Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia

Warning: This chapter will contain war themes, violence, mentions of death and blood. So if you are uncomfortable with those sorts of things I would recommend skipping this one.

It was the day before the third anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, and to spend it, Australia was going to a town called Villers Bretonneux or something French. Everything in this war just seemed to blend together in one giant blur after a while. It was the dead of night, everything was so silent except for the muffled footsteps of him and his people. Australia knew the silence wouldn't last, soon they would walk into yet another bloody battlefield to launch a surprise attack on the town in an attempt to retake it from the Germans.

Australia held onto his rifle with a nervous grip, rumour has it that the German division that they were about to attack, was the very one that Germany himself was in. It was for that reason that England had yet to approve of the attack, as the older nation tried to make sure that Australia and New Zealand were placed in areas that the German personification wasn't. Australia had gotten the lecture long and hard in their training at France about not getting into anymore hand-to-hand combat with another nation, apparently they had shaved enough years of England's life as it was. Unfortunately, it also meant that Australia was on his own for this battle, no other nations would be around to help if he needed it.

Australia and his people were walking amongst the trees, it was the best cover they had to launch a surprise attack. Australia swallowed hard, he felt Germany's presence in the distance, it got stronger the closer they walked. He had never met Germany before, the only enemy nation he had met face-to-face with, was Turkey. And it was safe to say that, that meeting didn't go well as Australia has a permanent reminder of the meeting.

Australia and New Zealand both had heard the murmurs from the other allied nations. While they weren't allowed to attend the meetings, as they still had yet to be recognised as their own nations, so they had to rely on England or Canada for news. But the two brothers would always find a way to listen in unnoticed, well once America did notice their presence, he just sent a smile their way and a wink which was a silent promise to keep their secret. But they had heard all about the shocking news, they were losing the war. After four years of fighting, they were about to be beaten. That something needed to change in order to push the German's back.

And that's why the town of Villers Bretonneux was a vital role in that push that the allies needed. It was the gate to Amiens that would lead the German's to Paris, the capital city of France. If France fell, then the German's would have secured their victory, so that's why they couldn't advance any further through the town. If the allies had it, then the German's would lose that edge in the war tide. It was a lot of responsibility to have resting on one's shoulders. And responsibility never rested well with Australia, but the stakes were too high to neglect them this time, he was the closest to the town, which meant that the Australian division had to try and recapture it.

Australia tried to make sure that he was at the very back of his group. While it was a surprise attack he knew that Germany would be able to sense his presence, so the further back he was it was possible that Germany would think the Australian division was further back then what they were. Sometimes Australia really hated being a nation.

The town was in sight, Australia and his people crept low and out of sight, like a pack of dingos waiting for the opportune moment. Australia tried to look around for Germany from his position amongst the trees. But it was no use, he could sense the presence but there were too many German soldiers around to pinpoint their personification.

Australia tried to keep his breathing even despite his heart racing from the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He knew as soon as he got out there Germany would make himself known. And if the German nation could fight anything like Turkey, then Australia would be in for one hell of a fight. Because there was no use denying it, it would come down to hand-to-hand combat.

The Australian officer gave a yell and they raced out from the tree lines to advance for the attack. The German's were surprised at the attack, but with their experiences on the front lines they recovered quickly and went straight for their own weapons. But Australia's people just kept running, despite the fact that they were outnumbered heavily, they were determined and put up a good fight.

A few seconds later Australia stepped out of the tree lines. The night sky was now alight with the cracks of gunfire and shrapnel flying in every direction. Shouts in both English and German echoed in the village. And it wasn't long before Australia felt Germany's presence become stronger. He was about to run over to him, until he saw something catch his eye.

An Australian soldier looking to be the age of only nineteen, was sitting slumped against the brick wall of a building. He was crying hysterically, his weapon laying discarded next to him. Australia skidded to a stop next to him. He recognised the person from Gallipoli, he was one of the originals that were the first to land.

"Please! I don't want to die, please help me!" He spoke through shaky sobs. Australia's gaze fell down to his injuries; a bullet to the chest and another in the stomach. Australia tensed when he felt the man's weakening pulse.

He wasn't going to make it. There wasn't a medical unit nearby, and he didn't know if there were any stretcher bearers either. He knew that there were medical units on their way, but by the time they arrived the man would be dead. There was nothing Australia could do.

"Shh, it's alright mate," Australia gave his citizen a sympathetic look and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder to try and calm him.

"I'm scared, I don't want to die."

"You'll be right mate. You've done so well, you've made me proud." Australia gave him a reassuring smile.

Through his tear-ridden eyes the injured man stared at the stranger in front of him in confusion. But for reasons that he couldn't explain, he smiled. It was if the stranger's words of praise and approval meant everything to him. The light left his eyes for one final time, and strangely he noticed that he wasn't scared anymore. The stranger had an odd yet comforting aura around him.

Australia let out a shaky breath as the man's final breath escaped his lips. Tears pricked at Australia's eyes. This man was one of his own people, yet Australia didn't even know his name. With a heavy heart Australia walked away and left the man in peace. He would deal with his grief later.

That's when Australia saw him. By the man's inhuman aura, he could tell it was Germany himself.

Australia almost had to do a double take when he saw him. The blonde-haired nation was tall, at least a head taller than Australia. But the thing that made the most worried, was the nation's build. He'd never taken on a croc that big before. Germany had more muscles on him than Turkey did, it was like he practically lived at the gym. He had heard stories that even England and France had lost hand-to-hand battles with the younger nation.

This was the nation that he had to fight?!

Oh God.

Germany was practically built like a tank. Australia knew that any hits from him would do a lot of damage.

Australia wasn't going to lie, he was pretty intimidated. Germany's people fought well and hard, so it was a safe bet that their nation also did. It felt strange to be standing in front of the very nation responsible for the allied defeats on the front lines. It was hard to believe that Germany was younger than him. But if his dad and most of the others had difficulty taking Germany on at times, what chance did he have?

But apparently, he wouldn't have long to find out, as Germany started to approach the Australian nation.

Australia tried his best to quell his fears, cooling his features he put on a determined expression. He stood a little straighter with authority, England did it all the time so maybe it might do some good in intimidating the other nation. Australia kept his shoulders tense, ready to move when Germany tried to attack. Everything around Australia paled into the background. He kept his focus solely on Germany.

Germany stopped walking, now he stood only a few steps away from Australia. The piercing blue eyes bore holes into Australia.

"You will do well do step aside Australia," Germany warned, "Unless you want another scar."

Australia knew what he meant. Germany wanted to get to Paris via Villers Bretonneux and at the moment the only thing literally standing in his way, was Australia. But Australia didn't move an inch, he stood his ground.

Putting confidence into his words Australia replied, "Nah, that's not gonna happen. Because the way I see it, if I move you get to Paris."

"That is correct," Germany nodded, his accent was thick and deadly, "We are both some of the youngest in this war, surely you want to see it over."

"I do, more than anything," Australia spoke honestly, but he glared up at the German nation almost challenging like, "But not if it means you win. I'm not going to let my people's sacrifice be in vain."

"Clearly you have seen the other allies suffering, they won't last many more defeats."

Australia really couldn't deny it. He had seen his dad and the rest of the allies on the off chance he'd pass them in battle. They were worn, exhausted and looked to be barely coping, then the crippling defeats didn't help matters. But surely they couldn't die from something like that, could they? They were strong, and some were even Empires. Then there was America, with his ridiculous hero complex, there was no way that he'd give up that easily.

"Then you know why I'm here," Was all Australia responded with.

Germany looked curiously at Australia, "The Ottoman Empire has told me about your encounter with him. You may be slightly older than me, but you lack my experience. Do you expect to beat me?"

It always seemed to come down to experience with the others apparently. Australia will admit, taking Turkey one-on-one like he did probably wasn't the best idea, he wasn't used to war and fighting but he had spent three years doing just that. So surely, he would be a bit better at hand-to-hand combat since then.

Australia dropped his rifle to the side, except for his bayonet. He took a deep breath, steeling himself and mentally preparing for what was about to go down. He rotated the bayonet thrice in his hand, he was nervous he will admit. But he had to do this. It was the only way to ensure Germany didn't advance through this way. The odds were literally stacked against him in this fight. Germany was taller, more experienced and possibly on steroids based on how muscular he was.

Germany didn't have his rifle on him, but he already had his own blade in his hands. It was as if he predicted the outcome.

Germany advanced first. He was lightening quick, it was almost impossible to keep up with him as Australia had only jus managed to dodge the knife in time. But Germany stuck his elbow out and hit it into Australia's side, making the Australian wince at the force of the impact. His ribs were surely going to be bruised after this, if he survived of course. A swift yet powerful kick was aimed at Australia's ankle. Hearing a sickening snap! Australia cried out in pain and fell to the ground by the sharp pain shooting up his leg from his ankle.

He landed on his side hard, his shoulder had got the worst of the impact with the ground. He bit his lip to keep any noises at bay, he wouldn't give Germany the satisfaction of hearing him in pain.

Unfortunately, his bayonet had also fallen out of his grip and landed somewhere on the ground before Germany kicked it away.

Not again.

He could see Germany approaching him, with his own weapon drawn. Using his leg with the injured ankle he managed to sweep the legs out from under Germany. The other nation was caught off guard and lost his balance, also landing on the ground.

This gave Australia just enough time to stand back up, as Germany soon recovered. But as soon as Australia applied weight to his ankle he hissed sharply in pain. It throbbed horribly, and the pain was gut-wrenching. He glanced down and noticed that it was already starting to bruise and swell. It was definitely broken.

Perfect, Australia thought sarcastically. He shifted his weight to his right side to take the pressure off his broken ankle

This put him at a very big disadvantage. And it's not like he had a weapon either. Australia knew that he had to try and even the odds a bit more into his favour. He had to somehow disarm Germany. However, that was easier said than done.

Germany took advantage of Australia's broken ankle and slow dodges. Another punch was landed to Australia's already bruised ribs from earlier in the fight. A loud crack echoed loudly in the area where they were. Australia fell to the ground once more in a crumbled heap, he groaned in pain at his now broken ribs. He had landed on the ground on his left side, which unfortunately was the same side his ribs and ankle were broken. His fingers and the palms of his hands were bloody and scratched from when he had landed on the cold and hard cement ground.

Australia began to cough violently from the blow, which only made his side hurt worse. His breaths were ragged and shallow, as if was trying to minimise how much his lungs expanded, if breathed normally it only aggravated his injures further. His entire left side was burning in agony, Australia felt as if he was just run over by a heard of kangaroos. Tears of pain welled in his green eyes as he tried to curl in on himself like a small echidna trying to protect itself from predators. But he whimpered once his tried to, trying to move his body like that only cause so much more pain.

Australia noticed that Germany just walked past him, he was heading towards the area that Australia had come from with his people. He couldn't just let Germany get away.

Australia took several breathes, as deep as he dared with his broken ribs, he mentally willed himself to move. Biting the inside of his mouth through the pain, which as a result started to bleed, he very slowly stood back up stumbling and staggering many times as he did so. He spat the metallic coppery liquid out of his mouth. He tried his best to walk, it was difficult as he really had to put all of his weight onto his right foot. His body screamed in protest. It was like every movement was a stab to his side and sparks of pain from his ankle. His body was screaming at him to stay still, to lay back down and to allow himself to heal and rest. But he ignored those painful pleas.

He again moved to block Germany's path once more. He wouldn't allow Germany to advance and push the allies back any further. He had not fought through hell for the past few years just to lose this goddamned war. He was seeing it through to the end, even if it killed him.

Australia's face was pained, just standing seemed to prove to be an extremely difficult thing as his vision started to sway. Germany could easily tell that the Australian was favouring his right side, his left arm was trying to hold his side. He raised an eyebrow. He wondered why Australia was still determined to hold the line, he clearly wasn't in the state to be standing let alone fighting. His commitment and courage though, was something Germany admired. Maybe he judged Australia a little too harshly, the Australian still seemed ready to fight him, even though it looked like he was losing.

Australia smiled weakly and made an attempt of his famous 'She'll be right' attitude and not to show weakness.

"Going somewhere mate? I'm just getting started."

Australia noticed that Germany's eyes flickered to the scar on his nose. His mind raced back to what his dad said about hand-to-hand combat in the training sessions, a nation's eyes will tell you where they will strike next. He knew that Germany was going to launch his next attack where Australia was most vulnerable, his scar.

Australia raised his arm, pushing past the pain that vibrated throughout his whole body, to try and block the German from his attack. Australia didn't expect that he could block Germany, he was beaten pretty badly, and he didn't know if he could do it or not. But sure enough, he was able to block the attack, to his surprise and relief.

If his block was any later then the sharpened blade would have made contact with his scar, it was only a hair width away. As Germany still had his blade in his hand, Australia grabbed Germany's wrist and brought his knee up to slam the wrist down against. The bayonet fell to the ground and Australia kicked it away. A small surge of pride filled him, he actually did it!

But he didn't have time to celebrate now, he could do that later.

Australia administered his own attack against Germany putting as much power as he could into it, a fist had collided with the blonde nation's nose. Germany stumbled back, holding his nose he wiped it on his sleeve and noticed that blood had smeared onto his uniform.

Australia limped over to pick up Germany's bayonet. He raised it so the blade was now in between him and Germany, to at least offer some sort of protection in case Germany launched another attack. Australia held his aching side with his other free arm, the hand holding the bayonet started to shake and tremble as his adrenaline started to wear off.

"You've lost this battle mate," Australia informed, " My people are winning against yours and it's only a matter of time until we have retaken the village."

Just to prove Australia's point, a German soldier gave the loud order to retreat. Australia's lips tilted into a smile, his people were able to hold and push the Germans back. Germany glanced around and sees his people being defeated by the Australian division, he didn't really need to see it, he could feel the defeat and the pain from it. He narrows his eyes into a glare at Australia, but he walks past the other nation to join his people, he would have to report back to his boss about the loss of the footing they had at the town. He was so close, he could taste the victory.

Australia let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He did it! His first successful hand-to-hand combat fight against another nation.

"Hey!" Australia called out to Germany's retreating form.

To his surprise Germany stops, but he doesn't turn around, so he must have been waiting to see what Australia wanted.

"You fight well," Australia commented. It was true, Germany was very hard to beat. He respected Germany as an opponent.

What he was not expecting however, was for Germany to respond. He turned his head to look at Australia, his nose still bloody and bruised. "So do you."

Australia smiled slightly as Germany soon disappears from sight. Once Australia deemed it safe enough his grip on Germany's weapon had grown slack, the bayonet clattered as it hit the ground. He let out a shaky breath, he practically swayed on his feet. He looked around him and took in the scene of his people cheering and celebrating over their latest victory.

XxxxXxxx

Australia remained standing in the same spot where he fought Germany, it was too painful to walk anywhere else. His injuries still hadn't started to heal yet. He watches with a proud smile as his people raised the Australian flag in the air, it flew proudly over the small town.

However, the smile slips from Australia's face as he tenses. He spins around to where he felt the presence appear from. He soon regrets the sudden movement as a sharp pain shot vibrated from his side. His mind was racing in mix of panic and fear. Was Germany coming back? Because if he was Australia doubted he'd be able to hold him off or put up much of a fight.

But Australia soon relaxed, he felt the presence come through much stronger as the nation approached him. It was only France. His heart rate began to slow as he let out the breath he was holding. Thank god, because he really didn't think he'd last much longer from any hits Germany would inflict.

France looked like he had just come from a war one, which he probably just did. He was walking with a limp, he had to use a walking cane to lean against heavily as he shuffled towards Australia. The blonde hair that the French nation was so proud of, was now a dirty tangled mess that was mattered with mud and dirt. Instead of the golden blonde, it was a dull shade of blonde. He was covered in many injuries, some fresh and some that were in the seemingly slow process of healing. He was clearly feeling the effects of his land being invaded.

"Are you okay mate?" Australia asked the struggling older nation.

But France didn't reply, instead he just kept walking as best as he could to the Australian nation. He eventually stops directly in front of Australia. His exhausted and pained eyes flickered around to the devastation of his town, then his gaze finally settled back to the curious Australian.

Australia was about to open his mouth to speak again, to say something to break the silence hanging over the two. But anything he was about to say was cut off by France wrapping his arms around Australia's neck and pulling the taller nation into a tight hug. The stick that France was using had fell to the ground, but it seemed of little worry to the French nation at the moment.

Ow! Australia's mind screamed mentally. But he didn't dare say anything about it, clearly the older nation was in need of some sort of comforting, and if he instigated the hug that meant he needed it.

Unfortunately, because he was taller than the French nation it meant he was awkwardly bent down, and it only aggravated his broken ribs further.

"Merci Australie," France whispers. His voice was thick with emotion and gratitude. Australia, still caught off guard from the hug, almost missed what France said.

"Uh…You're welcome," Australia replied. He really had no idea what else to say.

He awkwardly pats France's shoulder with the arm that wasn't holding his bruised side. The two haven't really hugged at all, or even had much of a conversation since Australia was little. Whenever France came by unannounced to England's house to annoy or tease the British personification, he was always kicked out.

"Merci Australia. Merci for saving my town," France thanked as he broke the hug, much to Australia's relief because it was getting painful to hold that position for much longer.

"I owe you and New Zealand an apology. I doubted your ability to fight in this war, especially when England told us that he was sending you two to the western front. Even before you arrived it was a brutal place to be, even I didn't want Canada anywhere near there." France said sincerely.

"Well you wouldn't be the first," Australia admitted.

Most nations they had come across had doubted how long they would last due to their lack of experience of experience and young age. Really the only nation that they knew of that didn't doubt them, was Canada. But maybe he was just too polite to admit it.

"That's true, we all thought it," France admitted it a little guiltily, "But Angleterre stood with his decision, that he and Canada had overseen your training, you two had performed well in your training…except in the hand-to-hand department, but that has obviously changed. But especially considering your defeat at Gallipoli, we all prepared for the worst when you two would face Germany."

Australia frowned slightly. He knew the others had doubted him and his brother, but it still hurt to hear just how much. France seemed to notice the change in Australia's expression

"Please don't take offence mon amie. After all, how could we think any different? Germany is a stronger enemy than Turkey and you two were still so new to the concept of war," France explained.

"But you arrived in Europe for training still so carefree and high spirited, and then you had to arrive at the Somme barely a century old and with only one battle for experience. We'd all thought that you would perish at the hands of Germany, an outcome that even England feared at times. But you arrived with such determination and eagerness that you had managed to do what other's struggled with, you two had helped to turn the tide of the war. You proved myself and majority of the others wrong. You two proved that you were bursting with strength and raw talent in warfare. Which was something Angleterre likes to think it was a trait you two inherited from him."

Australia's face was dusted with a light pink shade. He was unused to praise from another nation that wasn't his family. But it seemed that France wasn't finished.

"You barely knew me, except for when I turned around and left your home when you were little, when I thought I had seen nothing of value. But you still saved this town which in the long run saved my capital even after I left you on that beach. You refused to move for Germany," France stated.

Australia gave him a confused head tilt. He must have been so caught up in the fight that he didn't recognise the other nation's presence.

"I saw your battle with Germany," France confirmed, "You should be proud that you were able to hold him off and disarm him."

"I got lucky you mean," Australia corrected.

"Maybe so, but it still took a lot of courage to get back up and continue to fight," France smiled, "But for your success, I will forever by in your debt. Because if Germany made it to Paris then I fear what would have happened to me. I will make sure my people will never forget either. Mon petite Canada has told me the reasons about why you and your brother wanted to join the war. You and New Zealand will be recognised by me as nations in your own right, I'm sure the others will agree with me."

"Thanks mate," Australia said earnestly with a smile. He couldn't wait to tell New Zealand that they were recognised by France. He knew the kiwi would be just as excited as he was.

France then winced as he bent down to retrieve his walking cane, but he soon straightened up and smiled at Australia once more, "If there is nothing more that you need, I shall be heading back. Germany is still trying to advance through the Somme lines so I am needed there."

"Actually, there is one thing," Australia asked. France turned his head to look at Australia's way, "Could you not tell England about this. My ankle and ribs hurt enough and I'd really prefer to have one thing causing me grief at a time."

"Sure mon amie," France smiled.

And there we have it! Australia was finally able to win in a hand-to-hand combat against another nation (despite the injuries he received), I'm so proud of my baby, he's come so far!

The battle of Villers-Bretonneux, was one of my favourite to learn about because it highlights just how great the Aussie spirit is! 1918, was a time when Germany had delivered some massive blows to the allied armies, and at a point, they did look like they would win the war. The town was the gateway to Amiens and because Germany had taken Villers-Bretonneux it wouldn't be long until they reached Paris. Across a 45-mile front, no fewer than 2 million German soldiers had hurled themselves at the allied lines, with the intention of splitting the British and French forces and driving all the way through to Villers-Bretonneux, where their artillery can rain down shells on the key train hub of Amiens, thus throttling the allied supply lines. Two weeks later the German's succeeded and they took the town of Villers- Bretonneux and were able to advance without check as the exhausted British troops had to flee with tens of thousands of French citizens.

This is where Australia comes in. If the Australians can hold the line, they very gate to Amiens, then the Germans will not win the war. The Australian's were out-numbered for every one Australian, there were three German soldiers. The German soldiers had tanks and heavy artillery while the Australian divisions only had the guns they carried with them, as the British tank reinforcements were late. It was the eve of Anzac day and the dead of night. They were the only ones who were able to hold off the German army and in a matter of time they had sent the German's back, taking around 10,000 prisoner. The Australians had just saved the town, the battle and in the long run, the entire war.

And the French town of Villers-Bretonneux had never forgotten what the Australians had done for them. The main streets in the town were renamed after Australia's cities, such as the Rue de Melbourne. On every school is a sign that says 'Never Forget Australia' and the flag that the Australian diggers raised is still flying high, side by side with the French flag. They also have an ANZAC service there every year to remember those that have fallen. And that's not all, after the battle many Australians back home started to raise money to help rebuild the French town and many others like it.

And it's because of the Australian's courage in battle and bravery despite the odds is what made Australia to stand back up to fight Germany even if he could barely stand without pain. The German soldiers also had a lot of respect for the Australian soldiers they faced, one of the generals said that if Germany was ever to fight in another way, they want the Australian's on their side.

SO that is it for me today. I shall see you next time! What else may be in store for Australia? When will this war finally end? Hopefully England doesn't find out about Australia's hand-to-hand combat fight with Germany, but if he did do you think he'd be proud? Or just lecture Australia for about an hour afterwards?