We Become the Avengers
Leon pulled Hungary towards the others, the team desperately needing to regroup.
Italy was crying, arms wrapping around his stomach. Leon winced at the noises he was making, absolute pain in his cries. Of course, Leon knew why.
Romano, Italy's older brother, had died to save him.
"We should get back to Romulus," China said quietly, gently patting Italy on the back.
"How about you give us a fucking second to breathe," Leon snapped, anger coursing through him. They had just lost one of their members, and Leon had once again been seperated from Emil.
It wasn't turning out to be a good day.
China glared, "we have a mission to complete, we don't have time to sit around."
Leon balled his fists, "Romano just fucking died and we lost, how about we, like, take a fucking second to mourn and take a breather. We all just got our asses handed to us, why don't we just, like, sit for a second?!"
China moved from Italy, getting closer to Leon, "excuse me, young man, but we are on a mission and you don't get to mourn on missions. That's the job of being a super hero."
"Oh trust me, I know! You also don't have time to be a caring, decent fucking human being when you're a super hero! Trust me, I of all people would know!"
The rest of the group watched the encounter in shock, not used to seeing Leon so emotional.
"How would you know, you're just an idiotic kid who blows people up for fun!"
"Probably because my parents never taught me how to feel, because no one has time to mourn or feel at all!" Leon said, launching himself at China, knocking him to the ground. Leon was on top of him, reading to swing his fist down, when Hungary pulled him off him.
"He's not worth it, Hong Kong," she said in a gentle voice.
He shrugged her off, glaring at his father once more.
"I wish you died instead of Romano."
China's eyes were wide. Leon was pretty sure they were glassy, but he couldn't care less. He wanted China to hurt, just like he did.
China stood up, brushing himself off, "okay, now that you've gotten your aggression out, how about we go see Romulus."
Leon was about to argue once more when Hungary put a gentle hand on his shoulder. Her eyes were pleading, clearly not wanting him to start anymore fights.
Leon looked to the side and nodded, feeling a slightly guilt at what he had just done. But, not enough to apologize.
His pride wouldn't let him.
Gilbert landed clumsily on the building, seeing an impatient Romulus.
"How did it go?" He asked, scanning the group, "where's Romano, did he escape?"
Italy let out another cry, the tears that had finally stopping resuming. Hungary soothingly rubbed his back. China gently set Canada's unconscious body against the small wall, surrounding the roof of the building.
"Romano's dead. Lilith was summoned," Gilbert said bitterly.
Romulus's eyes widened, "how?!"
"We all just fell apart, and they threw the amulet into the summoning circle and... Summoned her," Gilbert answered flatly.
"No, how did Romano... die?"
Gilbert eyes widened, surprised Romulus even cared, "I don't know, I didn't see it."
"He saved me," Italy whispered, his eyes downcast, "Denmark had me down, he was about to swing his axe down and kill me. Romano... jumped in between us."
Romulus's eyes were wide, an unreadable emotion heavy in them. Romulus turned his head to the side, "oh."
An awkward silence erupted, making Gilbert shift awkwardly, "so, what do we do about Lilith?"
Gilbert was pretty sure he heard Romulus sniffle, "okay, we defeat Lilith then. Seal her back in the amulet. It will be hard, but doable."
"We couldn't even defeat the Nordic Five, we would never be able to defeat some hotshot demon bitch! Not to mention, we're one member down," Gilbert exclaimed.
Romulus stared off into the distance, "we don't have a choice. You guys are the only people left, everyone else is gone, you have to defeat her!"
"Okay, listen," Hong Kong began, "like, I was fine with getting an amulet, no biggie. But, I am not fighting this demon mother thing. Kill me if you want, because fighting her will have the same result." Hong Kong began heading towards the fire escape.
Romulus made no more to get out his phone and activate the chip, only looking down at the ground.
Hungary followed Hong Kong, Gilbert did as well, slinging Canada over his shoulder, "I'm sure he would agree with us," Gilbert said.
"I wouldn't fight her either, Italy. I mean, if you went off and died, Romano's death would just be in vain," Gilbert added.
Italy looked at Romulus's defeated expression and followed. Seeing that China was alone, he too followed the group.
"We're not disposable, Romulus. We're not your little chess pieces either. We're humans with dreams, fears, and emotions. Good luck," Gilbert said flatly, climbing down the fire escape with the group.
It was all over.
The group some how found themselves in a bar. Elizabeta didn't mind, getting wasted right now sounded great.
The group sat at the bar, drinking various drinks. Elizabeta was drinking a fruity drink Prussia had mixed for her. China was drinking straight up Vodka, Italy was drinking wine, Prussia was drinking beer, and Hong Kong was drinking tea. When he had tried to grab a beer, China had pitched a fit. So, Hong Kong was stuck with Snapple.
Elizabeta would've laughed if she hadn't felt the heavy weight of their failure on her shoulders.
Roderich was going to die, she was going to die, everyone was going to die. Because they hadn't stopped the summoning of Lilith.
Her Roderich, the person she loved the most, was going to die. Because she failed. She got her ass handed to her.
It wasn't fair. They tried so hard, Romano even died! Yet they lost.
Elizabeta had never felt so small in her entire life.
"Nngh," Canada groaned, sitting up from the booth they had placed him in. He rubbed his head, staring at the group with unfocused eyes.
"What happened?"
Elizabeta couldn't even look at him, "we failed. Lilith was released by those stupid Nordics, Romano died protecting Italy, and we decided now was a great time to get drunk. Romulus didn't make a fuss when we left."
Canada's eyes widened. Elizabeta found it comical.
"So, we lost?"
The group nodded, ready for Canada to join them in drinking away their sorrows.
He didn't.
"You lost one battle so you stop fighting the war? So what if we lost? That doesn't give us the right to give up, no, it gives us even more of a reason to keep fighting!" Canada shouted, standing up, swaying slightly.
"When you fall off your bike, do you throw it out and give up! No, you get back on and try harder!"
"Ignorant kid, we can't beat this hot shot demon, we couldn't even defeat those stupid Nordics," Prussia said, trailing off.
Canada glared at them, "so, we try harder next time! We show them we aren't to be fucked with!"
Elizabeta snorted, "great pep talk, but I'm still not going."
Canada slammed his hand on a nearby table, "what about your husband? You failed, and now he's going to die! But, if you just get up and stop feeling sorry for yourself you might be able to save him! Prussia, what about your brother? He may be missing, but if you don't fight this bitch, you'll definitely never find him! China, what about Russia, or Japan, or even Hong Kong? Do they mean so little to you?" Canada was yelling, glaring at each one of them.
"Italy, what about Romano? Do you really want his death to be in vain? Hungary said he died for you, yet you're just going to roll over and die now! Hong Kong, what about Iceland! You all can save them, and wouldn't you rather die knowing you tried, then die knowing you didn't? For all you know, we could stop her!"
But, Canada's words were in vain, "I'm sorry, but I'd rather die on my own terms."
Suddenly, the door to the bar opened. Romulus walked in, going behind the bar, grabbing a bottle of wine, and sitting down, drinking it.
"So, this is it?"
Canada let out an annoyed huff, "apparently, because all of you are idiots."
Romulus glared at Canada, "just drink with us, your hope isn't going to get you anywhere."
Canada knocked the wine out of Romulus's hands, "even you! Come on, don't you want revenge! Those Nordic bastards killed your grandson, you don't even want to kill them, foil their plans?!"
Romulus glared at Canada, "I would love to, but I'm not a hero, not anymore."
Canada seemed to be at a loss, and Elizabeta felt bad. He was fighting a battle that was already over.
Nothing could convince her to get up, not anymore.
It was over.
Matthew wanted to push them.
Did they care so little about the ones they loved? No matter what, they were going to die, why not go out swinging?
"Fine, you all can be that way, but I'm going. I'm not letting Romano's sacrifice be a waste, I'm not letting down the people I care about, I'm not going to sit down and wait for the end. We were given a mission, and if you guys won't see it through, then I will!"
Matthew stood up, his trusty hockey stick thankfully in it's holster on his back. He opened the doors to the bar and turned back, glaring at the people who refused to get up.
"If you guys aren't going to fight her, then I will. I'm not going to sit around and feel sorry for myself, and if I die at least I die knowing I gave it my all. See you, hosers."
Matthew was about to step out, when Romulus spoke.
"I loved Lovino, so much. When he was young, he tried to hard to see the best in people, even though he was surrounded by people who didn't deserve a second glance. He was full of so much love, he would've done anything for those he cared about."
Matthew stared at Romulus in shock, seeing tears trickling down his face. His eyes were filled with sadness and fondness.
"He was always so protective over Feliciano, if anyone even looked at him wrong Lovino would've made their lives hell. I was worried for any of Feliciano's future Girlfriends or Boyfriends. Lovino would've torn them to shreds," Romulus let out a laugh, tears still streaming down his face.
"I remember seeing the scars on his back, from his mother. I asked him why he had so many and why Feli had so little. "I couldnt let her hurt Feli, the idiot would've taken it too personally!" He grew up too fast, and when I took them in I thought everything would be okay. But Lovino got bad."
Italy looked at Romulus, a distant look in his eyes, "I remember, Lovi began hurting himself."
Romulus laughed, though the laugh was cold and bitter, "he thought being hurt was something that was supposed to happen. He thought that's how parents were, so when I didn't hurt him, he did it to himself. He was nine, I had to tell a nine year old that no, most children don't constantly get sliced up."
The group stared at Romulus in horror, latching onto every word he said.
"He got better, he was doing great, he had so much ahead of him. Then, he was taken. The ransom... I didn't even have that much money! So, I wasn't able to get him back. I heard stories on the streets, how he had been publically raped, beaten, I remember the day when I was told he had killed someone. I was devastated.
I remember when I met a man, he told me he knew Lovino. I asked him how, and said the man who had taken him let him have Lovino for a night. That's how I learned Lovino was a consort, but also used as a tool for Sadiq Adnan. I was so disgusted, not with him, but with me. For never getting him back. I resented Lovino, he was the embodiment of my mistake. I let his mother beat him and Feliciano for eight years, I let him get taken, I let him get tortured. And he died, thinking I hated him, when in reality, I loved him so God damn much."
Romulus looked to the side, sniffling, "when he dropped off the map, I wasn't sure if I was happy or sad. He might've escaped, or he might've died. But, then I heard he was with a guy, Antonio Fernandez Carriedo. I saw them at their house, they were so happy. Lovino was smiling! Then, Carriedo went to Spain to study arts, and Lovino went back to crime. I sent Italy to stop him."
Romulus stood up, "and that's why Canada's right! We can't give up, we have to avenge him! I made a lot of mistakes, but today won't be another one. I may have lost Lovino, but I'm not losing Feliciano. I know we all have someone here to fight for, and if we don't fight we might as well kill them ourselves."
Romulus looked at Matthew, "I'm in."
Matthew smiled. Then, Prussia stood up, "me too! I can't die before telling my brother he's an idiot for going missing! And if I die now, I'll never have the chance to seduce Birdie!" Prussia winked at Matthew, causing him to blush.
"Yeah, let's go! I want to hear Roderich play his piano at least one more time!"
"And I can't die before saying goodbye to Luddy~"
"Emil can't visit me if I'm dead..."
Everyone looked at China, the last one.
"You're right, I can't die," he looked at Hong Kong, "I have too many people I let down. I can't let them die, thinking I didn't care about them."
Hong Kong turned his head to the side, eyes glassy. Matthew grinned, pumping his fist into the air.
"Well, let's go! We're not getting any younger!"
The group let out a cheer. They weren't going to roll over and die.
Lilith was one dead son of a bitch!
"Antonio! What did I tell you about leaving your clothes on the bathroom floor!"
"Lo siento! I was in a hurry this morning!" Antonio called, walking up to Lovino, giving him a quick kiss on the lips. Lovino blushed.
"Well, don't do it again. Or you'll be sleeping on the couch!"
Antonio's eyes widened, "no, not the couch! I won't be able to cuddle with my Lovi if I'm stuck on the couch!" Antonio cried out, hugging Lovino tightly.
"Well, don't leave your clothes on the floor then."
Antonio rested his forehead on Lovino's shoulder. Lovino enjoyed the warmth Antonio radiated.
"I made dinner," Lovino said softly, stroking Antonio's silky, curly, hair.
Antonio lifted his head, "what did you make?"
"Quesadillas. They're probably not as good as yours, but I tried..."
Antonio grinned, "aw Lovi, you're a great cook, I'm sure they're lovely!"
Lovino blushed as Antonio rushed off into the kitchen.
Wait, Antonio was supposed to kiss him, and then they made out on the couch, why was he already going to the kitchen?
Lovino turned past the wall, entering the area that was the kitchen. Antonio was no where to be seen.
"Tonio? Where are you?" Lovino called, feeling panic well up inside of him.
"Over here, Lovi~" Lovino tensed, not wanting to turn around. That voice was sinister, a voice Antonio was simply incapable of.
Lovino slowly turned, coming face to face with his ex lover. It was the Antonio he remembered, tan, flawless skin, chiseled, with a mop of curly, brown hair. But, instead of the emerald eyes Lovino loved, they were ruby red.
"Who are you and where is Antonio?"
Antonio cackled, "oh come on, I was expecting more from you, Lovino. Haven't you realized, this is just a memory."
Lovino glared, the urge to run so strong it was almost over powering.
"Who are you?"
Antonio grinned, "I'm Lilith, the first demon."
Lovino's eyes widened, "so... we failed?"
She cooed at him, "of course you failed, you knew you were going to fail too, didn't you? What a cute little seer you are!"
Lovino glared, "I'm not a seer, you bitch."
She grinned, still wearing Antonio's face. It disgusted Lovino.
"But, that's what you are! You can see the future, so tell me, will I succeed in world domination?"
Lovino looked her in the eye, figuring if he focused on the thing that made her different from Antonio, this conversation would be easier, "fuck you."
She stalked up to him, stroking his cheek. Whenever Antonio had done this, he practically melted. Now, he just felt dirty.
"Aw, my sweet Lovino, so much suffering. You will make a perfect vessel."
Lovino was about to asked what she was talking about, when darkness enveloped him.
pain
pain
pain
PAIN
PAIN
P... A... I... N...
Nothingness.
Excerpt from Lovino Romano's Journal:
"Seers and Liars"
One cannot lie to a seer.
The Seer saw all, why would this man lie?
"Your Romeo will perish if you do not give me the answers I seek!"
The Seer was no fool, the man in front of them was no King.
Something was off, he gave off King vibes, but deep down, something was wrong.
A clone? A brother? The Seer for once, did not know.
"It is your job as the Seer of the Empire to assist me, so help me! How do I get my beloved Queen?"
The Seer scoffed, "even if you do get your Queen, she will forever be wounded."
"I don't care!"
The Seer shrugged, "fine, eliminate any threat to you or her. Anything that stands in your way, make yours."
The King thought for a moment, "brilliant! I knew you would come through, and your Romeo will live another day!"
The Seer didn't cheer, simply left.
They had no business with Liars and Imposters.
"For you, my Romeo."
But alas, the Seer was not Juliet.
A/N Thank you for all the wonderful reviews :D so, to answer all of your questions, Romano did kind of die, but also lived at the same time, so yay! Only time will tell if the other characters will survive... O.o