Chapter Two – Italy: To Protect my Friends
A/N: Sorry this took so long. I already had it written a long time ago, but I've been focused on another story so…with that…chapter three will probably take a while to be loaded too. Sorry in advance.
Italy had wandered up the same street twice. He poked his head down every ally way and questioned nearly every person who game him eye contact. After all this he was still lost. He had assumed he was in the down he, Germany, Japan, and Romano were headed to but people just nodded against that. They kept insisting they were in Deutschland – wherever that was. Oh how Italy wished he could find Germany…
"Hey wait!" The Italian stopped pacing. On a wooden stand in a show window laid a familiar sight – Germany's sausages!
Racing in, Veneziano looked up at the hulky, blonde haired man with an equally bleached mustache. "Uh…um…do you…where did…?" Out of fear of the great, bear-looking man, Italy just pointed at the food.
The buff man stared at the skinny Italian down, "Wurst."
"Yeah," Italy did his best to smile, "but where did you get it?"
Luckily the man was proficient in other languages – surprising for a butcher. "Here."
"But where is here?"
"Deutschland."
"And where is that?"
"Here…"
Italy blinked. That wasn't a very helpful answer. He'd have to be more specific. "How do you get to Germany from here?"
The butcher stared from behind the counter as though he were frozen in time. After a moment he spoke, "You are here."
Italy was now confused. Since when was Germany called Deutschland and since when did he look so different…Oh wait! Italy had finally hit upon something. Germania IS Deutschland! Italy slapped himself on the forehead. How could he have forgotten! That still didn't explain the change in scenery. Oh well, maybe Germany had just rebuilt this part of the country since he was last there.
"So where's Berlin?"
"Up road." The butcher pointed using broken phrases to explain. "Italienisch embassy."
The Italian embassy? Italy figured he must be in Berlin. He figured if he found Germany than everything would be explained…he'd feel safer too. After asking the butcher to point the way to Germany – err… Deutschland's main building he was on his way.
Veneziano carried himself down the street, took a right at the end, marched past his own embassy and continued to centre square near the end of the road. He could not believe he was this close and didn't even realize it. But this was Italy so…panic first, think rationally later.
Walking up marble steps he found his way to the government building. They would certainly know how to find Germany. Feliciano carefully opened the door and peaked inside.
"Hello? Can anyone tell me where to find Germany?"
The people inside were bustling and busy. 'Come to think of it,' Italy recapped in his head, 'The people on the streets seemed to be in a big hurry too.'
Closing the door behind him the Italian went inside. He glided to the front desk and patiently waited for the lady on the phone to pay him some attention.
The phone all must've been important because he never seemed to stop talking. Italy caught a few words in between spacing out. Things like: defense system, military, invasion. The brown haired Italian wondered if Germany was planning an attack on someone. "Probably big brother France."
Veneziano's concentration – or rather lack of – was broken as he was approached by a gentleman. "Oh Italy. How wunderbar of you to visit us. Germany is at his townhouse. I am leaving now and can take you there."
"That's great!" Italy cheered. He didn't recognize the young man but that didn't stop him from taking up his offer. It was better than waiting for the never-ending phone call to conclude. This twenty-something year old must know him anyway; he did call him by name.
Feliciano skipped out behind the man and got into the passenger side of the vehicle. It was a black Volkswagen…no surprise.
The two travelled for several blocks. Along the way the man asked about Italy's economy, his brother Romano and what the purpose of his visit was.
"Oh, I'm…not sure." Italy confessed, "I just woke up here. I was hoping Germany would know."
"What makes you think Germany would know?"
Italy turned with a giant, lively grin on his face, "Because! Germany is smart! He knows everything!"
The youthful lad laughed, "Well I'm happy that you think so highly of our country. I'm glad Germany had good friends like you, Italy."
Veneziano beamed with pride. He felt lucky to be friends with Germany too.
The car came to a stop in front of a row of brick townhouses.
"Here we are."
Italy got out of the car and was accompanied to the door.
"Guten Tag Albert!" a little old lady watering her garden called.
"Guten Tag to you, too, Mrs. Koff." The young man waved.
'Ah, Albert.' Italy thought to himself. 'I'll have to try remembering that name so I can send him some pasta to thank him for driving me to Germany's house.'
Albert knocked on the door but no one answered. "I'm sure he's here. He was expecting someone today."
Italy opened the door, "That's ok! I'll just go inside and wait. Thanks Albert."
Albert looked nervous but tipped his hat in approval. He trotted down the stairs and headed back into the car and drove away after one final wave.
Feliciano wondered down the main floor hall. He reached a room with no door and peered inside.
"Japan!"
Japan looked up to see Italy's smiling face, "Oh, Italy. What brings you here?"
Veneziano still wasn't sure how he'd gotten from England to Germany so he gave a simple response, "I'm just visiting. How come you're here, Japan?"
Kiku smiled sweetly, "Doitsu-san would like to purpose a trading agreement between the two of us so I'm here to discuss the details."
Italy blinked, "If you wanted to trade with me, why didn't you just ask me?"
Japan's smile turned to a nervous one, "No, I meant an agreement between Germany-san and I, not you. I am sorry if I confused you."
The Italian laughed, "Oh that's okay, Japan. Hey…where is Germany anyway?"
"Ah," The Asian started, "he said he needed a moment to review some of the changes I made to the agreement."
The mood suddenly changed as Japan's expression was exchanged for a more sympathetic one. "I hate to impose but, I know Germany-san would not like to be disturbed right now. Perhaps you could find something to do while waiting for our diplomatic arrangement to finish."
At first Italy was disappointed and the frown on his face showed as much but he managed to put on a smile, "Sure! While you guys are doing your trade thingy I'll make some pasta. I'm sure you'll both be hungry when you're done."
Kiku nodded, "That would be most appreciated."
The Italian waved goodbye and turned on his heels. He exited the room and turned left towards the back of the townhouse where the kitchen was. To cheer himself up he hummed a tune along the way.
Upon entering the kitchen Italy made his way to the cupboards. He opened them searching for a bag of pasta. No luck. He turned to the Lazy Susan. Bingo! There was a big bag of penne not yet open. Veneziano pulled out the bag and set it on the counter.
Opening a base cupboard near the sink he found a medium sized silver pot. Feliciano filled it with cold water and set it on the front left burner of the stove. He clicked and spun the knob to medium-high to let the water boil.
Italy watched for a few minutes as steam started to rise from the pot, "Oh!" Something important had hit him, "I almost forgot! It needs a dash of salt!"
He headed back to the first cupboard where he had seen a bag of salt while looking for pasta. The brunette grabbed a pinch from the bag and sprinkled it into the pot.
A minute more and it was ready for the pasta. Italy dumped the whole bag in convincing himself that once could never have enough pasta.
"Uh…Italy…"
The deep familiar voice startled the Italian. He whirled around to see Germany in the hall staring at him.
"Germany!" Italy raced over to his best friend's side. He began to mumble with speed, "Germany! Something weird is going on! We were all having a G20 meeting at England's house but it was going nowhere so England postponed it and then we went to his countryside estate and –"
"Italy, I'm really busy I – "
The Venetian continued rambling, " – So America and England ran off to the forest and my, you, Japan and Romano went to go get pasta from the next town and then some crazy mist showed up and – "
"Italy!" Germany's temple was throbbing, "Does this story have any point?"
Hearing the commotion Japan popped a concerned head out to the hallway to observe.
Feliciano paused for a second before blurting out, "We were in England and now all of a sudden we're here!"
Ludwig gave a frustrated sigh, "I don't know what you're talking about. Japan and I have been here all day."
"But Germany – "
"No 'buts'. Now if you don't mind I have some very important business to attend to."
Veneziano frowned, "At least…eat some pasta."
The German sighed, feeling rather guilty, "Alright fine. Bring some in when it's done."
Italy couldn't bring himself to smile. He slunk back into the kitchen while Germany turned and headed to the room Japan was peeking out of.
Combining meat, tomatoes, tomato paste and some spices together the pasta sauce could now be added. All that was left was the cheese. Veneziano always kew the right amount to be added for the dish to blend nicely together.
He carried two dishes to the meeting room, opting to feed himself last. As he walked he saw Germany signing a stack of papers.
"Oh, Italy," Japan glanced over, "we are finished out meeting now."
The Italian gave a soft smiling feeling rather grateful that he hadn't interrupted them.
Germany leaned back looking at the plates with pasta on them. He could smell the strong aroma of the sauce, "It looks good."
"That's good!" Italy began to feel more like himself again, "I made it especially for you guys."
"Where is your plate, Italia-kun?"
"Oh! It's in the kitchen still! I'll go get it! Be right back!"
Italy raced off to the kitchen and returned with a plate of much larger than the other two.
"Ah," he cooed sitting down, "I love pasta."
Germany pushed his chair back and stood up causing Japan and Italy to stare.
"Is something wrong, Doitsu-san?" Japan asked quizzically.
"Ja. We need drinks." Germany exited the room, which looked rather similar to a small dining room with a six-person table and china cabinet in it.
"So!" Italy looked over at Japan, "What kind of trading agreement were you guys coming up with?"
"Well…" Japan was about to explain when a loud, booming alarm echoed from outside.
Ludwig came racing into the room, "We're under attack!"
Italy was scared and confused. The Second World War had ended more than sixty-five years ago and by the twenty-first century communism was no longer a threat in Europe. Was it terrorists maybe?
Whatever it was Veneziano didn't get time to ask as he and Japan were rushed out of the house and into the street.
Outside Feliciano noticed the woman working on her garden. She was now in the middle of the street hollering to some young boys down the road and waved at them frantically. Germany, in the meantime was on his cellphone trying to find answers.
Italy grasped Japan's hand as the siren continued to blare across the city. Japan carried a worried expression he glanced every which way for signs of the intruders.
Above them a plane whizzed by dropping a ball of something into the city. As it exploded upon impact the Italian realized it was a bomb. He watched as another, smaller plane forcefully crashed itself into a building.
People were screaming everywhere, covering their heads with their arms.
At once, Germany began barking orders to the masses, "Everyone! Into the subway! Into the subway!"
Japan released himself from Italy's grip and helped Germany direct all the people in the vicinity to the nearest subway entry point.
Veneziano was frozen, feeling absolutely helpless. He was also greatly confused. The Europe he left was economically shattered but at peace…this Europe was at war.
"Italy!" Germany waved and called out, "Hurry up and get over here!"
The Italian was frozen and couldn't move. Seeing the eyes of his friends widen in shock he gulped and turned around to face the invading army.
Before him stood roughly two hundred and fifty soldiers dressed in black with military rifles. Their faces were covered with tilted glass from their helmets making it hard to guess which country they were from.
"You dummkopf!" Germany tightly wrapped his hand around Italy's arm, "don't just stand there!"
The black generic looking soldier pointed their guns at the two nations. One spoke up directing a challenge at Germany. It was a fight to the death.
Germany scoffed. There was no way a bunch of humans could defeat him. Contrary to Japan's protesting he agreed.
Japan sighed, "If you are going to fight them then as an ally I must assist you."
Germany was going to tell him otherwise but the determined look on the Asian's face suggested there was no point, "Alright. We'll fight together."
Next, he turned his attention to Italy, "I want you to help all the people get underground. Do you understand?"
Saying nothing the brunette nodded and ran towards the crowd trying to squeeze themselves down the stairs to the subway.
"Okay guys!" Italy waved his arms frantically, "Run away everyone! In the subway! Andiamo! Germany will protect us all!"
Veneziano followed the crowd inside holding onto the wall as bombs continued to burst above.
As the German population and handfuls of noticeable tourists packed into the subway, Italy started to feel nauseous. His stomach started turning as the butterflies began to flutter inside. Fearing the worst Italy put on a brave face and climbed back up the stairs hoping his instincts were wrong.
He was horrified to find that they were, in fact, right. Sometime while Feliciano was helping the masses underground, Germany had been struck down by a gang of soldiers.
Italy trembled, "G-Germany!"
Looking to his right he saw Japan rather banged up but still standing.
"Japan!"
"Stay back, Italy!" Kiku yelled without looking back to the Italian. He was holding a long, steel pipe – where he would have found it, Italy didn't know.
A soldier in black made a swift move to grab Japan's pipe in older to unarm the Asian but Kiku evaded and took a swipe at the shoulder blade of the next nearest black suit. The soldier toppled over into another soldier as a group of men jumped at Japan at the same time.
Italy watched in fear as they dragged his eastern friend to the ground. Again, he couldn't bring himself to move.
"Italy!" a booming voice snapped him back to reality. He looked over to see Germany struggling to crawl to him. He was being held down by three army men. "Italy! You have to do something! These people are too strong!"
Italy paced in a circle failing his arms around, "I don't know what to do! I don't know what to do!"
Again his attention was drawn to Japan. Tears swelled in his eyes as he watched one of the enemy personnel take the steel pipe and continuously hit Japan with it while he laid on the ground. Broken and bloodied, Kiku winced a few times before laying still as he soldier continued to strike his shoulders, legs and head.
Italy looked back to Germany. The pain on both of their faces could easily be read.
"Don't worry about Japan he'll…"
Tears were pouring out of the Italian's puffy, brown eyes, "Germany! They killed him! They killed Japan!"
Germany, with a broken shoulder continued to speak with a questionable confidence, "He'll be fine! Italy you need to get help!"
Venezino shook his head, "but I can't move."
"You have to try!" Germany managed to push one aggressor off only to have two more latch on.
"You have to come with me! I can't do this by myself!"
"Yes you can!" He was now drowning in black soldiers.
Feliciano began to scream and cry harder as the foe with the bloody steel pipe slowly made his way to Ludwig. Before the Italian could fully comprehend what he was doing his legs began to move and his found himself blocking the soldier's path to Germany – hands flung out in protest, "Please stop!"
When the man in black reached the Italian he roughly pushed him aside. The shove was powerful enough to send Italy falling to the pavement.
Everything after was a slow motion blur. Italy watched through cold, darkened, shocked eyes as his best friend was held down and repeatedly assaulted in the head with the steel pipe. Dazed, Veneziano watched his comrade fall to the ground, blood pouring down his face. Was this real? Could all of this really be happening?
After a while time seemed to catch up Italy. He dragged himself across the street drowning out the screams of the people being tortured in the subway. When he reached Germany he placed a hand on the fist of the German. Soon it was his cheek, stained with tears, that was brushing across the German's hand.
"Germany," He squeaked out, "I'm so sorry."
Dead, blank eyes stared back. Deep down Veneziano knew it was useless to continue but he had to say it for himself.
"I'm sorry. If I was stronger I could've fought too. If I was braver I could've saved you and Japan."
Italy grew cold as a shadow loomed over him. He heard the sound of a gun click. Then a trigger was pulled and a loud bang was heard. Everything went black.
Italy slowly opened his eyes as a few tears rolled back to his ears. He was lying on the ground of a wooden floor. Taking a soft, quiet breath he pulled himself up and looked around.
Sitting at the table in front of where he was lying was Germany. Veneziano got up and poked his friend a few times. When Germany finally grunted Italy gave a sigh of relief. He was alive. He looked over to Japan and saw the Asian breathing rhythmically. They were both okay.
Sitting back down Italy decided it would be best to not bother anyone. Instead he would quietly wait until all his friends woke up.
Taking another quick glance at everyone in the cabin the Italian reflected on his dream. No, not a dream…a nightmare.
End Notes:
~Germania is Italian for Germany. Italienisch is German for Italian.
~Wunderbar is "wonderful" in German
~Guten Tag is "Good Day" in German
~Ja is "Yeah" in German
~Dummkopf is "Idiot" in German
~Andiamo is "Hurry (up)!" in Italian.