EDIT: Sorry, I just noticed that I forgot Hungary's chapter. So go back and read that one if you haven't yet. Otherwise, ignore my rambling...

Author's Note: Assume for this chapter that Russia isn't a crazy psychopath anymore, and Belarus isn't all "MARRY ME BROTHER!" Just pretend that nations have a different idea of what marriage constitutes... basically, assume that it's family RussiaxBelarus (does that even exist?), not romantic RussiaxBelarus...

Chapter 6:

Soon the rain shall freeze into snow

Belarus was happy again.

She had thought herself incapable of such emotion, ever since her family had broken up. Her brother had rejected her, and her sister had kept her distance. She had thought that she would be alone, trapped in her cold, empty land, until the end of time.

But now she was saved. She wouldn't have to be alone for any longer. She would have a family again.

Belarus smiled up at her brother. Russia was striking in his pristine black suit, his almost white hair and pale skin contrasting sharply against it. Pinned on his chest was a star-shaped WWII era military medal and a tiny, blood red sunflower. Of course, his ever-present scarf was wrapped around his neck.

Belarus looked down at herself. She wore a pure white dress, simple and elegant. Around her waist was a deep blue sash, and in her hair was a wreath of delicate flax blossoms. Around her shoulders, she wore a cape of warm fur to protect her from the cold. It was her dream wedding outfit.

She turned a little and saw Ukraine and the Baltics watching from the audience. Her sister had tears of joy in her eyes. They were all so happy for her and Russia. Latvia had even stopped shaking and was smiling warmly.

Belarus smiled up at Russia again. He smiled back, and her heart soared like she had never felt before. She and Russia were finally becoming one.

It was her dream come true.

It was perfect.

Of course, in the lives of nations, nothing was ever perfect.

"... I do."

And with those two little words, Belarus sealed her fate.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Belarus felt giddy as Russia swept her into his arms and planted a kiss on her lips. She had dreamed of this moment forever, ever since she was still a child, following her older siblings around the frozen land that was their home. She should enjoy it, she really should...

Something was wrong.

As soon as Russia pulled away, Belarus lost all her strength, sagging to the ground. It was as if something had been taken away from her. But what?

Suddenly, she realized that she could no longer feel her country. She cried out involuntarily.

Russia was already bent over her, worry evident in his violet eyes. "Sister? Sister, what is wrong?"

"Where have they gone? I cannot feel my people! " Belarus's voice was quieter than normal, fear replacing the usual icy cold confidence. At that moment, Ukraine and the Baltics arrived. They heard the end of this statement and paled.

"Oh no..." Ukraine shook her head. It couldn't be! Unifying the countries shouldn't have this effect! After all, they were the Soviet Union together at one time...

But she could tell by her brother's look of horror that she wasn't alone. Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia all had scared expression on their faces as well.

Russia turned.

"Katyusha! Hold her for me!" Russia passed Belarus off to Ukraine, intent on going to find something, anything that would make his younger sister better. But Belarus shivered.

"Brother... So... cold..." Belarus coughed out. The hard look in Russia's eyes softened, and, bending down, he unwrapped his scarf and placed it around her neck. He stood up to leave once more.

"No, don't go! Brother!" Belarus cried out and tried to lunge for Russia, almost getting out of Ukraine's grip. The Baltics rushed to her aid.

"Shh... shh... Natalya, don't do that now, da?" Russia bent down again, holding Belarus's hand. "I'm not going anywhere..."

Belarus whimpered slightly. "... So empty... I feel so alone... Ivan, promise you won't leave me?"

"I promise."

"...спасибо..."

Belarus let out one final breath, and was gone.

Republic of Belarus - absorbed into Russia - gone

Author's Note: I seem to have lied. I'm sorry. This ended up being a sort of one sided Belarus loves Russia thing. Not that that's too strange... But let me just say that Russia's affections were merely brotherly.

By the way, Belarus is increasingly losing it's own culture and adopting Russia's, which is apparently why Natalya loves Ivan so much.

And I was confused as to Ukraine's real human name, so I just used Katyusha since it sounds awesome. I think it's her nickname or something...

The chapter title is from Belarus and Ukraine's song, "Carrots and Sticks"

Translation:

спасибо- thank you (its pronounced 'spasibo'... according to Google translate. I don't know any Russian...)

SOO... That's the end of nations randomly dying off. After this, we get into the actual WAR! Remember how the prologue was titled "Before the War"? Yeah.