Germany ran through the fields with Italy by his side. Guns and bombs went off left and right. "Run faster Italia! You'll get shot!" He yelled to his smaller ally. "I'm trying! I'm going as fast as I can." They dodged and missed as many bombs and bullets as they could. A shot went off from a recognizable soldier and Germany grabbed Italy's hand, pulling him behind an iron protected trench to stay safe in for a minute. "Are you okay Italy?" Blood spilled over Italy's hand as he held his stomach. "Germany?" he said as he slid his way down the wall. Germany rushed to his side and held his stomach, pushing down against his wound to stop the bleeding. "Am I going to die?" Italy cried. "You'll be fine I promise. I won't let you die." Germany was near tears but he was fighting it as hard as he could. "Hey Germany?" "Ja?" Italy held Germany's hand. "I'm sorry for being a nuisance and for making you do all of these things for me." "Don't say that Italy." Germany mumbled. "I'm sorry for being annoying. Hey Germany? Ti amo." Italy said as he closed his eyes slowly. "Nein! Italy stay awake! Ich liebe dich!" Italy tried to keep his eyes open but slowly they closed, never to open again.

"Ich liebe dich." Germany mumbled as tears flowed silently down his face. Finally he wailed loudly, like a child. The big, strong Germany had cracked.

It was later that day. The fires roared, Italy's body within the dancing flames. Germany sat by silently. Japan stood with him, also silent. Germany stood and placed a paper into the fire. Before it disintegrated Japan got a good look and recognized it. An umbrella shaped thing with a heart at the top. On the left side was Germany's name and on the right was Italy's name. It was the sign that Italy had made for him. Germany dropped to the ground and covered his face. Tears spilled over his hands onto the ground. The fire lit his face up with reds, oranges and yellows and his tears with white.

In that moment Japan saw something like never before. It was as if Italy was standing next to him with his hand on his shoulder. It was as if he didn't want him to cry. It was as if he was real. He turned and smiled at him. Japan shook his head and looked back. Italy, or what he thought was him, was gone. Japan stood next to Germany and took Italy's place. He placed his hand on Germany's shoulder. "It'll be okay," he stated, "I promise." Germany stood and hugged Japan. Usually Japan would have kicked him off but he could make an exception today. "Auf Wiedersehen Italien." whispered Germany. "Sayonara Itaria." Japan whispered back.