Darkness within

Chapter 2

When demons eat the soul

I woke up the next day nearly forgetting what had happened the day before. I slept on the couch because Romano refused to let me in bed. Yeah he was still mad at me. I got up and got myself ready for the day. While I was eating breakfast Romano came into the kitchen.

"Morning, Romano." I said as cheerfully as possible hoping he forgave me.

He nodded. He sat down at the table. "I'm sorry I got mad at you."

"It's okay, Romano."

He looked at me. "Please Veneziano tell me when something is bothering you. I'm your brother remember."

I nodded. "I know."

He sighed. "I'm going to be out all day today with Spain and his friends so," He started as he stood up from the table. "If something happens again today, please tell me."

"Okay, Romano I will."

I cleared my plate and began to head for the door. I decided to see if Germany wanted to play some football. I went to the door when there was a knock. I opened the door to see Spain.

"Ciao, Spain. How are you?"

"I'm fine." He said patting me on the head as he walked by. "How about you? Are you feeling better?"

"Of course." I said smiling.

"Good." He smiled back at me and looked around before he spoke again. "Romano was really worried about you." He whispered.

I couldn't help but smile. I knew Spain would save me from my brother's wrath. "So what are you guys doing today?"

He shrugged. "I think France and Prussia want to go to a football game or something. Maybe see a movie."

I nodded. "Hopefully you guys have fun." I said as I left my house.

In little time I was at Germany's house. I walked up to the door and let myself in. I spent so much of my free time here I felt like I live here.

"Ve Germany!" I called.

My German friend was in the kitchen. He looked back at me and frowned. "Italy I told you to knock."

I smiled. "Oh come one Germany what's the big deal. We're friends right?"

He sighed. "Ja, Italy." He said as he finished drying a tea cup.

"So I was thinking that we could play some football today."

He looked at me. "If you want to, it won't be much fun with two of us though."

Typically when we play football Prussia plays with us and usually invites Spain or I and Germany invite Japan. Sometimes if I'm lucky Romano will agree to play. We vowed to see how many countries we could get to play but we still haven't gotten to that.

"I could be a practice run." I said.

"Ja, that sounds fine. Just let me finish up the dishes and I'll be ready."

"Okeydokey. I'll get changed."

I ran upstairs to Germany's guest room. As I said I stay here a lot so I keep extra clothes here in case I decide to stay the night or something. I keep my workout clothes here too because Germany can turn anything into a training exercise.

After I changed we met up in the back yard. I had the ball and was bouncing it back and forth with my knees. I couldn't run for beans unless I was being chased but I'm an okay football player.

Germany was done with his stretching. I knew without a doubt he would probably beat me but that was okay I just wanted to have fun. "Ready." He announced.

I let the ball fall to the ground and kicked it as hard as I could. Naturally he blocked and returned the favor this one I missed and it rolled into the bushes outlining the yard. I chased it down the ball was wedged in the hedge really good. I fought and fought with it. Freeing the ball I announced. "I got it." That's when that dark feeling hit me again.

"He hates you. He can't stand you."

I dropped the ball. No not again.

"Italy are you okay?" I heard Germany call.

I turned around. "Si!" I called and served the ball. This one he missed.

I cheered. "I got one!"

The feeling came back. "You such an idiot. Don't you see it?"

I froze hearing the voice I didn't see the ball coming back. Bam! I hit me in the face and knocked me over onto the back. I felt the darkness surround me and the last thing I heard was Germany calling my name.

I have no idea what happened but when I woke up the first thing I saw was Germany's light blue eyes staring at me.

"Italy! Thank God! I thought I seriously hurt you."

"No, I'm fine." I said as I sat up with some help from my friend I got off the ground.

"What happened why didn't you stop it?"

Crap, what was I going to tell him now? "I was daydreaming."

He frowned well he didn't believe that one at all. He followed up with. "Well whatever it doesn't seem that it hit you that hard." He looked up at the gathering dark clouds over head. "We should go in. It looks like it's going to rain."

"Okay." I said following him back to the house. I tried to push back the episode as far back into my head that I could send it too.

We spent the rest of the day talking, well I did most of the talking, playing some board games and watched some movies as the rain fell from the sky. Before I realized it time slipped away from us. I stood up from the chair I was in and announced. "Ve Germany I think I'll head home now."

Germany looked outside then back at me. "Why don't you just stay here for tonight? It doesn't look like this rain is going to let up anytime soon anyways."

As soon as he said that the rain got worse and I was pretty sure I heard thunder. I jumped slightly. I hate thunder it's loud and scary. "F-fine." I pulled out my phone. "I'll call Romano and let him know." I dialed my brother's number and not surprisingly he didn't pick up more than likely his brother and the others were at a bar trying to see who could get the most numbers. I left him a message and put my phone away. I yawned I was more exhausted than I thought. "I think it's past my bed time."

"Good night, Italy."

I began to walk to the stairs when he stopped me.

"One more thing Italy."

"Si?"

He sighed. "I know I have gone over this again and again but…" He pushed his hair back and looked into my eyes with his intense ones. "Do not get in my bed in the middle of the night."

Another lighting flash light up the room making the situation more intense, I shuddered than I finally said. "I understand, Germany. No sleeping in your bed."

"Under no circumstances?"

"None what so ever, I vow to not sneak in your room tonight."

"Italy."

"Or any night as long as I'm in your house."

"Good. Now go get some sleep."

I went on to bed. The room was still nice and neat as if I was never there. I swear sometimes I think Germany has OCD. Prussia had told me that Germany cleaned the house from top to bottom everyday but goodness. I opened up the draws to see that my clothes were organized and folded. I laughed a little as I changed out of my clothes and folded them away neatly after all I swear I think Germany can detect disorganization.

I rolled down the sheets and got into bed. I pulled the pillow close to my face and sigh deeply and snuggled in for a nice sleep.

My nice sleep didn't last for long. My dreams were plague with sights of death, pain, and misery. I tossed and turned and nearly fell out of the bed. A loud clap of thunder hit outside I screamed and fell out of the bed. I was trembling I held myself breathing harshly. I needed… what did I need. I needed Germany. I had to get to his room… but he told me not to. I sighed and put my pillow back on my bed. I walked outside of my room it was dark lighting lit the hallway and I jumped. I then heard a thump noise down stairs. I jumped what was that? I edged over to the banister and looked over and heard another thump. Someone was in the house. I gasped. Germany was being robbed. I turned to get Germany but I stopped maybe I was wrong. He would be mad if I woke him up for no reason.

I edged down the stairs and heard another noise from the kitchen. I held my breath as I stepped through the thresh hold of the door. The kitchen light was on but the room still seemed dark. That's when I saw it. A demon in the kitchen. I screamed.

The demon turned back. It had bright red eyes and spoke to me. I screamed again and back away into the cabinet. The demon spoke again and edged to me. I yelled and grabbed a knife from the knife block behind me. I don't like hurting anything but I felt threatened. The demon reach to me I slashed out and screamed to the top of my lungs.

"Germany! Help! Help me!"

I heard the German run down the hall and the stairs. I saw him his hair was a mess and he had his gun ready for shooting. He pointed to the demon then lowered his gun. "Stop!" He screamed and ran over to me.

What? Why wasn't he helping?

"Stop don't hurt my bruder!"

I blinked. Oh my God. I realized the demon was no demon it was Prussia. I dropped the knife and fell to my knees just staring at him.

I could see the pain in his red eyes. Germany grabbed his arm and asked him something in German. He examined his arm and that's when I saw the blood. I attacked Prussia. I cut him. I hurt him.

I start crying loudly almost wailing. I cried harder and harder felling my throat burn. Germany yelled at me to stop as he treated his brother's arm, but I couldn't stop crying. I was a horrible person I attacked Prussia. What the hell was wrong with me? My crying became louder even though I tried to stop it.

I closed my eyes and heard Prussia say. "West, you should look after him. He seems really upset."

"Ja, but you're bleeding." I heard Germany respond in a pained voice I hadn't heard him use before.

"West, I can take care of myself, it's not that bad." Prussia insisted.

I heard Germany walk over to me and place his hands on my shoulders. I was still crying. "Shhh, Italy its fine." He said lowering down to the ground. I don't know what came over me but I grabbed on to him in a tight hug and screamed. "I'm sorry Germany!"

He hugged me back and patted me on the back. With his soothing words and tight embrace I slowly began to fall asleep. The next thing I knew I felt weightlessness I was picked up off the ground.

I woke up the next day in my bed like I hadn't even got up last night. I sat up and yawned then the memories of what happened hit me like a flood. I bolted out of bed and ran down stairs and to the basement. I gave no real thought to my actions as I jumped into Prussia's bed screaming.

"Ve~ Prussia I'm so sorry!" I landed squarely on his chest. The ex-nation let out a startled noise and yelped.

"Get off of my awesome self, Italy."

I paused and yelled as loud as I could. "I'm so sorry, Prussia! I'm a terrible friend! I didn't mean to do it please forgive me!"

He sat up almost knocking me off the bed and onto the floor. "I'm fine Italy." He said as he grabbed my arm to keep from tossing me in the floor. "Now will you please get off of my awesome self."

I nodded and jumped off the bed and turned back to him and gave him my signature goofy grin. "So Prussia isn't mad at me?"

"Nein." He added shaking his head as he got up from his bed. "But I'd rather you not jump on top of me like that."

I tilted my head. "I meant are you mad about…" I paused and just pointed at his arm.

He looked at his arm and sighed. "No, you didn't hurt me."

"But you were bleeding." I whispered. I looked down at the floor feeling guilty again. I couldn't explain myself there was no way I could tell him what was going on. He and Germany would lock me up.

Prussia sighed and stared at me as if he was trying to figure out what to say to me. Finally after a moment he said. "Ita, I am fine. You couldn't hurt the awesome me no matter how hard you tried."

I smiled weakly. He was obviously trying to make me feel better. It wasn't working very well. "Okay Prussia, if you say so."

He pointed to the door. "Now go on get. The awesome me has to take a shower."

I nodded and headed to the door.

"Italy," He called I turned around. He ran his fingers through his silver hair and said. "Next time you decided to invade my room could you… get dressed first."

I looked down at myself. I was still in my boxers and pink tank top. "I forgot to get dressed." I said out loud.

Prussia laughed. "Geez I am amazed by West's patience for you."

I smiled and left the room. I headed back to my room took a shower and got dressed. I headed back to the kitchen. Germany and Prussia was sitting at the table drinking coffee.

I sat down as Germany spoke to me. "Good morning Italy."

"Good morning Germany." I said smiling my smile soon faded as he said.

"What the hell happened last night?" He asked sternly.

I try to tell myself that Germany sounds angry even when he isn't but still. I sank back into my chair. "I,"

Prussia must have kicked Germany for being so gruff because he flinched and glared at his brother. Germany cleared his throat and started talking to me again. "Would you like to talk about what happened last night?"

Not really. "I thought Prussia was a robber." Well that was half right.

"Really? Because bruder told me he spoke to you before you attacked him."

Did he? I thought back my memories were foggy but yeah I almost did remember him asking me, did I wake you Italy? Right before I attacked him.

"I uhh…"

"You can tell the awesome us, Ita." Said Prussia.

No I couldn't. "I told you what it was."

"Italia! Stop lying to us." Germany slammed his hands on the table and stood up. "I know that you are!"

I flinched. I hated when he yelled at me. It hurt me to my soul. I wanted to cry. I jumped up from my chair speaking before thinking. "Why are you yelling at me! I thought we're friends!"

The two stared at me. I yelled at them. I never yelled at them before. I covered my mouth. I never yell. Italy does not get anger that's Romano's job. I backed away from the table.

Germany reflexively reached to me saying. "Italy, what is wrong? You can talk to us."

I didn't want to talk. Anger was boiling inside of me. Hate. Where did this come from? Hate and jealously spilled into my mind. I hated them suddenly jealous of their strength. I wanted to be strong like them not a weak little boy who constantly needed protection from the world. I wanted to scream cry yell. I've cried to much this week. I turned and ran out of the house hearing the two calling to me. I couldn't bare it any more. I had to go home trough myself in my bed and cry my soul out.

Before I knew it I was home. I had stopped crying but my head was still swimming with several emotions. I hadn't felt this way before and wasn't sure why it was going on now. I held my breath until I felt that I was in control. I opened the door smiling my signature smile and announced.

"Romano! I'm home! Did you miss me?"

My brother was sitting on the couch his phone was on the coffee table in front of him and he had a stern expression. Crap. Not good. He looked at me and held the gaze before he spoke. "Veneziano, sit." He commanded pointing at the lounge chair across from him.

I did as he said. "What's up fratello?"

He paused and crossed his arms. "I got a call from the potato bas… Germany."

Crap he called Germany by his name he must have told him what happened.

"Germany called," he started again. "He said you attacked Prussia."

I jumped and yelped. "I thought he was a burglar."

"He told me your story isn't adding up and you got mad at them and stormed out. Fratello, what is wrong?"

"N-nothing."

"Bull shit! You've been acting weird since yesterday, so called spiders, panic attacks, then you attack Prussia and yell at Germany. None of this shit sounds like my fratello!" His face was almost red from anger. Why did everyone who cared about me yell at me?

"They hate you remember?"

That damn voice again? I jumped up from the chair flinging it back a good two inches. "Nothing is wrong why can't you idiots see that!"

Romano jumped. "You called me an idiot." He stated confusion was across his face.

I did. I don't know where it came from but it happened. I looked at him almost feeling empowered. "Romano you're a jerk! You say you love me but you yell call me names all the time." I started walking to the door. "I'm leaving! You're a rotten brother!" I screamed till my throat was sore and ran out the door.

I had to get away from all of them. Those jerks, those losers, those assholes. I walked to the nearby field to the lake. I sat down by the lake removing my shoes and stuck my feet in the water. I needed relief. I sighed basking in the sunlight. My phone rang. Dammit. I pulled it out. The ID was Romano. Jerk! I ignored it. I sighed again. I lay down and my phone rang again. Freak! I looked again this time it was Spain. Roma must have called him.

"Don't be stupid. They don't care about you."

Voice again. I sat up. "Who are you?"

"So you haven't realized it yet." I felt someone set beside me. I looked at him I gasped. "I'm you Italy. I am you. I am all the hate, anger and negativity you have built up in your heart."

He looked just like me. His hair was darker and his uniform was reversed of mine black jacket blue shirt. Holy crap! I went to speak again when he said.

"I am you. There is no changing it. I'm how you are on the inside." He stood up. "We are exactly the same."

I almost screamed.

"Don't fear me. We are the same." He walked behind me and put his arms around my upper body. "I'm going to protect you from those you fear. All the hate and anger you feel I'll take into myself. I'll show the world the true Veneziano"

"But I'm not angry."

He sighed. "Lies. I know who your angry at."

"Who then?"

"Romano, Germany when he yells at you." The evil me sighed.

"I don't… hate them."

"But you hate it when they yell at you, si?"

I nodded. "Si, I do hate it when they yell at me."

The evil me smirked. "See you do have hate in your heart. Let it out. Let me show the world the true you."

I went to speak again but suddenly the evil me was gone. I looked around. I think I'm having hallucinations. I see my phone there was five missed calls and voice messages. I open them up to see who it was. First was France guess Spain must have contacted him when I didn't answer.

I played the voice mail. "Italy, it's you big brother France. Spain called me looking for you just thought I'd check and see if you were okay."

I sighed and started the next one which was from Germany. "Italy, what the hell is wrong with you. Your brudder called me looking for you. Please call us back I'm… *click*"

Typically Germany. The next one was Japan. "Italy, I heard from Germany that no one has seen you in hours. I was worried, please call me back."

Dang I made Japan worry about me. The next one was Prussia. "Ita! Germany has been walking the floor for hours! Call me back, unless your kidnapped or something. Remember I'm awesome!"

I sighed. Prussia was so random sometimes. Next was Romano I held my breath. "Veneziano," He sobbed. "Please come home I'm sorry if I upset you."

Holy crap I made Romano cry. Romano wasn't one to cry unlike me. I put my phone up and put my shoes back on and headed home.

I eventually made it home. I opened the door and there was Romano pacing the floor on his cell phone.

"I haven't heard from him since he left! Do you think he's been kidnapped? What do you mean no one would want him?" He growled. "You stupid Austrian! Are you sure he isn't there hiding from me! Why? I've called everyone else so you and Hungary are the last people I could think of that he might run too."

"Hi Romano." I finally said.

"Veneziano!" He screamed hanging up the phone and ran to me.

We hugged briefly until.

"You big jerk! Why did you run off like that?" Romano asked.

I looked at him. "Why are you mad at me?"

"You didn't return my calls. I thought you were dead. I even called that potato bastard looking for you! How dare you treat us like this!"

Us? I was beginning to apologize but Romano continued.

"Me and Germany were worried sick! You idiot why would you do this? Can't you freaking bother to pick up your damn phone and call or text me you sorry ass!"

I hated when he yelled at me. Instead of crying like normal I yelled back. "Don't call me an idiot!" I felt the evil me take hold again. "You can't sit here and yell at me because I didn't freaking call you! And how dare you call me names after all of this! Why do you act this way! I can't stand you!" I stormed up to him anger radiating off of me.

Romano stuck his finger in my chest. "Now you listen here butt crotch. I'm tired of babysitting your sorry ass. Can't you do anything right!"

That set me off. I slapped his hand. He looked at it surprised and I punched him in the face. He fell backwards and yelped. "Touch me again." I added harshly leaning forward. "I'll do worse than that."

He backed away then stood up holding his face. "What the hell has gotten into you?"

"Stop all of your damn yelling! You're a terrible brother!" I paused holding my breath before I finished. "I wish you would die! Get out of my house!" I yelled pointing to the door.

Shock was one way to describe how Romano looked. He still held his face. "Fine! I'll go!" he yelled storming out of the house.

I had an urge to remove all of his stuff and burn it but I stopped those thoughts. I fell to my knees. I didn't know I felt that way. I wanted to cry again. I pounded my fists on the floor then stood back up and wondered into my art room.

A/N: Hello all. Thanks to those who have reviewed. Sorry it took so long to update, work and life in general got in the way. Next chapter should be coming soon… hopefully.

Translation notes for those who don't know.

German: Bruder means brother. Ja means yes

Italian: fratello means brother. Ciao means hello