To be honest, before writing this who thing I believed that I would write at least 3,000 words. For once, I actually exceeded that goal.

-

June 18, 2017
Germany's House

Italy closes his bedroom door as he enters his bedroom, his breath slightly hitching. His body is sore, but his facial expression remains happy.

"Ve~~"

His friend jumps a little as she heard her friend's sudden verbal tic. She sits on a stool next to the open window, and she nearly dropped herself out of her chair. A cold Coke can is her hands as well, but the drink wasn't spilled—the Texan was relieved.

"Dear God, Feliciano!" she exclaims. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Thaovy is with Italy for the day so she could cheer on his training through the window. She doesn't want to stand underneath the sunlight and possibly cause a tan or sunburn on her skin. Her parents are out of town for the week while her brother is gone to a high school military camp for four nights. She's not alone; she still has her grandparents in the house. They already know where she is going and that she's old enough to leave the house by herself.

"I came back from another day of training! I don't understand how Germany is able to do it so many times in a day!" Italy explains.

"Aren't you supposed to be back with him!?" Thaovy realizes.

"...I'm supposed to," the Italian argues, "but I just want to flop down and..."

Silence surrounds the room, and it's making her uncomfortable. Italy sniffs a familiar scent in the air.

"Is that pasta I smell?" he questions to himself.

Thaovy's face wrinkles in confusion. "What? I don't smell any pasta arou..." Her nose picks up a smell. "Okay, now I can smell it."

Veneziano approaches the door, but a loud voice rumbles through the house.

"ITALYYYY!? WHERE ARE YOU SLACKING OFF AGAN!? GET BACK TO TRAINING!!"

It takes a few seconds before Thaovy could identify the voice. "You better get back to him or else the consequences will get worse."

"I don't want to face Germany right now..." he admits. "Maybe I should take the other way out and find that pasta."

Italy scans through the room and spots the window. He approaches the window, but he looks back at his friend for permission.

She heavily sighs. "I won't stop you. Just be careful, 'kay? That pasta smell might be suspicious."

"I will! Don't worry!" he assures her before hopping out of the window. "Off I go!~"

He jumps out and lands on his feet as he lands. He examines the area.

"There must be pasta around here~," he says to himself.

He starts walking towards a clear pathway surrounded by trees. He is too oblivious on how straight the path looked. As he turns a right, he spots the pasta and quickly sprints to it.

"Ooh! Here it is!" the Italian cheers. "I knew I would find it!"

In the distance, a voice silently shouts, "There he is! Let's get him!"

"Ssh, stand down, we can't rush ahead quickly!" another voice mumbled back to the first voice.

The Italian hears a smidgen of the conversation but couldn't decipher what he had heard. He begins to be somewhat cautious and looks around. Nothing is out there. He has believed he had heard something, but then he decides to shrug it off.

"Oh, well, let's eat!" he assures himself. "Buon apetito!~"

As he is about to grab his pasta plate from the ground, a voice exclaims, "NOW!"

Italy jumps a little, and two people escape from the bushes. America and Britain surround a scared Italy.

The Italian tries to call for his best friends. "THAOVY! GERMA—"

Veneziano gets knocked out, and he is unable to alert them as well.

-

Germany stands in front of his house with a stern face.

"Well, seems Italy went missing in action for training again," he queries to himself. "I better go catch him, but first..."

He marches back into the house and heads to Italy's room where Thaovy is in. He opens the door, and Thaovy's head swivels towards his direction.

She stares blankly at him before shaking her head. "Haven't seen him since you were looking for him. He's trying to find pasta since we both smelled it."

The German heavily sighs. "Not surprised. Can you come help me finding him?"

"Yeah," the Vietnamese girl answers as she follows Germany out of the house, her voice tinted with concern. "It's been at least fifteen minutes! He should have come back by now."

"Well, do you remember how did he leave?" Germany questions, hoping to get an answer.

"I remember he went out through the bedroom window," she recalls. "I believe he followed the smell to his left, but follow me just in case if he really disappeared."

He nods in acknowledgment, and the two walk around the house to find clues. Thaovy spots a pathway, the two jumping to a conclusion that the Italian had wandered over there. Following the trail, they both stop at the area with rocks.

"Well..." he starts off, "it does smell of pasta here but no Italy. The scent is fresh. He was here not too long ago. Where did he go!?"

"That's odd," she wonders. "Feli would never waltz out with pasta. He would come back to the house after finishing the pasta."

Germany looks down and finds a pair of glasses. He picks it up, and the duo starts to examine the glasses carefully.

"These are America's glasses!" he claims as his anger bubbles up. "Seems Italy got captured again. When will that boy learn to be careful around strange things?"

"I know," she blurts out. "There are times he can be way too oblivious."

Germany notices the pathway is still continuous. "They must have gotten this way."

"Let's go," Thaovy urges. "It might be the Allies we're about to face."

-

The door is being pounded from the outside of America's house.

"Oh hey!" the American notices as he heads to the door to open it. "Who is it? We're a bit busy right now!"

The door slams open, and America is flung backward. Germany and Thaovy stomp into the house.

"Whoa, hey man—" America yelps.

"Of course," Germany interrupts. "The Allies. Why didn't I think you earlier?"

Thaovy rolls her eyes as she folds her arms. "I don't know. Maybe because you were too deaf to hear my sentence earlier."

Germany ignores her as America's face scrunches in confusion. His confusion wears off as he sees something familiar.

"Wait, wha—oh hey my spare glasses! I wondered where they went!" he realizes.

Germany stomps towards America. "Where is he!? I know you have Italy!"

"Ludwig, chill!" Thaovy urges, but his anger stays put.

A few moments later, America laughs. "I knew that England's plan was too obvious to leave a trail!" His expression turns dark. "Get 'im, Alpha!"

Suddenly, a dog pounces out of nowhere towards Thaovy. She is about to shriek and turn away, but the German grabs the dog in mid-air. He then throws the dog to the wall hardly.

"Alpha!" America yells while standing. "You heartless bastard! I'll get you for this!"

"Cut the Scheiße out, and just take me to Italy!" he yells.

However, the American is not affected by German's yelling. "...If that's what you want."

It's now Thaovy'sand Germany's turn to be confused. "Wha—'

England from behind knocks them out, sending both of them unconscious.

-

"Germany! Thaovy!"

The duo quickly wakes with an Italy beside them. Germany groans, and the Vietnamese American does not budge one bit. Outside of the cell stand a Brit and an American.

"Just five more minutes away from life please," she softly mumbles.

Italy, with no other choice, hits her. Thaovy stumbles out of her sleep and wakes up with a sudden yelp.

"Fuck!" she swears loudly as she turns to the Italian. "Next time, let me be!"

Veneziano rapidly shakes her for he doesn't want her to be angrier.

"See?" Britain says, as the trio inside the cell turns to face him. "I told you it would work."

The American chuckles. "I guess so!"

England exits the room. Before Alfred could take a step, Thaovy starts to shake the bars of the cell.

"Come on, Alfred! Why can't you let me out! We're friends! Americans!" she begs.

"Sorry, dudette!" the American apologizes, a smudge softer than usual as he waves his hand. "Arthur won't let me release you because you're like an ally to them."

"Then where is Shelby!?" the American girl growls.

"She's at soccer practice," he answers. "Hope, Annalise, and Taylor are shopping in their home town, Sammi is with China, Jenna is with Mexico, and Dreamz is with the Oceanic countries. Don't even try calling them because I took your phone and placed it in Mattie's room. Arthur forced me to, so don't try blaming me."

She groans. "Maybe he won't let me out because he's probably still angry with me and the rest of the girls keeping a secret that we're mortals and all. So much for being exposed to Eyebrows."

"Maybe. By the way," America growls viciously as he heads to leave, "you're paying for my dog's vet bills."

"Me!?" the black haired girl shrieks. "I didn't do anything to Alpha!"

"Not you," he assures. "Them." He points to Italy and Germany before leaving.

The trio are now stuck inside of the cell. Germany groans once more, and Italy glances back at him.

"Are you alright, captain?" the Italian asks calmly.

Although she is a bit jealous of the nickname, she mentally squeals at the cute moment happening.

The German pats on his head. "My head hurts a bit, but that's about all. You?"

"My head hurts too..." he whines. "I was dropped on my way over here. Thaovy, are you okay?"

"Yes, Feliciano," the girl replies with sarcasm. "I was seriously knocked out by Eyebrows behind me, so I must be totally okay—of courSE, I AM NOT!"

The Italian whimpers. "I'm so sorry, Germany and Thaovy."

"It's okay. Our main priority is to get out of here right now before those two get back," Germany tells the two. "Help me find a way out."

The two nods, and quickly they search the walls. Germany starts at the back wall, andThaovy is looking through the cell bars to see anything. Veneziano examines the two beds.

"A poorly made bed..." he clarifies before yelping. "Ew! I squished a cockroach!"

Thaovy's swishes her head. "A...c-cockroach? Please tell me you killed it."

He nods, and she heavily sighs in relief as she looks away. Italy goes to the wall which where Germany is examining.

"The wall is thick and made of rough stone," he mumbles to himself. "I bet even a grenade could not blow through it." He then studies the bars. "These bars are made of steel. They're too solid, even for Germany." His attention is now at the broken furniture. "Just rotten furniture, nothing to see here."

The Italian sighs. "Looks like I can't find a way out. Though Germany and, hopefully, Thaovy look like they have everything handled in their places. Siesta time!~"

He lays on the wooden bed as his mind drifts away from reality.

Ah... my head hurts so much...

Maybe I can sleep the pain away...

After all, we can't feel pain in our dreams!

Italy finds himself in a colorful, grassy field. It looks like a place he would peacefully enjoy by himself. After taking his first few steps on the new environment, a familiar voice calls out to him.

"Italy!"

Italy recognizes the voice easily. "Hm?"

"Italy, come over here!"

"And..." he says, "where is here?"

"Over by the tree! Come on!~"

Spotting the tree, Italy walks toward it. As soon as he is near the tree, he does not see anyone.

The voice speaks out of nowhere. "Italy!~ You made it!"

"Of course I would! I wouldn't miss it!" Veneziano exclaims.

A figure slowly appears in front of him. Familiar to his eyes, it's Germany.

The German slowly strolls to him. "I was so afraid you wouldn't come.~"

The Italian giggles. "Nonsense, captain!"

Germany's face is suddenly serious. "You know, you don't have to call me that. Just calling me Germany is good enough."

Italy chuckles. "Whatever you say, Germany!"

Ve... He's actually smilling for once...

"Hey, I have an idea!" he announces to his friend. "Let's go do something together! You know, like friends do!"

"Oh? Like what?"

"Well that depends on what YOU want to do. We can talk about pasta, pizza, art, go swimming, or anything.~" the blond suggests.

"Ooh!" Italy cheers. "Swimming sounds like fun! We should do that!"

"Then what are we waiting for?"

Germany takes off and ambles to the lake.

Ah... the auburn thinks in his mind, It really has been too long since I've seen him happy like that... Or... happy at all.

Italy catches up to him eventually and approaches to his friend. "How's the water?"

"Perfect," the German answers.

"Hurray!" the Italian cheers as he takes steps backward. "Germany, hug me!"

He starts running to Germany. He jumps on his friend, and with much force the two are sent into the lake. Everything turns black.

I...

I can't breathe...

Italy coughs and groans, trying to push out the water from the inside.

Germany stands beside him. "Finally you've waken up. The tunnel is ready."

The black haired Asian sighs in the distance, her hands folded. "Did you really have to do that in order to wake him up?"

"Yes," he retorts as he walks to the stoned wall.

Italy first notices the wall now has a huge hole before glancing at the bucket.

His canteen's empty... He must have  poured it on my head to wake me up.

After going into his mind, he squawks, "Ah! So sorry Germany! I was just so tired and—"

"Hush, child," Thaovy urges, grabbing his arm. "Do you want to stay here and die?"

"Thaovy!" the German warns.

She shrugs. "What can I say? It could possibly work on him."

"...Yes, ma'am..."

"Feli, ya didn't have to be so formal. Just call me Thaovy, 'kay?"

The trio escapes into the hole which will lead them out of the house.

-

Italy escapes a relief from his mouth. He closes the door to his bedroom.

"Vee, that was exhausting!" the auburn exclaims. 'I'm sure glad we got away. Though now I really need some sleep. I usually sleep in Germany's bed when I'm scared or lonely at night, but I feel so exhausted that I could sleep alone for days!"

He heads toward the mirror to check himself out. He suddenly shrieks as a nearly visibly Germany appears.

"G...Germany?" the Italian tries to speak, but his mouth is jumbled up.

The half transparent German speaks, but no sound is coming out of his mouth.

"I can't hear you," Veneziano comments. "Let's see if I can read your lips."

His silent speaking doesn't happen. Instead, Germany strolls toward his bed.

"You...want me to go to bed? Okay!" He starts walking to his bed. "This is all so fun, I wonder if I'm asleep right now!"

His eyelids close, and the Italian drifts into slumber. What he didn't notice is the German had slowly turned into a dark shadow.

It's hard to breathe in here...

Germany overhears a sentence and rotates his body to see Italy.

"Italy?" he says.

Complete silence.

The blond begins to worry. "...What is it?"

"...You don't want me..." The auburn finally speaks before walking away.

"Italy!" he hollers. "Wait!"

He hurries behind the Italian. He stops when he is able to see Italy, but he doesn't notice the change.

"...Italy?" he says the Italian's name again.

A silence corrupts the whole field. Italy finally rotates his whole body to face Germany, and the new look frightens the German.

This new "look" is still Italy, but black shadows cover much skin. His whole right arm is completely filled with darkness. His right eye is not his original amber eye; the color is bright sky blue. The other half of his face is covered with black, and his left eye is completely white. His lips are twitched in a maniacal grin with sharp, pointy teeth showing.

"sOMetHinG wRoNG, CApTaiN?"

-

"WOARGH!"

He awakens from his sleep with a big yelp.

"Ah..." he breathes. "Just a nightmare... That was an odd one."

A silence occurs before Germany ponders about Italy. "Hm... I better go check to see if Italy is okay."

When he exits his room, he sees the Vietnamese girl on her phone.

"...ome over, 'kay?" she softly mumbles. "You're, like, one of the only ones who can really keep me entertained 'n happy. Italy can make me smile, but you're kinda more exciting than him. Please?"

Germany, aside, waits for her reaction. He sees her sigh and slightly jump in excitement. "Great! See you in a few minutes!"

The Texan closes her phone before she pays her attention to the blond. "Oh, hey dude. It's just Sebastian on the phone."

He nods. "Can you come and check Italy with me? I sense he might not be okay."

"Sure! Why no—"

Knock knock!

"Vy!~" a familiar voice yells as his fist repeatedly bangs on the door. "Open up! It's me, Sebastian!~"

"Sorry, Luddy," she apologizes. "I'm gonna have to get the door downstairs before going back up to check on Italy. I'll catch up after getting Sebby in!"

She runs down the stairs, and the German hurries into Italy's bedroom. He hovers over the Italian and checks him.

"...Oh, he's asleep," he realizes. "I better not disturb him. He's been through a lot today."

He makes his way back to the door. Before he could grab the handle, he feels as if a dark side is presence. He heads back to Italy.

"His pulse is slow..." Germany comments. "Almost like..."

A sudden realization hits him. "Italy!!"

Veneziano doesn't budge one bit.

"Italy! Wake up this instant!" The German starts to slap him.

The door widens, revealing Thaovy and Seborga, Italy's younger brother.

"I heard something bad happened up here! What is it!?" Thaovy demands.

"Hey! Why are you slapping my fratellone!?" Seborga questions.

Germany ignores them. "Ah, how could I be so foolish to let him go to bed with a concussion!"

"ITALY HAS A CONCUSSION!?" Thaovy and Seborga screech.

"I don't know!" he finally answers the two. "What should I do now!? I haven't read a manual about comas yet!"

"Ludwig! Why would you fucking read manuals about concussions!? Shouldn't you fucking know this by now!?" Thaovy screams. "I mean, you should have know who gave him a concussion!"

"Grah! It's all those two's faults!" Germany claims.

"Who?" Seborga asks.

"England and America," the blond says as he heads out of the room. "That England probably knows healing techniques. I'll make him fix it!"

The door shuts loudly, causing the younger Italian and the American to tremble a little.

"Common, let's check on Feli," she suggests.

Seborga nods and looks over at his older brother. He notices his breathing is unlikely slow, so he checks the pulse.

"Vy...why is Vene's pulse slow..?"

"Could this mean he doesn't have a concussion and is actually...dying?"

The two sentences make both of their hearts shatter into a million of pieces.

-

Translations

Scheiße(German) - crap

Fratellone(Italian) - big brother