Chapter 1: Unexpected Training

"Germany!" Italy ran over to his big, blonde friend; wrapping his arms tightly around his friend's waist. Germany tried keeping his uptight figure but couldn't help but pat his old friend on the head.

"It's nice to see you, Italy." Italy smiled at Germany but Germany was looking to the right. Italy let go of Germany seeing a figure coming from the shadow of a flowering tree.

"Hello. Long time no see." Japan didn't even have a chance to bow before Italy knocked him to the ground with an immense hug. Germany grinned. Japan was...uncomfortable, but happy.

"It's been forever since I've seen you guys! I don't think I've eaten pasta with you two since World War II!" Italy finally let go of Japan.

"Yes, my apologies for never scheduling a meet-up. I have been quite busy with the technology age, you know?" Japan cleaned himself up after falling to the ground.

"I have been quite busy with tourists myself," Germany said with a sigh. "They're alot of work. Especially the American ones." Italy smiled.

"American tourists are funny! And they love my food!" But of course, who wouldn't like Italy's pizza and pasta.

The countries were meeting in their old training spot from World War II. The trees have grown taller, and the grass have grown greener. Germany called the two countries there for an important meeting but a casual one.

"What is the matter we must discuss?" Japan asked Germany.

"Training." Japan tried to keep a straight face but was obviously very confused.

"Ve! Training for what?" Italy thought it was a pasta-eating contest, or perhaps a pasta-cooking contest!

"For war" The country's smile straightened out and he looked at Germany, confused. He opened his eyes with concern. Japan was able to keep his composure but his mouth dropped a little.

"War! What war? Oh no!" Italy screamed as he ran in circles around Germany, throwing his hands in the air.

"But who declared it? I thought that we were surely at a peaceful time." Japan looked down in thought of who it could be.

"No one, yet." Italy stopped immediately and reverted back to his cheery self.

"Germany, you jokester! You scared me!" Italy laughed and started poking Germany's shoulder. But Germany grabbed his finger before he could poke him for a third time.

"But it is a perfect time to prepare for a war. Peacetimes do not last long and I can feel tensions rising between Britain, and I once again."

"No silly! That's all in your head."

"And we are no longer the Axis Powers. World War II was about seventy years ago!" Japan stated.

"We lost! We lost because we were not prepared! I have learned over the course of all these wars that preparation leads to power. It is all about preparation." Germany glanced at Italy who looked like a puppy waiting for a command. "We do not have to declare war. But if we do some training, we'll at least be ready for it when it comes. Besides, I already have lots of experience with you two so training should be quite easy." Italy was reluctant, remembering how strenuous and boring training was for WWII. But then again, he got to hang out with his two best friends.

"Ok! I don't mind!" Japan nodded.

"I am also in agreement." Germany smiled.

"Ist Good. Now both of you line up and count off!"

America was eating a hamburger at his desk when he got a text on his cellphone. From "Arthur Kirkland" The message read: "Hey America. I need to talk with you. Could we meet sometime today, maybe at your place. There's quite some rain here." America couldn't help but laugh at the message. When is there not rain in England's land.

He texted back "Sure! I'll buy us some Ice Cream!"

"Oh Joy..."

England arrived with a formal suit completely contrasting America's white t-shirt and basketball shorts. America was gulping down a whole gallon of ice cream while England sat in depressing silence in his chair. Even America, who usually can't sense the mood, could tell something was up.

"What's the matter?"

"War. War is the matter." America nearly choked on his ice cream.

"Dude! You're kidding! Who?"

"Germany and I have been having some quarrels recently. I heard that he might declare war on me."

"Who told you that?"

"Well, I just had a feeling." England shifted positions in his chair. He was obviously, not wanting to tell him who really informed England of this rumor.

"England, something I learned over my long life is that you shouldn't listen to your 'feelings.'"

"America, you're still a kid. I've lived a lot longer than you."

"Kid! Oh come on, I am not a kid! I'm far more mature than you are!" England flew out of his chair, right in front of America.

"Says who! I'm mature because I'm the gentleman!" And their argumentative bantering continued as if the war discussion never even happened.