"Japan! Japan! I found him!"
Japan turned back down the hall, following Italy's voice to the music room where Austria sat playing the piano. Japan stared at him and the Italian for a moment.
"I thought Mr. Germany said we should find Mr. Australia, rather than Mr. Austria?"
"Ve... what's the difference?"
"A good many things." Austria stuck his nose in the air. "If you are looking for Australia, try the athletics center. He and Hungary should have finished their swim meet by now."
Following Austria's advice, the duo made their way to the center where they found the Australian in the changing room. He was in nothing but a pair of shorts with a towel over his shoulders that he would rub into his hair. He turned in time to spot Japan and Italy approaching.
"G'day. Can I help ya with somethin'?"
"Si. Germany said you could help us with our kitty."
"Sorry, can't take in any strays. It's bad for my ecosystem." Australia turned to take the shirt from his locker and throw it on.
"That is not what we wanted to ask," Japan persisted, "He thought you might let us borrow a cage to keep it in for a time."
Australia grinned.
"Why didn't you say so? Sure enough. I got heaps of pens for all kinds of buggers. Let's see..." He faced the locker again, peering inside. "This ought to do'er."
He pulled out a plastic crate just big enough for the cat.
"Don't suppose Milly will mind sharing with Monty for a while."
He popped the latch and pulled out a mid-sized black and yellow python. He stored it in a different crate behind him before turning back around to hand the cage to Japan who was Italy's living shield at the moment.
"We can't put kitty in that. What if the snake eats her!"
"There is no snake, Italy-chan." Japan opened the cage to show him.
"That's right. She's nice and safe in her new home," said Australia, trying to pat a container behind him only knocked a jar off a shelf. It fell to the floor and the lid popped off it. A lizard skittered out and Italy yelped, running out of in a cloud of dust.
"Crikey, where did he go?" Australia dropped to the floor, crawling around in search of the reptile. Japan just stood stiff.
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Australia." He bowed. "If you would excuse me. Sayōnara."
He bowed again, leaving the Aussie to continue his chase.
Japan returned to their meeting room where he could hear Italy's whining before even opening the door.
"It was so scary! Ugly scaly thing! It ran right toward me!" Italy cried, hanging on Germany.
"Ja, ja. I know." Germany sighed, massaging an ache from his temple.
The cat sat on the table in front of them. Its tail flicking back and forth as it watched them.
"Kon'nichiwa." Japan greeted as he approached the group.
"Oh, Japan! You survived!" Italy jumped off Germany to latch onto Japan. "I thought the monster was going to get you! Wait! Did you lock the door? Japan, don't forget to lock the door!"
Italy darted for the door, but Germany called him back. "Why would we need to lock the door, Italy?"
"Hai, it was just a small lizard. I am sure Mr. Australia has already found it."
