Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia: Axis Powers.

Author's Note: Sorry if this is behind schedule, but here is the next chapter. There is a slight time jump now, as this snapshot is set after Austria-Hungary has declared war on Serbia and is set when the Russian Empire begins to mobilise.

I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

~Anonymous Lily

P.S: (Thank you 'abc' for your review. You were right- Prussia was oddly quiet in the last chapter and I will try and edit in some dialogue for him. He is going to have more dialogue, but you may want to look again. I hope you like what you see, as well as this chapter.)


Chapter Three: The Bear Awakens

St Petersburg, Russian Empire, August 1914.

It was morning in the Alexandrovsky Gardens and the sun was cascading down through the clouds and into the trees, bathing the grass and dainty flowers in light. Momentarily, the sky was masked in dark clouds looming ominously; then they moved on. The park, usually alive with citizens, was sparsely populated, save for a few people, Ivan Braginsky being one of them.

He had wandered into the park for a quick stroll before he was due to meet the commander-in-chief of the Russian army at 10 o' clock for a briefing. Ivan thought that it would be beneficial to use the time before the briefing to read.

He was indeed dressed for the occasion, having earlier donned his newest uniform, which- true to the modern style- was stiff and heavy, covered in tassels and lapels. However, Ivan was thankful that his favourite black boots were still smart enough to wear and that the Czar was lenient enough to let him wear his iconic scarf to meetings, which he had since the time of Ivan IV

In his hand, he held a small envelope, which contained a private letter from his Serbian ally, Teodor Loncar. The paper was crisp, if a little stained from the postman's fingers and felt oddly light. It's odd, Teodor usually writes long letters, Ivan pondered, Although, he may not have the time now.

Carefully, he opened the envelope and slid the letter out.

Dear Ivan,

The sons of dogs have done it. Austria and Hungary have declared war on me. They have the German Empire supporting them too, maybe even the Ottomans.

And all because of that stupid ultimatum they sent me yesterday, that they knew I wasn't going to accept. What country would accept these terms that basically allow them to walk all over you and stamp your face into the mud? Not Serbia, not I!

From what I have heard from Prime Minister Pasic, the Austro-Hungarian armies are going to be attacking soon. They have the third largest population in Europe, fed by anti-Serbian propaganda, even more since the assassination, so I have a tough fight on my hands.

Anyway, the reason that I am writing is that I need help, and I know that you would be the most likely to help me in this situation. From one Slavic brother to another, I ask for your help to combat the Central Powers.

Yours,

Teodor

Ivan skimmed through the letter again, concerned. The Russian Empire had already began to move troops near the Serbian border as a precaution, but this seemed to put things into a bigger perspective, a perspective that plainly said that this was not enough to help Serbia fight the Central Powers. Something bigger needed to happen.

But at the same time, a nagging thought kept appearing in the back of Ivan's head. We do not want a war, we want to be able to eat. What will the war do for the poor? This little murmur had always been there, ever since he first discovered his immortality, but since 1905- the year of the fateful march for equality being violently subdued- the murmur became a harsh whisper and was getting slightly louder. It worried Ivan, how he wanted his people to eat and be happy, and yet he was enchanted by the power and splendour of the monarchy.

His thoughts were interrupted by the pealing of the St Petersburg bells, signalling Ivan's hasty walk through the capital to find the Grand Duke's palace.

Do not worry Teodor, Ivan smiled, hearing the ringing reverberating across the city, The Russian Empire is right beside you.

%&%

"Ivan, I require your presence." the Grand Duke called. Ivan hastened his pace, catching up to him easily in the airy entrance hall of the Grand Duke's palace. The previously sunny weather, now cloudy, filtered through the windows, giving the room a dusty feel.

I remember when this place was first built, Ivan smiled to himself, It still looks to be in good condition, just as warm as before.

Ivan paused, catching his breath, "I am here, Grand Duke Nickolaev-"

"Just call me Nickolai, that will make things easier." he replied, turning on the spot to face the Russian personification. His face was weary, like he had not slept in a few days. Despite this, he stood tall, tired eyes almost level with Ivan's eyes with a look of tired authority.

"...You are late, why?" Nickolai queried.

"You see sir, I was in the Alexandrovsky Garden and I lost track of time," Ivan admitted, casting his eyes down subconsciously. Nickolai frowned slightly at the movement and Ivan looked up.

"So, why have you asked for me, Nickolai? Do you want to talk about something?" Ivan ventured, glancing quickly at the window before refocusing on the Grand Duke.

"I wish to talk about the upcoming war," Nickolai sighed, "There is no doubt that there is a war going on now, with the Austro-Hungarian Empire declaring war on Serbia, Germany making plans to invade, every nation in Europe is expecting a war. Though of course you already know that."

"Hm," Ivan nodded, "I understand that we have already started mobilising near Serbia. However, what is the plan for defeating the Central Powers?"

"What we are thinking of doing is attacking Germany through East Prussia and Austria-Hungary near the border before the Carpathians. Seeing as how we can transport our troops fairly quickly, they should arrive in about four days." Nickolai explained, "We are also dedicating a small part of our navy to defend the Black Sea from the Ottomans."

"I see. What happens if the Germans invade though? What do we do then?" Ivan questioned.

Nickolai frowned, before taking out a piece of paper from his pocket an inspecting it.

"Sorry, Ivan," he apologised, "I forgot for a moment. Now, if the Germans invade, we will have to get rid of the major industrial factories so they cannot take our weapons, won't we? Of course, the people will need to move as well."

This struck a chord with Ivan, he remembered the thought he had earlier today. If they have to move... where would they go?

Suddenly, he dug his fingernails into his palms in frustration. For goodness sake, Ivan! Of course they have to move, they could get killed. This is war we are talking about and you have seen enough of them to know what happens! It is for the good of the Empire and the people that this happens, better that then them being slaughtered by the Germans.

"Ivan?" Nickolai asked, waving a hand in front of the personification's face, "Are you all right?"

Ivan blinked, and put on a sunny smile.

"Yes sir."


Author's Note: I really hope that I represented Grand Duke Nickolai Nickolaevich Romanov well enough- this is my first time writing a historical figure! From what I found, he was very religious- praying every day before and after every meal, a tough but respected commander, and loved hunting.

I also hope that I was able to portray the internal conflict between imperialism and communism in Ivan, because it was fun to write!

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong on anything.

~Anonymous Lily