Keller- Chapter 2

Night had fallen and the mighty Prussian empire returned home, exhausted from his duties as a nation, rivaling against others with his strength and skill was very draining, but at the end of the day he was still an older brother. He pulled his feathered hat from his head, resting it on the hooks on the wall and lazily slipped out of his blood stained coat. As Gilbert rolled his battered shoulders he contemplated, Man did it feel good to be home. But his duties were far from over as he met eyes with the quiet blond in suspendered shorts with his hands behind his back.

"Welcome home, big brother." A young Aryan boy spoke sheepishly and yet the expression on his face was serious, Gilbert knew the boy met well. The mighty Prussian brushed a hand lazily through the boy's hair, ruffling it out of place which the boy quickly fixed with his chubby hands. Gilbert walked past the boy, to the kitchen where he poured himself a well deserved drink of beer; the child of course followed joining his brother for a glass himself.

Now it wasn't Gilbert's idea to leave the boy alone in the secluded house, but it was for his own good. If mortals were to discover a child, they would feel the need to care for it and once ten years would pass, then they'd know something was wrong and most certainly not human for such a child to remain the same. Gilbert's younger brother of course understood this, but he didn't want to stay trapped in this old house forever. It was very lonely, especially on nights where thunder shook the house.

"Ah Ludwig, I trust you've been staying out of trouble like I said." Gilbert replied, tossing Ludwig a small satchel of sweets from his pocket. Ludwig curiously explore the satchel, the small treat seemed to coax Ludwig to speak. "What did you do today? Working on your carpentry again?"

Ludwig offered a shake of the head before speaking.
"Nein, I befriended a wolf today. They aren't quite the savage beast your stories say, Brother."
Ludwig spoke quietly as he admired the sweets he was given in his palm. The shined ever so nicely and such things were rare in times of war, this was a lovely gift.

The Prussian nearly spat out the beer he was nursing, only to offer a sigh and question the lad further.
"You made friends with a wolf, huh?"

"Yes." The boy explained, picking at some of the sweets before deciding to pocket it.
"I heard howling in the woods nearby and I was curious if they were really as you said. I brought a weapon with me, just like the hunter, but I didn't need it. The pup seemed to know who I was and he didn't attack me like he would have Peter. I think it might be, because I'm different- not human."

"You sound like a regular Romulus!" The proud older brother laughed boisterously, masking his concern behind his praise that pleased the young boy. What his younger brother spoke was true and wasn't uncommon amongst nations, animals naturally gravitated to the representations of the nation and were usually docile. It was only one of the few aspects that separated personifications that made them far from human.

"Tell you what, I've got a new story for you, but you've got to listen to this one good, okay? This one is really scary." Gilbert teased, grinning mischievously at the boy. Unfortunately for Ludwig he hated horror stories that Gilbert shared, but it was time spent with his brother so he would indulge him.

"You see the Black Woods?" Prussia asked, motioning out the window to the darkened forest, to which the young boy nodded curtly.

"You should never go into them, for it's not wolves you'll have to fear, but a monster like no other. Many say the creature is from hell itself, hiding in the shroud of darkness that is the forest. It is faceless creature with skin paler than winter snow and he wears a black from head to toe. Some call him the angel of death, while others know him as 'Der Großmann'."

"The tall man?" Ludwig asked, tasting the name on his tongue. The boy shuddered and the hair on his arms standing on edge as he continued to listen.
"Tell me more." The young boy asked in his soft voice.

"Der Großmann appears as a stretched out man who hides amongst the trees, his head peaking over the tree tops. His limbs are just like branches, with talons for fingers that are as sharp as knives which he uses to impale his poor victims atop the trees. But there are times he likes to wait instead of simply killing those who cross his path. His favorite thing to do with his victims is hunt them, hunt them until they grow mad before eats them up and places their remains on the tree to be forgotten."

"W-why does he do such things?" The small boy asked, hoping to mask fear with curiosity.

"No one knows. But some people say that he prefers to torment young children who have misbehaved or told lies, following them through the forest until they go mad in the thick forest where their screams would not be heard. That's why you mustn't ever go after him. He's too quick to catch or kill and once he has a hold on his victim he will never rest until they are his. He won't be merciful when he hears your pleas and he won't certainly say a word, for he has no mouth. There's no way to defeat him, he'll drive you mad as he chases you in circles until you give up and tell the truth, but by then it will be far too late." The very story caused Ludwig's jaw to drop for a brief second, his breathing coming quicker in a way that matched his quickening heartbeat.

Now that Gilbert was confident that little Ludwig was scared stiff, he needed to make sure Ludwig would never walk into the woods again. The village at the other side didn't need to know of the existence of Ludwig and Gilbert and if they were cautious they could go on living in happiness undisturbed; perhaps a small lie would spare them much heart ache.

"Now promise me Luddy, never go into the woods. Promise me!" Gilbert asked his voice grave and sadness in his eyes. As he looked into Ludwig's terrified ice blue eyes, he knew that this would stay in his mind and that the tale would do the job to keep him from venturing out again.

"I promise I'll be a good boy." Ludwig replied, hugging the Prussian tightly and hiding into his chest. His little heart thundered in his chest, sounded loudly in his ears. Gilbert was surprised at the terror the little one felt, not realizing this would have worked as well as it did. He rubbed the little ones back as the other one pleaded. "I promise never to lie to you, Gilbert! I won't go into the woods, I don't want Der Großmann to get me."

"That's a good boy. Der Großmann won't harm you now. I'm here…" Gilbert comforted the little one, allowing him to share his bed that night in sympathy. A harmless tale to keep the boy from venturing too far was all it was meant to be, Gilbert never imagined he'd be living an endless nightmare as he was now. All because he told a simple lie, a lie that was now haunting him.

The well lit corridor was such a nice break from the darkness of the mansion; however it wouldn't last, for as lighting struck and thunder resonated, the light was stolen away. Lurking in the shadows was the demon from hell, using his stretched arms to steal away the very breath of life. Fortunately for Gilbert he still had the glow stick to offer some light, but he knew he needed to move onward. Facing the familiar rusted door, the silver hair carefully jiggled the lock with the rusted key, mindful not to take a glance behind him. The monster was surely enjoying this game, watching to see if the pathetic human would break the one who was not willing to cave into the pressure. Brash as he was, Gilbert was no fool and took note from his time here- NEVER LOOK BEHIND YOU.

How tantalizing and real did Pandora's plight seem as it brought itself in the guise of the simple satisfaction of knowing if the hunter was nearby. What Gilbert wouldn't give to find a haven where he could rest with ease?

He easily opened the door, revealing more corridors for him to explore as he entered through the right, going down yet another flight of battered steps. He held the feeling this feat would take much longer than he wanted for the key he had found weighed heavily in his pocket, mocking his pain. Gilbert took an immediate right to the staircase and followed the hall. The open window tempted him with freedom, but it would be unwise to break the loop now. It would be exactly what the monster would desire.

"Break the loop and he'll break your neck." Gilbert told himself in careful reminder to himself as he walked through empty rooms. Granted he didn't know if this was true, but he wasn't willing to risk the chance in knowing the truth. Every sight of the monster shaved a year off his already cut life. until he found yet another bathroom.
The constant chiming hadn't surrendered meaning that he was certainly being closely watched by the creature in the shadows. With the omniscient specter close by, the Prussian felt his body shudder in fear. He was doing everything in his power not to grow nauseous by the combination of the ghastly fumes in the restroom as well as the very horror in his soul by playing this sadistic game against his will.

There was another item flickering in the bathroom which he noted was a box of Suds, of all places on the toilet. It was certainly the oddest item of the lot thus far, but it was certainly familiar. It was the cheapest brand of detergent that he purchased often enough 'Now with 100% more suds!'. Seriously this demon really had some strange tastes, but now wasn't really the time to protest, not with Slenderman lurking in the shadows. Here was the second rule of the monster's game: TAKE THE ITEM WITH HASTE, DON'T STAY IN THE SAME FUCKING PLACE!

Gilbert begrudgingly snatched the box and just like the other items he's taken felt an additional weight, the sound of a bass drum resonated in the halls and a memory came to. Gilbert held the sides of his head, pressure overwhelming him to the point he had to clutch at his hair. Even though he wanted to keep from remembering his loved ones and get through this, it wasn't allowed. This item triggered the beloved memory of his dear pet; Gilbert's best friend through thick and thin came to mind. A golden chick that represented so much more to him than anyone a bond few would understand. Each little flutter of the wings, each tender brush of affection, or each grunt spoke more volumes than anyone could ever imagine.

Bright and warm summer days, tending to laundry with his companion immediately came to mind. Prussia would hang things on the line and the silly chick would bounce on the perch that was the cord when he wasn't trying to help hang socks.

But there was no time to contemplate any further about this, Gilbert needed to get out and start moving, especially with a total of six items collected. The sustained chiming returned, reminded him of the ominous presence that was the Slenderman. The thought alone caused a shiver up his spine, his rib cage choking him yet again with a sharp pain. He breathed out through his nose, trying to take the pain of his anxiety as he pressed forward. As much as it pained him, Gilbert couldn't afford taking a glance over his shoulder and casting his eyes in the mysterious darkness was the only thing he could do.

The path stretched on ending at a three way fork in the road of the basement. Of course allowing him to decide with path to take would be far too generous and time was something he did not have. Gilbert had to take a double take, nearly jumping out of his skin to stay suspended in time itself as he was face to face to something terrible.

The shadowy specter was waiting for him on the left path shrouded in darkness, his six branch like arms extended as he blocked the way foreboding only hell in the Prussian's future if he were to try to get past him. The sick irony was the keeper of the labyrinth was now toying with the Prussian and it seemed as if it were becoming weary of the chase. That pale white face bright compared the darkness behind him made the Aryan's eyes widen in fright and his heart nearly jump out of his throat. Gilbert screamed, completely caught off guard by this creature's super human speed and jolted to the far right corridor.

"Wasn't he behind me just now? How the hell did he-?" But Gilbert's rational mind would have to do without an answer. He ran, the muscles in his legs growing weary, but the determination to live and the certainty that demon was still giving chase was more than enough incentive to keep him going. He choked on the musty air of the basement as he tried to keep his pace, finding that he was brought to a slow walk. Eyes stinging with tears of frustration, Gilbert was fading fast.

A shift in the darkness in the corner of Gil's vision: Was it his executioner? Gilbert wasn't bent on finding out. His breath came quickly as he carefully looked about him, nerves rising the deeper in the labyrinth he ventured. The walls all seemed the same, gray with plaster in an attempt to keep the place together, taunting how Gilbert was easily losing his mind. The repetitive cycle only made the Prussian dizzy and groan in frustration. It was so easy to get lost in such a place and the sense of overwhelming failure was looming over him. Why was he so desperate to go on when there wasn't a promise he'd go unscathed?

"No. That's what it wants. It wants me to give up." The Prussian reminded himself, clenching his teeth in determination. He would need his wits about him to go on, he wouldn't die- not here at least and it was time to prove it. He took a deep breath, before continuing onward.

As a rule Gilbert thought the best way to survive was much like escaping a maze, he kept a calloused hand on the right side of the dusty wall and followed it to where it led. As he passed a strangely placed bulletin board he noted it served as a marker, different from all the other rooms and he noted its proximity to the door that he had entered. Speaking of entry, he also noted the exit was in the next room to another flight of stairs, but for now he knew items still remained. He wanted to be absolutely sure that he was exiting the dank cellar once it was time.

Following the pathway along the right wall which showed a lit room in the distance, but there seemed to be an item lurking in the darkness. He wasted no time in taking the film reel, the oncoming presence from behind making this next memory almost forgettable. Accounts of terrors joined with cries of agony at the hand of foolish people who listened to the wicked. Atrocities he never spoke of, but that he was held accountable for regardless. Slender's mansion there was no escaping it and former empire was certain that the specter was relishing in each moment of Prussia's torment.

In this moment he wondered how much longer he would have to wander aimlessly in the basement until he found a strange item ticking away, the pendulum eerily swinging back and forth. It didn't belong, just as Prussia didn't belong in this hell hole. As the pendulum swung back and again in time with his heart beat all he could imagine was the clock taunting him with each tick:

'Tick. -How long will you have?
Tock. -Before you go mad?

Tick. -I'm here to remind you.
Tock. -Of each precious moment you've ever had.'

As Gilbert approached the grandfather clock that reminded him of England's Big Ben, but he prayed to Gott it wasn't the English bastard's memory as he touched the clock. Just as the others the item vanished before his eyes and all that came to mind was the memory of his younger brother time and time again coming to his rescue. Rescuing his older brother from himself and covering him when he needed it, Ludwig was the best brother one could ever ask for. The German had always been such a good boy, even now with tough love the sap meant well.

And while the thought was very endearing, along with the fun spent together drinking kegs of beer, it was all well and good until Gilbert turned around. The sinister Slenderman was far more intimidating up close as he was right behind him with only four black tendrils squirming out of his back, his claw like white hands still at his sides, ready to strike. A dead end and now he was face to face with the monster that was simply an arm's length away. Red eyes dilated as the unfortunate victim quickly tried to make sense of this all in a split second of stunned horror. His feet were frozen, but his flight or fight instinct kicked in time to escape those long arms.

The Silver haired man gave a cry, his face red with blood as he ran from the beast, continuing on the right hallway yet again as he swore and cursed God. Why couldn't his feet go faster? His breath was starting to come hard and his glow stick was dimming. Once he was sure that the beast was at a distance he dropped to his knees as he desperately gasped for breath in a choked sob.

He had turned to the left in hopes of sanctuary. In this moment of rest he tossed the used glow stick aside, cracking another one open and shaking it as he attempted to recover from that last encounter, knowing it was far to fucking close for anyone's pleasure. His breathing was much too loud, he wasn't sure if the monster was right behind and the thunder in the distance only caused him to jump out of his skin, unnerved by his very presence. It had been too close a call and he knew the creature was still making sport of him, but he couldn't afford to lose himself yet.

Gilbert tried to keep calm as he collected his breath, his eyes dancing over the dimly lit piano to where he noticed yet another silver key that rested upon the ivory.

"Must be for upstairs." He reasoned, pocketing the silver key for the rest of journey. As much as he wished to quit, he was far too deep as he stood on the precipice of madness. He could only hold on for a while longer, so he needed to make it count as he came back up to his feet after the moment of respite.

Trying to ignore the sour taste of vile threatening to rise up in the back of his throat was proving impossible for anxiety was finally starting to set in from the maze and the escalating fear this beast was causing him. He coughed, trying to clear his throat from the vomit he fought against. Mysteriously the haunting piano chords continued to strike, though the piano keys next to him did not move. It wasn't fair, dear Gott it wasn't fair. The creature was near and Gilbert was near wits end, his breathing coming much faster syncing rhythm to his heart.

He realized he had lost himself in a circle, his senses heightened by the ongoing anxiety that had built up much too far. It felt like hours, but it was only minutes he went on until he noticed the bulletin board from before and took an immediate right into the darkest room. This would either take him to the other items or it could very well lead him to his demise. But that was thing about the chances; it was the only freedom he had left.

The room however showed promise as he noticed the only item that seemed out of place. A bust of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart carved from marble and Gilbert didn't have to guess who this memory was linked to. Taking the item with confidence he remembered his only true rival for European control and the affections of a certain Hungarian woman. The Austrian who was impossibly uptight for his own good often pressed blame to the Prussian for his fall from glory, but it wasn't Gilbert's fault he was so damn fussy.

As the memories reflected Austria losing as much as he did, it wasn't a wonder why he should have stuck with music instead. A passionate composer, a concerned husband time and again, and yet he never seemed truly happy. Roderich was married to his musical compositions and from this it gave Gilbert just as much happiness as he enjoyed it in silence. Listening as the music flowed from his heart through his fingertips brought a smile on Roderich's face like no other and Gilbert felt satisfied knowing that even if here were to perish at least Roderich would go on composing.

Gilbert continued to walk to the closet exit that lead up to the main floor, a sigh of relief for the moment even though he was being watched and still hunted by Der Großmann.

A mental count of each of the memories of eight totals was accounted for and if this game was set up as the previous round on the main floor that could only mean that the last four waited for him at the top floor. However a different sound a frantic smash of the piano keys warned him he needed to move on for the hunter was still lurking in the shadow.

Eight items down, perhaps it was only two more. One could only hope, even when all hope was lost.

Continue? Y/N