Chapter Text
It started simple. It started with a mirror. A mirror in the back of Arthur’s basement covered by a white sheet. A mirror that no matter how hard Arthur tried he just couldn’t get rid of. He tried. Obviously, this was not a normal mirror. Not if it was stuffed in Arthur’s basement. This mirror was a doorway, original right? But it’s the truth! It’s a doorway to, what Arthur can only presume to be, another universe. He would know, he nearly crossed it when the mirror first appeared. He didn’t buy the mirror, didn’t put a spell on it, no it just appeared one day in his basement.
Arthur had always been a curious soul and so when this mirror just showed up; he couldn’t help himself. He wasn’t afraid, it was just a mirror. That’s what he was telling himself anyway as he approached and looked at himself and the mirror as a whole.
It was a full length floor mirror on a stand. The stand and the border around the mirror was a beautiful dark cherry wood, what’s more it was a levon carving. Beautiful was the only word that could describe such a mirror. Arthur remembered feeling almost entranced by this mirror as he watched his own reflection get closer and closer. Arthur had thought about leaning in, to get a closer look at his reflection, but he didn’t make it to be this old for nothing. A more logical part of his mind had him stay a good two inches away from this new mirror; something that saved Arthur, no doubt. He reached for his reflection and watched as the surface started to ripple the closer his hand got.
It had happened so fast, when his hand was just close enough another hand had suddenly reached out of the mirror and grabbed his wrist. Again, because Arthur had stood back, he was able to hop back and jerk out of the hand’s grip. However; because of how fast and quick Arthur jerked away he had tripped over his own feet and hit the ground. His breath hitched as he looked up at the mirror now.
The once silver of the mirror had turned an inky black, but it was still just as reflective however; it wasn’t reflecting him . There stood… Well, Arthur wasn’t sure. It looked like him but at the same time not . There was something off about this reflection of himself that something being everything . His eyes were blue and his hair was too light, almost pink, his shirt an awful shade of pink, his whole outfit a weird pastel theme. Something Arthur would never wear. Not only that but this version of himself was smiling . He was smiling from ear to ear. It made Arthur reach up to touch his mouth just to make sure he wasn’t smiling that crazed smile.
This weird version of himself then leapt to his feet and banged his fist against the mirror so hard that the surface rippled. This Arthur never dropped the smile as he continued to pound his fist against the mirror.
Arthur let out a shivering breath from his spot on the ground as he stared at this weird version of himself. The hairs on his arms stood up as a shiver ran down his spine. Arthur’s breath hitched ever so slightly. He was looking at a dangerous being; he was very much aware of this fact as his whole body started to involuntarily tremble.
Arthur was then on his feet in a second. He quickly took his jacket off and threw it over the mirror. Once it was covered… there was silence. It was like that interaction had never happened. His old heart was racing and he clutched at it with his hand as he doubled over. He knew he had to be rid of this mirror, that the universe, that version of him, was nothing but trouble. He tried to throw the mirror out, but a week later it was back in his basement. He immediately took a hammer to it when that blasted version of him had tried to snatch him again. A week later? You guessed it, it was fully repaired and waiting for him. So, in a last ditch effort, Arthur covered it. He covered it with an old sheet and tucked it away in the farthest corner of the room.
Arthur would occasionally hear a hush whisper in his basement should he be alone, but that version of him apparently couldn’t do anything should the mirror be covered. Good.
So, Arthur mistakenly thought that maybe that’d be the end of it. That he’d just never use the mirror and leave it to collect dust in his basement the years that followed.
“Do I have to go to England’s birthday?” Peter half whined to Tino.
“Peter, we’ve discussed this. I get that England has his faults. I understand that you guys don’t get along, but he’s still your father.”
“England didn’t care when I sold myself on Ebay, why should I care about his birthday?” Peter grumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“We know, Peter, we know. We’re only going to be there for a few hours. So, relax, have some cake, and please remember to actually wish England a happy birthday.”
Peter let out a deep sigh. “Finnnne. Ladonia and Sweden got lucky.”
“More than you realize.” Tino whispered. Last year Berwald took Peter, now it’s Tino’s turn. Not only that but the duo used the randomizer wheel annnnd Tino lost. So now, here he was, in a car going down the lonely road in the England countryside. Tino had asked Ladonia if he wanted to come and that went about as well as one could imagine.
Sven laughed. Sven laughed hard. Right in Tino’s face. He then paused to catch his breath, pointed at Tino, and laughed even harder.
Tino wasn’t impressed in the slightest by that, but Sven made himself crystal clear and Tino could only respect that. So, now it was just Peter and him, but that was fine. As said, Tino was going to have some cake, make some small talk with England, give him a gift, and then leave. It was going to be a two hour deal, tops . Hopefully.
The rest of the car ride to England’s country home was rather quiet with begrudging silence from Peter in the back. ‘At least Norway will be there.’ Tino thought. He offered to carpool with Lukas, but was turned down as Lukas was actually going to be staying the week. Lukas and Marius both, in fact.
As they were pulling up to Arthur’s driveway Peter spoke for the first time in a while. “You know his favorite flavor is vanilla. Meaning it’s going to be a plain vanilla cake, no frosting because ‘it's too sweet’. For him.”
“I know.”
“It’s bland.”
“I know.”
“Like him.”
“I’m aware.”
“And his cooking.”
“Yes, Peter.”
Tino found a parking space and was pleasantly surprised to see that there were more than a few cars in the driveway. “Hey!” Peter suddenly visibly perked up. “Canada is here! Cool, maybe this won’t be so bad!”
Tino snorted. “Who?”
“Oh come on! You know Canada! America’s twin! My older brother!...Half brother because he’s also France’s son?”
“Uh…” Tino rubbed the back of his head. “ Sure . Whatever you say, Peter.” If Peter wanted an imaginary friend then Tino wasn’t going to stop him.
Peter pouted at this as he undid his seatbelt. “You’ll see him when we get inside.” He then got out of the car and stretched his legs.
The UK was rather typical, rainy and cold. Peter groaned as he stretched his arms above his head and gave a yawn. “Okay, we’re here, can we go now.”
“No, Peter,” Tino sighed at his son. Tino opened the backseat and grabbed Arthur’s present from the trunk. “C’mon.” He urged Peter towards the front door. “Maybe Wy will be here.”
“Wy?” That was a possibility. Australia would most likely be there and therefore so should Wy, if he opted to bring her that was. They approached the door and Tino rang the doorbell while Peter grumbled softly and kicked his foot against the front step.
The door opened seconds later. “Ah, Tino!” Norway greeted.
“ Moi !” Tino said as he smiled. Then he and Norway kissed each other on the cheek. “It’s nice to see you.”
“Likewise, hello Peter.”
“Uncle Lukas. Where’s the old man?”
“ Peter .” Tino hissed and gently nudged the back of Peter’s leg with his foot. “Behave.”
Peter sighed softly and Lukas chuckled. “He’s in the kitchen. Come on in.” Lukas moved to the side to let them in. “Oh, Peter. There’s Bluey playing in the living room for you and the other micronations here.” Lukas told him.
“ Bluey ? Do I look five ?” He could only ask.
Lukas only shook his head. “Go on, Peter.”
He took his shoes off at the door and then walked fully into the house.
Peter let out another sigh as he begrudgingly trudged his way into England’s home. He exhaled through his lips as he looked around for Arthur to wish him ‘Happy Birthday’. He didn’t see Arthur, but he did see Matthew!
“Matthew!” Peter dropped down an inch and Matthew got the hint immediately. He also dropped down an inch, there was a second, maybe two, before Matthew let out a playful roar and lunged for Peter. Peter let out a squeal as Matthew lifted him up like he weighed nothing. Peter let out a squeal of delight when Matthew started to turn around in circles.
“How’re you doin’, frère? ” Matthew asked with a grin as he then put Peter over his shoulder. He held onto the back of Peter’s legs with his arm so Peter was now upside down. Peter let out a shrill cry at this and then giggled. His laughter only grew when Tino came into his field of vision, this time upside down.
“Mama! It’s Matthew! This is Matthew!” Peter pointed upwards towards Matthew’s face.
Tino blinked and then looked at Matthew. The confusion was evident across his face for a moment. “I’m sorry about him, Alfred.” Tino whispered as he then patted Matthew’s shoulder and walked towards the kitchen.
Matthew huffed very audibly and then put Peter down. “Ah. I tried.” Peter said with a snap of his fingers.
“That’s alright, Peter,” Matthew then ruffled Peter’s hair. “I’m used to it by now. I think Wy is in the living room if you want to go and catch up with her.”
“Aw, you can’t hang with me?”
“Oh, I would but—”
“Mattie? C’mon dude, don’t leave me with all the work.” Came Alfred’s voice from the kitchen.
“Coming!” Matthew called. “I’m busy. Maybe another time, okay, Squirt?” He told Peter and before Peter could respond Matthew vanished into the kitchen.
Peter puffed his cheeks out before walking into the living room. If anything else he might as well enjoy the show, maybe Wy changed it from Bluey to something a little better. Well, no . Not only was Bluey very much playing but Wy wasn’t alone in watching it?
Feliciano , a grown nation, was sitting on the couch, feet up on the cushions (shoes off, of course.), arms wrapped around his legs. His eyes were open as he stared at the TV. Wy, Wendy, was sitting next to him on the couch. She was completely engulfed by the show. “Hello.” Peter greeted them politely as he stepped into the living room and sat next to Feliciano.
“Buongiorno, Sealand.” Feliciano greeted him warmly as he scooted over to give Sealand some more room.
Peter put his hand to his cheek as he rested his elbow on the arm of the couch. “So… Bluey? ” He inquired after a second.
Feliciano gave a weak and awkward laugh. “It’s rather funny, actually. I was just passing by to see if Wendy needed anything but then… I just couldn’t stop watching? It’s been like…ten episodes now. I’m sure Germany is fine setting up outside.” Feliciano laughed.
“It’s addicting.” Wendy commented as she didn’t take her eyes from the screen. “I’ve watched every episode like three times. Not today, of course, at home.”
“Hm.” Peter hummed and turned his attention towards the TV. Now, he will admit, the show was good ? It was clearly for little kids, but he found himself paying attention and enjoying it the same as the others. Still, after a while Peter felt his attention start to wane. He was maybe three episodes in and growing bored. “Where’s England? I suppose I should wish him a happy Birthday before I forget.” Peter jumped from the couch.
“Kitchen, last I checked.” Feliciano responded as he pointed in the direction of the kitchen. “But that was twelve episodes ago.”
Peter only nodded and wordlessly left the living room, leaving the duo to their show. However; he was sure Feliciano’s binge was done when he heard Ludwig’s yell of: “ There you are! Get up and help me!”
“Ah! I’m sorry!”
Peter walked past Australia, who was carrying plates of food in his hands. “Hey, lil’ dude.” Australia greeted him warmly when Peter ducked under him.
He walked down a small stretch of hallway. Really, it was small, maybe less than a foot from the hallway to the kitchen, but the stars aligned at that moment. Nobody was walking down this hallway, everyone was busy in the kitchen, or in Australia’s case, setting the table for a birthday lunch. So, color Peter curious when the basement door opened on its own right as he passed it.
Peter stopped and walked a big step back. “England usually keeps this locked.” He commented to himself as he grabbed the door handle and peeked down the darkened room. No lights were on so all he saw was the void staring back at him. Curiosity tickled the back of his mind as he looked around. He saw nobody coming his way. He was in the clear and because of that he just couldn’t help himself.
Peter opened the door a little more before he stepped down the first stairs. He then shut the door behind himself, not all the way, of course, he still needed some light, or else he’ll fall down the stairs. These stairs were old and rickety, probably about as old as Arthur was, no doubt. They had no backing to them either. So he really had to be careful. He walked step by step. The further down the steps and more into the darkness he got the more unsure he suddenly became about all of this.
The basement smelt like it hadn’t been dusted in centuries. It also felt stifling, telling Peter that the AC did not run down here. Peter was getting to the point that he couldn’t see what little light he allowed himself to have was long gone past the third or fourth step.. Why did the lightbulb had to be at the bottom of the stairs? Who thought that was ever a good idea?
Still, after nearly falling on the last step and nearly giving himself a heart attack because of it, Peter made it to the bottom. The floor of the basement was made with thick concrete, and so were the walls and ceiling. He knew this because his footsteps echoed all around him and left him feeling exposed and vulnerable to whatever creepy crawlies could be down here.
As mentioned, this place was almost always locked and Peter was never ever allowed down here. So he just couldn’t turn this down. He had to see what Arthur had locked away down here. He had to.
Peter jumped when something long and thin hit his face. It nearly made him scream, thinking he had stepped right into a spider's web however; he quickly realized it was the string to the light bulb and he clicked it.
The basement was illuminated by a bright bulb and Peter let out a sharp breath at what he was seeing, and more importantly what he was standing on. A pentagram. He was standing right on a pentagram. “Whoa…” He breathed and stepped off of the pentagram. “Who knew stuffy ol’ Britain was into the occult?” He spoke to himself as he looked at all the basement had to offer.
He saw books, old, and leather bound on the shelf. There were jars filled with mysterious liquids on another shelf just below the one with the books. A giant table that Peter walked up to. This table had scribes and tomes. On this table was some sort of… alchemy station? Peter wasn’t sure about that, but still, it looked so cool as he looked through a glass vial in amazement.
‘Peter…’
Peter perked up and looked around the basement immediately. The skin on the back of his neck started to prickle and he swallowed hard; his throat feeling dry all of a sudden.
‘Peter!’ He heard this voice a little more clearly. It was sharp and to the point. Peter looked around to where that voice could be coming from. He felt on edge as he couldn’t find the source.
‘Over here, Peter.’ The voice was husky; nothing more than a whisper. It beckoned Peter towards it, commanding his attention. The more logical part of Peter’s mind was telling him that he should turn around and run, but there was something so… enticing about that voice.
‘I’ll recognize you as the nation you were meant to be. You just have to do something for me.’
Peter continued to look around, but he just didn’t see anyone. “Where are you?” He felt silly, well, in all reality he felt like he was losing his mind. He didn’t expect the voice to answer him.
But it did .
‘The mirror.’
The-?
Peter did a quick sweep around the room and at first he didn’t see any sort of mirror. Yet, on his second look around, he realized how he missed it. The mirror was wrapped up in a sheet so it was covering the whole thing. The sheet had a cord around the middle so the sheet wouldn’t accidentally dislodge. “This mirror?”
“Yes.” The voice was stronger now. So strong that there was no mistaking it for anything other than a voice. The voice was weird . It almost sounded like Arthur’s own voice, only slightly higher and a little more…erm… deranged ? For lack of a better word.
That little voice in the back of Peter’s mind was telling him to turn around and high-tail it out of there. Yet, that little voice was drowned out by the pure curiosity that hung in the air. The curiosity that overpowered Peter and made him reach for the cord around the mirror. The knot Arthur used was a simple knot that came undid with a simple pull of the string. Once freed the cord fell to the floor.
“Who are you?” Peter found himself asking as he grabbed the sheet but didn’t pull it down just yet.
“A friend, Peter. A friend that wants to help you, but first you need to help me.”
“How can I help you?”
“Just lower the sheet, my boy. I want to see you.”
Peter hesitated for just a moment… Then he removed the sheet to look at the mirror and all it had to offer. Immediately he was disappointed when all he saw was his own reflection back at him.
“Bah!”
Peter let out a short scream when a hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder from the side, so he didn’t see them coming. He tried to wriggle away from the grip, but the owner of the hand pulled him in with a laugh. “Sorry, sorry, it’s me. It’s me .” Matthew reassured Peter. “What are you doing down here? You know Arthur doesn’t like us down here.”
“I— The door was open and I just…” He looked at Matthew. “Canada, I thought…” Peter let out a scared and shaky laugh. “I thought someone was talking to me through the mirror!” He laughed a little louder. “But it was just you , what a relief!”
“What?—”
“ Ve~ I heard a scream? Is somebody hurt?” Feliciano inquired as he started to step down the stairs rather quickly.
“ Non ! I was just here to collect Peter, we’re actually not allowed to be down here. This is England’s personal room.” Matthew explained.
“Ve ~” Feliciano looked around and immediately looked on edge. As in his hair visibly bristled as a giant shiver ran down his spine. “I’d say. This place gives me the creeps.” Feliciano stopped at the pentagram on the floor and made it a point to take one big step around such a sigil. “I heard a scream?”
“Me.” Peter admitted. “Mattie scared me. Talking to me like he was in the mirror.”
“Peter, that wasn’t me.” Matthew’s voice grew concerned as he raised an eyebrow.
“Peter?!” Tino was next as he poked his head in the basement next. “I heard you scream? Are you okay?” Tino was a lot faster down the steps than Feliciano. Tino didn’t look at a thing as he made a bee-line for Peter and the other adults.
“I’m okay, Mama.” Peter whispered. “I…Let’s get out of here?” He asked. The temperature of the basement felt like it dropped about twenty degrees and he suddenly didn’t feel okay with being down here.
“Yeah, the food is ready anyways.” Tino sighed and the three of them all turned their heels, ready to go upstairs and enjoy the party—
The door to the basement slammed shut with a resounding ‘thwack! ’ through the basement that echoed all around them.
“Oh, Tabarnak !” Matthew gasped as he was the first one to try and run up the stairs. “Wait! We’re still here!” He called whoever had shut the door. He made it to the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. “Hey! This isn’t funny!” Matthew continued to turn the knob all while pounding on the door.
Peter suddenly felt very afraid and he wasn’t alone either as Feliciano started to shake. Peter and Feliciano both migrated towards one another, with Feliciano wrapped both of his arms around Peter for comfort.
“Somebody open this door!” Matthew yelled, well, yell was a light word. Leave it to Tino to properly yell louder than Matthew as he too raced towards the stairs.
“ Helvetti ! This isn’t funny!” Tino was a lot louder as he was pounding his fist against the door. Thankfully, that did garner someone’s attention.
“Tino? What are you doing in there?!” Lukas sounded alarmed.
“It’s not just me! Peter, Feli, and Alfred are in here as well! The door is locked! Tell Arthur to unlock this thing!” Tino all but demanded, ignoring the sideways glance Matthew was giving him.
“Uh- yeah! Just give me a moment!”
That wasn’t good enough for Tino as the moment Norway ran off he continued to try and turn the knob.
“Arthur isn’t the only one with magic, you know?” The new voice in the basement made everyone stop what they were doing. Feliciano let out a scared whine and held Peter a little tighter.
“Matt? You in there?” Came Alfred’s concerned voice from the other side. “Norway said the door was stuck? And that I was in there for some reason?”
Matthew didn’t answer his twin as he turned. For a moment his face was unreadable from the top of the stairs, until Peter was able to make out the horror that slowly started to etch itself across his face.
“Mattie?” Came Alfred again.
“What the hell is that !?” Matthew screamed in horror and Peter realized that Matthew was looking behind him. Slowly, oh so slowly, Peter and Feliciano both turned to face the mirror.
Tendrils, black as the night, were growing along the sides of the mirror, trying to escape their confines. “Up the stairs, now!” Feliciano, though terrified and now sobbing , urged Peter away from the mirror. “Hurry!”
It was too late, however, at that moment tendrils shot out from the other side of the mirror, one grabbed Peter’s ankle and the other wrapped around Feliciano’s neck. Two others shot passed them and one grabbed Tino by the arms, while the last one attached to Matthew’s right leg.
Everyone was screaming in terror now as they were all being dragged. Tino and Matthew were thrown off the steps. Matthew hit his tailbone non too gracefully, while Tino face planted with no way to brace himself.
Peter let out a wail as he tried to claw the ground. “Let go of me, you wanker! Let go! Somebody help me!”
“ Ludwig!” Feliciano all but wailed as he kicked against the ground and thrashed while trying to fight off the tendril around his neck. “ Germany! Help me! Get off of me! Get off of me! ” Tears were streaming down the Italian’s face as they were the closest and thus nearing the mirror faster than the other two.
“Tabarnak! ” Matthew managed to grab onto the lowest stair, because they had no backing he was able to wrap both arms around it. “Get off!” He tried to kick the tendril off, but it had no effect as it pulled and tugged, but Matthew was holding strong. “Arthur! Dad! ” Matthew wailed. “ Dad! ” He tried again, this time his voice sounding more akin to Alfred’s.
The door was moving, it was clear that someone, or everyone, was trying to open it from the otherside. Trying to kick it down or break it down.
Tino, much like Matthew, had managed to grab on to the table that Peter was looking at earlier and was trying to stop himself from being kidnapped by the mirror. The only difference was that Tino had held on to the leg of the table with his hand. His grip was strong, yes, but it wasn’t that strong and so, unlike Matthew he was unable to hold on and resumed being dragged along the floor.
Matthew suddenly let out a pained scream. Not one from terror, but for pure unadulterated pain. Peter, in his scramble could very well see why. His leg was still moving even though he wasn’t. It was clear that whoever was doing this wasn’t going to let go or stop and because of that something probably dislocated in Matthew’s leg. This forced Matthew to let go of the step if he wanted to keep his leg.
Finally, the door was broken in a flash of multi-colored light and fresh light streamed into the basement.
There was an outcry of many voices as people rushed to aid them. It was too late, however. Peter was the first to be shoved through the mirror. He remembered reaching for his uncle Lukas with all his might before he was suddenly looking at him through the mirror. Peter was freed from the tendrils and he rushed for the mirror. He pounded on it, screaming his little heart out as he tried to reach the others.
Feliciano screamed and wailed as he kicked against the floor, his desperation palpable. He reached for Ludwig, who was running full speed towards him. “Hang on!” Ludwig all but yelled, but it was too late for him as well. Much like Peter he was dragged through.
“Ludwig!” Feliciano wailed as he watched Ludwig’s form through the mirror a second. Unlike Peter, Feliciano did not stay in front of the mirror as he was suddenly dragged through the darkness, unsure as to where he’d end up. Maybe it was the fear, maybe it was something else, but Feliciano would pass out before he would see his new destination for himself.
Tino was the next one through the mirror. He, like Peter had reached for Lukas, Lukas was reaching for him just the same. “Hang on, I got you!” Lukas had yelled as he tried to lunge for Tino, but it did no good and Tino was through the mirror, on the other side.
“Peter!” He watched in horror as his son did not move with him and instead he, like Feliciano, was flung. Flung through an encroaching darkness that never seemed to end. Tino gasped as all of the air left his lungs at that moment. As he felt weightless. Then, his eyes would roll up and he would pass out.
Last was Matthew. Matthew, who had held on to that final step for dear life. Matthew who had dislocated his knee in an attempt to stay. Matthew, who had managed to grab Arthur’s hand when his father reached for him. “You’re not taking my son! ” Arthur screamed at the mirror as he tried to hold his ground. Whoever had made these tendrils was tenacious as they continued to tug on Matthew’s leg.
Alfred ran and grabbed Matthew’s other hand. “Hang on, Mattie!” Alfred yelled as he managed to hold his ground just the same.
“ Your son?” That voice was back, cold, and cruel now. “Your son?!” Matthew let out another one of those pained screams when his leg popped yet again. The pain exploded all the way down his right leg as this entity wasn’t giving up. “No. That simply won’t do. You’ve done a terrible job of raising him. He, like Peter, is mine! ”
There was a mighty force and Matthew was yanked so hard that his hands were jerked out of both Arthur’s and Alfred’s grips. Arthur and Alfred hid the ground together because of this. Matthew hit the ground face first and his glasses, Quebec , went flying off of his face at this moment. He tried to claw at the ground, to stop himself. Others ran to him, Australia being one of them, reaching for him, to try and save one of them if possible.
It wasn’t. Like the others, Matthew went through the mirror. “Dad! Don’t let them take me!” He remembered wailing for his parental figure in that split moment before he was yanked through the mirror. He met the same fate as Feliciano, the same fate as Tino, as he too continued to fly through the darkness, while Peter stayed in front of that mirror, banging on it, praying to be let out.
Unlike Tino, and Feliciano, however, Matthew managed to stay awake long enough to see where he was being flown to. Well, it shouldn’t surprise him, but it was a mirror. That’s where Feliciano and Tino went as well. Not the same mirror, of course, but through a mirror. A mirror to somewhere . Where was that somewhere? He wouldn’t know as when he crossed into the new mirror he would hit his head on something hard. A wall and and he would promptly passed out.
Peter all but screamed as he banged on the mirror with both of his fists. He could see them, he knew they could see him, so why couldn’t they do anything. Arthur, Lukas, and Marius all had their hands on the mirror, trying to get to him, trying to cross to the other side. Peter let out a wail as tears streamed down his cheeks. “Let me out! Let me out! Let me—”
A hand slipped around his mouth, silencing him. “Shush…” A new hand caressed his hair.
Peter froze. His whole body felt as cold and as rigid as the steel that made his ship. He let only his eyes move up towards this person that had him.
It looked like… Arthur . Only different . Different hair, different eyes, different clothes, different everything . His hair was a light shade of blonde that almost looked pink in the light. His eyes a cerulean blue that just looked wrong . “There we go, Poppet. You don’t need them anymore.” This new Arthur told Peter. He kept his hand firmly over Peter’s mouth, not allowing him to speak.
Arthur, the real Arthur, was pounding on the mirror so hard that it was starting to crack. He was yelling, but much like earlier, with the man behind the mirror, the man Peter now realized was this weird different Arthur, it sounded far away.
‘Give them back! Give them back! Don’t touch him!’
Peter was crying, but he couldn’t cry out. It was like his windpipes were closed, like he became mute.
“You don’t need to worry about them anymore, Poppet. You have me now.” The fake Arthur started to lead Peter away from the mirror. Peter didn’t struggle , persay, but he didn’t go willingly. No, he let his step falter as he gave the real Arthur one last pleading look for help.
‘Give them back!’ Arthur’s voice was fading as Peter was now being forcefully dragged away from the mirror. Dragged into the darkness of this new basement.
“We’re going to have such a great time! It’s my birthday, don’t you know?”
‘Peter!... Matthew!....Feliciano!....Tino!’
Peter let out a muffled sob behind the hand. “None of that love!” The fake Arthur encouraged as he made a motion with his free hand. A motion for Peter to smile.
The smile just looked so… wrong …
‘Peter!...ᴾᵉᵗᵉʳ!’
“Now, where are my manners? You may call me, Oliver.” Oliver said as he looked down at Peter, but didn’t remove his hand from Peter’s mouth. “Of course, I don’t need your name! You’re Peter Kirkland! My son!” Oliver gleefully said. “My little boy! Oh, this’ll be so fun! You’ll get to meet your new brothers and sisters! And we’ll be one big happy family, I know James will just love you! And Alan! Oh my darling Alan, don’t let him scare you too much, he’s all bite no bark! Nathan might have some issues with you, however, but that’s okay! Nothing I can’t fix, of course! Nathan has jealousy issues when it comes to me, but worry not! There’s enough of me to go around! I love all of my children! And now I have two more! Isn’t that just great!? Though… Francois may have an issue with this…”
Peter felt like he was having a nightmare. Maybe he was? Maybe he fell asleep in the car? Or—or he fell asleep watching Bluey with Feliciano and Wendy! He’ll wake up in front of the TV and have himself a nice slice of plain vanilla cake with no frosting! Yeah, it’ll be bland, but that’s okay, that’ll be okay because he wouldn’t be here ! Right?
When Oliver opened the door to the basement. When that bright light hit Peter’s face and he got a look at Oliver’s house, he realized this was not a nightmare, this wasn’t a dream. This was real . He wasn’t going to have unfrosted vanilla cake. He wasn’t going to wake up to Bluey playing on the TV.
None of it. He was stuck here. Him, Matthew, Feliciano, and Tino.
The noise that left Arthur’s mouth was nothing short of a wail as he sank to his knees in front of his mirror. The mirror that was now cracked and suddenly useless . Arthur couldn’t look at anyone as he kept his head bowed. He wanted to say something, anything, but what could he say ?
Sorry, looks like they’re all gone!
What’s that, Ludwig? You were going to propose to Feliciano properly this time? No, sorry, Mate, he’s gone off to another dimension. No, I don’t know how to get him back.
Alfred? You and Matthew were going to go skiing in December? Welp, you’re out of luck. You’re no longer a twin, it seems.
Lukas, you want me to write Sweden an apology note that Tino and Peter are gone? I can do that!
No, Arthur wasn’t going to do that. It wasn’t in his nature to do that. He was a stubborn old brit, after all. He just…didn’t know what to do ! He never messed with this mirror except for the one time.
Arthur then looked at his own reflection in the mirror. He thought back to Peter’s terrified expression when that version of Arthur approached. How scared Peter had looked. How scared Matthew, Tino, and Feliciano undoubtedly are right now.
“...Marius? Lukas?” He asked his two oldest friends and he was met with a one on the right shoulder, Lukas, and a hand on the left shoulder, Marius. “...Help me get this blasted thing in my living room where the light is better.” He demanded with a snarl as he rose to his feet. “We’re getting them all back even if it’s the last thing I do.”