Germany darted inside to call England, unfortunately knowing that he couldn't carry both Italians to a place where they could be treated by himself, especially when Canada could be anywhere. He dialed in a panic, and impatiently waited for someone to pick up.

"Yes?" England answered. "What is it, Italy?"

"England, it's Germany! Something terrible happened to Veneciano and Romano! I… I think Canada was just here, and they've both been shot..!" Germany shouted, his words slurring together as he rushed them out of his mouth. England's eyes widened in shock.

"Japan and I will be there as fast as we can. Don't worry, Germany!" England hung up, and Germany started to shake before hanging up as well. He wasn't normally one to act like this, but he was ganuinely scared… What was going to happen to his first friend? Was he going to make it? The German took a deep breath to calm himself before stepping outside, but then the panic returned.

Veneciano's unconcious body was missing. Only Romano's was lying there in the dirt. Tears or rage filled the German's eyes, and his hands tightened into shaking fists.

"Canada… " he whispered. Germany looked up at the sky. "CANADA, YOU BASTARD!" he shouted at the top his lungs.

It took only a few minutes for England and Japan to arrive at the scene, and they picked up Romano worlessly as Germany explained why there was an Italian missing, hiding his face as he did so.

"Germany, I promise you we'll win this war and bring Italy back," England said with a small, reassuring smile.

"I cannot herup but wonder how Mister Romano wiw react to this…" Japan said quietly. "Probabry not in a positive way…" England looked worriedly at the bloody wound in the older Italian brother's chest, thankful that it wasn't through his heart. He didn't want to witness any countries dying.

"How are you sure the shot didn't kill him?" Canada asked Russia as they walked back home, the younger Italian brother limp in Russia's arms.

"He's still breathing. If you listen carefully, you can hear it. You also didn't shoot a place where there were any major arteries; You only got his shoulder. I suppose if we left him there, he could have died of blood loss, but that wouldn't be possible with Germany already there," Russia answered.

"Well, excuse me for not being good with guns… Haven't used one of those things in years.." the Canadian muttered.

"I'm not insulting you, sir. We may be at an advantage with Italy. We could strike a deal with them, or use him as a human shield," Russia suggested.

"You haven't been around the Italy brothers much, have you? Neither are very useful. We were fine with only America. But I guess this is another step to conquest." Canada smiled a little. "We're starting to take more control of Europe. That's good."

"What we just did was fun. Where are we going to go next?" Russia smiled.

"…I have someone in mind you could pay a visit to."

Fortunately, England was able to patch Romano up, and after a few hours the Italian awoke slowly and dazedly.

"…Huh? He's starting to wake up!" England said.

W-Where am I...? Romano thought.

"Romano? Romano, you're okay!" shouted Spain, who had rushed over to see how his little brother was doing when he heard about what had happened.

What happened… ? Italy… Little brother…

"Oh, Romano, I'm so happy you're okay!" Spain continued.

Was… was I able to help him…? I can't remember.. Everything went black.. Canada...

"Ah ha ha! Calm down, Spain! Give him a little room!" England said.

No… I… I couldn't save him… Veneciano…

He's dead… My little brother's dead… And there was nothing I could do about it…

I was too weak to save him… Too weak...

Romano's eyes snapped open in full focus, wide with terror from his last memory and the fate of his brother. Both Spain and England froze.

"Ve… Vene… Veneciano…" Romano whimpered. Tears filled the Italian's eyes. "Veneciano…" Both of their faces fell to remorse.

"Romano… I'm so sorry…" England said quietly.

The Italian's expression became full of rage. "I.. don't want your pity, you bastard!" He was too weak from the wound to be able to express his rage at its fullest. England could easy see the pain and fear in his eyes, and wasn't offended. In fact, he understood completely.

"Spain, let's give him a little time alone… You know, to rest, and heal…" England said quietly. Spain blinked, but nodded and left the room with England.

It was peacefully quiet to Switzerland and Liechtenstein as they ate their lunch. That silence was broken by a loud knock on the door. The Swiss paused and looked at the little girl across the table before standing up and walking to the door. His exprssion turned to a glare when he saw the tall Russian smiling down at him on the other side of the door. His hand instinctively hovered over the pistol that rested in a belt around his waist.

"What do you want?" he grumbled.

"I came to ask for your help."

"Get off of my property."

"Is that really a way to treat your guest?"

Switzerland quickly pulled out his pistol and shot at Russia, who took a step to the side to dodge with ease. Before the Swiss could take another shot, Russia grabbed his wrist and pointed the gun upward to walk past him, his eyes fixed on Liechtenstein.

"Master Canada says you'd be a really useful ally to have in this war.."

"I'm not going to get involved in this!" Russia pulled Switzerland's gun out of the other's hand and started to walk towards the girl.

"What are you doing? Stay away from her!"

Russia grinned as Liechtenstein tried to run away, but was easily caught by the Russian's bulky arms. Switzerland pulled out another gun and held it up to shoot, but Russia turned around and used the little girl as a shield to protect himself. Switzerland's eyes widened in horror, and he lowered his gun slightly. Tears flowed down little Liechtenstein's eyes.

"Big brother…" she whimpered.

"Liechtenstein…!" Switzerland dropped the gun and ran at Russia, but he was easily kicked aside, and the Russian started towards the door. When his back was to Switzerland, the Swiss picked up his gun and pointed it at the kidnapper, but Russia slung Liechtenstein over his shoulder to protect his back as well. Liechtenstein desperately tried to squirm out of his grip and reach out for her Brother's hand.

"Big Brother…! Big brother!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, tears still flowing down her face.

"Liechtenstein!" Switzerland shouted back. He ran at Russia again and tried to grab the girl's hand, but he was too slow, and Russia turned to slam the door in his face.

"You know where to go if you want her back!" Russia shouted.

Once Switzerland opened the door again, Russia was gone.