Chapter 7

Britain and Japan were stationed outside Germany's door. Japan was having second thoughts about his plan. Mister Germany is a good man. He and I had never had any conflict. He shook his his head.

This is why I just sense the mood. Britain had told him a secret. And Japan had to keep it. Maybe he was going overboard. Then, he thought back to the last conversation he had with America.

"I have to say, America. I really don't like getting in the middle of public affairs. I really don't think it's worth it." America laughed at Japan's comment. "Oh, Japan! Of course it's worth it! It's always the hero's job to help improve people." But Japan thought just the opposite. "If they really needed my help, wouldn't they just ask?"

America shook his head stubbornly. "No...that's why you have to step in and help them. They're too afraid to ask for help. Like say if I was upset and I didn't to tell you...what would you do?"

"Respect your request and move on?" Japan guessed. America sighed in exasperation. "No. You demand to know what's wrong. Then, you give them a big pat on the back and say 'It's okay!' Then, you fix the problem." Japan nodded thoughtfully. "Okay. But do I really have to touch them?"

"Yes. Like this." America slammed the palm of his hand against Japan's upper back. The smaller country stumbled forward. "Aiee! That's a bit hard, don't you think?"

America shrugged. "No. Okay, now try it on me." Japan tapped America lightly on the back. "It's okay," He said in a soft voice. "Louder," America instructed. "Like you want the whole world to hear." Japan nodded. He took a deep breath. He rapped on America's shoulder like a door. And he yelled in his loudest voice. "It'll be okay!"

"Japan?" Japan was swept out of his flashback. Britain looked at him with concern. Japan sighed. This was a hard choice, but he had to help his friend. For America. Japan was not going to stand back and sense the mood. He was going to change it.

"Phase one," Britain announced. "Clear the scene of witnesses."

Italy sat at Germany's feet eagerly. "Are ya almost done with that chapter, Germany? I really want to play checkers." Germany looked up from his book. "Ya, ya. Just pipe down."

A delicious scent of fresh pasta wafted into the room. Sniffed the air. "Are you cooking something?" He demanded. Italy shook his head innocently. "Nope."

Italy inhaled the aroma. "But it sure smells good." With that, he got up and followed the scent. He exited the house and climbed down the front steps. "Pasta? Where are you, pasta?" He called as looked around.

Just then, a wall of cardboard obcured his view. There was a box on top of him! "Germany!" He cried. "Germany, help!" Britain tilted the box up to look inside. "I don't why we don't kill him, too," He remarked.

Japan shook his head. "It's dishonorable to kill the innocent." That made Britain's stomach hurt. "Oh, I understand."

Japan realized what he said. "I didn't mean it that way-" He tried to explain. Britain nodded. "I know what you meant." He turned to the box. "All right, you spaghetti loving git. You will stay there and be quiet, got it?" Italy just stared at him. Fear burned in his brown eyes.

Britain sighed. "If you agree I'll let you have some pasta." As soon as Britain finished his sentence, Italy nodded excitedly. "Yes! Yes! Okay! I can do that!" Britain shushed him. "All right. Just keep it down." He slid a steaming plate of spaghetti under the box.

"Glad we got the settled," He remarked.

Germany closed his book. ""All right, Italy. I'm done reading. You can get the checker board out." He got up and looked around. "Italy? Italy?" He narrowed his eyes. "Something isn't right," He whispered to himself. "Hello, Mister Germany," A familiar voice called.

Germany spun around. "Japan..."