Darkness.

It was all Italy Veneziano could see. It was just like a normal day on France's strike schedule but this time it was much scary. He was alone.

Just then, a small light seemed to glow far beyond. What assured him the most was there was a voice coming from the light. Gripped with fear, Italy blindly ran to the light as it glowed brighter and he heard the voice clearer.

"-ly! Italy!" was he heard.

Reaching out blindly, he was soon enveloped in light.

Blinking, he saw Germany leaning over him. Italy smiled then he wrapped his arms around the well-built nation. "Ve~ Germany, I had a really scary dream."

Rubbing his temples, Germany shrugged Italy off. He stood in a rigid military position as he said, "Italy! This isn't the time to play! Hurry up and get dressed. We'll be commencing morning drills as soon as you're ready."

Italy looked puzzled. "What morning drills?"

"Don't ask me questions like that when the whole world is at war."

Italy blinked. Surely he heard the last word wrong. "At war?"

Germany sighed. It looks like he wasn't getting enough sleep these days. Dark circles were forming around his eyes. "The entire world is at war. Currently, this 'New Era' is all about expanding territories. The more you conquer, the more you have power." After that, Germany closed the door behind him.

'Gaining territories? This kind of thing has happened before. A lot of times actually.' Italy looked out the window. "War was the reason he didn't come back to me."

At Japan's place, Germany was trying to persuade the Asian nation to side with them.

"So Japan, will you join forces with us again?" asked Germany. Italy tagged along for the sake of seeing Japan and the three cats that Greece recently gave.

"I'm sorry. Can you give me some time to think about it?"

"Have you sided with someone already?"

Japan set down his tea cup. Italy wondered where the porcelain tea set that England gave Japan as commemoration of their friendship was. It was really seldom that Japan uses the ceremonial tea set. "I'll be truthful to you this time Germany, for the sake of our past camaraderie. I have decided to protect what my ancestor left me."

"I see. Asia, am I correct?"

Japan nodded. Germany tensed. Clearly, neither Germany nor Italy expected Japan's answer. Italy didn't like the atmosphere now. In an attempt to break the awkward moment he asked, "Japan, where are the three kitties that Greece gave you."

With a smile, Japan answered, "I gave them back, for obvious reasons."

Italy sensed something wrong in Japan's smile. There was a bit of sadness. Italy smiled back, relieved that he wasn't the only one who had mixed feelings about the war.

Germany stood up and gave Japan a long hard stare. Finally he said, "Never thought that you would be also greedy."

Japan who was also standing gave Germany an amused smile. "I believe I said protect. I have no intention to participate in this useless war. My reasons are clearly for self-defence."

"Just as I thought," said Austria after Germany relayed the events that happened at Japan's place.

"But Japan said he's not participating. I feel that it's not right to attack him." said Italy.

Germany shook his head. "No. Japan's reason is what makes him vulnerable."

A hot feeling spread throughout Italy's body like fire. He stood up. "Vulnerable? You become vulnerable when you protect?" He turned to Austria; the feeling grew deeper in his chest. "Is that why he didn't come back? He got weak because of me? Because he protected me?"

"Italy that was not he meant." Austria tried to grasp Italy's shoulders. He couldn't take it any longer. The hot feeling wrenched his gut. He ran away from Austria and Germany. He didn't stop running until he reached home.

Italy banged on the door. As soon as Italy Romano opened it, he hugged his brother. Sobbing, he asked, "Are we really at war?"

Romano thought that just this time; he'll act like a proper big brother. Gently, he caressed Italy's head. Whispering he said, "Yes."

Suddenly, the truth dawned on Italy. The situation that he was always trying to avoid had just hit him in the face. Hard.