"You want to know why I came back? Because I can't think of a reason why I wouldn't help my little brother."

-Prussia(to Germany), HetaOni

"I can't help but think Italy looks like someone who has been standing all alone in a far away place for a very long time."

"Then we have to run over there and catch him."

- Japan and America, HetaOni

"Bruder! Mein bruder!"

Gilbert's head flew up as he heard the young country's voice from outside. "Ludi?"

A bunch of laughter rose from outside the window. "Gilbert! Kommen sie hier, ich habe eine Überraschung für dich!"

He hurried outside, smiling. Within just three years of being raised by him, the country that was once the great Holy Roman Empire had fully learned German, accent and all. Yes, his young body still had scars from that fight, but his mind was not scarred. He had been told nothing of what happened. Only Prussia, Spain, France, and Austria knew what had happened.

When he got outside, he found his little brother playing with a small golden retriever. "Look!" Ludwig laughed. "Isn't he cute?"

"Ja, he is." Gilbert sat in the grass next to him.

"May I keep him?"

"Of course!" He laughed. "Vhy not?"

"Danke, Gil!" He held the tiny puppy to his chest. "What should I call him?"

"Hmm... How about Aster?"

"Aster?" He looked at the creature "Should I name you Aster?"

Aster wagged his tail excitedly and yipped, causing Ludi to grin.

"Aster it is then!" Gilbert stood back up. "Now, if you'll excuse me-"

"Prussia!" The voice of France suddenly asked. "I 'ave to speak to you!"

Gilbert looked towards the sound, seeing the blonde running towards him. "Kesesese~ Vhat's the rush?"

"May we talk inside, mon ami?" He asked, glancing at the young boy and his puppy. "It's about Feliciano."

"Feliciano?" Ludwig spoke up, making the two men freeze. "I've heard zat name before... haven't I?"

"Nein, bruder..." Prussia laughed nervously. "I doubt that you have..."

"'Urry up, we 'ave to speak about zis immediately!"

The two friends walked inside and shut the door behind them. "Vhat's wrong with Italy?"

"'E 'as gone into depression over ze... 'disappearance' of 'Oly Rome. Zey were close, non?"

"...Ja... They vere..." Prussia glanced out the window to his brother again. "As far as I could tell they vere in love..."

"What?" Francis got upset. "We are splitting up two lovers? Just because Ludi 'as a price on 'is 'ead?"

"Meine freunde..." Prussia sighed. "You know ve can't risk it... Love may be important to you, but it is not important enough to risk mein bruder's life."

"'E isn't even your brother zough!"

"I think he is the closest I am going to get. Now, if you'll excuse me..." He opened the door for France to leave.

"...One more zing."

"Ja?"

"...'Ave you found out... if my friend... became a country as well?"

"... Nein, I have not. And I doubt it... Es tut mir leid, Francis, but it's rare for a country's spirit to be born as a human. I think... your friend is dead."

"...Alright." France sighed and walked out the door. "Adieu mon ami..."

"Auf wiedersehen..."