One step closer to the edge. A day that I've forgotten more than just my innocence.

I am losing myself, and by doing so, I am losing all that I have ever known or cared about.

My shadows cannot hold me back anymore. They are nothing more than my doubts and fears following me from place to place.

I look to my left and see them. Ludwig and Feliciano. They are holding hands quietly as they watch me walk into the depths of this dark world, never to return.

To my right, Alfred and Arthur. They are quiet as well, watching my steady footsteps as I take my final breaths.

Inhale, Kiku. Now exhale.

Nothing is worth living for anymore. World War II has all but destroyed my country. At least Feliciano and Ludwig will have each other. I am alone.

I quietly whisper an unheard prayer as I try to keep myself under control. I want to cry, but tears are not to be shed in such a situation.

I look again to my left and Feliciano is clinging to Ludwig. His head is pressed against the German man's chest and I'm sure that he is doing that one thing that I had just promised myself I wouldn't do. Ludwig is still staring at me, almost as though he has hardly noticed Feliciano's presence.

I take a final step forward and look down. I can see nothing but the black depths ready to swallow me whole.

The phone rang and I woke up. A sigh left my lips as I rubbed my forehead.

What time is it?

The clock warned me that it was almost 3 in the afternoon. The medication must have caused me to pass out.

I grabbed the wireless phone sitting on my bed stand and answered with a sleepy, "Moshi moshi."

The voice on the other end of the line was deep and recognizable. My eyes widened in slight shock that Ludwig, of all people, would be calling me.

I was sure that he hated me for bringing America into World War II. It was, after all, my fault that we had lost.

"Kiku. I need to see you. Do you mind if I come over?"

I was confused for a moment before realizing that he wanted to see me in order to properly insult me for my failures.

"I'm rather busy today..." I lied. There was nothing for me to do that day. Nothing at all. My heart was pounding and I felt afraid of him for the second time in my life. The first time being after America became involved in the war because of my stupidity.

"I need to see you." He said a little more forcefully.

I gave in. It would only anger him more if I didn't.

"A-alright."

"Good." He hung up his phone and I hung up mine.