Brave New World

With the threat of nuclear war looming over the world, all the nations decided that things had to change. Believing that over 200 nations running around independently was dangerous for the future, they chose to create superstates to encompass the various regions of the world. While all states within those superstates have equal participation, only one will be chosen to represent the entire superstate in geopolitical meetings. While many superstates, such as Germania and the North American Federation were formed willingly, a few, mainly the Dalmatian Empire and Korea were forcibly created. And while most were content with the results, there were still territorial disputes between the superstates, wanting a few minor changes to their borders. And so, the geopolitical population was reduced from over 200 to just around 30. Many hoped that this would help stem the rise of conflicts. But that would soon be proved wrong…

Berlin, Capital of Germania, 6:40 A.M.

Germany sat in the living room of his house, an old Castle built back in the times of the ancient Hohenzollern kings. This was the seat of power within the superstate, where Germany would give out orders and commands to be carried out by the people.

Germania was the superstate within the center of Europe. As the name suggests, it's members consisted of the Germanic nations: Germany, Austria, Prussia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with Germany as the head.

He unfurled a map of Europe, and frowned. He knew he was at a huge disadvantage. He was surrounded by a host of more powerful superstates. To his immediate north was the Kalmar Empire, comprised of the various Nordic countries. They were friendly, but he had to keep an eye on them.

To his east was the Slavic Union, made up of Eastern, Central European and the Baltic States. They seem to be distrustful of him(justifiably so), and he was in turn, distrustful of them. Who knows what kind of trouble they would start in the east.

To his northwest were the Benelux siblings. Even if they were much smaller in size, they were no pushovers(maybe Luxembourg, but that was not his own fault). Belgium proved her courage in the world wars, teaching Germany the lesson of never underestimating her. Netherlands also turned out to be a pain to deal with. Add to the equation that the Benelux had the support of the United Kingdom, they would be a very tough nut to crack.

The most obvious threat was the Third Roman Empire, which from France to Hungary were bordering him. The Third Roman Empire had become the largest entity in Europe, with holdings even across the Mediterranean and into Africa. Germany was surprised when so many countries decided to align themselves with Italy, the leader of the Third Roman Empire.

Germany leaned back in his seat. Italy had gathered himself an enormous amount of power, now if he could use it correctly would be a different story. Italy was not known for his military prowess. His associates: France, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova might have once been strong in the past, but now….

And there was Hungary. Austria had been furious that she was forced to join the Third Roman Empire, Italy insisting that his domains be connected. Despite being in separate superstates, contact between countries were not forbidden, but things would be more complicated to say the least.

Germany leaned back in the seat as he evaluated his own allies. First was Austria. He's a loyal companion, that's for sure. He may be stubborn, grumpy and pompous at times, but he would have your back once trouble started. He's a good fighter, just not good at winning wars. He also gets his emotions get the better of him.

Prussia, his own brother; arrogant, annoying and has the ego the size of Bavaria. He's probably the best fighter out of all of Germania, though Switzerland would come at a close second(Germany didn't include himself). Prussia, despite not being an actual country anymore decided to stay for a bit longer to see how things play out.

Germany's glad Switzerland is on his side: the loyal, smart and sometimes even cunning mountain nation was once a mercenary that fought across Europe, something Austria and Prussia could attest to. He also finances all of the superstate's economy, taking one burden off of Germany's back.

Now for the last member, Liechtenstein. Besides being Switzerland's adoptive sibling, Germany has no idea as to who she is. She is a great assistant, keeping the castle clean and making meals, but beyond that Germany has no clue as to her capabilities. Maybe he should ask Switzerland later.

Germany swiveled his head as he heard footsteps walk down the stone stairs. It was Austria, who was usually not up so early.

"Morning, Austria," Germany said, "Why up so early?"

Austria rubbed his eyes. "I don't know. I just couldn't sleep tonight." He replied dully.

Germany sighed. "You should lay off the coffee," He advised.

Austria scowled at him. "I've been drinking that for over 300 years! Do you really think the effects work on me?" He exclaimed. He sat down next to Germany, putting his hand over his head. "It's not that…" He muttered.

Germany put a hand in his shoulder. "Hungary, right?" He asked softly. Austria nodded. Germany sighed. "You can still see her anytime, you know." He said.

Austria looked up. "I know that. But ever since the superstates were created we've become more distant. And both of us hoped to be in the same superstate, but we couldn't even manage to do that…" He began sobbing into his hands.

Germany looked at him with shock. Austria was not one to cry, especially in front of other people. "I'm sorry I couldn't get Hungary to join Germania," He whispered.

"It's not your fault," Austria choked out, "You tried your best. You tried to make me happy, even though I'm just a burden…"

"No, your not!" Germany shouted. "You were always here for me, no matter what kind of situation we were in. This is nothing compared to what we faced in the past." Germany patted his shoulder. "You've just been through a lot."

Austria managed to put up a frail smile. "What I've gone through in the several hundred years that I've been alive, you suffered in a mere century," He sputtered out, "You've become the country I always aspired to be." He paused, taking in a deep breath. "I'm glad that when Prussia and I fought to see who would become your older brother, I ended up on the losing side. Who knows what kind of man up would have grown up to be had I been your mentor…" He broke into sobs once more.

"Austria…." Germany pulled Austria into a tight embrace. He wrapped his arms around Austria, and Austria sat there.

"God, what a sight I am right now," Austria muttered. "This is so embarrassing."

"You're just letting your emotions out," Germany said.

Suddenly they heard a loud crash and a high-pitched "What the hell is wrong with you?" from upstairs.

Austria stood up as a pair of footsteps thundered down the stairs. "This is my cue to leave," He said as he wiped his eyes. He looked at Germany through his shiny glasses. "Mind if we keep this a secret?" He asked somewhat nervously.

"Don't worry. This is between the two of us," Germany replied.

Austria smiled. "Thank you," He said. He turned around and went for the kitchen, bumping into Switzerland on the way.

"What's with him?" He demanded when he entered the living room.

Germany shrugged. "Who knows," He answered. "He's always been like that."

"I know, but lately he's been even more aloof," Switzerland said in an exasperated voice. Just as he said that, there was a loud "God damn it!" from the kitchen. Switzerland glanced behind him. "Look, I know it doesn't sound like it, but I'm actually pretty worried about him." he whispered.

"I think he's just mad that we didn't get more members," Germany replied, which was true in a sense, but he wasn't about to go any deeper.

"What? Five members is enough. It's a perfect number," Switzerland commented.

"I personally think we should have gotten more nations with us," Germany sighed.

"It was a democratic vote, we can't change the outcome," A female voice said. Liechtenstein crept down the stairs, wearing a pink nightgown. "What do you suppose we should do to get new members? Every country in Europe has joined one superstate or another." She explained. She stared at Germany. "Perhaps Mr. Germany is not fond of democracy, no?" She asked with a slight chuckle.

"No, it's not that," Germany said, "There's Israel. He's one of the only countries to not join any superstate."

Switzerland uttered a loud umph. "And so what if he joins us? He'll be across the world and he's surrounded by the Middle Eastern Coalition. There's bound to be a war between them soon and I don't want to be involved," He declared.

"Ironic that Mr. Germany would want to have Israel on the same team.." Liechtenstein muttered. Germany glanced towards the girl, and grinned. Maybe this girl was more than he thought after all…

I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! It's going to be a little slow, but don't worry, things will pick up soon. I was inspired by a number of things, including a good friend of mine, another story I wrote quite some time ago (It's not here anymore) and especially the amazing Ve, we totally fooled you by Patient Harmony. That was the first story I read on this website, and I did not think that a Hetalia fanfic of all things could become a dark. Well, I hope that this little story will just be as dark as that one. I only hope that my skills are up to the task. Oh yeah, there's going to be oc's too. I actually wrote 10 chapters for the various G+ communities I am in, so uploads will be quick. Alright, this has gone long enough. Until next time, probably tomorrow.