Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust

by ostio98

Gilbert is called off to war. Again. But something far more serious and terrifying is revealed. Long before he feels the battle-field beneath his feet. He's dying. And it's all Ludwig's fault.

1. Chapter 1- Bloodstained Snow

Lost

(A PruCan Fanfic)

By: C. C. Hiland

Prelude: Blood-stained Snow

May 30th, 1431

Canada watched his Papa walk across the snow. He was covered in blood. France walked by his son as though he wasn't there. This was scary. He never did that.

"Papa…?" Canada whimpered.

France acted as though his small voice was the wind. France slumped against a tree; blood trickling down his chin.

"Papa!"

He looked over. "Elle a partie"

"Qui?"

"Jeanne d'Arc" he whispered.

You loved her…" Canada said half to himself, shocked.

"Of course I did" He said weakly, coughing up blood. He covered his mouth with his hand. It came away crimson. France paid no attention to it; letting his hand fall.

"But you said you loved Papa Britain" he pointed out.

"Screw him!" he yelled. Blood came out of his mouth and landed on Canada's cheek.

The young country whimpered, shutting his ears and eyes. To block out France's harshness.

"Qu'est-ce qu'il y a? Peur de crier un peu?" France continued to shout, limping toward the helpless child.

"Au-aucun…" he shook his head quick enough for his neck to snap.

He backed away slowly. Canada turned and ran, getting lifted by the collar by his father. He whimpered and shut his eyes tightly.

"Vous avez peur" he said flatly.

"Papa Britain doesn't scare you does he?" France's voice was calm.

This scared Canada more than his shouting. The small country shook his head again.

He dropped Canada in the snow. "Go to him" he said softly.

"What?" He said softly

"Go!"

Canada ran to Britain's house. He tripped in the snow and skinned his knee. The child looked up and squinted: it was a hand. He took it and was lifted from the ground. He fell asleep in the country's arms and cuddled into his chest.

Prussia smiled and walked into his house. He put Canada in one of the beds and gave him a polar bear that he'd found near the child. Canada smiled in his sleep and cuddled the small animal.

"Gute Nacht, Kanda" he whispered.

Canada woke up a few hours later to Prussia. The small child screamed and backed away to the wall. He spoke in French out of fear, shock, and confusion. "Qui êtes-vous?"

Prussia cocked his albino head in question. He reached for the bear, to give it to Canada. Canada gasped quietly at the sight of his hands. "Mon savoir…"

"Gilbert" he said softly, thinking he'd asked his name.

"Matthew" he replied shakingly.