It was so cold. Not the air. No, it was a warm summer day. Insects noisily buzzed by, completely oblivious to how cold I felt. Why did I feel so cold? What was I even doing here? Or, the greatest question of all; who am I? Nothing around me hinted at the answer to my question. The great willow tree shaded me from the sun as voices began to reach me.

"America-san! Wait a moment please." I looked over to my left. Two guys, one dressed in a light brown jacket and slacks looked behind him. Thick, dirty blond hair mussed up with a lone strand defying gravity. The man behind him wore a white naval uniform, dark eyes quietly beseeching. His short black hair was in good order as he uncertainly glanced about. Neither seemed to notice me.

"Hey Japan! How's it hanging? Need something from the hero?" Japan seemed exasperated for a moment before continuing in a soft voice.

"It-It's about that day… in December…" America adjusted his glasses for a moment before replying.

"Do you mean that Christmas party where China wore a Hello-Kitty hat and ran naked down the-"

"No!" Japan shuddered for a moment, "I mean… in 1941... That day." America became quiet, his face thoughtful for a moment.

"Yeah, what about it?" something in his voice hinted at a pain best forgotten.

"I never really apologized for it. I know I didn't drive the planes or fire the bombs… but I never forgot when I heard the news." America's lips lifted in a sad smile.

"Hey, no need. I understand how it is. We can only disobey our bosses so much. Besides… I TOTALLY KICKED ASS IN THAT WAR!" America suddenly burst out in an animated voice, seemingly moving on from the heavy topic. Images flashed before my eyes. Beaches, gunfire, and smoke filled my vision. When it cleared Japan still didn't seem convinced.

"But America-san-"

"No buts! Besides, I have a nice monument for what happened that day. And it's not like I don't have anything to be sorry for." America hinted sadly. Japan's eyes widened as he shook his head. The sound of screams and searing light filled my head briefly.

"No, no, no! It is alright, I know you feel bad about that too! You can't help it if your boss goes and-"

"Exactly! Now you understand how I feel, so no more apologizing! It's time to move on and let go, look for the future! It's what a hero does best, and I should know! I am the hero after all!" Japan shook his head and smiled, his head looking down for a moment. Japan gasped in shock as he noticed me under the willow tree. "What? Was it something I said? I was just stating the truth!"

"No, America-san! Look under the willow tree!" America turned around and gasped. Was I really that bad?