Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia; credit goes to Himaruya-sama! This is a product of my imagination, and copyright infringement is NOT intended.

Warnings: This story may contain strong language, violence, and hints of yaoi. It is rated M for these reasons and possibly others. Consider yourself warned.

~*Prologue*~

Darkness. Despair. Destruction.

Such negative, yet oh-so honest words to describe the hell hole I call 'home'. You'd think that I'm exaggerating, but I leave the theatrics to my older, flamboyant, embarrassing excuse of a brother. Yes, 'home' is a place where crime is at an all-time high, where despicable acts go unpunished, where death is a common occurrence.

As the representation of North Italy, some expect me to influence the country for worse or for better. Ha! Just because I am Italy does not mean that Italy is me. And if you think that doesn't make any sense, well then you can just screw a cactus for all I care. The gist of everything is that, while I represent the present state of my country, I do not have the capability of directly influencing whatever the hell happens to it. That in turn means I am unable to cause or prevent the disasters that strike my land. In the simplest of terms for those that are slow on the uptake:

Shit happens whether I wish for it or not.

However, I am not the only one living in a wasteland. In fact, the entire world was plunged into darkness decades ago. The cause? Three countries that sought to dominate the Earth, to enslave the other countries to do their bidding. Those three countries?

The Axis.

In other words, I, along with my allies Japan and Germany, am responsible for worldwide suffering!

…Confused? After I explained that I cannot directly influence my country, I contradicted myself by saying that I am the cause of global despair? Allow me to explain.

My 'boss' entered an alliance that was formed between the leaders of Germany and Japan. Our governments came to the unanimous decision of joining forces in order to accomplish mutual goals for the betterment of our individual countries. The goals? As previously mentioned: world domination. We sought to expand territory beyond our borders for the sake of accessing resources previously unavailable to us.

Land, of course, was not to be given to us easily. The other countries had something to say about our plan of conquest, though not for very noble reasons. No, they wanted to conquer land for themselves and prevent Axis from taking the world before they could. One misstep later, the whole world was dragged into a devastating war—devastating for the losers, that is. The Allies stood no chance against the combined military might of the Axis!

What? Other way around…? Ha! You must be talking about that side.

In that world, everything is completely opposite. Countries thrive, Axis lost…and Italy is a pussy. Who would ever want to live with that? To live in a place where grass grows green, where scum is cleaned off the streets, where Italy is loved rather than feared? Concepts I've only ever heard of are made reality on that side. Justice, peace, love…I have no interest in any of those things. I am Luciano Vargas, and I rule the world. People, citizens and countries alike, fear me!

…Then why? Why do I watch my counterpart from afar and wish so desperately that the things he had were in my possession? Why do I feel sick comparing my twisted reality to his perfect fantasy? Why do I feel so empty? Why, why, why?

Hm. Got off track, did I? Well, you'll have to excuse me; I just remembered that I have a…prior engagement. Yes. What is it? Well, if you must know…

If I rule this world, then why not that one? And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Now, as we say here in Italy:

Arrivederci~

AN: Reviews encourage writing. INDULGE ME.