He doesn't understand just how alike we are...

The snake-like fog swirled, consuming everything in its path, and clung to the figure's legs. Unlike the 'usual' fog of the other world, it didn't disperse when walked through. It wrapped it's tendrils around you, engulfing the lower half of your legs. The contemplating figure paced through the sea of fog as he tapped his chin.

"Why is it, you always seem to fail me?" he asked, infuriated with the progress of his plans. He threw a glare to the slumped man on the ground; intense crimson being met by a fearful lavender gaze.

"I didn't know Germany was that strong. I-" the blonde replied with a defensive tone.

"I don't care!" The dark-haired one bellowed. "You should have over-powered him, because I know you could have. Easily. The real question is, why didn't you?"

The blonde stood and put his hands up in a surrendering motion. "I-I... I couldn't! I tried! I swear!" The smaller, yet much more intimidating, male took a step forward as he raised his hand. The blonde cowered back and shielded his face.

"Don't lie to me, Ludwig." he snarled, scarlet eyes burning with rage. His hand was released, and brought straight across the blonde's face. The man almost fell from the strength of the blow. "When did you become so pathetic?" he practically spat.

"Please, I meant it. Germany, he-he..." Ludwig, as he was known as in this world, paused to cup his reddened cheek. "He's just so strong... It makes it hard for me to take over."

The agitated one's eyes widened as a realization hit him. That's it! He thought. That's what I am failing to do. Of course, he was referring to how he couldn't take over Italy no matter how many times he tried. It had stumped him as to why. The nation, himself, was weak (rather pathetic in his eyes) and yet he couldn't seize him. It all started to click. It wasn't 'strength' he should be concerned about, but more emotional things. Italy practically wore his heart on his sleeve, just one of the many things he found pathetic. That means, to get Italy, he would have to make him weak emotionally. Mentally.

Genius.

"Ludwig." he snapped.

The blonde looked up with an ardent expression. "Yes, Feliciano?"

"I have a plan, and I need you."

Italy arched his back, stretching his muscles, and released a groan. He sat up in the large bed to find it empty. The red-head pouted as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the back of his hand. Germany always went out jogging, so it was really no surprise to wake up alone. In all honesty, Italy had gotten used to it. However, he didn't like it. He didn't like being alone.

Slowly, he made his way over to the bathroom to splash some water on his face. Maybe that could wake him up.

Italy...

The red-head snapped his head up to look at the mirror. Nothing but his own, honest and true, reflection looking back. Knowing that could change any second, Italy bolted from the room and down the hallway.

Italy...

The voice was oddly familiar, and yet, it was completely alien. Italy noticed that he wasn't necessarily being 'said'. Not out loud. It rang through his mind, ricocheting and going on endlessly. It was harsh, ghost-like, and quite frankly, it was terrifying. Even when Italy ran, he couldn't escape. It followed him, mocking him.

"What?!" he cried out and grasped his head. "What do you want?!"

I have something for you to do...

The Italian jumped at the voice. No one was around him, although that wasn't a comforting thought.

"W-What makes you think I'll d-do it!" he yelled out with as much bravery as he could. A sick laugh rung out through the empty walls. It was dark, and sadistic. Truly, it was not pleasant in the slightest. Italy shuddered at the condescending noise.

Trust me. You will...

"W-Who says, demone?" he replied with a slight sneer. His italian came through when he was truly mad or scared. In this case, it was a mixture of both.

I have something that... You value very much...

Italy cocked his head in confusion, although he was still jumpy and cautious. "What are you talking about?" he growled through grit teeth.

Instead of a response, another sick laugh was heard. Italy moaned and grasped his head in pain. The laugher continued to echo throughout empty halls, warping itself even further and surrounded Italy. Italy clenched his jaw right and made a decision. He wanted to talk, face-to-face, with this demon.

Furiously, Italy made his way to the closest mirror. Standing their, signature smirk present on it's face, was the demon. The demon looked Italy over once and his leer widened.

"Not hiding anymore, are we?" he asked mockingly. His bright red eyes bore into Italy's soul.

"S-Shut up!" Italy bellowed. He had his hands clenched into tight fists and he shook all over with anger. It didn't happen often, Italy being this mad, actually it almost never happened. "What do you want from me?!"

The other Italy in the mirror raised a brow, still superior, and leaned against the wall. "You are going to do something for me." he informed bluntly. "In return, I will give you what you value most back."

"What do you...?" The reflection pointed down, and Italy cocked his head before following along with his gaze. Sitting on the counter was a small trinket. Italy recognized it well and felt dread grow in his stomach. The small black cross, outlined in white and on a small chain, sat on the granite counter. That belongs to Germany...

"That's right, candido..." Italy snapped his head up from the small necklace and stared at the evil reflection.

"Where is he? Germany. Where is he?!" Italy yelled at the reflection. The dark figure laughed and shook his head from side to side slowly. Italy's eyes widened and began to water. Does that mean...?

The fog behind the dark figure rose, and much like Italy's nightmare, revealed something he did not want to see. There was Germany, strapped to a chair, but not conscious. This time though, he wasn't all bloody and Italy could see the subtle raises and falls of Germany's chest. He was still alive. For now, at least.

Italy gasped, tears filling his eyes but not yet falling. He pressed himself against the glass and tried calling out to Germany. It was to no avail. The blonde strapped to the chair was not responsive.

"What do you want?!" Italy screamed out in anguish. The other simply laughed.

"It's rather simple, really. First, you must talk to Japan and get the Axis going again."

"T-The Axis?!" Italy replied, eyes wide in shock. "T-This isn't a World War! Why would I-"

"Not yet." The darker figure cut in. "It's not a World War, yet..."

Just then, there was a flash and the darker figure, along with Germany, vanished. Italy stood there, eye's wide and body shaking slightly. He didn't know what just happened. Although, he knew thing. Italy walked to the phone and picked it up, his hand was shaking as he did so. After dialing a certain number and waiting for the nation to pick up, Italy spoke.

"H-Hello? Japan?"