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hetalia2011-06-05 10:59 am
nike2422.livejournal.com) wrote in hetalia2011-06-05 10:59 am
Entry tags:
[Fanfic] Belaya Rus': A Spring Day in 1918
Title: Belaya Rus’: A Spring Day in 1918
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
nike2422
Rating: PG -13
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Warnings: Very mild violence.
Summary: Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus and Poland discuss what to do with their new found freedom from Russia, while they still can.
Older Stuff
Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7Part 8Part 9Part 10Part 11
Lithuania walked along the outside wall of ruins that had once been Krevo Castle. Trying not to think about the condition of the towers and walls as they were now, he instead let his mind wander back to when the castle towers were still tall, and the banners of his nation and his Grand Duke had flown from them. He turned in the opening that would have been the main gate and walked inside a grassy field that had grown over what had once been a thriving mini city with buildings and people going about their business.
He spotted Belarus and Ukraine in the far corner, sitting near a crumbling wall. “Hello, you two!” He shouted and waved to them both. Ukraine smiled and waved back, but Belarus only looked up and frowned.
“What is the news, did Russia agree to Germany’s demands?” Ukraine asked.
“There was some arm twisting, but he agreed to what they wanted.” Lithuania smiled with relief. “He gave us all up.”
Ukraine wiped happy tears from her eyes and ran back to her younger sister. “Did you hear that? We don’t have to live with Russia anymore! Bela? Did you hear Lithuania? Aren’t you glad?”
“This used to be a little courtyard with an herb garden. I would come here and sew on warm days; it always smelled so nice sitting here in the sun.” She dug at the dirt with the heel of her shoe. “I liked this castle. Look at what Germany and Russia did to it.” She frowned as she looked up at the crumbling tower.
“To be fair, it was already a ruin by the time Germany came here ...” Lithuania cringed when Belarus glared at him. “Aaah, I remember the shirts you made me. I liked those shirts a lot!” He scratched the back of his head nervously.
Belarus looked away from him again. She rested her arms on her knees, watching some leaves swirl around with the wind inside the castle walls, she thought she could be one of those leaves, swirling in a slow, lazy circle before resting on the ground again; always being tossed about which ever way the wind blew. She really wasn’t that mad at Germany; he had after all encouraged her to use her own language again while he had been here. She looked around the crumbling castle walls again.
Ukraine glanced at her sister with a worried look before turning to look at Lithuania, “We are no longer part of the Russian Empire, but what about our independence? Can we be independent nations?”
Lithuania nodded, “Five of us are to become independent nations, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine. Finland too, but he didn’t wait for any treaty before deciding that.”
“He wouldn’t anyway. I suppose he will run back to Sweden.”
Lithuania shrugged. He kicked a pebble across the ground. “I don’t know. He made enough noise about being independent, so maybe not?”
Belarus frowned when she heard the list. She jumped to her feet and walked toward them. “What about me?”
They both turned and looked her.
“Did you hear me? What about me? Do I have to live with Russia still, or do I get to be an independent country too?”
This was the part Lithuania had mixed feelings about, mostly because he wasn’t sure how to break the news to Belarus. “Uh, about that. No, you don’t have to live with Russia anymore but as for the other thing well … Germany seemed to think you would… uhm … want to live with me again?” He blushed and fidgeted, waiting for her reaction and hoping it wasn’t as bad as it could possibly be.
Belarus didn’t even try to stop the look of disgust that came over her face. “Why would I want to do that?” She glanced at her older sister who stood there biting her lip. “Why do you get to become independent nations, but not me?”
“Belarus, try to understand … no one could recall a time when you ever were an independent nation.” Lithuania felt more nervous.
“It’s not that you’re not allowed to be independent, it’s just, well … you never have been before.” Ukraine looked at her younger sister worriedly, not sure she helped.
“So now … I am to be in limbo? I don’t have to live in anyone else’s house but I can’t have my own house?”
Lithuania looked like he was in pain. “Well …”
Ukraine shuffled her feet. “You can live with me, if you want.”
Belarus angrily spun around and began pacing back and forth; her mind a storm of mixed emotions and fears. Why had Germany made a decision like this? Why had Russia agreed to it? She found herself disliking Germany more now that she knew he had done this to her. Her thoughts quickly changed to finding a solution to her immediate problem. Which would be the least bad situation for her in a bad situation? Live with Lithuania again? Live with her sister? What other options did she have … go back to her brother … She shook her head to clear that thought away, then another thought immediately flooded her head that made her feel more horror. Looking at Lithuania, she narrowed her eyes. “What about Poland?”
“No, Bela … not him.” Ukraine couldn’t hide the look of disgust on her face.
“What about him?” Lithuania wondered, not sure why he came up.
“Are you going to live with Poland again?” She asked Lithuania bitterly.
“Hell no!” Lithuania spat back, “Are you?”
Belarus made a look of disgust that matched her sister’s. “Do I look like I’m crazy?”
Lithuania refused to answer that. He tilted his head and gave her a warm smile instead. “I don’t want to form any more alliances with Poland. I want to be independent again.”
“I don’t want to live with Poland. I don’t want to live with Russia either. I want to be independent, like you!
Ukraine nodded encouragement. “That’s good Bela, but it’s not easy work. It’s especially hard if you’ve never done it before.”
“I am not afraid of hard work. I can also see what other countries have done and get an idea of what I need to do.” She was getting a little annoyed with being treated like she was still a baby and couldn’t figure things out for herself. “I have to have a government, and write a constitution I suppose too …” She tapped her chin, thinking about what she would need.
“Some formal declaration might be a good idea too.” Lithuania said, feeling a little sad she didn’t want to come back and live with him again. He couldn’t help but feel some pride at her determination to be independent, however. He couldn’t stop himself though from wondering how long it would actually last.
“And I will need an army.” She added. “I will need a flag, and a coat of arms … a national anthem …” The first traces of a smile broke across her face.
Ukraine glanced at Lithuania before clearing her throat. “Bela, worry about forming a committee to start your nation, and write a constitution. A nation needs laws.”
“I know all about laws, big sister.” Belarus pouted. She glanced at Lithuania, “I’ve done some law writing in my time. I was thinking about defense. The land I am going to claim as my country is between Russia and-“
“Poland!” Lithuania shouted when he saw the nation walking toward them. He raised his arm and waved to him, being happy to see him in spite of just saying he had no intention of being part of any commonwealth again.
Ukraine cringed when Lithuania shouted and immediately made a face of disgust when she spotted the other nation coming toward them. “What are you doing here?”
Poland gave her a steady look. “Like, because I can be?” His gaze went over to Belarus and Lithuania, before glancing around the ruined castle. “Well Liet. We’re free of Russia and …” He stopped mid sentence to look around the ruins of the castle they were standing in. “Wow … you like, really let this place go.”
Lithuania nodded. “It makes me very happy. Not how the castle looks, but being independent again.” He glanced down at Belarus, who stared silently at Poland.
“Yeah, like, so the reason why I’m here. We can get back together again and stuff. You want to do that, don’t you?” Poland didn’t stop for an answer from him. “I knew that would be totally okay.” He gave Belarus the briefest glance and tried hard to pretend Ukraine wasn’t there, because she still gave him dirty looks. “Oh, I suppose you can come live with us too, if you want.”
“No, I’m going to be independent.” Belarus stated flatly, frowning at Poland. “Lithuania wants to be independent too.”
“Yeah, sure he does.” Poland replied. When Lithuania remained silent Poland’s bored look quickly changed to shock and his jaw dropped open. “No WAY. Are you kidding me? Liet, she’s like, totally kidding right?” He was close to laughing at the thought of Belarus being an independent nation.
“Of course we’re not kidding!” She elbowed Lithuania in the ribs. “Tell him, Lithuania, we just agreed!”
“Ah! Yeah, Poland, actually we were discussing that very thing when you showed up.” He felt his cheeks flush. “I guess you could call that serendipity or irony or bad timing … er, or something like that.”
“You know what I call it? Stupid, that’s what.” Why don’t you want to get back together with me, Liet? We had fun, didn’t we? What are you worried about? I’ll let your boss rule your country and stuff.”
“Are you deaf? I just told you, we’re going to be independent.” Belarus walked up to Poland and glared at him. “We don’t want to be in the commonwealth again.”
“Bela, it’s no use, it’s not like he’ll listen to you.” Ukraine shook her head and started walking toward the entryway of the castle ruins.
Lithuania’s jaw had a firm set to it. “Not this time, Poland. It’s a new era, time to try different things. I was an independent nation once before, I can do it again and that’s what I want.”
Poland pouted. “But Liet …”
“No, that is final.” Lithuania started to follow Ukraine, but he stopped suddenly when he saw her frozen in place, staring at Russia.
“Hello Ukraine, hello Lithuania. And I see Western Russia there too!” He lifted his hand and waved to her. “Hello Poland.”
“Belarus. My name is Belarus.” She frowned at her brother.
Poland rolled his eyes. “Yeah, like whatever.”
“So, what are we all talking about? Are you having a party?” He smiled at all of them. “I am out of the war, but that won’t help Germany any. I have more important things to do!”
“That’s nice.” Poland’s voice sounded very sarcastic. “We also have more important things to do.”
Russia’s smile didn’t change. “I bet I know what you are talking about, you are talking about being independent countries, aren’t you?” He looked at each of them. “I think that is a wonderful idea!”
The others exchanged confused looks.
“What, do you really mean that?” Ukraine asked.
“Of course I do!” Russia held out his arms to them. “I have my independence now too. I am rid of my old boss, and I have a new boss. Things are going to be much better for us!”
Lithuania suddenly felt sick. “Us? What do you mean us?” Instinctively he backed away.
“Silly Lithuania, do you think I would be so selfish as to keep the worker’s paradise all to myself? I want to share it with everyone!”
“No!”
Everyone turned and looked at Belarus as she walked over to Russia. Looking up at him she held her shoulders as straight as she could and looked him directly in the eyes. “Germany says I don’t have to live with you anymore. I want to be independent too.”
Poland narrowed his eyes at Belarus. Lithuania felt like he was going to faint and took a few steps back. Ukraine suddenly didn’t want to be so close to her brother either and did the same.
Belarus didn’t move. She shook her head and continued to look at him. “I don’t want to live with you, or Lithuania. I want to be my own country now.”
“Oh! This is like, totally stupid!” Poland exclaimed. He quickly moved forward and grabbed Belarus by the arm. “You silly girl! How long do you think you will last against Russia? Come live with me and I will let you be independent. You can speak your own language and have your own schools and whatever else it is you like, want to do.”
Ukraine snapped at Poland angrily. “Let her go! She doesn’t want to live with you!”
Russia swooped down and grabbed Belarus’ other arm. “Don’t worry little sister, I will save you from that big, bad Poland!” He pulled on her arm, trying to free her from Poland’s grasp.
“Oh no you don’t! Liet! Like, help me already!” Poland yanked on Belarus’ arm again.
“Ow! Stop it, let me go - both of you!” She tried to yank free, but both Poland and Russia held tight to the arm they grasped. Her anger grew. She picked up her foot and stomped on Poland’s. He yelped and let go of her arm, hopping on one foot while holding the one she just stomped on. She used her free arm to swing around and shove against Russia’s chest. “Let go of me!”
Russia did as Belarus demanded, moving back a few steps to make it appear as though she had the force to push him away. “You are very determined Western Russia.” His smile never changed. “That’s what I like about you.”
“Shut up!” She shouted at him, “And my name is Belarus!”
“Fine, Belarus.” He said the name very sweetly.
Her face instantly softened as she gazed at her brother. Russia had never called her by her real name before. Maybe he really would let her be independent, like she wanted.
Ukraine hissed at her sister. “Bela! Come on, we should leave now!”
Lithuania’s heart sank watching Belarus as she gazed at her brother. “Belarus, come with us, please.”
“You idiots! Don’t you, like get it?” Poland snapped. He glared at Russia, who simply smiled back at him. “Unless we work together, none of us will be able to stop him! Help me!”
“And who do we work together with to stop you?” Ukraine snapped at Poland, grabbing Belarus by the hand and yanking her away from him and their brother. Both nations had locked eyes and the atmosphere grew more menacing with each passing second.
“But …” Belarus looked over her shoulder at Russia and Poland, who appeared as if they were frozen in place staring at each other.
Lithuania grabbed Belarus’ other hand and helped Ukraine pull her out of the castle ruins away from the fight that quickly brewed within. “Your sister is right, Bela. We need to get away if we want any chance at all to be independent.”
“Let’s go to my house for lunch. We can talk about what you need to do to be an independent country.” Ukraine replied gently.
Ukraine’s words pulled Belarus’ thoughts away from her brother. “That’s sounds like a good idea. I am hungry.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author’s Note: The Belarusian Democratic Republic lasted ten months. After the Brest-Litovsk treaty Russia was forced to give up Poland, the Baltic countries, Ukraine and Belarus. Belarus however was not granted the right to become a nation. Germany still occupied Belarus, and had made efforts to reverse Russification by encouraging the use of the Belarusian language and Belarusian culture – both were repressed under the Russian Empire. On March 25, 1918 the BDR declared their independence. March 25th is still celebrated in Belarus today as “Freedom Day.” In the winter of 1919 Lenin’s Red Army was on the advance and quickly absorbed Belarus. The BDR government fled and became a government in exile, and still is today. The current president of the BDR council in exile lives in Ottawa, Canada.
The Polish – Soviet War of 1919 – 1920 ended with the Polish victory over Lenin’s Red Army in the Battle of Warsaw. This battle is extremely important in that it stopped the advance of Bolshevism into Western Europe. During the war Russia attempted to unite Lithuania and Belarus into one country, but it didn’t last. After the Treaty of Riga, Poland and Russia split Belarus in half and the country would remain that way for the next 20 years.
Also, the history of Belarus in 5 minutes:
Author:
nike2422Rating: PG -13
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Warnings: Very mild violence.
Summary: Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus and Poland discuss what to do with their new found freedom from Russia, while they still can.
Older Stuff
Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7Part 8Part 9Part 10Part 11
Lithuania walked along the outside wall of ruins that had once been Krevo Castle. Trying not to think about the condition of the towers and walls as they were now, he instead let his mind wander back to when the castle towers were still tall, and the banners of his nation and his Grand Duke had flown from them. He turned in the opening that would have been the main gate and walked inside a grassy field that had grown over what had once been a thriving mini city with buildings and people going about their business.
He spotted Belarus and Ukraine in the far corner, sitting near a crumbling wall. “Hello, you two!” He shouted and waved to them both. Ukraine smiled and waved back, but Belarus only looked up and frowned.
“What is the news, did Russia agree to Germany’s demands?” Ukraine asked.
“There was some arm twisting, but he agreed to what they wanted.” Lithuania smiled with relief. “He gave us all up.”
Ukraine wiped happy tears from her eyes and ran back to her younger sister. “Did you hear that? We don’t have to live with Russia anymore! Bela? Did you hear Lithuania? Aren’t you glad?”
“This used to be a little courtyard with an herb garden. I would come here and sew on warm days; it always smelled so nice sitting here in the sun.” She dug at the dirt with the heel of her shoe. “I liked this castle. Look at what Germany and Russia did to it.” She frowned as she looked up at the crumbling tower.
“To be fair, it was already a ruin by the time Germany came here ...” Lithuania cringed when Belarus glared at him. “Aaah, I remember the shirts you made me. I liked those shirts a lot!” He scratched the back of his head nervously.
Belarus looked away from him again. She rested her arms on her knees, watching some leaves swirl around with the wind inside the castle walls, she thought she could be one of those leaves, swirling in a slow, lazy circle before resting on the ground again; always being tossed about which ever way the wind blew. She really wasn’t that mad at Germany; he had after all encouraged her to use her own language again while he had been here. She looked around the crumbling castle walls again.
Ukraine glanced at her sister with a worried look before turning to look at Lithuania, “We are no longer part of the Russian Empire, but what about our independence? Can we be independent nations?”
Lithuania nodded, “Five of us are to become independent nations, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine. Finland too, but he didn’t wait for any treaty before deciding that.”
“He wouldn’t anyway. I suppose he will run back to Sweden.”
Lithuania shrugged. He kicked a pebble across the ground. “I don’t know. He made enough noise about being independent, so maybe not?”
Belarus frowned when she heard the list. She jumped to her feet and walked toward them. “What about me?”
They both turned and looked her.
“Did you hear me? What about me? Do I have to live with Russia still, or do I get to be an independent country too?”
This was the part Lithuania had mixed feelings about, mostly because he wasn’t sure how to break the news to Belarus. “Uh, about that. No, you don’t have to live with Russia anymore but as for the other thing well … Germany seemed to think you would… uhm … want to live with me again?” He blushed and fidgeted, waiting for her reaction and hoping it wasn’t as bad as it could possibly be.
Belarus didn’t even try to stop the look of disgust that came over her face. “Why would I want to do that?” She glanced at her older sister who stood there biting her lip. “Why do you get to become independent nations, but not me?”
“Belarus, try to understand … no one could recall a time when you ever were an independent nation.” Lithuania felt more nervous.
“It’s not that you’re not allowed to be independent, it’s just, well … you never have been before.” Ukraine looked at her younger sister worriedly, not sure she helped.
“So now … I am to be in limbo? I don’t have to live in anyone else’s house but I can’t have my own house?”
Lithuania looked like he was in pain. “Well …”
Ukraine shuffled her feet. “You can live with me, if you want.”
Belarus angrily spun around and began pacing back and forth; her mind a storm of mixed emotions and fears. Why had Germany made a decision like this? Why had Russia agreed to it? She found herself disliking Germany more now that she knew he had done this to her. Her thoughts quickly changed to finding a solution to her immediate problem. Which would be the least bad situation for her in a bad situation? Live with Lithuania again? Live with her sister? What other options did she have … go back to her brother … She shook her head to clear that thought away, then another thought immediately flooded her head that made her feel more horror. Looking at Lithuania, she narrowed her eyes. “What about Poland?”
“No, Bela … not him.” Ukraine couldn’t hide the look of disgust on her face.
“What about him?” Lithuania wondered, not sure why he came up.
“Are you going to live with Poland again?” She asked Lithuania bitterly.
“Hell no!” Lithuania spat back, “Are you?”
Belarus made a look of disgust that matched her sister’s. “Do I look like I’m crazy?”
Lithuania refused to answer that. He tilted his head and gave her a warm smile instead. “I don’t want to form any more alliances with Poland. I want to be independent again.”
“I don’t want to live with Poland. I don’t want to live with Russia either. I want to be independent, like you!
Ukraine nodded encouragement. “That’s good Bela, but it’s not easy work. It’s especially hard if you’ve never done it before.”
“I am not afraid of hard work. I can also see what other countries have done and get an idea of what I need to do.” She was getting a little annoyed with being treated like she was still a baby and couldn’t figure things out for herself. “I have to have a government, and write a constitution I suppose too …” She tapped her chin, thinking about what she would need.
“Some formal declaration might be a good idea too.” Lithuania said, feeling a little sad she didn’t want to come back and live with him again. He couldn’t help but feel some pride at her determination to be independent, however. He couldn’t stop himself though from wondering how long it would actually last.
“And I will need an army.” She added. “I will need a flag, and a coat of arms … a national anthem …” The first traces of a smile broke across her face.
Ukraine glanced at Lithuania before clearing her throat. “Bela, worry about forming a committee to start your nation, and write a constitution. A nation needs laws.”
“I know all about laws, big sister.” Belarus pouted. She glanced at Lithuania, “I’ve done some law writing in my time. I was thinking about defense. The land I am going to claim as my country is between Russia and-“
“Poland!” Lithuania shouted when he saw the nation walking toward them. He raised his arm and waved to him, being happy to see him in spite of just saying he had no intention of being part of any commonwealth again.
Ukraine cringed when Lithuania shouted and immediately made a face of disgust when she spotted the other nation coming toward them. “What are you doing here?”
Poland gave her a steady look. “Like, because I can be?” His gaze went over to Belarus and Lithuania, before glancing around the ruined castle. “Well Liet. We’re free of Russia and …” He stopped mid sentence to look around the ruins of the castle they were standing in. “Wow … you like, really let this place go.”
Lithuania nodded. “It makes me very happy. Not how the castle looks, but being independent again.” He glanced down at Belarus, who stared silently at Poland.
“Yeah, like, so the reason why I’m here. We can get back together again and stuff. You want to do that, don’t you?” Poland didn’t stop for an answer from him. “I knew that would be totally okay.” He gave Belarus the briefest glance and tried hard to pretend Ukraine wasn’t there, because she still gave him dirty looks. “Oh, I suppose you can come live with us too, if you want.”
“No, I’m going to be independent.” Belarus stated flatly, frowning at Poland. “Lithuania wants to be independent too.”
“Yeah, sure he does.” Poland replied. When Lithuania remained silent Poland’s bored look quickly changed to shock and his jaw dropped open. “No WAY. Are you kidding me? Liet, she’s like, totally kidding right?” He was close to laughing at the thought of Belarus being an independent nation.
“Of course we’re not kidding!” She elbowed Lithuania in the ribs. “Tell him, Lithuania, we just agreed!”
“Ah! Yeah, Poland, actually we were discussing that very thing when you showed up.” He felt his cheeks flush. “I guess you could call that serendipity or irony or bad timing … er, or something like that.”
“You know what I call it? Stupid, that’s what.” Why don’t you want to get back together with me, Liet? We had fun, didn’t we? What are you worried about? I’ll let your boss rule your country and stuff.”
“Are you deaf? I just told you, we’re going to be independent.” Belarus walked up to Poland and glared at him. “We don’t want to be in the commonwealth again.”
“Bela, it’s no use, it’s not like he’ll listen to you.” Ukraine shook her head and started walking toward the entryway of the castle ruins.
Lithuania’s jaw had a firm set to it. “Not this time, Poland. It’s a new era, time to try different things. I was an independent nation once before, I can do it again and that’s what I want.”
Poland pouted. “But Liet …”
“No, that is final.” Lithuania started to follow Ukraine, but he stopped suddenly when he saw her frozen in place, staring at Russia.
“Hello Ukraine, hello Lithuania. And I see Western Russia there too!” He lifted his hand and waved to her. “Hello Poland.”
“Belarus. My name is Belarus.” She frowned at her brother.
Poland rolled his eyes. “Yeah, like whatever.”
“So, what are we all talking about? Are you having a party?” He smiled at all of them. “I am out of the war, but that won’t help Germany any. I have more important things to do!”
“That’s nice.” Poland’s voice sounded very sarcastic. “We also have more important things to do.”
Russia’s smile didn’t change. “I bet I know what you are talking about, you are talking about being independent countries, aren’t you?” He looked at each of them. “I think that is a wonderful idea!”
The others exchanged confused looks.
“What, do you really mean that?” Ukraine asked.
“Of course I do!” Russia held out his arms to them. “I have my independence now too. I am rid of my old boss, and I have a new boss. Things are going to be much better for us!”
Lithuania suddenly felt sick. “Us? What do you mean us?” Instinctively he backed away.
“Silly Lithuania, do you think I would be so selfish as to keep the worker’s paradise all to myself? I want to share it with everyone!”
“No!”
Everyone turned and looked at Belarus as she walked over to Russia. Looking up at him she held her shoulders as straight as she could and looked him directly in the eyes. “Germany says I don’t have to live with you anymore. I want to be independent too.”
Poland narrowed his eyes at Belarus. Lithuania felt like he was going to faint and took a few steps back. Ukraine suddenly didn’t want to be so close to her brother either and did the same.
Belarus didn’t move. She shook her head and continued to look at him. “I don’t want to live with you, or Lithuania. I want to be my own country now.”
“Oh! This is like, totally stupid!” Poland exclaimed. He quickly moved forward and grabbed Belarus by the arm. “You silly girl! How long do you think you will last against Russia? Come live with me and I will let you be independent. You can speak your own language and have your own schools and whatever else it is you like, want to do.”
Ukraine snapped at Poland angrily. “Let her go! She doesn’t want to live with you!”
Russia swooped down and grabbed Belarus’ other arm. “Don’t worry little sister, I will save you from that big, bad Poland!” He pulled on her arm, trying to free her from Poland’s grasp.
“Oh no you don’t! Liet! Like, help me already!” Poland yanked on Belarus’ arm again.
“Ow! Stop it, let me go - both of you!” She tried to yank free, but both Poland and Russia held tight to the arm they grasped. Her anger grew. She picked up her foot and stomped on Poland’s. He yelped and let go of her arm, hopping on one foot while holding the one she just stomped on. She used her free arm to swing around and shove against Russia’s chest. “Let go of me!”
Russia did as Belarus demanded, moving back a few steps to make it appear as though she had the force to push him away. “You are very determined Western Russia.” His smile never changed. “That’s what I like about you.”
“Shut up!” She shouted at him, “And my name is Belarus!”
“Fine, Belarus.” He said the name very sweetly.
Her face instantly softened as she gazed at her brother. Russia had never called her by her real name before. Maybe he really would let her be independent, like she wanted.
Ukraine hissed at her sister. “Bela! Come on, we should leave now!”
Lithuania’s heart sank watching Belarus as she gazed at her brother. “Belarus, come with us, please.”
“You idiots! Don’t you, like get it?” Poland snapped. He glared at Russia, who simply smiled back at him. “Unless we work together, none of us will be able to stop him! Help me!”
“And who do we work together with to stop you?” Ukraine snapped at Poland, grabbing Belarus by the hand and yanking her away from him and their brother. Both nations had locked eyes and the atmosphere grew more menacing with each passing second.
“But …” Belarus looked over her shoulder at Russia and Poland, who appeared as if they were frozen in place staring at each other.
Lithuania grabbed Belarus’ other hand and helped Ukraine pull her out of the castle ruins away from the fight that quickly brewed within. “Your sister is right, Bela. We need to get away if we want any chance at all to be independent.”
“Let’s go to my house for lunch. We can talk about what you need to do to be an independent country.” Ukraine replied gently.
Ukraine’s words pulled Belarus’ thoughts away from her brother. “That’s sounds like a good idea. I am hungry.”
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Author’s Note: The Belarusian Democratic Republic lasted ten months. After the Brest-Litovsk treaty Russia was forced to give up Poland, the Baltic countries, Ukraine and Belarus. Belarus however was not granted the right to become a nation. Germany still occupied Belarus, and had made efforts to reverse Russification by encouraging the use of the Belarusian language and Belarusian culture – both were repressed under the Russian Empire. On March 25, 1918 the BDR declared their independence. March 25th is still celebrated in Belarus today as “Freedom Day.” In the winter of 1919 Lenin’s Red Army was on the advance and quickly absorbed Belarus. The BDR government fled and became a government in exile, and still is today. The current president of the BDR council in exile lives in Ottawa, Canada.
The Polish – Soviet War of 1919 – 1920 ended with the Polish victory over Lenin’s Red Army in the Battle of Warsaw. This battle is extremely important in that it stopped the advance of Bolshevism into Western Europe. During the war Russia attempted to unite Lithuania and Belarus into one country, but it didn’t last. After the Treaty of Riga, Poland and Russia split Belarus in half and the country would remain that way for the next 20 years.
Also, the history of Belarus in 5 minutes:
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