This Animal I Have Become [5/?]
anonymous
October 5 2009, 15:57:27 UTC
Childish laughter filled the area, belonging to one immortal twelve year old. “Go faster, papa! Faster!!”
The sound of running got louder and louder as Sealand's adoptive father broke into a gallop, and then stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder, still looking scary, but with more of a smile on his face. He leant down to let Sealand get off. “M'ma 'll g't w'rrie'.”
Sealand nodded, dashing off towards Finland on his two little legs, a soft leaf-shaped deer tail poking up out of his shorts.
Finland grinned, picking up Sealand instantly, tail swishing happily in the chilling breeze. “You're going to run Papa up the wall one day, aren't you?”
Sweden trotted back towards them, hooves slightly damp from the snow, curling the soft white tendrils on his white stockings. Finland leaned his body towards Sweden, resting his head against Sweden's shoulder. “It's really cold...”
“Hn.”
They rested their bodies together, tails swishing and curling against each other in a loving gesture, Sealand sat on top of Finland's back.
Becoming centaurs hadn't been easy for Finland and Sweden. Although they were proud of their centaur bodies now, getting them had been extremely painful, spines growing outwards as their behinds grew, and the process had been one solid year of pain. But Peter's smile had just made them ignore both of it.
Sweden led first, going towards their home, Finland admiring the view of the pure white mountains, and of his lover's new body. Sweden had always had a tough build, and now he'd been blessed with the body of a draught horse. His tan was a light brown, much like his hair, with a white tail and stockings, just like a palomino.
And although Finland was dumpier, had darker fur, and was not quite as powerful as Sweden, he was still happy. His hooves clicked against the rock beneath the snow, and he smiled, using one hand to link Sweden's. “I love you...”
“L've ya 'oo.” Typical response. Their bodies changed, but what was important was that they hadn't.
Re: This Animal I Have Become [5/?]
anonymous
October 5 2009, 16:05:14 UTC
Awww Sealand's a little faun! And WOO Sweden and Finland are perfect centaurs (Rugged! SO VERY RUGGED!). Oh their cuddling is so cute! I really hope anon continues.
This Animal I Have Become [5.25/?]
anonymous
October 5 2009, 18:26:14 UTC
Sweden held open the door to their hut for Finland and Sealand, settling down on his haunches beside the fire, Finland doing the same, moving closer and closer to Sweden until their backs were touching, leaning against him.
He'd fallen more in love with Sweden after the humans had gone. They were now a closer family than ever, their bodies fitting perfectly together, although, of course, it had been uncomfortable at first.
Their house was nothing but a little hut now, and everyone preferred it that way. Humans were too materialistic, yet animals made do with what they could. They'd lived in this makeshift hut for thousands of years now, knew the surrounding area like the backs of their hands, and had even transformed here, writhing under the animal skins as it happened.
Sealand shivered, his breath showing in the chilly air, Sealand wrapping one arm around him, then wrapping an animal skin around his son's body, using his belly as a pillow for Sealand. As the boy began to drift off, he pecked the side of his head, and bid him a good night before playfully swishing his tail towards Finland, a slight smile on his face.
They all fell asleep together, Finland on his side, cuddling against Sealand, with Sweden sleeping on his side also, keeping each other warm as night fell, a chill wind sweeping through the door of their crude home.
Sealand twisted and writhed slightly at this cold breeze, and Sweden subconsciously held him a little tighter, although his grip had relaxed by morning.
The first thing the boy saw was golden light, seeping beneath the door, illuminating a patch of his face. Removing his adoptive father's arm from around his shoulders, Sealand snuck out of the house, deer tail bobbing in excitement. Was it the first day of spring already? The beautiful sun reflecting on the shining puddles as a chill wind swept through, winter still trying to prove itself - until the sunshine warmed the bodies it tried to freeze.
The little one took a long stick he found outside, and ran with it along the slightly-yellowed grass, stepping into his little leather boots outside the door. His tail wagged, and he began to jog towards the surrounding forest.
Through the twisting trees, he made sure he was in seeing and hearing distance of the hut, and even if he got called back, he wouldn't be in too much trouble. It was too early in the morning for papa to deal with.
So Sealand took a few more steps in the forest until he found a clearing beside a stream. He sat down, pulled his boots and clothing off, and took the plunge in the slow-flowing water. It was incredibly cold, but invigorating and refreshing at the same time. He kept afloat and dunked his head under, grinning as myriad species of small fish dashed for their breeding grounds before his very eyes. Pulling his head up, he splashed water over his body to wash himself and took a deep breath, his nostrils flaring.
He clambered up out onto the bank, running on the spot to warm himself up, crudely shaking himself to get dry, and basking in the sunlight. When he was sure he was dry enough to not catch a cold, he got dressed and began to dash through the forest again, on a more sidewards path.
What Sealand didn't know was that there was a pair of slit eyes watching him from a thicket. Silent, large paws padded pursued him secretly.
Sealand blinked and only turned when the big cat made a mistake in one clearing and trod on a twig. His eyes then widened to the size of dinner plates, and he tried to scream and run away, but only made mute gasps and stuck to the spot. He started to run, but he wasn't quite fast enough, and soon enough the animal was on top of him, sharp claws digging into his pale skin. He was going to cry, having lasted so long in the wild... and yet now he'd died by the paw of a wild animal...
Re: OH GODS NOT SEALAND!!
anonymous
October 6 2009, 16:29:15 UTC
Yeah, it's just your ordinary big puma/mountain lion. (:
And before anyone says so, I know that there aren't many big cats in the Scandinavian forests, so let's just imagine there's a lot these days, since 5,000 years have passed? ^^
This Animal I Have Become [5.5/?]
anonymous
October 5 2009, 21:27:45 UTC
Sealand was being crushed beneath the weight of the cat, and its jaws were very nearly about to rip open his throat, when a crashing of hooves was heard, startling the cat, Sweden rearing and stomping to make it go away moments after he'd arrived. The cat gave a defeated mewl and slunk off.
No smile on his face whatsoever now, Sweden reared up again, as intimidating as he could be, and stomped his two front legs in front of Sealand.
“Wh't w're y' doin' all the w'y out here!?”
“P-papa, I didn't mean to come so far-”
Sweden stomped again, his tail flickering wildly. “Y' shu'n't go in t' for'st w'out m'ma or papa, y' hear me!?”
“I'm sorry...”
“S'rry ain't 'nuff.”
Peter tipped his head down. Sweden sighed, grabbing his little faun by the shoulders and putting him onto his back.
“'m gonna tell m'ma.”
“Oh, please, papa, no!” Sealand cried. When Sweden was angry it was bad enough, but getting Finland angry was even worse. It would be like a storm in Africa - short, but devastating.
Sweden flicked his tail again as he set off. “Y' could've been killed.”
“Papa, please, I'm sorry!” Sealand cried again. “I didn't mean to, plus, I kept that big cat away... you know, so it wouldn't come near our house...”
“B't y' were n'rly killed!” Berwald snapped, turning around to glare at him. “Y' w'n't hero'c, y' were jus' stupid!”
The little blonde boy accepted his fate, bouncing up and down upon Sweden's broad back towards home.
When they were back at the hut, they had a visitor, and Sealand grinned as he was allowed off his papa's back, ready to greet America with his usual enthusiasm. However, America was more interested in Sweden and Finland, asking them question after question, mostly to do with their new bodies.
It bothered Sealand that he wasn't being recognised, but every now and again, he saw a spark of desperation in America's eyes. It was similar to the pleading in Finland's eyes during their transformation...
When the time came, Sealand ducked his head down and apologised to Finland, who wasn't angry, but more relieved, and thankful to Berwald for going to look for Sealand mere minutes after he'd realised he was gone. His only punishment was bed with no supper. Which was being let off lightly, Sweden's green eyes still mad, glaring before he and Finland left for a bath.
“Su-san, please calm down a bit..” Finland said, galloping to keep up with Sweden, who was stomping too quickly to be kept up with. “Okay, so he did was wrong... can you get over it?”
“No.”
Finland sighed, quietly trotting beside him.
“B'be could'a died.” Sweden said, stopping before the waterfall, pulling off his shirt with a little too much fervour than he should have used, almost ripping the fabric.
“Su-san, please...” Finland mumbled, undressing too. He sighed and trotted into the pool, sticking his head beneath the waterfall and shaking his hair out. “I know you're angry... but don't think about it anymore... please?”
Sweden came beside him, his eyes ablaze, then he sighed, his impressive abdominal muscles heaving along with him. He still wore the iron cross Finland had given him, bouncing against his chest with every breath he took to calm himself.
Finland was wearing the same one, smiling up at Sweden, walking towards him, hugging around Sweden's top half.
Berwald wasted no time, cupping the Finn's face in his hands and kissing him. Finland had to reach up and wrap his arms around Sweden's shoulders - Sweden did the same. Tino couldn't beat Sweden - he was much too powerful for the Finnish boy to take. He wrapped one of his front legs around Sweden's, stroking softly down it, almost like he used to do when he was human.
When Sweden pulled away, he seemed a little happier, and Finland was thankful for that. He smiled as he went behind Sweden, grooming every inch of him, stroking down the thick white hairs along his back. He washed out his lover's hooves, scrubbed his body, and brushed the knots out of Sweden's tail.
Sweden did the same to Finland, rubbing and patting him on the rump (eliciting a delighted neigh from Tino) before using a spare animal skin to dry himself.
Finland watched curiously as Sweden got dressed. He was still the Su-san he'd ran away with. Still the man he loved with all his little heart.
Re: This Animal I Have Become [6/?]
anonymous
October 6 2009, 19:08:35 UTC
America continued upon his journey, walking a dirt trail in some forest in the middle of Europe. He didn't know how he'd gotten so far in such a short length of time, but as the sunlight glowed upon his skin, he took a moment to try and surmise where he was - which country, precisely.
His answer soon came in the form of a rock flying past his head. He shook his head around, trying to find out who was trying to shoot at him, when he caught sight of a little blonde head disappearing into a bush.
"Oi, I'm a friend!" America shouted, hoping his tone wouldn't scare off his attacker. He needed whoever he could find, and after a little bit of rustling in some bushes, Switzerland scrubbed the greenery out of his and Liechtenstein's hair, standing up together and going to confront America, Switzerland still clutching his primitive-looking slingshot in one fist.
"So, uh... how you guys doing?"
The two siblings looked the same as they had when they were human - their dress was now more ragged, however, Vash and Lili no longer had human ears. Where they had been, soft, sandy-brown cone-like cow ears had sprouted, twitching every now and again. The same had happened to their tails, which Switzerland impatiently whipped around.
Lili was wearing a cowbell on a soft piece of leather string around her neck, and she looked at America honestly, politely bidding him a good day.
"Why are you here?" Vash asked.
"I'm kinda... going around the world at the moment. Because of what's been happening to everyone." To tell the truth, America was getting tired of having to explain himself and answer the question 'why?' all the time. He didn't want to say it any more.
Switzerland's green eyes blinked at him. "So there are more... like us?"
Liechtenstein raised her head, the cowbell making a minute sound, clinging onto Switzerland's tunic from behind him. "Brother's saying... we've become... like this... and we didn't know... it had happened to others."
"It's happened to everyone." America smiled at Lili. "Different animals for different people. Just not to me... well, maybe not."
Her aqua eyes widened slightly as America turned away after a few moments. "You have something on your back too."
America turned his head.
"Lili, don't be rude..." Switzerland sighed.
"But he does, brother. It's as clear as day."
"What's on my back?" America blinked. "What?"
Lili shook her head. "Don't mind me... it was just, just an illusion. I was sure I saw a pair of wings, white and brown and proud and strong."
"Lili... what have I told you about... saying those kinds of things?" Vash blinked again.
"Those kinds of things?"
Switzerland nodded, running a hand through Liechtenstein's hair. "Every now and again, well recently... she talks to the animals. Whispers what's going to happen to them. And she is never, ever wrong."
"So like a fortune-teller?"
"Sort of."
Lili smiled honestly again, nuzzling against her brother's hip. "But I'm always right, aren't I, brother?"
"...Yes..."
"For example, I saw a sad fate for this one rabbit who hopped near the house... a fox came and ate it. Another little field mouse was lost in a rain storm." Her honesty was so sweet that it could have been a form of candy.
"Yes, she talks to animals." Switzerland said, moving his right arm protectively in front of his little sister.
"Oh..." America didn't falter, but he did bite his lips. "She's always correct. And she saw wings...?"
Liechtenstein nodded.
"Oh, god..." He had to turn and continue on his journey, having extracted all the information he needed to know from the brother and sister. What a day...
This Animal I Have Become [7/?]
anonymous
October 8 2009, 22:26:45 UTC
America groaned and grunted a little in pain on the way to his next destination. His back was beginning to kill him, not to mention his feet, which felt raw, his plantar bones dully aching.
He sat beneath a tree, still unaware of where he was. He knew he was lost - the worst thing was, trying to decipher just how far he'd walked in the wrong direction.
The sun was beginning to set, and the amber glow of the Earth's star was seeping over everything, tinting the sky pink, the birds flying towards the horizon. A perfectly picturesque scene, one that might have made a nice postcard several thousand years ago.
But there was one slight oddity to this. America had to squint, but there was one bird in the formation who was much too big. Enormous white wings flapping, large enough to shield three of his smaller comrades.
The group seemed to be playful rather than migrating, and the birds even swooped down near the grass, Alfred watching as it rustled with the sweeping breeze. However, the biggest bird was simply treading in the sky, America blinking as he realised it was... a human?
No, it couldn't be. America thought to himself. Russia had told him that Poland and Belarus couldn't fly, right? He though to himself that this was because of one or two factors - firstly, that their skeletons would be too heavy - and secondly, when the feathered appendages had burst out of their backs, they would lose some feathers from the chaotic movement as their own bodies rejected them. Maybe the flight feathers, who knew.
Cupping his hands around his mouth as he rose was going to be America's only answer, and he shouted the winged being down.
This Animal I Have Become [7.25/?]
anonymous
October 8 2009, 22:29:04 UTC
A pair of crimson-violet eyes grinned with their usual confidence as Prussia alighted and set foot onto the ground. "Heya, ain't seen you for ages!" He was still wearing the iron cross, but now with a grey vest shirt and pants, a stark contrast to the royal-blue military uniform he used to wear.
His wings spread behind him, before folding away on his back, ready to be deployed again at any moment.
America stared for quite a while. "...How come you can fly?" He finally asked, completely confounded.
Prussia smiled nostalgically. "I know what ya mean... Ludwig can't fly either. I ain't told no-one though."
"Told anyone what? That you can fly?" America noted the tone of desperation in his speech and kicked himself for being such a whiner.
Gilbert laughed again. "Nah, it's much more complicated 'en that."
"What is!?" The ambiguity of some nations was beginning to ire America, and he wanted his answers right now.
Prussia leaned in slowly to whisper. "I'm dead."
"You aren't!"
"I'm not a human with animal features, like the others. I'm an angel, alright?"
America took a good look again. "Then... what about the halo and such?"
"Ripped it off, zoomed past St. Peter, now I live in exile here. Didn't wanna be stuck up there with all those goddamn humans. I'd rather spend the rest of my life with Ivan than that bunch."
"Oh."
"Is that all you can say?" Prussia asked. "Escaping heaven is a pretty awesome feat, my man, wouldn't ya say?"
"Escaping heaven..." America mused. "So you prefer... this primitive lifestyle... to..."
"To being stuck upstairs with God, other dead nations, and God-fearing stiffs who think fun is sinful, yeah, I much prefer it. Say, you thirsty? You can come to mine for a beer, eh?"
This Animal I Have Become [7.5/?]
anonymous
October 8 2009, 22:33:07 UTC
America complied, trudging along, invited into Germany's house. Yet again, another simplistic hut of one room, with no natural light inside, the door covered by animal skins.
Ludwig looked up towards his brother and their guest, nervously shifting a heavily-sleeping Veneciano off his lap.
Behind Ludwig's back was a pair of golden wings, which fluttered lightly in surprise when he saw America. His lips formed a small line again, and he greeted Alfred, trying not to wake up Italy, whose ears and tail were twitching as he ran in a dream, for Italy was a wolf, just like Ivan.
Prussia grinned, shooting out three glasses of beer from each barrel into very old metal steins. America drunk what he could - the home-made beer tasted foul and unrefined.
"...How much does it hurt when the wings come in?" The American asked, his gaze still lowered as he drove an proverbial icepick into the silence.
"Is that what this is about?" Ludwig blinked. "Why us? Austria and Hungary both have wings..."
"Yeah! Plus, you know, when you turn into a totally awesome angel, like me, they just materialise and don't hurt ya at all."
America sighed as he was forced yet again to retell his story.
The German brothers listened in carefully, recalling just how they'd helped themselves, and their cousin and his wife.
"Oi... Take off your shirt."
"What?" America blinked. Even after 5,000 years, it was still an odd question to be asked, but looking at the hardness of Germany's eyes, he had no choice, shrugging off the same shirt he'd worn all these years, carefully unclasping his bolo tie, his naked back caressed by the warm twilight breeze.
Ludwig moved to inspect America's back, America almost howling with pain when the German's two large thumbs pressed gently against the swollen welts on his back, which were now no longer simply raised, but had become larger, almost egg-shapped, protruding from the skin, sore, and red, occasionally moving.
"Jesus H. Christ!" Prussia yelled, once he'd turned to take a look with Ludwig. "Geez.. this is gonna be bad..."
America grimaced and winced, Ludwig diagnosing that he would only have a few more days before the wings would spectacularly burst from his back.
A shiver ran down America's spine as he counted down to this, clenching his teeth together, holding his arms so his fingers were hanging over his shoulders.
Even though Ludwig offered him a place to stay, America just couldn't help himself. He suddenly grabbed his shirt and darted from the hut, as fast as a rabbit who had sensed danger. He heard the calls of Prussia from above, but he lost him soon enough, running for so long he didn't even know he was exhausted until he collapsed in the middle of a thicket.
By now, he was completely terrified and clutching onto one of the lumps, looking at the blood on his hand when he noticed it was wet. Turning his head to get a better look, one of the bones on one side had broken through the skin. A hateful bone, a piece of cartilage shaped like the Reaper's scythe.
Re: This Animal I Have Become [7.5/?]
anonymous
October 8 2009, 23:25:12 UTC
wahah! prussia the angel! for some reason, that reminds me a lot of a chinese opera i saw a few years back.
feli makes a good wolf, since rome was said, by myth, to be founded by brothers that were themselves raised by a mother wolf. i don't know if this was anon's intent of not, but still really cool.
Authoranon replies
anonymous
October 9 2009, 15:58:37 UTC
Thank you guys so much! It's lovely to see such enthusiasm over this. I wasn't sure of where it should go, but a story arc popped into my head, so yeah. (:
Oh, and it was my every intention to make Feli have wolf features. I have a list of national animals bookmarked, and since Italy's animal is a wolf, I thought it'd be fitting, due to Rome's influence too. : )
Before anyone asks this also, I'll say that although Russia's emblem and national animal is an eagle, Ivan seems more like a wolf to me.
So enjoy the rest! I'll be out tonight, but when I come back, I'll put up the next chapter. C:
The sound of running got louder and louder as Sealand's adoptive father broke into a gallop, and then stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder, still looking scary, but with more of a smile on his face. He leant down to let Sealand get off. “M'ma 'll g't w'rrie'.”
Sealand nodded, dashing off towards Finland on his two little legs, a soft leaf-shaped deer tail poking up out of his shorts.
Finland grinned, picking up Sealand instantly, tail swishing happily in the chilling breeze. “You're going to run Papa up the wall one day, aren't you?”
Sweden trotted back towards them, hooves slightly damp from the snow, curling the soft white tendrils on his white stockings. Finland leaned his body towards Sweden, resting his head against Sweden's shoulder. “It's really cold...”
“Hn.”
They rested their bodies together, tails swishing and curling against each other in a loving gesture, Sealand sat on top of Finland's back.
Becoming centaurs hadn't been easy for Finland and Sweden. Although they were proud of their centaur bodies now, getting them had been extremely painful, spines growing outwards as their behinds grew, and the process had been one solid year of pain. But Peter's smile had just made them ignore both of it.
Sweden led first, going towards their home, Finland admiring the view of the pure white mountains, and of his lover's new body. Sweden had always had a tough build, and now he'd been blessed with the body of a draught horse. His tan was a light brown, much like his hair, with a white tail and stockings, just like a palomino.
And although Finland was dumpier, had darker fur, and was not quite as powerful as Sweden, he was still happy. His hooves clicked against the rock beneath the snow, and he smiled, using one hand to link Sweden's. “I love you...”
“L've ya 'oo.” Typical response. Their bodies changed, but what was important was that they hadn't.
Reply
Reply
He'd fallen more in love with Sweden after the humans had gone. They were now a closer family than ever, their bodies fitting perfectly together, although, of course, it had been uncomfortable at first.
Their house was nothing but a little hut now, and everyone preferred it that way. Humans were too materialistic, yet animals made do with what they could. They'd lived in this makeshift hut for thousands of years now, knew the surrounding area like the backs of their hands, and had even transformed here, writhing under the animal skins as it happened.
Sealand shivered, his breath showing in the chilly air, Sealand wrapping one arm around him, then wrapping an animal skin around his son's body, using his belly as a pillow for Sealand. As the boy began to drift off, he pecked the side of his head, and bid him a good night before playfully swishing his tail towards Finland, a slight smile on his face.
They all fell asleep together, Finland on his side, cuddling against Sealand, with Sweden sleeping on his side also, keeping each other warm as night fell, a chill wind sweeping through the door of their crude home.
Sealand twisted and writhed slightly at this cold breeze, and Sweden subconsciously held him a little tighter, although his grip had relaxed by morning.
The first thing the boy saw was golden light, seeping beneath the door, illuminating a patch of his face. Removing his adoptive father's arm from around his shoulders, Sealand snuck out of the house, deer tail bobbing in excitement. Was it the first day of spring already? The beautiful sun reflecting on the shining puddles as a chill wind swept through, winter still trying to prove itself - until the sunshine warmed the bodies it tried to freeze.
The little one took a long stick he found outside, and ran with it along the slightly-yellowed grass, stepping into his little leather boots outside the door. His tail wagged, and he began to jog towards the surrounding forest.
Through the twisting trees, he made sure he was in seeing and hearing distance of the hut, and even if he got called back, he wouldn't be in too much trouble. It was too early in the morning for papa to deal with.
So Sealand took a few more steps in the forest until he found a clearing beside a stream. He sat down, pulled his boots and clothing off, and took the plunge in the slow-flowing water. It was incredibly cold, but invigorating and refreshing at the same time. He kept afloat and dunked his head under, grinning as myriad species of small fish dashed for their breeding grounds before his very eyes. Pulling his head up, he splashed water over his body to wash himself and took a deep breath, his nostrils flaring.
He clambered up out onto the bank, running on the spot to warm himself up, crudely shaking himself to get dry, and basking in the sunlight. When he was sure he was dry enough to not catch a cold, he got dressed and began to dash through the forest again, on a more sidewards path.
What Sealand didn't know was that there was a pair of slit eyes watching him from a thicket. Silent, large paws padded pursued him secretly.
Sealand blinked and only turned when the big cat made a mistake in one clearing and trod on a twig. His eyes then widened to the size of dinner plates, and he tried to scream and run away, but only made mute gasps and stuck to the spot. He started to run, but he wasn't quite fast enough, and soon enough the animal was on top of him, sharp claws digging into his pale skin. He was going to cry, having lasted so long in the wild... and yet now he'd died by the paw of a wild animal...
Reply
Reply
(Is the cat a nation, or random assburger cat?)
Reply
And before anyone says so, I know that there aren't many big cats in the Scandinavian forests, so let's just imagine there's a lot these days, since 5,000 years have passed? ^^
Reply
No smile on his face whatsoever now, Sweden reared up again, as intimidating as he could be, and stomped his two front legs in front of Sealand.
“Wh't w're y' doin' all the w'y out here!?”
“P-papa, I didn't mean to come so far-”
Sweden stomped again, his tail flickering wildly. “Y' shu'n't go in t' for'st w'out m'ma or papa, y' hear me!?”
“I'm sorry...”
“S'rry ain't 'nuff.”
Peter tipped his head down. Sweden sighed, grabbing his little faun by the shoulders and putting him onto his back.
“'m gonna tell m'ma.”
“Oh, please, papa, no!” Sealand cried. When Sweden was angry it was bad enough, but getting Finland angry was even worse. It would be like a storm in Africa - short, but devastating.
Sweden flicked his tail again as he set off. “Y' could've been killed.”
“Papa, please, I'm sorry!” Sealand cried again. “I didn't mean to, plus, I kept that big cat away... you know, so it wouldn't come near our house...”
“B't y' were n'rly killed!” Berwald snapped, turning around to glare at him. “Y' w'n't hero'c, y' were jus' stupid!”
The little blonde boy accepted his fate, bouncing up and down upon Sweden's broad back towards home.
When they were back at the hut, they had a visitor, and Sealand grinned as he was allowed off his papa's back, ready to greet America with his usual enthusiasm. However, America was more interested in Sweden and Finland, asking them question after question, mostly to do with their new bodies.
It bothered Sealand that he wasn't being recognised, but every now and again, he saw a spark of desperation in America's eyes. It was similar to the pleading in Finland's eyes during their transformation...
When the time came, Sealand ducked his head down and apologised to Finland, who wasn't angry, but more relieved, and thankful to Berwald for going to look for Sealand mere minutes after he'd realised he was gone. His only punishment was bed with no supper. Which was being let off lightly, Sweden's green eyes still mad, glaring before he and Finland left for a bath.
“Su-san, please calm down a bit..” Finland said, galloping to keep up with Sweden, who was stomping too quickly to be kept up with. “Okay, so he did was wrong... can you get over it?”
“No.”
Finland sighed, quietly trotting beside him.
“B'be could'a died.” Sweden said, stopping before the waterfall, pulling off his shirt with a little too much fervour than he should have used, almost ripping the fabric.
“Su-san, please...” Finland mumbled, undressing too. He sighed and trotted into the pool, sticking his head beneath the waterfall and shaking his hair out. “I know you're angry... but don't think about it anymore... please?”
Sweden came beside him, his eyes ablaze, then he sighed, his impressive abdominal muscles heaving along with him. He still wore the iron cross Finland had given him, bouncing against his chest with every breath he took to calm himself.
Finland was wearing the same one, smiling up at Sweden, walking towards him, hugging around Sweden's top half.
Berwald wasted no time, cupping the Finn's face in his hands and kissing him. Finland had to reach up and wrap his arms around Sweden's shoulders - Sweden did the same. Tino couldn't beat Sweden - he was much too powerful for the Finnish boy to take. He wrapped one of his front legs around Sweden's, stroking softly down it, almost like he used to do when he was human.
When Sweden pulled away, he seemed a little happier, and Finland was thankful for that. He smiled as he went behind Sweden, grooming every inch of him, stroking down the thick white hairs along his back. He washed out his lover's hooves, scrubbed his body, and brushed the knots out of Sweden's tail.
Sweden did the same to Finland, rubbing and patting him on the rump (eliciting a delighted neigh from Tino) before using a spare animal skin to dry himself.
Finland watched curiously as Sweden got dressed. He was still the Su-san he'd ran away with. Still the man he loved with all his little heart.
Reply
Anon is sooo happy Sealand will live!
Reply
His answer soon came in the form of a rock flying past his head. He shook his head around, trying to find out who was trying to shoot at him, when he caught sight of a little blonde head disappearing into a bush.
"Oi, I'm a friend!" America shouted, hoping his tone wouldn't scare off his attacker. He needed whoever he could find, and after a little bit of rustling in some bushes, Switzerland scrubbed the greenery out of his and Liechtenstein's hair, standing up together and going to confront America, Switzerland still clutching his primitive-looking slingshot in one fist.
"So, uh... how you guys doing?"
The two siblings looked the same as they had when they were human - their dress was now more ragged, however, Vash and Lili no longer had human ears. Where they had been, soft, sandy-brown cone-like cow ears had sprouted, twitching every now and again. The same had happened to their tails, which Switzerland impatiently whipped around.
Lili was wearing a cowbell on a soft piece of leather string around her neck, and she looked at America honestly, politely bidding him a good day.
"Why are you here?" Vash asked.
"I'm kinda... going around the world at the moment. Because of what's been happening to everyone." To tell the truth, America was getting tired of having to explain himself and answer the question 'why?' all the time. He didn't want to say it any more.
Switzerland's green eyes blinked at him. "So there are more... like us?"
Liechtenstein raised her head, the cowbell making a minute sound, clinging onto Switzerland's tunic from behind him. "Brother's saying... we've become... like this... and we didn't know... it had happened to others."
"It's happened to everyone." America smiled at Lili. "Different animals for different people. Just not to me... well, maybe not."
Her aqua eyes widened slightly as America turned away after a few moments. "You have something on your back too."
America turned his head.
"Lili, don't be rude..." Switzerland sighed.
"But he does, brother. It's as clear as day."
"What's on my back?" America blinked. "What?"
Lili shook her head. "Don't mind me... it was just, just an illusion. I was sure I saw a pair of wings, white and brown and proud and strong."
"Lili... what have I told you about... saying those kinds of things?" Vash blinked again.
"Those kinds of things?"
Switzerland nodded, running a hand through Liechtenstein's hair. "Every now and again, well recently... she talks to the animals. Whispers what's going to happen to them. And she is never, ever wrong."
"So like a fortune-teller?"
"Sort of."
Lili smiled honestly again, nuzzling against her brother's hip. "But I'm always right, aren't I, brother?"
"...Yes..."
"For example, I saw a sad fate for this one rabbit who hopped near the house... a fox came and ate it. Another little field mouse was lost in a rain storm." Her honesty was so sweet that it could have been a form of candy.
"Yes, she talks to animals." Switzerland said, moving his right arm protectively in front of his little sister.
"Oh..." America didn't falter, but he did bite his lips. "She's always correct. And she saw wings...?"
Liechtenstein nodded.
"Oh, god..." He had to turn and continue on his journey, having extracted all the information he needed to know from the brother and sister. What a day...
Reply
Poor Alfed, I can only begin to imagine his inevitable freak out...
Reply
Really luvin this so far. So much more peaceful without the stress of people, but their quirks are missed, I suppose.
Reply
He sat beneath a tree, still unaware of where he was. He knew he was lost - the worst thing was, trying to decipher just how far he'd walked in the wrong direction.
The sun was beginning to set, and the amber glow of the Earth's star was seeping over everything, tinting the sky pink, the birds flying towards the horizon. A perfectly picturesque scene, one that might have made a nice postcard several thousand years ago.
But there was one slight oddity to this. America had to squint, but there was one bird in the formation who was much too big. Enormous white wings flapping, large enough to shield three of his smaller comrades.
The group seemed to be playful rather than migrating, and the birds even swooped down near the grass, Alfred watching as it rustled with the sweeping breeze. However, the biggest bird was simply treading in the sky, America blinking as he realised it was... a human?
No, it couldn't be. America thought to himself. Russia had told him that Poland and Belarus couldn't fly, right? He though to himself that this was because of one or two factors - firstly, that their skeletons would be too heavy - and secondly, when the feathered appendages had burst out of their backs, they would lose some feathers from the chaotic movement as their own bodies rejected them. Maybe the flight feathers, who knew.
Cupping his hands around his mouth as he rose was going to be America's only answer, and he shouted the winged being down.
Reply
His wings spread behind him, before folding away on his back, ready to be deployed again at any moment.
America stared for quite a while. "...How come you can fly?" He finally asked, completely confounded.
Prussia smiled nostalgically. "I know what ya mean... Ludwig can't fly either. I ain't told no-one though."
"Told anyone what? That you can fly?" America noted the tone of desperation in his speech and kicked himself for being such a whiner.
Gilbert laughed again. "Nah, it's much more complicated 'en that."
"What is!?" The ambiguity of some nations was beginning to ire America, and he wanted his answers right now.
Prussia leaned in slowly to whisper. "I'm dead."
"You aren't!"
"I'm not a human with animal features, like the others. I'm an angel, alright?"
America took a good look again. "Then... what about the halo and such?"
"Ripped it off, zoomed past St. Peter, now I live in exile here. Didn't wanna be stuck up there with all those goddamn humans. I'd rather spend the rest of my life with Ivan than that bunch."
"Oh."
"Is that all you can say?" Prussia asked. "Escaping heaven is a pretty awesome feat, my man, wouldn't ya say?"
"Escaping heaven..." America mused. "So you prefer... this primitive lifestyle... to..."
"To being stuck upstairs with God, other dead nations, and God-fearing stiffs who think fun is sinful, yeah, I much prefer it. Say, you thirsty? You can come to mine for a beer, eh?"
Reply
Ludwig looked up towards his brother and their guest, nervously shifting a heavily-sleeping Veneciano off his lap.
Behind Ludwig's back was a pair of golden wings, which fluttered lightly in surprise when he saw America. His lips formed a small line again, and he greeted Alfred, trying not to wake up Italy, whose ears and tail were twitching as he ran in a dream, for Italy was a wolf, just like Ivan.
Prussia grinned, shooting out three glasses of beer from each barrel into very old metal steins. America drunk what he could - the home-made beer tasted foul and unrefined.
"...How much does it hurt when the wings come in?" The American asked, his gaze still lowered as he drove an proverbial icepick into the silence.
"Is that what this is about?" Ludwig blinked. "Why us? Austria and Hungary both have wings..."
"Yeah! Plus, you know, when you turn into a totally awesome angel, like me, they just materialise and don't hurt ya at all."
America sighed as he was forced yet again to retell his story.
The German brothers listened in carefully, recalling just how they'd helped themselves, and their cousin and his wife.
"Oi... Take off your shirt."
"What?" America blinked. Even after 5,000 years, it was still an odd question to be asked, but looking at the hardness of Germany's eyes, he had no choice, shrugging off the same shirt he'd worn all these years, carefully unclasping his bolo tie, his naked back caressed by the warm twilight breeze.
Ludwig moved to inspect America's back, America almost howling with pain when the German's two large thumbs pressed gently against the swollen welts on his back, which were now no longer simply raised, but had become larger, almost egg-shapped, protruding from the skin, sore, and red, occasionally moving.
"Jesus H. Christ!" Prussia yelled, once he'd turned to take a look with Ludwig. "Geez.. this is gonna be bad..."
America grimaced and winced, Ludwig diagnosing that he would only have a few more days before the wings would spectacularly burst from his back.
A shiver ran down America's spine as he counted down to this, clenching his teeth together, holding his arms so his fingers were hanging over his shoulders.
Even though Ludwig offered him a place to stay, America just couldn't help himself. He suddenly grabbed his shirt and darted from the hut, as fast as a rabbit who had sensed danger. He heard the calls of Prussia from above, but he lost him soon enough, running for so long he didn't even know he was exhausted until he collapsed in the middle of a thicket.
By now, he was completely terrified and clutching onto one of the lumps, looking at the blood on his hand when he noticed it was wet. Turning his head to get a better look, one of the bones on one side had broken through the skin. A hateful bone, a piece of cartilage shaped like the Reaper's scythe.
He screamed loudly and then lost consciousness.
Reply
feli makes a good wolf, since rome was said, by myth, to be founded by brothers that were themselves raised by a mother wolf. i don't know if this was anon's intent of not, but still really cool.
alfred's bone sticking out made me cringe!
Reply
Oh, and it was my every intention to make Feli have wolf features. I have a list of national animals bookmarked, and since Italy's animal is a wolf, I thought it'd be fitting, due to Rome's influence too. : )
Before anyone asks this also, I'll say that although Russia's emblem and national animal is an eagle, Ivan seems more like a wolf to me.
So enjoy the rest! I'll be out tonight, but when I come back, I'll put up the next chapter. C:
Reply
Leave a comment