50 States Chapter 7
The screen flickered to life and showed America in his office, sitting behind his desk in a professional manner.
"Hello Nations, welcome to the Jones Household. In this documentary I will do an introduction of all my states. You've probably already met some of them by now and they can be pretty crazy at times but I can assure you, they're good kids. However, some of them still hold a grudge against nations who've attacked them so I can't hide that from you. So now, I'll introduce my states from oldest to youngest."
*Scene changes to a picture of Delaware*
"This is my eldest daughter Charity Jones, the personification of Delaware."
"Charity? Aw, what a lovely name!" Hungary gushed, softly.
"She was born on December 7th of 1631 and became a state in 1787. Her ancestry contains English, Irish, German, Italian, Welsh, and Scottish.
I woke up to her crying one morning and found her at the edge of my bed and I sensed that she was a part of me when I first held her.
*Scene changes to black with the sound of an infant wailing in the background*
A candle is lit.
The nations gasped.
"What is this?!" China shrieked. Some of the states laughed from the balconies.
"It's called magic, idiot!" Massachusetts yelled while trying to suppress giggles.
"B-but America doesn't believe in magic!" England sputtered.
"Just shut up and watch!" The state shouted back.
It was America but younger. He appeared to be about sixteen and the background showed his old bedroom from when he was a colony.
America held the candle to where the wailing was coming from. His eyes widened and he gasped. Laying at the edge of his bed was a newborn infant wrapped in a white blanket. He slowly set the candle on a nightstand and gazed at the infant for another moment as if making sure she was real before picking her up.
The baby's wails ceased and turned into whimpers before eventually falling silent. America's bewildered expression turned into wonder as he watched the infant open her eyes for the first time.
"Awww." Some of the countries cooed at the image of baby Delaware. She was a very beautiful child.
America's expression became loving for the child in his arms. It was a look that a parent only showed for their children.
"Since that night Delaware has been the best thing that ever happened to me and it inspired her name. Because she was a gift incomparable to everything else I received. And I experienced that gift fifty times."
*Scene changes*
A picture of an eighteen year old boy with black hair and green eyes appears on the screen.
"This is my son, William Jones. Pennsylvania's personification. He was born on December 12th of 1663 and became a state in 1787. His ancestry contains Russian, Greek, Lithuanian, German, Polish, Irish, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, Austrian, Welsh, and Scottish.
During the American Revolution, he was physically eleven and was too young to fight so he was just a drummer boy for the first year. My kids and I trained under Prussia and William impressed him with his determination to become better. He would spend hours training with Gilbert and they bonded over it. We all became very close to him and I decided to make him a godfather."
*Scene changes*
Three figures were sitting around a fire in a forest. In the sky was a half moon and there were very few stars in sight.
America gave William's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "I'm very proud of you, Penn."
The young Pennsylvania gave his father a slight smile but his eyes never left the fire. Sitting a few feet away from them was Prussia. He was alert and watching the two colonists who were soon to personify an independent nation.
"You were impressive back there, William." Gilbert added. "Your aim was spectacular."
The boy lifted his head this time. "Thank you, General."
Delaware suddenly appeared. She was dressed as a soldier and had her hair hidden under her hat. She looked exhausted but was forcing herself to stay awake.
"Dad, it's your turn to take watch." She said. Alfred nodded and stood up.
"Get some sleep, alright." He said, gently before walking off. Delaware crawled into a nearby tent and William was alone with Gilbert. The nation took that moment to sit closer to the dark haired boy.
"War is never easy, William." Prussia said in a gentle voice. "You did what you had to."
"And I will do it again if I must." Pennsylvania's voice suddenly became firm and looked directly at the Prussian. "My father has raised us for over a century right under the British Empire's nose. For years he was afraid to reveal us because we're not countries and England drilled it into his head that having children without a mother was taboo and the limey would have taken us away from him."
England felt as though he had been slapped. It was true, at the time children with no mother were considered bastards and were often shamed. If Alfred had told him, he would've demanded an explanation but he still would've listened.
"Dad was going to tell England back in 1770 but when the Boston Massacre started..." William trailed off, his eyes became misty. "Sam was in so much pain. I have never heard him scream like that."
The pair briefly glanced at the tent Delaware crawled into.
"If this will keep my family safe I will fight with everything I have." Pennsylvania declared. "Be it in the fields, the sea, the hills, even in the mountains I will fight the British until all of them take the hint and go back to their homeland. I will never surrender."
In the balconies, Prussia smiled proudly. He squeezed William's shoulder and the state returned the smile.
"Just like Dad." Delaware whispered, fondly.
Prussia grinned and gave his signature cackle.
"Well said, William."
The fire started to dim and William stood up.
"I'll get more firewood." He said before disappearing behind the trees. Only Gilbert remained, his smile never leaving his face.
"That kid," He said. "Is going to be awesome."
Germany, Hungary, and Austria stared at the screen in disbelief. Prussia was the first to know about the states and become a godfather. When Hungary and Austria first heard that Gilbert was a godfather to some of America's children they figured that A) There were states just like him. B) It would have meant chaos. And C) It was a joke. But now they saw why America trusted him. He was understanding, gentle, and fatherly towards Pennsylvania. Heck, he even inspired the boy to become stronger.
Germany on the other hand, hadn't seen that side of his brother since he was a child. It brought forth memories that had been held in the back of his mind since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
*Scene changes to a picture of New Jersey*
"This is my third state, Ethan. He personifies New Jersey. He was born December 18th of 1681 and like Delaware and Pennsylvania, became a state in 1787. He has ancestry roots of German, Irish, Italian, Russian, Greek, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, Scottish, Polish, and Belarusian. He really takes after some of the other countries, especially Romano. He even has Russia's aura when he gets angry."
Many of the nations shuddered at that. They remembered seeing New Jersey's aura. Even Alaska had it. How many of the states had Russian roots? Do they have the aura too?
Some of the nations started to tremble in their seats.
*Scene changes to a picture of Georgia*
"This is Georgia, her human name is Martha. She was born on January 2nd, 1688 and became a state in 1788. Her ancestry roots are Scottish, English, Irish, African American, and German. She's your typical southern belle and she's an amazing baker. She's the one who planted the peach orchard in the fields. Although Martha is usually gentle as a lamb, you do not want to see her angry. And don't bring up the Civil War around her... or any of the Southern states. Actually, don't bring it up, period."
*Scene changes to a picture of Connecticut*
"This is the personification of Connecticut, Susanna Jones. She was born on January 9th of 1690 and became a state in 1788. Susanna had the strongest Italian and Hungarian roots out of all the states."
Italy wondered if he could've been close to Connecticut had he gone with his brother to America during the Industrial Revolution. Maybe he could've also been a godfather to some of the states.
"She also has Irish, French, Welsh, Polish, and Canadian ancestry. She's one of the best cooks in the Jones Household and takes part in managing our finances. She also likes to play either tennis or squash in her pastimes."
*Scene changes*
A picture of a boy with auburn hair and blue eyes appears on the screen.
"This is Massachusetts, or Samuel Jones. Sam was born on February 6th of 1692 and became a state in 1788. His top three roots are Irish, English, and Portuguese. He's also got roots from Lithuania, Greece, Wales, Canada, Italy, Russia, and China. Due to the Salem Witch trials he had a few health issues during the first few months of his birth but they disappeared after the trials ended."
Most of the European countries gazed at the screen with pity. Many of them had also been affected by witch trials. The symptoms were not pleasant.
"Mass loves sports, especially American football, baseball, and running marathons. He and New York have a rivalry and it gets really out of control during the Super Bowl. If you see them fighting do not interfere. If it gets really out of hand, come get me or Delaware."
*Scene changes*
A boy, about seventeen, with black hair and gray eyes appears on screen.
"This is Mason, Maryland's personification. Born April 28th, 1700, and became a state in 1788. His roots consist of German, English, African American, Russian, Welsh, and Scottish ancestry. Mason's normally pretty composed but don't ever call him 'Mary'. He will take out his lacrosse stick and you will learn it the hard way. Besides you'll see why it usually never happens when I introduce my next state."
*Scene changes*
A girl with gray eyes and ginger hair appears on screen.
"This is South Carolina and her human name is Mary Jones. She was born on May 23rd in 1710 and became a state in 1788. She has English, Scottish, Irish, African American, German, Mexican, and French roots. Mary loves art and her favorite sport is golf. She worked part time as a translator on Ellis Island in the 1890's since she specializes in communication. Technically all my kids speak at least seven or more languages."
*Scene changes*
A brunette with gray eyes appears on screen.
"This is Bridget. She's the personification of New Hampshire. She was born on June 21st of 1730 and became a state in 1788. Her most common roots are Irish, English, Welsh, French, and Canadian. Bridget loves skiing and she's close to my brother, Canada. She and Vermont have competitions all the time with him in making the best maple syrup."
*Scene changes*
A picture of Virginia appears on screen.
"Ve~ she's beautiful." Italy whispered. Germany hushed him.
"This is Virginia. Her human name is Edith Jones. She was born June 25th, 1735, and became a state in 1788. Her ancestry mostly consists of German, English, Scottish, and African American. Edith often looks after the younger states when I'm away since some of my older states work."
*Scene changes*
A picture of a boy with blue eyes and blonde hair appears on screen.
"This is Adam, New York. The center of the melting pot of the world. He was born July 26th, 1763 and became a state in 1788. He has the longest list of ancestry roots than my other states. His top five are German, Irish, French, English, and Italian. He has the highest rate of Dominican roots. His other roots are Scottish, Lithuanian, Russian, Polish, Czech, Greek, Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Icelandic. I could continue but that would make the video too long. Let's just say he basically has a bit of everything in him."
"He also worked as an interpreter on Ellis Island and he could speak almost every language fluently. He and I are the only ones who can speak thirty seven languages."
"T-thirty seven?!" England exclaimed.
"Sacre bleu!" France cried in disbelief.
"Mein gott, zhat's impressive." Germany said, astonished. For a brief second, Italy opened his eyes in shock.
"I-I don't believe it!" China shouted. "This has to be one of America's jokes-OW!"
China yelped when a ball was thrown at his head from above.
"Shut up down there!" New Jersey yelled. "I can't hear the damn video."
China reluctantly turned his head back to the screen muttering 'so immature'.
*Scene changes*
A sixteen year old boy with dark brown hair and green eyes appears on screen.
"This is the personification of North Carolina, or Gerald Jones. He was born on November 21st of 1770 and became a state in 1789. His roots are English, Scottish, African American, Native American, and German. He's known to have the greatest furniture production in the country and he likes carpentry. This is fortunate otherwise I'd have to spend more money on furniture that gets wrecked nearly every week."
"No kidding." England muttered under his breath.
*Scene changes*
A boy with brown hair and turquoise eyes appears on the screen.
This is Richard Jones, the personification of Rhode Island. He was born on May 29th of 1773 and became a state in 1790."
England's breath hitched and he felt sick to his stomach. This boy was born two years before the Revolutionary War. It must have been incredibly stressful for America to fight a war with a baby on his hip. It probably didn't help that he already had twelve other children to care for at the time.
But what made him disgusted with himself the most was the fact that he had attacked a baby.
"His most common roots are Portuguese, Italian, Irish, English, Welsh, and Canadian. Ricky loves sailing, making silverware, and designing jewelry. He often makes nice designs for his sisters and he's probably their favorite because they don't have to spend hundreds of dollars for jewelry."
*Scene changes*
A girl with auburn hair and gray eyes appears on screen.
"This is Vermont, Mabel Jones. She was born March 4th of 1775 and became a state in 1791.
England's guilt increased and he buried his face in his hands. First a baby, now a newborn.
"Her most common ancestry is English, French, Irish, Welsh, and Canadian. Mabel is shy but very sweet. She's really close to Canada and New Hampshire. She was often got second place in their maple syrup contest. Mattie usually always wins but this only makes her determined in making better recipes.
Vermont also makes great ice cream and she likes to snowboard."
*Scene changes*
A boy with brown hair and gray eyes appears on screen.
This is Kentucky, his human name is Jacob. He was born on June 1st of 1792 and became a state that year. His most common ancestry consists of German, English, Scottish, African American, and Russian. He's a big horse racing fan but he also likes basketball and he enjoys high literature."
*Scene changes*
A girl with gray eyes and neck length brown hair appears on screen.
"This is Tennessee, or Abigail. She was born on July 1st of 1796 and became a state that year. Her roots are mostly English, Scottish, Irish, African American, and German. She takes great pride in her education and makes her own music in her pastime. All my kids are well educated but Abbie's still trying to make herself smarter."
Finally a respectable one. England thought to himself.
*Scene changes*
A picture of Ohio appears on screen.
"This is Ohio's personification, James Jones."
He looks like Prussia. Austria thought, disturbed.
"He was born March 1st of 1803 and became a state in the same year. His roots are German, English, Welsh, Scottish, African American, Russian, Czech, Greek, Hungarian, Icelandic, Romanian, Slovak, Swedish, Ukrainian, Polish, and Belarusian. James's state usually determines the outcome of presidential elections and he's very quintessential. Although that often changes when he's around Michigan. They've got a rivalry. James loves swing music and cornhole."
What the hell is cornhole? Many of the nations wondered.
*Scene changes*
A girl with dark hair and eyes appears on screen.
"This is Louisiana, or Louise. She was born on April 30th, 1803, and became a state in 1812. Her ancestry consists of French, African American, German, English, and Irish. Louise practices voodoo, makes beaded jewelry, and cooks creole styled meals. Her gumbo is especially good. She also likes to fish when it's nice out."
*Scene changes*
A picture of Indiana appears on screen.
"This is Benjamin Jones, the personification of Indiana. He was born December 11th of 1803 and became a state in 1816. His most common roots are German, African American, English, Irish, Greek, Slovak, and Swedish. Ben is one of the states that manages the farming on the property. He does the tractor work and looks after the cornfield and soybeans. He likes to play basketball in his spare time or read."
*Scene changes*
A picture of Mississippi appears on screen.
"This is Mississippi, or Alexander Jones. He was born on December 10th, 1805, and became a state in 1817. His roots are Scottish, English, Irish, African American, and German. Alex also does the farming for the property but he's also an artist and a hunter. He often practices with his rifle outside. His favorite game is deer."
*Scene changes*
A picture of Illinois appears on screen.
This is Illinois, Violet Jones. She was born on December 3rd, 1805, and became a state in 1818. Her most common ethnicities are Lithuanian, German, African American, Romanian, Czech, Greek, Icelandic, Slovak, Swedish, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Polish. Violet's an animal lover and often trains the dogs with Arkansas. She's also a crazed fan for softball. She and Lithuania became really close when he came to live with us. Lithuania became her godfather in 1923."
Estonia and Latvia couldn't help but feel hurt that their brother would keep this from them. They understood now that the states were classified information but it still hurt.
Meanwhile, Poland glared at the floor.
*Scene changes*
A girl with wavy black hair and brown eyes appears on screen.
"This is Alabama, or Harriet Jones. She was born on December 14th, 1806, and became a state in 1819. Her roots are mostly Scottish, English, Irish, African American, and German. Harriet is your typical southern belle but she's also a big American football fan."
*Scene changes*
A picture of Maine appears on screen.
This is Claude. He personifies Maine. He was born March 15th of 1812 and became a state in 1820. His ancestry consists of French, Canadian, English, and Welsh. Claude loves to cook, especially seafood, and play biathlon."
*Scene changes*
A picture of a girl with wavy chestnut colored hair and brown eyes appears on screen.
"This is Missouri, or Rebecca Jones. She was born on August 10th of 1812 and became a state in 1821. Her roots are German, English, Swedish, and African American. She loves country music, art, and baseball. Becky also makes some of the best barbeque."
*Scene changes*
A picture of Arkansas appears on screen.
"This is Arkansas, also known as Jeremy Jones. He was born on June 15th of 1812 and became a state in 1836. His roots consist of German, African American, English, and Irish. Jeremy is one of the farmers on the property as well as a dog trainer. He manages the cattle and tobacco planting. He also likes hunting and his favorite game is ducks."
"HEY! THERE YOU ARE!" New Jersey shouted from above, startling the nations. The documentary was paused as a ruckus started to occur from the balconies.
"Dammit! Get back here you little bastard!" Ethan shouted. One of the doors burst open and New Jersey rushed out, chasing after a strange winged creature. The nations screamed as the creature flew over them.
It had the head of a goat, bat-like wings, horns, small arms, hooves, and a forked tail. The creature shrieked when New Jersey leaped into the air and tackled it.
"Jeez, you're a piece of work. You know that?!" He growled.
"WHAT IS THAT THING?!" China shouted.
"Jersey Devil." Ethan answered, holding onto the struggling creature.
"A fitting name." England scoffed.
"For once I agree with you, limey." Ethan muttered before heading back the way he came. "Keep playing, Cal!"
The nations sat there dumbstruck before turning back to the screen as it started to play again. Many of them were wondering how America managed to raise these children.
This is going to be a long day.
AN: This is the longest chapter I ever wrote! The remainder of this chapter will be continued at the next update. I don't want chapters to be too long.