Disclaimer: I do not own the characters nor the countries (although I wish!). This story is not for commercial purpose. Please don't sue.

Special thanks go to my BETA reader mdono. You're awesome! :D

This is my first English fan fiction. Please be kind. :)

Refuse to Fall

1.

The first time when Gilbert heard Ludwig calling his name, it felt like a soft nudge on his war-hardening heart.

"Prussia," the young boy with blond hair said with a warm smile. Each letter danced on the tip of his tongue before it was spoken.

"Will you be guarding me, protecting me and guiding me now and forever?"

"Till the very last of my breath, my Prince."

Gilbert promised with his right hand resting on his left chest. It was the most solemn oath he had ever taken in his life. He had been a fearsome knight with no Master, a loner with no friends, and an oath-breaker who would change side without hesitation. He did not understand the meaning of the word "sincere" until this moment.

Gilbert loved his younger brother. He loved Ludwig even before he met him. He loved him more than anything he knew. Such passionate feeling was a whole new experience to him. It was beyond his comprehension and even the most rational thoughts could not offer a sensible explanation. Then he simply shrugged and let it slip.

"You brought me to this world and crowned me, Prussia. For this I shall be for ever in your debt."

"You do not owe me any debt, my Prince. You are here because it was your wish to come to exist. You are Germany, the greatest empire on this continent. Nations bow to you. You bow to no one. "

Ludwig smiled, "Will you show me, then, how to become as strong and powerful as you are? Maybe I do not need to bow to anyone, yet I'm still a child who has to look up to everyone else. I'm eager to grow up."

"And grow up you will," assured Gilbert. "Practice with me. Fight alongside my army. I shall teach you everything you need to know. "He then took the boy's hand, leading him towards the Hall of Mirrors.

"A beautiful place for coronation, is it not? Now, since we're already at Versailles I suppose it's a good time for you to receive respectful greetings from my old friend France. How I miss his mellifluous speeches after the last defeat I handed over to him. I have no doubt he has lots to say to you. Just remember this, my Prince: Whatever he says, do not lower your sights."

"Do not lower my sights—that I shall do."

"You are Germany. You rise above all the nations and peoples. Do not ever lower your sights."

-----------------------

Many years had gone by since the German coronation at Versailles, France. Each day, Gilbert could see Ludwig grow more and more powerful. The young empire was no longer a little boy, but rather a young man with sturdy muscles on his arms, who had a penchant for reading and fighting more than anything else. Wherever Gilbert went, Ludwig would follow, and vice versa. For a time the two were as close as twins. Gilbert saw himself as the protective big brother, yet at times he made Ludwig hurt and bleed so he would learn how to endure the pain.

"Pain is not your enemy," said Gilbert, with blood still dripping down from the tip of his sword. "See it as your friend. It keeps you awake and alert. It helps you realize where the problem lies."

Ludwig winced when he probed the fresh wound on his left arm. His sword was laying at his feet.

"Friend? Surely it is not as lovely as Hungary," he mumbled, trying to close the wound with his fingers. Blood soon stained his right hand.

Gilbert raised an eyebrow.

"Hungary? Were you thinking of her? Is it why you were being so clumsy this whole morning? Look at your moves! A dancing cow can move more elegantly than you!"

"Ouch, that hurts," Ludwig grimaced, making his best efforts to look offended. The pain from his arm helped.

Gilbert frowned, then reluctantly he dropped his sword. Sitting down on a tree stump, he gestured his brother to move closer.

"Come over. Let me see to your wound."

"Don't bother. I'm enjoying the blissful moment with my beloved friend."

"I said, Come. Over."

"Okay."

Soon Ludwig was sitting on the grass just beside Gilbert's feet. He folded his legs, trying to make himself more comfortable. Gilbert's hands were working on his left arm. His fingers gently touched the skin around the open cut with a sympathetic tenderness that was normally not seen in his character.

Ludwig felt somewhat uneasy. This was not how he was supposed to be treated after "a painful lesson," in which Gilbert and him both would ignore the wounds and get on with their practice. Gilbert rarely took care of his wound personally. He thought his big brother was a tough-love believer. The moment of silence lasted too long. Ludwig began to feel nervous. He desperately wanted Gilbert to say something harsh, something the ruthless knight would always say, something Ludwig was used to hearing.

But no, silence continued ruling over this little space between the two brothers. It seemed Gilbert decided to keep his mouth shut.

Ludwig cleared his throat.

"Well, I was thinking... maybe I could... you know, have some friends, real friends. Not pains."

He quickly added. His face blushed a bit.

Gilbert stopped for a moment and looked at him.

"Friends are not necessary," he replied calmly. "You have me."

"You're different, Prussia. You're like... part of me. I want to befriend someone else. Someone like, maybe Austria or Italy? In case I go to war, I know there are my friends I can count on..."

"Don't make me laugh. Have you already forgotten what I have taught you? The only one you can count on in this world is yourself. Friendship is for losers. Allies can turn into enemies and stab you in the back. Didn't I tell you how easy it was to betray and sell one's so-called friend for a better price? Each country is for himself. Can't you see?"

"But look at Poland and Lithuania. Their jointed force even defeated you. Remember? "

"And Poland is dead. His land is mine."

"Well... there's Sweden and Finland..."

"Finland is taken over by Russia. Like I said, friendship is for losers." Gilbert said firmly, with his thou-shalt-not-argue-with-me voice. Unfortunately, Ludwig, like Gilbert himself, was not quick to surrender.

"That is ridiculous! I'm a powerful empire, which grants me the right to do whatever I like. I said I wanted friends, then I should have friends. Betrayal or not is not my concern. I choose nations I like. They don't have to return the favor. "

"Then you are the dumbest country I've ever known. Even dumber than Poland."

"That's not nice."

"And one day when, inevitably, you're betrayed by your friends. I'll be there to laugh in your face and say 'I told you so.'"

The German's pride was jeopardized. He sneered back without thinking. "Come on, Prussia. Just because you cannot get along with others doesn't mean other countries are like you. It doesn't mean I have to be like you!"

There was a fierce storm forming in the deep of Gilbert's crimson eyes. His face darkened. His voice hardened.

"Very well then. Be it your way," he spat those words as if they were saturated with venom, then he shoved the blonde aside, making his way back to his horse. "Today's practice is over. You're dismissed," Gilbert said without looking back. Then he mounted the horse and took off. Ludwig was left alone on the meadow, feeling both confused and frustrated.

-----------------------

The next day Ludwig was already starting to regret. Not that he thought he should be an all-by-myself type of loner just like Gilbert. Deep in his heart the young empire still longed for friendship. He, however, thought what he yelled to Gilbert at the end of their unpleasant conversation was not only rude but also inappropriate.

After all, Gilbert was the one who raised him up. He was more than a brother to him. Ludwig decided he should apologize.

He found Gilbert in the Meeting Chamber of their palace. Before he could express himself, his brother passed a map to him and suggested he should take a look.

"What's this about?"

Ludwig directed his attention to the map, on which some red lines had been drawn at certain areas. It even had a few footnotes on it.

Gilbert was looking at him straight in the eyes. His facial expressions did not give away his current mood. He looked calm, perhaps a bit indifferent, but there was not a trace of anger in his voice. The storm in his eyes had dissipated.

"If you want a friend, may I suggest it be Russia?"

"Why Russia?"

"He is the most powerful empire to our east. After the partitions of Poland we are connected by my side, which makes it much more convenient for him to attack us if he chooses to. We should consider ourselves fortunate for he has been benign to us," he pointed to one of the red lines on the map. "On the other hand, it would be to our advantage to have Russia watch our back if we become allies, so that when we go to war against other countries we can focus our force on a single front."

"Right. And you don't think Russia is as likely to stab in our back. Where did that allies-can-turn-into-enemies idea go? Thought you were quite persistent on that one."

Gilbert bit his lower lip slightly. He seemed rather uncomfortable with what he was about to say.

"I hate to mention this but... Russia never betrayed me. He proved to be reliable, a much more accountable country than England or France. For the past two centuries we've been... well, let's just say he and I have established mutual respect for each other. Why are you laughing?"

"Dear God," Ludwig couldn't help but grin. "My ears must be fooling me. Did you just say Russia is your friend?"

"No!" Gilbert growled, looking more upset than embarrassed. "I do NOT consider him as my friend. How can you befriend someone who can beat you senseless whenever he pleases? I was just saying he had accountability."

"Which reminds me," Ludwig nodded. "That there was one time when Russia had beaten the hell out of you, before you two started that reliable relationship. Then he saved you when you thought you were going to die and helped you defeat other enemies. Is that why you are so fond of him?"

Ludwig was thoroughly amused. He chuckled and lowered his eyes to study the map again, completely missing the embarrassing blush spreading across his brother's face.

"I am not fond of RUSSIA. Damn it. This is not about ME. It is you who crave for nonsense friendship like a baby crying for his mother's breast!"

"Ah. So you still disapprove."

Gilbert glared at him, his voice a bit shaking due to his barely restrained rage.

"I have lived long enough to tell a danger when I see one. I am your protector. I'll do anything for you to keep you away from harm. Is it so hard to understand? I can't help you if you continue acting arrogantly and—"

"I'm not the little child I used to be. Not any more. Prussia, I appreciate your concern but you are just over protective at times. Look at me. I'm big and strong. I can take care of myself. I can make decisions and face consequences. I can take responsibility for my own action. Please, Prussia, just have faith in me, alright?"

"I always have faith in you but this is..."

"Then be true to your words and let me choose my paths."

Ludwig insisted. He knew exactly he was pushing Gilbert to his limits. He didn't know what Gilbert would think or feel. He could not care less. The young empire was determined to win this argument if he wanted to break free from the control of his big brother.

He completely forgot the reason why he came to this chamber in the first place.

To apologize.

It looked as if Gilbert was going to explode. Ludwig braced himself and waited. He could see the angry flush on Gilbert's face, which also made his ears and neck red. His left hand was tightly grabbing the sword hilt hanging on his belt. Ludwig suddenly realized, with much remorse, that he had left his own weapon somewhere else.

"Please, Prussia," the blond youth pleaded softly.

To his relief, Gilbert slowly relaxed his fingers. His left hand fell to the side of his still tensed body.

"My Prince," with a sigh Gilbert spoke in a weary voice. "Of course you can make your own decisions. If only you can have alliance with Russia, I shall say no more objections."

The last sentence sounded more like a plea than a request. Knowing Gilbert finally gave in to him, Ludwig smiled with triumph. He knew he was going to win this.

"I don't think so," he said.

Gilbert stared at him, looking utterly lost.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I've been thinking these days," explained Ludwig, pointing to the map. "As I made my observations, I concluded Austria would be a more suitable candidate. He is close to us culturally and geographically. He is not only a powerful empire, but also a combination of two strong nations. Thanks to his marriage with Hungary, one alliance with Austria will automatically bring Hungary to our side as well. Besides, I find his music rather enjoyable. "

"What about Russia?"

"Never mind about Russia. Austria hates him. I have to make a choice. Hell, everyone in Europe hates Russia, maybe except you, and you pretend to hate him too. He's weird, don't you think? He's full of contradictions. No one could understand him, not even himself. Frankly, I don't want that guy on my side. He gives me goose bumps. I wonder why you two could get alone, but what do I know? Maybe the resemblance of your names gives him a kindred feeling?"

Ludwig laughed at his own joke, ignoring the hurt expression flashing across his brother's face. He was too absorbed by his own victory.

"What if..." Gilbert finally said, struggling for words. "What if I tell you Austria and I have issues? We have been disputing and fighting against each other for centuries. We loathe each other. We hate each other. We would have put each other to death if we could. I fought hard to exclude him from being a part of you. I, I..."

"Don't worry, Prussia. I'll take care of it. Everything is going to be fine," the blond youth said enthusiastically, touching his brother's arm with reassurance. His blue eyes gleamed with hope and joy. Gilbert said nothing. He just stared at Ludwig, long and hard.

Such unusual silence was unnoticed by the younger brother as he was mesmerized by the future laying ahead of him. Now that he was free to choose his own path, he would definitely walk on the Great Path that would lead him to becoming an empire as glorious as Ancient Rome used to be. He would make correct choice at each crossroad, and victories would always be at his side. He knew he would because there was no way he could be wrong.

Because he was born to be perfect.

Because he was Germany.

Ludwig hugged and kissed his brother on the cheek before he left the chamber. He hummed a few notes, his strides were swift, and his spirit was sky high. Like an inexperienced general who thought he was going to win the war after winning the first battle, he was confident on what he was about to do next.

He was going to conquer the world.