Author's Note: This actually comes from the forum, though this form is more modified. Think of it as Version 1.5. The story itself was inspired by both the book A Canticle for Leibowitz and ideas from the forum. Without spoiling anything, it's a crossover (of sorts) with Hetalia, as well as an alternate history/ alternate universe take on the book's events. Any criticisms and advice is welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own the rights of any part of Axis Powers Hetalia or Walt Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz. Any similarities and homages belong to their respective owners.

The Return of the Swiss Ones: A Canticle for Leibowitz sidestory

The Year of Our Lord 3781 was to be Earth's final curtain call. Yet history still had one more peculiar secret to unravel. The impact this had on the world at large still remains by some to be seen...

- [Classified], Quo Peregrinatur Grex recording

Vatican Secret Archives, New Rome. 12 April 3781

LUCIFER IS FALLEN.

The headline beamed through every corner of the Archives. As fast as the transmissions, it was spoken in everyone's lips. Whispers spread amongst scholar and worker alike; rumors of war were abound. And Monsignor Iovannes Vargas refused to hear anymore of it. He's heard more than enough panic in his lifetime.

It also helped that he knew the details hours before.

The city of Itu Wan was, according to second-hand and encrypted sources, entirely destroyed by a thermonuclear device. Preliminary observations have already ruled out an aerial strike, despite the Atlantic missile launch off the coast. Yet it was against any Asian Coalition standard to let one of their own civilian centers blow up so carelessly. Neither were any of the weapons satellites active during the event. As far as the info was concerned, it was a heinous terrorist act. Thank God for the Diplomatic Service, he mused. If only it stopped there.

He pondered on the last page of the report: the current evidence suggested that the explosion took place underground. In fact, the device appeared to have detonated several feet under the central districts. Strange readings from around the vicinity prior to the explosion point to capabilities far beyond mere terrorists. An unsettling tinge struck the monsignor when he first heard it. If he were honest with himself, he still was. There were few, if any, other survivors left from the pre-Deluge world. Yet such thoughts were brushed aside by a speaker's voice.

"Bonus dies. Messer. Is est a caput capitis prior dico. His Holiness wishes to see you," the voice promptly intoned. "It concerns both Quo Peregrinatur Grex and Pri-"

"Yes, of course: Primum sollicitudo. Please inform him of my immediate arrival. The monks must also be waiting. As well, meus ignosco."

As Msgr. Vargas made his way out, the words echoed in his mind. Primum sollicitudo. The Helvetian underworld. The Swiss Ones. True or not, he put his best humane composure. The last thing he needed was more panic, but the thought remained. Is it really possible that they're finally sending a message? he mused. Did you actually make it after all?