Looking for Heaven, Found the Devil in Me {N. Italy}

[Deleted]

All of the ghouls come out to play
And every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues strong
It's always darkest before the dawn

Morning, particularly the early morning, had always been Astrit's favorite time of the day. Perhaps this was because it was woven into his names--after all, he was called Dawn and Morning and Blackbird--or perhaps it was because of the benefits that came with rising before anyone else did. He always had at least a few minutes of being alone in the dewy quiet, watching the sun come up with the cool morning air in his face and nothing but birdsong in his ears, until it was time for morning prayers. In those moments, it felt like he had the whole world to himself, and, just for a little while, he was at peace with everything.

Usually, at least.

Today, Astrit had somewhere to be, and he wanted to be there a little early. Sure, he didn't expect to be chastised for being late--not when it was Italy he was meeting; chances were good that the ruler of the empire would be called aside for one reason or another at the last minute, in which case it wouldn't be at all difficult to be the one who got there first--but he still thought it best to make a good impression by being ready. So, when it was still mostly dark out, Astrit got up, dressed in the embarrassingly small uniform he had been issued (which had since been repaired several times; it would be painfully obvious, to anyone with the least knowledge of such things, which of the repairs had been his own doing and which had been handed off to someone with more skill in that arena), packed himself a breakfast that would be quick and easy to eat, and set out towards the shooting range.

When he got there, his hair was still slightly damp and the place appeared to be deserted. That was probably for the best, the boy reflected; he would have some time to himself anyway while he waited. Leaning against the wall, he pulled the byrek he had packed out of his bag and munched on the pastry. He looked perfectly calm and content, but this morning, he was very much on alert, keeping an eye and an ear out for any sign that Feliciano--or anyone else, for that matter--might have arrived. He didn't want to be caught by surprise, and the presence of anyone else, whether a human or one of his own kind, could easily surprise him if they approached him without notice.

Not that that was all he noticed, of course. Even on mornings when he had to be awake and busy, Astrit loved the colors of the lightening sky, the sounds of night-creatures going to bed and day-creatures waking, the damp smell of the cool morning dew. It woke him up, cleared his head, made him feel like he could take on anything the day could throw at him.

He was ready, he thought, for whatever was about to begin.

{Decorative lyrics and thread title from "Shake It Out" by Florence + The Machine. Astrit's references to his "names" include both his human and Nation names: his normal human name is thought to mean "Dawn," while his middle name "Sabah" means "Morning" in Arabic, and "Kosovo" literally means "Of-The-Blackbirds." For Northern Italy}

[Northern Italy]

Anyone who knew Feliciano Vargas, knew that he was not exactly the most punctual man in the world, in fact the man was a consistent offender of arriving late to agreed times. Though his extreme conversion to a militaristic lifestyle as opposed to his past sloth-like way of living was now present, the Italian still failed to arrive on time, Feliciano felt no guilt as they would have plenty of time to train and that Astrit should be thankful at the peace and quiet for now. In any case Feliciano had arrived at the arranged firing range within one of Italy's many military camps in Albania at least one hour late. Little did the Italian realize that Astrit had been waiting quite a long length of time, he did not expect Astrit to arrive so early nor try make a good impression for him, never the less he still admired the boy's enthusiasm.

Unlike most of the territories that had been put under Italian control, Astrit seemed to appreciate being under his control. Of course, this was quite understandable to him as he had united him with his sister, but it had surprised him when the Kosovar seemed very willing to control the Serbian. Perhaps there was more drama within that ugly state formerly known as Yugoslavia than he had previously thought? Astrit seemed quite happy to take part in his ethnic cleansing campaign of the Serbians in the area, the boy seemed to be possessed by the devil to get vengeance against the Serbians, he had watched with amusement... At first... However, Feliciano was soon greatly disturbed by Astrit.

Many nations assumed Feliciano loved violence, the Italian did not, he only saw it as an effective tool to be used when he demanded something against the weak or the strong, thus he used violence excessively... Violence outside of this sick philosophy, where there was no reason or gain actually disgusted the Italian. He saw no benefit to himself or to the Kosovar to kill the Serbians, yet Astrit seemed to not want to stop. Hence, the reason the Italian went with a much stronger approach shooting Astrit multiple times to stop the Kosovar's actions. He later told Astrit quite clearly that he would no longer tolerate such actions, he was not against the boy's determination, he was against the boy committing violence for the sake of violence, from Feliciano's perspective.   

The Italian walked toward Astrit impressed with the boy waiting for him already. The Kosovar seemed alert and maybe even a little enthusiastic with this little training session, with any luck Feliciano would teach the boy to become killer and a good one too. If Astrit could prove his worth, perhaps he may call of the Italianization of Albania? Why would he kill the boy and his sister if he could become a truly loyal and powerful ally of Italy?

Extending his right arm in a Roman salute, he glared a steely expression at the boy. It wasn't because he was angry, but more to do with the fact that the boy would possibly fear him. After all, obedience could only be gained through one's fear. If this didn't work however, it would not matter.

"Well greetings my boy, it seems you are quite excited for today, yes? I cannot blame you... Are you worthy of serving Il Duce, Astrit?"