Yuuki no yuki: I loved writing the ball scene (and historical foreshadowing... That one line was a sort of recent 'add on'). I am enjoying your interpretation and analyzation of why things seem HIGHLY suspicious. And I like how you found that one scene to be cute.

From Darkness and Light: *takes in a deep breath* OMG! I WANNA LOVE YOU! Seriously, this is one of the longest reviews I've ever received, and it is AMAZINGLY in depth. I love that you care about the ocs, that you can see parallels, and your concern for Ivan and Lili and- GAH! I'm giving you a huge hug!

And I like Russia with Liechtenstein in a hetro pairing. It's my number one Hetalia crack pairing, but I tried not to overdo it in this fic.

I hope I responded to everyone. Sit tight and enjoy the ride.

Chapter 7: The call of History

Lili understood why her brother was screaming out of her, but she was shocked and confused- what she was seeing was almost incomprehensible.

Was Ivan finally able to return to his normal form again? The person before her had the same unusual hair color, and the purple eyes, but his other features were more mature looking, while maintaining a certain roundness in his face. He was quite handsome, she had to admit, and the childish innocence he seemed to have added to his charms- and he was noticeably a lot taller then Lili assumed, possibly to the point that her head would barely reach his chest.

It caused her mind to swarm with so many questions- one of them being why there were Soviet soldiers in Liechtenstein- but Ivan (if it was him) moved around the desk and sat in the opposing chair. A dumbfounded Lili went in a counter clockwise direction and sat in her boss's chair. She sat down and waited anxiously, but also continued to examine him in curiosity.

What if he had betrayed her? Was playing her this whole time, just for this moment? Lili was praying inwardly that this wasn't the case, but there was no other explanation. Even that hidden glint in his eyes was too familiar to dismiss as a trick of the mind.

"You seem to be uneasy Zwigli." He noted with some interest. Zwigli- not little one or by her name, but Zwigli was what he called her, she noted. "What seems to be the trouble? I understand that I came here on short notice without saying anything beforehand."

"H-how-" She wanted to ask how he was able to return to normal so fast. "H-how d-did- I thought that you were-

"-were killed in Berlin?" Ivan prompted.

Lili's eyebrows raised up in surprise- that wasn't what she was expecting.

"A rocket launcher can't kill me off." Ivan cheerfully answered for her. "It gave me back pain for awhile, but I was able to walk away. I have something planned up my sleeve for Gilbert though, for that dirty coward's move he pulled on me."

That dark aura of unease he gave off came back, and it was familiar in itself... except, it was a lot worse ...ten times worse, in fact. It was suffocatingly powerful to the point that it made Lili shiver: something was not right about this. Something wasn't right in what he said about the older German brother, more specifically.

"Or, I think you meant, 'how did you find out about the Army of Russians that I've hidden in my home for the past few months undetected." Ivan continued. "You probably meant that question- well, I have my ways." He looked directly at her. "I'm here to talk about that."

"You've seem to taken good care of them, da?" He sounded pleased, even when she could sense the other emotion in his words. "I've seen some of them, and they look quite healthy." She hoped he only JUST seen them. "You've done all that, despite how much it takes out of your own pocket and will make you sick: your selfless, and I like that. I can't see Vash doing the same thing- I know how much he'd rather save money, and Alfred and Arthur's people were gladly willing to return whomever they found back to me. They are currently under strict house arrest, but all will be in the past."

He said that so casually, as if it were nothing, but Lili felt like there was actually more than what he said- just saying it casually hinted towards something dark. Please, dear God, She prayed. He didn't send them to those rumored 'camps' in Gulag, did he?

"Uh...t-thank you. S-so, why should you be pleased?" Lili asked worriedly. "If your not upset?"

"I like I like you Zwigli," Ivan's smile widened. "And your country- it's small, but it's so peaceful. Simple, but peaceful and cute- much like you. It must be hard though, being on your own and having to rely on your brother, who's also having a hard time managing his own country. What if I gave you an offer?

I could provide for you, and your people will not have to have economical and financial worries for a very long time- maybe even never again. You will be under my protection, and I could help make you an even stronger nation- even more strong than your brother, if you wanted to."

Despite her concerns, Lili thought for a moment. He had a way with making that offer so tempting ...but her brother's words, and the words of the general and Mikhal on their home country rang in her head. Even Ivan's own words held a trace of warning. This man was screaming warning signs, which was the only thing keeping her from considering the offer: what was it that he did to those who deserted him? What was the punishment that awaited his own people?

"And what do I give in return, if I were to say yes Mr. Braginsky?" Lili asked, but she rightly guessed the answer.

"Become one with me Lili Zwigli. Join me under my home, and you will always and forever be safe and worry-free." He literally stretched his hand out over the table towards her, to make the invite less unfavorable.

He was asking her to join the Soviet Union, she translated as she glanced at his hand.

But was she to also submit to him too? To answer to his every word or whim? What were the horrors that the baltics had to endure?

"And the Army?" She continued. "What happens to them?"

"They will all return to me." Ivan simply answered and pulled his hand back into his lap. "All five hundred men, women, and children, when you come under me- they are all rightfully my people after all, so I shall relieve you of that burden."

TIme stopped for the younger Nation as she realized this was it. This was where she had to make the choice right then and there. She wanted to die, or at least run away, and not have to undergo this, but she wanted to be like her brother and face this man head on at the same time.

Yet, as she sat there and looked back to the larger Nation she lost her courage again and wanted to back away and get out of the mess she got herself into, back in the safety of the neutrality she willingly shared with Vash...but what of the army? What of her own people? Would they be happy under his rule? It was as the general said- a crisis no matter what.

No, she had to give them a chance. If she had to be selfless again, she would, but damn it all if she were to allow this monster to have his way. No...it wasn't selfless or selfish, it was about doing what she felt was right. She had to follow what her heart told her, and never had it ever shouted to her in such a way.

She had to take a stand in what she believed in, despite her fear.

"Mr. Braginsky." She felt herself swell with a confidence unknown to herself and a determination that her brother would admire. "I have heard of you, and what you have done: even through what you have just told me. I politely decline your offer of joining you, because I want my people to have the chance to be strong and to become the best they can be. I still love my brother so much that I wouldn't consider leaving his side and have him struggle all by himself.

"And as for the army," Her eyebrows narrowed as she continued before he could speak- another new phenomenon!- this time, with more resolve and courage than she had ever had. "I won't give them to you. If they want to go home willingly, I will allow them to without any regrets, but if there are those who do not- and I've heard it from many of them- then I'm sorry, but I want them to be happy and live without fear."

The lily had fully bloomed: it showed it's true vibrancy, in face of danger, and it was beautiful. Lili reclined in her chair, feeling wonderful, like a new person, but she was still aware of the situation at hand. The demon sitting across from her, though momentarily taken aback, was slowly changing his countenance: his grin was becoming more dangerous, as was the glint in his eyes. Clearly, no one had ever stood up to him like this.

"So," His voice was low, but full of danger. "you refuse to comply? Bad mistake Zwigli." He calmy warned her. "No one has ever refused to be a part of me, and only otherwise were they defeated by my hand: you have a lot of guts for a Nation so small."

"I may not be as big and powerful as you." Lili continued undaunted. "But at least I'm not a bully and mistreat those who left my country because they weren't happy."

Lili winced inwardly and regretted saying those words the moment she saw Ivan's smile shrink. He violently jolted out of his seat and towered menacingly over her- he wasn't Goliath anymore, but Jupiter.

"You really are asking for it, aren't you?" He was now displaying a ferocious anger that he couldn't hide behind a smile. "You really need to learn to not speak against someone like that, or you'll regret it."

If he did anything now, he had the chance of causing an attack on the country of Liechtenstein itself. This couldn't possibly be the same Ivan she grew to care for, could he? The one who she had cradled so dearly the day before and the one who told her to be less selfless for herself was not this monster before her. Those gentle, warm, yet sad eyes never held so much anger or hatred towards her like this.

But Lili realized too late that he had pulled a fist back, in a fit of anger, and she couldn't move away fast enough. She saw the hand rapidly approaching her and she shut her eyes.

She heard the sound of his fist hitting something, but it wasn't her. She opened her eyes in time to see a beige-silver haired form fell sideways onto the desk: it was Ivan who took the hit. Or at least the chibified Ivan.

Confused, she glanced back to the Ivan in front of the desk, before looking again at the smaller form on the desk. How was this even possible?!

The larger Ivan, however, was surprisingly happy to see the smaller version of him. "Ah, so I was right! It was here the whole time!"

"What?!" Lili returned back to reality as she realized he just hit her Ivan- the one who was with her since spring- who apparently was willing enough to take the blow for her. "Why are there two of you? I thoug-!"

"Ever since I got hit by that rocket launcher, I had been missing something." Ivan- the large one- drastically changed demeanor and became like a child who had found his lost toy. "A part of me, to be more specific! I was worried something would happen to it, but I guess it was here the whole time!"

The smaller Ivan slowly got up and glanced to the other one- his expression was unreadable this time as he and his larger counterpart stared at one another.

"Oh... I see now." Ivan's attention returned to Lili as he realized why she seemed to confused and smirked in realization. "You must have thought he was me this whole time. And if he was willing to protect you, then that means you haven't just watched over my people ...after all, what happens to us tends to resonate with our people."

"I propose another offer then, Lili Zwigli." He continued. "I will grant you the time needed to explain to the Army as to why I'm here, and give them the choice to stay or leave ...for now. In exchange..." He paused as he glanced longingly at his chibified self. "I want you to give him back to me. I have more need for him than you do, and my country needs me completely whole to be able to maintain things."

Had it been back in May, when this whole thing started, Lili knew that she would give the Ivan that came to her back to this Ivan in a heartbeat. She would have gladly done it and continued with her old routine of life, safe out of the drama of the war until she could stand on her on two feet once more, while being by Vash's side. She was afraid that she would have just as willingly give up the Russian Army to Ivan as well, without considering the consequences.

Yet...why was it suddenly hard to find the desire to give her friend up, even though she now knew who he truly was?

The chibi Ivan turned his whole body around and looked at her. He didn't speak but seemed to be trying to tell her something with his purple eyes and his face... he wasn't pleading for her to spare him from this fate, nor was he sad or upset. He was serious ...as serious as he had been, when they talked in the Alps.

Perhaps he wasn't thinking about himself- maybe he was possibly trying to tell Lili to be strong. A small nod of his head and a pleased smile was all that it took to confirm his decision.

"If that's what you wish." Lili felt a bit of pain inside her as she nodded in turn without considering that she was possibly answering both of parts of the Russian. "I wont forget our time together ...friend." she briefly realized, in a touch of irony, that he was truly going to leave, but not in the way he had hoped.

Ivan -the one she had become friends with- gave her a smile- a final smile, one of relief, of happiness, of sadness- before turning to the other Ivan and calmly walked towards him, ready to accept his fate.

The larger Ivan picked him up, under the arms and held him out at an arms reach. Lili suddenly panicked and hurriedly tried to say one last farewell before it was too late.

"Do Svidani-

Ivan Braginsky suddenly thrusted the smaller form into his chest, right into where his heart was, causing the smaller incarnation to disappear in a flash of silver-gray.

There was no indication as to what had just happened after that- only the crossed hands over Ivan's heart, and the stunned little Nation across from him. He was gone- just like snow, in face of the sun.

"I feel a lot better now." Ivan sighed as he dropped his arms. He glanced to Lili. "I will give you all the time needed to spread the word through your home to the Army."

Instead of answering- she barely remembered what it was they had just talked about- Lili glanced up to Ivan. Her heart was beating fast, as her hope was teeter-tottering within: did he gain the memories of Ivan- her friend Ivan? Would that change him? She knew she could ask, but she was too afraid to do it.

"...I'm sorry about your loss." Ivan gave her a sympathetic frown that was possibly fake, in the shred of awareness she had. "Please don't hold it against me."

Lili softly fell into her chair as her gaze fell to her hands.

She heard the door open and close, but she didn't get up... not even when a certain amount of time passed and the door could be heard opening and closing.

"Thank God, your alright." Lili looked up to see Vash let out a breath of air that clearly sounded like it had been trapped under an immense amount of stress and tension. "I was afraid that he would do something to you."

"Big Brother," Lili slowly spoke up. " ...you knew that Iv- Mr. Braginsky survived the battle of Berlin, and never came here at all, didn't you?"

The nation of Switzerland was surprised by this, but he understood as he looked at his sister and figured out what happened when he recognized the sense of loss in her.

"I'm sorry ...I didn't realize that this was going to get worse than how I imagined it to be. If I knew how much this would affect you, I would have done anything to keep it away."

Lili got out of the chair and headed towards the door, but she paused.

"It's time for me to be strong." She murmured.

-and so..-

According to history, two hundred of the five hundred members in the First National Russian Army agreed or wanted to head back to departed to Austria, and were never heard from again.

Despite this, Liechtenstein was still pitted against the Soviet Union in the custody of the remaining members, all while refusing to become a part of it.

"I'm very sorry Lili," Roderich sighed as he sat with the siblings in Switzerland. "I tried my best to protect the Royal Family Archives for you, but Braginsky was able to confiscate them from me."

"...Damnit." Vash hissed, boiling in anger over the Russian's cruelty. "Why the hell would he want her Nation's possessions?"

"It's ok, Vash." Lili tried to reassure him, but inside, she was crushed: Ivan was taking his anger out over her refusal to return the remaining Russians, it seemed.

Eventually, Argentina offered asylum as well. The people of Liechtenstein's generosity, which had never faltered since the army first came to the country, extended to paying for the travel to Argentina. After two and a half years since they arrived, the Russians were free to go wherever they wished.

"You asked for me to stop by?" Lili began as she entered through the front door to Elise's home.

"Yes- I've had something in my house that I've been meaning to give you, but I figured it would be better to wait, when everything had settled down a bit." Elise explained.

"I agreed with her." Mikhal said from Elise's small sofa. Originally, he had planned to go with the other Russians back to their country, hoping that Liechtenstein would be spared from further wrath, but, out of all the members of the Army, Lili instead that he should stay: He clearly showed an immense reluctance to part ways with the land he grew to like, and with Elise herself. He ended up living with her, while doing whatever he could in the town as a way of repayment for all the country did for him and the others.

"I don't think you would have been ready to receive it, in the past two years we had to go through." Mikhal told Lili as Elise patiently waited for the Nation. "Elise has been keeping it in her room this whole time."

Elise was followed by Lili as she went to her room. Upon arriving, she opened the door, but hesitated.

"It's on my bed... I think I'll let you open it alone, just in case."

Elise, ever the enigmatic, scurried down the hallway and left a curious Lili behind. It didn't matter; Lili went inside where she could see a white box, like the kind used for presents, on top of the yellow bedcover. She closed the door behind her and sat down upon the bed, next to the box.

There wasn't anything noteworthy about it, but it was inside that now had Lili's attention. She only had to remove the top off to see the contents inside.

It was something that was knitted and a lovely shade of emerald green. Lili removed it from the box, and it unfolded, followed by something white that slipped out, which diverted her attention away from the object in her hands. The girl noticed it was a folded white piece of paper, which she took up and opened. Upon it was this:

-For when you are able to come to my country. You can brave more than the weather, but this might be necessary, just in case.

She never saw this handwriting before, but she had a suspicion as to who it was. She returned to the object and held it out before her.

It was a scarf that was long enough that it reached both ends of the bed and then almost again for a second time. It could possibly wrap around Lili's neck two times before the ends would drape off to a certain length. It was clearly hand made- a lot of work was put into it, while the ends were carefully started and finished off. It reminded her of Ivan's own scarf.

She then realized that this was what he meant to give to her on that day.

She felt pain rise in her as she remembered her time spent with the Nation- or the part of him that was with her. What did it matter? He was lost forever, despite what Ivan- the real one- had done.

But he wasn't gone- if she could remember her little friend, than he was still there, in her memories.

She gathered the scarf up and hugged it to her: she needed something to hold onto, while she could finally have this chance to cry, after nearly two years of struggling to stay adamant for all her people. She was ready to finally move on and help her people once more, and this time, she was going to make absolutely sure that they had the right to be a little selfless once in awhile too.

However Liechtenstein often resorted to selling family artistic treasures, while it was still recovering after the war. It prospered later, as it used it's low corporate tax rates to draw many companies to the country- today, it's one of the richest countries in the world.

Liechtenstein was the only country who stood up to Russia's demands for the people to return and informed the government that only those who wanted to go back were permitted to go.

The act of kindness shown in those times was commemorated with a monument at the border town of Hinterschellenberg near Wirtschaft zum Lowen tavern- where the army was first allowed Asylum in Liechtenstein.

-Many years later-

Lili stared at the monument outside the tavern: it was a simple, circular plaque upon a block of stone, with a commemoration written upon it. It was nothing fancy or spectacular, but it served as a memory, for those who were there, and for those who would come in the future generations.

"I like it." Marie smiled- this young woman was the grand daughter of Elise and Mikhal. Lili could swear that the red head had some of Elise in her, and especially in the odd smiles she had from time to time.

"So do I," Lili touched the top of the monument. "So do I."

She understood what Ivan meant: five hundred of his people had made up that part of him that came to her. Five hundred, lost in the crossfires of dark fates, made up the part of him that, for a short time, had been her special little friend.

...IT'S NOT OVER YET! WE HAVE ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO!

And yes Yuuki no Yuki- you guessed correctly. :)

And the monument actually exists and I believe it's official name is the Russian Monument. I recommend taking a look at it.

Also, I recently did an illustration of the ball scene, which can be found on DeviantArt. My current user name on that site is TornRose24, and the illustration is titled 'A Dance.'