Whoops... As usual, I'M LATE! Sorry... -_-;; I had to take that unannounced hiatus since school started throwing a lot of stuff at me. The thing is it's actually gonna continue till March 13th or so. I just had a splitting headache earlier and it is gone at the end of this chapter so I thought I'd update it. :)

Please note that though I'm american by birth, I'm not living in the states and I'm not not very familiar with it's history and culture so please feel free to correct me.

003 - Light, focusing on Alfred Jones;

Date, 04 July 1777

The sun shone dimly, partially covered with clouds as Alfred wandered through the streets of Philadelphia, pondering his decision from a year ago. He was currently in his teen years but he had thoughts that were far too serious for any child of his physical age running through his head. It had been exactly one year since he had broken away from his big brother's - no, England's control with the Declaration. At that time, it seemed like the right thing but England's sad and upset face had always been the source of continuous guilt for him. The guilt was always temporarily forgotten whenever he heard how excited his people were to finally be free.

The declaration didn't mean that they were free yet. England had settled down south, determined to make him submit. Alfred had no intention of becoming a dumb colony again. He had kept coming to his house over the past year to 'knock some sense into that rebel'.

Whenever he tried to push him out, England behaved all high and mighty, claiming stuff like 'America, what the blazes are you trying to do? America, you're still to young! America, it's too dangerous! America, come back to me!' Blah blah blah. He still couldn't understand how the tea party of '71 didn't work at driving the older man away. How could dumping your favourite food into the ocean not make you want to break down into a sobbing mess? Alfred knew he wouldn't be able to take that.

He wasn't sure what to do anymore. He tried the conventional methods of pranking England but it wasn't the same without his brother... Math? Matt? Something like that... Helping him out. He even blew up a prank with the help of the natives, namely the 'Tea Party' as everyone was calling it. Now he had turned the whole island of England against him and his brother staunchly refused to leave England's side. Fine! Let him catch the eyebrow disease! Alfred didn't care! Darker clouds began to cover the sun as he brooded angrily.

On a more positive side, France had hinted that he would help out. Al felt slightly uncomfortable at that thought but he had to drive England out of his lands. A few rays of light touched the ground as the sky slowly cleared. Surely he would be able to get his independence with the Frenchman's help! He had not properly met him before but England had nearly frothed at the mouth when he had once mentioned him. That had to mean the Frenchman was England's rival! Any person who was England's rival had to be just as strong as him.

Alfred chuckled at the old, fun memories he made with his 'big brother'. For that instant, his surroundings seemed so much brighter. Just like those days when he used to play outside... His mood soured at the memory of that day. That day hadn't been a lighthearted sunny one at all...

It had begun with England's return from his home. America had grown quite a bit and was now physically the age of sixteen. He was as tall as England but still behaved like a native child or as England called them, 'savages.

"Welcome home Big brother!" Alfred was mud covered, his clothes all torn up and some paint still on his face. Arthur frowned at him.

"You look disgusting Alfred. Please, stop playing 'savage'." His voice was cold. Alfred couldn't understand why he spoke like that. There was nothing wrong with being like the natives right? Arthur noticed his discomfort but coldly spoke again.

"Once you're all cleaned up, meet me in my study. You're not using any more of the things I send you and we need to talk about that." He strode off towards the house and slammed the door. The sky darkened as Alfred bent his head downwards. It wasn't long before the sky cried. Heavy drops of water fell on Alfred, washing the mud out of his clothes and soaking him to the bone. Water ran down his face and none could tell if they were tears or raindrops running down his cheeks. Lightning flashed, highlighting his features which were twisted into an expression of fury.

"Hey kid!" A man grabbed his shoulder from behind. Alfred swiftly turned back and aimed his fist at his face. The big burly man was quick in catching it. "Whoa! Slow down a bit!"

Al pulled his hand away, his face red with embarrassment. "Sorry..." He muttered.

"Nah it's okay. But more importantly, why aren't you at the grounds?"

"Huh?" The confusion on his face was clear thanks to light from a nearby streetlamp. The man noticed it and smiled kindly down at him.

"Come with me lad." He grabbed Alfred's hand and dragged him along.

"Hey! Slow down a bit mister!" Alfred had to run to keep up with the man's long strides. When the man finally stopped, he nearly bumped into to him.

"Look ahead." Curiosity bubbled up and he peeked shyly. He saw a huge crowd. Men, women, children, the elderly folks... It was as though the whole of Philadelphia had gathered in this ground. Scratch out the though. The whole of Philadelphia was there.

"Ready?" Someone shouted and a cheer of approval came from the crowd. Alfred watched in awe as a single light shot up into the now dark sky and exploded into a beautiful flower. More fireworks followed immediately after, filling the up the sky with their flowers of light.

"Whaddya think lad? It's for our freedom." The man spoke. Alfred looked up at the man, his blue eyes reflecting the fireworks.

"Well then, my name's gonna be freedom!" He happily proclaimed. The man laughed good naturedly at the young boy's enthusiasm. Alfred turned back to the sky with a big grin on his face.

Anything that can have so much beauty and happiness is definitely worth fighting for. Watch out England. I'm not giving up what I've found. Ever.

Historical notes:

The tea party of 71 mentioned is the Boston tea party. The americans climbed aboard the British ships in the Boston harbour and threw imported boxes of tea into the ocean.

Hope you liked this! :)