SHATTERED LIFE'S NOTES: ANOTHER STORY I HAD COME UP WITH. WITH WINTER BREAK HERE, HOPEFULLY I'LL GET SOME WORK DONE. HAHA… IT'S NOT LIKE HIGH SCHOOL IS DISTRACTING ME (I'M A FRESHMAN) BUT TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, I'M LAZY. LAZY LIKE A SLOTH. :'D

IN MY PERSONAL HEAD-CANON, I IMAGINE THE FACE(S) FAMILY AS THE MAIN CARD!VERSE RULERS. I PERSONALLY WOULD'VE LIKED AMERICA AS DIAMONDS INSTEAD OF SPADES. AND FRANCE AS THE HEARTS. BUT EH, BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS. :T

YOU KNOW WHAT? WHO CARES? THIS IS MY FAN-FICTION! THERE IS A REASON WHY IT IS CALLED 'FAN-FICTION.' AMIRIGHT! (Also b/c it's necessary for the story.) JUST IN CASE YOU DON'T GET LOST ON WHOSE WHO:

FRANCE: THE KING OF HEARTS
AMERICA: THE QUEEN (-COUGH-ACTUALLYPRINCESS-COUGHCOUGH-) OF DIAMONDS
ENGLAND: THE KING OF CLOVER
CANADA: THE QUEEN OF SPADES
SEALAND: THE JOKER (PROBABLY THE ONLY ONE WHOSE POSITION REMAINED THE SAME.)

IF YOU BUTTHURT PEOPLE START BUTTHURTING BECAUSE I CHANGED THE WAY HIMAPAPA ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED THEM AND DECIDE TO FLAME ME, I'LL USE THOSE FLAMES FOR MARSHMALLOWS TO MAKE SOME S'MORES! 'CAUSE I REALLY WANT TO TRY THEM OUT… PEOPLE MAKE THEM SEEM SO DELICIOUS…

Italics: They either mean a 'thought,' or someone speaking in a foreign language such as "¡Hola!"

SIDE-NOTE: THERE ARE NO NYOTALIA CHARACTERS IN CASE YOU'RE CONFUSED WITH THE WHOLE PRINCESS AND QUEEN THING. I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO SAY IN PERSONAL NOTES SO ENJOY THE STORY.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HETALIA. I DO, HOWEVER, BELONG TO ME… I THINK… I HOPE SO…

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Ivan couldn't recall much of his childhood. Matter of fact, he'd much rather not remember of his early years. His childhood was one of utmost pain and loneliness. It all started when he was only ten when his mother wed for a second time with a rich, noble lord. His sisters, a teenage Katshuya and a four-year-old Natalia, were against it as much as he did and all three decided to ruin the wedding. However, at the last moment, they decided against it, seeing as how the man made their mother happy ever since the death of their real father. Unfortunately, after a month, this decision made a heavy toll on each of their lives.

Ivan and Katshuya had to suffer their step-father's abuse while Natalia, being as sharp as she was, hid in the servant's quarters, crying to herself. This was a daily routine for everyone who lived in the household, whether they liked it or not. Many servants tried to interfere about the constant abuse that befell the children and how wrong this was. The next day, they were gone and their belongings were always left behind. Ivan and his sisters no longer cared for their mother, who was now just as cruel as her husband, never as so much lifting a finger when she knew that he was hurting them. She never cared for them, Katshuya once concluded. She only cared for her own pleasure and that they were only mistakes. That the reason she only cared for them and didn't left them out on the streets because their late father loved children. Ivan never felt more angry and sad than at that moment seeing his precious older sister sobbing, saying she was sorry that she kept the horrible truth from them all these years that mother was always so cruel.

It was that night that the three of them left the household with just some simple necessities; some clothes, blankets, money, and food. Everything else was left behind. Ivan didn't bother writing a farewell note, seeing as neither of his guardians would care. They stopped at the next town over and rested at an inn. Their lives improved a little until the money ran out and were left with a final choice; an orphanage.

Sure, it was a gloomy place, especially during winters where everyone would huddle together for a chance to bask in the warmth of a blanket that sported may holes, but it was better than home. They all made friends quick and the caretakers were actually nice for a change. Even with the war raging his motherland, which caused a food famine, he made the best of it even when his little sister developed feelings for him that was more than sibling love.

Yet…

One cold winter day, a kind looking couple came and decided to adopt Katshuya and Natalia, they didn't want Ivan because they already had too many boys in the house. Natalia absolutely refused the offer saying that she won't go anywhere without her future husband. This took the couple by surprise but they quickly dismissed it. Katshuya didn't want to leave without her baby brother, who helped her in numerous occasions. Truthfully, he didn't them to leave as well but right now, it's their future that mattered. No matter how much it would pain him to see his sisters off to live somewhere where he wasn't present, he had to be selfless right now. He persuaded his sisters to leave him be and to think about their own lives. He would be okay, he lied to his sisters, which to them was a sign that he wouldn't really be okay without them. Then, one day, with enough persuasion, his sisters finally agreed. The couple went with the caretaker to the office to sign some papers, leaving the trio some farewell time. Katshuya was a crying mess with tears streaking down her face and snot threatening to come out of her nose. Natalia, with her natural poker face that was mostly there, even lost her cool. She desperately clung to Ivan to reconsider and that life had no meaning without him. Even Ivan, who always seemed so emotionless, cried at hearing his little sisters words. But this was for their own good.

The couple came back and decided to give them a half-hour more to spend this time together. During that half-hour, they all remembered cherished moments together, laughing and smiling, at silly moments they had all experienced as an individual or as a whole. The time finally came to leave and before another tearful moment, Katshuya gave Ivan a scarf that she hand-knitted herself as a gift to Ivan at his upcoming twelfth birthday. Ivan lost it there and hugged both of his sisters, sobbing uncontrollably together with his sisters one last time.

He watched wistfully as his sisters were walking away from the orphanage with their new parents. Someday, hopefully, they'll find that special someone who will make them happy and laugh and maybe have some children of their own. He put on the scarf his sister made for him, wrapping it around his neck, and snuggled into it, inhaling the scent of his elder sister along with a hint of perfume that Natalia always used to put on. At least with this, he has something to remember them by.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months for Ivan. He, no longer, played with the other children and instead stood by the window, looking out through it, hoping that his sisters would appear over the hill and that they would be reunited. As the days dragged on, he soon came to a realization that this would never happen. He may possibly never see his sisters again, never see their faces, their comforting words and warmth. He would never again help Katshuya bandage up wounds that were caused by her clumsiness, never again help massage her achy back that were caused by her huge breasts, never feel the warmth of her hugs. And Natalia, his baby sister… he wouldn't hear her call out to him saying 'Bwing bwotha Iban.' She would no longer play dress-up with him and her dolls. Or feel that creepy feeling whenever she stalked him and asked him to marry her.

He would never experience that once more.

That conclusion affected Ivan's mental state and he was no longer the lovable Ivan that everybody adored and wanted to play with. Instead, he became the loner who everybody was afraid of. He didn't mind, though. What was the point of enjoying life without his sisters?

This was Ivan's life until one summers day, there was a huge commotion going on in the orphanage. It would seem that the young ruler of the Kingdom of Diamonds was coming over to visit the Federal Kingdom of Russia. For what reason? He really didn't know. He really didn't care and didn't help out with the preparations like the other people. What was the point? Like someone with an important status like them would take the time of day to visit a lowly orphanage. Outside, he heard numerous faint footsteps along with the steady galloping of horses. Strange… was that an off-distance fanfare he heard? Impossible, only the very rich and servants of the rich could afford musical instruments unless…

Moments later, their caretaker shouted excitedly that the young Princess of Diamonds was requesting an audience with them and told them to stand in a formal position and that when they arrived, they should bow their heads in respect. Huh. Guess they did have the time of day. While the others scrambled around, looking for a spot near their friends, Ivan stayed where his was at the very front. Soon, they all heard fanfare inside the building and the clattering of heavy metal.

'Probably knights,' thought Ivan.

A group of people entered the main hall, with a man with pompous clothing, much to Ivan's distaste, who pulled out a scroll and with broken Russian said, "Presenting the Princess of Diamonds, the ruler of the Kingdom of Diamonds, Princess Alfred F. Jones." At once, the knights that came in with the announcer, separated into two lines to reveal a young little boy no older than six. The rest around him bowed their heads in respect but Ivan didn't. He was too enchanted by this beautiful creature. Golden wheat hair that reminded him of sunflowers, eyes as blue and deep as the never-ending sky, and smooth skin that was personally kissed by the sun itself. Never had he before been so fascinated with another human being. He would've given anything to feel his hands brush against Alfred's.

He didn't notice his caretaker scolding him quietly to bow his head down since Alfred was slowly approaching him, violet eyes locking into blue immediately. He jolted a bit in surprise as the young 'princess' gently held his right hand. He felt his face warm up and heart race when Alfred stared at him intently, like if he was deciding if he was worthy of living or not. Let me tell you, he had the power to do so. Then, Alfred smiled and gave a giggle that Ivan thought was absolutely adorable. Ivan wasn't prepared for what happened next. All of a sudden, Alfred gave him a crushing hug that made Ivan forcefully exhale all his oxygen. This… He… was abnormally strong. Maybe stronger than he was himself.

"I want him, Mr. Smith! He's the one I want!" Ivan didn't understand what his little sunflower had just blurted out, it seemed like he was speaking English. But by his happy facial expression, it must be something good. He noticed that the pompous man from earlier beckoned his caretaker to his side and that he was pointing right at him. He was a little put off by this action. Didn't he know pointing was rude? He overheard the guy, who was named Mr. Smith, say the words 'tall kid' and 'adopt' in Russian. Did they mean him? Was he finally being adopted?

"What's your name?" He heard Alfred question him. What was he saying? He didn't understand English very well but knew the simple concepts such as greetings and farewells. Ivan was stumbling over on what to say when he saw his little sunflower getting an impatient look in his eyes. Oh well. It was now or never.

"Uh, Hello everybody… I am Merry Christmas and I wish I was Help me… Да?" He felt his face heat up in embarrassment when Alfred and his companions laughed at him. What did he just say?

"It's okay. I was just teasing you. I knew for a fact that you didn't know English." Alfred smiled. Ivan was the perfect one for him.

"What? You know how to speak Russian?" Alfred nodded his head. "Then, why did you ask me a question in English knowing full well that I couldn't speak it very good?"

"Was that bad?" Alfred pouted. "I just wanted to have fun with you…" Oh, no. It looked like Alfred was starting to tear up. What should he do? People may start looking at him bad for making a little boy, not to mention a royal, cry.

"No, no. That was not bad! I know you didn't want to make any harm by doing so."

"So, you're not mad?" He hiccuped.

"Not at all."At these words, Alfred quickly stopped pouting and the threat of crying was safely averted.

"How would you like coming home with me?"

"Whatever do you mean, little one?"

"Hey! Don't call me little when you're little as well!" He puffed out his cheeks in annoyance."As of now, Smith is signing some adoption papers so you could come home with me!" Adoption papers? Going with them? Why him? He had nothing special to offer a noble family.

"Going home with you? Why would you want me?"

Alfred just smiled and beckoned the only knight who held a sword in his hands. What were they going to do with the sword? Why did the knight hand Alfred a sword? Were they just adopting him so little Alfred here could just kill him? What kind of sick kingdom was the Diamonds? Panic and fear swirled through Ivan's body and mind. If it were a grown man, he would at least defend himself but this… this was a little boy we're talking about. A mere child! He couldn't bear it in his heart to kill a small creature who just barely began life! He had some honor and dignity, dammit! Ivan swiftly closed his eyes and braced himself for the worst when he felt a slight pressure on first his left shoulder and then right shoulder. What…? He opened his eyes to still see the living world along with Alfred, who seemed to beam from head to toe. Now Ivan was really confused.

"From here on today," Announced Alfred. "Ivan Braginsky, you're my personal loyal knight!"

"A knight!" Gasped Ivan before being dragged out of the orphanage.

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Shattered Life's Last Notes: So… what'd ya think? I know I've twisted some things around here and there but it's all in good fun! :D Ivan seems a little OOC-ish to me. Hopefully, in the next chapter, that won't be an issue. xD This is just a prologue of the main story. It just specifies Ivan's and Alfred's first meeting and how Ivan came to be Alfred's personal guard/knight.

Also, I don't know how orphanages work so let's go with whatever I just wrote. This is an AU! story, after all. :T

If you see any grammar errors, I'm sorry. English wasn't my first language, everybody! Besides this being a story I've always wanted to write, this is also something to improve my English just a bit. Hope you don't mind some errors I will most probably make! (;

Next Chapter Sneak Peek: How Alfred and Ivan's relationship progressed over the last 13 years! Maybe some fluff with a dash of smut. Who knows? Tune in next time to figure out. ;D

Review if you want to! If you do, I'll give you an imaginary cookie! Don't deny that you want one… 'cause they want you… :D