To Love A Monster

Ch. 1 In The West

He had barely noticed the little blue-black haired little Asian boy that had always sat quietly in the meeting room. The man thaat never spoke a word, but always sided with the strongest nation. With the flag of the rising sun, splattered red with blood and death, he fought mercilessly. This man, Kiku, the land of the rising sun, Japan.

Japan was simple, sophisticated, calm, and wise. Russia was rash. Russia was strong, quick and heartless. The meeting room constantly referred to him as "the monster", but Ivan Braginski knew who he was, what he was. Russia was the force that no one messed with. Even America kept his distance.

Russia touched his lips, even through his gloved he could feel how rough they were. Chapped and bleeding from the cold that was sitting with him, breathing down his neck. General Winter was with him and had his hands placed on Russia's broad shoulders. Even through his thick winter coat Russia could easily feel the sheer cold of Winter's hands, his clothes soon froze to his very skin. That would be painful to remove later.

Winter was a tall man, his icy hair hidden beneath an old Russian general's hat. His cold grey eyes were currently boring into Canada who was obviously uncomfortable. Winter was a powerful man, so powerful that no one dared to mess with Russia while Winter was at his side. Russia was no fool, it was obvious that Winter was his greatest weapon. Russia often used Winter as a double-edged sword. Best of all, Winter really didn't care. If Russia were to, say, die in a horrible accident? He'd be able to torment Russia's descendant. No harm done.

The meeting room shivered. Winter enjoyed flaunting his powers every once in awhile. Though Germany had already felt Winters full force, Winter felt like it was his duty to show everyone how horrifying it would be for them if they dared to even think about messing with his "precious" Ivan. Russia was the only one in the group that was still breathing steadily and normally, a soft puff of hot vapor briefly dancing in front of him before it vanished into the cold air.

General Winter smiled in spite of himself, his smile just as cold as his heart, and he kissed Russia sweetly on the cheek. Against pale skin, a blue-black mark appeared beneath Winters lips just before he vanished into thin air. Russia smiled warmly, Winter was like a father to him. Or, at the very least, a good friend. Winter was the only person that still stood by him. But everyone else would learn...and they would learn the hard way...

But Russia knew what that black kiss meant. The winter Russia would have to endure would be harsh. Russia would suffer for years, all no thanks to Germany. If he had just stayed away, the deal wouldn't have needed to be made with Winter in the first place. Oh well, Winter was acting strange anyways. It was time for Winter to have some fun. Germany shivered even though the room, upon General Winters disappearance, had returned back to normal. His skin was an odd shade of blue, and Russia couldn't help but laugh at him. Childishly, he pointed at him.

"You fought dirty!" Germany growled.

Russia smiled evilly, like a cat that had trapped a mouse, "Why don't you tell that to Winter, da?" Germany scowled, "Let's see if he agrees."

"You just wait until summer, Ivan." Germany threatened.

"Then what? You'll have four months of good marching weather? Good luck." Russia taunted. Germany held his tongue.

"You should have kept our agreements with Russia." Japan, who had been quiet through Germany's usual chatter, snapped. His chocolate eyes were hard.

"Don't you worry Kiku, you keep your cute little boots off my snow, and I'll keep mine out of your ass." Russia laughed. America, who normally didn't agree with Russia, smiled. Japan looked like he wanted to throw up, giving Russia a disgusted look. Russia smiled at him, his face hard. Japan looked away, he had already lost a war with Russia and even though Russia had more casualties, Japan was practically terrified of that man.

Even as the second World War began to fade, Russia kept his eyes on the little Japanese man. Every time America destroyed one of his armies he fought mercilessly all the same, a hidden fire in his eyes. Russia watched, watched carefully as Germany lost. But Japan led on and a fear grew in Russia's belly. He had grown to care for the nation, and really didn't really want to see him hurt.

At this time, Russia patrolled his part of Germany, making sure everything was in order. General Winter brushed his shoulder. Russia stared at him, shocked. Winter had never once left Siberia, no matter what the circumstances were. The sight was one of the scariest things Russia had ever seen and, deep down, he wished that he was delirious. But as Winter spoke, his icy voice sending chills down Russia's spine, he realized that it was all too real.

"Something is wrong..." Winter explained, his ghostly form barely visible. This wasn't his territory, and it wasn't cold enough for him to stick around. After a moment, Winter continued, "There is something in the wind. Very unsettling. I fear for your sake."

Now, Winter was not afraid of loosing his victim but he feared for the small boy he still saw in Russia. The small boy that fought against him every chilly winter, still having the strength the next year to fight him again. Who, despite the torment, still clawed his mark in the world. Who, through all the hate, kept his nation together. He saw that little boy, clutching his scarf close to his face, huddling close to his sisters for the warmth he so desperately needed.

"In the West, wind tells me of death. Of a god-like destructive power that as been unleashed. Its mark escapes me, but I fear for the red...and the white." And with that Winter faded, slipping back into whatever ghostly realm he belonged.

'In the West?' Russia thought, shrugging. 'Red and White...' Who cared? If everyone wanted to kill each other, then fine. Leave the Soviets out of it. That's what it boiled down to. Keeping him, his sisters, and his friends safe and out of reach.