Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia or HetaOni.
All Romano PoV.
I woke up in darkness again, the kind where I couldn't even see my own hand. I sat up slowly and my head throbbed and spun. There was a chill coming from some direction, making me shiver. Where was I? Is this another dream? How did I get knocked out? I tried to remember, racking my brain. The last thing I remember was the demon taking me over in the room with the closets. The rest was a huge blur.
If I was out, does that mean we won? Spain had to have defeated the demon. I couldn't feel the demon alive and kicking inside anymore. Am I dead, then? 'Steve' assured me that would be the only way that he would leave my body. I sighed softly; I wasn't even angry or betrayed. I served a purpose in the hellhole. I sacrificed myself and protected everyone. The demon lost and the others could go home now.
So is this some sort of limbo? I looked around, even though I couldn't see a damn thing. I expected a wasteland, an illusion, even a bright field with a river and rainbow. I slowly started to stand and had to regain my own balance when my knees buckled. My limbs felt weak, but after a while, I was able to stand straight. Maybe moving away from here will cause something to happen.
I started walking, stumbling for a moment before I got a steady pace. I couldn't hear my own footsteps, but I heard small rustling sounds. Probably my clothes; at least I was wearing some. It felt like I was walking endlessly, but it must've only been a few steps before I heard it. "Roma." I stopped cold in shock. Would there be other people in limbo?
I listened for more, but there was nothing, just an eerie silence. I slowly walked forward again. "Roma, stop." I stopped and turned around. Nothing but the dark.
"Who's there?" I demanded, my voice too hushed to be intimidating. For a moment, there was silence again. I wanted to walk in this direction and see what happened, but my brain would rather listen to the mysterious orders. Then, a new sound echoed. It sounded like heavy tapping in rhythm—footsteps. They got louder and louder. Someone was coming this way.
I reached back, but one pat on my back reminded me that I didn't have my weapon here. I cursed under my breath. Well, maybe it'll be okay anyway. You can't kill someone in limbo… right? I considered running, but it was too dark here; who knows what I'll run into instead? I listened to the footsteps get louder and louder. As they got closer, I heard small clinking sounds. I frowned to myself. There was something familiar about it. It was nagging at me, but I couldn't put my finger on it. My brain was still muddled, but on some instinct, I could tell that the clinking sounds were buckles.
Suddenly, they stopped. I held my breath, balling my hands into fists, and waited. I felt something land on my shoulder—a hand. I couldn't move. "Just wait here, Roma." Someone whispered in the same ear. "I'll handle this." I shuddered my breath out. The hand disappeared. The footsteps now echoed behind me. I managed to get a fucking grip long enough to turn. That nagging feeling got stronger. That voice… it also sounded too familiar. It gave my insides a very warm feeling.
All at once, I heard more sounds. Blows landing, growls, a whoosh of air, something falling. I blinked and they were gone. Now, not moving was completely my choice. I didn't dare walk forward. Footsteps again, getting louder and stopping suddenly. "I-I was going the wrong way?" I asked after another long silence.
"Yes." The answer came in a murmur. Male, my brain told me. It was a guy.
"Show me the right way, then?" My demand came out sounding like a question. The man didn't answer, but I felt a hand slide into mine and grip it. It was warm and much bigger than mine. Footsteps, but this time, the hand prompted me to follow. I actually heard my own footsteps too.
We walked for a long while, longer than I had. I stumbled a few times because my legs still felt weak, but the hand never lost its grip and I never lost my grip on it. Neither of us spoke, but this silence wasn't tense or awkward. As he led me to wherever, I tried to think. The clinking footsteps, the voice, his hand. I knew who this was already, without even seeing who he is. I just couldn't place a name. All I can feel at this moment about them is a sense of security. Whoever this is, I trust him.
But, who did I know that I trusted? Veneziano, definitely, but this wasn't Veneziano. There was also… and… dammit! Why couldn't I remember? I rubbed my head with my free hand. What was happening to me? As I tried to make sense of what I remember, something caught my eye. I looked at it. Off to the side in the distance was something bright. A light, perhaps? Just looking at it tempted me to let go of the man's hand. It was warm and very inviting.
I felt a squeeze at my hand, bringing me back to reality (or whatever this was). Even when I looked away from the light, my brain considered letting go and going toward it. Something inside me told me, though, that I should stay and follow. It was the same something that told me I trusted the man I'm following. I looked back at the light we passed. It faded away the further we walked. No turning back now.
I don't know how much time had passed, but I was starting to get tired from walking. I wanted to complain, but my voice wouldn't work. Besides, something told me he wouldn't answer if I DID complain. Abruptly, whoever it was came to a stop. I almost ran into them. "H-hey! Why are you stopping?" No answer. The warmth around my hand disappeared.
"Just keep going and I'll see you there." The man murmured again in my ear. I shuddered. I couldn't see anything, but I could tell the man was gone. I took a deep breath and kept walking. Well, I got this far; might as well see how far this goes. I only made a few more steps before I was suddenly blinded.
X-X-X
When I woke up again, I was completely confused. The good news, I could finally see, meaning I was probably out of limbo or whatever that was. The bad news, I woke up in a field that I didn't recognize, grass prickling my cheek and arm. I used my arms to push myself up from my sleeping position and sat up. All around me were flowers planted in plots, some tall trees, and lots of grass.
Was I finally in heaven? Huh, I was so sure I'd be in hell instead. I felt myself smirk and straightened my skirt. Well, this was still a pretty nice—SKIRT?! I looked down in horror. My legs were covered completely by a near floor-length dress, pink with a white full-body apron. I grabbed at it, making sure it's real. The ruffles underneath made rustling sounds suspiciously similar to what I heard while walking in limbo. I made a face and looked around. This was hell in disguise; God has gotten clever.
I tried to stand, but my legs were even more unstable than before. In fact, I felt heavy in general. Was it the light that brought me here? I ended up just shifting onto my knees, skirt tucked under my legs. I huffed. The hell was going on? None of this dying shit makes sense to me. It was simpler just to think that I would be in a fiery inferno or living it up on a cloud. Moving from a dark limbo to an unknown field in a dress didn't sound like any version of dying I have ever heard.
Aside from that, I could actually recall some memories now, about the mansion and time loops. Anything before that was a huge blur, but that was because of my connection to my brother—altering time had its consequences, as Veneziano put it once. Anything after 'Steve' took me over for the fight was also a blur, probably a fault of the demon's. Spain better have taken good care of that asshole.
Thinking of Spain brought back that nagging feeling. I was definitely forgetting something important about him, but it must've been something after I was possessed, before the time loops, or some combination thereof. I looked off into space as I thought of this, my fingers toying with my apron. When I finally focused, I sat up completely. There was a figure coming toward me.
I sighed in relief. Maybe it was the man from limbo. Hopefully, he'll tell me what the hell is going on here. I tried to stand, but I got tangled in my dress and fell back on my butt. I glared down at the dress. Stupid thing, why was I wearing you anyway? I guess I would have to wait. I looked up at the man and my heart just about stopped.
Red coat lined with gold, black hat with a white feather, white shirt and black pants underneath, those annoying boots with the buckles that always make sounds. It was Spain. But, he looked different. Younger, his hair was long again, and little things like bags and age lines were gone. I gritted my teeth. Was he the one from limbo all along? It explains why his voice was so familiar.
He was making a bee line for me, a huge smile on his face as usual. I could hear the clinking of his buckles the closer he came. He came to a stop right in front of me. "Hola, Roma!" He greeted me. I just stared at him. "What are you doing on the ground? Here" He held his hand out for me. I looked at it for a moment before sliding my hand into it. It was warm and bigger than mine. He gripped my hand hard and helped me to my feet. I stumbled and he put his other hand on my shoulder to support me. "Careful! Did you fall asleep in the field again?"
I frowned in confusion. Again? But I've never slept outside… or have I? I looked down at my dress again and understanding washed over me. This was a memory, most likely from my childhood when I was still under Spain's rule and he was gone a lot from sea voyages and war. Maybe this was a part of judgment? So, I would have to play along and get this over with. I looked back at the amused Spaniard.
"None of your business, jerk." I shoved his arms away and crossed my arms across my chest, pouting. "So you're back?"
"Si, I have returned." He grinned at me.
"So what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home, resting?"
"Do you not want me here?" He looked at me sadly. My breath got stuck in my throat.
"No, th-that's not what I meant." I murmured, feeling my face heat up.
"I felt like I rested enough and was wondering where you were, that's all. I wanted to see you as soon as possible." He smiled again, his eyes soft. His hand still on my shoulder reached up and cupped my cheek. The touch surprised me and I took a step back. My leg gave out and I almost fell back, but Spain reached out and grabbed me by the tops of my arms to pull me back up to my feet.
Just that touch brought everything back. I remembered the fight between Spain and I, him bringing me down, the demon bringing him down, Spain coming up toward me, then… then… . My hand flew up to my mouth, my fingers pressed to my lips just as softly as the pressure on them mere hours ago. "Are you okay, Lovi?" Spain above me murmured. Was his face always this close?
"Y-yeah, I'm fine." I answered softly. He nodded, but didn't release me from the slight dip. I was about to ask him why he hadn't let go when something occurred to me. "You called me Lovi."
"Si. That's your name." He answered simply. But, my human name didn't exist in my childhood. Did that mean…?
"This isn't a memory?" My voice came out hushed. He chuckled, but didn't look confused in the least, like Spain from a memory would.
"Yes and no. You only remember the general parts of your past before the mansion." He finally let go of my arms, letting me stand. I barely paid attention.
"So, it's a dream. I'm not dead" I didn't bother rubbing the tears blurring my sight. "I'm s-still alive a-and he's alive." Small laughs bubbled in my throat, still crying from the sheer joy I felt from this news. The demon was gone and we were still alive. We can finally escape together. The dream Spain didn't say anything, just wiped my tears gently away. "H-how is that possible?"
"I think it was because of America's theory, about inner desires." Spain pursed his lips thoughtfully.
"But how did he know?" I blushed harder at the thought. "I never told him, and America didn't mention the theory."
"I guess that's something you'll have to ask when you wake up." He smiled kindly. "You have a lot to discuss with him."
"Damn right we do." I scoffed, looking him up and down absentmindedly. "But first, if this is a dream, why would I make us wear these?" I gestured to my dress in disgust.
"Dreams are mixed with memories to show you what you desire. It's the one place where the rest of your life isn't clouding what is in your heart" He reached forward and took my hands. I looked at them as they swallowed my hands in pleasant warmth. Should a dream be so vivid?
"So I desire myself in a dress?" My eyebrow rose skeptically.
"No." Spain mused. His head came forward to rest his forehead against mine. I looked into his eyes and couldn't look away. "I think the point of this memory is that, whatever you desire, you've wanted it for longer than you thought."
"I-I thought this was only a dream?" My heart pounded by how close he was now, a mere breath away. His hand still holding mine felt very warm, while his hand on my cheek left my skin tingling. His eyes were very soft as they stared into mine. "Why does this feel so real?" He chuckled deep in his throat.
"Dreams can feel more real if they have a good chance of becoming real." He murmured. My eyes closed by themselves as he leaned in.
X-X-X
This is the third time I've woken up and I'm not even sure if I'm actually awake yet or in another dream. This time, I woke up in bed, my face half buried in a slightly drooled-on pillow. I was covered in a blanket that my feet got tangled in somewhere in my sleep. No wonder I couldn't move in my last dream.
I slowly sat up, waiting for my head to stop spinning before untangling my legs and swinging them over the side of the bed. I looked around. I was back in the safe room, in a bed far down the row of beds. I could hear soft sounds from the main room and a few nations shuffling around. They were probably packing to leave.
I stood and right away hissed through my teeth at the pain in my hips. I rubbed my sides and tried to remember what I did to cause this. I remembered the fight and scowled. I'm going to murder that fucking demon. I stood straight and looked myself over. I had bandages covering my arms, but very few. I had one on my side as well, from the first blow I got from Spain's halberd. He better have had his wounds treated, too, but it makes me wonder why I wasn't healed instead.
I walked slowly toward the main room, rubbing the exhaustion from my eyes. The first thing I saw was my brother and Germany sitting at a table with Prussia. I walked toward them. Prussia was the first to see me. "Yo, you're awake!"
"Fratello!" Veneziano hopped up and ran to hug me. "Veh, I'm so happy you're awake! You've been out cold for a while and muttering in your sleep—oh but I didn't hear anything—and I was worried about your injuries so much! I'm sorry they aren't healed; I tried but I just couldn't! Francis couldn't either. England thinks it's because our healing magic can only work on monster wounds and you and Toni technically attacked each other, so—"
"Veneziano, calm down!" I put my hands on his shoulders. He stopped babbling hysterically. "I'm alright, don't worry. Other than my side, nothing hurts."
"Yeah, Feli told us about your little disarming trick." Prussia snickered. "Who knew you were so flexible, huh?" I narrowed my eyes at him and slid my sleeve up warningly. Veneziano grabbed my arm to get my attention.
"That's a huge relief, big bro! I'm very happy." Veneziano smiled.
"Who's hungry?!" France suddenly popped out, dressed in an apron and chef hat. He was holding two platters of dishes I couldn't recognize. I saw potatoes, fries, different types of meat, and some salad-like shit.
"Me me me!" Veneziano began bouncing, letting go of me to follow France as he set the food down. Seconds later, China and Japan came out with more platters. England, America, Canada, and Russia were right behind with plates and utensils.
"We've exhausted all of our food supply for this celebratory dinner." Japan huffed tiredly as he sat between England and America.
"Someone should get Toni so he doesn't miss this!"
"Where is he?" I frowned, glancing around. The light in the bathroom was off and the kitchen and beds were empty.
"He left the safe room and said he was going upstairs. Something about finding a book before we left." China shrugged.
"U-um, I could bring him his food." I offered carefully. I saw France and Prussia exchange a glance and a few of the others glance up at me curiously. Japan nodded in response.
"Of course. I'll prepare a bento for you and Spain." He got up and went to the kitchen.
"But, instead of bringing the food, wouldn't it make more sense to bring him back to eat with everyone?" Germany frowned in confusion. Veneziano let out a little giggle and petted Germany on the head.
"Aw, Luddy. You're so cute when you're confused~. Just eat your food, silly Deutschland." Germany frowned at him, a faint blush in his cheeks. Vene just smiled reassuringly and Germany went back to eating. My brother looked at me and winked.
"Here are your bentos." Japan handed me a wooden box he was putting food into, placing the cover on before I took it. He started filling another one up and handed that one to me too. "Eat and then meet back here so we can all leave, or meet us by the front door if we're not here. The door will be locked behind us if we're not in here."
"Sure. Grazi." I thanked him quietly. He handed me a sack as well and I put the boxes into it. The nations waved to me before going back to eating. I headed down the stairs and went straight for the stairs to the third floor. Looking for a book before we left? I knew exactly the book he meant and where he went to look. I took my time up the stairs, still sore. Just a day ago, I was racing up these stairs, angry at my brother for withholding information. I made it to the top and glanced at the piano room door, in front of which I collapsed right into Spain's arms.
I took a deep breath and walked to the library room door. I walked in and closed it behind me, loudly to see if I could draw him out. "Oy, Spain! It's me!" I called, walking toward the corridor and idly wondering about the coldness of the room. My unspoken question was answered right away when my eyes met a pair of black ones. I froze, but I knew it already spotted me. It was one of the ones with the big head and little body. It bared its teeth at me and turned away from the row of shelves it was facing.
"H-hey! We had a deal with your boss, bastard. You can't hurt me!" I yelled at it. It made small hissing sounds—laughing, it sounded like—and started stalking toward me. Its claws were drawn. "We had a deal! G-get away!" I reached behind me, but felt nothing on my back. I double and triple checked frantically. I must've left my weapon in the safe room! I slowly backed away, knowing running would provoke it to run as well. When I reached the door, though, the knob wouldn't turn. I pulled and pushed; the door wouldn't budge.
"N-no. It can't end like this. Not when we're so close." I heard myself whimper. My hand tightened on the bag. My heart dropped into my stomach in despair. Would the last time I see him really be when we had just fought? I'd never have a chance to talk to him, to explain my actions? I backed into the wall and the monster came closer. "A-Antonio, you bastard, come save me. C-come watch for all I care. At least let me see you once again." My voice cracked. "D-don't leave m-me." The monster raised his claw to strike. I closed my eyes and braced myself.
Whoosh. The sound of something bring swung through the air, coupled with a squelching sound. The claw didn't come down. I opened my eyes slowly. The monster was frozen in place and fading away, sliced sideways from the top of where its ear would be all the way through the corner of its jaw. Any normal human's head would've come apart. The monster faded away and, behind it, a figure holding a huge axe in a swung-down position. He lifted his head to look at me.
"Aw Lovi, you wound me~. Like I would ever let that happen." The tone of his voice, that little smirk. I couldn't help the laugh that burst out of me before I ran at him and threw my arms around him. I think I started crying into his shoulder when Spain hugged me back.
Translation:
fratello: brother
bento: a Japanese lunchbox that has many different compartments for separating food
grazi: thanks
Cute ending ^^* Next chapter will most likely be the last. I will be putting up a poll, though, for if I should write and upload the epilogue after this. Please be sure to check and vote.
Rate and Review~
