Germany, Japan, and Italy sat around the fire on the beach. While Ludwig sat quietly with Honda talking in quiet whispers, the extremely lazy Feliciano slept peacefully on a bamboo mat that Japan had brought for all three which was sprawled out on the sand.

Waiting…that's all it had come down to these past couple of weeks. The three Axis Powered nations were working steadily on trying to take over the Allied Forces, but sadly nothing had changed. They hadn't eaten much, tempers were flared between Germany and Italy, most of it being Italy's fault, and Japan trying always to make the peace so they wouldn't kill each other, something needed to be done. Poking a stick into the fire, Ludwig looked over at Honda.

"We need to do something. Those swine think that because there are more of them than of us that they will dominate? Nein…I will not let this happen, let's just see how we can handle ourselves." He spat in the fire, as it was already starting to die down. Yawning, he looked over at Italy and sighed. "Looks like Italy has the right idea…come Honda, let us retire for the night. Tomorrow will bring promise, at least I hope."

"Yes Germany sir…" Honda was usually as quiet as can be. He reached into his knapsack and grabbed a mat out for Germany, and himself. Germany set it on the sand, and laid down. The sounds of the waves were soothing as they crashed into one another, and he soon closed his eyes. A whirlwind of dreams came crashing through Germany's sleeping mind. Buried deep, his childhood erupted.

"Vati…Vati…where is Bruder? Is he hiding? Vati…I can't find him!"

"Come here little one…you have to find him, he is playing….remember, you counted to zehn? You have to find him."

"Ah ha…Gilbert is going to be found by me! I am coming to get you big Bruder!"

Germany opened his eyes…both Japan and Italy were fast asleep. The moon was the only thing shining down, as its light was magnificent and bright. Sitting up and rubbing his eyes, he wondered why he was dreaming of his childhood. Playing hide and go seek with his brother Prussia and the two having so much fun. Scoffing, he lay back down, and tried to get comfortable. He could not fall back asleep and looked up into the sky. The clouds were streaming past the large moon, and all of a sudden something came into view, a face…a familiar face. Shrieking slightly, Germany sat up straight as he looked into the eyes of Italy.

"Germany! What are you doing awake? Can't sleep? I was sleeping…dreaming of pasta…what's the matter?" The Italian nation just sat up looking at Ludwig with a smile. The Italian went to open his mouth again, but Germany put his finger to the noisy nation's lips.

"Would you keep your voice down you idiot! Japan just went to sleep a little while ago…ugh." He looked around and wondered if anyone was watching. Clearing his throat, he then spoke again. "What are you doing awake anyways Feliciano?"

"Oh! Well…I was sleeping, but then I heard that you were struggling in your sleep. You were talking Germany…you were saying strange things in your sleep…who is Vati Germany?"

His eyes widened. He hadn't told many of his past, and the two, Italy and Japan never pried…it just wasn't polite. Looking down into the sand, he stuck his finger in and made a swirl.

"Uh…he is someone from my past Italy. But listen, we have a long future ahead of us. Try and get some sleep…and let me alone…I am exhausted." He tried to get comfortable, which was a little difficult, but managed. Looking over to the other nation, he semi smiled, as sounding like a harsh nation was not always his intent.

Italy situated himself, and it wasn't long before he was sleeping again. Germany could only wish to be able to fall asleep that quickly.

It did not take long for morning to arrive, as Germany opened his eyes believing that just a short moment ago Italy had just woken him up. He rolled over and saw that Japan was already awake and walking along the beach looking for shells. Italy was sitting just smiling watching the water rush back and fourth. Sometimes the exuberant actions of Italy were a little too much to take, and Germany would have to walk away otherwise he would want to throttle Feliciano. Getting up, he folded up his mat, and threw it over with Japan's belongings. Italy watched the bulky blond nation stretch his arms and smiled at him. Germany seeing this, spoke.

"What is it Italy? Why are you smirking at me like that? You know I am not such a morning person…and it is entirely too early for you to be an annoyance right now." As soon as the words left his mouth, Italy stared straight to the ground.

Feeling slightly bad Germany was about to speak up when Japan walked over. He had sensed something.

"We really should get going…I sense the Allied force is near. Come…we leave now!" He bent down and grabbed his belongings. Germany nodded and took his things as well. Italy who had the least amount of possessions followed the two other nations, and they were off.

"Where are we going to go Germany? Do you have someplace for us to stay?" Asked a concerned Japan who was chewing on some soybeans. He waited for an answer.

"Yes Honda…we are going to stay at my place…I know traveling during the day is not as safe…but clearly we were all tired, and a good nights rest was much needed. We should arrive before night fall. I too have sensed the Allies…hopefully we can lead them off the track. That is if someone doesn't make trouble for us." He cast an eye behind as the three walked. Italy was smiling happily and was not paying attention.

The Axis trio walked…and though it took some time, they arrived at Germany's house. He put on the lights, and locked the door once all three of them walked in. Looking around, it seemed as if his servants had gone home for the evening. They would arrive back in the late afternoon the following day. Germany's residence was not a mansion, but it was large enough that each nation had their own quarters, which Ludwig thought was well enough seeing as he needed his time alone from the other two…more Italy than Japan.

"Japan, I have a room set for you on the downstairs floor, which is where we are right now. Italy's and my room are up the stairs. The washroom is also there, first door to your right. I am going to get myself some rest now, you both are free to do whatever you like. There are extra blankets in the credenza next to your room Honda." He looked at the both nations, and then ascended the stairs, arriving at his door, and disappearing through it.

Smiling, Italy bowed his head towards Japan, who then went into his own room, closing the door gently. Italy was now left alone…he did not want to go to sleep just yet, at least not until after he did a little exploring. He walked into the kitchen…mainly his favorite part of any home. Looking through the cabinets, he rifled through the spices and whatnot. Some were familiar, and others were a confusing riddle of words. Looking down on the counter, he saw that Japan had left a container of something. Curious, the nation picked up the pewter box and opened it. Looking inside, and putting his nose to it, he breathed in the fragrant smell, and noticed it as green tea. It was delightful. Leaving the lid open, something caught his eye on the shelf. Casting aside the open tea container, he went to examine the odd bottle he had seen in the shelves. Plucking it from its spot, the bottle had a slight tint of green to it. Somewhat glittery. There were words written on it, but he was not able to make them out, since it was in German. The words said kindergarten, which was very strange. It did not make any sense to him. Going to put it back, he lost his grip, and fell backwards and the bottle loosened, rose into the air and had its contents spill out, and into the container of Japan's green tea, as well as all over the counter.

"Ugh…what a clumsy nation I am…oh geez." Italy rubbed his backside having fallen right on it, and got back up. He saw the mess he had made, and not thinking scooped the pile of green substance into his hands, and dumped it with the tea. He took the mysterious bottle and tucked it back into the shelf behind other bottles of condiments. Once that was set, he quickly left the kitchen, walked up the stairs and went to his room.

Morning came, and Japan was the first one awake, being that his bedroom was right off the kitchen. He breathed in the air, and looked outside. The shine was shining and the birds chirped in happy little tweets. He pulled aside his blankets, and rose out of bed. He dressed himself in a deep crimson kimono, and slipped on a pair of geta shoes. Once he was comfortable, he made his bed, and walked out of the room, humming a quiet tune, and was ready to prepare breakfast.

He walked over to a kettle and filled it with water. Looking over to his tea, he noticed it was in a slightly different place than he had put it the previous night. Grabbing it, he also noticed it was heavier. Shrugging his shoulders, he spooned in some of the leaves into a cup for himself, and Italy. Germany was not one for tea usually. While the water was heating, Honda took out some eggs and began whisking them. He would prepare an omelet, and some rice porridge. Germany usually had many ingredients in his home, and these were plentiful for some reason.

Cooking away in the kitchen, Japan hadn't noticed that Italy walked down the steps. Yawning, and rubbing his eyes, he sat down at the table, and was ready to be served. Japan did not mind at all, being the humble nation that he was, he thought of it as an act of kindness, besides the trio usually took turns cooking while they had been out and about. Sometimes a change in the menu was greatly needed.

Japan turned around as he added boiling water to the two cups, and looked over at Italy.

"Good morning Italy…I take it Germany is still sleeping?" He set the tea cup on the table, and pushed one over to Italy who took it in his hands and smiled.

"Thank you Japan. Yes…when I walked by his room, he was still sleeping…or at least I think he was, he does have a tendency to snore." Italy put the cup to his lips and sipped.

Smiling gently, Japan sat down while the breakfast cooked and also took a sip from his tea. Something seemed to be different about the hot beverage the two were consuming. Japan's nose twitched, and he looked over at Italy who noticed the difference as well.

"Uh, Honda…does this tea taste a little different to you?" He took another sip after announcing it loudly. Japan put his down, and nodded.

"Yes, actually, it has a slight zing to it. So do not drink anymore…perhaps the tea leaves are damaged…although I can not really see that happening, I was holding them close to my persons when we were walking…I wonder what could have happened." He stood up from his seat, and as he stood up, Italy's eyes widened. Something was happening, and it was the strangest thing.

"Oh…I don't feel so good…I…my stomach…it is very, very off…and…" Honda felt somewhat dizzy. He looked over at Italy who just stared. Right before his eyes, it seemed that the Japanese nation was shrinking…getting smaller in stature...and he could not believe his eyes.

The tea affected by the small bottle of the strange green condiment had apparently started to shrink Japan.

Honda's fingers grew smaller. They were slightly chubby in appearance. His face grew more round, and his hair fell into his face. Italy watched in fascination and Japan apparently noticed it too, because he suddenly began to grab at the table. His little voice started to yell out.

"Italy…Italy, what is going on? Please help…oh no!" Honda looked over to Italy who along with himself was shrinking as well.

"I don't know what's going on Japan…I feel strange…" The clothing he was wearing was getting baggy on the nation's body, and sharp pains panged through his body. Falling to the ground, Feliciano kicked his legs, as the limbs shortened.

With all this happening down from his bedroom, Germany was just waking up. He had finally had a good nights sleep in his own bed, and had not noticed the commotion going on below. Yawning he cast aside his blankets, and got out of his bed. Walking slowly, and not really all that awake, he walked into the bathroom and started a shower. The water drizzled onto his body, and all he could do was sigh. It felt good, especially since the many days the three had spent on the beach, he just needed something good right now. As he dazed, more memories flooded back throughout the back of his mind. Some more vivid than others.

"Come now…which one of you broke the water pitcher? It was on the table, and supposed to be out of reach from little hands. Ludwig? Gilbert? If I don't get an answer…the both of you are going to be spanked. Now answer me…"

"Uhhhh…Vati it was me… I did it. I wanted to have some water, and Ludie wanted some…I took it off the table."

"Very well Gilbert…come here…right now…"

The water suddenly turned slightly chilled, and Germany snapped out of his trance. He had remembered that day. Gilbert took the blame because he was just doing a brotherly duty. His brother was nowhere near the water container when he had broken it…and he just proudly accepted the fault. Closing his eyes, Ludwig felt slightly saddened. He watched as his Vati gave a hurtful punishment to Gilbert, and then send him to bed. All of which could have been avoided if he only spoke up.

Turning off the water, he stepped out of the shower and steam was now rising. Not being able to see well, he opened the door and walked out, strolling over to his wardrobe.

It was still quiet in the house, but maybe that was because his door was closed, and being upstairs had its advantages. Germany liked silence most of the time. He had to admit though, Italy made him happy, and he was glad the two had become friends. Opening up to other nations had not been an easy thing, since he and his brother were very sheltered.

He got dressed in his usual green Wehrmacht uniform, and pulled on his black boots. Tying the laces, his day was now beginning. Grappling at his stomach after it made several growling noises, he believed breakfast was in order. It was still early, and knowing how Italy loved to sleep, he thought the appropriate thing was to wake the lazy nation.

He arrived at the room and rapped on the closed door. When there was no response, he opened it, looking slightly annoyed. However to his bewildered surprise, Italy was not in his bed. In fact the blankets were unmade, which irked the German, and the bed looked vacated for quite a while. Walking over to the bed, he hurriedly made it, and then turned on his heel out the door.

Italy sat up from laying on the floor. He looked around and saw Honda on the other side of the room. The small body of the nation was an extreme sight to Feliciano. Smiling, he ran over to his fellow comrade.

"Honda…Honda…look at us! We are little! And look…look at me! Wake up sleepy head…get up!" Italy shook the other nation, and with a slight groan, Japan sat up. His little dark brown eyes looked up and with a giggle he pulled himself up off the floor.

"Wow!" Was all Japan could say. His tiny body drowned in the kimono gown that he had put on, and left him in nothing more than his underclothing. He did not seem to mind.

The two newly changed nations were now children not more than five years in age. They chased one another around the kitchen till they heard the sounds of footsteps coming down the steps. Japan stopped short, which in turn made Italy crash into the back of him. The two boys just watched as Germany made his way into the room. He hadn't noticed them at first.

"Feliciano…Honda…hey, are you both down here…I am ready and I am very much hungry…and…" He stopped talking as he laid eyes on two very familiar looking children. Gasping, he rubbed at his eyes first, thinking that maybe this was another dream of his. But once his eyes cleared from the blurriness, his predictions were right. His eyes focused on two miniaturized fellow nations.

"Hi Ludwig! Look at what happened to us!" Italy was the first one to shout. Being very fond of Germany, the Italian ran up to him and tugged at his uniform jacket. Ludwig stepped back astounded.

"What…what happened…I mean…how did this…Italy…Japan? Is that you two? Oh Mein Gott…oh Mein Gott…I need to sit down…I just need…a drink…oh Mein Gott…" The German slapped his hand to his forehead…what was he to do?