When he joined everybody else in the room, it was just as crazy as he thought it would be. Italy really was in a maid outfit, and France was saying who-knows-what in French, while Canada was apologizing profusely. America was practically rolling on the floor laughing. Russia, who was beside him, enjoyed every second of what was going on. Britain was complaining to Japan about something, while he, still only remembering Japanese, didn't understand a word of it.
By slamming his hands on the metal table, it made all the countries fall quiet and looked at Germany. "Listen up," he said. "I remember everything again, so I'm in charge until this whole thing is over, alright?"
"Yea~ Germany is back~" Italy rejoiced.
"First, Italy, change into something decent," Germany ordered. Italy saluted and ran off to do just that. "Second, Russia's plan is the only thing that seems like it would work right now. We need to get preferably America and Russia's memories back as soon as possible. Of course, having Japan be understandable could be helpful, but not the biggest priority. Britain and France, even if they do have warheads, aren't really our biggest priority either. Does everybody understand the plan?"
"Yes, you think Britain and I should kiss and bring back our memories through love," France said. "Two birds with one stone."
"Why do you keep hitting on me? I don't even know you!" Britain complained.
"That wasn't the plan! I was going to bring back Russia's memories while Italy brings back America's and the rest of you just sit here and do nothing because you're all clueless!"
Italy got back into the room, his old clothing back on. "Wait, but I don't know anything about America besides just a few of his favorite things," Italy said. "I never hung out with him 'cause he's too loud."
"America and I grew up together," Canada said. "Maybe I could help."
"Alright dudes, change of plans!" America said. "Four-Eyes is with me, Blondie can get Scarf back up and running, Eyebrows and France can make out, and Curly can get What's-His-Face to learn some English, and we'll be all good to go!"
"Why is France the only name you remember?" Britain asked. "It's not that hard, we're all just named after countries."
Germany sighed. "No matter how crudely America put it, that does sound like the best plan we have. Britain, you don't have to kiss France. You two hate each other."
"Oh thank heavens," the Brit said with relief.
"No fair," France pouted.
Germany started walking out, gesturing for Russia to follow him. America had already dragged Canada out with him, so it seemed like everybody was already splitting off. "You two know English. Help Italy. I'll be back soon, hopefully with Russia remembering everything."
The Europeans agreed and all three started standing around the only Asian country that was present. "Dō shita no?" Japan asked.
"How do we teach someone English?" England asked.
"I would offer some advice, but I don't know either," France said. "Italy, you still remember how you learned, no?"
"Sì," Italy said. "I learned English because Austria made me when I was just a bambino. England basically owned everything back then and wanted everybody to know English. Then when he became an average European country, America became the big scary one and we still all had to know English."
"Wait, how could Eng- I mean I, become just another European country after owning everything?" Britain asked
Italy shrugged.
Japan sat watching the three Europeans in front of him. He had no idea what they were saying, but he had absolutely no idea what they were doing either. He couldn't gauge any context from their body language.
"I think we're off-topic here," France said, gesturing to the Asian.
"Right. I apparently made everybody else learn English, so I could probably do it again," Britain said. He grabbed the empty cup of tea off the table. "This is a teacup," he said, putting it in front of Japan. He looked at the cup in utter confusion, then looked back to Britain. "Teacup," England repeated.
"T- Tīkappu?"
"Close. Say the word teacup," he said slowly.
Japan was smart enough to figure that teacup and Tīkappu might have meant the same thing, but why the 'stranger' just kept saying it over and over was a mystery, until he thought they might be trying to teach him their language. "Teacup?" He said in an accent thicker than usual.
Britain smiled and Italy started bouncing in joy, so it seemed like he did the right thing. "Very good," Britain said. "I drink from a teacup." He fake slurped the empty cup. "From a teacup I drink."
"Is this a bad English lesson or a bad nursery rhyme?" France asked.
"Shut up!" The Brit yelled at him, but turned his attention back to Japan. He handed the glass over "Can you say I drink from a teacup?"
"I drink from a teacup?" Japan repeated.
Italy beamed with joy. "Wow, Japan! You're talking English so well!" He hugged Japan's arm, which started him to no end, making him drop the cup.
Japan yelped at the sudden affection and pulled out of Italy's grasp. "Anata ga yatte iru koto ni tsuite anata wa dō omou?!" He'd never been more confused. 'That man I don't even know just grabbed my arm,' Japan thought. 'Was it out of affection? But why? These western cultures continue to amaze me.' His dull brown eyes suddenly shined as he remembered everything. Immediately, he became fluent in English, and knew about all the strange cultures of the western world, but still didn't understand them.
"Italy, I told you before that I would prefer you not do that," he said, "but thank you."
England smirked at France. "And you called my teaching bad. Just look at how well it worked. Fluent after one lesson."
"Yahoo! I got Japan back!" Italy cried.
A/N: I'm not the biggest history buff out there, so the reason I gave for why Italy, and everybody else, knows English is more or less made up, but based in loose truth. Do with that what you will. Beta reader AquaEclipse mentioned that it might not be the most historically accurate, but hey, it fit's the story and I can't find another good reason. emma. likes. to. write also beta'd.
Regardless, I'd love to know your thoughts on this chapter too, so always feel free to comment them! France is next, but until then, thanks for reading!