Chapter Eight

"Japan...what are you doing here? Where is Italy?" The small, black haired country raised his hand. "He is safe. We just had to...remove him. I didn't want him to witness this."

Germany stared at him. "Witness vhat?" He asked slowly. All his instincts told him he was in danger. "And who is 'we?'"

As if on cue, Britain stepped out of the shadows. Germany knew he might have to take them on two-on-one. His blue eyes shifted from country to country.

"We really don't want to do this, but it's necessary," Japan said solemnly. "But we can't have information leaking out." Britain felt the blood roaring through his ears. This was really happening. Not only was he eradicating a possible witness, but he was also getting rid of an old enemy.

"We're making sure you keep your mouth closed," He announced. Germany nodded. "So it's true. You did kill him. And not only that, Japan was hiding something afterall. I vas right."

Britain gritted his teeth at the fact that he did confirm the German's suspicions. "It was an accident!" He shouted. He could feel the magic forming in his hands.

Germany crossed his arms across his chest. "Vell, then. Go ahead and kill me. But I von't make it easy. Let's see how innocent you are. If it vas an accident, then let us see."

Japan unsheathed his Samurai sword. He launched himself at Germany. The tall man swiftly dodged to the side. He pulled out his revolver and fired at him. Japan skillfully deflected the bullets with his sword. He swung it, but Germany ducked, saving himself from getting decapitated.

The two circled each other. They observed each other like pieces of prey ready to be stalked and killed.

Shing! Japan swung out of nowhere and caught the German by surprise. Thee blade made no contact except catching a stray piece of blond hair. The golden strand fluttered silently between them, catching every wave of air. It moved in slow motion to the ground. It settled there, in no man's land.

The opponents' eyes bored into each other's skulls. Neither of them struck. They just stared. Years of being allies were becoming unwoven before there eyes.

Please understand, Germany. Japan mentally pleaded.

Betrayal is unacceptable. Germany explained silently.

Finally, Germany shot at Japan. The black haired country let every pellet of lead whizz past his head. He lunged at Germany once more. The European nearly lost his leg. He kicked Japan to the floor and pinned him down. The Asian struggled under his large foot, but no avail. Then, Japan desparately drove his sword into his opponent's knee.

Germany stifled a gasp and fell back. He gripped the the blade and gingerly slid it out. He felt the blood soak his pants.

As he struggled to get up, Japan grabbed his sword and slashed down upon Germany's head. Clang! Germany's gun was the only thing between him and certain death. Japan let up, frustrated. He's a worthy opponent. He thought as Germany pointed his gun at him. Japan readied his sword to block.

There was a sudden toilet flush. Everyone looked up in that direction. Romano came out. "Hey, Potato brain! You're out of toilet paper." He glanced at Japan, and then at Britain.

He looked at them with contempt. "Are you almost done with your play fight? You guys have been at it for a while."

Germany's eyes widened. "Damn it, you tomato kisser!"

Romano sighed. "Seriously...you really can't take on a country as small as him?" He pulled out a dagger. "No one's going to touch this guy." He turned to Germany. "I'm not doing this for you, asshole. I just don't like hearing my brother whine about you being killed." He lunged at Japan. "Just follow my lead."

Romano and Japan were locked in battle, blade-to-blade. Germany stood and watched, mesmerized. Was this guy protecting him?

Romano raced across the room. "Come and get me, fish breath!" He taunted. Japan fell into the trap and charged. Romano glanced at Germany. "Now!"

Britain gasped. "Japan, don't!" It was too late. Shots blared throughout the house. Japan looked at Germany as he dropped to the ground. As he fell his eyes rolled up in his head. It moved in slow motion through Britain and Germany's eyes.

Britain rushed to his friend's side. A pool of blood was forming from Japan's wounds. Britain grabbed him and fled. Tears were forming in his eyes. I killed another person!

"I'm sorry. I''m so sorry. I can't do this!" He yelled into the night.