One more thing to add~ This fic is going really slow actually, and I will admit that when I write, I just stop when it gets to 3-2K words and call it a chapter. I try to leave it as a good chapter with an ending that is not just here or there, but with some hint of the next chapter, but I'm not so sure that's really a good way of writing and ending a chapter. This is the first time that I'm writing a long overarching storyline so... Critic is welcomed ^w^

Chapter three (from now on, it's not going to have much to do with history, or the linear hetalia, though there are certain elements I will follow, though not as strictly since the world is not the world we know now ^^)

When the future King woke up today and glanced at the window to see the sun shining brightly, he was filled with optimism. He got up from his large bed and made his ritual glance at the hiding spot of his most prized scroll before doing his morning stretching to make sure his muscles were nice and limber. Then he padded over to the bathing chambers to get ready for the new day that was ahead of him. He needed to look good, be presentable and show his best. Yes, he needed to do that everyday, however this day was slightly different from the rest. Indeed, today was a special day.

Today he was going to get a new advisor who would help him with his understanding of politics, that sis how to use it and how it was used, as well as help him with his future task of running of the economy. He had heard that what he was going to learn was mostly with sales and services but he knew that that were very powerful industries that helped the economy and that it was nothing to laugh about or take lightly. The tutor that he going to meet was supposed to some sort of Mercenary Card who while having a deep loyalty to the Hearts for some reason or another that his current advisers did not know of, would also work for the other suits should they pay him enough for it. That was the story that was supposed to be surrounding the card. A card who was tough enough to create his own strategies in trade and prosper from it, but was soft enough to see the flow of money and where would be the next best place to invest.

After his morning meal, he went to the study to meet his new advisor.

"My name is Lars De Hans. You may call me the Netherlands" The new advisor said gruffly, his voice slightly muffled by the scarf around him. Despite that, it was a strong and firm all the same.

"Greetings Netherlands. I am the future King" He said holding out a hand for the customary greeting. A man like this would have intimidated him early on, but now they didn't. He had grown a large amount since meeting the Joker, Prussia. He was taller the Jack by quite an amount now. Even so, he knew that there was a difference between him and the Netherlands that was not about physical appearance. The Netherlands was still tall and firm with his weight while he thought himself still slightly flimsy. He hoped he would be as or even more sturdy once he got his name and his throne.

The Netherlands raised an eyebrow at him over the striped scarf. "No name yet?"

He fought the urge to look away in embarrassment. "None yet, though I hope I will earn it soon." Everyone else he knew had a name, and he was the only exception in his whole experience. It was not something he liked to say out loud. It made him feel… even more flimsy. He had weight, he was sure of it, but he had nothing to set it on. He was not yet someone who he was destined to be, it was frustrating. Was he not good enough yet? Would he ever be good enough to fit into his role?

"Not even an Official name?"

The future King frowned slightly and his eyes shifted form side to side as he heard that question. Was this person trying to make him feel pressured…? A question like that... No other Card in his presence actually asked such a thing before. They may have thought it but the future king had not yet heard them say it before. It was quite.. upsetting, having such a pointed thought actually being voiced out. "Not yet, unfortunately. It would be not long from now, I hope."

"Be ready Kid. Life isn't as easy once you get it."

That was when the future king looked up and at the new advisor with a slight question in his eyes, though the frown did not change much or at all. He was definitely confused by what was said. What did he mean…? Before those words, the Card seemed to be very pointed and sharp to his current status, but after that, it seemed that he was looking at it not in an insulting way. If that was at all possible, that is. Before he could voice his confusions or even formulate words to articulate them, the other already sat down at the study and was pulling out scrolls to see the condition of the Kingdom Hearts. The future king hurried over and prepared for his lesson. One again, he would be confused with the new Card's method and even subject to coach him on.

When he hurried over to him the Netherlands just looked up with an unimpressed frown that made him falter slightly.

"what was that...?" he had asked, and the future King did not know what to say.

"what was... what?" he asked cautiously, bright blue eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion. After all, he still did not quite know what to think of the new Card in his life. He had confused him once and he could confuse him again easily after all.

"what you did when you came here" The Netherlands replied easily, though some impatience could be heard with the tone that he used.

"I... did not do anything, sir" The future King said slowly and was rewarded with a small 'tsk' from the advisor. The future king stepped back slightly as the advisor moved a step towards him and shook his head.

"You're walk" the Card said, and that started the first lesson with him of the day.

It was the oddest lesson of his life. His first lesson was to walk properly and like a King. That means no hurrying, just long purposeful strides. He was being coached on how to walk. He felt stupid, but he sucked it up and bore it with… strides. Long purposeful strides. He was told to walk from one end of the room to another again and again and again. It was confusing and he kept making… walking mistakes. He did not understand at all. Was there really a difference between the way people walked? Was it that important? So long as they got to the place they were supposed to right? Technically, so long as you put one foot in front of another and get there you would have passed the test right?

The Netherlands sighed after seeing him walk around the room for a thousandth time. "Perhaps you need a proper demonstration." He stood up straight and walked to the side of the room. "I don't know how to walk in a regal way, that you would need to ask someone else, but what you can see is to walk with your weight centred. Compare this," He hurried to the other side of the room, "Which was what you were doing, to this." And then he turned around… And walked.

The future King's eyes widened as he saw how he walked, suddenly feeling a sense of understanding and a sudden realising about how a person walked could say so much about someone. It was such a difference that he would never have actually even thought of or notice. Well, he definitely didn't notice as he was always walking the same way always. The message that it brought out... who knew that such a simple thing as walking could say so much...? He looked at the Netherlands with a sudden respect and awe. He knew then that this was no ordinary advisor who was there to teach him more then the things from the scrolls. Much like how the Jack or the Joker had, but with the Netherlands, he had a feeling his lessons would be more streamlines to the practical aspect of... Kingship.

The future king looked away from the Netherlands and crossed his hands across his chest, humming slightly as he reviewed in his mind once again what he had seen. It was a huge difference, the future king realized, the two ways of walking. One of them looked so, un-centered and uncertain, while the other seemed to say that the person knew exactly where they were going instead of going in a general direction. A centeredness, as the Netherlands had said. He saw it now. Was that the way he had been walking all along? He bit his lip slightly. No wonder he hadn't even gotten his official name yet. He wouldn't trust a kingdom with someone who did not know where they were going.

Inspired, he tried again and for once truly felt how flighty his steps were and how he had no centre. He was suddenly aware of the way he walked, the movement of his legs and his control over them. His centre of gravity as well was slightly of centre and kept moving as he walked. He had not thought of himself as clumsy before but... His steps were slightly random, as he thought of it now and it was confirmed as he looked down at his feet when he walked. He tried to correct it immediately, feeling happy when he slowly managed to walk in a line with the even weight of his body. He nodded to himself and looked up to the Netherlands for approval of his progress on how he walked, ready to get more pointers and tips on how to walk like a King.

The Netherlands however, had no sign of approval or disapproval. Instead he moved back to the table of the scrolls and frowned at it before looking sharply at him and giving out a command"Get over here quick!"

The future King's head that had turned downwards when there was no sign of approval from him snapped up and moved to over to the Netherlands. "What Is it?" He asked urgently and slightly concerned. To suddenly call for him so urgently, there was surely something important, but as his eyes darted around to try and see what he was looking at, he cold find no source of any concern. He frowned and looked back at the advisor. What was it that was so important...?

The Netherlands looked at him evenly with a neutral expression and face, displaying neither approval or displeasure. "You were hurrying again." he stated as a fact.

The future King frowned. "Ah, I apologise, I'll try and-"

"It's not yet natural for you, and you looked quite constipated while watching your steps. It takes time and practice to erase a whole life of walking habits and replace it. But now that you know, let's move on."

The future King blinked. "But I haven't mastered it…!" He said his frown and confusion only growing at the whole situation.

"Master it on your own time, we have other matters to do." Th Netherlands replied with a blank face.

"but... well, what was it that was so important that you called me here? Shouldn't that take precedence over my gait?" The future King said in expiration.

"No. I called you here like that to test to see if your way of walking had improved. It had, but not by much. As I said before, practice on your own time. We have other matters to discuss" The Netherlands said and turned to the scrolls, ending any argument or conversation on that subject and moving on to a new one.

Feeling confused, and slightly stressed due to having something shoved aside before mastering it and immediately moving to another topic, he nodded and tried to clear his head and prepare for his lesson. He had all the knowledge at his disposal and he was slightly confident of being able to take any question he would ask him. He hoped that for now, he would be able to gain some respect from the advisor as someone who knew his theories and had worked hard enough to know a lot by heart. Perhaps he would even impress him...?

However, all those thoughts were dashed to the ground as the lesson started. To put simply, it wasn't a lesson that he had ever known and there was no test that he had studied for.

He was told to look at the statistics and make a decision if he wanted to invest in a shipment and if so, what that shipment would be.

Was this a test? But how would he know what the correct or the best answer was? The Netherlands refused to give him any hints of what he should base his decision on. It was frustrating. How would he learn if there was nothing except the test? And the answers that he was giving, even he, the learner, knew that those answers would make the worst kind of consequence! What kind of advisor was this?

"How am I supposed to know the right answers if you don't even guide me though the basics of what I am supposed to look for? And your answers are all…. Nonsensical! What kind of lesson is this?" He demanded in pure frustration after a few tries of guessing and looking up for the answer only to receive none.

The Netherlands's eyes narrowed at that."It's not a lesson. I am not a Teacher I am an advisor. That means you decide on something, I say my opinion and you decide whether to listen to me or not." he said simply and matter of factly, his words harsh and to the point. "There is no right or wrong answer there is only your final decision. Think for yourself. I'm not going to spoon-feed you answers nor am I going to be the excuse if you do badly. This is all you. You look, you analyse and you decide. You'll never be a good King if you continue to be led around like a donkey like that."

The future King snapped his mouth shut. Was he really being spoon fed..? Was all of this really the case..? He knew he would be there when decisions were made, but that he would make the decisions...? And what if the decisions were wrong..? He would need to burden that as well...? Suddenly the weight of the responsibilities of being a King started to descend on him. What he thought of as a burden, learning all the lessons, trying to be perfect and getting all the right answers, was very different from this new burden of Kingship that the Netherlands had suddenly dumped on him.

His brow crinkled slightly upwards as he looked downwards and to the side as he shifted his weight slightly. That was not supposed to b a surprise really. He had known that as a King, one of his responsibilities would be to make decisions of the Kingdom, but none of his advisers had really gone though that because the decisions would ultimately be on him, it would mean that any loss or failure would be on him as well... It was a scary thought that made him pause his need to be King of Hearts, odd as it would be for him.

For a while, he stood there in the same position, looking away and at the ground as he shifted his weight and started to chew the inside of his cheek as he contemplated staying nameless and always a future King, or perhaps even a nameless Card. That was when the Netherlands sighed and petted his head. "Hey. Yes you'll need to be the one making the decisions, but it's also up to the people around you to show you as much as they can so you can make the best decision. That's the job of the advisers after all. To show you new insights to what you thought of so you can make the best decisions." he said softly and kindly.

The future King looked at him. "But... what if I get bad advice...?" he asked softly and hesitantly.

The Netherlands sighed and stood up. "That why you need to know all of this stuff too" he said looking at the door before giving a small puff of breath. He decided to give him a break and left the room, citing reasons like, 'I want to call my sister'.

The future King sat at his study alone and sighed. Just a few hours ago as he woke up from bed he had thought he was good enough to become a King fast… That he would be able to easily bring his Kingdom up to greatness. It seemed that there was so much more he needed to learn. Lost in his thoughts, he did not hear the door opening again, or footsteps walking closer towards him. He only looked up when he heard the quiet rolling of scrolls. As his eyes landed on the scene in front of him, he was slightly shocked.

In front of him was a young man with dark black hair and deep brown eyes that were framed beautifully with lush lashes. The Card has skin that was pale and white, something that he had never seen before and all the features on his face were different from what he was used to. The shin was sharper then even the women Cards that he had seen, and it was slightly rounder compared to the oval faces that knew. The nose, not as protruding from his face as most others and his eyes were... well, he didnt quite know how to describe it. It was different... It was so different... But he found himself liking it. The Card looked at him, stopped rolling the scrolls in favour of nodding in acknowledgement and looked down, resuming rolling the scrolls.

The future King forced himself to look away from the face and look at him less obviously, still picking out differenced that he could see, just observing him silently. The card had a smaller figure than him, and as he watched him stand there rolling up the scrolls, he was hit by a sudden urge that made him want to look at the mysterious Card's hands. Unfortunately, they were covered by long sleeves that practically hid the scrolls that he was rolling up. Wait… was he done that fast? He looked at the Card in bewilderment. Sure enough, another scroll was taken and in one, two, three, it was all rolled up in perfect symmetry. He was very impressed. But he couldn't just say it out, it would be odd..

"You shouldn't worry so much about Oranda-san. He looks fierce but he's not as fierce as he seems. Also, I can imagine that the lessons he would teach you would be very valuable to your career in the future."

The voice was gentle and sweet. It was calming. He liked it. He cleared his throat that seemed to be slightly parched for some reason or another even when he knew he had drank plenty of water so he would not need to feel that way.

"I am assuming you mean the Netherlands. Yes… His lessons are very.. important… Though it would take some getting used to.. My habits and how things usually are around e that needs to be changed.. He told me I needed to walk in a way better suited for a King!" He ranted slightly, frowning again and looking at the floor and crossing his arms across his chest. "I know it's true, but what does that mean about me..? I cant even walk properly to..." He caught himself mid sentence, realising how odd it was to suddenly be talking in such a way to a complete stranger and blushed for his blunder, clearing his throat yet again. This was not how he usually acted at all... "Excuse my rant. It was very surprising for me." He did not dare look at the other Card and cleared his throat again trying to swallow what may be a lump, een though he had not swallowed any.

The Card looked at him with dark chocolate eyes. "Sometimes habits are the development of a mindset. Change the mindset, centre the soul, and everything will fall into place easier, whether new challenges, or old actions. The inside is always a good place to start." He said enigmatically, with a small tiny smile that spoke of secrets and wonders before he turned around to leave, having rolled all the scrolls, and made to the door. He stopped half way and turned to him. Dark chocolate gazed right through him and the future King had to pause for breath. "Find and centre yourself and tie it to who you want to be. I am sure you can do it." Then he turned back and disappeared through the archway.

It was only after a few moments after that Card had left that the future King started to breathe again. He stared dazedly at the spot where the card was as questions raced through his mind, though one question was the loudest and drowned out all other thoughts. Who was that…? He wanted to know. He wanted to know very much. The words still echoed around his head.

I am sure you can do it.

The future King smiled softly to himself, not noticing his face turning slightly pink in the process. Yes.. he could. He just needed to find and centre himself just as the other had said.

The Netherlands walked back in, took one look at him and frowned seeing the expression on the future Kings face. "Remember your duty to the Queen." he reminded to him seriously before moving back to the table and going through the 'lesson' again.

The future King looked at him shocked and surprised, not concentrating at all on the session with the Netherlands. The only thoughts in his mind was about what was said the moment that the Netherlands had come in. What did he mean? Of course he would be loyal to his Queen. All he was doing was for both his Queen and his country! Why would he say that?A smaller figure rolling scrolls with his hands hidden.

He was enamoured with his Queen from the very start and wanted to be a good King to please the Queen who had helped him when he needed help so long ago and had continued to give him strength to go on when he felt too stressed to handle what he was. How could that ever be forgotten or replaced...?Dark chocolate eyes gazed right through him.He was definitely loyal to the Queen. He had to be. Even if it was not for his gratitude then it was definitely because of his duty right...?

I am sure you can do it.

He didn't know whether he was trying to fool the Netherlands or himself. Either way, he was sure that he failed. This was the yet second time someone had made such a huge impression on him from the very moment he was in their presence, and he did not know what that meant. The first always being the figure behind that curtain so long ago, but could never forget. That another could have such an impact on him... Was it the odd 'crush' that people his age was supposed to have when they were searching for their significant other? But he had his destiny. His Queen. Why would he have such feelings?

He looked at the Netherlands hoping for some guidance. He only got the weight of being a King.

"An advisor can only state his opinions. It's up to you to decide the course."

~0w0~

Find and centre yourself and tie it to who you want to be

It was not long before the court decided it was time for the future King to ascend his throne, and the preparations were done immediately. The coroners were informed to do their grave duty and all the people in High places were requested as Witnesses. The coronation of a King was a grand one. A coronation of the Destined King was an affair that could not be given enough importance.

"The King has many responsibilities and roles. The King is a source of power and pride for the whole Kingdom. The Qualities needed in the King are important to ensure the survival and growth of the Kingdom. Wisdom, grace, strength and reliability to pull us though any time, easy or hard. Tenacity and foresight in times of strife. Control and ability to right any wrong. The power to make a decision that would make the Card's Trust and the Kingdom's pride. We have seen the growth of this new King and we believe that he is finally ready, to rule us all."

The curtains drew up to reveal a Tall blond Card with blue eyes. He walked down the plush red carpets to the coroners. To the throne. To the crown. In each step was concise deliberation, a tactical movement to get through any challenges. In his gait was the controlled weight and power of his form. In his eyes, fire and determination to succeed was chilled by a cool even minded and analytical mind. Reaching the stand, he cast his gaze around the crowd, the perfect picture of a pillar of strength. He stood tall and proud, comfortable with who he was and who he was going to become. He knelt in front of the Coroners.

"Are you, who have been destined since birth to hold the crown and rule this Kingdom, willing to bring all of us, your Cards, your land and your Kingdom, to greater heights? Will you, as a King, promise to do all you can for your Kingdom and it's Cards? Will you, as a Card, promise to fulfil all your duties to your role as the King and to the Queen? Are you able to think for the people, but do not dismiss their wants, give Judgements fairly and with good thought and reason, ensure that all goes well within the Kingdom? Will you, with honesty and loyalty, pledge yourself as King, for the Kingdom and it's Cards, until the day you are reshuffled? "

He looked up straight into the eyes of the coroner, giving his single definitive answer.

"Yes."

The coroner nodded.

"And will you use all the qualities you have to ensure peace between all the suits and defence against any threat to the Hearts? Will you use all the knowledge you have learnt, and all the knowledge you will learn, to stay on the right, true path of a King and the original purpose of all Cards?"

"Yes"

"What is the Original purpose of all Cards?"

"To be part of the full Deck, and to play The Game with honour and truth."

"And what is the Purpose of the King of Hearts?"

"To rule and lead, with my Queen, this Kingdom, and play this game with all our favour for the Suit of Hearts, and the Hands that play us."

The coroner nodded and smiled, morphing to become a familiar face.

"Then with the power that I hold inside of me from my Destined Place in the Deck, I play my purpose as the Joker, and grant you with this Crown and Throne, your full entry to this Game as the King of Hearts." He lifted the Crown and placed it onto the new King's head.

"Rise, Deutschland, The King of Hearts, and Claim your Crown, Throne and place in this Deck."

Deutschland got up and taking yet another sweeping glance around the crowd of Cards, sat on the Throne.

"It has happened, and so does it be! The King of Hearts have been given his place! We shall start his role immediately!"

From there, the doors to the palace burst open and four very important, regal figures strode in. He had read about them in his training to be a King and finally, here they were.

A very flamboyant person strode up first, throwing his ram open in the very gesture of extravagance. "Allemagne! You have hearty congratulations on your coronation from the Kingdom of the Diamonds! Our congratulations are so hearty, the King himself saw to it that he would appear~! Should you need any assistance, you can always come to moi.

Germany nodded. "Frankreich. It is a pleasure. I thank you for coming here to congratulate me. If I need any assistance, it is good to know that I may choose you to help me."

The French King looked at him and smiled broadly.

Next, a tall figure walked forward. He was very tall and covered his whole body with the exception of his face. His scarf fluttered in the wind from the open door."Germaniya~ It's good that that you have finally appeared, da? The Clubs Kingdom welcomes you. I hope we can all be friends~ As the King of Clubs, it would be a good choice Da?"

"Russland. Thank you for coming. I hope we can have good relations as well." Germany also gave a nod to him, feeling quite unsure about this Card's true motives behind the child like smile.

The Russian King just smiled more and inclined his head.

The last figure came up and tipped his crownish hat to him. "Germany. As the Queen of Spades, I welcome you to this game and give you our congratulations on behalf of the entire Kingdom of Spades. I hope we can come to a mutual understanding of peace and harmony between our country and offer our alliance to you, under reasonable terms."

"England. Thank you for your welcome and I hope we can come to some sort of understanding that would be good for the both our Kingdoms. But perhaps this could all later in a more suitable occasion and time."

The English Card looked at him and smiled in approval. Then had a slight look of surprise when looked to the side.

Germany followed his gaze imperceptibly. There was the Netherlands nodding his head in approval. The newly crowned King felt pride at that. It was a tough and important lesson the advisor taught him throughout, and it all paid off. However, as he looked back to the Queen of Spades, he noticed that he was not looking at the Netherlands, but at a Card beside him. The King's eyes widened a fraction as he saw who it was. There he was beside the Netherlands and in the other's shadow, the dark haired man that had captured his thoughts and battled the Queen in his head too many times that he had bothered to count. And he was looking straight at him.

(tbc~)