Tales of Ciskaria

Part 2

One more part after this! Hope you're ready for an epic ending!

Standing outside of Ivan's home I was nervous as to how he might react. It had actually been several years since he brought me back to my island. I started to wonder if he hated me now. Before I could change my mind the door opened and standing before me was the tall, large, blonde Russian. I was a bit shorter than him, I was related to Japan after all, so I had to look up at him. He was wearing his coat and scarf as always and I was wearing a dress with my long coat overtop.

"Ciskaria." He said and before I could even begin to start apologizing to him for everything I'd put him through he picked me up in a hug and spun me around.

"Ugh, Ivy, can't. Breathe." I wheezed and he set me down.

"Oops, I got carried away da?" He smiled as he pulled me inside his home. It was the same as the day I'd left. He led me into the kitchen which was just off the living room and the hall that led to his room, and my old one.

"Why did you decide to come back?" He asked and sat me down at the kitchen table.


"I suppose I should start from the beginning when I first started having nightmares." I told him about the nightmares I'd had after America had attacked us.

"Why didn't you tell me this?"

"I know, I should have, and I regret that now, but do you trust me when I say I never meant to hurt you?"

"Ebony, I've always trusted you. I suppose this was just your way of growing up." He took my hand in his and gave me a quick kiss. "I'm just happy that you're happy."

"Arigato Ivy but it may take some time for me to forgive myself."

"It always takes time to heal." He said.

After that Ivan began to teach me how to fight in combat. While I knew how to run my country I didn't know how to fight for it, and after all, I'd never been in a war.

"In hand to hand combat stance is everything. If it isn't strong your enemy will easily knock you down." He stood in front of me. "Take out me out." He instructed.

"Uh excuse me?" I laughed. "No offense Ivy, but you're giant and I'm a midget." The height difference between us was absurd. Russia was probably the tallest country I knew, and I, being Japan's little sister, barely reached his shoulders. The next thing I knew, however, I was lying on the ground.

"Don't get distracted." He said as he leaned over me. I grinned as a plan formed in my head. I grabbed Russia's scarf and used it to pull him onto the ground while I stood up.

"Hah, take that." I smiled.

"You think on your feet da? That's a good thing but you forgot." He kicked my legs out from under me so I landed next to him. "You need a strong stance." I laughed again.

"You got me there." I shifted closer to him. "Can we be done for the day? You don't want to be like Germany hm? Always training, poor Feliciano, it's a wonder they can stand each other."

"A bit lazy as well da? You don't even want to go to the shooting range?" Ivan looked a bit mischievous for a moment.

"Oh, you torture me so!" I stood up along with Ivan and he led me to the shooting range. I'll admit, I had a strange fascination with guns and bows in that regard, but I loved, loved, loved, sniper rifles. I loved the idea of waiting on top of a building, like the spies in movies, for my target. Then bam! One shot and it'd be over. I had shot guns before so there wasn't much for me to learn in that field but I enjoyed myself anyway.

The following day Ivan had a meeting to go to. It was a private meeting of his own government so I couldn't go along with him. I merely watched as he put on his military uniform since this was one of the few things he dressed up for.

"I'm glad I never have to dress up. Uniforms look so stiff, I like the movement of a dress and my coat." I said crossing my arms.

"Well one day you will have to. Do you even have one anyway?" He put his hand on my head.

"Pff, do I have one, well, sort of." I said quietly not meeting his gaze. "And don't look at me like that! Stop smiling too!" I shoved my hand in his face to push him away. Instead he forced my hand to my side and gave me a kiss.

"I'm sure it looks lovely da?" He continued smiling and stood up straight. "I better get going, you'll be okay by yourself?"

"If you're worried about me drinking your vodka it ain't happening. I'm not getting near that again, well unless I'm hungry, just, come here." I gave him a hug before he headed out the door. "Be careful." I told him as he left, and then I was alone. As I walked through the house I began to understand how Russia must have felt being alone in such a big place. The quiet was eerie like the set of a horror movie. Before I freaked out anymore I turned on the tv and several lights. As it got later I began to doze off with the faint sound of the tv in the background.

I heard laughter. It was feminine, and it was so real I was certain there was someone in the house. I cautiously made my way into the dark hallway where I heard it again, it was getting farther away. I started chasing after the sound, down the hall, and to a door I'd actually never opened. Ivan had always seemed to avoid it so I just never went inside.

"He never actually told me not to go inside." I told myself as I opened the door. Inside was a large ballroom, the floor a beautiful marble pattern, like a flower, and the walls intricately designed with dark trim against velvet red walls. The only windows were on the farthest wall and stretched from the floor to the ceiling. My footsteps echoed on the floor as I walked towards the middle of the room. How beautiful this room was, yet it was concealed behind a door that was never opened. As I admired everything I wondered why Ivan never came in here. Did it bring back nightmarish memories of his past? Did he simply no longer think of the room as a necessity? Had it's beauty dulled over the years to him?

Music interrupted these thoughts and when I turned around I saw Ivan in the doorway, still in his military uniform. Near the door there was a stereo that he must have turned on. It played, what I guessed to be, an old Russian waltz.

"Gomen'nasai Ivy, I heard laughter, and I came to this room and I didn't know." He moved to stand in front of me and held out his hand.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked, his expression a caring seriousness.

"I-I don't know how to." He took my hand in his and positioned his other hand on my waist.

"Isn't that always the case? Follow my lead." As he led me through the movements deep down I felt like I knew the dance.

"Why don't you ever use this room? It's so beautiful." I asked.

"How am I supposed to move forward if I continuously dwell on the past? Don't you see the people dancing?" He whispered in my ear and as I looked around I saw them.

The ghosts of people from long ago dancing along to the music. Women in gorgeous ball gowns and men in old military uniforms or fancy suits.

"Who are they?"

"Exactly what they look like, ghosts of the past. This is why I never come in here, it's a reminder of who I once was." His forehead touched mine as we moved in harmony and he kept his eyes closed.

"How is it so terrible? This room is full of happy people having a good time."

"But it's because of my past that I'm so alone. People are afraid of me because of what I've done and I don't want that." I stepped back from him looking him over.

"Ivan, when I first met you I was young and innocent and alone. But you, you were always smiling, you always smile, even through the worst of times. You are strong and kind, and you saved me from a life of solitude on that lonely little island. I thank you for that, and I want you to know that you will never be alone ever again." I put my hand on his cheek and smiled. "So smile for me, da?" I said imitating his little vocal tick.

"Da." He smiled and drew me into a kiss. The ghosts around us disappeared and it was just us, alone, in the middle of that beautiful, magical ballroom. His strong arms held me close to him even once we parted to breath.

"It's getting late." Russia said.

"Yes, but I don't feel like leaving you alone tonight, or any other night."

"Who says you have to?" He smiled again and picked me up bridal style.

"Put me down!" I shrieked, quickly wrapping my arms tightly around his neck.

"I believe you're coming with me." He carried me out of the ballroom and down to the hall to his own room. I shrieked again when he plopped me down on his bed.

"Why must you do that? I don't exactly have pajamas on." I curled up on his bed.

"Humph, fine, I'll be back then." He hurried to my room and grabbed my pajamas for me to change into.

"No peeking!" I told him as I tweaked his nose and closed the door to his bathroom. I quickly changed before slowly opening the door. "I'm coming out!" I announced just in case Ivan wasn't finished changing yet. He didn't say anything so I opened the door. He was laying on his bed already under the covers. I flounced over and jumped on top of him. He let out a gasp of air as I landed on him.

"A warning would be nice da?" He smiled and wrapped his arms around me. "Spi Spokoyno Ebony." He pulled the covers over the both of us and turned off the lamp beside his bed.

"Spi Spokoyno Ivy." I rested my head just below his chin and entwined my fingers in his. I didn't have nightmares that night but I dreamed of going to balls with tons of people. All the nations were there, having fun and getting along. Of course I figured this would never happen, none of the countries could be in the same room together for less than a minute without having someone starting an argument. Nevertheless it was still a nice thought.

The sun was shining in through a crack in the window curtains the next morning. I happened to be facing the right way that it shone in my eyes as I woke up. I moaned and turned my head the other way, attempting to go back to sleep.

"Good morning dorogoy" Good morning darling, Ivan said as he kissed my head.

"I don't want to get up." I groaned.

"I'd love to stay in bed all day with you but I'm hungry."

"You're gonna have to make me move then." I grinned.

"O, dorogoya, ty dumayesh', chto ty sil'neye menya?" Oh dear, do you think you're stronger than me?

"Aw no tawagoto." I quickly recognized my mistake. Ivan managed to pick me up as he got out of bed and twirled me around.

"Stop stop stop! Put me down!" I shrieked as I held onto Ivan as tightly as I could.

"You don't like being picked up da?" He set me back down on the bed. "I'll be back, unless you want to join me." He gave me a quick kiss before heading into the kitchen. I lay in bed for a few moments before sighing.

"Well, I'm awake now!" I groaned and got up as well. I followed the smell of cinnamon to the kitchen.

"Ooo, cinnamon waffles?" I asked when I saw what Ivan was cooking.

"Da, I thought it would be nice." He smiled.

"Sounds yummy! Watch out that one's burning." I said moving his attention back to the waffles. I prepared the plates, silverware, and everything else. Soon they were finished and we sat down to enjoy them.

"Kono shokuhin o shukufuku." I said quickly before eating mine.

"You are very dedicated to your religion da?" Russia asked as he ate.

"Well, yes." I said quietly. Religion was always an awkward subject. Much like America, religion was what brought people to my home. Shinto was the main religion in Japan, but a small percentage on one of Japan's smaller islands worshipped different gods. They eventually came to my island to settle and be, somewhat free, from Japan. That was how I came to be.

"It is not a bad thing, I just find it interesting." Ivan seemed to pick up on my mood of the subject.

"You don't seem to be into religion that much." I told him. Nations didn't have to be a part of the main religion of their country, like America, most people were Christian or Catholic there, but he leaned more towards the scientific view of the world. I was raised on my religion so I was very much dedicated to it. That's just how it is I suppose.

"Not anymore, or I suppose not ever." Ivan said leaning back in his chair. I didn't feel like questioning him about it so I remained quiet.

"Well now that I'm out of bed what am I supposed to do?" I sighed pushing my empty plate away from me.

"What do you feel like doing?"

"I don't know, that's the point of me asking." I smiled and stood up. "Maybe I should clean a bit, or there's that paperwork I've been putting off." I put my plate in the sink as Ivan came up behind me with his.

"Why does it have to be all work?" He asked while leaning over my shoulder to put his plate in the sink.

"Maybe I like work! Gods, I sound like China." I laughed. "I suppose I am related to him after all."

"How about going out to town for a bit da? It's nice and sunny out, perfect for sunflowers." Ivan smiled.

"You and your sunflowers." I pinched his nose. "Sounds like fun though!" And with that we went into town for the day. While we were out we also made sure to stop and get Ivan his sunflowers.

"Ivy, they've got Crocus's!" I said as we walked through the greenhouse full of flowers. Prairie Crocus's were very popular in my country, they were the inspiration for our flag as well as being our national flower.

"Do you want to get some?" Ivan asked as he looked over my shoulder.

"They're so expensive though, they're out of season. I'm surprised these are still alive." I told him.

"Ebony, it's winter, everything is out of season."

"I know that." I stuck my tongue out at him. "Oh, why not, I love crocuses too much. They're my sunflowers." I smiled lovingly as I picked up the potted flowers. Ivan picked out his sunflowers and we headed out with our flowers. The sun was warm when it shone on us but it was still very cold out. Snow was melting on the roofs of homes and shops as we walked the streets. Small creeks full of water trickled with the melted snow, tree branches dropped the white flakes, but the sidewalk was covered in slush. I was glad I'd worn my boots since any other shoes would have been soaking wet by then.

"I need some coffee." I yawned as we walked. "I may not be having nightmares anymore but I'm still just as tired."

"Then let's hurry home, I think I could use some as well." Back at our home we brewed some coffee which filled the kitchen with its lovely scent. As we drank the brew in silence the phone rang.

"I've got it." I said quickly and went out to where the phone sat. "Kon'nichiwa?" I answered as I put the phone to my ear.

"Ciska?" I heard a very familiar voice ask.

"Alfred?! I mean...Alfred, why are you calling?" I cleared my throat, keeping my composure.

"Oh, well since I'm in charge of the World Conference meetings I was calling Ivan to tell him when the next one is, I didn't realize you two still lived together."

"Well, we do, so go ahead and tell me, I'll make sure we'll be there." I wrote down the time on a pad that sat next to the phone. "Okay thanks, bye." I said quickly before practically slamming the receiver down. I was afraid of Alfred? Of course, I'd seen the real him, I had seen behind the fake front he always put up. When he attacked us I saw the truth in his eyes, the wisdom, the power, incredible for a nation born so recently. I was only a few hundred years older than America yet he terrified me. He really did take after Arthur, seeing as how Arthur's empire had once been so vast.

"Who was that?" Ivan asked as I walked back into the kitchen.

"Alfred, calling about the next world meeting, I wrote it down." I handed him the slip of paper I had torn off of the notepad.

"If I'd known it was him I would have answered."

"Ivy, it's fine, I can handle it." I gave him a quick kiss. "Now I'm going to get a book and read outside." I grabbed my book from my room. I loved to read, especially books from other countries, England had given me a series of books called Harry Potter. Apparently it was very popular and there were movies along with it. I was reading the third book, the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Behind the large mansion was an open area looking over the countryside. Set a short distance from the house was a gazebo with comfortable, cushioned benches in it. I lay on one of the benches and began reading my book. As I lost myself in the story time seemed to pass by very quickly. Eventually I started to get drowsy and decided to close my eyes for a few moments. I lay my book over my face to block out the sun and relaxed. With my luck, I happened to fall asleep, I know, I fall asleep on anything.

After I didn't come back inside for a while Ivan came out to see what I was up to. When he found me sleeping he merely smiled, deciding it was better to let me sleep. He moved my book to the side so it wouldn't fall on the floor before heading back inside to eat his own lunch.

So bright, I thought as I rolled onto my side, which led to me falling off the bench I was sleeping on.

"Tawagoto." I mumbled as I slowly got up. Crap, I thought, how long was I asleep? From where I stood the sun looked to be high above me in the sky, so it was somewhere around noon. Thinking about lunch made my stomach growl and I picked up my book and headed inside to eat. As soon as I walked inside I knew something was off, I could feel it in the air. It set my nerves on edge as if I were watching a horror movie.

"Ivan?" I called out as I walked down the hall. None of the lights were on so I wondered if maybe he had just gone out quick. I knew if he did he would leave a note in the kitchen so I walked in the door and turned on the light. Faster than I could react a blurred figure rushed at me and would have knocked me off my feet if it weren't for the strong embrace that held me. Once I got over my shock an even worse feeling settled in my gut.

"Ivan, it's okay milaya." I sighed and I felt him shuddering as he cried silently. "Uspokoytes' teper' ya zdes'." Calm down, I'm here now. I dropped my book on the floor beside us and wrapped my arms around him.

Something had triggered this, I knew that. These things happened to me as well, probably to every nation, I would see something that would remind me of an awful memory and I'd cry or scream. As Ivan started to calm down little by little I turned my head to look him over. When he got like this often his reaction was to hurt himself. Thankfully it seemed he'd only scratched himself but I still tensed up at the sight of the red marks on his skin.

"Davay Ivan , davay lozhis' ." Come on Ivan, let's go lie down. I slowly led him to his room where I tucked him under his covers. After one last look over to make sure I hadn't missed anywhere he may have hurt himself I sank down into a chair set in the corner of his room. I rubbed my forehead as I thought of what might have caused his, panic attack, I guess you could call it.

Was it Alfred calling, I wondered, he did seem a bit guilty about not answering the phone. I jumped as Ivan started thrashing around, ending up on the floor.

"Ivan!" I shouted as I ran to his side. He had his hands on his head as he seemed to be trying to curl up into a tiny ball. "Ivan , posmotri na menya , pozhaluysta." Ivan, look at me, please. I held tightly to his arms as he slowly lifted his head to face me, his lovely purple eyes glistening with tears.

"Ne volnuytes', vse v poryadke ." Don't worry, everything's okay. I spoke softly as I felt his tensed up muscles start to relax. I struggled to move him to a sitting position leaning against the bed. Instead I sat so his head was in my lap which he seemed perfectly happy with. I hummed a little as I stroked his hair, hoping to keep him calm so he would come back to his senses.

"Ebony?" I heard him say after a while. I snapped open my eyes which had begun to droop. "Did I hurt you?" Ivan asked staring up at me.

"Oh Ivy, you'd never do that, you know it. Even when you're at your worst." His lips crashed on my own as he pulled my hair out of its usual bun and ran his fingers through it. I wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him in deeper.

"Then why do I feel so terrible?" He asked when we paused to breath.

"That's guilt, but there's no need to feel bad. Everyone has their moments, Ivy I spent nearly three years in isolation, away from you. Don't you think I feel guilty about that sometimes?"

"Yes, but I'm supposed to be strong, I'm supposed to hold these things in and control my emotions."

"That only works in movies, emotions are wild animals you can't control all the time. It's okay to let them out." I gave him another kiss. "How about a drink?" I asked him.

"So long as you don't drink any of my vodka. I still remember what happened last time you were drunk." I laughed feeling embarrassed.

"Yeah...that was bad. Don't worry, I think I'll just stick to some soda." The rest of the day we spent in the living room watching movies, Ivan with his precious vodka, and me with my soda, Crush to be exact. Ivan kept apologizing, I guess he still felt guilty, and I just kept telling him that there was no reason for him to be sorry. As I'd said before, everyone has their bad days.

"Put it on Ciskaria!" Ivan shouted at me as I sat stubbornly on my bed. My country name was something he reserved for these occasions.

"No, it's horrible and I hate it!" I yelled back crossing my arms.

"Don't make me force it on you." He grumbled. My cheeks grew hot in embarrassment but I grinned.

"Well maybe I'd like that."

"Oh would you now?" He smiled and I saw the mischievous look in his eyes that he got when he was angry at another nation. The air around him seemed to go cold and I shivered.

"Fine! Have it your way, just get out!" I said as I moved to my closet.

"Good, now you better move fast, you don't want to be late da?"

"Yeah yeah." I closed the door as he left my room and took out my military uniform. The world conference meeting was being held in England so Arthur had decided that it would be a bit more formal than usual. That meant military uniforms, which I never wore because I thought I looked stupid in mine.

Once I was dressed I stepped out to find Ivan waiting, already in his own uniform.

"Wow, that's very elaborate." Ivan said as he looked me over.

"I feel stupid." I muttered. The outfit was composed entirely of black clothing. Black pants, black shirt, black boots, and a long black coat with a large collar and extra fabric that came down over the shoulders.

"You look very formidable."

"Let's go already." I sighed wanting to get this over with.

A short while later we were in England with its cloudy skies and rain.

"It's been a long time since I've been in England." I stated as we walked into the building where the meeting was being held.

"Maybe we can check out the sights if there's time afterwards." Ivan said. As we walked past, several other countries turned to look at us as we went by.

"Why are they staring at us?" I whispered to Ivan.

"They're staring at you, as I said, you look very formidable." He smiled. It was interesting to see everyone in their military uniforms, well other than the countries who always seemed to be wearing theirs. The meeting was the same as always, Alfred started off with an outrageous plan and everyone argued until Ludwig stopped them. I didn't participate much because I already felt the stares of several countries on me, I didn't want to bring more attention to myself. Of course, that wasn't going to happen. As everyone was arguing again I heard England talking.

"Who are you talking to?!" Alfred shouted which caused me to look up. Surrounding Arthur was a unicorn, a fairy, and several other small mythical creatures.

"There's a unicorn?!" I shouted as I stood up out of my chair.

"Don't encourage him!" Francis said from where he sat.

"Wait, a unicorn? What are you talking about?" Alfred asked.

"There's a unicorn, can't you see it?" I asked confused. Everyone looked at each other nervously. "Ivan?" I looked to him hoping he saw them too. He just smiled at me, offering no consolation.

"Alright, alright, let's get back to work, no more magical nonsense." Ludwig said and I sat back down as my face turned red. I felt England's gaze on me however and he smiled when I looked at him. After the meeting was over he came up to me while I stood off by myself.

"You can see them huh?" He asked.

"They are real right? I'm not, we aren't crazy?" I stared at the unicorn beside him.

"They are, the others can't see them because they've left magic behind. England's still a pretty magical place though. Is there a lot of magic in your country?"

"I guess you could say that, magic is very important to our religion." England nodded in response.

"Don't worry, it's nothing bad at all and don't feel bad if the other countries make fun of you for it. Have a good day Ciska." He walked away before I could make a comment. I didn't think that anyone would make fun of me for seeing things they couldn't but hey, you never know.

Ivan and I didn't stay much longer so we could go around the city. There were a lot of very historical sites in London so we spent most of our time visiting them.

"Everyone has such a rich history, then there's me. No wonder no one comes to visit my country, it's so boring."

"Not many people come to visit me either."

"Oh Ivan," I felt a pang of sorrow in my chest. "People would love to visit, it's just that it's a bit hard to get in."