Chapter Two: Human
Holy Rome looked around, hoping Italy was actually there. Germany walked back to where the other three countries were. They couldn't see Holy Rome yet for he was following right behind Germany and his muscular build obscured their view. Hungary was the first to speak.
"Who was it then?" She moved her long brown hair as she looked up at Germany expectantly.
Germany turned around slightly looking at Holy Rome realizing he wasn't making a true effort for everyone to see him. "Uh... Italy someone is here for you." Italy looked up as Germany stepped aside. Holy Rome slowly stepped forward. Italy looked at him in shock, he didn't move, he didn't speak, he didn't even know if he could. Holy Rome took something out from his cloak he hadn't revealed until now. In his hand he held a child's push broom.
"I don't know you remember me, Italy. But I-" He was cut off by Italy his golden eyes lighting up. "Holy Rome! But your- but your, France told me that-"
"I think a story's in order here." Austria said, at the moment he was the calmest one in the room besides Germany. Hungary was giving Holy Rome a massive hug, his cloak plus her dress made almost a sea of fabric in the middle of Germany's living room. Germany took his seat again feeling a bit awkward. He knows Hungary and Austria too? But he only asked for Italy. I hope he explains soon. Hungary released him, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so glad you're alright!" Austria cleared his throat and she sat down wiping away the tears. Italy and Holy Rome stared at each other for a moment more, the two were the only ones left standing now.
"I'm so sorry to worry all of you." Holy Rome directed what he said to Italy but he said all, and he didn't know why. "But I can't stay to long here; I could spend centuries telling you what happened to me honestly. But I was told I only have five years to stay and prove myself or I'll have to go back."
"Back?" Austria interjected, "Back to where exactly? What's the rush?" Holy Rome's gaze on Italy went to Austria then quickly to the floor. "Maybe I should start from the beginning." Holy Rome took a seat next to Austria and Italy sat on the armrest of the chair.
"After I left for war, I went through many battles each more painful than the last. The one that finally fell me, I did not enter voluntarily. My boss and France's boss were mad at each other, they decided it would be best for us to fight it out in a life or death battle and I los- I mean I died."
A silence filled the air. "You died?" Austria sounded skeptical.
"I'm getting to that... When France delivered the final blow I felt really weird like I was leaving something behind. I passed out right after and when I woke up I was in this place. Everything was gray and white with no solid footing but I didn't appear too need it to stand. All of the sudden this man appeared and told me to go with him. I asked him why, he then proceeded to tell me I was dead and I had to go with him. But I refused I needed to go back it felt wrong. He said he'd make me a deal he'd let me go back one day as long as I went with him. But I still refused, we sat there for days arguing until he said that he'd send me back for five years as a human-"
"HUMAN?!" Everyone shouted out at once in suprise.
"Yes. In those five years he said I can do whatever I want and if I prove myself, he'll make me an honorary country without a boss or whiny citizens, I could be me again, and come back for me only when I finally wanted him to. If I don't prove myself by this day on the fifth year he'll take me back. The last thing I asked him was where to find you and now I'm here." Holy Rome looked back to Italy. "On the day I left, I said when the war was over I'd come back. I'm sorry it had to be like this."
Italy opened his mouth to speak, but Austria's spoke before him. "I've heard about this sort of thing before." He said getting up, the determination in his face made no one in the room doubt what he said. "I need to do some research. All of you please come over to my house tonight. I'll be throwing a… party of sorts." Austria left just as Hungary started to inquire him about the meaning of his words. Hungary chased him out the door leaving Germany, Italy, and the Holy Roman Empire.