Mortality, My Worst Enemy

Chapter Three: Dreams and Broken Promises

America was rolling Caleb into the elevator and pressed the button to the floor with skyline room. Once it tinged, Alfred wheeled the boy out and they went to the door. There was a guard there with large muscles in a black shirt. He wasn't a government agent, but he had a booklet to his side on a hook labeled 'Badges and their Meanings'

"ID badge?" he asked in a gruff voice, and America pulled out his special government badge. It was a white gold star with a detailed banner wrapped around it saying 'In God We Trust', along the bottom, there was a pair of white gold wings held together by a ruby in the center. This badge meant that he was America, only he had this badge. The guard picked up the booklet, having not recognized the badge. He flipped through the pages quickly, only to pale once he read what the badge meant and the photo ID next to it. He quickly hooked the booklet back onto the hook and nodded, "right this way sir!" he said, a lot more pleasant this time.

Caleb and he were directed into the room without hesitation. The guard was now extremely worried, having been so gruff to his country.

"Loosen up Martin, a guard on edge is the reason police have such a bad wrap ya know," Alfred said chuckling, "I'm not gonna bite, I'm just here to help my friend see the river. I'm aware of the meeting that is going to take place in a few moments, but this is of higher importance," Alfred said, rubbing Caleb's head.

"What should I do if they begin to get restless, sir?" The guard asked. Alfred handed the guard a hundred.

"See to it we aren't disturbed unless it's another nation. Tell the company the matter is confidential government business," he whispered, causing the guard to nod rapidly and quickly leave. He then smiled down at Caleb and wheeled him to the large window. Caleb looked in awe.

"It's so beautiful Alfred! I can hardly believe it!" Caleb put his hands on the window, looking at the bright blue river below him. There were boats galore sailing out, and people walking along the sidewalk on both sides. America laughed softly at Caleb's wonder, "I can't wait to be a grown up! I'm going to be just like you! And do good things in the world!" Caleb basically jumped from his wheelchair in excitement. Alfred grabbed a folded chair and began to undo the latches, taking a seat next to him.

"Is that what you dream about Caleb?" he asked, "Is that what you want to do?" Alfred softly followed, looking at the boy with a smile. He quickly looked back at Alfred and nodded. Caleb's eyes held so much wonder, it was like America was staring at himself.

"Yep! I always wanted to help people! And you do that every day! I want to be just like you Alfred! You're so talented and smart! I always wanted to be someone like you!" Caleb then began to think, "you're like my daddy. I miss him a lot, but he's over the ocean protecting me. Mommy says that when he comes home all three of us will go out to eat and I can get whatever I want. She says that I can even get dessert before dinner!" Caleb was such a happy boy, it made Alfred's heart shattered to bits knowing he wasn't made to last for much longer. Fate had a different plan and angels wanted Caleb to join them, "what was your dream when you were a kid?" Caleb asked.

"Well, when I was very young I had a friend named Davie. He really liked this certain flower that didn't grow where we lived, but it grew where my older brother lived. I promised Davie that my brother would bring some back next time he would visit me, and I would give him some. My brother didn't see me for a while, but when he did he brought some back for me. I planted a really big garden filled with those flowers because I wanted Davie to be happy when he saw them. But before I could show Davie, he died. I was heartbroken that I couldn't fulfill my promise to Davie, so I made up my mind then and there. I was going to help everyone I could, and be there for everyone. I wasn't going to break any more promises, and always remain honest and loyal" Alfred looked to the river briefly before turning back to Caleb, whose eyes were wide from the story and brimming with tears. They began to flow rapidly down his cheeks and Alfred wiped away Caleb's tears.

"That's so sad! Poor Davie! I hope he went peacefully! It must have been so sad to see your friend die so young! But don't worry! I'll always be there for you Alfred! I promise!" Caleb cried out, making Alfred's tears finally flow. Alfred and Caleb hugged tightly, not wanting to let each other go. They were both unaware of the G8 at the door, who had just witnessed the whole scene play out. France and England were crying silently, and Japan even had a few tears prick his empty brown orbs. Italy was clinging to Germany, crying into his muscular arm. Canada coughed to make their presence known, quickly wiping his tears.

"You guys should come back, the others are waiting eh," Canada said with a soft tone and even softer smile. America wiped his tears with his handkerchief and then proceeded to wipe Caleb's. Alfred then wheeled Caleb back to the meeting room, silent all the way through.

The nurse met them outside the meeting room, where Arthur grabbed Alfred's sleeve. Alfred looked at him with concern, and nodded to Zoey to take Caleb in. Once the door was shut and the only people out in the hall were Alfred and Arthur, it was said.

"You've done this before? The same mistake twice? Just like you Alfred," Arthur jested lightly, "was that why you wanted those flowers when you were a colony? For Davie?"

"Yea, but you didn't visit so often and spent most of my time alone. I was honestly confused. I didn't realize what I was or who I was, and why Davie aged while I didn't. I was scared that one day I'd end up like Davie, but then the Revolution happened. I realized in that war what I was meant to be and who I was meant to become. England, I didn't fight you because I hated you. I actually was the opposite, I admired you. You were such a strong and compassionate father who would destroy anyone who dared to touch me or the other colonies. I remember you brought me to a world meeting while I was still tiny, and as soon as Russia came within five feet of me you and France pulled out your swords," they both chuckled at the memory.

"I remember that! As soon as I saw him coming I went to protect you, and France quickly followed. If anyone had touched you other than France and I, I would slap them. But you being you got out of my grip and wandered off, you gave us a heart attack. You could only imagine the relief we felt when Prussia was carrying you back to the meeting in his arms. You had fallen asleep in a bread box after eating all the scones," they both laughed again.

"The point is England is that I didn't want to be your colony forever. I wanted to be your equal. That's why I fought so hard to be a hero. I wanted you to be proud," Alfred blushed, "you raised me, Arthur. You're my father. You raised me to be the man I am, the superpower I am, the empire I am. I am me, because I looked up to you," Alfred hugged the now tearing Britt.

"I'm so proud of what you are Alfred, you and all your siblings grew up to be wonderful!" Arthur wiped his tears and Alfred's now stained cheeks, "come the others are waiting," Arthur said fixing his hair and both of them walking in.