Finding Poochi
Chapter One:
A Dream and a Conference
Japan opened his eyes to find himself surrounded by cherry blossom trees. They were truly beautiful, and the country found himself leaning up against one and looking around the vast grove. Pink was everywhere; and the blossoms gracefully floated down from their branches. Japan felt more relaxed than ever in this serene setting. “Sakura,” he said above a whisper, chanting the Japanese name for cherry blossom aloud. The name made him smile slightly, but he felt even happier when he saw his little cream-colored dog, Poochi, running toward him.
Japan, glancing around to make sure no one was watching what he was about to do, suddenly got on his knees and opened his arms wide to the little puppy darting toward him. Poochi leaped up into Japan’s arms and licked his face, receiving a big grin from the normally straight-faced country. The dog barked happily, his tail wagging, and whimpered, snuggling into Japan’s uniform. It wasn’t exactly cozy, but apparently Poochi thought it was. Japan smiled and stood up silently, gazing around the vicinity once again. He then snuggled his face into the dog’s fur and began to sway back and forth; feeling an inner peace that was quite delighting. He closed his brown eyes and stood there for several minutes.
Suddenly, he opened his eyes only to realize he was not holding Poochi anymore. A worried expression crossed his face and he began to look left and right, but not seeing Poochi anywhere.
“Poochi?” said the country quietly, trying not to exceed his normally quiet voice with a loud shout. But, when there came no response, Japan grew nervous and said in a slightly louder voice. “Poochi?” now he was beginning to get worried, since Poochi always came when his master called for him. The black-haired brown-eyed nation began to search among the peaceful cherry blossom grove; now becoming increasingly worried. He swore he was holding Poochi a few minutes ago…
It was then that everything around him began to change. The once bright blue sky clouded over with dark gray clouds and a ferocious wind began to whip across the garden. This made all the trees shake rapidly and blossoms blew off them at an alarming rate. Slightly stunned, the country covered his face from the rush of wind and grunted, pushing against the wind in order to find his dog.
Suddenly, torrents of rain began to fall and this clouded Japan’s vision even more. Flinching for an instant, he began to move towards a cherry blossom tree in order to take cover from the storm. Eventually, he reached it. Leaning up against the trunk, the country took slow, deep breaths to maintain his composure. Unfortunately, Japan could not shield himself from the trouncing winds that whipped across the landscape. He was becoming more chilly by the minute, but forced himself to call out once again for Poochi.
This time, he practically screamed the little dog’s name. But to no avail, for the winds were howling and Japan could guess that not even the loudest yelling could alert the dog of where his owner was. Shivering and hugging himself, the country sat down under the tree and hugged his legs to his chest in an effort to stay warm. That was when he heard a zapping sound from above, which was followed by a creaking noise. He looked up to see a large branch break off of the tree and plummet down toward him.
~~~
Waking up with a start, Japan noticed he was hugging his legs to himself on his cot. He sat up and immediately remembered the dream he had. His first thought was of Poochi. The country looked around and called for the little dog. He was overjoyed when he saw the puppy trot up to his owner, sit down a few feet in front of him, and bark happily.
Japan’s expression softened and he pet the dog on the head. “Good dog.” He said to the pup. “Good boy, Poochi.” He stopped petting the little dog and stood up. “Breakfast, perhaps?” he then started toward the kitchen, Poochi following him and sitting down in the doorway. The country opened a cabinet and got out some gourmet dog food, which he fed Poochi every day for breakfast. He went over to Poochi’s food bowl and poured just the right amount inside. Barking, the dog stood up and walked over to the bowl, sitting down on the spot and bending over to eat.
Japan, smiling, went to his refrigerator and opened it, taking out some white noodles in an ornate bowl. He walked over to his (very old fashioned) microwave and placed the noodles inside, waiting until they were completed. He then got some chopsticks, got the bowl out of the microwave, and went out onto the porch to eat.
Still in his pajamas, the country placed his bowl on the edge of a cot and sat down on the center of it, crossing his legs. He inhaled deeply and began to eat his breakfast. When Poochi was done, he scampered out to Japan and sat down next to him.
Japan was gazing at his picturesque yard. It was very beautiful in the morning mist; and he could see steam rising up from the small hot spring he had in his yard. Turning his gaze to a nearby cherry blossom tree, he looked at it with a strange interest he had never taken it before. He had forgotten about the dream until now, but it popped into his head again. Feeling a frightening sensation, Japan whirled his head back to Poochi. The dog still sat in the previous spot he was a few seconds before. It looked as if he was scanning the yard too.
Sighing, Japan began to tell Poochi of his dream. He talked in a very quiet, polite manner, and often paused to think between sentences. He was the sort that believed Poochi could really hear him and understand him. So, he told his dog everything.
When he was finished speaking and with his meal, Japan scratched behind his dog’s ears and stood up, taking his bowl into the kitchen. He washed it off in the sink and left it on the counter to dry. He then went into the bathroom to change and came back out with a towel around his waist. He also brought a freshly folded white uniform with black and gold trim—the one he wore almost every day—and pants with him. Going back out on the porch, Japan walked down the stairs and over to the hot spring. He sat his folded clothes down beside it and unwrapped the towel from his waist, setting it on the ground beside the spring. He stepped in and sat on the stone bench that circled the perimeter of the hot spring. Poochi stood faithfully on the grass just far away enough not to get hot by the stream arising from the spring. He waited for his owner to exit as he did every morning, sniffing the ground as dogs do.
Japan sat quietly, deep in thought as usual. But, however how hard he tried to push the thought of the strange dream he had last night out of his mind, it kept drifting back to him to an extent that he forgot that he was even in the hot spring. A shout from nearby drew his attention. It was the friendly, high-pitched greeting of…
“Ciao, Japan!” and Italy darted into Japan’s yard, and therefore disturbing Japan’s train of thought. The Italian skipped up to the hot spring with a happy smile, which he almost always had. The curl he had stuck out on the right side of his head as the cheery country waltzed up to Japan.
Japan nodded in greeting. “Konnichiwa, Italy.” He said simply. “How are you doing?”
Italy gave Japan a thumbs-up and grinned. “Great!” his normally closed eyes opened and looked over at Poochi. Italy closed his big brown eyes (although, curiously, he could see just fine with them shut), and squatted down. “Ciao to you, too, Poochi!” Italy opened his hand and Poochi ran over and sniffed it, his tail wagging. He barked in recognition and let Italy stroke his fur.
Brown-haired, blue WWII uniform clad Italy looked back at Japan and suddenly frowned. “Oh, that’s-a right! Germany sent me to tell you that the World Conference is being-a held today! The usual place. But, um, you’ll be late if you don’t hurry!” Italy then stood up and checked his wristwatch. “It’s eight-o’clock and the conference starts at nine thirty.” He stated.
At this, Japan gasped and sat straight up in the water. “Eh!” he said, expressing much surprise. “I had forgotten the time!” He then looked up at Italy worriedly. “We will have to rush to get there, correct?”
Italy nodded. “Si! So, you must hurry, Japan! I don’t want to be late-a either.” The country suddenly grinned widely and squealed. “They are having pasta for an appetizer! Vee~!”
Japan smiled slightly. “I see.” He then frowned again and bit his lower lip. “Now, if you could, um…”
Italy cocked his head and then smiled. “Oh, yeah, sure!” he then covered his eyes while Japan stepped out of the hot spring and wrapped the towel around his waist. He told Italy it was okay now and the Italian opened his eyes. “Okay dokey! I’ll-a be right here with-a Poochi while you get dressed.” Italy then bent down and pet the dog on the head.
Japan bent over, picked up his clothes, and rushed inside to change. When he came back out, Italy was still playing with Poochi and telling him what a good puppy he was. Scratching Poochi on the belly once more, Italy then noticed that his friend had emerged from his house and was descending the three steps that lead to his front porch.
Smiling, Italy scratched little Poochi behind the ears and stood up. “Good doggie! Now stay here, okay?” at these words, Poochi sat down obediently and barked, wagging his tail. “Vee! You are a good dog!” said Italy. “Japan will be back soon and you two can have lots of fun! Does that sound-a good? Si?”
He received a bark in response and a happy smile from the pup. Then, Italy walked over to the stone walkway that led to Japan’s house. He started towards the gate, but slowly, so his friend could catch up.
When Japan caught up, they both quickened their pace, for they knew that it would probably be acceptable if they were late for the meeting. But, however, Germany wouldn’t stand to see them late for meeting him in their usual spot. The three Axis Powers would walk there together as they did for every meeting when the time came around. But, the last time they were late; Germany had made them both lift weights for almost an hour. They certainly didn’t want that to happen again. So, they both ran to find their friend and fellow member of the Axis, Germany.
~~~
Meanwhile, blond-haired blue-eyed Germany was waiting for Italy and Japan on a path in the woods. He had his green army uniform on as usual, and he wore his favorite thick black boots. As he tapped his foot waiting for Italy and Japan, he noticed what time it was on his wristwatch.
“They vill get a good punishment zis time.” Chided Germany to himself. “Especially Italy, zat buffoon.” The German crossed his arms and leaned up against a tree. Noticing a long, skinny blade of grass, he picked it and stuck it in his mouth so he would have something to do while he waited for his friends.
Moments later, Japan came jogging up the path, stopping to catch a breather and to greet Germany. After he was breathing normally, Japan turned to his friend and bowed politely. “Konnichiwa, Germany.” He then stood up straight, brushed off the few leaves and debris that had clung to his uniform and looked up at a high tree. The sun shone down brightly; as it was now eight fifteen in the AM.
Germany nodded in greeting to Japan, spit the blade of grass out of his mouth, and stood up straight. “Guten tag, Japan. How are you?” asked the too-serious country. “Und vhere is zat goofball, Italy?” he said, glancing in both directions.
Japan answered after a moment. “I am fine. And Italy should be here any minute; he had to take a water break several times because we ran so fast. As did I, truthfully.” Said the calm country, looking to the left from which way he had come. As if on cue, Italy suddenly burst into view, skidding to a halt in front of Japan and Germany.
“Ciao, Germany! Having a pleasant--”
“DON’T YOU ‘HAVING A PLEASANT DAY’ ME, ITALY! WE ARE BEHIND SCHEDULE AS IT IS AND IF WE WANT TO GET TO ZE WORLD MEETING WE HAVE TO GET MOVING UND GET MOVING QUICKLY!” Germany shouted in the most intimidating manner possible. “Let’s move it out! NOW!” he then continued on to the right.
Italy smiled and saluted. “Aye-aye, captain Germany! I’m-a right behind you, okay? Okay!” giggling, the Italian followed his best friend--who was also his trainer and teacher—out of the woods. Japan followed after them silently.
For the long walk, all Japan could think about were two things: How the conference would go, and Poochi. His thoughts mostly rested on his puppy, who he unfortunately couldn’t take to the meetings with him. No pets were allowed; but, oddly enough, China brought his stuffed panda every time and Canada brought his white plush bear, (who could also talk), Kumajiro. Thailand also had a habit of bringing his stuffed elephant to keep him company occasionally. But sadly for Japan, no pets of any sort were allowed inside the meeting hall. Plush animals were.
Japan continued walking behind serious Germany and happy-go-lucky Italy; lost in thought. His train of thought wasn’t zapped until the three had reached the meeting hall. This was a huge building with several security guards stationed at the entrance. Germany walked up to the door, saluted the guards, and told them his name. They nodded and opened the door for him. He walked in without another word. Italy was next to skip up to the door.
“Name?” asked the guard.
“Italia! Italy!” exclaimed Italy, twirling in a circle. “And is it-a true you have pasta for a refresh-a-ment, mister guard guy?” asked the pasta-loving country. “I hope-a so because I am simply CRAVING the deliciousness~! Mmm-mmm! Isn’t pasta wonderful, hmm?”
The guard seemed to be annoyed, but it was hard to tell his true facial expression because of the sunglasses he was wearing. He answered Italy with an annoyed sigh. “Stop. You’re making me hungry, kid. And yes, there’s pasta in the meeting hall. Carry on, Italy.” The guard then opened the door wide for Italy and he hopped in merrily, humming something.
Japan was the next to step up to the door. “Konnichiwa.” He bowed politely, putting his hands together. “I am Japan. I have come for the world meeting, you see.” He said in a very calm manner.
The guard nodded to him and pushed open the door for the country. “Alright. You may pass.” He said gruffly. “Go on in.”
Japan bowed again and thanked the guard in his native language. “Arigato; thank you.” He then stepped inside to see Germany and Italy waiting for him. He walked up to them and the three began walking down a very spiffy looking hallway. It had ornate red carpeting and cream-colored walls which contrasted very nicely. It also had beautiful lamps every so often down the corridor which was very comforting. It looked almost like a hallway in that of a hotel.
Italy suddenly burst ahead of Germany. “I WANT MY PASTAAAAAA!” was his only explanation. Germany gave a low sigh and shook his head in disapproval. He and Japan continued on down the hallway and made a left. A little ways ahead, they saw Italy jumping up and down in front of a glass door. He was evidently excited, as he kept letting out a loud “VEE!” which was his “verbal tic”. The Italian edition of it, that is.
When Germany and Japan reached the door, Germany opened it for them and let Italy and Japan go in first. He then followed them inside.
This room was very pleasant, indeed. And it was positively enormous; since it had to fit all of the countries in it. The walls were white and the carpet was a deep blue. It also had two windows almost as tall as the ceiling at the end of the room. There was a gigantic table in the center of the room that took up eight tenths of the room’s length. It was the standard length across, however. On the right side of the room sat a table half as big as the one in the middle. It was lined with foods of all sorts from every nation you could imagine. Italy gasped, grinned, and ran over to his favorite section: pasta and pizza. Germany walked over to the drinks section, chose the biggest cup there, and poured himself some beer.
Japan casually walked over to his favorite dish, nikujaga, put some in a bowl, and headed to his seat at the table. He was toward the end, matter-of-factly. Italy was in the middle somewhere; and Germany had the honor of being seated at the end of the table so he could see what every country was doing.
Before Germany could go to his seat, however, he noticed a familiar figure flouncing up to the section which had the sausages (wurst), and picking out several; stacking them on his plate neatly. Scowling, Germany approached the beige-haired red-eyed figure and leaned against the table, waiting for him to notice him.
Looking at Germany, the country smiled and said in a loud-and-proud voice, “Hey, everybody! It’s my baby brudder, Germany!” prancing up to his brother, the country smirked smugly. Even though he was older than Germany, his little brother towered over him. Truthfully, the two looked nothing alike. Germany had straight blond hair slicked back on his head, blue eyes, and a serious expression. His brother, on the other hand, had messy beige hair, red eyes, and always smirked at everything and everyone. Nonetheless, they were blood-related siblings. Germany sighed and brushed his short, neat hair backwards casually.
“Vhat do you vant, Prussia?” he asked in an annoyed tone.
“Is it so wrong to say hallo to by baby brudder? I think you need to lighten up, yeah? But don’t become too bright, you’ll hurt my eyes.” Snickering, Prussia pranced over to his seat at the table, pulled out his chair, and plopped down in the seat. He stuffed one of the sausages in his mouth and glanced over at Germany, winking with amusement.
Germany was not amused. He grabbed some wurst for himself and headed towards his seat, passing his good friend Austria on the way. The two greeted each other and Austria shook Germany’s hand.
“It’s good to see you.” Said the very formal-looking country. He had dark brown hair and purple eyes, with a single mole on his left cheek. He was wearing his favorite purple shirt, purple cape, and black pants. He adjusted his glasses so he could see Germany better. “Good luck running the meeting, by the way. France and England are somewhat rowdy today.”
Germany sighed dejectedly and facepalmed, walking to his chair. “Aren’t zey alvays?” as he sat down silently, he could feel himself getting a migraine. Meanwhile, Italy had already finished his lasagna and was going back for more, and Japan was quietly eating his nikujaga.
Japan scanned the room. Beside him were England and Taiwan. England was eating some scones and drinking tea, wearing his favorite dark green WWII uniform and dark brown boots. He had somewhat scruffy blond hair and dark green eyes. His eyebrows were also unbelievably thick. That seemed to be his most notable feature.
Taiwan sat next to Japan, looking at him with expectant brown eyes. “Konnichiwa!” she said cheerfully, smiling. She was normally a happy, yet headstrong country with an admirable fashion sense. She wore a pink flower in her medium brown hair and a pink kimono with gold trim. She was very much attracted to Japan and she admired him affectionately. “How are you, Japan?” she asked with
Japan looked at her and nodded courteously, smiling a tiny smile. “Konnichiwa, Taiwan. I am fine. Arigato for asking.” He said, turning back to his nikujaga. Taiwan gazed at him with an adoring expression, resting her head on her hand. A thought crossed her mind, but she frowned and quickly shook her head to get rid of it, her face flushing just a bit.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, there came the tapping of glass. Every nation stopped his or her conversations with another and turned towards the country who had called everyone to order: America.
America was a dark blue-eyed blond-haired nation. He had a strand of hair on his head which stuck up. He also had glasses. He wore a white t-shirt and a brown bomber jacket which was lined in fur. It had a great big white “50” on the back side and the country often wore it. Raising his gloved hand in the air, the country grinned.
“Let’s get this party started, dudes!” he said in a happy voice. “First thing’s first, then--”
“I think our first order of business should be financial matters.” Said a smirking England. “Your country’s down in a rut as it is and you’re way over bankrupt by now.” He turned a sarcastic eye towards America and snickered. “Maybe you should stop going out for hamburgers every night and just pay for the essentials.”
“Essentials? You mean video games?” said America, smiling. “I’ve already got that covered, Britain! No need to worry! Haha!”
“Excuse me, but it is a well known factor you depend on China for all your needs.” retorted England. “You wouldn’t last a week on your own and you know it! In fact, you’d probably die within the first two hours without your video games.”
America growled and sat down. “Are you tryin’ to pick a fight? Cuz if you are…”
“Everyone, settle down!” said practical China. He was an amber-eyed country with dark brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. He wore a green shirt and green pants tucked into his dirty brown boots. “We will worry about financial matters later, but right now we have to decide on what to do about Egypt’s absence!” the country motioned to the chair next to him; which was empty. “Since those riots have started Egypt has been in a long, hard war. For now, let us figure out what we can do to help him, aru!”
“I suggest he joins alliances with Russia.” said the beige-haired purple-eyed country, standing up. “Belarus, Ukraine, and I will take good care of Egypt.” Smiling strangely, Russia looked at the two girls seated on his left; Belarus and Ukraine, who were his sisters. Belarus sat quietly with her arms crossed and nodded solemnly. Ukraine, however, smiled widely.
“Of course!”
Belarus shook her head. “I do not think it will work. Egypt can handle matters on his own. He has always been a strong nation.” When Belarus had said this, Ukraine frowned and Russia sat back down, clearly disappointed.
“I will help him!” said a young, spunky voice. Sealand stood up, grinning. He was the youngest and smallest nation in the room. But a mere child surrounded by adults, Sealand didn’t sit back down. He was very confident and headstrong like his older brother, England. All eyes turned to him and France scoffed, tossing his head.
“What can you do?” said France, standing up and popping an éclair into his mouth. “You depend on England for everything. You are a nobody, Sealand. And, sadly, you will always be that way. Ohonhonhon~! I, on zee other hand am zee wonderful France. I can do anything. But I will not help Egypt; for I agree with Belarus that he can handle matters on his own.”
“Wait a second! First of all, France, I respect your opinion, but I’m not a nobody!” said Sealand. “I may be young but I can do a lot of things!”
“Like what? Write your name?”
“France, p-please don’t make fun of Sealand like that.” Italy said shakily, not wanting to get into a fight with France. “It’s-a not very nice!”
“True. Making fun of others is my job, anyway.” Prussia declared, leaning back in his chair. “Sealand may be an ok country but he certainly won’t outshine me anytime soon. And neither will you, France.”
“WHAT!?” France screamed, starting to throw a tantrum. “You are not so great either, you meanie! You will pay for that smart aleck remark, yes!”
Germany, who was getting increasingly aggravated by the arguing, did what he had done for every single world meeting that happened in the past: brought order. He stood up and inhaled deeply. “EVERYONE, SHUT UP!!” then, slamming his fist onto the table, Germany succeeded in hushing both France and his older brother.
Prussia slumped in his chair and quietly mumbled something while France took his seat and twiddled his fingers quietly. Germany surveyed the room seriously, his eye resting for an especially long time on Prussia and Italy. Italy was playing with a paddleball. Germany was tempted to shout at Italy to pay attention, but that would be snubbing him at a world meeting. The only person Germany liked to do that to was Prussia. And he wasn’t making mischief anymore, so…
Germany sighed and took his seat. “Let us take a vote. All zose in favor in helping Egypt, say ‘I’.”
A little less than half the room said “I”.
“All zose opposed, say “neigh”.”
The rest of the nations answered with a “neigh”, and Italy, realizing it sounded like a horse, made a whinnying sound and put his hands in the air, leaning back on the seat and “rearing up” as a horse would do. Germany glared at him from across the room.
Italy turned to Germany and smiled nervously. “Ahahaha…sorry.” And with that, he fell off his chair and landed on the carpet with an “Oomph!”
Japan wasn’t paying attention to what was happening around him, he didn’t even notice he was tapped on the back by another country who was standing behind him. That was Canada.
Canada tapped Japan again and he whirled around and looked up into the nervous eyes of Canada; who was America’s brother. “Umm….” Began the country slowly. “Where might the bathroom be?”
“Down the left hall and second door on your right.” Answered Japan.
“Oh. Thank you…” and with that, Canada scurried out of the room. Japan turned back to the table and rested his forehead on both hands. He was growing quite weary from all the arguing and really wanted to return home…he hoped he would be able to soon because he also was growing increasingly worried about Poochi. He didn’t know why, though.
Taiwan’s question snapped Japan to attention. “Are you alright, Japan? You look rather tired.” She said, frowning.
“I am fine, Taiwan.” Replied the nation with a sigh. “Just tired, yes. I want this to be over as soon as possible.”
Awkwardly, she sat back in her chair. “Oh.”
~~~
When the meeting was over, Japan was the first to make it to the door. He walked out of the building as fast as he could without going too fast; for it would be impolite to run inside. He was stopped once by Italy asking him if he would like to come to his house with Germany and him, but Japan politely refused. His only explanation was that he had things to do at home. And that wasn’t a lie since he wanted to see Poochi once again and maybe play with the little ball he had bought for the dog.
As he walked home, still, he kept thinking about Poochi’s safety more and more. Was he truly being a good owner to leave his dog alone for so long? Growing more nervous by the minute, Japan picked up the pace. He truly believed in the power of dreams even though he wasn’t the superstitious type (like America and China were). He recalled how he had lost Poochi and then a terrible storm had come up. He looked up at the sky and noticed it was a bright blue. Smiling, he began to slow down his pace. There was nothing to worry about; it was just a dream. Poochi was just fine.
But as Japan turned into his yard and said Poochi’s name aloud, he noticed something was off. No dog came running out to greet him, nor did he hear a whimpering noise to signal Poochi was too tired to run out. Anxiously, Japan walked up to the house and went inside. He looked in the main parlor. No Poochi.
Letting out a frantic “Eh..!” Japan ran into the kitchen to see if Poochi was eating anything. No; Poochi wasn’t there either.
Heart pounding, Japan raced to his cot to see if Poochi were sleeping beside it.
Storm. Cherry Blossoms. Missing dog.
You are a terrible owner. Why did you leave your dog home alone? He’s probably dead or gone far away…just like in your dream.
These words plagued Japan’s mind as he sunk down to the floor on his knees and tears welled up in his eyes. He was not one for crying, but this time he couldn’t stand it. All the tears that had been in his eyes since that horrible dream came back to him and clouded his eyes. Exhausted, he called Poochi’s name softly and dropped onto his cot.
That sent Japan into a practical nervous breakdown. He grabbed his pillow and hugged it like a child hugging a teddy bear. The poor country, after a few minutes, buried his face in his pillow and began to cry.
Then it struck him. What if Poochi had just run off? Sure, he had never done it before, but there was a slight chance he had. Japan, standing up, still with tears in his brown eyes, ran to the door and sprinted as fast as he could to the first person he knew would be willing to help him: Italy.
