GerIta-WWII Punishment

Calmly, I walked beside the stoic man next to me, the pair of us holding hands and walking freely - boldly - with heads held high and the haunted expression in our eyes only fading if we looked at each other, or if the guards behind us grew annoyed with our leisurely pace and shoved us gruffly. Each time then, I turned around to give them a look of indignation and anger, seeking to remind them that we were still countries until our end; each time, a small hand was placed on my shoulder, and I met the tired brown eyes that told me to be kind: they were not the ones who had sentenced us to this, they were merely the ones following it out. And instead, I would squeeze his hand and he would quickly hug me, before we would march on down the long hallway to the large room at the end.

Once we had walked through, the guards took up their positions by the door we had entered, while the two of us continued into the circular chamber, staring straight ahead to the five countries sitting before us, hidden partially in shadow, but there only to see the act carried out anyway, nothing more.

"The Federal Republic of Germany and the Italian Social Republic, yes?" acknowledged the British man in the middle of the five figures, and we both nodded grimly, the grip on our intertwined fingers never tighter than then.

"You are here for the... punishment... regarding your crimes against humanity committed during the world war. You understand this?" Again we nodded, and I wrapped an arm around Italy for comfort and the reassurance that he did not need to be strong right now, as I felt him trembling against me. But he straightened his back and bravely faced the Allies, refusing to show the weakness that they all thought was all he possessed - I knew they could not ignore the courage he displayed in the face of what was to come, and I felt pride in seeing him stand resolute and firm, our arms around each other and determination in our faces.

England faltered for a second, and I saw the uncertainty flash across his face for just a moment before he spoke again.

"Before we continue, is there anything you would like to say or request now? It is your last opportunity before we proceed."

Italy and I exchanged a glance, then I nodded to him and he lifted his voice to the five staring at us.

"We both have brothers, and are aware that they shall not be similarly harmed - as we took the full responsibility - but they shall be monitored, and even relocated for the time being, si?" America and Russia exchanged a slightly heated look from across the row, but the others ignored the animosity between the cold pair and merely confirmed the statement.

"Well, we ask that you tell them - as well as our ally and friend, Japan, who you have told us shall be punished separately and less severely, due to the suffering he has already endured from the bombings-" He looked at America, who shifted in his seat, but nodded nonetheless - "Please, tell them all we love them. I believe that is all." Italy leaned into me, and we wrapped our arms around each other as the scientists filed in from the door next to where the Allies sat.

"Very well, then," murmured England, his eyes also drifting over to the scientists as they opened the cases they had carried and took out the syringes, flicking and prepping them, checking the fluid inside, holding it to the light and squinting in approval as they observed the vials in their possession.

"Let us proceed."

Now, the scientist approached us, and I heard Italy mutter a quick prayer in his language as I held onto his hand and gazed into his eyes.

"Wait!" I called, flicking my eyes up to England, "I do have one more final request?" He nodded that I should continue. "I would like to do the injection myself, please."