Author's Notes and Disclaimer:
Here's a follow-up series of short vignettes set in the RDNA-verse originally on DeviantArt, though slightly fixed up here. All these, including this one, take place in the same room at roughly the same time but span over a hundred years but in anachronistic order (except for one small detail). Coincidentally, this first episode takes places during the events of The Personal Records of a Doctor (Erzherzog here meaning Archduke in German). Eventually the Nations themselves would show up down the line, though I wouldn't wait to spoil too much. Any criticism is more than appreciated.
Also, Axis Powers Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. All else referenced belong to their respective owners.
The Piano Hall: A RDNA-verse Tale
1934
Franz Ferdinand didn't really know why he entered the room, let alone unlock it. It was but one of many others in the Royal Residence. Lately, the strain of being Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Crownlands and Archduke of New Austria was gaining on his nerves; only one of those titles had any meaning now.
Through the partially covered windows shone pale rays of moonlight just bright enough to see his surroundings. At one end laid a grand piano. It had been draped years earlier along with many other items, all of which covered still in a fine layer of dust, though its contours still betrayed its elegance. Yet despite that, it was an unspoken consensus that no one really wanted to be in that part of the Royal Residence, let alone near it.
It hadn't always been this way. Before it was closed off, what was simply known as the Piano Hall had been used by his family for private events, both for business and pleasure. Officially anyway. The place seemed more cheerful back in that day, but that may have been unwarranted nostalgia. If he were frank, his relatives were but tenants compared to the ones who really owned it. And the only one left among them was undergoing therapy. To think we actually had a chance back then, Francesca...
As he tried to remember how the room once looked like, there came a familiar tune coming from the piano. It was an old waltz from one of Brahms' Hungarian operas. The melody and emotion were there. Yet it seemed slow, off-key, almost sporadic, as though it was being played by someone just barely holding together. There was no one else with him. But he resigned himself to the fact that he knew who and what was in there. At least I hope so.
Then the tune was joined by the faint crack of a rifle, followed by the sounds of several Guards rushing towards it. Even if no one told him, the Archduke knew who the intended target was. And how unfortunate that you have to sense this.
The sound vanished when one of the Guards rushed inside, making a hurried salute.
"Mein Erzherzog, we've...captured the assassin," he said hesitantly. "We had to keep her from killing him. He may have information on Red agents in Neu Wien and the surrounding areas."
There was a soft sigh. Who can really blame her? "Good. See to it that he doesn't escape. I'll follow shortly. Carry on."
Quietly, he checked his pocket watch. It read 2:12 AM. Just how much longer can this go on? He resisted the urge to look back, only doing so once the doors were closed. It hadn't occurred to him how long since he last entered it. The Piano Hall held many stories within itself. Perhaps one day, the room may come to life once more. But for now, it was still too soon. As he locked it once more, he mouthed a few words, almost silently.
"Guten nacht, Austria."