Matthew Williams wasn't particularly religious. He wouldn't have been surprised finding himself in the fiery depths of hell or reborn into his new life as a fly. Or if he simply were to cease to exist, in a void of nothingness. It wasn't as if life had had much to offer the boy anyway. Throughout his short sixteen years, he had been faced with nothing but loneliness and defeat. He knew his life had been better than a large portion of the world, and that many would categorize his complaints as first world problems. But had they ever been truly forgotten by their own parents? Outdone by their brother from the exact moment of birth? Ignored by those who were forced to recognize their existence for the sake of them seeming sane? He doubted many had ever fallen into his shoes.

But no matter where his life had stood, he was here now. In a place he hadn't expected, for he didn't even have the knowledge of its existence. The world around him, seeming much like the bedroom he had left behind, was only colored in pure black and white. His large red sweater contrasted greatly against everything around him, making him feel slightly uncomfortable. And though the room shared large similarities, he noted it's many minor differences, ranging from a stack of books pushed an inch over, to a chair sitting beside the desk instead of by the window where he had left it.

Then the silence. It fell over him as a downpour, leaving the boy to wonder if he had actually gone deaf. He walked towards the window, allowing all of his weight to fall to his feet with each step. The creaking floor boards were sweet music to his ears. He drew back the curtains, allowing natural light to flutter into his room. Where it came from, he had no idea, for the only sight from his window was pure black. A chill ran through his spine, and he quickly turned away, allowing the curtains to fall back into place.

"Is this really-?" Matthew allowed his thoughts to cross his lips and into the room. They echoed slightly, before dissipating and leaving him in the silence once more. The afterlife? Perhaps purgatory? Pulling his sweater closer to his thin frame, he sat on his bed. Would his door be the same? He glanced to the wooden board, not at all excited to see. Then he noticed the slip on paper, sitting right at the foot of the door. An envelope, which during his previous inspection of the room, was no where to be seen. Albeit sudden, was a welcome sight to see, being a pale violet against the dull world around it. Matthew stood and grabbed it, slightly shocked by the sudden cold shock. He gently opened it.

You are not dead.

For the first time since he decided on his actions, a wave of gilt rushed over Matthew. How long had it been? Did they know already? Had they taken him to the hospital? Were they huddled in the waiting room, anxiously awaiting him to return to consciousness? Or... Or did they assume he was taking a nap? Had they even realized he was home? Alfred had a game tonight. They were probably celebrating his would be or already was victory. The bastards... He shook his heads, shoving his thoughts to the back of his mind as he continued the note.

Not yet. There are three objects in this world. When brought together, they will take you home. But if you run out of time, you will die. It's very simply, yes? However, you cannot find these objects on your own. Two others must help you as you must help them. Find them, find the three objects and live.

It ended with a smudge and no signature. Matthew read it over once more before taking in a deep breath. Home... He came here leaving it, didn't he? So what point did he have in searching for these objects and going back? How did he even know this was real and not some strange dream? Why couldn't the note explain any more? He found himself shoving the letter in his pocket out of frustration. He hated questioning everything like this. He was a person who simply wanted answers.

Matthew looked back to the door in front of him. He would go along with this, if for no other reason, then to get answers. Perhaps the other two mentioned in the note would know something. If this wasn't all a dream and he woke up before meeting them, of course. He slowly pushed the solid door open, without looking back.


A/N: Planning on this being the shortest chapter. Just had to get that beginning out of the way. And check my profile for the statuses of my stories, if you are interested.

Only time I'm putting this in here. I don't own Hetalia.