Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or its characters.

Summary: Holy Roman Empire was a collection of states, yet he was able to grow just as any other personification of nations would. He had conquered part of Italy, except for the northern half, because he refused to join him in his endeavor of recreating the Roman Empire that had fallen long ago. As the descent of the great Roman Empire, Italy knows very well what will eventually happen to empires, especially those with overwhelming power. Both of them are tied by political terms and their love for each other, but despite that, Italy kept having nightmares about the fall of his beloved.

HRE and Italy as adolescents.

Warning: Might not be historically accurate.

Prologue

During the earlier periods when the Holy Roman Empire was born, he was on good political terms with Italy due to the marriage of the former's king, Otto I, and the latter's widowed queen, Adelaide. Italy was concerned for Holy Roman Empire's well-being, even if he did scare him every now and then. One night, Italy had a nightmare again – he had saw the fall of Holy Roman Empire, and became deathly afraid of it becoming true. Immediately, he bolted out of the door, making his way to Adelaide's room as fast as his feet could take him. Slowing down at her door, he knocked at it before meekly opening the door and asking if she was asleep.

"Oh, it's you…" She said, smiling, before gesturing him to enter. She lit up her bedside candle and realized he had been crying. "Is something wrong?"

Without a word, he sought comfort in her arms, his sobs rocking both of them.

"Is it the nightmare again?" She asked, cradling him in her motherly arms.

Italy nodded, still sobbing. He didn't want to see Holy Roman Empire disappear. The nightmare that kept haunting him made him regret that he didn't try hard enough to make Holy Roman Empire stay. He was too young to be put through wars like that. Alas, that was the fate of all nations – they take part in wars as soldiers and bear the scars of every one no matter they won or lost. Being the considered the continuation of his grandfather, what if Holy Roman Empire would eventually suffer the fate of the Roman Empire?

He didn't want to know.

1546

The Holy Roman flag flew as Holy Roman Empire and his men prepared for another battle. He was cleaning and sharpening his sword, making sure it was in good condition before war began. Holy Roman Empire was now a teenager, and was no longer clad in black. Instead, he was donned in a white tunic and cape. He no longer had his hat, either, and let his hair loose. War had taken a toll on the young boy. By now, he had scars littered throughout his body, and before one could heal, another was made. He had already lost countless men in war. He didn't know how long he or his body could keep up. Glancing beside him, he saw a painting of a young 'girl' in a maid's dress – something he had brought along and kept close to ever since he left Austria's home for war. It was the one thing that gave him the strength to continue battling in hopes to see 'her' again.

"Holy Rome, are you done yet?" A soldier called, hurrying him to get prepared.

"Y-yes! I'm almost done!" He shouted in response. Getting up and sheathing his sword, he carefully put away the painting and smiled tenderly at it. "I'll definitely keep my promise, Italy."

With a swing of his cape, he went off to war.

A/N: Sorry for the awfully short chapter, but it's a prologue, so…well…

Anyway, you can expect longer chapters from the next one onwards. There will be a lot more details then!

Reviews, please~