Countryhumans Oneshots

The Time Spent in a Gilded Cage

Happy birthday, Lost! I hope that this oneshot is everything you dreamed of. It took so long to write, but I love it so much, and I am so glad you gave me enough brainrot for this! This is my longest oneshot, with over 23k words!!

August 16, 1812

The grass felt nice under his fingers. A breeze ruffled his hair and danced between the feathers of his tiny wings, and the territory dug his fingers into the dirt.

The sensations of everything—touch, smell, taste—were all so incredible that he couldn't help but indulge in the small luxuries of the world he had never experienced from a body that was his own, a body that had his wings, that was all his.

Michigan knew it was odd that he now had a body when he hadn't become a state, but he didn't care. He could finally hug his dad, a proper hug, not one in their shared mental state.

Michigan was so excited!

The territory flapped his down-covered wings, enjoying the sensation of the air on them. The territory tucked his wings under his arms to check how many flight feathers he had, enjoying the feeling of touch on his wings.

"A personification?" a woman's voice said from behind him. Michigan untucked his wings and turned around, smiling. The women looked shocked to see him, which made sense, as Michigan wasn't supposed to have a body.

"Hi, I'm Michigan! You're one of my people! Do you know where my governor is? Or my father, America?" Michigan asked, walking up to her. The woman gaped a bit more before regaining her composure.

"Hello. I'm Helga. I can take you to your governor," she said, holding out her hand. Michigan took it, and as soon as Helga's skin touched his own, he almost burst into tears. It felt so lovely and wonderful, and it was Michigan's new favorite sensation.

Of course, he had felt touch before when he controlled his dad's body, but this was different—it was better.

It was wonderful.

Helga guided Michigan into what he knew in his gut was Detriot, as many of the townspeople stared at the territory, who waved shyly, pressing closer to Helga.

"It's okay." She whispered. Michigan nodded.

"I know, they're mine. I've just never met this many people before," Michigan whispered back, waving excitedly at a nearby horse. Helga smiled and led Michigan to a building where some British soldiers were standing outside. Michigan pressed closer to Helga.

"Why are they here? Why are they here?" He asked, voice panicked. Helga shot him a concerned look.

"You don't know what happened?" She asked. Michigan shook his head. He and his family knew—there were threats at the border, but—

Michigan felt sick.

"I know we're at war with Britain and the British American colonies, but not...not why there are soldiers in my land," Michigan said. Helga gave him a mournful look.

"Michigan, Governor Hull's surrendered your land to Britain," Helga said, and Michigan froze, horror rushing through his veins, as he let go of Helga's hand and stumbled backward.

He had been surrendered. His governor had surrendered his land, and Britain was here.

Then another thing hit him.

This was why he had a body now.

"No...no he...he..." Michigan stared at Helga, "Where's my governor?"

"With Britain, negotiating your surrender. I know...I know this is a nasty surprise, but I can sneak you out of Detriot and help get you to your father if you don't..." Helga shot a nervous look at the soldiers. Michigan clenched his fists, wings fluttering nervously. Michigan exhaled, and then he made his decision.