A WINTER'S MOURNING

It was strangely quiet in the house shared by Sweden and Finland. Norway was cooking breakfast while Iceland placed set-ups in the table. Denmark and Sweden was not yet to be seen as both were still sleeping in their respective rooms. Iceland put Hana's bowl with milk to the floor when the white puppy came in. Hanatamago stopped in her track when a different person greeted her.

"Woof! Woof!"

"Finland would not be able anymore give you milk, Hana. I'm sorry… Fin is somewhere far-away from us" Iceland watched Hana as the puppy drank from her bowl. Iceland barely said those words without crying a bit. A warmly scent greeted Iceland and Norway approached him with a hot cocoa on his right hand.

"Drink this, brother. Let's wait for the other two to wake up" Norway gave the hot mug of cocoa to Iceland who happily accepted. The two Nordics took a seat and waited for Denmark and Sweden to arrive. Norway picked up a newspaper and began to read while Iceland contentedly sips his hot cocoa.

"God morgen!" Norway greeted to a disheveled Denmark and Sweden in his blue military uniform when the two entered the kitchen. Denmark and Sweden took their seats and started filling their plates. The Nordics ate in silence, until Denmark broke the silence.

"Sve, are you going somewhere this day?" Denmark asked as he helped himself for another serving of bacon and scrambled eggs. Norway and Iceland looked to Sweden as the latter was already in his uniform.

"Do not bear the burden of this war all by yourself. We are here for you, Sweden. We know how much the two of you were close together. Remember we are always by your side, no matter what. We will make it through the end" Norway smiled to Sweden. Sweden looked to his family and happy faces met him. We may dislike one another and not always agree on everything but one thing is certain. In the end we still count on one another. We are a family after all. Sweden could not help himself from blushing earning himself a tease from a certain Dane. Denmark and Sweden bullied one another just like the old times.

"You will not do anything, brother?" asked Iceland as they watch Denmark and Sweden exchange curses. Norway put down his cup of coffee with his usual bored expression on his face and analyzes the situation.

"Ohhh… Sweden you look so cute when you're blushing!"

"Why don't you bother yourself with those scrambled eggs of yours? Or do you want me to scramble you right now?!"

"Why you so easy to be pissed off? Hahahaha!"

"Why you so such a dumbass, spiky-haired idiot?!"

Iceland and Norway continued watching Denmark and Sweden with their constant childish bickering. The two can't help smiling. They missed this kind of scene. Norway resumed his reading and was nearly over when his eyes caught a statement. Germany is on the move. Its hands are now stretching as far as Finland. Norway trembled with anger upon reading the article. When will this war ends? When will Finland be at peace?

"Are you okay, brother?" asked Iceland.

"Don't mind me, brother. It's just the effect of drinking too much coffee. I am already in my fourth cup of coffee" replied Norway, hiding his anger. Unbeknownst to Norway, Sweden noticed his reaction. Sweden stood up and placed his plate on the sink. Iceland did the same.

"Are you finish, guys?" asked Denmark as he was still finishing his breakfast.

"Don't speak when you are eating!" Norway reprimanded Denmark through his usual summoning of a troll. Sweden smiled but faltered remembering how Finland always reacts when Norway and Denmark were arguing. His smile may falter but his heart will never will…

"I'll be going now. I need to see my boss and talk on the succeeding plans about Finland. Germany is on the move. Another war is brewing, I could feel it. You guys don't have any pressing matters to do?" asked Sweden.

"We'll be doing the same. Germany is always in the newspaper. Do you think they are capable against the Soviets? The Soviets were weakened after the Winter War. There is a probability that Germany may invade Russia. Another thing, Germany is eyeing Finland. It seems Finland's fight is not yet over. It would be a rough journey for Finland until it meets its freedom" Norway expressed with a hint of anger and sadness.

"Don't worry, Norge. Like we promised we will fight together. We will fight with Ice and Sve. Rather than fighting alone we will fight as one and we will become stronger together. We will make a beautiful world for the generations to come. Somewhere in the distant future, we will be happier – much happier than we are right now. Until that day comes, let's do our best at this moment" promised Denmark.

"You know, Den. I really admired you, but… WILL YOU QUIT CALLING ME NORGE?!" Norway sent waves of his magic spells to the obnoxious Dane. Iceland and Sweden laughed as they were entertained by the love-hate relationship of the two. They never realized how long they laughed like that since Finland was taken from them. Finally, laughter and joy found its way back to the lives of the Nordics.


"Ah… you are finally here, my dear Ludwig. I have been thoroughly expecting your arrival. Your tremendous victories made Germany proud of you. You really lived and surpassed my expectations. Well done!" Hitler congratulated his personification. To celebrate the conquests of Germany, he opened his best wine and poured its contents on two wine glasses. He gave the other one to Ludwig. The two made a toast and drank the wine greedily.

"It seems that Russia is becoming overconfident with our pact with them. They literally requested for our government not to intervene in their territorial claims." Hitler waved the letter to Germany, his eyes narrowing upon seeing the Russian insignia. "We should obliterate those who hinder our plans. Prevention is better than the cure itself" Hitler passed the letter to Germany. Germany read the contents, brows furrowing. He was aware of the recent events of Russia on the territories covered by the Soviet's sphere of influence. But addressing the Germans not to meddle on the Soviets political affairs?

"Are they jesting? Are they treating us like a bunch of fools? Who are they to order us around?" Germany's impatience flared up. Hitler shared his same sentiments to his personification. He refilled the wine glass of Ludwig and the personification drank. Ludwig calmed down weighing his best options to handle the proposal of Russia. What is your plan, Russia? Are you out of your mind or are you playing charades against us? Do not interfere with us. I cannot allow your boldness insult Germany without teaching you a simple lesson.

"Well, well, well… What do you propose to this one, eh Ludwig? I am sure that many ideas are now going on in your intelligent mind. Care to share some?" Hitler's eyes glinted with malice. Germany surveyed his cunning leader before giving in to the seduction of the one of the greatest dictators of Europe.


Russia was waiting for Stalin to give him orders. He watched his leader read the letter sent to him by a Soviet spy stationed in Berlin. Every minute wasted was a chance for the Axis to expand its dominion on Europe, Asia and the Pacific. Someone knocked on the door and Russia opened it. A high-ranking official acknowledged the presence of Russia before giving to him the letters sent by other Russian spies. Russia dismissed the officer and closed the door. He placed the letter at Stalin's desk. Stalin put down the letter he was reading and examined the newly-sent messages to him. Stalin massaged his throbbing head from all the headaches brought by the Winter War and the incoming world war. It was lucky for him to have Ivan Braginsky by his side.

"More reports from our spies in Germany and Japan" Russia informed his leader. Stalin sighed and began opening the letters one-by-one. All letter relayed similar information. Even the other Soviet generals insisted that Germany was preparing to assault Russia anytime.

"Do you believe that Hitler will allow such aggression against the Soviets?" Stalin asked his personification.

"We should not underestimate Hitler. He may act like he was supporting Russia but like everyone else who wants to be more superior against the others; he will do anything at all cost, da" Russia examined his newly-acquired metal pipe. "With the growing threat of Germany and its allies, they might probably win the support of smaller European nations. Shouldn't we be afraid of that?" Russia looked quizzically to his leader.

"Why should we fear that they will attack us? Besides, we signed a pact with Germany. There is no point that the Germans will assail us. As long as they are not threat to us we should not be worried to them" replied Stalin.

"As long as we are not in the way of Germany, we are no threat to them" corrected Russia. Stalin resumed reading the letters signaling the end of their conversation. You are a fool to believe that Germany will side with us. You two are different individuals with unlike political interests. I will not allow Russia be conquered that easily. Russia will fight for its people.