Chapter Four

Japan's POV

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"Dude Japan! What's up, bro?" I hear the familiar American accent call down the market aisle. I turn away from the manga to see him striding toward me like the hero he thinks he is. America, the self-centered, childish and ridiculous man who needs a headshrinker but I will never come out and say that to his face.

"Oh, herro America. How are you?" I reply, placing one of the books in the shopping basket.

"I'm good dude. Hey, where are Germany and Italy? Are they here with you? I mean Italy practically follows you everywhere so...."

I can feel my lips tighten into a line but he doesn't seem to notice, staring at one of the magazines with half-naked women on the cover.

"No.... I'm not with them anymore." I tell him. Why did I even leave? Just because I can't keep up with Germany's training doesn't mean I need to put my country in danger. I mean, they were like part of my country themselves, Germany and Italy always helped me when I had trouble with it. Now that they're gone, I don't have that extra help and protection. Through I think having a little time to myself won't hurt. I'll go back at some point. But what will they think of me? A coward?

"So, you're on your own now? You're out of the Axis?" He questions, raising a blond eyebrow and looks at me.

"Yeah? So what?"

"Maybe, if I talk to them enough, you can join us!! Be part of the Allies! With your Japanese technology, we can like, make huge robots to dominate! Plus you got some wicked awesome fighting skills!!" He exclaims a bit too loud, getting weird looks from passerby. If humans found out about us countries, who knows what will happen? His face is full of anticipation as he bounces up and down on his toes. "This'll be awesome!!!"

"No," I say plainly. He automatically freezes and gapes at me, his mouth hanging open.

"What?"

"I said no. After I've had a rittle....vacation....I'm going back."

He snickers and shoves his hands into the pockets of his bomber jacket. "Back to boring Ludwig and annoying Feliciano, I guess. Why would you want to be with them, When you can be training with the HERO? With your addition to the group, we can be so powerful!! And you want to be with them? Sure Germany is strong but Italy is a huge baby!!!"

"How do you know their names?" I ask confused. countries are only supposed to reveal them to their allies or close friends.

He grins, "I have my ways."

I think for a moment. He can find out information that not a lot of people can, plus if I join them, I'll have the entire allied forces on my side. That's more than just Germany and Italy....I'll is...strong.....maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to join with them and see what happens.. plus if I decide to go back, I'll have information.

I sigh and he looks back up at me again from the magazine, now in his hands. A glint of hope flashes through his eyes and he smiles.

"You're considering?" He asks, grinning ear to ear.

"A rittle. I guess it wouldn't be that bad of an idea."

He jumps up and exclaims happily, "Yes! A new member! Come with me! We're going to my place. They're all waiting there for me to get back." He grabs onto my arm and I drop my basket as he pulls me with his amazing strength towards the exit.

"W-wait America, I didn't buy my things." I stutter, being dragged like a rag doll to his car.

"That doesn't matter dude! We need to get you to my house to settle things. Especially with the old man, he's not going to think it's a good idea having an Axis soldier and all."

I gulp nervously as I climb into the passenger seat, watching as America gets behind the wheel. Is this really a good idea? What if they think I'm some sort of spy? Well, technically I am doing this kind of in Germany and Italy's favor, getting information. So yeah a spy.

The entire ride to his country is long and silent, only the soft purr of his red convertible is audible. It reminds me of when Italy took me for a ride....in his red convertible. I never want to see him behind the wheel of a car again. I look out the window and daydream about my time with Italy and Germany. It was fun while it lasted when we weren't training. The hills and pastures zip by as the car speeds at least 20 miles over the speed limit. He's a crazy driver.

"We're here, my house is just up this road. I own acres so I basically live out in the middle of nowhere." He says, easing up on the gas. The car slows and I hear the pebbles crunch under the tires as we roll up to a huge farmhouse. I spot four other cars in the driveway, they are here. He cuts off the engine and looks over at me.

"Are you nervous?"

"No." I lie easily, removing my seat belt.

"You should be."

Well, that doesn't make me feel any better. My heart leaps in my chest as he leads me to his front door. He jingles his keys in the door lock, letting it swing open.

"I'm home!" He calls into the huge hallway. His house is actually quite nice, the light maroon walls go well with the brown leather sofa in the room ahead.

"Ah, Bonjour Mon Ami!" France yells, striding down the hallway toward us, his hips swaying. "You've returned."

"Ugh, you're too perky you bloody frog," England grumbled from the sofa, setting his tea on the coffee table.

"I brought Japan with me! You'll never guess where I ran into him at-"

"Japan?!" England exclaims, giving America a death glare. "Why?!"

America scoffs looking down at me. "I knew the old man wouldn't approve."

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING OLD MAN?!"

" Nothing nothing...." America mumbles, placing a hand on my back gently nudging me forward. It feels....weird. He pushes me into the room and I see Russia sitting in the armchair, knitting. This shocks me because Russia doesn't seem to be the kind of person who knits. The entire time I can feel the scornful eyes of England burning holes in the back of my head.

"So everybody! I brought him here today because he is currently out of the Axis. I figured he could join us!" America exclaims, rupturing a few eardrums I'm sure.

"Bloody hell you can't be serious. Obviously, he's just acting as a spy! We can't trust him." England scoffs, giving America the you-haven't-figured-that-out-yet? look

"I believe that Japan is not an Axis spy. Tell 'em, buddy!" He says, giving me a friendly-yet painful- whack on the back.

I clear my throat nervously. "There have been some issues between Germany and me, so I reft. He was simpry too hard going on his training and I couldn't take it."

"I didn't see you as a man to give up. Ohonhonhon" France chuckles from his seat on the sofa next to Russia. He crosses his legs and rests his head on his palm.

When I didn't respond, America did for me. "And he's not. If he had given up, he would have let down his country. That's why he is joining us!"

"I see no reason why we should let him in," England says simply. He really is a negative person.

"I do," America argues, folding his arms across his chest.

"And what is that? He's a spy!"

"Is not! He just left the Axis, and obviously, he's going to need someone else to help him protect his country."

"Why does that have to be the US?"

"Think about it, it would benefit us too! Japan has some awesome technology that would help us dominate!"

"That still doesn't mean we can trust him!"

"What if we made him sing the contract?" Russia's voice cut in. I almost forgot he was there considering how quiet he is. The room went silent as they considered it. Contract? Why would I have to sign a contract? I feel like there is something they are not going to tell me...

"Maybe...I suppose we can trust him after he signs it.."

Which contract is this again?" America asks confused scratching the back of his neck. England and France both stand up, walking him into the hall out of earshot. Russia soon follows behind, leaving me alone and confused.

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