Author's Notes: A while back, I made an Axis Powers Hetalia AU fic set in the alternate history Monarchy Over the Danube timeline. The basic premise is that one was that instead of an Anschluss in 1938, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is revived, triggering a chain of events leading to a rather different World War Two. Unfortunately, that didn't pan out...until now.

Here's the prologue to a new, rewritten version of the fic. While the general premise and gist is still the same and in some respects retains elements from the previous version, there've been quite a number of changes. For one, this new prologue also includes a teaser of an event further down the line. That said, this is still very much AustriaxHungary (or AusHun) in terms of pairings, along with perhaps major appearances by Poland, the Axis and the Entente/Allied Powers.

And just to be sure, this is not meant to be a political/ideological propaganda piece by any means. Also, I don't own Axis Powers Hetalia. All rights belong to its respective owners.

Hope you enjoy this one! And apologies for the delayed polishing!

Monarchy Over the Danube

An Alternate History Tale of Austria-Hungary Retold through the Nations Themselves.

-PROLOGUE-

Undisclosed location outside London, United Kingdom. 15 July 1938.

The world was inching ever closer towards the abyss. Arthur Kirkland had long since come to grips with that notion. As did everyone else in the conference hall, his motley group of allies, as they waited around a large map of Europe that had been laid on the table. They should bloody do by now! the embodiment of Great Britain thought irritably.

With Herr Hitler growing madder by the hour, Poland would likely be overwhelmed before anyone could step in to save him. While further east, Ivan seemed to grow ever more impatient in trying to make the world one with him. Not to mention Japan's preposterous Co-Prosperity Sphere nonsense in Asia. Barely twenty years after the Great War, and it looked as though another one was bound to happen any day now. Never again, my arse…

Even America and his absurd failure to read the atmosphere would have to be blind to see the panicked, exasperated and outright angered looks on their faces as they kept on bickering. Which isn't helping me one bit here… Especially with who were waiting just outside.

"Right then," England sighed at long last as he cleared his throat. "I needn't explain for the nth time why we're here. But the main order for this meeting is to introduce the newest if – perhaps surprising members of our Entente Cordiale. It is for the interests of everyone here that you be on your best bloody behaviour!"

"Ah, be out with it ma cheri!" France asked with a hint of frustration. With so much commotion and conflicting news going on, it made sense that not everyone spoke on the same level. "We all know Amerique is bound to take a side eventually! Les Italies of all people did! So spare us the speech and bring him in, tsi?"

"Not another word, Francis. Not another bloody word."

The Nation forced himself not to strangle the Frenchman, let alone slap himself. That he could see the concern in Matthew's face, let alone notice the Canadian along with the rest of his Empire and Commonwealth didn't help matters. Now or never, you wankers. But with a practiced if awkward gesture he stood up, taking a glance the door behind him.

"Allow me to welcome into our Entente Cordiale the Austro-Hungarian Empire." There was a pause as he steeled himself, though it was more to let those words sink in. "You may enter!"

As he said this, two familiar Nations in old yet dignified uniforms walked into the hall towards the assembled group. While England himself was able to get over the shock that the others were loudly showing beforehand, the sight of that couple together in outfits not seen since the War was at once unbelievable and unnerving. The times must really be desperate if he was willing to let the Danube return.

"Mon Dieu…" France snapped at him. "You're letting them in?!"

-o-

Somewhere in Upper Austria. 27 September 1935.

The road leading into Wien stayed silent as the soldiers manning the barricade continued their watch. Standing outside an old auto, the embodiment of Austria wearily looked on alongside his highest leaders. The Republic of Austria, the Nation reminded himself bitterly, not that it showed. He wasn't bound to a wheelchair these days, but the pain remained. Yet deep down, he somehow felt that it wouldn't last for much longer.

"This is madness," he heard Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg grit in exasperation. "Fresh from a flight from Belgium and now that – pretender thinks he's already won."

The former aristocrat tried to clear his throat. "Let us not get too hasty, your Excellency. Perhaps it's a sign that the si-"

"Sir," an official from the Ministry of Defense chimed in. "Need I remind you, the entire country is in an uproar! We're bleeding manpower just cutting off these dissidents. The last thing we need is an excuse for the Nazis to steamroll us!"

"The police and armed forces are already compromised," another minister sneered. " So is the damned government! We should have expected Guido Schmidt of all people would turn traitor!"

"This couldn't come at the worst possible moment! Wasn't it also your brilliant idea to repeal those anti-Habsburg laws, Kurt?!"

"Now is not the time for pointing fingers, gentlemen! The Republic is in its greatest crisis since its inception over 15 years ago. And the people expect us to stand resolute in this critical hour…"

Austria turned away, however as his politicians continued bickering; he might as well not be there. After all, his days as a great power were long over. Centuries of Empire gone, he mused. The Entente with their precious Versailles treaty made sure of that. And with Hitler barging at his very doorstep, what could a small farce of a Nation achieve now?

Yet despite it all, he still had good reason to hold on to his dignity. Unlike his leaders, Roderich knew where the winds were blowing. More and more, his citizens were siding with those so-called rebels. He could sense their clamor for change, for restoring a prince to a shattered throne. The hope of regaining their rightful place in the world. The Nation felt it all over his body. No, he wanted this. And he knew what had to be done. So be it…

As a growing mass of people and armored cars began to appear on the horizon, some among them carrying old Habsburg flags, Austria calmly walked away from the vehicle, nonchalantly moving towards the suddenly abandoned barricade, fixing the creases on his old suit and cravat as he did so.

"Herr Edelstein, return at once!" Roderich glanced towards the startled look on his bespectacled leader's face, as though in shock from his apparent defiance. "Osterreich's days are numbered as we speak. To let these dissidents sweep us at this time is suicide! You will-"

There was a cold glare as he fixed his own glasses. "Nein. You misunderstand, Chancellor. I am Osterreich. And it would be inour best interest for you all to return to the capital. There are important documents that the government must sign for the good of this land. I do not desire a civil war over this matter any more than you do. But I would regret having to do them myself." His voice dropped lower. "Now, kindly leave my sight at once. Schnell!"

With that, he turned back towards the approaching group. Leading them were the maverick conspirators themselves, at the very helm of which was a twenty-something man in a plain suit. The Nation noticed for a moment how the seemingly unassuming figure looked very much like his late father. He would have been proud of what you're about to achieve, Otto. As they approached, he stepped before the young man, giving a respectful bow. At that very moment, a new chapter in history was about to unfold. One very much based on an old page.

"Welcome back home, Mein Kaiser."

As for some information:

The Entente Cordiale, formed in 1904 was the formal name of the Allied Powers during World War I and was at its heart an alliance between France and Great Britain (including their colonies and dominions). By this AU's version of 1938, it's expanded to include the Nordics and to an extent, Italy. All while America remains on the sidelines...for now.

Otto von Habsburg ([1912-2011), was heir to the Austrian throne following the abdication in 1918-19 and later on death of his father, Emperor Karl in 1922. In 1935, he was a student in Belgium.

Kurt Schuschnigg (1897-1977) was the last Chancellor of Austria before the (Nazi) Anschluss of 1938. Although he himself was an "Austrofascist," he was strongly opposed to Hitler's plans and the Nazi party.

Guido Schmidt (1901-1957) was the Austrian foreign minister in the 1930s, and belong to the same party as Schuschnigg. In this version of events, however, he turns against his friend in favor for the Crown Prince, which helps set the stage for Austria's restored Empire.

As an added aside, the wheelchair is a nod to Hetalia canon, where it's stated that Austria/Roderich simply was too weak without it for a time after World War I ended.