Here's a belated duo of fics from the Doomsday-verse AU that were meant for Christmas 2012! It's a follow-up of sorts to the older 2011 Christmas-themed story, and a bit lighter though still bittersweet.

While this is mainly from Julia/Sopron's perspective, I've also seen it fitting to include her relationship with Janos/Partium, the other Survivor-Nation who showed up in what used to be Hungary, as well some light nods at how the two would be like in 1983: Doomsday. Also look forward to some AustriaxHungary, Frying Pangle dynamics and even some PolandxHungary in here as well! Still, don't expect this to be too dark or bleak especially considering who their mother is. Also, you may find this one to be more Hungarian than German/Austrian compared to the previous Christmas fic.

And just to be safe, this is not meant to be an ideological, political or propaganda piece at all. This is a work of fiction that happens to have some historical context and inspiration. Also, I neither own Axis Powers Hetalia. All rights belong to their respective owners.

So without further ado, enjoy!


A Wonderful Time in the Wastes

Or, a 1983 Doomsday Tale Through the Survivor-Nations' Eyes

Outskirts of Linz. 2012.

The December chill seemed much colder than it normally was, which also meant more snow than usual. Not that Julia really cared right there and then as she watched the two Alpine siblings make their way to the car. Then again, it seemed so fitting for this time of year anyway. For a moment however, she was able to catch one more glimpse at the sleeping baby being carried by Switzerland. It still surprised her how much little Hans looked like both Aunt Lili and Uncle Vash. Even has the same frown too, the embodiment of Sopron thought gingerly as she waved.

"Auf Wiedersehen!" she shouted in accented German. "Have a safe trip und Frohe Weihnachten!"

"Likewise dear," Liechtenstein replied warmly before leading her brother on by the hand. "I'm just happy that you're in good hands." But just as they started fading from view, the Survivor-Nation heard loud footsteps in the snow heading towards her. That she already knew who made those noises didn't really make things any less comfortable for her than the scars still left on her body after that one time with those kidnappers.

"Is this normally what happens around here, Sopron?" A taller, older-looking boy in a military overcoat asked dryly while shaking his head in disbelief. "I mean, it's not often I get to see crap like this. But where I'm from…"

"Yes, I get it Janos," she shot back with a restrained sigh, still finding it strange how similar Partium actually looked like to her up close despite the vaguely Romanian accent. "It's rougher where you come from." But don't think I'm oblivious to that, myself. "Still, don't you celebrate Christmas with Transylvania or something?"

The young Survivor-Nation seemed to hesitate a little only to force a confident smirk. "Um…Vlad has better things to do! He's been going all over the place anyway. Besides, I just came by here because Mr. Edelstein invited me over. It's not often I get to show up in get-togethers like this!"

Right. Julia let herself chuckle inside, only to look back and notice Roderich Edelstein wrapping his old greatcoat tight like he usually did in this time of year. I'm sure you know about her…right?

"We'll head right over, Papa!" the girl called out towards him. Somehow, it didn't seem so strange calling the aristocrat and caretaker her father, she mused as she started moving through the thickening snow. Although then again, it felt so natural. After all, she did owe him much, including her own rescue. Guess I've always known then.

"Bitte, I don't wish for you to catch a cold!" she heard the Alpine Nation call out. "That goes for you as well, Partium. The last anyone needs for to end this year would be another international incident. But more importantly, we have a very special guest this evening. And surely you and I don't wish to keep her waiting. Liebchen?"

A familiar, youthful lady in a flowing winter coat soon came into view beside him. Apart from a vague glow that seemed to last for a moment, the visitor wouldn't look too out of place. Sopron knew better, though that didn't stop her eyes widening up. Then again, she didn't really need to see her eastern counterpart's cartoonish gasp, the soft smile appearing on Austria's face or even the flower sitting snugly on the woman's long hair to figure it out. Just like she promised.

Ignoring the cold entirely, Julia rushed through the snow towards the warmth of the angelic figure's arms. "It's so great to see you again, Mama!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting, little one!" Hungary smiled as she gently brushed off some hair from her face. "I had to deal with Prussia and Poland again. To think those two still get so heated up over the smallest things…But that's besides the point." The former Nation faulted playfully if apologetically before taking Austria's hand. "Anyway, Roddi's right with the cold. You and Janos wouldn't like to miss my yuletide goulash now, would you?"

It was then that Sopron noticed her mother's gaze turning to Partium as he rushed up towards them. What surprised her however wasn't so much the boy's obvious attempt at looking like some brave warrior. Rather, it was warm chuckle on the Magyar's face as she beckoned the clearly startled Survivor-Nation forward. You're not serious…right Mama?

"It – it's an honor, anya," he managed to stutter. "Was that r-really you who…"

Julia couldn't quite believe it. "I'm so sorry, but this can't be real right now, can it?" she gasped. "Transylvania's kid is really my brother?!"

"What are you saying, you half-German wannabe?!" Partium growled as he grabbed her shoulder. "I'm more Hungarian than you could ever be! Unlike you, I'm internationally recognized!"

"At least the Alpines and Papa still care about me, you ungrateful jerk!"

"Oh yeah?! I don't think t-"

"Kérem, elég!" Both the Survivor-Nations turned to find themselves suddenly brought into a tight embrace. Sopron in particular couldn't help but also notice teardrops silently falling on her coat even as a somber smile cross her mother's face. "Stop it, just…The last thing I want is for you to fight over my legacy. Both of you have done my, nem your peoples a great service. And I would forever be happy knowing that you are my dearest children. If only I've gotten to all of you sooner…."

Julia, and to her own surprise Janos managed to smile as they tried their best to return the favor. I guess we could work something out. It's the season of sharing right? "I'm…We're glad that you're here with us now, Mama. Köszönöm." It was only then that she noticed that she said those words almost at the same time as her half-brother, which didn't seem quite as creepy as she imagined. Guess we share something in common.

Hungary chuckled warmly as she raised both of them up. "I may not be a perfect mother, though I can try to be a good guardian angel for all of you. Now, is anyone up for some special Gulyásleves?" She then winked playfully at Sopron. "And truth be told, it's better than your father's recipies."

"I heard that, Liebchen," Austria sigh with a hint of playfulness in his voice. "Though if you also wish to haveSachertorte, then it would be most pleasant to head inside now."

"Just be patient, dear. You don't want Mikulás to leave you with nothing." She turned back to them, almost glowing for a moment. "Alright, children. Who's up for a proper Christmas?"

Sopron simply grinned as she followed her parents inside, though not before offering Partium her hand. "There's a first time for everything, I guess. So Boldog karácsonyt!"

The Survivor-Nation returned the smile. "Boldog karácsonyt."


As for some reference:

Partium, like Sopron, is one of the Survivor-Nations that emerged from the "Hungarian Wastes" in 1983: Doomsday. It's based from what is in real life the Hungarian city of Debrecen (coincidentally, it was called Debrecen for a time in-verse). It also has ties and connections with neighboring Transylvania, another Survivor-Nation that emerged from Romania's ashes.

Sachertorte is also known as the Chocolate-and-Apricot cake, a dish popular in Austria and especially in Vienna.

Gulyásleves is otherwise known as Goulash Soup, a popular and traditional dish in Hungary. Also, Mikulás is the Magyar alternative to Santa Claus, and normally arrives on December 6...though in this case, it's a special belated service.

Auf Wiedersehen - "Goodbye/Farewell!" (German)
Frohe Weihnachten - "Merry Christmas" (German)
Bitte - "Please" (German)
Liebchen - "Beloved/Dear/Darling" (German)
Anya - "Mother" (Hungarian)
Kérem, elég - "Please, enough!" (Hungarian)
Köszönöm - "Thank you" (Hungarian)
Boldog karácsonyt - "Merry Christmas" (Hungarian)