Operation Red Herring (Countryhumans Alternate History)

Chapter 18

TW: Descriptions of blood/violence, references to Holocaust

Once again, please note that this story does not intend to romanticize nor downplay the horrific events that took place during this time. It is referenced because it happened, but nothing is described in detail. This is not because I thought it was not important, but because I felt as an author it was more respectful to not go into detail.  Please do not use this story to romanticize these events.

Italy watched the automobile drive away, crossing his arms loosely as he stood next to Japan. He looked up at the older nation, watching as she continued to look in the direction the car had gone, even long after it had been out of sight.

"Japan?"

"Yes?" She responded, finally looking down at him. He looked up at her, mildly uncomfortable with the height difference.

"Um, well I just wanted to see if you were okay. And um... thank you. For trying to get America out of the land-raid. It's a shame it didn't work out." He said, voice gradually getting quieter under her cold gaze until it was barely a whisper. She stared at him for a moment before sighing.

"Yes, it is a shame. It is necessary though." Japan cracked her knuckles, sitting down on the steps of the porch. Italy hesitated before sitting next to her, making sure to keep his distance.

"Why is it necessary?" He asked, glancing at her.

"Because she needs to prove to Third Reich that she is truly on our side." Japan responded.

"Didn't you already vouch for her though?"

She chuckled dryly, "I did. But he believes me to be biased, which... it not completely unfounded. Still, I stand by my decisions up to this point regarding her entry into our alliance."

Italy stared at her for a moment, the same question that had been at the back of his mind for months resurfacing. Now that Third Reich was gone, could he ask? Would he get an answer? He took a deep breath, staring at the ground ahead of him as he quickly spat out his question. "Does she know?"

Japan blinked, turning her head to look at him. "Know what?"

"About the camps?"

Italy could see Japan's eyes widen slightly in surprise, and he pressed himself back into the wood of the railing, sudden regret coursing through his veins. He prayed that Japan didn't get angry at him for asking, but he simply couldn't wait anymore to know.

Japan was silent for a moment, before turning back towards the direction the car had taken. "No."

Italy blinked, sputtering for a moment before responding. "What- Japan we have to tell her!"

"No we don't."

"What? Yes, we do-"

"No." She responded, grabbing his upper arm and yanking him up slightly. "We don't. I'll tell her eventually, but it won't help her right now."

His eyes widened, guilt seeping through him at the revelation that America had no clue what was going on, what the two of them were allowing to happen. It was all too familiar to what his officials had done to him. They had taken charge in forming the alliance with Third Reich, with Italy not having any discussions with him about the treaty until the day of its signing. He had gone along with it, trusting his officials knew what they were doing. They were always so confident about the whole ordeal when they spoke about it, making it seem like it would improve the lives of his people. So, he had signed the treaty, and had learned a few months later of the utterly sick things happening, things he found happening in his own country due to his inability to realize what was happening. He had tried to get out, he really did.