animus_network

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[The feed cuts on to a frantic-looking Nazi who's struggling to smile.]

Look. No, okay, look, ja? [He holds his hands up to the camera in a "calm down" motion.] There are three posts about that silly collar thing. Talk in those. Let us do something else now, okay?

[He lifts up a book.]

We are going to read some stories, then we may discuss them. That is fun und unrelated, right? Here, I will begin.

[He clears his throat.]

'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...'

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Gladly. Here goes. [Deeeeeep breath, Prussia.]

Where I come from, we have people who represent countries. We're like the embodiment of these countries, so if something happens in them, we feel it. If our countries go to war, we go to war, too. I'm Prussia, and my brother is Germany. Therefore, he was your country.

...If you think about it, I was your country, too. Sort of. Barely.

[Richtofen listens intently to what this "Prussia" person has to say. By the end of it, he's actually leaned in closer to the screen to make sure he catches every word. His fascination is written on every inch of his face, in the way his eyes practically sparkle as he stares at the feed.

A year and a half ago, he never would've believed something like that. Now, he finds himself eager to learn more.]

Astounding. The conditions of the nation are reflected in your bodies? I've never heard of anything like that.

[He blinks, then laughs. He almost forgot to be polite.]

Er, it is very nice to meet you, then, Preußen! Is your brother here?

[Gilbert can't help but smile a little at Richtofen's obvious interest. He loves giving this explanation, especially when people are receptive to it.]

That's right. When economic depressions happen, our health suffers, for example. If there's an epidemic, we're likely to catch it at least once. Things like that.

Heh... Preußen! It's been forever since I was called that! Well, "forever" being "since I came to the tower." [Then he frowns a bit.] My brother... no, he's not here anymore. I saw him during February when those weird people arrived, but... now that I think about it, I'm not so sure that it was him. Dimensional shenanigans, you know?

[Richtofen scratches his chin. He mutters, more to himself than to Prussia.]

So the economy is tied to your immune system? But you are still human enough to catch diseases... Unless the sheer volume of people getting sick is what affects you.

But, I digress. [He frowns.] I never did get to play with the visitors! How sad. I would have liked to meet the Fatherland. Uh- [A chuckle.] Not that you aren't just as good, Herr Preußen. But I was born in West Germany, you understand.

[Don't mind him, his national pride is showing.]

Yes, that's right. Sometimes we just get normal person diseases, too. The border between nation and person can get a little weird sometimes.

Yeah, I understand. You... you don't know about what happens after the second World War, do you?

[The specific mention of West Germany makes Prussia think that Richtofen might know, but it could just be coincidence. Besides, by the time of World War II, Prussia was already de facto dissolved.]

[Richtofen nods.]

I see.

[He shrugs and waves a hand around in an indecisive sort of motion.]

Err... Bits und pieces. I have a vague-ish idea...? [All of that time travel really makes it difficult to get a handle on historical events.] But nothing really concrete.

Well, you mentioned West Germany specifically, so I thought you knew. Hmm. [He takes a deep breath and sighs before continuing.]

Well, after World War II, I- er, Prussia is officially dissolved, and Germany is divided into zones of occupation. Later, those zones are consolidated into West and East Germany. I would have died, but thanks to a little nation trickery, I got to represent East Germany. East Germany was one of Russia's satellites, and we got aaaalll the "perks" that entailed. In short, life sucked for me.

I have dealt with a lot of... [Richtofen raises his hands and gestures around as he tries to figure out what to call it.] ...interesting... time-related... absurdities. Ja. It gets very confusing.

[He shakes his head. Once Prussia finishes his explanation, it's difficult to keep himself from cracking a smile. His country's fate was less than pleasant, but the thought of any sort of suffering warms his heart. He manages to keep a straight face through some miracle.]

I am sure you endured, mein Freund. I would expect no less from my country. Er- Well, sort of. You get the point!

[Prussia can't help but smile a little, getting some of his old confidence back.]

Heh, yeah! I endured, or I wouldn't still be here. Or... wouldn't have still been alive in my world. You know what I mean. It sucked, but I'm a fighter. I got through it.

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