The first mistake;;
Italy stepped into the white room with the pearly piano, panting softly from exertion. He had been running fast, trying to get to this room as quickly as possible - he had checked every room aside from this one. Because now there was someone missing, someone the monster had chased. Someone important, someone special, someone he hadn't realized might need help until the very last second. . .
"Don't."
The voice was hoarse enough to catch his attention, to drag his eyes away from over his shoulder as he turned and looked, his breath catching in his chest at the horrid sight before his eyes. Without even thinking, he ran forward, not even thinking to close the door, and towards the piano that was dyed red with splattered blood, a body half-hanging, half-leaning on the white bench. Crimson pooled beneath, colouring the floor, clothes, memories. "Japan," he gasped, tears welling in golden orbs as he knelt down next to the Asian. "Let me help you, I can use my white flag-,"
Japan looked in pain, body crumpled and broken on the ground before him. Though there was still a smile on his usually emotionless face, still hope glimmering in those wet brown eyes, water streaming down his cheeks in the forms of tears. He reached out a hand, a gloveless hand, but couldn't seem to find the strength to hold it up, dropping it back on his lap. "Don't waste it on me," he commanded weakly, sucking in a deep breath. Italy felt his heart skip a beat, goosebumps crawling over his arms and legs, a shudder creeping it's way up his spine. "an old man. I... I am too far to heal, Italy."
"No, no you're not!" the Italian pulled out his white flag and made to rip the cloth. He froze in his actions when his wrist was grabbed in a weak hold, and through blurry eyes, he stared at his companion, even through many hardships. "Japan, you're going to live, we're going to leave here together, all of us; Germany, me, Prussia, and you! We're go-going to eat pasta together, so you can't d-die!"
Japan's hand fell again, though this time, even when he tried to lift it, it didn't seem to work. "...Yes, we are going to escape. All of us... Italy, promise me one thing."
Italy shook his head. "I don't have to promise you, Japan, because you'll be alive to remind me! Please, don't say anything else, I'll help you!" His body shook with tremors, and by the time the other spoke again, he was near hysterical.
"...If the monster comes after you... run. Run as fast as you can. You'll get out, Italy, I know you will. Just... don't waste your time on me. Go find Prussia and Germany, find them and you will all escape together... I know it."
Then, with a deep breath, he added in a strained voice:
"...You're a good friend... Italy. Tell... tell everyone-tell China... that I'm sorry."
Italy sobbed openly as Japan's eyes fell shut, and he grabbed the Japanese man's hand, slapping it, before reaching to take hold of his shoulders and shaking them. "No, no Japan, you're not dying, you can't, I made myself a promise that I wouldn't allow you...! Any of you..!"
But as he opened his eyes from blinking out the tears, his great and silent friend was limp, suddenly never having to speak anymore.
