an oblivion to human kind."
" That sounds sad…" Penny said.
" But we're human. And look, Kris and Yuna are dating countries." Aria said. Yuna and I blushed.
" That's because you guys are exceptions. You can live like immortals in this world. Kristina proved it already when she was in Hetalia for a century and yet did not age." Estonia explained.
" But we are from another dimension. Surely something wrong is there." Kyanna said. Everyone was quiet. I realised most of the countries were strangely quiet. Like they are bothered about something.
" Okay! Let's get on with our meeting!" America exclaimed. Yeah… like anything goes on during our meetings.
Unknown P.O.V
Alyan followed France back to France's house. Something was disturbing her. She looked at France. He seems to be in deep thought. Did the girl mean something to him? Alyan was at Syrian's place when that happened. But it seems to be something else. Maybe the girl remind him of someone.
" Hey France, you okay?" Alyan said, not bothering to put in 'swag' in her talk.
France woke from his deep thought and looked at Alyan. Then he said " Yeah… I'm fine."
" You don't seem fine. It's okay, you can tell me." Alyan said. France sighed and said " Are you sure? I may bore you."
" Nah, Kristina's nagging should be worse." Alyan said, remembering the time Kristina nagged to her about her choices. How would she know how she reacts. She wasn't comfortable Alyan hanging out with the popular people. She says Alyan's changing. Alyan snorted, changing? She needs to move on.
" Let's sit down." France said then sat on a nearby bench. Alyan didn't complain and sat next to him. France took in a deep breath and then said " She reminds of Joan…"
" Joan? Joan of Arc?" Alyan asked. France nodded. " Yes… we were lovers before."
" You and Joan of Arc?" Alyan said. " Oh… so she's Joan's reincarnation?"
" I think so." France said. " Strange isn't it. The girl I used to love reborn as Lisa. I know, I should have not fallen in love with a human, much less Joan. But… I thought I could recover from it."
" Recover from what?" Alyan said.
" My past." France said " It was still fresh and I had just regained my past memories during that time."
" Past life? So you are a reincarnation yourself." Alyan said.
" All countries are. We are chosen to be countries because of our pasts, I don't see the connection. The only thing is that we all had tragic lives." France said. Alyan was quiet then she asked " What was your past like? I mean if you don't want to talk about it it's fine."
" No it's fine." France said " It's a long story…
Francis Bonnefoy. He was nothing but a common soldier. Well not at first.
15 year old Francis was running on the dirt path. The rambling of the metal feet was rumbling loudly. Francis ran as fast as he could. He had to get away as fast as he could. The leathery bag in his hands, containing bread, was a burden but he needs it. The gang needs to eat. Francis made a sharp turn near a dark alleyway and hid. Francis held his breath. He was in a mess. His hair caked in dirt, his rags nearly torn away, his face nearly brown with mud. He held his breath. The sounds of the soldiers passed by him. Francis in his mind heaved a sigh of relief. Francis walked through the alleyway, looking around. Where was it?
Then he found the door, the wooden door that was about to fall apart. It was a good thing Ace's family used to own this house. How else would they survive in the streets of this new town of a new country? The country has barely started and criminals like him are already running around. What choice did he have? The system was already corrupt. Francis pushed open the door.
A small candle light lit the room. Good, Charles got more candles. Boxes and sacks of leather scattered around the house. The windows and doors were barred by bits of rotten wood. Mice and insects ran around. Five boys and a young girl was in the room. Ace is the leader. He's tall, burly and a fair head like him. He had shaved his head, reveal a long scar. He was hit by a sword recently, it was a miracle he survived. Charles was a small boy, skinny to the bone and his long brown hair covered his green eyes. He needs food.
Esmé was sharping his knife, not much of a use. They don't use weapons. Esmé's face was covered by his brown hood, covering his blond hair and blue eyes. He was around Ace's size by Ace can kill him easily if he wanted too. Garson, a skinny boy around his age with hair dark as the night, was talking to Léon, a boy who is as thin as sticks. He's always sick. Yet another miracle he survives. He can't steal though. Then there was the beautiful Bibi. She had cut her sandy hair short, her turquoise eyes concentrating on tending Léon's illness.
" Francis, hath you got the food?" Ace said. Francis dropped the sack, loaves of bread rolled out. Each member took a loaf. Ace smirked and said " As to be expected. Our best got another good loot. Charles, you should learn that."
" At least I got the candles." Charles spat. Bibi nibbled her food, ah… she's like a little cat.
" Hey have you heard the news?" Garson asked.
" What?" Ace asked.
" The king needs more soldiers to invade countries. He promises a high sum to join the army." Garson said.
" Sounds like trash talk." Esmé said.
" I'm serious. Anyone who joins the army would have enough to feed his family, that's if you stay alive of course." Garson said.
" Sounds stupid still." Esmé said.
" Where are you going with this?" Bibi asked in a soft voice.
" I want to join." Garson said.
" Are you crazy!" Francis exclaimed " You'll be killed trying, and I don't mean battling. We're rogues remember?"
" Think about it. Léon's dying and we're starving. No matter how much we steal, we'll always go hungry, always on the run… nothing good will come out of it. We're just a bunch of orphans. With this, at least we can live for a reason." Garson said.
" Garson, Francis is right." Ace said " We are pretty well known around these parts. You'll just be killed the moment you show yourself."
" Shut up. How long do you intend to do this. Remember, this won't last forever. We are all old enough to get a job. We might as well support each other." Garson said. Léon coughed. Bibi became alert and exclaimed " Léon! You're bleeding!" Léon shook his head then said " I'm-" he coughed, blood appeared on his dusty hand.
" Ace, Léon is not going to make it. If one of us at least gets a job, we can get medication for him. We will not have to lose anymore of us. Alain, Denis, Godard, Emaurri… no way are we losing anyone else." Garson said.
" Léon will die ether way. It's clear his days are numbered." Ace said. " But I will not risk your life throw away like that."
" Guys! I am here!" Léon exclaimed, glaring at the two of them. Francis had enough, he stormed out, throwing his half-eaten loaf unto the ground. Bibi got up and ran after the tall blonde teenager.
" Francis!" Bibi called out. Francis kept walking. Bibi grabbed his arm and Francis looked at her. " What?"
" What's wrong?" Bibi asked.
" Nothing, I just needed to get away for now. I hate it when they fight." Francis said.
" Sorry, mon frère just can't stop arguing sometimes. He's doing so hard to protect us. I don't blame Garson though. Léon is the closest to him and…" Bibi explained.
" Tell it to Garson, not me." Francis said. Bibi was silent. Then she said " You are going to do something aren't you?"
" I'm getting a job out of town." Francis said. " Not necessary a soldier. We are nearly adults. We can try to live instead of survive."
" D-does that mean you are leaving us?" Bibi said. Francis shook his head and said " No, I am leaving for awhile. I'll steal what I need and go off to the next town. Get a job. I'll return when I have a good job, support all of you. You all are my family." Then Francis walked off. Bibi called out " You're leaving now?"
" If not now, they will try to convince me to stay." Francis said. Bibi was silent. Then she ran to Francis and hugged him. Francis blushed. Bibi then said " I hope you come back soon." Francis smiled and patted her head. Then Bibi looked up at him. Francis could only smile, then he left.
Francis tried his luck, but alas his luck is thin. Every town he went, he couldn't get a job. He was ether rejected by his poor appearance, wasn't old or strong enough, or did a bad job. Francis wanted to get a job, help his friends. One day, two soldiers came buy and saw Francis. They asked if he wanted a job as a soldier. Francis hesitated at first but for the sake of his friends, he accepted. The king's army was soon formed as Francis trained under his commanders. It wasn't easy but he was given good food and a bed. He was beaten down everyday. There were many tears. He could not forget his comrades, or Bibi.
" Francis! Get up!" His commander order. Francis got up from the grassy ground. " We will patrolling around this town. You will follow me and Jori. Move!" The commander left. Francis sighed, the commander was never nice. He liked to pick on him. Francis got up and got dressed in his silver armour. He ran outside. Jori was waiting for him, the commander had left. Jori and Francis walked around, nothing seems unusual. But it seems so familiar. Then Jori asked " Hey Francis, have you been here before?"
Francis looked around. It all did seem a little familiar. Then it struck him " My hometown… I haven't been here for three years…"
The commander then came rushing towards them. Then he ordered them " Jori! Francis! Follow me. We need recruits."
" What hath happened?" Jori said as they ran after their commander.
" Fire." the commander said. Francis saw a huge cloud of smoke… from a familiar place. Francis' face became filled with dread. Oh no, please don't let it be. Francis quickly ran ahead. The commander called out for him but Francis didn't stop. He turned around the corner. Horror filled in his eyes. A crowd of soldiers was trying to put out the water by buckets of water. It doesn't seem to help. The building was already covered with flames. The same building Francis lived in when he was younger. Francis made his way thought the crowd, with nasty insults spat at him for being out of place Francis called out " Ace! Esmé! Charles! Léon! Garson! Bibi!"
" Get back to work!" The commander called out for Francis. Francis ignored him and ran inside the house. No one could stop him. Black thick smoke covered the entire place, Francis could barely see a thing. But then he saw a boy around his age stumbling out of the burnt door. It was Esmé! Francis quickly went to him. Esmé stumbled and fell into Francis' arms.
" Esmé! Esmé! Are you okay?!" Francis exclaimed as he tried to slap his friend awake.
The boy coughed and then looked at Francis. He croaked " F-Francis? You still here? Nice seeing you with what killed half of us."
" Esmé, what happened?" Francis asked.
" We were found out." Esmé said. " Some soldiers were chasing Charles. Was too slow… they set this place on fire to smoke us out, Charles and Bibi managed to run…"
" Ace, Garson and Léon? What about them?" Francis asked.
" Léon died soon after you ran off. Garson got so upset that he got himself caught and killed. Ace tired to save him but he got caught too. We couldn't save them from the hanging…" Esmé said.
" Francis! Stop cooing over that boy and help us here!" Francis' commander yelled.
" Sir! We've got the thieves." One of the soldiers said. Francis looked around. He saw three soldiers, two grabbing a boy and one grabbing a girl. Charles and Bibi looked at their old friend.
" Francis…" Bibi murmured.
" Charles? Bibi?" Francis said.
" You know those thieves?" The commander said. Anger filled within himself. Then he glared at the commander. Then he said " You started this fire, didn't you?"
" They were stubborn." the commander said. Francis got angry.
" Francis!" Charles called out.
" Francis! Where have you been?" Bibi said " Don't you know how much time we spent looking for you? How did you become a soldier. W-" The soldier who held her punched her stomach. Then he yelled at her " Shut up! You have no right to speak."
" Don't hurt her!" Francis yelled. Suddenly, a voice from the crowd yelled " Hey, that's the boy who stole my loaves of bread before! He's one of them!" Many more accusations came from the ground.
The commander went to him and kicked him. Esmé and Francis were kicked away. Francis got up but was easily beaten down again by his commander. The commander spat " I knew you were miserable. Jori, get Francis and lock him up. We have no use for a thug."
" Francis!" Bibi yelled as she was dragged away along with Charles.
" Bibi!" Francis called out. Francis ran out of Jori's grasp and ran for Bibi. No… please. Not…
… I didn't know what happened after that." France said. " I guess I was killed. It must have been ether Jori or the commander." Alyan was silent. Then she said " I'm sorry."
" It's okay." France said " I told this to Joan and she said the same thing. She comforted me then. I guess that's how we fall in love. But when she was burnt on the stake…" Alyan saw France, tears were coming out of his eyes. Alyan hugged France. She couldn't say anything to comfort him. France cried silently. It took some time but then France stood up and said " Let's go back."
" Are you sure you're fine?" Alyan asked.
" Oui, I am." France said. Alyan stood up and walk along with France. They walked over the bridge of Seine river. Alyan then asked " So… how did you know Lisa was Joan's reincarnation?"
" She looks so much like her." France said.
" Must be nice to see her again, well sort of." Alyan said.
" Hey Alyan, do you love anyone?" France said. Alyan blushed and said " No, not really. I haven't really love anyone. I had crushes but they just come and go. I do hope I find someone to love."
Alyan snorted then laughed. France stopped walking and looked at her. Alyan looked at France, stopped walking and said " Oh, I was just laughing about something. I said to my friends if you ever like me that way they could throw me off a bridge. But that's pretty much impossible." France smiled and blush. Alyan laughed at her own joke. Then France said " Be careful what you say."
" Why?" Alyan said. Too late. France quickly grabbed Alyan's waist and carried her. Alyan freaked out. " France! What are you doing?!"
France went to the edge of the bridge, where the blue water flowed slowly. Oh no… he's not really going to. France threw- I mean literally threw- Alyan off the bridge. Alyan screamed as she fell. She dove into the cold blue water of the Seine river. Alyan struggled to float. She managed to kick her arms and legs to the surface of the water. When she saw France, he was resting his arms on the railing of the bridge and smiling at her. The nerve!
" France! Why did you do that?!" Alyan exclaimed.
" You did say to your friend to throw you off the bridge if I ever fall in love with you. So I did them a favour." France said. Alyan blushed a deep red. Did… France confess to her? Alyan ended up drowning due to this realisation. France panicked and went to get her. When he was at the river side, he put his coat aside and dove in to save Alyan.
France managed to drag Alyan unto land. Alyan coughed. France felt slightly guilty. Alyan was shivering wildly. France took his coat and put it over Alyan. Alyan looked up at France. France smiled warmly and blushed. Oh France…
" F-France?" Alyan asked. France looked down at her.
" Y-you like me?" Alyan asked. France took a step away. Then he held her small cold hand, making Alyan blush, and kissed it. Then he said " Je te aime."
Alyan looked down on the ground. She felt guilty. France has been though a lot for love. But… she doesn't feel the same. France, yes is cute and romantic, but she sees him as a good friend, a guardian. They were close friends. He was way too old for her. But since when did that fact stop her? She… felt like France wasn't for her. France looked at Alyan. Then he said " I see… it was unrequited."
Alyan looked at France. France then said " Come on, let's get you dry."
" France. You're okay with it?" Alyan asked.
" Love isn't always true right?" France said. " I can't force it on you." Alyan nodded and followed France back to his home.
Meanwhile, at America's house. He was busy playing video games. Jao Lan was sitting next to him, eating a packet of chips. Then he asked America " Hey America, were you like France?"
" What, you mean the human thing?" America said " No way. I'm too much of a hero to be such a sissy. I mean if you put Vietnam in the picture I have no protest but that's different."
" I wonder why France did that in the first place?" Jao Lan asked then he at another chip. He offered America one. America took a handful and shrugged. " Maybe his past life or looking someone to love with."
" Past life?" Jao Lan said.
" Yeah, maybe something's messed up about it when it comes to love. So he searches for it." America said " Or he's just being plain France."
" Do you have a past life?" Jao Lan asked.
" Of course." America said.
" What was it like?" Jao Lan said.
" I rather not talk about it." America said, frowning. America tried to concentrate on his game, but memories of his past life filled his head. Before he knew it, the game ended with a ' GAME OVER'. America sighed and threw his controller away.
" Well, it can't be that bad." Jao Lan said.
" It is dude. You have no idea." America said.
" That's why I'm asking." Jao Lan said. America sighed and said " Get a box of tissues, it's not going to be pretty…
Alfred Jones was a settler. He was among one of the few settlers of America. Alfred was running around. His older brother called out for him as Alfred ran to the vast green in front of him. His mother told Alfred's brother to leave him alone, who can stop his wanderlust? Alfred kept running past the green, hoping to find something exciting. That's when he saw the field of Bison. The big cows with a huge hairy hump and a big forehead. Two small horns poked out of their skulls. Alfred was awed by this scene.
He wanted to take a closer look. But as he was about to step closer to the bison, a voice in a foreign language spoke. Alfred jumped in shock and turned around. It was a black boy with extremely short black hair like moss. He was bare-chested and wore beige cloth pants decorated with colourful feathers. He had a bow in his hands and a bag full of arrows over his shoulder. The boy went to him and looked at him curiously. Then the boy scolded him in a foreign language.
" I-I'm sorry. I just went to look. Those things are cool! What's your name?" Alfred said. The boy, who was around his age, tiled his head. He was confused.
" Your name." Alfred said. The boy was even more confused.
" I'm Alfred. Alfred." Alfred said as he pointed to himself. The boy blinked then pointed at him. He said " Alfred?" The american boy smiled and nodded. The black boy pointed to himself and said " Achak."
" Achak? Weird name." Alfred said. " Can we go there?" Alfred pointed to the both of them and then the bison. Achak shook his head. Achack walked away then looked at Alfred. He gestured Alfred to follow him. Alfred looked at the bison again before walking after Achak.
Achak had led him to his tribe, to his father who is the leader of his tribe. Alfred didn't expect to meet him but he was treated well. Achak's father knew how to speak english and taught him everything he knows like his son. Alfred was amazed and would often run off early in the morning before his parent wake up and at night when his parents are asleep. Achak and Alfred became the best of friends. It was easier to communicate once both of them learnt each other's language.
One day, when Alfred had recently learnt how to ride a horse without reins, Achak and Alfred were riding though the field near the bison. Ahack pulled his horse to a stop, so did Alfred. Achak looked at the field. Then he said in his tribal language " Is that… Awinita?"
Alfred looked at the field. There she was, Achak's twin sister. Her hair had sticks and leaves sticking out of her air, she was hiding fearfully in the grass. She seems to be staring at a huge bison, who was staring at her. The bison snorted, Awinita's in trouble!
" Ahack, get your dad." Alfred said. Then he made his horse run forward.
" Alfred! What are you thinking?" Achak called out. Alfred ignored him and ran towards Awinita. The bison heard the horse's thundering feet and stomped the ground in anger. The bison nearby hear the stomp and did the the same, and so on. No… a stamped. " Awinita! Grab my hand!"
Awinita looked up at Alfred and reached out for her hand. He stretched his hand out and grabbed her hand. Awinita quickly got unto the horse. Alfred looked behind him, the bison were chasing after him. Alfred quickly made the horse run away. The hooves thundered on the brown soil. Wind blew past his face. Awinita, scared, hugged Alfred tightly. Alfred ran as fast as he could. He made a sharp turn between cliffs and the bison ran past them. Soon after the bison seems long gone. The horse walked out. Awinita looked up and Alfred and said " Thank you."
" No problem." Alfred said and smiled, the tribe ran forward to get Awinita. That night, Alfred was honoured for saving Awinita. He was given a new name: Enapay, it means appears bravely. But when he finally went home, his brother, Jack, confronted him.
" Where have you been?" Jack asked.
" With Sioux tribe." Alfred said, not bothering to hide the fact.
Jack sighed. He wondered why Alfred would hang out with a bunch of… thugs. Jack stood up straight and said " Alfred, you shouldn't see the tribe anymore."
Alfred was shocked. He then he said " Why? I've learnt so much from them. Achak's there and so is the others. Why should I stop? They have done nothing wrong."
" They are not us Alfred." Jack said " Remember the Manifest Destiny? We are meant to live here, take control of it. It doesn't seem like you should make friends with… outsiders. Who knows what they might do to us one day, they can use you as hostage, take advantage of us… you never know."
" No… they're my friends." Alfred said.
" You are just a young boy, you don't know anything." Jack said.
" I am 13 years old! I know what's right and what's wrong. It seems like we are taking advantage of nature and the tribes. We are the ones making trades with them and taking their land. They've been here longer than us." Alfred protested. Jack was quiet, he took two steps back and said " They've manipulated you didn't they Alfred."
" I'm not Alfred, I'm Enapay. I don't appear to be a child, I appear bravely." Alfred said. Then he walked off.
What Alfred didn't know was the next day he returned to the Sioux tribe, the camp had been raided. Actually, attacked. The smell of metallic powder filled the air. The horses were gone, the tents were stripped bear and the tents itself were burnt. Alfred didn't see Achak, the chief or Awinita or any of the tribes members after that.
Alfred eventually went home and followed after his brother: Being a commander of an army. The setters were going to go through the land, conquer the land. They had settled down for good. Like Jack, Alfred became a good commander. But Alfred couldn't help but think he was doing wrong. He can't forget the tribe members of the Sioux. He can't forget his best friend Achak.
One day, in the battle field, his doubt went. The most horrible part of Alfred's job was to battle the native americans. To kill those he made friends with. He couldn't bear it, but Jack who was in a higher command told him to. Alfred thought if his good times with jack was real at all. Alfred held the rifle in his hands, aiming at a tall man. He wore a chief's clothing. his face painted of bravery. The man was aiming the arrow on his bow at Alfred. Alfred's eyes went wide, so did the man's.
" Achak?" Alfred said.
" Enapay." the grown man said. Achak… was alive.
" I-I thought you were dead." Alfred said.
" I escaped with Awinita. Father and the rest of the tribe had perished." Achack said, but then he tightened the grip on his bow. " But I can avenge them. The commander is related to the one who invaded my tribe. I kill the commander, I will be satisfied."
" The commander… Achak, you can't be serious." Alfred said " I mean there are other ways to get revenge right?"
" Who is the commander!" Achak demanded.
" Jack… invaded the tribe?" Alfred said in shock. He had finally realised it. Jack talked to him the night right before the tribe got invaded. Was it really a coincidence? Or did Jack and his troops attack the tribe? Alfred blinked his tears away.
" It was your brother. He did it, commander. How could you?! I trusted you! Why didn't you stop him!" Achak yelled.
" Achak! I didn't know he was the one. I would have if I knew." Alfred said as he lowered his gun. It was a mistake. Achak shoot the arrow. Alfred tried to dodge it but the arrow his his right shoulder. Alfred cried in pain as he fell unto the ground. Alfred looked at Achak. Achack took out a dagger and was about to pierce his heart… if Alfred hadn't drawn his own. It was a split second, Alfred didn't know what he did. When he looked at his hand holding the now blooded dagger in Achak's chest, his eyes was filled with fear. Achak fell down beside him. Alfred was shaking in fear.
" Achak! Achak!" Alfred cried as he went and held his friend. It was out of instinct, but Alfred thought it was better that he should die. Achak would have been in peace… and he wouldn't feel so guilty. He cried over his friend's body. But when he looked up, he realised his crime wasn't gone unseen.
Awinita was among the grass, like how he saw her when she was in trouble. Her eyes had that same terrified look, the same frozen position. Instead of a bison, her eyes were staring at Alfred. " E-Enapay…"
" Awinita…" Alfred stammered, reaching his blooded hand towards her " I didn't mean to-"
" You kill him! You killed my brother! You are not Enapay! You're Alfred! The killer! Why? Why did you kill him?!" Awinita exclaimed. Alfred felt even more guilty. Her eyes were filled with pain and rage. " He was my only family left! You monst-"
Her eyes seemed to stare into space. Then she fell unto the ground. Alfred trembled… she was shot. He knows, he's seem so many of the native americans shot to death. She had that same look. " Awinita!"
Then he saw black shiny boots and blue army pants. He looked up. Jack…
" I thought I killed them all." Jack said.
" You attacked the Sioux! You killed my friends!" Alfred exclaimed.
" It was for your own good." Jack said.
Alfred gripped his friend, his anger boiled in him. He has never felt so much anger and pain. The arrow in his shoulder didn't seem to hurt as much as his heart. Alfred exclaimed " I… I HATE YOU!"
… I really don't remember what happened after that. Britain told me when it ends like that, it means you died. Maybe I was killed by Jack, maybe I died of bleeding." America finished. He looked at Jao Lan. He had no expression. Jao Lan tried not to show any tears. Then he said " You telling the truth dude?"
" I am." America said " How can I make up with such stories. I tried to be a hero, but I ended up being a villain. Ironic huh?"
" Well, eat up." Jao Lan said as he threw his bag of chips at America. America took it and blinked. " It will make you feel better." Then Jao Lan got up and went to his room. America looked into the bag of chips. He scrunched his face. " Hey… he ate it all."
…
Syrian wondered, what's with the countries and human anyway. There isn't much of a difference right? China was playing with Xiao Ai. Xiao Ai soon got annoyed with China and bit China's nose. China howled in pain as Xiao Ai walked away. China rubbed his nose and said " Aiyo, you don't need to me so rude aru."
" I would do that if I was cooed over." Syrian said as she put her erasable pen down. She was now bored with her doodling.
" Well… I wanted to get my mind off something so I thought playing with Xiao Ai would help me." China said.
" What? France's weird love life?" Syrian said " It had nothing to do with you."
" Nah, not that aru." China said " Something else."
" What's it?" Syrian said as she put her sketchpad and pen down on the red sofa she's on.
" Nothing." China said.
" It won't hurt to talk about it." Syrian said.
" I won't want to rant at you. It's pretty bad." China said.
" I don't mind, I'm bored like hell!" Syrian said. China sighed and said " It's my past life. I used to be like France. I made friends with humans… but every time they past away I always morn for them. I did it to forget my past. It's not really a good thing if you actually remember it."
" What was it like?" Syrian asked.
" Well… I had two sibling. Wang Yao Jun and Wang Huan Mei. Our parents died young but I was old enough to work. I took a job as one of the chiefs in the Duke of Lu, this was right before China was united…
Wang Yao Jie was always getting scolded. That day he was scolded by the head chief for not cooking the pecking duck properly. Yao Jie sighed… the chief always likes to pick on him. Why him? Yao Jie sigh… he went back to his home, where his younger brother was studying by the candle light. He was only 18, but he decided to go for the exam to be one of the government officials.
" Hello di di." Yao Jie said before sitting next to him. He took out a lunch box out of his bag and opened it. The aroma of the steamed paos filled the room. Yao Jie smiled as he looked up from his books.
" Hey ge ge." Yao Jun said as he took a pao and bit into it. Yao Jie took one and bit into it, the bread and juicy pork tasted splendid.
" Where's mei mei?" Yao Jie said.
* di di= younger brother, ge ge= older brother, mei mei= younger sister*
Yao Jun slowly chewed on his bun. Then he swallowed. He took in a deep breath. Then he looked at his older brother and said " Under inspection. She was chosen."
Yao Jie didn't seem surprised. That same day there was news that the duke was looking for new concubines. Huan Mei was a young beauty. She has grace, kindness… but most important of all beauty. It's no wonder she was chosen.
" Looks like I'll see mei mei in the palace more often." Yao Jie said as he made himself comfortable.
" Aren't you worried for mei mei?" Yao Jun asked.
" Of course I am. I have been since I received the news. Being a concubine isn't all that pleasant." Yao Jie said.
" At least you can keep an eye on her right?" Yao Jun said " You work in the palace."
" I guess so. Maybe my job isn't such a last resort misfortune." Yao Jie said. Yao Jun smiled. He finished his pao and went back to studying. Yao Jun is so hardworking.
As the days past, Yao Jun was the top student of the exam when the results came out and became an official for the Duke of Lu. Huan Mei was favoured by the Duke, she even rose to the ranks of the three madams, the highest concubine status after the queen. Yao Jie slowly took the head chief's status- ha! served him right- and was in the Duke's favour. Huan Mei often visits her brothers whenever she could. You can tell the two brothers were happy when they received news that their sister was carrying their nephew or niece.
" That's great mei mei!" Yao Jie said " I'll make some cake to celebrate!"
" I am going to be an uncle!" Yao Jun cheered. Huan Mei smiled, but Yao Jun realised she was also a bit worried. " What's wrong?"
" I'm worried, about my child." Huan Mei said.
" What about it? You should be happy! You are carrying the only heir of the Duke, if it's a boy he will become the duke. You may become queen." Yao Jun said. Yao Jie eavesdropped their conversation as he cooked.
" That's just it. The queen herself is a barren, the duke will certainly favour me then. The queen is ruthless, she may kill me so I will not have the child!" Huan Mei said.
" It's okay mei mei." Yao Jie said. He looked at his sibling and said " I will protect you, both of you. Including my nephew."
" How do you know it's a boy?" Huan Mei asked.
" I know." Yao Jie then smiled.
Soon after this, Yao Jun was brought into court. Yao Jie didn't notice until it was too late. Yao Jun had been accused of a murder attempt on the Duke and was sentenced to death, When Yao Jie heard of it, he stopped his cooking immediately and requested an audience with the Duke. Yao Jie did the best to save his younger brother. But when he did finally justify that Yao Jun was innocent… it was too late. Yao Jun had been beheaded. Yao Jie and Huan Mei mourned for their brother than night. Huan Mei had tried to hide her pregnancy for a long while but soon she had to tell the Duke. The duke rejoiced and called for a celebration. Yao Jie, still weary from his brother, made a magnificent feast. He had to move on. The queen, however, wasn't happy.
Yao Jie was cooking in the kitchen one day when suddenly a few guard barged into the kitchen. Yao Jie sensed something was wrong and went to the guard " Good afternoon sirs. What brings you here today?"
" The duke has ordered everyone in the kitchen to be arrested. He wants to do a test. Madam Huan Mei was poisoned." one of the guards said. Yao Jie went into his shock… his little sister… his nephew… were dead? Yao Jie's heartache opened again. It was painful losing Yao Jun, losing Huan Mei too was too much to bear. He didn't even see his own nephew. Yao Jie and the other chiefs were arrested and brought to the duke.
" Who cooked the meal?" The duke demanded.
" I did sir." Yao Jie said " I always cook Huan Mei's food."
The duke glared at Yao Jie and said " Why do you speak of her name like you are familiar with her?"
" She is my little sister." Yao Jie said.
" I see… would you kill your own flesh and blood?" the duke said. Yao Jie's eyes went wide. Yao Jie said " I would never kill anyone. Especially not my family."
" He's lying my dear." A feminine voice said. Yao Jie looked up, it was the queen. She had a malicious smirk. It's true she held great beauty but something wasn't right with her. " Can you not see him trembling, it's fear of being found out as a murderer."
The duke glared at Yao Jie, then he bellowed " Take him and kill him outside!" Yao Jie eyes were widen with shock. He looked at the queen… did she poison Huan Mei? Tears run down his eyes. He didn't bother to fight the guard who grabbed him. He lost everything. What else is there to lose.
…I think I died since I can't remember anything else." China finished. Syrian was silent. Xiao Ai, who had come back, pawed at Syrian's hand, begging Syrian to play with her. Syrian tried to hide back her tears. China looked at Syrian and asked " What's wrong?"
" It's so sad!" Syrian cried out.
" Yeah… but that's how the systems go." China said. Xiao Ai went to China and nudged China's hand. China smiled and said " Thank Xiao Ai. You are so cute aru~"
…
" Hungary! Prussia's here." Bec called out. Hungary froze, she didn't want to see Prussia right now, not after that party. Prussia entered the house and said to Bec " I wanted to surprise her."
" Too bad, she's probably going to beat you up if you do that." Bec said then smirked. Prussia shivered at the thought. " Try your best to talk to her. She's avoiding you."
" Why?" Prussia asked. " Who doesn't want to see the awesome me?"
" Well after she kissed the awesome you because of the dare she's sort of embarrassed therefore avoiding you." Bec said. Prussia sighed then walked in anyway. Bec blinked then walked back to her room to continue her Skype chat with Kyanna, Mike and Sam.
Prussia knew exactly where to find Hungary. He entered the garden where he saw Hungary sitting down. Prussia slowly creeped up to her, but before he could scare her, Hungary swung her frying pan at his face. Prussia fell backwards and exclaimed " Ow! What's your problem woman?"
" I should be asking you that!" Hungary exclaimed. Then she sighed and sat down again. Prussia was confused. Then he sat down next to Hungary, she didn't do anything. Hungary was blushing a deep red.
" Hey… is something wrong?" Prussia asked.
" No, nothing's wrong." Hungary said, Prussia didn't believe her. He could see her distressed face. Prussia then said " Look, if it was about that night don't worry. I know it's just a-"
" It's not that." Hungary said, blushing even more.
" Then what's bothering you?" Prussia asked.
" I… finally got all my memories." Hungary said. She took in a deep breath and looked at Prussia. Prussia blinked. Then she asked " Is it you Gilbert? The same sick aristocrat?"
" I don't understand what you mean." Prussia said.
" Does the name Eli ring a bell?" Hungary asked. Prussia blinked. He was shocked. Was the Eli he knew… right in front of him? Hungary hugged herself. She knew Prussia had been somehow familiar once in awhile, she just never noticed it.
" Elizabeta… Eli." Prussia said.
" So… are you that same Gilbert?" Hungary asked.
Gilbert Beilschmidt was a rich guy, but he had no dignity. The society doesn't know who he is. Mainly because his father hid him from the world. Everyone believed there was no heir to the Beilschmidt fortune… it seems to be true. Since the heir is a constantly sick albino boy.
Gilbert has been stuck in his room for as long as he can remember. He would always wake up with a horrible cough or sneeze. There are always bottles beside his bed. He can walk, but he almost never have the energy for it. It's the same horrible routine everyday, visit from the doctor, same medication… it was sickening. And irony since he is already sick. What he long for is to walk out of his room. He doesn't even know how the house looks like. He often gazed out of the window to see the bright sunlight and green leaves. Once in awhile a small sparrow would land on the branches and look at him before flying away. How he longed to go out. Of course he attempted to walk out once but he collapsed on the ground trying.
His doctors had recommended his wealthy parents to let him out of the house but they refused. They were afraid what the people around them might think of their precious child. He was so fragile. Gilbert counted down the days for his death.
Elizabeta Héderváry is like any peasant girl. She cooks, cleans, and waits the day for her marriage to some older guy. But Elizabeta didn't want that. She wanted to do what men did. She didn't like to gossip or collect flowers like other girls. She wanted to go an adventure. And she was often beaten down by her father. Because of her attitude, most of her fellow peers stayed away from her. She was very much alone, but she didn't care.
Elizabeta had been tolerating with her father until she was 16 years old, when she found out her father made an arranged marriage with one of his friends. Elizabeta argued with her father, only to be beaten down again. Out of anger, she ran off, taking her family's valuable treasures and sold them. Elizabeta disguised herself as a boy so as not to be found.
Elizabeta survived and travelled by hitchhikes and gambling which eventually turned into stealing. Elizabeta didn't like it but she had no choice. She was afraid that she would be discovered if she settled down to work. One day, she found a huge mansion. She smirked, there's bound to be a lot of money. Her stomach rumbled. There's bound to be a lot of great food too. Elizabeta saw a tall tree which was nearby a window. Her way in. She hid her bags under a bush and started to climb the tree. She kept on climbing until she reached the thick branch.
At that time, Gilbert was gazing out of the window. He was longing to go outside, to see how the world was… until he saw a boy at the window. He was wearing a newspaper boy cap with a brown vest, black shirt and brown pants. Elizabeta didn't notice the albino boy until she managed to unlock the window and jump inside. She looked at the albino boy and went into shock. Oh no! She was caught!
" W-who are you?" Gilbert asked. Elizabeta put a finger to her lips, telling him to be quiet. Gilbert kept quiet.
" You got loot in this room. I need to be on my way, probably some food. Man I'm starving." Elizabeta said. Gilbert sat upright, he kept his gaze on the strange 'boy'.
" Um… you can have my lunch. I'm not hungry." Gilbert said, gesturing to the tray of bread and fruits on the table beside him. Elizabeta smiled and took an apple. She took a big bite, wow, it was really sweet.
" Who are you?" Gilbert asked more boldly.
" Eli." Elizabeta- or Eli said.
" You said you were here for loot, what's that?" Gilbert asked. Eli stopped eating and looked at Gilbert weirdly. " Money. What kind of kid doesn't know what that means."
" I've never left this room." Gilbert said before coughing.
" You okay?" Eli asked.
" No… but that happens all the time." Gilbert said.
" Who ARE you anyway?" Eli said as she threw away the apple centre and took a loaf of bread.
" Gilbert." Gilbert said. " Hey… how is it like outside?"
" Outside?" Eli said before looking out of the window.
" How does it look like?" Gilbert said.
" You really haven't been outside." Eli said. Eli smiled and said " You're the first person who hasn't spat at me or beat me up."
" Um… it's not like I have the strength to do it." Gilbert said. Eli chuckled and smiled brightly. Eli told him all about the world outside, Gilbert was amazed. Eli told him about her adventures, leaving out the part about being a girl and beaten down by her father. From that day forward, Eli would always enter Gilbert's room though the window to talk to him. Gilbert always waited for Eli's arrival. Gilbert also told as much about himself as possible, but it wasn't much. Eli often played the 'outside games' with him. The doctors realise a change in Gilbert's health.
" Mr Beilschmidt, your son seems to be getting better." the doctor said to Gilbert's father one day. Gilbert was still smiling. Mr Beilschmidt looked at his son. Then he asked " How?"
" Has he been meeting anyone by any chance?" the doctor asked.
" No, it's the same as before." Mr Beilschmidt said, " Gilbert, you haven't seen anyone right?" Gilbert shook his head but was still smiling.
" Can I go outside?" Gilbert said " I want to see the trees, the flowers, the people…"
" No, you are not fully well." Mr Beilschmidt said " Who told you all that."
" The nurse." Gilbert lied.
There has been times when Eli was nearly caught. The servants say it's an animal, some swore it was a boy. Ether way, Eli was more careful. One day, Eli jumped through the window again and sat next to Gilbert. Then she said " Hey Gil, man if I had been a second late that gardener would have spotted me."
" You should be more careful." Gilbert said.
" It's pretty awesome that you live here." Eli said.
" Awesome?" Gilbert said.
" Awesome means something that's so amazing." Eli said " I think you are sort of awesome, I mean you never judge me."
" Why should I?" Gilbert said " You are the only friend I have."
" Thanks, your the only friend I have too." Eli said.
" Guess what? I'm getting better!" Gilbert said.
" That's great news! Can you walk?" Eli asked.
" Well… I'm not sure. I asked my father if I could go out but he said I can't." Gilbert said.
" That's ridiculous. Come on, get up." Eli said, then he stood up and put the chair aside.
" Get up? As in stand up?" Gilbert asked.
" Yeah, we're going to help you walk." Eli said as he reached out his hand. Gilbert hesitated and got up. Eli supported Gilbert has he took one shaky step at a time. Everyday, they took a step at a time. Gilbert was struggling but Eli always helped him. Soon, Gilbert was running. He was taller than Eli expected. He smiled. Soon came the day when they were chasing each other around the big, white, empty room.
" This is so awesome!" Gilbert exclaimed. " I'm running!"
" Try to catch me Gil!" Eli called out. Gilbert laughed and chased after Eli. He soon panted very hard. Eli slowed down and Gilbert caught her arm. Eli screamed and her cap flew off, releasing her shoulder length hair. Gilbert was surprise and let go of Eli. Eli fell on the ground. Then she slowly got up, getting her cap.
" Eli…" Gilbert said. Eli looked at Gilbert's surprised expression. Eli was quiet. Then Gilbert asked " Are you a girl?" Eli quickly stuff her hair into his cap and put it on. Then Eli put a finger to her lips, like she had done the first time. She told Gilbert about her past after that, but never revealed her real name. The next day, Gilbert asked for his father and showed him how he can run now. Mr Beilschmidt was surprised, but when Gilbert asked the question again… he said no again.
" He said no?!" Eli exclaimed.
" He said no! After I got better he still said no! He never let me leave this room! It stinks! So not awesome." Gilbert said. Eli was silent for a moment. She took out something from her bag. She threw it at Gilbert. Gilbert caught it and looked at it… it was a change of clothes. " Get changed, you can't run around in pyjamas."
" Where are we going?" Gilbert asked.
" Outside, where else? I'll go outside and check if the coast is clear, then we'll dash out of this hellhole. We'll travel the world, see outside. Do you want to come?" Eli asked. Gilbert nodded. " That's awesome." Eli smiled then climbed onto the window still. Eli went. Gilbert changed into the clothes Eli gave him. It was just a plain shirt with pants. Gilbert didn't know what to pack, did he even need to pack? Eli came back and helped Gilbert climb out of the window. It wasn't easy since Gilbert's health condition wasn't very good. He wasn't very agile or flexible. It took a long time to get Gilbert down but when they did, Gilbert couldn't help but look around. He was the bright green trees, the green grass, birds flying in the air… it looks so beautiful.
" Get down!" Eli said and she got Gilbert on his knees. Gilbert obeyed silently. Slowly, they crawled towards the exist. But as they were near the gate… Gilbert was already panting.
" Gil, are you okay?" Eli asked, concerned.
" Yeah… I'm fine, for the first time in ages! The outside world is amazing!" Gilbert exclaimed softly.
" I'll try to unlock the gate so we don't have to climb it. Wait here." Eli said. She got up and went to the gate, She tried to push it open but it wouldn't budge. Darn… the gate may seen unlock but it was really heavy. She looked around the door, the hinges were rusty. Gilbert went to her and said " Come on, together."
" The moment we open, we run for our lives." Eli said. " It's rusty, so it will definitely make a lot of noise." Eli and Gilbert pushed the door open together, using all their door opened slightly, making the loudest noise the both of them ever heard. That fatal mistake.
" It's the son! Alert the guards!" A servant yelled as he ran away. Gilbert looked behind but Eli grabbed his arm and they both made a mad dash for it. They both ran as fast as they can. Gilbert was struggling to catch up. Suddenly, Gilbert fell unto the ground. Eli looked behind and quickly went to Gilbert.
" Gilbert! Are you alright?" Eli asked.
" I-I think so…" Gilbert said as he panted.
" No you aren't. I'll carry you." Eli said.
" Halt! Step away from the young Beilschmidt." One of the guards yelled. A group of guards had already gathered and pointed guns at Eli. Eli looked down at Gilbert, he was coughing badly and seemed to be hiding something. Eli took hold of his arm… blood…
" Oh no… you're bleeding." Eli panicked.
" Step away from the boy, now!" The same guard, probably the captain, yelled.
" Hey! That's the same boy who cheated on our betting game the last time and ran off with the money!" Another of the guards yelled.
" Return both the money AND the boy." The captain ordered.
" E-Eli…" Gilbert managed to speak as he coughed.
" Please, he just wants to see the world around him. Let us go." Eli said.
" Kidnapping the boy in a dangerous state is a huge crime. We cannot let you escape." The captain said. Gilbert curled himself into a ball. Eli hugged him as if he was a baby.
" But he went on his own. Come on Gil… tell them." Eli said. No answer. " Gil?" She looked down at the albino boy. His eyes were closed shut, his breathing seemed to quicken. He's dying.
" Gil… GIL! Don't die okay! Don't die. Stay awake, please just stay awake. Gil!" Eli said as she shook him. Gil coughed again and whispered " I guess the outside world weakens my health…"
" Come on Gil, don't sleep. Don't give up on me. We're going to see the world. Remember? Don't you want that? Please, just a little longer, don't die on me. Gil." Eli said, tears poured out of her eyes, she never felt so much pain in her life. She never cried, she never yelled out in pain. Gilbert was the only person she actually cared about in her life… and she was about to lose him.
" I guess my life was awesome… thanks to you…" Gilbert whispered. He was about to say something else when he closed his eyes. Eli felt her heart breaking. No… he can't be dead, he can't be. " Gil… come on. Wake up… what happened to my awesome friend? Gil? Wake up, it's just a dream. Wake up… damn it… wake up…" Eli held Gilbert close. The last thing she heard was a gun shot.
" You were killed soon after I died?" Prussia asked.
" Right in the head." Hungary said. They were both silent.
" I knew you were familiar too, I was wondering if… maybe you might be Eli but your memories hadn't returned yet." Prussia asked.
" Kind of stupid really, I was the one who gave you your egoistic attitude." Hungary said.
" Kesesese~ it's good right?" Prussia said. Hungary snorted. " No. I didn't expect you to take advantage of it. Strange how you are up and running."
" Yeah, feels good to run." Prussia said " You were Eli… damn…"
" What? You aren't happy?" Hungary asked.
" No… I am." Prussia said. Then he hugged her, Hungary was shocked, then she blushed. " I'm… really happy you're here. I thought I was the only one who was made into a country." Hungary smiled.
" Glad your okay Gilbert." Hungary said.
" Hey…" Prussia said, blushing. Should he tell her now? It's not long before he disappears but how will Hungary react? Will she push him away, reject him? What if she still have feelings for the aristocrat? Damn…
" What?" Hungary asked as she let go and looked at him. Prussia wanted to kick himself. Come on, man up.
" Was what happened the night before Kris left… real? That time in the closet?" Prussia asked. Hungary felt herself blush and look away. She hugged herself. Prussia smiled and said " I'm not sure if it's real but… I know I won't stay long…" Hungary froze. She had just remembered her past and now Gilbert's going to die again?
" Will you be my girlfriend until then?" Prussia asked. Hungary's heart pounded. Did she hear him properly? She felt herself blushing. He must be kidding with her again. She looked at Prussia, he was blushing too. He even looked… nervous. Hungary bit her lip. He really wasn't kidding. But Prussia isn't the type for these kind of things. He's just a rascal who avoided marriage. She took in a deep breath.
Prussia started stammering " I-I guess that's a-" Hungary took his hand. Prussia was surprised and looked at Hungary. She smiled meekly and said " I thought you were playing with me."
" Um…" Prussia said. Hungary narrowed her eyes. Then she asked " Are you?"
" N-no, of course not." Prussia said.
" I don't believe you." Hungary said, she raised her frying pan and hit him. Prussia yelled out in pain. Hungary half smiled, she knew he was serious. Prussia knew that too. He said under his breath " Man… love hurts."
Poor countries. I based America's past on the Manifest destiny and China's past on the imperial system. It's true, concubines before and after the unification of china have deceived and killed each other to take the position as queen or empress. Some of them actually held power over the country and used the kings or emperors as puppets. America's past was basically when America expanded into a big country. Yes, Prussia and Hungary knew each other in their past lives. :) For the next and final part: Britian's, Russia's and Spain's past. Thanks to nadillaandlaprasthefireandice for the idea of Spain's past!