#hhw day 6

[liliregale-main]

Swing Era, 1920s-1947

For @historical-hetalia-week's prompt 1945 onwards

[faintvibes]

Historical Hetalia Week Day 6: Reform

Day 6: 1945 onwards // Reform @historical-hetalia-week

Wow, I have just realised how close to the end of the week it is! I had a few ideas for both the time period and the prompt, however I wasn't certain my time period ideas would be entirely appropriate, given they're connected to recent enough to still be considered sensitive issues, and I can think of many people I know who were personally affected. So far as I can tell, they didn't necessarily go against the rules, but it wasn't something I was quite comfortable with, looking at it from that perspective. So I went with this prompt-based idea, which relates to the Māori Kīngitanga (the "reform" part of the piece)- specifically the period where Kīngi Tāwhiao and followers retreated to what is now known as King Country.

Further explanation under the cut!

Here's a little NZ history lesson, for those not too familiar with the Kīngitanga and the New Zealand Wars (sometimes called the Māori Wars or Land Wars- both names which have been deemed to undermine the significance of this period of history and are being phased out of use):

New Zealand became a colony of the British Empire due to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on the 6th of February 1840, where a gathering of Māori chiefs signed the Treaty offered by representatives of the British Empire. It was clear from the get-go, and to both sides, that the goal of the Treaty was to turn the land of New Zealand into a colony, however the details were... murkier. The English translation and Māori translation of the Treaty disagreed on numerous key points, with the Māori translation generally being more lenient than the English translation. (Here's a really good video series explaining this)

The British saw the English version as more legitimate. The Māori saw the Māori version as moreso- but it's a matter of debate whether the chiefs actually understood the more technical terms of the Treaty, and what they meant. (Some people today make careers out of attempting just that!) All of this lead to gross inequality in the treatment of Māori and European citizens of New Zealand. I'll be brushing over the details of this, but it- as it always is with colonisation- was Bad with a capital B.

Some Māori iwi (tribes), due to feeling keenly underrepresented in their own country, came up with an idea: the Kīngitanga, or Māori King Movement. The goal, in creating a Māori King, was not to undermine the legitimacy of the British Monarchy in New Zealand. Rather, they wanted to engage the Pākehā (European NZers) on equal footing, by creating a leader who could be seen as on equal footing to Queen Victoria. She and her representatives in NZ could rule their people, the Kīngitanga would rule the Māori.

It's important to note that many Māori iwi did not support the Kīngitanga. In fact, its support was largely confined to a region of NZ known as the Waikato, pictured below:

However, it is equally important to note that many Waikato iwi never signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and did not believe they should be under the rule of Queen Victoria. The Kīngitanga was never a push to remove the British from New Zealand, but it was a push to limit European authority over Māori. After all, they hadn't done a stellar job of ruling the Māori population anyway.

Regardless of that, and regardless of any Māori attempts to communicate the true purpose of the Kīngitanga, once a king was declared, you can imagine what the British thought of the native people of their colony declaring a king.

The NZ Wars had already been going for roughly a decade at this point. Across the country, various Māori had begun fighting back against unfair colonial rule, the first war breaking out only 5 years after the Treaty was signed. These wars were not co-ordinated across regions, breaking out independently of each other. They would continue until the early 1870s. However, it would only be in 1863 that they reached the Waikato.

These wars, of course, are horrifically complicated, and I'm unable to fully explain all that caused them here. However, the Kīngitanga, along with war breaking out in neighbouring Taranaki, would lead to the NZ Governor at the time (Governor George Grey) issuing an ultimatum to the Waikato iwi, demanding they pledge their allegiance to Queen Victoria. Before this letter could even be received, British forces would cross into Kīngitanga territory, and begin the Invasion of the Waikato.

This is considered one of the most significant conflicts of the New Zealand Wars, and the Kīngitanga's defeat is what lead its supporters to retreat into the harsh land now known as King Country. Their retreat lasted from 1864 to 1881, following a number of years of negotiation, which began around 1878.

This piece takes place sometime in the middle of that period, and shows Tangata Whenua (explained in this post) and a young New Zealand gazing out at Mt Taranaki. I don't believe New Zealand would have been involved in the retreat to King Country- however, perhaps negotiations lead to an opportunity for reconciliation. I imagine the sisters have quite complicated feelings regarding each other at this point in time (and for forever), but are still able to share quiet moments in each other's company. Having grown up in England's household, New Zealand is likely mystified by her older sister, and curious to know her- while Tangata Whenua has been deeply hurt by what Europeans have done to her people, but recognises that New Zealand is a child guided by those who have raised her.

Though it's difficult to see, NZ is wearing this cloak from the book "Dressed: Fashionable Dress in Aotearoa New Zealand 1840 to 1910" by Claire Regnault, which I absolutely adore:

And the background reference I used was this image:

It was taken in King Country, and features Mt Taranaki in the background!

Thanks for reading this far! I hope you were interested in the NZ history context- there's a common belief in this country that we have nothing of note in our past, and that hurts my soul! If you've read this far, comment/reblog with a 💪 to brighten my day a little :)

[atlas-workbench]

APH FF - So It Is Written and Remembered

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14203293/1/So-It-Is-Written-and-Remembered

America is a damn good pilot. He is also late to a world meeting. Other nations realize just how complicated America’s relationship with the law happens to be. All of this adds up to just another case-in-point in how we remember things isn’t necessarily how they were meant to be remembered or how they happened at all. A Historical Hetalia adjacent fic written for the 2023 @historical-hetalia-week

Or as I like to say, truth is almost always stranger than fiction. (I’ve grown up with this story and just Hetalia-fied it.)

Please enjoy this fun interplay about how history is remembered without actually mentioning that topic at all. Watch out for the warnings though y'all...be kind to yourselves.

Warnings: Off-airport landing of an airplane (aka “emergency crash landing”). No one gets hurt in any way. There is not death in this fic but there are mentions of dying/death/fatal crashing and being forced to stand by while death (which does not happen) occurs which is pretty high on the yikes scale for a lot of folks. Take care of yourselves folks. The police get involved too. There are also three swear words. No beta, we die charge of the light brigade style.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14203293/1/So-It-Is-Written-and-Remembered

[historical-hetalia-week]

2023 Prompt Announcement

Hello everyone and welcome to Historical Hetalia Week 2023! This year, the event will be held from February 20st to February 26th, 2023.

Prompts:

Day 1 (20.02): 10,000 BCE – 5000 BCE // Heirlooms

Day 2 (21.02): 5000 BCE – 0 // Celebrations

Day 3 (22.02): 0 – 1500 // Discovery

Day 4 (23.02): 1500 – 1800 // Ages (Ex: Iron Age, Gilded Age, Ming Dynasty)

Day 5 (24.02): 1800 – 1945 // Shadows

Day 6 (25.02): 1945 onwards // Reform

Day 7 (26.02): Free Day

Rules & Content Guidelines:

Your work must be tagged with the following: #historicalhetaliaweek and/or @ this blog, Day and prompt being fulfilled (i.e. #hhw day 1 & #prompt: 0-1500), proper tagging for any mature or triggering content (please see a non-exclusive list HERE)

The event prompts will be broken into time periods to encompass all of history. However, there will also be additional prompts provided for each day. Participants are required to fulfill at least one prompt for that day. Content made for the addition prompt must have a historical setting, but not necessarily the time period it is paired with.

Works including topics like genocide, ideologically sensitive issues, or recent tragedies will not be accepted. Works portraying topics like incest, pedophilia, rape, gore, and graphic violence will also not be accepted. If you are unsure if a work/idea conforms to this rule, our ask box is always open.

Additional Rules and Tagging Guidelines can be found HERE

If you have any questions about the prompts or any of the rules, please don’t hesitate to ask! Our ask box is always open and we are happy to clarify.

[cooltrainererika]

Alt-talia: Student of China

Hello! This is for @hwsasiaweek ! Also for @historical-hetalia-week .

I guess this could be tangentially related to Day 6 “The sun shines for us all”, but I guess it applies more to Day 5: OCs, because the central character here is an OC. Though this fic focuses on the relationship between this OC and China, so maybe one could file this under Day 3: China, Vietnam too. But it covers too many prompts so I ultimately decided to submit under Day 10: Free day! For HHW, this is also Day 7: Free Day.

First of all, I’d like to introduce my OC; Father Korea, as I like to call him. He basically represents Korea before the split, specifically from Goryeo to the Korean Empire. I thought he’d represent Silla too, but after doing a bit more research I thought it would be best if Father Korea started as Goryeo. His human name is still being debated though, because it’s an artifact from when he was still Silla. My idea is that basically, North and South Korea, Hyun and Yong-Soo respectively, were raised by him as Egg Realms, realms in waiting.

Also, Alt-talia is still nationverse, but a bit AU. Characterizations are very different. This particularly stands out with China here.

CW: Drugs, mention of death at the end

[naturecoaster]

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program Drop-Off

The Citrus County Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Program offers an additional weekend drop-off day each quarter. The next quarterly HHW drop-off day will be Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Citrus County Landfill (located at 230 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL). Saturday Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program Drop-Off Day Scheduled for April As a reminder, residents who can use the regular HHW program on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday ofeach week are encouraged to do so. This Saturday collection is no different from our weekly program butis meant to facilitate residents who work or are otherwise unable to participate during the week. Waittimes will be longer on a Saturday HHW drop-off day. Assessed households may bring up to 10 gallons (or 60 pounds) of household hazardous waste for proper disposal on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, or on quarterly Saturday drop-off days for no additional charge. For more information, visit www.citrusbocc.com or call (352) 527-7670. Read the full article

[cosunter]

كسمى chan and Kaoru + Michelle and Michelle only come on don't be shy

i like how nobody will know what kosomy chan is like its funny. anyway put these three in a blender and theyll make neurodivergent smoothie none of them is fucking normal. thoughts on michelle under the read more tho

listen i dont hate her i recognize how important she is to misaki's character and how almost every decision misaki does includes michelle somehow. michelle plays a big part in connecting misaki more to hhw and even her recognising her desire make them happy despite anything. michelle also allows misaki to do things she normally would not do. we saw how shitty misaki is onstage but in the bear suit she can be energetic (and dying of heatstroke). see the event "on days like these..." where misaki says ily back to kokoro after contemplating how she wouldnt have been able to do this without being in the bear suit. it's only when bandori writers decided to write michelle into misakis character like this that she became based. but for the most part too theres still the awfully redundant "whoaaa where did michelle go" joke which then destroys whatever was built by almost ignoring everything that happened in "i need you" where misaki was first reassured by hhw that she's integral to the band as herself and not as michelle. its about what she wants to do and not as an obligation and thats where the development came in. so while i believe that any misaki fan who genuinely hates michelle is a fake misaki fan, i understand how frustrating the inclusion of the character of michelle is especially as a mascot for the whole franchise which can be even disconnected a tad from misaki herself. so thats why the bear is on thin ice. i think what the world (me) needs is one more michelle/misaki centric event story to build up on what "i need you" and "days like these" contributed to their relationship. and yes an important part is that misaki has grown to completely embody michelle's made up character (creating backstories for her, personality, only responding to "michelle" in the himari marie event to "completely become the mascot, the comic where misaki finds herself unconsciously doing things she does in the michelle suit, garupa pico ohmori episode 6.........yeah) like i may be looking too much into this (its a rhythm gacha game its not that deep. slash light hearted) like you can see how much she got to love it and how misaki usually logically gives any excuse to what she enjoys doing except for being michelle. at first it was "it's for the sanbaka" then it became "because i like it". honestly as funny as it sounds garupa pico ohmori ep6 is the most hilarious example of what im saying like this girl is crazy fr by now hope she gets help

[sketchytea]

colour - bid your faded glory goodbye

day 6 for @historical-hetalia-week - 1966 A.D.

[ignnru]

Written for @historical-hetalia-week Day 6: 1945 - onward / Colour

Description: As far as she remembered, the war had been on this earth all her life. For her homeland, she will stand to the end, in the hope that this world will again be painted with bright colours.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Relationship: Russia/Vietnam (Hetalia)

[nakajimahikouki]

Even if someday you forget Without knowing anything Without hearing anything Even so, I'll be watching you

The economic bubble of the late Showa era (1926-1989) brought about the habit of conspicuous consumption, and Hikaru seemed to lose himself in his attempt to use material possessions to escape his problems. Everyone seemed to like him now, after all that had happened, but it wasn’t at all what he wanted. Did they really like him, or did they like what he had to offer? Being so prominent on the world stage was both something to be proud of, and rather terrifying for him. By the 1980s, land prices in Tokyo had skyrocketed so much that the land on which the Imperial Palace was situated (and by extension, Hikaru’s residence) was valued at more than that of the state of California. The bursting of this bubble would result in what came to be known as the Lost Decade.

Hikaru never was fond of smoking, but somehow, this had ended up in his room. A memento of the rare times he actually enjoyed the company of another person who could return his feelings; emptiness cannot be filled with all the riches in the world, after all. Better to lose it all and find satisfaction in companionship than remain rich and lonely.

for @historical-hetalia-week​ (since my stuff rarely shows up in tags) *for anyone wondering why i use “hikaru” as a name, please see my pinned post, thank you. :) it is important to note that this series is following my canon divergent rp blog @/kyokkou through particular moments in their history-based timeline while trying to keep the spirit of each era with appropriate outfits. hairstyles will not be accurate as i wanted the character to remain recognizable. lyrics are from kumo to yuurei by yorushika.

[sassypantsjaxon]

Phoenix

I really wanted to write something for @historical-hetalia-week this year, but unfortunately inspiration didn’t strike until until it was over. So, here I am multiple days late and many dollars short with a small part of something that still isn’t finished.

Xx 1948-London, England xX

England was glaring at him. Germany really couldn't blame him, he kept fidgeting, bouncing his knee, instead of paying attention to the procession. Across the booth, Japan sat between China and America, looking alone. His hands were clasped in his lap and he hadn't lifted his head from staring at the floor. 

America leaned across him to say something to China. Germany couldn't quite hear Japan's murmured apology as he excused himself and limped out, leaning heavily on his cane. 

Nobody followed him. Nobody else even seemed to realize his departure. "I need some air." Germany muttered to England or France or whoever was supposed to be watching him as he got up, following his friend out. 

Japan was outside, leaning against the balcony rail, facing the city. "Japan?" Germany approached him, "Are you alright?"

Japan took a shaking breath. "I'm sorry. I'll go back in a minute."

Germany stood next to him and pulled a packet from the inside pocket of his suit, offering it to Japan. "Do you want a cigarette?"

Japan glanced at the box, "No, thank you. I don't smoke."

"Yeah, me neither." Germany tucked the box away again, "They're Italy's. I just carry them for him because he doesn't want his brother to know."

Japan looked up at him and exhaled, laughing a little. 

"Are you okay?" Germany repeated. 

"I just…" Japan took a few deep breaths before continuing, "I don't understand why we have to be here." He admitted softly. 

"Me neither." Germany leaned against the balcony, both of them looking out instead of at each other. "Probably to remind us what we've lost. How far we've fallen. I didn't need to be brought here just to be reminded of that. I have enough reminders at home." He shook his head, “I’m sorry, I’m sure you don’t want to hear about my problems.”

“It’s alright,” Japan reassured him, “I understand.”

Somebody cleared their throat behind them. Germany turned to find France watching them from the doorway. “You two should come back in.” he said softly, “They’ll be lighting the torch soon.”

Germany nodded, looking back at his companion. “Japan?”

“I’ll be right there.” Japan whispered, still looking away. Germany almost didn’t see the tear that fell down his cheek. Germany wanted to reach out, take Japan’s hand in his own, hold him close and promise they would be alright again. Except he wasn’t sure they would be. Germany nodded, deciding to give Japan the privacy he was sure he wanted.

…

While the rest of the world watched the games, Japan watched Germany. He stood as tall as he had twelve years prior, but the pride and strength were gone. Dressed in his grey suit instead of a uniform, he looked the part of a strong nation, but you could see the cracks if you knew where to look.

And if anyone knew where to look, it was Japan. They were the same, broken in all the same places. Sometimes Kiku wondered if the cracks would ever heal, of if they were just going to break apart completely.

---------

Notes: This is set during the 1948 Olympics, which were the first after a twelve year gap caused by WW2. The previous Olympics were hosted in Berlin, Germany in 1936.

Due to their part in WW2, Germany and Japan were not invited to participate in the 1948 games. For the sake of this fic, Ludwig and Kiku were required to attend anyway.

[sailorgreywolf-legacy]

The Beautiful Game

For @historical-hetalia-week day 6.

Plot: Russia courts a new ally against his American rival. However, he may have underestimated exactly who he is dealing with.

Characters: Russia, Mexico

Content Warning: Mentions of death and abuse

Word Count: 2.4K

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

After years of clandestine planning, Russia had finally found a possible ally close to America. There had been hints that this particular ally might soon be within reach. Mexico had broken with America and objected to Cuba’s exclusion.

Russia had heard that there had been fights, though Cuba had declined to say whether he thought the relationship was going to fall apart. He seemed to put a lot of stock in respecting Mexico’s privacy.

But, Russia could see the ripples of the discontent between them, and he intended to take full advantage of it. It was just his luck that Cuba was close enough to Mexico to arrange a meeting.

As he stood in the living room of Mexico’s home he thought about how best to convince the man to abandon America. He thought it best to show how deficient America was as a friend and a lover.

The door opened and Mexico entered. He made a show of closing and locking the door. Russia assumed that it was a kind of assurance that they were alone. Then Mexico turned to him, with a look of expectation. Mexico was handsome as always, and very well dressed.

Russia led since he had been the one to suggest the meeting, “Thank you for agreeing to this. I’ve been eager to talk to you.”

He knew that it would be best to lead with honesty and a bit of flattery. Mexico had to know how important this visit was, especially since Russia had been working for years to find an inroad with him. He was not lying when he said that he had been waiting for this meeting. 

Mexico gave him a small smile that betrayed nothing and said, “I’m sure you have. Good thing that you didn’t propose it by telegram. Those have a nasty habit of being intercepted.”

Russia wasn't sure whether he should laugh at the comment. He understood the reference, but wasn’t sure if Mexico was meaning it to be humorous. Instead he said, “I do suppose I could have called.”

He was trying to make small talk, though he was sure that America was keeping a close eye on who he called. Mexico shook his head and said, “I wouldn’t recommend that either. Alfred has my phones bugged.”

Russia seized on this detail. He had guessed at it, since America was expanding his net of spies. But, he had not been certain if America trusted Mexico enough to spy on him.

He said, “So, he doesn’t trust you?”

Mexico laughed, which caught Russia off guard. He hadn’t expected Mexico to find something so serious quite so funny. Mexico caught his breath and said, “Christ, Ivan, do I not even get a bit of foreplay before you start probing me for information about Alfred?”

Russia noted that he had moved too fast. Mexico was apparently aware of the espionage and was not going to tell Russia whether it bothered him. The rumors about Mexico said that he was reckless and emotional, so he had expected that the realizing that Alfred was suspicious would be an emotional blow. But, that seemed like it was a wrong assumption.

He said, “Forgive me. I do want to talk to you without just talking about Alfred. I think we have more in common than you think.” 

He needed to remind himself that the goal was to sway Mexico’s loyalty, not to get information about his enemy. If he was successful, then the information would come.

Mexico had the slightest hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, but it was difficult to know what it meant. He said, “We might.” Then, after a short, mysterious silence he said, “Would you play a game of chess with me? Carlos tells me that you’re very good.”

Russia was confused by the question, since it did not seem related to the politics of the moment. But, he could indulge the impulse. He was confident in his own ability to win against a reckless young man who didn’t have the foresight that chess required.

Once the game was over he could begin to test the cracks in Mexico’s relationship with America. He replied, “Very well.”

That got an encouraging smile from Mexico. In a few minutes, Mexico had set up the board and he gestured to the chair across from him and said, “Take a seat. I like a challenge.”

Russia couldn’t help but smirk. It was quite cute that Mexico thought that it might be an even game. This was a game that Russia loved dearly and could rival the masters in; he was certain that he could destroy an amateur quickly.

He said as he sat, “You know I did not come here to play games with you.”

Mexico started to pull carved wooden pieces out of a velvet bag and place them on the board. He replied as he worked, “Of course you are. You’re here to play the grandest game of all: Politics. There is no bigger game than that.”

There were light clunks as Mexico placed the pieces on the board. Russia was pleasantly surprising with the wit. He had never heard anyone but Cuba say that Mexico was so sharp.

He glanced down at the board, and remarked, “You’re giving me white?”

It was a strange move, like Mexico wanted to handicap himself. A smarter man would have given himself the advantage of going first. Mexico said, not looking at all perturbed, “Of course. You are my guest and I do want a challenge.”

Russia could not fault the confidence, even if it seemed like it could almost be arrogance. Or perhaps he was just underestimating his opponent. Either way, Russia was happy to start the game by moving out his first pawn.

As Mexico moved, Russia asked, “So what will you tell Alfred if he finds out that I was here?” The other looked up only once he was done moving his pawn, and replied, "I will tell him that we played a game of chess and that was it.”

With what they were doing, that would not technically be a lie. Russia was impressed by the forethought. But he was certain that America would not take the answer lightly.

He asked, moving his knight out to open up the board, “And if he does not accept that answer?”

He wanted to know what was at stake, and what would happen if America turned on his Southern neighbor. But Mexico responded with a quickly glance, “I do not make my decisions based on what Alfred will accept.”

He stated it as plainly as one might remark about the weather, and Russia found himself frustrated that he could not sense bitterness in the words. He wanted something to work with.

The play continued on the board as he responded, “I have seen that. You voted in favor of Cuba. No one else dared to defy Alfred’s wishes.”

Mexico took his knight with a bishop and said, “I have done more for Carlos than that, as I am sure he has already told you.”

In truth, he had already heard some of the stories from Cuba. They were intriguing. Mexico hiding Castro right under the nose of the man who wanted to keep Cuba in thrall. Cuba said that his friend had also orchestrated meetings between Cuba and the communist exiles.

It was a strange thing for a man to do when he was supposedly so loyal to America. It was one of the many stories that gave him reason to believe that Mexico could be influenced.

He replied, “I know that you hosted Castro when he was in exile. I ask myself why you would do that if you weren’t sympathetic to our cause.”

He made his move. He was not paying close attention to the game, because he was certain that Mexico would not hand him anything that he could not deal with.

Instead of  making his move, Mexico stood up and walked over to a sideboard where he poured himself a glass of ice water. As he had his back to Russia, he said, “There is a simple explanation.” He turned back and said, “Carlos is my friend, and I wanted to help him.”

He returned to his seat and contemplated the pieces while sipping water. Russia pushed him, because he felt like the answer had been a dodge, “Are you denying that you have sympathy for Socialism?”

He was certain that Mexico had some ideological convictions that he was refusing to voice. Though he had been embroiled in his own conflict, he had heard rumors that Mexico had been with Zapata and Villa during the Revolution. Cuba had refused to tell him anything about it, and he valued him enough as an ally not to push him for information.

Mexico made his move and then said, “Sympathy is a strange word. I feel sympathy for many things."

Russia took a hard look at the board for the first time. He was surprised to realize that Mexico was pressing an exceptionally solid and aggressive attack. He should not have let it get to this point, because it would take a tight defense to push back.

As he stared at the board, Mexico said, “Can I ask you a question?”

Russia moved one of his rooks into a stronger position to protect his king. He answered, still focused on the game, “Go ahead.”

Mexico moved his queen decisively into a position that could quickly evolve into check, and said, “Do you know how hard it is to find an ice axe in this city?”

Russia’s hand paused over his piece as he understood the question. This was about Trotsky and Stalin’s obsessive quest to destroy him. A quest that had culminated in a murder.

He looked up at Mexico. He couldn’t help but appreciate the build up to this moment. As he looked, he saw a man very different from the rumors. He looked calm and certain of himself, and very aware of what he had just said.

For the first time Russia felt like he understood what Cuba had been telling him. As he looked, he saw a man who was brilliant and looking at him over a winning game of chess.

This was no foolish young man that he was facing. This was a bishop, not a pawn.

The handsome face was set in the most impassive expression, but his eyes hinted at a feeling of triumph. Mexico seemed to see that he understood and added, “Alfred’s conduct may have given you the false sense that I do not value my sovereignty. But I assure you, I do.”

Russia could not believe that Mexico had really valued the life of a single Soviet exile that highly. But, he took the point. It had been an overstep, but one born out of the singular obsession of one man.

He finally replied, “Stalin is dead.” Mexico countered quickly, “And so is Trotsky. One was more natural than the other.”

Russia remembered that it was his turn and moved his king out of a vulnerable position.

Mexico spoke while he was moving, “Make no mistake. I had no attachment to the man. Giving him asylum was a favor to Frida as a friend. But he was my guest and he was under my protection.”

Russia had not agreed to the assassination, but it was not his choice. He focused on a different detail, and said, “Frida Kahlo? Were you friends with her and Diego Rivera?"

He knew those names because they were communists. Mexico seemed to be friends with a suspicious number of communists.

He looked down on the board and saw that Mexico had finally made a mistake. He had left an opening in his defense. It was the kind of glaring error that an experienced player would have seen.

Mexico replied, dodging any political implications, “Yes. I thought you saw the mural on the way in. That’s Diego’s work.”

Russia had, and he had been tempted to pause and admire the work. It was beautifully done. He moved decisively to take advantage of the opening.

He nodded, and then returned to the subject of Trotsky, “I promise you that I do not use Stalin’s methods anymore.”

Mexico took a sip of water and contemplated the game. Then he answered, “I would hope so. But how do I know that your promises are any more sincere than Alfred’s?”

Russia could see that he had a path to winning the game, and he made use of it. If nothing else he had to defend his reputation as a chess player.

He decided it was time to use the weapon he would sure have an impact. He said, “You misunderstand my intentions. I want to free the world from imperialist oppression.”

Russia removed his scarf and rubbed his neck to draw Mexico’s attention to the scars. He added, “I think you know that some scars never fade.”

For the first time in the conversation he saw real uncertainty pass over Mexico’s face. He hoped that Mexico remembered the deep scars that America had left. From the look on the other’s face he guessed that his point had made an impact as he hoped that it would.

But, Mexico did not answer until he looked at the board. Then he said, “Ah, a nasty fork. I concede.”

He knocked over his king, and looked back up at the other man. Russia was glad to have at least won, since the game had been harder fought that he expected.

He said, capitalizing on the moment, “If you were betting on a game, you would put money on the better player.”

He knew his meaning was clear. On the world stage, as on the chess board, he was much stronger than America.

Mexico took a long drink of water before saying, “You assume that I have to gamble at all. I think that I can give my money to my friends when they need it. I do not need to do more than that.”

Russia understood, though this protestation of neutrality frustrated him. He wanted to push Mexico to choose a side because his own ideals seemed to align so strongly with communism.

However, he knew that it would be a tactical error to do so. Mexico had shown himself to be clever and calculating. It would take a much more developed strategy to convince him that neutrality was not the way. Russia conceded for the moment.

He extended his hand and said, “Thank you for the game and the conversation.” Mexico took it in his own firm grip and said, “Thank you for the challenge. If you want to play again, do get in contact. You know how to reach me.”

[atlas-workbench]

Echoes Across Time - A Historical Hetalia Fic

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13829806/1/Echoes-Across-Time

Summary: As a nation, America has a complicated relationship with history. Sometimes he can’t help but subtly step in on a project – movie, tv, or otherwise – to bring a little bit more of the past into the present. Set in the early 1990s. Written for the 2021 @historical-hetalia-week.

Warnings: some language, lots of inner dialogue ramble, one mention of potential nerves-induced throwing up, a few mentions of death (non traumatic/non graphic), and the problems associated with history/historical learning/historical works. No beta we die charge of the light brigade style.

[historical-hetalia-week]

2022 Prompt Announcement

Hello everyone and welcome to Historical Hetalia Week 2022! This year, the event will be held from February 21st to February 27th, 2022.

Prompts:

Day 1 (21.02): B.C. – 500 // Memories

Day 2 (22.02): 500 – 1000 // Seasons

Day 3 (23.02): 1000 – 1500 // Tradition

Day 4 (24.02): 1500 – 1800 // Adventure

Day 5 (25.02): 1800 – 1945 // Music

Day 6 (26.02): 1945 onwards // Color

Day 7 (27.02): Free Day

Rules & Content Guidelines:

Your work must be tagged with the following: #historicalhetaliaweek and/or @ this blog, Day and prompt being fulfilled (i.e. #hhw day 1 & #prompt: 500), proper tagging for any mature or triggering content (please see a non-exclusive list HERE)

The event prompts will be broken into time periods to encompass all of history. However, there will also be additional prompts provided for each day. Participants are required to fulfill at least one prompt for that day. Content made for the addition prompt must have a historical setting, but not necessarily the time period it is paired with.

Works including topics like genocide, ideologically sensitive issues, or recent tragedies will not be accepted. Works portraying topics like incest, pedophilia, rape, gore, and graphic violence will also not be accepted. If you are unsure if a work/idea conforms to this rule, our ask box is always open.

Additional Rules and Tagging Guidelines can be found HERE

If you have any questions about the prompts or any of the rules, please don't hesitate to ask! Our ask box is always open and we are happy to clarify.

[cooltrainererika]

Alt-talia: A New Hope

@historical-hetalia-week

WOOT I GOT SOMETHING DONE YEEAAAAHHH!

I hope it’s not too late!

I hope I get to bang out that fic I want to do for the 1800s too aaaa- Why didn’t I start sooner...

So i needed to do something lighter. And I realized, I’ve been getting into Star Wars lately. So why not combine the two? After all, it was a massively impactful movie to say the least, and it’s also a major part of the late Cold War America arc I used to be really into before I started fully writing.

And I ended up with this in-depth look into America-Canada relations as well.

Also, I seriously hope that I got the way of speaking at the time right. I really did. I really tried, people.

Also, note, this is my Semi-AU, so characters act a bit different. Though it isn’t that notable here, it is more noticeable with Canada.

More historical notes will be added soon! Now I gotta submit this thing at hyperspeed!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fus5TLdu3BqiU3UU18YG-z-JBKK69XKN3Tbbb0AzYag/edit

[shespeaksinpoems]

2/30 days of productivity

Hopefully I'll not procrastinate today and use my time productively. I woke up at 6 am today and I got 1 hour to figure out what I want to do today. I've completed AP! And in the next hour I'll start my hindi hhw. My best friend started painting 🎨.

I'm thinking that even I should start doing something on the side besides studying. I've always wanted to learn Korean( I know how to introduce myself 😅 , K-POP fever uk), I know how to paint only one thing best=beaches.i can go on painting beaches on beaches 😸. I like sketching too so I am thinking of buying a sketch book. I also want to learn piano so desperately! Well... Looks like I'll have to figure out...

Have a nice day and keep on smiling 😊